Comedian Alicia Kismet Eler, pictured with her cat Tija, often utilizes charatcers and props to bring her jokes to life. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal
‘Jokes from the heart’: Alicia Kismet Eler finds material in experiences as a queer Turkish American
Drawing deeply on her Turkish heritage and queer dating experiences, Alicia Kismet Eler wants to make people laugh and foster innovation and inclusivity in comedy.
By Myah Goff
Alicia Kismet Eler’s comedy journey began more than a decade ago in Chicago, during a time when she found herself unexpectedly unemployed.
Faced with uncertainty and anxiety, Eler, who goes by the stage name Alicia Kismet, turned to comedy to find laughter amid the chaos. Initially unfamiliar with the comedy scene, she started attending open mic nights, bravely attempting to make light of her job loss.
Eler later would rediscover her passion for comedy in Minneapolis. Immersed in the welcoming atmosphere of the Twin Cities comedy scene, she dedicated herself to honing her craft, sharing humorous tales of queer dating and delving into her Turkish heritage and family dynamics.
Comedy became her way to navigate difficult subjects with levity, including during a pivotal moment when a cousin inadvertently outed her to their entire Turkish family.
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‘Jokes from the heart’: Alicia Kismet Eler finds material in experiences as a queer Turkish American
