Your chance to support a new women’s comedy festival in Philly

You know the Bechdel test, right? It’s simple, but, for a lot of modern entertainment, surprisingly hard to pass. To pass the Bechdel test, a fictional story must include two women (who, according to some versions of the rule, must also have names known to the audience) who talk to each other about something other than a man.

The test was first articulated in Alison Bechdel’s Dykes to Watch Out For comic strip of the mid-'80s, and it’s been evolving ever since. Now the ladies of Philadelphia are taking up the mantle for their own Bechdel Test Fest. Organizers Beth Eisenberg, Olivia Loisel, Mo Manklang, Jessica Snow, and Caitlin Vivian point to local forbears like the creators of Philly's Funny Fest, which ran for five years. But the Bechdel Test Fest will be significant because of a special effort to reach out to trans comedians as well, "to make a really inclusive, diverse festival," says Manklang.

Organizers are hoping to raise $2,000 toward mounting the event through an Indiegogo campaign that runs until January 14th. According to the fundraising page, women get less than a quarter of the roles available on stage, on film, and in music performances — hardly representative of the fact that we ladies make up more than half of the population on this fine planet.

“The arts in Philadelphia is a strong scene with a vocal community. Gender equality is not just a fancy phrase to post on Facebook,” organizers say. They urge support for the Bechdel Test Fest as a way to take concrete action for gender equality in the local arts industry.

They’re also hoping to use some of the proceeds from the Fest to aid Philly’s Career Wardrobe, which provides women in transition out of joblessness and poverty with professional outfits, as well as career and job interview counseling and support.

The project is looking for volunteers as well as funding. To get involved, email [email protected].