The fight for civil rights is in full force in 2017, with a slew of discriminatory laws rearing their ugly heads in Southern states all over the U.S. People of the LGBT community are the targets in this current culture war, and now is the time for people who believe in equality for everyone to stand on the right side of history. Comedian Kristen Becker (founder, Dykes of Hazard Comedy) and Pastor Jay Bakker (founder, Revolution Church, host of This is Radiocast) believe it’s entirely possible to smooth over the rifts in an ever-increasingly divided society through the use of human elements that never discriminate: love and laughter.

Becker, an outspoken lesbian comedian, stumbled across a copy of the documentary, “One Punk Under God,” which featured Pastor Bakker and his church, Revolution Ministries. Becker was enthralled with Pastor Bakker’s personal revelation that the LGBT community was unfairly being shut out of the evangelical church. Seeing his genuine interest in doing what was right and knowing a large percentage of southern friends were raised evangelical, but then shut out of their own churches, Becker reached out to Bakker. A few Twitter messages and emails later, “Loosen the Bible Belt” was born and swiftly put on the road, to great success across the Southern United States last year.

Expect a stand-up comedy show that stumbled upon a revival, and imagine it all happens in a bar. Bakker’s message of love and acceptance, balanced with Becker’s comedy often referred to as “bawdy and bold, served with a slice of southern charm” promises to be a night to remember.

Loosen the Bible Belt will not only serve as an entertaining night, but will also help create awareness for LGBTQ groups fighting the good fight in these southern states. A portion of proceeds from shows will be donated to groups working so all southern citizens have equal rights.