Qmmunity: Spring Is Sprunging

Spring is about to be sprung, which means a lotta events, publications, and parties have their application deadlines approaching. Reader, I know you are talented and smart, but some of these dates might’ve escaped your notice. As is my saintly nature, I’ve martyred myself on the social media sword – for you, Reader, and not just because it is my job – in order to find upcoming deadlines that may be of interest. Take these in the spirit they are given, which is to say with overwhelming, almost insane encouragement.

Top Drawer Thrift, Weird City Sisters, and the Austin Eagle will partner again on March 22 for a queer and kink art auction and market, but they need your help. They’re asking anyone whose art rides the kinky line or who collects saucy pieces to donate one or two items to the silent auction, which benefits Project Transitions’ HIV housing programs. Drop off your donations at Top Drawer on or before Sat., March 14, and check topdrawerthriftaustin on Insta for further information. 

Ahead of their yearly Trans Day of Visibility picnic and market on March 28, Gender Unbound has opened up the call for transgender vendors and musicians. Think your wares, items, or melodic work belongs among a bevy of joyful trans people? Submit an application through genderunbound.org as soon as you’re able – spots are first come, first served. Though our current attorney general’s trying his best to fan the anti-transgender flames in Texas (K-Pax is suing inclusive garment company Lola Olivia for the same noxious reasons the feds came after local biz Flavnt for; this dumbo ain’t even original), the truth is that trans Texans deserve the spotlight more than that overgrown egg ever has. 

Speaking of trans people – and when am I not, ya know – Transgender Education Network of Texas currently has submissions open for their Trans-gressive: A Trans Texas Survival Guide zine. They’re seeking art specifically from BIPOC in the trans community with myriad mediums accepted including mixed media, illustrations, and written work. This year’s theme is “Texas Belongs to All of Us.” Find further guidelines as well as the submission portal at Zine2026.transtexas.org anytime before the March 4 deadline.

While you may be enjoying the invigorating spring temperatures of – oh god – 89 degrees, don’t forget that June Pride’s coming faster than you think. Shopping shindig supreme Big Ole Queer Market has opened up their vendor applications for this year’s Pride expo, so if you’re queer and have wares to hawk, now’s the time to grab primo booth placement. The market runs Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, with options available for chair and table rental, booth size, and electricity. Allies are welcome, but priority is given to LGBTQ+ folks. 

OH ALSO: Last year Austin’s own Alexander the Great was a part of TV history on King of Drag. The first-ever drag king reality competition is now casting for its second season, and Austin ought to be represented in the cast again – in my totally unbiased opinion. Interested kings should head to revry.tv/king-of-drag-application to submit their application before March 13.

Stay sharp out there, Reader, but stay sweet, too. That’s the only way any of us can keep going in this weird, weird world.

Anybody but Tony  Thursday 26, Barrett’s Too

DEI Comedy, aka hosts Holden and Everett, bring the funniest folks they can find to the Barrett’s Too backyard stage, where they uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion as crucial comedy elements. 8pm.

February Education Munch: Do Nothing by Default Thursday 26, Virtual

Join Austin Black Munch for this conversation led by speaker Bratty Azzassin, where the community will explore labels, identity, and how “presentation shapes perception.” RSVP to attend the Zoom meeting via their Google form, linked @atxblckmunch. 7pm.

Futch Fetish: Butch Blues Friday 27, Elysium

Even butches get da blues, so hosts Bee Bee Blvnt and Karabiner embrace all sorrowful sides of drag king kind. Lineup includes Sir Beau Elliot, Cali Gente, Ethel Institution, Justin Eater, Faux Q, Hurricane Short King, and opening act the Glamcocks. 10pm.

Swap Meet: Puzzle Swap Friday 27, the Little Gay Shop

After a short closure (Feb. 23-26) for re-org and inventory, TLGS and Redeemer kick the doors back open with their inaugural “low-waste, high-vibes rotating hangout where we swap items and share stories.” This month’s theme is puzzles, so bring any gently used and complete jigsaws you’re ready to pass along. 6pm.

Pretty in Pink Saturday 28, Highland Lounge

Don’t adjust your rose-colored glasses because these sugary shades are on purpose. From Drag Race All Stars season 10, Jorgeous and N.P.B.F.A.G. join host Mistress Isabelle Brooks and local queens Amber Nicole Davenport and Climax for this blushing bash. 7pm.

p1nkstar All Night Saturday 28, Neon Grotto

The legend returns for a rooftop-rumbling party featuring signature p1nkstar spins as well as special guest Horrorchata (Bushwig). 10pm.

Drag Me to the Tavern: The Wizard Is Watching Saturday 28, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

Magic abounds this night as these tavern players perform drag in tribute to the wonderful world of Oz. Inspired by The Wiz/Wicked, this send-off of Black History Month features Gothess Jasmine, Kitty MicSparkles, and your hosts, the Sirs, Beau Elliot and TRT. 9:30pm.

