Qmmunity: Not So Fairest In the Land

Last week, Senate candidate James Talarico said on Fox News he opposed trans athletes playing in girls’ sports “if it risks safety or fairness.” This phrasing is, of course, completely asinine; being that sports are based entirely around physical advantages and disadvantages, how do trans bodies “risk fairness” any more than particularly tall or strong cis people? There’s no proof of young trans athletes trouncing their opposing players en masse, either, and even cases like conservative loudmouth Riley Gaines happened far away from first place – as she tied for fifth place with trans swimmer Lia Thomas. All this to say, Talarico is a fool if he believes the conversation about trans children playing sports has anything to do with safety or fairness. It’s a shoe in the door for the larger conservative campaign to restrict transgender people’s movement through the world. C’mon, James; you’re better than this one-time-too-many reheated Fox News talking point – at least I hope you are. 

ANYWAY, let’s talk about other stuff. Did you know this weekend is Trans Pride? Yes, ATX Trans Pride returns with three days packed tight with transgender talent from Friday’s live music showcase to Saturday’s Gender Unbound family-friendly mini fest and a late-night adults-only rave to Sunday’s pool party and drag show. Check this week’s Qmmunity listings for more info on the who, what, when, and where of the weekend’s events, and go online for an interview with organizer Edward West on how this year’s ATX Trans Pride came together.

Austin’s queer film fans probably have their finger secured on the pulse of Big Queer Weekend, a collaboration between aGLIFF, SXSW Film, and Austin LGBTQ Chamber’s Pride in Local Music. Thus, you may not be shocked when I inform you that a local documentary about Austin’s BEPI Park will run before opening night film Lady Champagne. Director/producer Margaret Barry captures the work of Gary Schumann, who transformed an 8-by-5 pedestrian island into “The Best Little Tiny Park in Texas.” Check out the full lineup of BQW on bigqueerweekend.com – including recent addition and previous Qmmunity column subject “This Is Texas: AGMC’s Journey to GALA” – and if you’re attending the opening night, enjoy Barry’s live director Q&A after the eight-minute short screens.

A Tim Curry Tribute Show Thursday 17, Elysium

Celebrate this fallen icon of stage and screen with a farewell drag show hosted by FrankiMarz and Munster Mash. 9:30pm.

Wor$t Birthday Girl In America Thursday 17, Swan Dive

Blow out the candles for $layyter’s birthday at this post-concert party featuring drag by Iggy Bank and Riotgirl, music by Killgxrl and Cherry Crush, and tats by Cyril Kuhns. 9:30pm.

Good Taste Thursday 17, Saturn Cocktail Club

Want to sing with a star? Aira Juliet sets up karaoke shop at another spot every Thursday with this event for “well-dressed people with questionable song choices.” 10pm.

Rainbow Safety Squad Fundraiser Friday 18, Package Austin

Raise money for this volunteer Downtown safety group and get sexy undies at this show/auction. Sister Serena Severe emcees and Brigitte Bandit and Sister Sybil perform. 7pm.

Trans Pride Live Friday 18, Swan Dive

Trans Pride kicks off with a live music showcase led by Babidoll. 10pm.

Queer Show Friday 18, Originator Studios

DEI Comedy offers a heavy hitting lineup of local queer comedians to make you laugh, laugh some more, and maybe even … laugh? May Buzzetti hosts. 8pm.

The Real Drag Queens of Austin: Jersey Edition Friday 18, Highland Lounge

All the drama, all the drag, with hosts Colleen DeForrest and Eileen Dover joined by special guest Teresa Giudice from the original Real Housewives of New Jersey series. Pre-show meet & greet at 9pm over at Luxx. 10:30pm.

Somos Sapphics Presents Para Abajo Saturday 19, Stargazer Bar

From sapphic social group Somos comes a sapphic perreo night featuring Latine drag and burlesque performers as well as DJ La Moon. 9pm.

Paul’s Super Gay Gameshow Saturday 19, Barrett’s Too

Play Paul games – Jeopardy – and win Paul prizes – free drinks, gift cards, etc. – at this free and phone-operated game night. 8pm.

