Launched in 1996 by Maggie Cassella,[1] the festival featured stand-up and sketch comedy shows by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender comedians.

Proceeds from the festival support the We're Funny That Way Foundation, aimed at making transformational donations to LGBTQ charities across Canada.

[3] A short-run television series produced by Maggie Cassella for OUTtv also aired in 2007 in conjunction with the festival's 10th anniversary, using the same format to profile comedians appearing at the 2005 and 2006 editions of the event.

[4] Comedians profiled in the 1998 documentary film included Steve Moore, Christopher Peterson, Scott Capurro, Maggie Cassella, Kate Clinton, Jaffe Cohen, Lea DeLaria, Elvira Kurt, Bob Smith, John McGivern and The Nellie Olesons.

[4] The six-episode series featured highlights from the 2005 and 2006 We're Funny That Way festivals, including performances by Kate Rigg, Dina Martina, Maggie Cassella and Trevor Boris.