Qmmunity: Pride State of Mind

Welcome to August, which may feel like the final mega wave of the Pride summer tsunami to some but to me is just another month floating through the gay Austin waters. I don’t know. When one marinates in queer events all the dang time, Pride is truly a state of mind more than a month or season. 

Yay! Queer-owned bookstore Reverie Books announced last weekend their intent to open a larger space farther south even than their current Menchaca digs. They’ve launched a fundraising campaign via Indiegogo, as there’s a buncha renovation costs building up. With a budget of about $100,000 – funding inventory expansion, an accessible restroom, more room for activities pleasing to ages 1 to 100, etc. – owner Thais Perkins says they’re looking to raise just $30,000 through donations with a $75k stretch goal “to stay out of debt.” Help ‘em by dropping dough in the Gogo, or swinging by the original location neighboring LazyDaze and Quack’s – which’ll still remain open. 

Break out your black tank top and furtive glances because Queerbomb’s calling for cruising-themed art. The upcoming October exhibition proposes a space celebrating the ancient gay custom as “an unsanctioned act … a rejection of the state … a site of the body” while also encouraging viewers to practice the art of the cruise on, well, the art. Interested creators, send your proposed piece, plans, or a prior sample of your work along with contact info and an artist’s bio to [email protected] on or before Sept. 30. Al Pacino, eat your heart out.

Lesbians, I’m speaking to you. Scissor Sisters ATX is searching for a sapphic musician/band/performer for Lezfest: Barn Burner. To apply for this paid performance, the guidelines are thus: all-sapphic or sapphic-led bands only, with high-energy showpersonship and your own instruments & equipment required. Would be nice, but not a deal breaker: live performance experience. All genres welcome, and hey! If you’re not with the band, consider applying for a vendor spot or entering the county fair-style competitions. Blue ribbon title contests include pie-eating (the Mad Muncher), Jell-O wrestling (the Jell-O Champion), and the Lezfest pageant (Breast in Show and Blue Ribbon Butch). Apply before the show date, Aug. 20, or before the competitor spots fill up. 

Austin Vogue Nights Thursday 6, Swan Dive

Every first Thursday bumps with the beats of this monthly mini-ball featuring seven categories, cash prizes, and plenty more from Central Texas’ House of Lepore. 10pm.

Brand New Eyes: Paramore Drag Tribute Show Friday 7, Elysium

Emo album tributes continue with host Brigitte Bandit’s tribute to Paramore’s third release with performances by Fawn, Gretta Thunder, Tiny Taurus, Calor, and Tangelo. 11pm.

Sipping Sapphic Presents Bimbos, Clowns, and Butches Friday 7, King Bee

Find yourself under the big top for this sapphic clown-sation featuring burlesque, drag, DJs, arm wrestling, and more. 8pm.

Pretty Little Liars Drag Tribute Show Friday 7, Cheer Up Charlies

Uh-oh: A is texting me to say that this Iggy Bank-hosted drag show features performances by Celestica Mythica, Damiana Divine, Cassie Opeia, Mars Morningstar, Riot Molotov, and Hot Lunch & Kino Kino. Plus, DJ Xoy! 9pm.

“Sapphic Summer” Opening Reception Friday 7, Bolm Arts

Curated by Sydney Dettmar, this group exhibition features art inspired by ancient Greek poet Sappho of Lesbos. Opening night includes a songwriter’s showcase, vendor booths, and works from over 20 artists. 7pm.

Chaotic Singles Sapphic Party Friday 7, Holiday

Are you chaotic? Are you single? Well, if you’re those two things and sapphic, there’ll be few better places to find a new flame than this wild party held in partnership with Local Queer ATX. 8pm.

Smokey’s Screenings Presents The Witches Friday 7, Triple Six Social

The “comedy countess” Smokey Zbornak holds court for this spellbinding screening of a Nineties kids’ horror flick starring Anjelica Huston and several puppet mice. 7:30pm.

Hairpins Saturday 8, the Violet Crown

Hold back your bangs among new and old friends – or maybe your next romance – at this lesbian- and queer-centric party held by traveling organizers Hairpins. 8pm.

Legend of the Realms Saturday 8, Sky Candy

Enter the yellow realm of Ar’Kadia for the newest edition of Gothess Jasmine’s fantasy competition series, where Austin’s BIPOC talent explores the outer limits of the Godlands. 

