You know you’ve heard it (thanks Jerry Lewis!). Maybe you even thought it. But please, please don’t believe it when you hear: “women aren’t funny.”

Sure, there are some unfunny females lurking about, as there are also plenty of unfunny males out there too. But for some reason when the unfunny comic has a nice pair of breasts, she is suddenly a representation for her entire gender. When the male comic is unfunny, he’s just well, unfunny. When a female comic talks about female things (ie: childbirth, periods, food, fat, dating, sex, slut-hood) it’s cliche but when a guy talks about male things (their penis, sex, their penis, sports, their penis, issues with girlfriends, their penis) it’s apparently universally hilarious.

But this isn’t a post pouting about sexism in the entertainment industry. Nor is this a post about how I, as a strong and hilarious comic am living proof that females are indeed funny (yes that was a shameless “pat-on-the-back”).

This is a post about a group of fantastic females who aren’t complaining but rather celebrating being a funny female. Introducing “The Hysterical Festival.”

The Hysterical Festival is the brainchild of comedian/producer Desiree Burch and a series of Sunday afternoon mimosas. Hanging out with a group of female comedians sharing stories, eating junk food and getting bombed in the early afternoon, the idea came to her: what if this camaraderie could lead to a comedy revolution? What if the community that formed so naturally amongst these dynamic funny women could change the face of comedy…forever? It might look something like empowerment with a sense of humor. Sexy. Dangerous. Hysterical.

According to their site, the Hysterical Festival is a celebration of fearless female humor. Bringing together smart and smart-ass women from all walks of comedy, this festival is a first in showcasing the breadth of women’s comedic voices. Featuring stand-ups, sketch performers, improvisers, cabaret acts, comic musicians, solo artists, writers, filmmakers, burlesque divas and more, The Hysterical Festival gives outspoken funny women the chance to take center stage. Serving up women’s unique perspectives on sex, politics, contemporary life - and maybe even airline food - the festival will create opportunities for emerging talent and honor the tradition of groundbreaking female comedians who have paved the way. The Hysterical Festival aims to unite and expand the community of female artists and their fans to encourage the development of women’s humor, wit and self-expression.

Sometimes I fear that segregating the arts adds to inequality, I mean if we want to be equal why create something that is exclusive? However sometimes you also need to draw attention to that which makes us different in order to create a positive change. So maybe at times us gals have to work a little harder to prove our talent, but if you’re good, you’re good, trust that.

To find out more about the Hysterical Festival’s social and fiscal goals visit http://www.realitycharity.com/hystericalfest

And if you live in the NYC area come to the first of many festival fundraisers tomorrow night 7pm-11pm at Rapture Cafe 200 Avenue A (BTW 12th & 13th) For more details click here.