Hearts & Crafts Saturday 19, Virtual and Dandelion House

There’s two ways to engage here: One, a virtual workshop at 2pm where Hurricane Short King takes participants through making social media into analog archival material, and two, an opening of Dandelion House’s mini sidewalk museum, “Land as Body. Body as Memory. Memory as Medicine.” that highlights plants used by Black doctors and revolutionaries in the past. The exhibit runs until Oct. 18. 

Gender Unbound Mini Fest Saturday 19, Grassroots Leadership

This all-ages entry in the ATX Trans Pride weekend programming offers indoor art workshops ($10 per workshop, spaces limited) and an outdoor picnic party featuring a nacho bar by Lynny’s, crop top station, an ancestral altar, art sale, and performances. 3pm.

The Scammers Mini Ball Saturday 19, Neon Grotto

DJ Scam Likely celebrates his “alleged” b-day with a mini-ball serving fraud, flimflam, and confidence artists. Natalie Lepore emcees with the birthday boy and DJ Xoy behind the decks. For every category, bring your best swindling accessory such as a Bluetooth headpiece, a booster bag, a voice changer, etc. and perhaps you’ll win the $75 prize. 10pm.

Trans Land Saturday 19, RSVP for location

An all-night rave led by ATX Trans Pride featuring DJ sets by Lucia Beyond, Xoy, and SuperMcN4sty as well as go-go dancers and an open bar. No phones, though, and no photos. 10pm.

Coming Out: Cuffing Season Saturday 19, ColdTowne

Moe Christine hosts this queer comedy showcase, this month themed to that cozy time when all singles mingle and settle for a long winter’s relationship. 8pm.

Excellence Sunday 20, Coconut Club

Bop to the rooftop with the Trans Era and Venus Rising as they host the drag arm of ATX Trans Pride. Performers include Amber Nicole Davenport, Sir Beau Elliot, Hurricane Short King, Damiana Divine, Jenna Talia, Iggy Bank, Les Bone, and Harlot. Plus, DJs Lidia Beatz and Ruby Knight. 9pm.

A Brunch of Drag Sunday 20, Firehouse Lounge

Elieen Dover brings brunch Downtown with performers Arianna Venti, Nazareth, and Amy H. Graves pulling double duty behind the DJ booth. Plus “sinners” specials of $6 Bloody Marys, mimosas, and espresso martinis. Noon. 

Hamilton Drag Brunch Sunday 20, Cap City Comedy Club

Chevelle Brooks hosts this musical tribute, so don’t throw away your shot to see JT Davenport, Kylee Ohara Fatale, and Ritzy Bitz perform this 2010s Broadway sensation. Noon.

Doll Island Sunday 20, Austin Motel

Take the ferry over to this iconic isle where the folks behind DJ collective Doll Behavior (Ruby Knight, Angeldoll, and Lavender Thug) spin up an ATX Trans Pride party with performances by Salem Purchase and Leia Sakura Dior. 2pm.

Poppers Sunday 20, We Luv Video

A post-Franco feature for a post-summer SunGay screening: What could be better than this? A New Wave singer fresh from prison gets caught up in a manhunt that could either earn him fabulous jewels or a pine overcoat. 7pm.

Muppets From Space Sunday 20, Cheer Up Charlies

Soft Focus cinema club goes Gonzo with this week’s selection that follows everyone’s favorite weirdo Muppet as he discovers his cosmic origins. 5:30pm.

Vixens of Volstead: Virgo Valentine Drag Brunch Sunday 20, Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge

Join the Vixens – May Magdalene, Mars, and Tequila Rose – in celebrating their sister Veronica Valentine’s birthday. DJ Killgxrl spins. 1pm.

Sapphic Singles Brunch Sunday 20, Lynny’s on 12th

Have a biscuit and bring a friend for a special brunch edition of this sapphic social meetup. 11am.

Bronco 2 Queer Linedance Monday 21, Sagebrush

Country Fried Dance leads this lesson for slightly more advanced footwork along with DJ/dancer Harmonia’s Movement. 7pm.

LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting Monday 21, 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.

Grackle Games Cycle 8 Tuesday 22, Rain on 4th

“Drag out the vote” with host Lady Grackle as she puts on the eighth edition of this homegrown drag competition. Winner gets cash and weekly booking at Rain. 9pm.

