Qmmunity: A Slam Dunk Women’s Sports Bar

Last year, the door opened on a much-needed space in Austin’s sporty scene: Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis’ 1972 Pub. But the road to where they are now – hosting weekly watch parties for women’s sports like Friday’s Women’s PGA championship at 5pm or next Wednesday’s 8pm AUSL Texas Volts softball game – started several years before they turned on the behind-the-bar screens at their current 2530 Guad locale. 

“Marlene and I had discussed opening a lesbian bar for a few years,” recalls Hallum via email, “but knew the challenges most of them faced.” However, after reading an article about Portland’s Sports Bra and how the owner, Jenny Nguyen, faced many of the same struggles she and du Plessis dealt with, the partners in romance and business decided to tour other women’s sports bars opening across the country. “We met with the owners and asked questions, learned what they had experienced,” Hallum says. Then, in 2024, “we decided to take a chance on creating a space in Austin.”

That space, to Hallum, represents more than a spot to catch the latest WNBA game. While there’s no shortage of bars that center men’s sports, creating a place that “celebrates and supports women and gender expansive communities is important,” she says. 

“An inclusive environment for all is so important right now in our current political climate,” Hallum continues. “As a woman, I feel things are going backwards so we need to push back and keep moving women and women’s rights forward. As a gay woman, lesbian, sapphic female, I feel the same about our rights so we need to also push and pour our efforts into pushing for LGBTQ+ rights.”

During their first year of operation, Hallum says she’s been surprised both by the communities’ support and the backlash. On one hand, she’s found that not everyone’s into a place that celebrates all women – including LGBTQ+ athletes. “We opened the space from our hearts to give people in Austin another queer space, a women’s space, and a safe place for LGBTQ+ family,” she explains. “You don’t have women’s sports without LGBTQ+ players and fans.” Yet the pub’s also gotten support from many men. “During this current climate, we need all allies and it is amazing to see how many men support what we are doing,” Hallum says. “Even if they do not come, they help us on the business side and believe the space is necessary.”

In a May Instagram post, Hallum and du Plessis revealed that as part of the Austin Transit Partnership light rail project, the building they’re housed in had been acquired through eminent domain. While they’re still in their current digs, the search has started for a new location with major financial strain affecting the transition. “We knew it could happen, however, everyone who helped and worked on our team for this project were confident we would get more time,” Hallum relates. “Keeping our employees is important, however, we know if we are closed very long for a move it will impact keeping wonderful staff our customers love.”

Whether coming out for the high-turnout UT-Austin games, local icons League One Volleyball, or what Hallum considers the hidden gem bouts of women’s rugby and hockey, the community’s presence in the recently Best of Austin-winning pub is crucial for its continued success. They’ll even take the non-sport fans: “If you don’t like sports,” Hallum says, “then just come and be gay.” What matters most is that Austin gets down with 1972’s love for women across the spectrum – trans women, women of color, and women of any age or religion. 

“Every time a woman tells us thank you for opening this space it makes us hopeful,” Hallum says. “Every time a woman tells us they never thought they would see a space like this in their lifetime, it affirms having a space like 1972.”

Sailor Moon Birthday Celebration Thursday 25, the Highball

It’s Usagi’s birthday, which means local Austin magical girls Louisianna Purchase and Mars Morningstar have invited Dragula: Titans season 2’s Blackberri for a big ol’ party. Expect drag, a costume contest, and trivia with plenty of Sailor Moon prizes. 7pm.

Red Light Lit Austin: Pride! Legs, Letters, Liberation Thursday 25, 29th Street Ballroom

Celebrate Austin’s sensual and silly LGBTQ community at this evening showcase featuring poetry, burlesque, comedy, and live painting. 7pm.

Queer Film Theory: Transformations Friday 26, the Highball

Butterflies take flight at this week’s queer media presentation night featuring “professors” talking about the gay pop culture that influenced them. 7:30pm.

Mochi Mochi Presents City Pop Friday 26, the Highball

Find your “Plastic Love” at this tribute to all things city pop with hosts Louisianna Purchase, Leia Sakura, and Tatiana Cholula joined by special guests Salem Purchase and Calor. 9:30pm.

And They Were Roommates: Pride on 4th Friday 26, Rain on 4th

A special June edition of this lesbian and trans drag show has hosts Tiny Taurus and Miss Steelya Girl joined by Bobby Pudrido, Aqua Marie Pardi, Larry Stylinson, and Lilith Azazel. 10:30pm.

Body Mechanics: Summer Swirl Friday 26, 4211 Todd Lane

Heat up your Texas summer even further with this “Stacked Cast of Hotties” featuring not only sets by 44ngel, Dew Drop, Dykechow (Detroit), and a closer by Purple Matter and Mrs. Javii but also a mega performance mix hosted by Robbie Lepore. 10pm.

Anybody But Tony Friday 26, Barrett’s Too

Laugh it up with Pride at this comedy showcase featuring Amy Beth, Peter Angelo, Alexandra Sleeping, Sean Ford, and Kat Ellison Williams. Calor brings drag, and Holden & Everett host. 8pm.

