Joseph Parsons on discussing LGBTQIA+ issues in sport

Joseph Parsons: Equaliser sees the rising stand-up star looking at the joys of sport for those who love the beautiful game, and for those who don't. Parsons will be talking about his experiences both of growing up closeted gay and a sports fanatic in the West Country. As a teenager, his ambitions of being a footballer scuppered by anxiety around body image and never feeling like he fitted in.

Describe yourself in three words.

A bit much.

What football team do you support?

Bristol City - The world's best football team (that is located in Bristol).

Why is it important that we discuss LGBTQIA+ issues in sport?

I think sport is very important to society and actually reflects the temperature of social issues pretty accurately. With still so few sports stars who are openly gay, it's important we examine why this is and what can be done to make sport a safer space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Also, it is always useful for LGBTQIA people to talk about their experiences on stage as it can help those who haven't been able to come out or live openly with their sexuality.

How is live stand-up different than creating comedy for the internet?

Live is a far quicker and easier barometer as to what works and what doesn't, as you get live feedback.

I think the internet is a great way of building an audience and it's great that comics are doing that so effectively. But you also see some genuinely wonderful stuff with not much engagement.

With live, you're able to create something far more long-form whereas if you're creating for TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, your content has to be very punchy and often be under 1 minute. So it's a different execution to what you can do live.

What advice would you give to your younger self, growing up in the West Country?

Don't give yourself such a hard time and go and shag a dude - it's not as bad as you think.