Jessica Kirson, Nationally Known Comedian

as told by Butterfly Co-Founder Bradi Nathan

As mothers we need to have a sense of humor in order to get through most days. My husband and I will often mimic our kids so that they can hear how ridiculous they often sound. Here’s how it goes: My Husband, “Move over, you’re on my side of the bed. Get off of me. Your feet are touching mine. It’s my turn to hold the remote. Stop making that annoying sound. You’re a jerk. Doody head.”
In the end we all wind up laughing and we know our point has been made.

Jessica Kirson has her own unique comedic style capturing her daughter, her partner and the attention of audiences everywhere she performs. Trust me. She is HYSTERICAL and it is easy to know why she has performed on Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Noggin, Oxygen, Bravo and NBC’s Last Comic Standing. In fact, in 2006 Jessica was given the MAC Ward for Best Female comic in NYC. In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and mothers everywhere, Jessica shares her journey with Butterfly:

BN: How would your parents describe you as a young girl?
JK: Very energetic, always trying to make people laugh.

BN: What did you want to be when you grew up and did that include plans of loving a same sex partner and having a child?
JK: I wanted to be a therapist. It’s interesting - I feel like I am in some ways except I don't have to listen, I can just talk. No, I did not think that I would be a same sex parent when I was younger.

BN: Did you date much in high school or college?
JK: I didn't date much in high school. I was more into hanging out with friends. I dated a little in college.

BN: Why not boys?
JK: I dated boys until I was 21. I just felt more of a connection with women.

BN: Butterfly is a site built for moms, by moms. Why do you think women need the support of one another so much?
JK: Women need so much support from each other. I think a lot of moms feel very alone. They are so bogged down, so little time for themselves so this is a great way for them to feel a part of a community.

BN: Being that your job entails long hours and travel, how much time are you able to spend with your daughter?
JK: When I am home I spend a lot of time with her. Days are much easier. I work at night, so it works out a lot.

BN: What type of role model do you hope to be for her?
JK: I want her to learn to enjoy life, to be free, to always follow her dreams.

BN: Any plans to have another child?
JK: Hopefully.

BN: Who has inspired you on you own personal journey?
JK: My mother, my sister, my grandmother, all of the women in my family. They are strong and beautiful.

BN: Do you believe that women, lesbian women in particular, need to work harder in your business to be successful?
JK: Well, I don't classify myself as a lesbian comic. I don't believe in labeling. As a woman in comedy it is definitely harder. You have to prove yourself more, but if you're funny, there are a lot of opportunities.

BN: What has been a career highlight of yours? Did you at that time think, “I have arrived?
JK: I would say following Jerry Seinfeld and getting a standing ovation or when I did the Tonight Show. You are only as good as your last big gig, so it is always a work in progress...

BN: Are there any heckler moments that you’d like to share?
JK: Oh a lot, unfortunately... I have had things thrown at me. I have been called horrible names. You learn to deal with it over time.
It doesn't happen often fortunately...

BN: What mark do you hope to leave on the world?
JK: I know that I am doing this to make a difference. I have always known that. I believe I am supposed to get to a certain level so that I can make a difference somehow and have a strong voice. I feel that I make a difference just by the responses I get from audience members.

BN: What do you have to say, in honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, to all of the mothers and their partners?
JK: Your children are lucky to have you.

For Jessica's upcoming performances schedule go to www.jessicakirson.com