Qmmunity: Bridging the City Government Gap

Hey, Austin reader: Did you know that there’s a specific group in our local city government meant to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community? Perhaps you haven’t checked in for a LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission meeting – which happen every third Monday at City Hall, 6:30pm – but their work is all about your experience with the city of Austin. Now, nine years out from the commission’s first meeting, current Chair KC Shepherd Coyne and Vice Chair Kitty McLeod continue leading the 15-member team in understanding and supporting Austin’s queers.

Formerly on Equality Texas’ board, Coyne’s also worn several hats throughout city government, including environmental officer, assistant director in the Watershed Protection Department, and steering committee chair for Austin’s climate equity plan. In that work, they found an understanding of city government’s functionality, its decision-making process, and – most importantly – how communities affected by those decisions can engage in the process.

“As a queer, trans, nonbinary person,” Coyne says, “it’s always been important to me to do the work of helping our community thrive and to find ways to mitigate the harm that often comes from state and federal policies targeting LGBTQ+ people. Local government can’t solve everything, but it can make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.”

Coyne says that overall, city leaders and staff members have shown a real commitment to supporting Austin’s LGBTQ+ populace, but “city government can still seem inaccessible or confusing to many people,” Coyne admits.

“One of the [LGBTQIA+] commission’s most important roles is helping bridge that gap,” they explain. “Sometimes community members reach out because they don’t know who to talk to, how to navigate a city process, or how to access a program or resource. Helping people find their way through those systems is often just as important as the formal recommendations we make.”

A major step toward building that bridge has been Coyne and Vice Chair McLeod setting up unofficial office hours. The informal meet-ups have lately been at biscuit haven Lynny’s new 12th Street digs on Monday and Thursday mornings. These offer a place for people unable to attend the commission’s City Hall meetings to share their concerns, ask questions, or just connect with community. “Building relationships is one of the most important parts of community work,” Coyne says, “and we wanted to create an environment that felt welcoming and accessible.”

On the current summer agenda for the commission is the possibility of an LGBTQ+ cultural center – a long-running dream for the city’s growing queer community. “This summer, the Commission will receive the results of a feasibility study examining how such a center could be created and sustained,” Coyne explains. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a permanent space for community gathering, cultural preservation, education, services, and celebration.” However, alongside this big opportunity is an increased need for community involvement to make sure the project is as successful as possible.

Intimidated by the idea of attending a city meeting, even one that’s got literally got Dolly of ATX Brigitte Bandit on its member roster? Don’t be, Coyne says: “You don’t need to be an expert in city government to participate.” They advise first-time attendees check the meeting agenda ahead of time – available for viewing at austintexas.gov/boards-commissions/board/lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-and-queer-quality-life-advisory – and consider signing up to speak directly to the commission if there’s an issue you care about not represented. “Public input genuinely helps shape our priorities and recommendations,” Coyne says. There are also working groups available for community participation focused on health, trans resources, and community safety.

“The commission creates a direct channel for LGBTQ+ residents to inform city policy, identify emerging issues, and ensure decision-makers understand what our community is experiencing,” they say. “If we want City leaders to make informed decisions, they need to hear directly from the people affected by those decisions. … The more voices we bring into the conversation, the stronger our advocacy becomes.”

Goth Pride Thursday 11, Triple Six Social

From Baby Bats Productions comes this alt-Pride for all ages featuring drag, a pop-up market, and silent auction raising funds for the San Marcos Queer Council. Baby and Solangel Vergara host with spins by DJ Traz Ion. 6pm.

Equality Texas Pride Party Thursday 11, Honey Moon Spirit Lounge

Enjoy a live DJ, face-painting, and a special cocktail during this Pride party. 5pm.

Queer Babymaking Thursday 11, allgo

This inclusive workshop led by Luz De Atabey helps queer and trans folks and families explore their options with regard to fertility, conception, and family building. 6:30pm.

UnFOUseen Circumstances Thursday 11, the Vortex

A weekday show produced by Disco Fou, this invitation into the deeper Founiverse – aka the narrative created by Fou Fou Ha! Austin’s previous performances – features the Fou crew as well as special guest Brad French. 8pm.

“Am I Queer Yet?: A Non-Binary Black Experience” Thursday 11, Once Over Coffee Bar

Catch a screening of this docu-short from director Ecco Música, which focuses on three Black nonbinary people and their experiences with the world around them. Plus, a post-show Q&A with Música and the cast. 5pm.

Soft and Hard Thursday 11, Kingdom Nightclub

Party between extremes with DJs Saint Anthony, Wne2uu, Luv2Luv, and Petrolera spinning “sounds to cruise to” during this live exhibit by Sofia Igari and starring Nicole Morin. 10pm.

