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Portrait of Maysoon Zayid

Maysoon Zayid

Trailblazer in comedy and advocacy

Born
1974
Born in
Cliffside Park, New Jersey, USA
Read Maysoon’s story2 videosAsk about Maysoon

Why Maysoon is here

Renowned for her groundbreaking work in comedy and her advocacy for disability rights and Palestinian issues.

Their story

Maysoon Zayid is a Palestinian-American comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate. She is known for breaking barriers in comedy as one of the first Muslim women comedians in the United States and for her vocal advocacy for Palestinian rights and disability inclusion. Zayid co-founded the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival and has used her platform to address serious issues through humor and activism.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Maysoon’s path.

  1. Graduated from Arizona State University

    Earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, setting the stage for her career in entertainment.

  2. 2003

    Co-Founded New York Arab-American Comedy Festival

    Established this annual festival to showcase Arab-American talent and address stereotypes through comedy.

  3. 2014

    TED Talk "I Got 99 Problems... Palsy Is Just One"

    Her talk became one of the most viewed TED Talks, propelling her into international recognition and highlighting issues of disability and identity.

  4. Arts programmes for children

    Has supported arts programmes for disabled and refugee children in Palestine.

  5. 2019

    Published Memoir "Find Another Dream"

    Wrote and performed the Audible Original autobiographical work Find Another Dream.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Promoting Palestinian Culture and Issues

    Uses her comedy and public appearances to raise awareness about Palestinian struggles and counter negative stereotypes.

    Watch

  2. Advocacy for Disabled Individuals

    Through her personal experiences and public talks, Zayid champions the rights of people with disabilities, advocating for better representation and inclusion.

    Watch

  3. Support for Refugee Children

    Her arts programs in Palestinian refugee camps help children cope with trauma and build connections between disabled and non-disabled children.

    Read more

  4. Breaking Barriers in Entertainment

    As a prominent figure in comedy and acting, she has paved the way for other Muslim and Palestinian women in the entertainment industry.

  5. Educational Outreach

    Frequently speaks at universities and events, educating audiences about Palestinian issues, disability rights, and the importance of diversity in media.

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Watch & listen

Maysoon in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Promoting Palestinian Culture and Issues↗

  • 02Advocacy for Disabled Individuals↗

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