Slut Parade creator and host Allie Pearse describes her upcoming event as “a sex-positive comedy show that will feature an all-star lineup of Toronto’s most talented women in comedy.” Excellent.

We always love a good slut parade, so we were keen to connect with Pearse to find out what inspired the theme of this show, and what audiences can expect from this raucous evening. 

What’s the birth story of ‘Slut Parade’? 

There were a lot of “dirty” comedy shows in Toronto that were straight male-centric. I wanted to create a space where other comics—especially women—could feel comfortable telling their sex, relationship and dating stories without the fear of judgement from the audience. 

When you start writing jokes for a show centered on sexuality/dating where do you begin?

Easy: I think about the boys I’m still mad at! I created the show Slut Parade as a way to air all my grievances, writing on this subject comes naturally to me (I have a lot of grievances).

When it comes to dating & relationships, what issues are irking you these days?

Women are often criticized for having had a sexual past, this generally comes up when starting to date someone new. Men don’t get chastised as much as women around this subject and we are often made to feel shame around our sexuality. I created Slut Parade to destigmatize the word and celebrate women who want to share their experiences in a supportive environment.

What’s the weirdest date you ever went on?

He asked me on a coffee date (how French!) and when I showed up it was a Coffee Time and he had his dog. I waited outside with his dog who humped me and he didn’t bring me anything, which to be fair, was probably polite since it was Coffee Time. I promise Slut Parade will be the best date night for any couple or group of pals!

What’s something you will not tolerate in a relationship?

Slut shaming. The word slut just means you’re dedicated to your craft! What a beautiful thing.

If you imagine a Slut Parade, what part do you picture yourself playing? Are you a float? Carrying a sign?

I am the Grand Marshall of the Slut Parade!

What women are inspiring you these days?

All the women who are performing on Slut Parade: Sandra Battaglini, Carol Zoccoli, Jackie Pirico, Nour Hadidi, Tamara Shevon, Natalie Norman, Olivia Stadler & Rebecca Reeds! They each bring such a unique and dynamic perspective to the stage. They are some of the hardest working people I know and the fact that you can catch them all on one night? Not to be missed!

How has stand-up helped you the most?

Standup has given me an outlet to express myself in moments of darkness. It has helped me work through and make sense of breakups, bad dates, awkward interactions and my obsession with serial killers. Slut Parade in particular is a place where I get to express my ideas without fear of judgment from the audience, if you’re coming to a show with the word Slut in it, you know what you’re getting yourself into!

How do you deal with rage?

I take it to the stage and try and turn it into something worth laughing at. Laughter is, of course, the best medicine.

Sounds like the perfect way to cap off International Women’s Day.  Rally your crew and listen to Toronto’s top comedians share their best and worst dating stories at the iconic Royal Cinema, Sunday, March 8th, 8pm.