Fantasy Figure: Portraiture and Poetry Thursday 11, Factory on 5th

Create your next work of art or simply luxuriate in the creations of others as Gothess Jasmine plays muse during a long-pose figure drawing session. Plus, a typewriter poetry station. 7pm.

Folie à Deux  Friday 12, Elysium

Let’s hear it for America’s Suitehearts, aka the drag cast of this tribute to Fall Out Boy’s (IMO) best album. Brigitte Bandit hosts and teases another appearance as “big t*tty Patrick Stump.” 11pm.

Lover Boys Friday 12, Cheer Up Charlies

Who out here loves boy love? From Atlas Mars and Jack the Stripper comes a night for the fujoshi in everyone all with drinks, mascs, and a MLM ship costume contest. 9pm.

Saturgay Morning Cartoons Friday 12, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

Come in costume as your favorite gay little supervillain, or sassy sidekick, or voluptuous anthropomorphic animal hero at this rainbow-coded cartoon party! Drinking-age adults only. 7pm.

Pure Chaos Comedy Pride Show Friday 12, Originator Studios

Laugh, love, and live it up with this lineup of queer Austin comedy icons including Breck Gordon, Rochelle McConico, Holden, Everett, Roxy Castillo, and Jose Da’Hype. Seating’s limited, so bring your own dang chair. 9pm.

Floorgasm Friday 12, Kingdom Nightclub

Get the dance floor nice and wet with a visit from DJ LSDXOXO alongside special guests Bambii, Bapari, and Mrs. Javii. 10pm.

Desperate Living Friday 12, Hyperreal Film Club

Where else can you catch a film featuring the hilarious Mink Stole and Edith Massey while also engaging in a bad-taste costume contest? Why, at the same microcinema where they’re doing live arm-wrestling, of course! 7:30pm.

Pride Dog Show Friday 12, Ovenbird

Pups do Pride, although these furry friends aren’t in leather hoods. Malibu Imported hosts this canine runway featuring big, medium, and small dogs – with treats and prizes for the good boys and girls. 6pm.

Black Queer Emancipation Invitational Poetry Slam Friday 12, the Vortex

Acclaimed poet Ebony Stewart hosts the kickoff of a new event celebrating Black queer artistry where dynamic poets compete for $500 in prizes. Jeaux Anderson guests as the spotlight poet. 7pm.

Sapphic Writers’ Circle: Zine Fun Saturday 13, Birdhouse Books and Gifts

Join the sapphic pens of this writing club for zine making, discussing, and celebrating. 4pm.

Glaze Vol. XIV: Ozymandias Saturday 13, Elysium

With a subtitle like “In Memory of the Dance Floor,” it’s no wonder this launch for Glaze’s newest zine has a funeral-attire dress code. Performances include Cryo, Juuudo/Immediate Rush, the Opera, MK Ultra, and Egaux Sells. R.I.P., aka rest in party. 9pm.

Legend of the Realms Saturday 13, Sky Candy

The fantasy experience created by Amazing Aeffects’ Gothess Jasmine returns to our Earthly domain with new energy and performances. They enter a realm held together by song, so expect musical tributes that appease the siren gods. 8pm.

Woke Cowboy Saturday 13, ColdTowne Theater

Yuk it up with diverse stand-up sweethearts like Curtis McOsker, Ryan Kinney, Ngozi Ukazu (the original gay hockey purveyor!), Lisa Smith, and Kandace Medina. Chris Bryant and Evan Rabalais host. 8pm.

Chaotic Singles Sapphic Party Saturday 13, Stargazer

Find a new friend, foe, or forever lover at this mixer for sapphics who keep it a little, ya know. Chaotic. Co-presented by Local Queer ATX and the Chaotic Singles Party people. 8pm.

Pride Party Saturday 13, St. Elmo’s South

Get ready for a night of tinsel, tattoos, and top-tier brewskis at this St. Elmo Brewing-located party. Drag lineup includes Louisianna Purchase, Arinna Dior Heys, Noodles, and Damiana Divine, with Salem Purchase in the DJ booth. 6pm.

Top & Bottoms Saturday 13, Swan Dive

Get into the Pride spirit by giving queer performers your money at this gender-affirming care fundraiser fete featuring music by Hot Spit, Female Gallery, and Spiral as well as drag by Onyx Eros Khunt, Tiny Taurus, Micailah Ocaii, and Reignbow Riot, plus special guest Jovie. Solovino hosts. 6pm.

Lezzz B. Honest: Solidarity Is a Verb Saturday 13, Ani’s Day & Night

Kino Kino and Venus Rising’s variety show celebrates a full year of elevating Black, brown, autistic, and trans artists with an open mic hosted by Adriotic, Aqua Marie Pardi, and Ethel Institution. Donations and tips benefit DAWA and TribRelations. 7pm.

