Ian Harvie
Stand-Up Comic
“Who you are is not up for public debate. Your identity is not up for debate. If you are sharing your story with somebody, it's inarguable-it's your story.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationIan Harvie
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
Was born a female in rural, "so-white" Maine, but always felt different.
After college, said he had to go do a "walkabout" to see what was out there; met others who had transitioned, learned he was just like everyone else.
Opened a web design business in Portland; started taking comedy writing lessons, then got hooked on stand-up.
Loved comedy so much that he'd drive two hours each way to get five unpaid minutes on stage.
Came out to his parents at 19; at 30, he wrote them a letter explaining that he was trans; after that, says there was nothing to be afraid of.
Always very open and honest about his sexuality on stage; says he knew people would talk about him anyways so he preferred to put it all out there.
Says that in whatever he does, whether he was selling websites or telling jokes, being himself was always what sold people.
Believes that when taking risks, "if you just jump, the wind will catch you."
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Stand-Up Comic
I am a stand-up comedian, writer, author, and a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Acting & Theatre
Entrepreneurship
Communicating / Sharing Stories
Day to Day
I write things down, share them with people and if I make them laugh, I get paid. I also pretend I am other people in front of a camera.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Be honest. With yourself, with everyone. Once you plugin to that, everything will open up for you. Just remember to always be true to yourself because who you are is not up for public debate.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"You can't make money telling jokes. "
Challenges I Overcame
LGBT
Drugs / Addiction
Interviewed By
Know Who You Are
The team's search for wisdom continues in San Francisco, where they interview Roy Remer, a volunteer coordinator at the Zen Hospice Project. Moving on to Southern California, community is the topic of discussion with Omar Cardenas, a youth organizer for the Children's Defense. Later, in L.A., the team is moved by the story of Ian Harvie, a transgendered stand-up comedian, who urges them to have conviction in their identities.