Smile for Me: A Smiling Friends Drag Show Saturday 8, Cheer Up Charlies

No need to frown when your friends Charlie and Pim are around, as Pixel Vixens Productions and Violet Aziza present this show themed to Adult Swim’s biggest grinning series. Open Carrie and Marylin Moonlight host. 9pm.

Woke Cowboy Saturday 8, ColdTowne

Wake up your funny bone at this diverse stand-up showcase, this month celebrating Austin’s Pride Month with a local LGBTQ lineup. 8pm.

Genesis Drag Brunch Saturday 8, Wanderlust Wine Co.

Hosts Eileen Dover and Nazareth offer Saturday salvation via their drag brunch featuring special guest performances and spins by DJ Arlini. 1pm.

Austin Pride Drag Brunch Saturday 8, Holiday

Kick off this gay ol’ month with host Aria Rey and cast members Amber Nicole Davenport, Serena Blake, and Justice. 11am.

Super Awesome Kickass Shorts Program Saturday 8, AFS Cinema

Part of the larger Sound Unseen music and film festival running through this week, this showcase offers not one but TWO queer Texan specific shorts: Mama Duke’s music video “Feels So Good to Be You” and doc “Meat Joy: America’s Entertainment Nightmare,” featuring a post-screening Q&A with the director Lauren Yap. 4pm.

Heatwave: Drag Brunch & Pool Party Saturday 8, East Austin Hotel

Melt away with poolside drag performances and Poeta-served refreshments with host Malibu Imported. Noon. 

Queer of Color Saturday 8, Zilker Park

Join fellow LGBTQ Austinites of color for an evening party featuring a DJ set by Jaz EJ. BYODS, aka bring your own drinks and snacks. 7pm.

Inherently Gay Season 2 Launch Party Sunday 9, DAWA Studios

Justin Dallas’ podcast returns for its sophomore season, so celebrate with music by Spectre Moon, drag by Harlot, and plenty of vendors and raffle prizes. 4pm.

Somos Sapphics Sunday 9, the Flower Shop

Make new and old friends at this happy hour hosted by Somos Sapphics. 6:30pm.

TGQ Social & Campfire Queer Storytime Sunday 9, the Butterfly Bar

Meet up with other trans and genderqueer Austinites at TGQ Social (5:30pm) before settling in for storytelling, readings, and music presented by queers of all ages at Campfire Queer Storytime (7pm). 

House of the Drag-On Sunday 9, Oilcan’s

Titty Androgynous hosts this drag show centered on the drama of Westeros with Game of Thrones trivia and a House of the Dragon season finale viewing. 8:30pm.

AGMC In-Person Auditions Monday 10, St. John’s UMC

All members of the LGBTQIA+ community – and even allies – are welcome to try out for a spot among Austin’s Gay Men’s Chorus. Check atxgmc.org/auditions for specific audition details or, if you can’t make the in-person date, instructions on submitting a virtual audition. 6pm.

Hello Darlings Monday 10, the Iron Bear

This month’s theme for Hilda Dixon’s theatrical drag show is “Hot Mic.” Come ready to take the stage for live musical moments – no lip syncing allowed. 9:30pm.

Queer Two-Step Night Monday 10, Sagebrush

Joining this week’s Neon Rainbows’ two-step sensation is a live performance by Blake Whitmire. 7pm.

Poppyseeds Tuesday 11, Elysium

Not sure where to party post-Poppy concert? Join hosts Fairy Petite and Embry Officially for this unofficial drag show that’s got every era of the pop star represented by local drag talent. 9:30pm.

Transtyle: Self Styling 101  Wednesday 12, Scissor Sisters

Looking for guidance on how to style your gorgeous transgender mane? Hair stylists Kristal Shannon, Colby Lyssa Lectro-Hologram, and Ezra educate while DJ Chique Fil-Atio spins and Shaken Not Stirred Bartending serves. 7pm.

Shock Therapy Does Daria Thursday 13, Elysium

It’s a sick, sad world where you don’t check out the performances of cast members Munster Mash, Jenna Talia, MK Ultra, Bubu, Sticky Gold, Ethel Institution, and Tangelo. Special guests Frankimarz and Peg Bunny swing by, Slim Bishop does flash tats, and BB Crux takes over the DJ booth. 9:30pm.

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