Out in the Bay: Black queer women get 'Mighty Real'

  • by Christopher J. Beale
  • Thursday October 20, 2022
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"Mighty Real: A Sketch Show" star Ashley Jaye, left, interviewer Christopher J. Beale, and co-stars Robyn Jackson, and Krystina Wray Jackson, in front, discuss show on Out in the Bay. Photo: Courtesy Out in the Bay
"Mighty Real: A Sketch Show" star Ashley Jaye, left, interviewer Christopher J. Beale, and co-stars Robyn Jackson, and Krystina Wray Jackson, in front, discuss show on Out in the Bay. Photo: Courtesy Out in the Bay

This week's Out in the Bay queer radio + podcast looks at a queer sketch variety show.

"You make me feel Mighty Real," the words of the late queer icon Sylvester inspired the title of "Mighty Real: A Sketch Variety Show." The latest production of ItsQwere is influenced by 1990s-era comedy TV shows like "In Living Color," "All That," as well as the mainstay "Saturday Night Live." The cast of "Mighty Real" is led by queer women of color.

"I haven't been in groups with a lot of Brown and Black gay people in a long time," said Krystina Wray Jackson, one of the stars of "Mighty Real," who added, "I'm very excited to be back in that environment."

The show, written by Dom Gélin with sketches by out comedian Sampson McCormick, takes a lighthearted look at very real issues like sexism, racism, homophobia, and ableism.

"Honestly, I hope people take away Black and Brown folks, queer folks, just being," said co-star Ashley Jaye, "and just the joy and laughter of a sketch comedy show!"

Hear Ashley Jaye and Krystina Wray Jackson and a sketch from "Mighty Real" on this week's Out in the Bay. It airs 5 p.m. Friday, October 21, on KALW, 91.7 FM SF Bay Area-wide, and 8:30 a.m. Saturday, October 22, on KSFP, 102.5 FM San Francisco only. It is always available on Out in the Bay's website.

Christopher J. Beale is a queer independent radio host, producer and journalist who frequently contributes to Out in the Bay, the Bay Area Reporter, and KQED.

Learn more and listen here.

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