About Ritushree Panigrahi
Ritushree Panigrahi is an Indian stand-up comedian widely described in the press as India's first openly transgender woman stand-up comic. A lawyer with more than a decade of experience in constitutional, labour, employment and business law, she also works as a diversity, equity and inclusion professional and is active as a queer rights campaigner. She began performing stand-up comedy in 2017 but kept her transgender identity private on stage until 2021. In 2023 she released her debut YouTube video, Coming Out, a set about her journey of coming out that went viral and marked her breakthrough as a public performer, followed by her debut solo tour of the same name. Her material moves between the personal story of her transition and broader themes of politics and family. She writes on LGBTQIA issues for outlets including The Quint, Youth Ki Awaz and Gaysi, and has performed at events including the closing night of the Kashish Queer Film Festival.
Videos (4)
Videos 1 to 4 of 4.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Ritushree Panigrahi?
Ritushree Panigrahi is an Indian stand-up comedian widely described in the press as India's first openly transgender woman stand-up comic.
What does Ritushree Panigrahi do outside comedy?
Ritushree Panigrahi is a lawyer with experience in constitutional, labour, employment and business law, and she also works as a diversity, equity and inclusion professional and queer rights campaigner.
When did Ritushree Panigrahi start stand-up?
Ritushree Panigrahi began performing stand-up comedy in 2017 and kept her transgender identity private on stage until 2021.
What is Coming Out by Ritushree Panigrahi?
Coming Out is Ritushree Panigrahi's 2023 debut YouTube video, a set about her own coming out journey that went viral and became her breakthrough; her debut solo tour carried the same name.
What topics does Ritushree Panigrahi cover on stage?
Ritushree Panigrahi's material moves between the personal story of her transition and wider themes of politics and family.
Where does Ritushree Panigrahi write?
Ritushree Panigrahi writes on LGBTQIA issues for outlets including The Quint, Youth Ki Awaz and Gaysi, and she has performed at the closing night of the Kashish Queer Film Festival.