Queeraokee Saturday 13, Cheer Up Charlies

Lo Mchel’s party heads to Bat City, with seasoned host Aira Juliet as your guide through this BIPOC-centered karaoke with a twist: If you’re not delivering the goods musically, the audience can fan you off the stage. 8pm.

New Moon Hike Saturday 13, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Austin’s Queer Coven hosts this walk through the wilderness. 9am.

Pride Pool Party Sunday 14, the Colton House Hotel

Water you doing this Sunday if it’s not splashin’ with performers Karabiner, Sir Beau Elliot, Ryder Strong and DJ Kshal & friends? Ticket sales benefit ASHwell. 2pm.

The Attack of the Giant Moussaka Sunday 14, We Luv Video

WLV’s Sungay series gets a monstrously delicious twist as part of KaiJune, aka a month of kaiju cinema: from queer Greek filmmaker Panos H. Koutras, the tale of a giant moussaka terrorizing Athens. 7pm.

Death in the Family Presents: Pride & Punishment Sunday 14, Rain on 4th

Wrestling mania hits Fourth with New Texas Pro Wrestling featuring brawls, tag teams, rumbles, and more hosted by Kidd Bandit. No live-stream, so you’ll have to catch the pain ringside. 5pm.

Her Sundays Sunday 14, Riviere

A sapphic oasis of sounds spun by DJ Nneka and Jos tha DJ awaits, with hosts Zashia Santiago and Tay Tate elevating the “Killeen to Austin connection.” 2pm.

Vixens of Volstead: Worst Gemini in America Sunday 14, Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge Patio

Join the Vixens in celebrating May Magdalene’s birthday alongside fellow hosts Veronica Valentine, Mars, and special guest Tequila Rose. Plus, spins by DJ Killgxrl. 1pm.

Pride Drag Brunch Sunday 14, Serenade

Vylette Ward hosts this drag brunch featuring the American fare of this Downtown brasserie as well as special performances. 1pm.

Jo’s Drag Brunch & Bubbles Sunday 14, Jo’s Downtown

Get perked up by performances from Arinna Dior Davenport, Leia Sakura Dior, and host Moxie as well as all the delicious drinks Jo’s has to offer. Noon.

LGBTQ+ Advisory Commission Meeting Monday 15, Austin City Hall

Do your civic duty in attending this LGBTQ advisory meeting where your commission members discuss upcoming agenda topics. 6:30pm.

Pride Social Monday 15, Sagebrush

Queer two-step night gets a June-time twist with performances by musical guests Libby & the Loveless and the Bootcut Band. Plus, Brigitte Bandit moseys on over. 7pm.

Girls, Gays & Theys Open Mic Monday 15, the Vortex

This monthly poetry open mic features special June co-presenter PrideinBlackATX along with host Ms. Trin-I-Tee. Sign up online to perform. 8pm.

Strut: Pride Edition Monday 15, Lady Bird Lake

Local Queer’s Monday night community walk with OutWellness this week encourages dressing in your best Pride colors for a super special Strut. 7:15pm.

Kinfolk Social Tuesday 16, Punch Bowl Social – Domain

Along with Where Y’all at Though, Black sapphic event organizers TribRelations throws this social hour featuring spins by Xoy, bowling, karaoke, and “plenty of room to mix, mingle, and meet new faces!” 6pm.

Muse: A Tribute to Black Artistry Tuesday 16, Firehouse

Get inspired with host Damiana Divine at this celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month. Lineup includes Fawn, Ethel Institution, and DJ Xoy on the decks. 9pm.

Boyz of Austin: Sad Boyz Wednesday 17, Elysium

There’s a little room for melancholy during Pride month, which is what this gender diverse drag troupe offers in their tribute to iconic sorrow-centric show Sad Girls Only. 10:30pm.

Pup Karaoke Wednesday 17, the Austin Eagle

Arf, arf! Howl your way through all the hottest tunes with other pups, handlers, and critter play community friends. Plus, free testing and rapid PrEP by ASHwell on-site. 6pm.

The Party Pixie Presents Sipping Sapphic Thursday 18, the Vortex

The subtitle on the event says it all: “Slutty Fae Edition.” Catch a stacked performance lineup including drag, comedy, and burlesque as well as tattoos, a magical trading station, DJs, a performative top contest, arm wrestling, lube pit wrestling, and much, much more. 8pm.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Trivia Thursday 18, Vigilante Gastropub

With host Lawrie Bird, relive every iconic season of the biggest drag competition show through trivia. Don’t know Drag Race? Your host says “if you’re willing to forfeit some dignity, I might have some extra prizes for our most creative and most WRONG answers!” Hmm… 7pm.

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