Queer Trivia: Dungeons and F@ggots Tuesday 22, Lefty’s Day and Night

Aira Juliet and the Little Gay Shop present a medieval test of knowledge for all y’all fantasy brained boys, girls, and non-binary bards. 7pm.

The High Club: King of Drag Watch Party Tuesday 22, Oilcan’s

And so it begins: Watch this drag king competition show with former contestant Alexander the Great and special guest host and season 2 competitor Papi Culo. Get behind-the-scenes deets and THC drink specials as well as performances by kings across the Texan map. 8pm.

And They Were Sisters: Cunt-ry Cantina Wednesday 23, Rain on 4th

Miss Steelya Girl and Moxie host this sisterly roundup of trans and sapphic drag stars including Stephania Elegonza, Sir Dree, Morte Lumina Danger, Sucia, and Rey de Copas. 10:30pm.

Star-Crossed Sapphics Wednesday 23, the Flower Shop

Scissor Sisters ATX intro their new dating game show alongside tarot, karaoke, a confessional booth, loteria, a “sapphic compatibility map,” vendors, and Fate or Fury, a special “game of dares” raising money for DACA relief. Plus, tattoos, pool, and free entry for all Virgos and Libras. 8pm.

Dungeons & Drag Kings Wednesday 23, Elysium

Ye olde Boyz of Austin take thing back to the dark ages with this D&D inspired drag show featuring all the bards, druids, and knights in shining sequined armor. 9:30pm.

Survivor 51 Viewing Party Wednesday 23, Oilcan’s

The most iconic competition reality show receives the most iconic watch party with Noodles and Embry Officially hosting. 7pm.

Mascs & Masks Thursday 24, Cheer Up Charlies

From event producers Bug & Bunny comes a surreal soiree featuring performances, vendors, and facial disguises of all kinds. 8pm.

(Line Dance) Party Like It’s 1999 Thursday 24, Elysium

Partnered up with Ruckus ATX, Country Fried Dance invites all those with a boogie in their soul down for lessons, social dancing, and the chance to add your song to the party mix early via tinyurl.com/1999SongXDance. 8pm.

Queer Pinball Thursday 24, Bender Bar

Bonk those silver balls around with fellow queers at this pinball party featuring special giveaways of the “mystery clown” variety. Presented by Local Queer in collab with Good Game Pinball. 6:30pm.

Queer Event Staff Picks MASS Gallery 20th Anniversary Party Saturday 19, MASS Gallery

MASS stands as a testament that artistic collectives can not only survive, they can thrive. They’ve amplified marginalized voices for two decades: years of finding beauty in the unexpected, creating surprisingly emotional works, and playing with space and form to add to Austin’s essential weirdness. You can give in-person support for this MASSive milestone by attending their dual show-slash-fundraiser. Featuring art from the archives, a special anniversary zine, Lynny’s burgers, and live performances, it’s a chance to celebrate one of the best galleries in town. – Cat McCarrey

Third Saturday: Flaming Prairies! (no fires please) Saturday 19, Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex

Yee and haw to all y’all cowpokes as this weekend Museum of Human Achievement remakes the Millennium Youth Complex into an Old West bazaar. Mosey into this queer Western town for myriad experiences, including pop-ups from Butch Prom, Sunayna Rajput and Cat Plohen, Beauregard Elliot, and Bolm Collective’s Sydney Dettmar. Scarlett Cheeks performs roller-dance; Starry Eyes Light Show’s Melissa Seely presents art projections; We Luv Video screens Native American counter-cowboy shorts and rare queer cowpoke flicks curated by Aud Kohler; and curator Regina Brooks and the Mall offer “Something Like a Trailride.” Plus tons more to-dos and what-have-yous, ready and waiting for your lasso to catch ’em. – James Scott

Big Queer Weekend Thursday 24 – Sunday 27, various locations

Pride doesn’t have to end when summer does. The Big Queer Weekend keeps the party going with four days dedicated to Austin’s LGBTQ+ community, bringing together local businesses, performers and plenty of reasons to leave the house. Expect a packed weekend of parties, drag, music, and community events scattered across the city. Film buffs can catch everything from Billie Jean King doc Give Me the Ball! to closing night hip-hop doc WICKET. Films run $20; weekend passes are $50. – Erika Gonzalez

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