Published on March 6, 2008

Margaret Cho wants everyone to feel beautiful.

The stand-up comedian, actress and gay rights supporter is bringing her positive message to one of the most superficial cities in the world, Las Vegas, at the end of March.

Her new show, titled “Beautiful,” focuses on respect and the individual.

“The show is about self-esteem and being the best we can be,” Cho said in a phone interview. “You should feel good about yourself and be beautiful to you.”

“Beautiful’s” brand of feel-good comedy is Cho’s signature. In past performances, she often fuses together comedy with a slice of moral thought. Equal rights supporters have lauded Cho’s comedy as a unique and effective way of getting a positive message of tolerance across. Audiences have certainly responded positively to this blend, as her career has been nothing short of successful.

Cho’s comedic adventure began at age 16 by doing shows in a club connected to her parents’ bookstore in San Francisco. This spawned to larger club circuits, appearances on television and college campus shows across the country. Perhaps her biggest break came when she won the 1994 American Comedy Award for Best Female Comedian.

Since her success in the early ‘90s, Cho has taken her comedy and message to her own sitcom, several books and stage shows.

Often, the content of her comedy will border on obscene. Graphic jokes about sexuality, racial stereotypes and drug use are all fair game, but her intentions are noble enough.

“I just like making people laugh,” Cho said.

Cho’s visit at the end of the month isn’t her first to Vegas. Aside from previous comedy shows, in 2006, Cho hosted the Miss Exotic World Pageant, a series of burlesque shows over a weekend with a competition to close out the pageant. The hosting gig, which Cho said she enjoyed thoroughly, provided another outlet to be expressive with her sexuality.

In many of her performances and books, Cho promotes openness and understanding in a sexually diverse era. Cho describes herself as being bisexual and has been open about her past female relationships. She is currently married to artist Al Ridenour.

She also recognizes that “Beautiful” is the kind of the show that could be especially valuable to university students. At a time of uncertainty and personal discovery, “Beautiful’s” message will always be relevant to the college-age group.

“No matter who you are, we just need to be the best we can be and feel comfortable about it,” Cho said.

Students and adults whether straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender should, she said, find reassurance in their identity, something she hopes her comedy can help with.

“I’m not sure if I’m a role model,” Cho said.

“I’d like to be. I’m trying,” she added with a giggle.

Strangely, in a city notorious for its glitzy venues and stage shows, Cho’s simple performance of “Beautiful” will stand out.

“There’s no big sets or anything like that,” she said. “It’s just going to be a fun, do whatever you want kind of night.”

The ironic blend of a positive message wrapped in obscene comedy will certainly be something to see. With all that laughing, the audience may come out as better people, too.