Gals & Goblins D&D Live Show Friday 26, Brushy Street Commons

Enjoyers of homebrew tabletop gameplay can enjoy a refreshing sip of silly, nerdy fun with the original cast of the Gals & Goblins podcast. 5pm.

Strokin’ It: The Strokes Tribute Drag Show & Dance Party Friday 26, Cheer Up Charlies

If your Room on Fire, come cool off at this Strokes tribute show featuring drag performers giving each album its due under the watchful eyes of hosts Karabiner and Jack the Stripper. DJ Anarch Kye spins. 9pm.

Love All Ways Friday 26, the Cathedral

Send off Pride at the opening of artist Bode Robinson’s new solo exhibition, a showcase of work that “asks what it would mean to redirect the fight inward, not as aggression, but as reckoning. To drop the gloves. To love yourself first.” 7pm.

Fat Bottom Cabaret presents Love. Joy. Defiance. Saturday 27, State Theatre

The recent Best of Austin® winners close out Pride with an all-star celebration of queer creativity and resilience. Featuring the Fat Bottom Cabaret cast, Lady Lola LeStrange, Chola Magnolia (SATX), Azúcar, Kitty McSparkles, and Salem (SATX). Nikki DaVaughn emcees. 8pm.

Taylor Pride Saturday 27, Heritage Park

This may be a small town, but they’re throwing a BIG Pride celebration with drag, dance, over 45 vendors, community speakers, and live music including cellist Caleb Lundy, Secret Siren, Wild Heaven, and Venus Loves Mars. Plus much more. 4pm.

Drag Me to the Tavern Saturday 27, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

Get ready for a kingly showcase at this week’s fantasy drag show featuring the talents of Alexander the Great, Faux Q, returning royal Sir TRT, and host Sir Beau Elliot. 9:30pm.

Coffee and Chat Saturday 27, LazyDaze

Join Trans Guys Gather ATX for a lowkey social at this South Austin THC coffeehouse. 1pm.

Strange Hearts Saturday 27, Stage Austin

Find yourself among “queerotic” performers for this burlesque show featuring Hibiscus Bloom, Villanelle, Sodi Moore, Devin Alfather, MK Ultra, Lilith Allure, Irene Straddler, Disco Lemonade, and Lilith Azazel. 8pm.

Embodied: Celebrating 55 Years of ATX Pride Saturday 27, KMFA 89.5

Celebrate this 55th anniversary of Austin’s first Pride march with this multicultural and artistic production featuring dance, visual arts, and a short film screening, as well as the city of Austin’s official recognition of the Pride Arts & Heritage Week. 6pm.

Gay Day Saturday 27, The Violet Crown Wine & Coffee

Have what we in the biz call a real queer one with wine and coffee spot Violet Crown hosting delicious fun all day. First, Regular Ol’ Bread slings plant-based sammies until 3pm, then enjoy late-afternoon happy hour with frosé and LGBTQIA wine-maker sips, and Maryblu karaoke in the evening. 11am.

Pride Book Fair Saturday 27, the Hilton – College Station

Read ’em and cheer, queers, at this book fair hosted by nonprofit LGBTQIA+ community library Carabiner Collections with author talks, vendors, and performances by Alexander the Great, Zestial Celestial, Dulce Gabanna, and Infinity Lavey Adonis. 11am.

Ariana Grande Pop-Up Saturday 27, Rain on 4th

Before the ponytail goes up, party with hosts Cassie Opeia and Cedrena Fierce at this pre-game show for the Eternal Sunshine tour. 5pm.

Electric Dyke Carnival Saturday 27, Highland Lounge

As they say, “Lesbians, it’s time to flood the basement!” Organized by sapphic supergroups Futch Fetish, TribRelations, Austin Dyke March, and Lezzz B. Honest, this WLW takeover of Highland’s basement calls for all sapphic kinksters to enjoy spins by DJ Babi Doll, masc go-go dancers, and much more. 8pm.

New Texas Pro: Pride & Joy 2 Sunday 28, Holey Moley

Returning for another ringside rumble is New Texas Pro’s Pride Month promotion with several title matches on the ticket. Whether your preference is ladies going head to head for the championship belt or men mounting other men in a 3v3 match, this Sunday’s got ya covered. 3:30pm.

Package Queer Market Sunday 28, Package Austin

Shop queer vendors in the cool-er evening time at this South First staple. 5pm.

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar Sunday 28, Cheer Up Charlies

Catch another Soft Focus film club screening at Chups, this time following up with their postponed closer of the “Camp as Mainstream Infiltration” series. I trust you’re at least familiar with Patrick Swayze’s wig work. 5:30pm.

Pride Block Party On the Drag Sunday 28, Hole in the Wall, 1972 Pub, and Moxy

Cruise in queer style down Guad row with fun at three of yer faves: HITW offers spins by Queer Vinyl Co’s DJ Dana Scully and live music by Prom Threat; 1972 doles out Pride cookies and their special lesbian lemonade & ‘72 purple margs; and Moxy spreads out tarot readings, vendors, and a $5 cocktail. 

