Qmmunity

Walking toward zero (Photo provided by AIDS Services of Austin)

I missed intersex awareness day – and I'm so sorry! The annual day of awareness falls on Oct. 26, because – on that day in 1996 – intersex activists protested nonconsensual intersex surgeries at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference, according to interACT, an advocate group for intersex youth. Numerous sources call the demonstration the first mass public outcry from the community. It's a young movement, but one we should all know more about. I realized at an event this week that intersex issues are too often underdiscussed and some people don't know what intersex means, so: interACT defines the I in LGBTQIA as an "umbrella term" referring to folks who have "one or more of a range of variations in sex characteristics that fall outside of traditional conceptions of male or female bodies." (Just one reason why Trump's "let's rely on biology to define gender" falls apart.) Of course, doctors often believe it's their job to "fix" intersex kids – usually via nonconsensual surgeries or "intersex genital mutilation," according to a post on GLAAD. Not cute. So what can the rest of us do? For starters, we can talk about it, we can talk to others about it, we can read more about the intersex community, and we can make sure we're including intersex folks in the conversation. See www.4intersex.org for ways to educate yourself, your circle, doctors, and legislators.

2 To Do

Mr. Austin Gear 2018 Turn up the heat this weekend. Our Austin Gears hosts their annual contest to determine this year's Top Gear. Expect a little rubber, lotsa leather, pup lewks, sports, uniforms, and gear (obvi). The party starts Friday to meet the contestants: PupZutty, Douglas, Swatch, Sweet Gwendolyn, and Shawn Steel. The contest happens Saturday at 8pm, followed by a victory beer bust Sunday afternoon. Get naughty. Fri.-Sun., Nov. 2-4. The Iron Bear, 121 W. Eighth.

AIDS Walk 2018 Returning for its 31st year, walkers and supporters are stepping toward zero – that's zero new HIV transmissions by 2030. The merriment starts at 9am and walkers take off at 11, led by Soul Raider Marching Band. You can register day-of or online now. Want to support, but not looking to hoof it 'round Downtown? The event continues while people are walking. The drink garden – flowing with Montucky Cold Snacks and Tito's – will continue to serve, the DJ will continue to play, and the farmers' market will remain in full swing. Donations, however, will be happily accepted, cuz each $1 goes to snuffing out HIV. Sat., Nov. 3, 9am-1pm. Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe. www.aidswalkaustin.org.

Q'd Up

Trans Thursdays UT's trans, nonbinary, two spirit, and fluid students are invited to grow community. Thursdays, noon-1pm. GSC, 2201 Speedway, UT campus. www.utgsc.org.

Melanin Book Club Austin Black Pride's monthly book club returns. Thu., Nov. 1, 7:30-9pm. ACC Highland, 6101 Airport. Free. www.austinblackpride.org.

UnBEARable: Halloween Hangovers Join Bulimianne and Chique for an October send-off. Thu., Nov. 1, 10:30pm. The Iron Bear, 121 W. Eighth.

Women of Drummer Gathering Austin Girls of Leather unite with this traveling circuit party to celebrate queer women of leather. Sched online. Fri.-Sun., Nov. 2-4. $23. www.womenofdrummer.com.

Día de los Muertos Celebration Austin's QPOC communities are invited to build a community altar to honor the holiday. Fri., Nov. 2, 6:30-8:30pm. allgo, 701 Tillery Ste. A-1. www.allgo.org.

Saturday Social With L & B Summon the squad, gather your grrrls, and getcher groove on. First Saturdays, 9pm. Sellers Underground, 213 W. Fourth. Free.

Out Youth’s Glitz Gala Glam it up, bbs. This night of glitter supports queer youth. Sat., Nov. 3, 7-11pm. Fair Market, 1100 E. Fifth. $100. www.outyouth.org.

Blue Dress Run Put yer blue dress on and run, walk, or dance to support sexual health awareness. Kind Clinic, Rain on 4th, and Out Youth will be there too! Sun., Nov. 4, 2-6pm. Lady Bird Lake, MoPac N. entrance. $5.

EQTX With New Waterloo Gather yer crew for a fancy Monday dinner – 10% goes to EQTX. Mon., Nov. 5, 5-10pm. Sway, 1417 S. First; 11501 Rock Rose Ave. #100.

HRC Phone bank 'Twas the night before Election Day and HRCATX volunteers are calling the masses to mobilize the queer vote. Mon., Nov. 5, 5:30-8pm. Mercury Mambo, 1107 S. Eighth. www.hrcaustin.org.

Queer Film Theory 101 Three queers discuss str8 movies with queer impressions. Wed., Nov. 7, 8-10pm. Barrel O' Fun, 1911 Aldrich Ste. 120-B. Free.

Drag Bingo Zane Zena is yer hostess with the mostest. Wednesdays, 10pm-12mid. Halcyon, 218 W. Fourth.

SAGE Table 2018 An annual dinner party and story sharing to unite multiple generations of queers. Thu., Nov. 8, 6pm. Travis County Community Center, 8656 Hwy. 71 W. www.sagetable.org.