Discord Addams Saturday 28, Oilcan’s

The stars are out this Saturday with the arrival of Drag Race season 18’s Discord Addams. Joining Addams will be Louisianna Purchase, Celia Light, Lawrie Bird, Dee Gee Rey, Riotgirl, Titty Androgynous, Embry Officially, Target, Bohemia, and your host Ritzy Bitz. 6 & 9pm.

Spring Swing Dance Workshop Saturday 28, Southeast Branch Library

Country Fried Dance’s Nico Osier offers Austin adults the chance to learn swing-dancing among the bookshelves of APL. 3pm.

Drag for All Saturday 28, OutWellness

Join Haus of Pump’s Jack Rabid for the second of a three-part drag workshop presented by OutWellness and Local Queer ATX. This session focuses on foundation and contour essentials. 12pm.

Your Favorite Cuzins Saturday 28, ColdTowne Theater

Jose Da’Hype returns with his sharp showcase of clever comics, this time featuring Saya Meads. This Black History Month special lineup includes Bak, Carlton Wilcoxson, Gordon Dixon, Ke’Juan Moses, Pedro Dehli, Ellis Aych, and DJ Perry. 8:30pm.

Wicked Sing-Along Drag Brunch Saturday 28, Cap City Comedy Club

Chevelle Brooks hosts this musical homage to Oz, where attendees are encouraged to jump from their seats and sing themselves silly. 12pm.

Live From New York! Tour Saturday 28, Harry Ransom Center

Join Rainbow Connection ATX, Family Eldercare’s LGBTQ program open to queer-friendly folks ages 18-110, for this free, docent-led tour of HRC’s current exhibition of Lorne Michaels’ personal archives. Only 10 spots available, so snag your place via email fast. 12pm.

Dream Cxnt Rotation Sunday 1, the Glassmith

Performers Ryan, Liberty, Greta Grip, Lotta Bounce, and host Slaylem Cholula Cuntress pass the dutchie so you can enjoy Birria Bros fare and free mimosas. 2pm.

every.Word Poetry Open Mic Monday 2, the Vortex

Share your work with the welcoming audience of the Poet House’s every.Word Poetry program. Tender René hosts, and Poetry Teacher joins as a featured guest. Sign up online to speak. 8pm.

The High Club Tuesday 3, Oilcan’s

Drink ’em if you got ’em, Reader, at this Alexander the Great-hosted trivia night featuring THC sippable specials from OCH bar. Plus pop-up drag and virtual games. 9pm.

Linq Up Tuesday 3, Central Library

Join this local anti-cap queer group for a co-working, discussion, and social gathering where LGBTQ+ Austinites can share ideas for community organizing in a drug-and-alcohol-free space. 5:30pm.

Sana Sana: Sad Beau Hours Thursday 5, Ani’s Day & Night

Special guest host Sir Beau Elliot brings in the sad songs and melancholy moments for this edition of the all-ages open mic. Reach out to Beau or Kino Kino to sign up and perform. 8pm.

Thique Thursdays Thursday 5, Austin Garden & Studio

Fat Bottom Cabaret presents a li’l something special featuring the larger-than-life talents of Chola Magnolia, Gothess Jasmine, and Lady Lola Lestrange. 7pm.

First Thursdays Thursday 5, Top Drawer Thrift

Shop after hours with music, sweet treats, wine, and great thrift finds at this secondhand store benefiting Project Transitions. 5:30pm.

In the Calendar Queer MMA Sunday 1, Black Widow MMA

Gaining self-defense skills has never before been offered in such a convenient and queer-centric way – or maybe it has, and I’m being biased because this time, the whole shebang’s led by local Austin fitness peeps. In any case, if you’ve been curious to learn about mixed martial arts with other LGBTQ+ folks, this workshop and community kick-back features a beefy instructor lineup led by Luis Villarreal, aka Couch Lu. Get schooled on Krav Maga, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and muay Thai before enjoying nachos (with vegan options), T-shirt orders, and raffle prizes. – James Scott

Nicholas Boggs: Baldwin: A Love Story Thursday 5, Harry Ransom Center

You know who is a good writer? James Baldwin. You know who led an interesting life? James Baldwin. You know who will be at the Harry Ransom Center this Thursday, talking about writer and interesting life-haver James Baldwin? Nicholas Boggs, who himself cuts a pretty fine literary figure with his many fellowships from places like the Leon Levy Center for Biography, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Boggs’ new work marks the first major biography of Baldwin in several decades: an exploration of his intimate and creative relationships from mentor figure Beauford Delaney to lover Lucien Happersberger to collaborator Engin Cezzar. – James Scott

The post Qmmunity: Spring Is Sprunging appeared first on The Austin Chronicle.