Qmmunity: Humid Yet Happenin’

khattieQ Credit: Minerva Villa

Good morning, evening, or afternoon, Reader. The time has come once again for YOU to vote on who the Best of Austin truly is! Our annual roundup of Reader’s choice businesses, individuals, and etc. just dropped last issue with tons of surprise noms – and tons of queer noms, too! Make sure you get your vote in by the end of the day on Monday, May 18, by checking out vote.austinchronicle.com. And if you choose to cast a vote for l’il ol’ me in the Best Columnist section? Well, that’s just you having exquisite taste. 

Do you have a beautiful piece of sculptural art? A canvas painted with love? A geode that must be acknowledged? Umlauf Sculpture Garden is currently taking submissions from LGBTQIA2S+ artists for their upcoming Umlauf After Dark: Pride! celebration. There’s no application or showcasing fee, but if you’re chosen, you must bring basically all materials related to your table, including, you know, the table. Deadline to apply is May 15 at noon via the link in their Instagram bio. 

Our lovely LGBTQ+ Commission Chair Shep Coyne and Vice Chair Kitty McLeod have put together an Austin LGBTQ survey. This “open feedback form” is meant to record the queer community needs and wants from the city. That information will then be brought into discussion when determining the commission’s priorities for this year and going forward. While not an official city survey – delivered by the grackle who secretly runs Austin from under City Hall, of course – this project was created to help guide how the city addresses its multitudinous LGBTQ issues. Find the form at http://forms.gle/PbaLBRcreDkHDRYa8 and take the 2-5 minutes to fill it out. All responses are anonymous.

Austin’s LGBTQ org for younglings, OutYouth, have their first ever Group Summer Camp this year, and it’s totally free. The therapy-based space is for tweens and teens ages 11-17 with different themes each day from June 29 until July 2. On-site will be OutYouth’s clinical team, so all the youth must bring is a water bottle and their wonderful selves. Applications are first come, first served, with limited spots available. Find out more and how to register at outyouth.org/group-summer-camp.

Even though this summer’s off to a goopy start, I hope y’all continue to have a little spring in your step. There’s so much to appreciate in the queer spirit, so c’mon! Let’s appreciate it together.

Free STI Testing Thursday 14 & Wednesday 20, Sir Rat Leather and the Austin Eagle

Need to check your status but stressin’ over the price tag? ASHwell on Wheels is driving around town with their mobile testing van. Check ’em out this Thursday over at Sir Rat or on Wednesday during Pup Karaoke at the Eagle for free HIV/STI testing, rapid PrEP, and answers to all your questions about their other services. 

Package Austin’s Spring/Summer Fashion Show Thursday 14, Rain on 4th

See the newest looks in street, swim, underwear, and fetish wear at this runway curated by our very own Package. Plus, special guests! 9pm.

Bizarre Bizaar  Friday 15, the Lost Well

Tauruses unite for this edition of the open stage variety show and vendor market. Featuring co-hosts Stellar Manx and Obscene Jester along with spotlight performer Phoenix Eterna Celestial and, celebrating a trans-aversary, Krista Lee Queer. 8pm.

PonyMania: A My Little Pony Drag Show Friday 15, Cheer Up Charlies

Everypony’s invited to this drag show by Haus of Hysteria and Pixel Vixen Productions, inspired by the be-hooved maidens of the MLP franchise. Neuratoxin and Hot Lunch host a lineup including Jack the Stripper, Atlas Mars, Mars Morningstar, Marylin Moonlight, Open Carrie, Fairy Petite, Baby, Phoenix Eterna Celestial, and Kino Kino, plus DJ Anarch Kye. 9pm.

Spring Formal Friday 15, Sagebrush

Brush off your best boots and bolo tie for Neon Rainbows’ seasonal soiree, replete with live performances by Sentimental Family Band and Hearts Gone South. There’ll also be Squeer dance led by Erica Nix, spins by DJ Ed West, and a special photo booth helmed by Erika Rich. 8pm.

Woke Cowboy Friday 15, ColdTowne Theater

Get your laughs with a side of diversity at this comedy show featuring stand-up by Kalista Torres, Wasley, Carlton Wilcoxson, Derek Kopswa, Holden, Everett Bragg, and Evan Rabalais. 8pm.

Open House Friday 15 & Sunday 17, Highland Lounge

From the & They Were Roomates team of Relatabel and Cheex comes two nights, two rooms, and two special guest DJs to make your weekend a homegrown success. Friday features Itza in HL’s main room, and Sunday’s got Shy Margiela in da basement. 

khattie loves karaoke Saturday 16, Barrett’s Too

The one and only khattieQ leads this karaoke night with DJ Johann Solo, where sad songs are encouraged! “Singing is beneficial for both the brain and body,” they write, “as it enhances lung function, boosts mood through the release of endorphins and dopamine, and improves cognitive functions like memory and attention.” Wow! The more you know… 2pm.

