--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think when I started doing stand-up…" description: "\"I think when I started doing stand-up properly, at 21, I had a feeling like... I wanted to be a comedian before I wanted to be a 'gay comedian.' And so..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc3/simon-amstell-4347_comedian_i-think-when-i-started-doing-stand-up-pr_2373937.png" --- # I think when I started doing stand-up properly, at 21, I… ![“I think when I started doing stand-up properly, at 21, I had a feeling like... I wanted to be a comedian before I wanted to be a 'gay comedian.' And so, the way you do that is you avoid giving people too much material that would suggest you are the 'gay comedian.'” quote by Simon Amstell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc3/simon-amstell-4347_comedian_i-think-when-i-started-doing-stand-up-pr_2373937.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc3/simon-amstell-4347_comedian_i-think-when-i-started-doing-stand-up-pr_2373937.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc3/simon-amstell-4347_comedian_i-think-when-i-started-doing-stand-up-pr_2373937.png) > “I think when I started doing stand-up properly, at 21, I had a feeling like... I wanted to be a comedian before I wanted to be a 'gay comedian.' And so, the way you do that is you avoid giving people too much material that would suggest you are the 'gay comedian.'” [Simon Amstell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-amstell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He felt pressure to hide his identity, limiting his material to avoid being labeled a “gay comedian.” **In simple terms:** He suppressed his true self to fit expectations. Key Takeaway Embrace authenticity in performance. Themes identity comedy authenticity stereotypes Mood introspective humorous Type personal candid When to use this quote - stand‑up routine - writing sessions - public appearances - media interviews Key Concepts self‑expression audience perception industry pressure Questions to Reflect On - What risks arise from hiding personal identity? - How does authenticity affect audience engagement? A Different Perspective Avoiding authenticity can stifle creativity and connection. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Comedian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comedian/) [Comedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comedy/) [Gay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gay/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) ## Related quotes > [The Maier woman is not a woman who doesn't have fun. My woman is not a woman who doesn't have a life. I like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tomas-maier/the-maier-woman-is-not-a-woman-who-doesn-t-have-fun-my-woman-is-not-a/) [Tomas Maier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tomas-maier/) > [When I was a little girl, I wanted to be one of the Gay Icons. 'Bette Midler as CC Bloom? 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