Gay Place
LoveBalm: an event to soothe and celebrate Austin’s queer community
By Sarah Marloff, Fri., March 30, 2018
Balm: a healing ointment to soothe hurt skin. It's no wonder that Saturday's LoveBalm has been renamed to better reflect the purpose of this Queerbomb fundraiser. Former attendees will know the (nearly) annual LB usually shares the same explosive ending as the main event's name. But, in light of the terror and loss caused by the bombings, QB organizers decided to rename LoveBalm out of respect for the community. Organizers say Saturday's event is intended to be "balm for the soul" by providing four hours of "queer love and positivity." There's lots to look forward to – spanking booths, Mom Jeans (the band and the pants), Chulita Vinyl Club. Still, there's rumbling over whether QB has been on the up and up with their money usage. In an effort to put it to rest, the team has shared their financial documents with "Gay Place." Now, I'm no accountant, but from what I can tell, there's nothing shady there. Meanwhile, QB volunteer Brian Zabcik confirms: "Queerbomb 2018 is in great shape" and will happen June 2. "We have a large team of volunteers looking forward to providing a fun, positive event that connects queer people with community resources and celebrates our love and magic."
GAYDAR
HavenCon 4: A Cosmic Journey Texas' first and only queer, geek, and gaymer convention returns for its final year, and they're going out with a bang! Four days of epic nerdiness, cosplay, drag, and loads more. March 29-April 1. DoubleTree Hotel, 6505 N. I-35. $15-200. www.havencontx.com.
Rainbow Jam! An LGBTQIA and allies meetup complete with beer, comics, and a Q&A with Lilah Sturges. Thu., March 29, 7-10pm. Austin Books & Comics, 5002 N. Lamar. www.austinbooks.com.
Neon Rainbows Getcher country kicks with the Viatones, Brooke & Dawn, Harvest Thieves, and DJ GirlFriend spinning straight country, no chaser. Thu., March 29, 9pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River.
QueerTowne: Fem Night Close out Women's History Month with some queer women and nonbinary comics. Guaranteed to make you chortle. Thu., March 29, 10-11pm. ColdTowne Theater, 4803-B Airport. $5.
Q Town Hall: Is Your Preference Racist? A community conversation in the age of dating apps and swiping right. Fri., March 30, 7-9pm. The Q Austin, 2906 Medical Arts.
Second Annual Rebel Grrrl Burlesque It's back again – and trust me when I say this show is hot! Belladonna Darling curates and hosts a night of rebel grrrl-inspired burlesque and drag. Proceeds go toward ending sexual and domestic violence (via SAFE), so go. Fri., March 30, 8pm-1am. The North Door, 502 Brushy. $15-20.
BiLatinMen.com’s 16th Anniversary Extravaganza BT2's Latin Night edition. Fri., March 30, 10pm-2am. Bout Time II, 6607 N. I-35.
Final Friday Package Menswear host their monthly fetish night. Free clothing check. Last Fridays, 10pm. Highland Lounge, 404 Colorado. www.packagemenswear.com.
Glow Neon Night This party is gonna light up the night, so getcher glow on the dance floor. Fri., March 30, 10pm. The Iron Bear, 121 W. Eighth. Free.
Austin Lesbian Game Night For lesbians and queer women. Sat., March 31, 8pm. Emerald Tavern Games & Cafe, 9012 Research Ste. C-6.
LoveBalm Rocky Lane hosts a night of queer love and good vibes while raising cash for this year's QB. Chulita Vinyl Club, Fat Bottom Cabaret, spanking booths, photo booths, and massage chairs from Spavia Day Spa. Sat., March 31, 9pm-1am. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River. $5 suggested donation.
ToyBOX: Spring Fever Is it spring or is it pollen that's making you feverish? Papi and Chique are offering an ode to the season with all yer fave players and DJ MouthNOIZ. Sat., March 31, 9pm. Carousel Lounge, 1110 E. 52nd.
Easter at Rain #HandsOffMyEggs-travaganza. CupCake and Sabel Scities are taking you on one helluva Easter Egg hunt. Forget chocolate – these have $$$ inside. Sun., April 1, 3-8pm. Rain on 4th, 217 W. Fourth.
Matthew’s Easter Circus: The Finale This is not your mama's Easter soirée. With everyone from DJ Ulovei to drag stars Cupcake and Cheeki Kahnt, this annual party is bidding Austin adieu with one last hurrah. Sun., April 1, 3pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River.
Babtist Women Annual GospelFest Austin's all-dude comedy fundraising troupe returns to raise cash for the Kind Clinic. Sun., April 1, 7pm. Bout Time II, 6607 N. I-35. $5. www.babtistwomen.com.
Mini Makeup Class A safe and supportive class for trans and nonbinary folks to explore and experiment with the magical world of makeup. First Wednesdays, 7-9pm. Coco Coquette, 2109 E. Cesar Chavez. Free.
LGBTQ Substance Use and Mental Health Listening Session The LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission is hosting a health equity listening session. Thu., April 5, 6-7:30pm. Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina.
Bermuda Triangle Break out those cowboi hats for a night of twang with super trio Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes) and singer-songwriters Becca Mancari and Jesse Lafser. Thu., April 5, 7pm. Antone's Nightclub, 305 E. Fifth. $25.
UnBEARable: April (Golden) Showers Reach your laugh quota for the week with Chique Fil-Atio and Bulimianne Rhapsody as they tackle missed connections and the meaning of life. Thu., April 5, 10pm. The Iron Bear, 121 W. Eighth. Free.
The Gay Place loves you; keep those cards and letters comin’.