Diamond’s Champagne Drag Brunch Saturday 16, Rain on 4th

For when your drag brunches aren’t quite elegant enough, there’s Diamond Dior Davenport leading this over-the-top experience featuring a full soul food buffet, mimosa and Bloody Mary bar, and performances by top drag artists. 11am.

Coming Out: Queer After Dark Saturday 16, Coldtowne Theater

The laughs continue afte the lights go low at this stand-up showcase hosted by Moe Christine. Featuring Grace Pinegar, Andrew Horneman, Ever Mainard, and Holden. 8pm.

Sir Beauregard Elliot, Esquire, Live In Concert Saturday 16, Lynny’s Trailer

If you’ve not yet experienced that beautiful belt of one Sir Beau Elliot, this concert and music video screening is the perfect opportunity to get into his loverly voice! Hear original tunes, duets, and even group numbers with pre-show spins by DJ Lavender Thug. 7pm.

Shrek Drag Trivia Saturday 16, Lazydaze

Do you know Shrek like the back of your hand? Stop by this trivia hosted by Natasha Versace to test your Far Far Away knowledge against fellow ogres. Questions cover all movies from the OG to Forever After, so don’t even THINK about trying to talk Shrek 4D. 4:20pm.

Rainbow Safety Squad General Meeting Sunday 17, Virtual

Rescheduled to accommodate for Memorial Day, this meeting’s for all those involved in or curious about Downtown LGBTQ safety. 5:30pm.

Rainbow High: An Evening of Show Tunes Sunday 17, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

ATX Musical Theatre Collective presents exactly what the event title implies: a night of show-stopping songs from fan-favorite musicals including The Wiz, Shrek, and Once on This Island. 5pm.

Lotus in Bloom: An AAPI Drag Showcase Sunday 17, Oilcan’s

Celebrate this year’s AANHPI Heritage Month with a showcase of local Asian American and Pacific Islander drag artists. Featuring Petty Cakes, Yu Phoric, Sirena Mirage, Star Anise, and Leia Sakura with host Celia Light. 7pm.

Sapphic Singles Sunday 17, Ani’s Day & Night

Meet and even great your new WLW friend, foe, and fated match at this queer dating event hosted by Erin and Areesha. 5pm.

LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting Monday 18, Austin City Hall

Every third Monday, your LGBTQ Advisory Commission discusses the priorities and needs of the Austin queer community. Join ’em in Board & Commission Room 1101. 6:30pm.

Muse: Halfway to Halloween Tuesday 19, Firehouse Lounge

Spooky season’s only a few months away – and by a few, I mean five – so get a jump on the creeps at this Halloween-themed show. Lineup includes Justice, Evah Destruction, and hosts Embry Officially and Riotgirl. Plus vending by Purple Moss Vintage and Kitty Titties ATX. 8pm.

Witchy Wednesday Social Wednesday 20, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

Austin’s Queer Coven gathers under the evening sky for a social that also acts as ritual against the midweek slump. 8pm.

And They Were Roommates Presents T4T: Tarot 4 Tarot Wednesday 20, Rain on 4th

Hosts Tiny Taurus and Miss Steelya Girl put their cards on the table for this edition of the trans and lesbian centered drag show, where all performers embody the major arcana. 10:30pm.

Queer Monthly Spring Evening Walk Wednesday 20, Mueller Lake Park

Take a walk on the mild and pleasant side with Rainbow Connections ATX. This stroll is open to folks “ages 18-110” along the paved trails “light rain or shine.” 7pm.

Morphine Love Dion Thursday 21, Oilcan’s

Don’t bug out, but Drag Race season 16 and All Stars season 11 star Morphine Love Dion’s flying in for a one-night, two-shows evening hosted by Celia Light with local performers and a meet-and-greet ticket option. 

Shock Therapy Presents David x David Thursday 21, Elyisum

Forget the zodiac: Are you a Cronenberg or Lynch girlie? The two divas of diabolically weird cinema get tributed by local drag artists Munster Mash, Ethel Institution, Jenna Talia, Bubu, MK Ultra, Sticky Gold, and special guests Flex Brojas and Gatorr Gorr – all to celebrate cast member Tangelo’s birthday. 11pm.

Shuffle It Up Thursday 21, Austin Motel

Prepare your shuffleboard skills for this Local Queer ATX-presented mixer at Rocky’s Bar inside the Austin Motel. 7pm.

In the Calendar Austin Gay Men’s Chorus: “Freedom Unfinished” Friday 15 – Saturday 16, First Baptist Church of Austin

As America approaches its 250th birthday, we must reflect on whether it’s yet the “land of the free” as envisioned. Austin Gay Men’s Chorus does so with a thoughtful program connecting the works of two composers named Thompson, divided by seven decades. Randall Thompson’s Testament of Freedom (1943) was inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s writings and composed to celebrate his 200th birthday. Selections from this hopeful and patriotic work are interwoven with movements from Joel Thompson’s Seven Last Words of the Unarmed (2015), which applies the last words of seven unarmed Black men before they were killed to the format of Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ. This powerful musical conversation is complemented by works from Sam Cooke, Beyoncé, and more, inviting connection, reflection, and celebration. – Kat McNevins

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