20 Apr Not Too Sexy?

Last week a women’s group was concerned about hiring me because they thought that my show might portray women as sex objects. I impersonate some of the world’s most amazing, powerful female role models. I’ve performed for numerous women’s groups and family audiences and have received rave reviews from them.

If Cher, Liza Minnelli and Dolly Parton are sex objects at 67, good for them. Tina Turner is the sexiest at 74.  Madonna is a brilliant business woman. And then there’s me; a respected, self-employed corporate entertainer who has worked hard for 25 years in the special event industry. My show is funny. I can’t help it that I have my Mom’s great legs.

Female comedians make up less than 20% of the roster on most talent bureau websites. The agent booking me suggested that maybe big-breasted Dolly Parton should be removed from my show and that Cher should wear a long gown. Are they going to remove all of the big breasted women from the audience ? Are the Elvis Impersonators going to be asked to stop moving their hips?

A colleague’s client recently  requested a male host because he thought having a female host in a gown was “sexism”. What?

This issue of being too sexy hasn’t come up for years, and I make my living in a conservative corporate market.  I wonder how often an entertainment committee has rejected my show based on their fears.  I am deeply saddened to  think that  a woman on the committee might make that decision. Let’s support other women, inspire and educate each other and discourage shaming and jealousy.

Show business icons are much more than the fears people project onto them. They are strong and incredibly hard-working.  They are expressive artists sharing their talents and bringing joy to others.

I hope I get to perform for the women’s group. I’m sure the room will be filled with many lovely women. I’m sure they will love my 8 Divas in 44 minutes show if they give me a chance.