Qmmunity: The Butch Is Back

Happy Pride month to one and all! Over the past year or so, I moved away from the interview format this column used to have – mostly because I took on more writing responsibilities in our larger Calendar section. But since June is a special time, I felt it called for special columns! So Qmmunity this June will be interviews highlighting events featuring local and visiting queer folks alongside the absolutely PACKED Pride listings y’all crave. 

Kicking off the Pride spirit is MASS Gallery’s latest exhibition from Australian-born and L.A.-based artist Esther Godoy, opening this Saturday at 6pm and running through July 11. “Butch Is Not a Dirty Word” features portraits that complicate the butch identity as it’s changed through the years. Godoy came of age during the early Nineties and found “a deep tension between the hard-earned sense of selfhood developed through older paradigms and the freedom introduced by new ones.” Through compiling this exhibition, they say they’re able to “explore those very tensions.” 

“It serves as a bridge connecting contemporary gender discourse,” Godoy says, “with the profound wisdom gained from the masculine-of-center identities of lesbian cultures past.”

Godoy says their childhood experience as an immigrant exposed them to three different continents’ worth of queer culture and because of that, they’re “drawn to subjects who deeply disrupt the very subcultures they have turned to for belonging.” With the ultimate goal of representing butch identity as diversely as possible, they found throughout their work – often in the form of interviews and personal relationships – that the common projection of butches as emotionally unavailable and aligned with toxic masculinity doesn’t exactly play out in reality. In fact, the majority of butches Godoy spoke with conflated their identities with “care, social responsibility, and deep relational attunement.”

“There is also a tired notion of butchness restricted to a classic, white, slender, male passing, denim and leather clad characterization,” they say. “Through my work, I aim to dismantle this stereotype and celebrate our profound diversity across gender, race, ethnicity, body type, and class. We are by no means a monolith, and my project serves as a living archive to make that vibrant, expansive reality visible.” 

MASS Gallery President Beth Schindler caught an earlier incarnation of the “Butch” show and found that as “someone that loves Dÿke print media and a femme that loves a butch,” it really spoke to her. Godoy later visited Austin and the pair became fast friends. “They saw the thriving queer community here and how hard we show up for each other,” Schindler recalls. “We have been scheming ever since to get this project up in Austin.” For Godoy, there’s a great deal that appeals about showing their work at MASS, as “experiencing this project in a physical gallery space is profoundly rewarding.”

“Much of this photography has been purposefully censored and deemed unsuitable for the cultural hellscape of social media,” Godoy says. “The last few years have been awful having to water down and censor ourselves to remain connected to our audience. This work was never meant to be flattened into mere content … It is a living record of our community that is meant to be experienced viscerally in the physical world, completely outside the confines and dictates of an algorithm.”

ATX Vogue Nights Thursday 4, Swan Dive

Step out with intent to serve at this month’s show featuring seven purr-fect categories as well as a prize for the best-dressed spectator – a ticket to the Majestic Ball! 10pm.

First Thursday Thursday 4, Top Drawer Thrift

Cut the cake on Pride month with Top Drawer as they host a special rainbow edition of their after-hours shopping social with a bake by Zucchini Kill. 5:30pm.

Gay, Drag, Drunk History Thursday 4, Stargazer

Join hosts Eileen Dover and Colleen DeForrest alongside Transgender Education Network of Texas for this fun and informative night of our queer history. 7pm.

Alok Vaid-Menon Thursday 4, Paramount Theatre

Part of Majestic Ball Week at the Paramount, come see the internationally acclaimed speaker, comic, and poet live and onstage. Plus, write letters of support for trans folks and learn how to support trans Texans with TENT. 7pm.

Sana Sana: Pride! Thursday 4, Ani’s Day & Night

The all-ages open mic this week features a vendor market, free entry, and special guest host Petty Cakes. 8pm.

Queer Rogue Night Friday 5, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

Get into your criminal era with Tiny Minotaur’s costume night where you’re urged to come “dressed in your most rakish rogueish fantasy garb.” 7pm.

Masc.MP3 Friday 5, Cheer Up Charlies

Jos tha DJ spins on the Chups patio at this Pride kickoff plus’d up by hookah and drink specials. 9pm.