Pulse: The Drag Brunch Sunday 28, Lefty’s

Join Extragrams for this Pilates and drag combo platter brunch featuring a class led by Arnold Aruelas, spins by Saint Straus, a vendor market, and – duh – drag. 10am.

Pride Party Drag Brunch Sunday 28, Ezov

Have a gay little time with two performances from two hosts: Nadine Hughes (11:30am) and Ritzy Bitz (1:30pm). Proceeds benefit local culture orgs Austin Rainbow Theatre and Austin Opera, so order up an avocado toast and enjoy ya self. 

Vixens of Volstead: Pride on the Patio Sunday 28, Hotel Vegas and Volstead patio

Your Vixens Mars, May Magdalene, and Veronica Valentine bring their sixth annual Pride brunch back with special guests Tequila Rose and Yvonne D’Amour. Plus, DJ Killgxrl. 1pm.

Queer History Monday 29, RSVP for location

Closing out Local Queer’s monthlong lecture/discussion series is this historical chat about where the modern LGBTQ+ movement came from. Entry’s a $10 suggested donation. 6:30pm.

Chocolate Babies Monday 29, Hyperreal Film Club

Catch this radical 1996 comedy/drama from Stephen Winters about HIV-positive activists of color who kidnap conservative politicians in protest of their response to the AIDS epidemic. 7:30pm.

Queer Cinema for Palestine Monday 29, the Vortex

Co-organized by Watermelon Film Club and Dykeumentary, this local presentation of the global No Pride in Genocide event offers short films from queer Palestinian and allied artists. Plus speakers from the community. 6pm.

Queer Two-Step  Monday 29, Sagebrush

Get your boots shined for this night of social dancing, lessons, and community building courtesy of Neon Rainbows. 7pm.

PowerPoint Nite: Hear Me Out: My Gay Awakening Tuesday 30, Hyperreal Film Club

Though sign-ups to perform have already closed, you’re welcome to come see folks present on the media figures fictional, furry, and fruity who inspired their queer coming-of-age. 7pm.

Khemo Valentino’s Celebration of Queer Life Tuesday 30, Oilcan Harry’s

In honor of the late, great Khemo Valentino, loved ones gather to celebrate her life with a social hour, drag performances, video tributes, and raising funds to help Valentino’s family. Brigitte Bandit and World famous *BOB* host. 6pm.

Bizarre Bazaar: Pride Tuesday 30, Kick Butt Coffee

Get weird and queer with this open-stage showcase featuring poetry, drag, music, and a vendor market – all hosted by Gnarly Manx and birthday babe Bethany the Bard. 7pm.

B Is for Bitch: A Spelling Bee Wednesday 1, Yellow Jacket Social Club

Can you spell g-a-y? Then join hosts Munster Mash and Frankimarz for this spelling bee featuring half-off wine bottles and spins by Munster’s alter-ego DJ Happy Meal. 9pm.

In the Calendar I Scream Social Friday 26, Alienated Majesty Books

How many queer poets does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Who knows, but we’ll listen to as many as we have time for. This monthly feminist reading series from Host Publications celebrates Pride Month, and of course, ice cream. The open mic night aims to empower historically marginalized writers with diverse perspectives. Poets Jazz Bell, Jake Rose, and Saúl Hernández are on top of the lineup, but anyone is welcome to share at the open mic – just keep it queer. – Rina Laby

Pride Picnic Saturday 27, Pease Park

Pease Park Conservancy and Future Front Texas pull out all the stops for this picnic to close out Pride Month. A dizzying array of activities awaits from 10am to 2pm: a sing-along with the UUMC Queer Quire, a community weaving wall, coloring with Howdy Hotties, a book swap with the Little Gay Book Club, cyanotype printing with Luya Moreno, a clay workshop with Chance Ramirez, keychain-making with Mari Blanchard, and dozens of vendors and information booths to visit. Food trucks bring tacos, coffee, sno-cones, and Honduran Creole cuisine, and a raffle offers a chance to win prizes with values up to $225. Stop by to celebrate Pride in a big way! – Kat McNevins

Katherine Packert Burke Presents All Us Saints  Thursday 2, Alienated Majesty Books

Count on Alienated Majesty to launch the most interesting new literature from around the country, this time hosting Minneapolis-based author Katherine Packert Burke with a new two-act play wherein a family explores the fallout of a violent event 20 years earlier. After 17-year-old teen Roland St. Cloud fatally stabs his twin sister’s three best friends, tabloid frenzy descends, changing the family forever. Every year on the anniversary, the sister and various remaining relatives seal the house and reenact the crimes. Drawing from the legacies of films like Psycho and Silence of the Lambs, this macabre horror story/parlor room drama weaves in critique of the cisgender gaze and deconstructs the trope of the closeted trans killer. Burke is supported by local writers Sarah Matthes (also managing editor of Bat City Review) and Yvette DeChavez. – Lina Fisher

The post Qmmunity: A Slam Dunk Women’s Sports Bar appeared first on The Austin Chronicle.