After the cancellation of All-American Girl, Cho was almost destroyed by a bout of alcohol and drug addiction. But she resumed her stand-up comedy career and appeared in several films, the most notable of which was Randall Kleiser's poignant It's My Party (1996), where she plays the best friend of a gay architect suffering from AIDS.

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Frustrated by the paucity of good film and stage roles being offered her, Cho wrote her own one-woman show and scored a triumph. I'm the One that I Want (1999) addresses critical issues of race, gender, sexuality, AIDS, and drug and alcohol addiction even as it showcases her comedy. The show toured the country, attracting a diverse audience. It was subsequently released as an independent film.

Notorious C.H.O. (2002), her second one-woman show, has also been successful both in the theater and on screen. Somewhat edgier and raunchier than her previous show, Notorious C.H.O. puts a distinctively female spin on machismo.

In 2003, Cho embarked on her third sold-out national tour, Revolution. The CD of Revolution, released in the fall of 2003, was nominated for a Grammy for best comedy album of the year. The concert film Revolution premiered on Sundance Channel in June 2004 and was released on DVD in August.

Cho's most topical work to date is her show State of Emergency (2004), designed to motivate people to vote in the 2004 Presidential election.

Cho is the proud recipient of the first Golden Gate Award, given by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Discrimination (GLAAD), a distinction she shares with Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor. The citation recognizes her as "an entertainment pioneer who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

American television sitcoms have consistently reflected the presence of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people, often in distorted and stereotyped ways, but occasionally in ways that acknowledge our humanity and complexity.

Lesbian stand-up comedy provides an excellent example of how comedy can foster social and political awareness in both minority and mainstream communities.

Lesbian actresses have played a significant role in Hollywood, but their contributions have rarely been recognized or spoken of openly; the "lavender marriage" is by no means a relic of the past.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is a watchdog group dedicated to promoting accurate representations of the glbtq community in the media.

Pop superstar Elton John's combination of melodic skills, dynamic charisma, and raucous performance style have make him a remarkably popular musical artist.

Out lesbian actress Jane Lynch has forged a successful career on television, in movies, and on the stage, including some memorable turns portraying lesbian characters.

Actress and comedian Wanda Sykes, who has never been shy about addressing sensitive or controversial issues on stage, has also become a spirited advocate for glbtq rights.

Out, proud, pretty, and funny, stand-up comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer is also an outspoken supporter of glbtq and feminist causes.

Asian-American actor B. D. Wong came to prominence with his extraordinary performance in M. Butterfly and has since established himself as a talented character actor in film and television and as a champion of glbtq causes.

Critically acclaimed Asian-American playwright Chay Yew has consistently produced provocative drama addressing issues of racism, homophobia, and censorship.