Invasion: A Drag Matinee  Friday 5, Stargazer

Have a little drag before bedtime with host Eileen Dover and DJ Amy H. Graves. 7pm.

Joan Fukher Must Die!!! Friday 5 – Saturday 6, ColdTowne Theater

Laugh in a gay way at this comedy burlesque redux of Aughts classic John Tucker Must Die. 

Mortified: PRIDE Month  Friday 5 – Saturday 6, the Highball

Two full nights of LGBTQ embarrassment are what the storytelling sweeties of Mortified offer as your Pride month kickoff.

Rent Friday 5, Paramount Theatre

A 2005 rock opera based on the 1896 opera La bohème, this 35mm screening opens with the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus mini ensemble, Take Note! Also pre-film, Vivent Health offers free testing out front. 7:30pm.

Resound Presents: Big Freedia Friday 5, Mohawk

Renowned hip-hop artist and ambassador of NOLA bounce music brings her larger-than-life performance style to Red River with lineup support from LeTrainiump. 7pm.

Pride Parade Friday 5, Sky Candy

As bold and colorful as the rainbow flag itself is this all-ages student showcase featuring “circus, silliness, and whimsy.” 7pm.

Quenched Friday 5, Neon Grotto

Don’t worry if the rooftop starts leaking because that just means this Pride party and wet T-shirt contest hosted by TribRelations’ Kanesha Huey’s going as planned. 

Antifreeze Friday 5, DAWA HQ

Indigo Collective continues support for community member Otofu’s immigration legal fund with a party featuring plenty of ICE-breaking activities. 7pm.

Masc Fatties Saturday 6, MASS Gallery

Outside during the “Butch Is Not a Dirty Word” opening reception, this plus-size clothing swap prioritizes masculine fashion. If donating clothes, make sure it’s in good condition, freshly washed, and masc-coded. 6pm.

OutWellness Pool Party Saturday 6, RSVP for location

Join OutWellness in cooling off while being super hot at this pool party splash. 4pm.

“Artemisia Tridentata: From Rugged Soil” Opening Saturday 6, MASS Gallery

Curated by former Austinite Aubrey Edwards, this mini-MASS-located exhibition focuses on the works of queer artists across Wyoming communities – where Edwards currently makes her home. 6pm.

Big Ole Queer Market Saturday 6-Sunday 7, Distribution Hall

Austin becomes home to Texas’ biggest LGBTQ vendor market this June with over 100 queer artists, small businesses, and more under one roof so you can shop the rainbow this Pride Month. Noon.

The Majestic Ball Saturday 6, Paramount Theatre

For the fifth year, Paramount’s historic stage is given over to Central Texas’ ballroom legends, newcomers, and special guests (Shea Couleé!) for a celebration of queer BIPOC culture through performances and a special ball they brag is the biggest in the Lone Star State. 8pm.

Pride Boat Party Saturday 6, Highland Lakes Marina

Soak up sun and fun with Local Queer ATX’s Pride ride across the lake featuring music, games, drag, and THC drinks. 10am.

Coffee & Queers Saturday 6, Lau Lau

Grab a cup or two from this Guad coffeehouse in celebration of Pride month. Queer Vinyl Collective spins, Eman and Tiger Balm Press pop-up, and a dollar per drink sold this June goes to event hosts Queer Liberation Network. 11am.

Pride Mix Saturday 6, Barbarella

Enter a new atmosphere at this Pride party with inside spins by DJ Uri and patio beats by DJ Brandonairlines. 

Carpenter Family Reunion Saturday 6, Carpenter Hotel

Splish and perhaps even splash with host Charlie Bonner at this poolside Pride party featuring Louisianna Purchase, House of Lepore, Coco Coquette, Lucky Duckie, and Lone Star Queer. 1pm.

Fueg-Hole Saturday 6, Hole in the Wall

Fire’s burning over on Guad at this monthly drag show hosted by Owie. June’s special guests are Bohemia and Venus Rising. 5pm.

Sabado De Antro Saturday 6, Oilcan’s

From host Bobby Pudrido comes a weekly late-night party featuring Latin talent and tunes with DJ Eriq Stylez as well as special guests. 11pm.

