Kia Barnes

Kia Barnes is a stand-up comedienne and an advocate for equality and diversity within the LGBTQ community. Her professional background includes event production, education, and entertainment. She is also recognized as a social media influencer. Before pursuing a career in stand-up comedy, Kia worked as a teacher and researcher. During her time in education, she notably chaired Atlanta Public School’s LGBTQ Taskforce’s Curriculum and Policy Board. She also serves on the Fulton County District Attorney’s LGBTQ Inclusion Board, demonstrating her consistent commitment to advocating for the LGBTQ community within institutional frameworks. Furthermore, Kia served on the city of Atlanta’s first LGBTQ Advisory Board under Mayor Keisha Bottoms, contributing to policy and community initiatives.

In 2014, Kia Barnes left her teaching career to focus on stand-up comedy. Since then, she has performed on stages nationwide and has been featured on various prominent platforms including Netflix, BET, LOL Network, Popsugar, and NBC. Beyond her comedy performances, Kia has actively collaborated with numerous LGBTQ organizations and events to establish queer safe spaces. Her partnerships include the OUT GA Business Alliance, the Human Rights Campaign, Georgia Equality, Atlanta Pride, Pridelines Miami, Clexacon Las Vegas, Women of Color Weekend, and SisterSpace. These collaborations highlight her dedication to community building and support.

Kia Barnes is also a producer of two nationally touring LGBTQ engagements: the Lez Laugh Comedy Show and the Andro Fashion Show. She played a significant role in organizing Atlanta’s first “Equality March,” which commemorated the Pulse Orlando tragedy. Her work extends to producing the largest weekly lesbian party in Atlanta at My Sister’s Room, the only lesbian bar in the Southeast. Her first professional project was Queer Comedy Jam, which brought LGBTQ comedians to Atlanta to film comedy specials. She is currently working on bringing back the Andro Fashion Show in 2023, planning for it to be larger than previous iterations, featuring androgynous LGBTQIA models, musicians, and dancers from across the country.