Queer Comedy Special: Denise Winkelman’s Bougie on a Budget

Ex-Fitness model and pro-wrestler turned stand-up comedian Denise Winkelman recently dropped her first comedy special, Bougie on a Budget. According to a press release, the special draws on Winkelman’s life, starting with her upbringing in a small, conservative, Minnesota town, to transitioning later in life after moving to Los Angeles.

The special is directed by Russell Robertson, who has been in the industry for over 20 years, writing, producing, and directing several TV and film projects. Bougie on a Budget was produced by Comedy Dynamics, an independent comedy production and distribution company.

On this project, Winkelman was cited by Variety, stating, “This special is more than just jokes. it’s about finding joy in the chaos, embracing who you are, and maybe learning how to stretch a dollar while still looking cute.”

Winkelman’s humor is unfiltered, honest, and sharp. At one point in the special, Winkelman describes a part of her body as the “most luxury brand” that she owns, comparing it to a Tesla: “sleek, tight, possibly combustable.” She’s known for effortlessly finding comedy in tragic and difficult source material—her difficulties with chronic illness, as well as being trans in an incredibly difficult time. And looking flawless while she does it.

In modern-day Trump’s America, the challenges of being trans have been exemplified. Trans people are currently being sensationalized by transphobic conservatives, like Trump, frequently using trans people as scapegoats for seemingly all of America’s problems. “Gender ideology” has become a right-wing buzzword, that according to GLAAD, “falsely asserts that LGBTQ—notably trans—people are an ideological movement rather than an intrinsic identity.”

And in times where transgender people barely have room to breathe without immense criticism, it is wonderful to see a trans artist talking openly about being trans. Being able to find humor in the hardships, and inviting other people to join her in laughing.

Bougie on a Budget is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Youtube, Apple TV, and more.

Photo courtesy of social media