Alt Prom: Monochromatic Madness Saturday 6, Industry

Triple Six Social and SMTXQC partner for this Pride party featuring DJ Traz_ion, Bi Curious George, speed friending, and a slay or ~slayyyy~ contest. 8pm.

Round Rock Pride Saturday 6, Centennial Plaza

Celebrating their fifth anniversary is this Pride festival, and they’re going all out! Find live entertainment, vendors, food, and workshops galore – all “showcasing the spirit of equality.” 2pm.

The RainWhorest Cafe Saturday 6, Sky Candy

Get ready for a hot and humid evening with the circus and variety performances of this Rainforest Cafe-inspired adults-only show. No microwaved mozzarella sticks though, as far as I know. 7pm.

I Was a Museum Saturday 6, Kick Butt Coffee

Your very own harlequin hypebeasts (aka Fou Fou Ha! Austin) somersault their way through this “live clown cabaret & social experiment” featuring burlesque, drag, live music, and much clownery. 7:30pm.

Big Ole Queer Market Saturday 6-Sunday 7, Palmer Events Center

Shop over 100 queer vendors at this mega-market’s summertime edition. Noon.

Drag Show Sunday 7, Latchkey

Extragrams livens up this divey spot with drag by Ritzy Bitz, Shasta, Harlot, and host Maeve Haven. 3pm.

Pride Month Kickoff Sunday 7, Holiday on 7th

Kick off June with this patio party featuring Queen Vinyl Collective, tattoos, food specials, a vendor market, and drink specials benefiting Queer Liberation Network. 5pm.

Dream Total Drama Island Rotation Sunday 7, the Glassmith

Smoke out the competition at this edition of Slaylem Cholula Cuntress’ stoner drag brunch featuring blunt and joint races, a wet T-shirt contest, and plenty of performances inspired by the classic Cartoon Network show. 2pm.

Brunch With Brigitte Sunday 7, Zilker Brewing

Brigitte Bandit hosts this drag roundup featuring Justice and Bobby Pudrido. Benefits Queer Liberation Network. 12pm.

Yeehawties Sunday 7, Austin Motel

Neon Rainbows enters the splash zone with a honky-tonkin’ pool party featuring hosts Lawrie Bird and Harlot with spins by DJs Ed West and Charlie Bonner. Plus, Lady Bull Johnson returns. 2pm.

Early Morning Hike  Sunday 7, Turkey Creek Trailhead

Stretch your legs and community vibes with a Queer Black Women Alliance-led hike along with ATX Sapphic Hiking Crew, ATX Choclit LGBT, Queer MMA, Legend of the Realms, Local Queer ATX, and TribRelations. 8:30am.

Queerbomb Sunday 7, Inn Cahoots

Back and as bold as ever, it’s Austin’s anti-corporate Pride march and festival featuring a resource fair, rally, parade, and a super dance afterparty. 2pm. 

Sapphic & Trans Sex Ed Monday 8, RSVP for location

Got a burning question about queer sex? Drop in to this discussion with a sex and intimacy expert. 6:30pm.

Crafting Together Tuesday 9, Central Library

Join Trans Guys Gather ATX for an afternoon of crafting and art-making in room 471. 2:30pm.

Travis County Pride Flag Raising Ceremony Tuesday 9, 700 Lavaca

Travis County Judge Andy Brown invites LGBTQ Austinites to join him in raising the rainbow flag alongside other leaders, artists, advocates, and neighbors. 11:30am. 

Fiasco Thursday 11, Chess Club

A funky fete featuring drag by Tatiana Cholula, Louisianna Purchase, and Jenna Talia plus DJs Quiche, Kyle Lewis, Lucee in Furs, and gogo dancers MK Ultra and Frankimarz. 

Where to Find Us: Gays Gone Wild Thursday 11, Highland Lounge

Live queer matchmaking hits Highland with host Lo Mchel, DJ Ronnie Wrld, and featured performer Brigitte Bandit. 6:30pm.

LGBTQ+ Commission Chair and Vice Chair Office Hours Thursdays & Mondays through June, Lynny’s on 12th

Join Chair Shep and Vice Chair Kitty McLeod of the Austin LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission for biscuits and a breakdown of what the local queer community priorities are. Office hours kick off on June 11. 

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