Robin Tran brings humor and visibility to the queer femme community
Photo by Easton Clark, Photo Editor
Comedian Robin Tran gathered with students, faculty and the Chapman community at Beckman Hall for FemQueer Fest (FQF), bringing humor about sexuality, math problems and even religion.
The event, celebrated on Apr. 9, recognized femme and queer identities by creating a space for expression through student-made art and comedy performances.
Tran, the event headliner, is a comedian who has gained millions of views across her social platforms for raising discussion on pop culture, mental health and experiences of being Asian and transgender.
Tran has been named one of “Just For Laugh’s” New Faces of 2021, performed on “That’s My Time” with David Letterman, wrote for Netflix’s “Historical Roasts” and much more.
Photo by Easton Clark, Photo Editor
“This all happened by accident,” she said. “It kind of failed upwards, so I did not see this coming, and it is still hard to accept the love.”
Junior history major Emma Dinan and senior sociology major Maddie Klein spoke about the importance of FQF and its meaning to the Chapman community as a whole.
“It builds a safe space on campus,” said Dinan. “It's very inclusive and welcoming. And you meet new people too.”
Klein shared similar thoughts.
“It is bringing awareness to queerness and feminism,” said Klein. “I like how it unites a lot of people.”
Jo Vega, a freshman journalism major, was a part of the FQF organizing committee. Vega told The Panther that it was an amazing opportunity for them to bring an outside comedian to the event.
Photo by Easton Clark, Photo Editor
“I think it is important to have queer representation on campus,” said Vega. “It is hard to bring something so joyful like this to the community.”
Throughout her set, Tran included punchlines about growing up Vietnamese, her dating life and even phone addiction.
After her comedy set, she held a questions-and-answers segment. Tran was asked about her political stance, the current state of the government and ever-changing policies about the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I don’t really believe in the system or government,” said Tran. “The people in charge hate to see us happy, but the best thing you can do is thrive despite them.”
In Jan. 2025, the Trump Administration implemented orders that limit diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, such as redefining identities as only “woman” or “man” among other restrictive actions.
Tran responded to these orders at FQF and spoke personally about coming out in 2016, and how in present day, the community feels attacked.
Photo by Easton Clark, Photo Editor
“I feel like the reason there are so many anti-trans laws is because there are more of us now,” Tran said.
Freshman music major Ryan-Adele Heskett expressed that comedy is a way for the community to use their voices and speak up.
“I think there are a lot of politics that go into comedy. As a performer, all art is political,” said Heskett. “I feel like (at) Chapman, in the times we are in, it is difficult to create safe spaces, so I am really glad that our school is having an event like this.”
Tran also expressed that she was suicidal for most of her life, and has been diagnosed with autism and bipolar disorder. She discussed how she rose to fame and how she never thought she would have the life she has now.
“I never anticipated this life, because when you are suicidal, you try really hard to just get to the next hour,” she said. “So time became so condensed to me; I have only recently started thinking about my future.”
In a time of ongoing political and social tension, events like FQF continue to provide outlets for students and the community to come together to celebrate their identities and uplift underrepresented voices.