Comedy Festival in Brooklyn Creating Stir By Charging White, Straight Males More

The @CinderBlockFest is charging straight white dudes more & (surprise!) people got upset https://t.co/VGeFQDYtv9 pic.twitter.com/GVUvoU8zXC

— Brokelyn (@Brokelyn) March 4, 2016

The Cinder Block Comedy Festival is charging women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA community (and now people with disabilities) 77 percent of what it is charging white, straight males to submit material for the festival. (March 15 deadline.)

The discount is meant to acknowledge pay disparities between the discounted groups and white, straight males, the festival's founders say. (The price disparity was reported in Brokelyn.)

This price difference is causing a bit of controversy. Twitter and Facebook commenters have cried discrimination. One woman wrote, "All male comedians should boycott this..."

Festival director Coree Spencer told the Daily Dot she thought up the submission pricing to send an inviting message to minority comedians who have experienced being a “token” comic.

On their website, the group says, "We would like to publicly state that we stand by our decision and our commitment to creating a diverse comedy festival, showcasing talent from all backgrounds. The wage-gap priced early bird deadline will be extended until March 31st.

The festival starts in Williamsburg on Sept. 16.


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