Qmmunity: Autumn on My Mind

Happy October! Would that we could finally move into sweater weather instead of this “false fall” we’ve been dealt, but I am still burning my cinnamon-y candles in defiance. Even when the temp says 93 degrees, it can still be a cozy autumn in my apartment.

I’ve been working on a personal art project for the majority of my free time, one that I’ll talk more about later this month. While a more sophisticated creator might throw on movies they’ve been meaning to catch as they work, I have instead elected to rewatch all of Twin Peaks. Wow! A real fall activity for the indoor queer, although the weather in this televised Pacific Northwest tends to either be a raging storm or beautiful sunny days. This time around, I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate James Hurley – dumb, sweet boy that he is – and I continue to be out on the Annie storyline. Sorry, dude! They introduce her as a love interest three episodes before the end: There’s no time for real romance to develop. Lynch should have just let Truman and Cooper kiss, but alas. We cannot change the past.

(I just started on The Return, though, so no spoilers! I will report back my thoughts when appropriate. You are also free to ask me about Twin Peaks if you see me in public, as that’s all I have been thinking about lately.)

How are you entering this fall season? A Gilmore Girls marathon? Practical Magic screening? Sipping a pumpkin spice latte from a local establishment and not Seattle-based scum? Even when the weather scorches our desire to wear sweatshirts – my personal desire – we have the ability to make it autumn in our hearts. When the first crisp leaf finally falls, we’ll be prepared.

OH ALSO: RuPaul’s Drag Race is casting once more, looking for all drag artists who have “the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent it takes to become America’s Next Drag Superstar” in season 18. Austin’s best and brightest have until Dec. 6 to submit their apps to www.worldofwonder.com/casting. Hope to see y’all on my TV set!

Queer Trivia: Shrek

Thursday 3, Wanderlust Wine Shady

Enter the land of Far, Far Away for “6 rounds of *ogre-the-top* trivia” hosted by Aira Juliet and the Little Gay Shop. Q Austin pops up to help register you to vote, give ya a nice condom, and offer free sexual health testing.

The Jigglewatts Burlesque Revue

Saturday 5, the Ballroom

Special this month, the burlesque magic made by the Jigglewatts will be serenaded by live music! Mr. Lewis & the Funeral 5 perform for two Saturday shows, bringing rock & roll to this spooky yet sexy show.

The Pink Pony Rodeo

Saturday 5, Cheer Up Charlies

While her attendance remains a hot speculative topic, Neon Rainbows’ official pre-party for Chappell Roan’s ACL performance is sure to be a real ho-down. There’ll be tunes from all across the country and pop spectrum, from Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, the Chicks, and many more, spun by DJs Boi Orbison and Kirbbae (DFW).

Brewskies & Baddies: Chappell vs. Charli

Saturday 5, the ABGB

Host Tara Cotta returns with her B&B crew to pit this summer’s biggest girlies against each other: Chappell Roan versus Charli XCX.

Banned Bodies: A Halloween Ball

Saturday 5, Hotel Vegas

House of Trans leader the Trans Era alongside co-host Jenna Talia bring a special scary-season edition of their trans-centric show featuring local trans music and drag. Bring tip money and all your righteous rage: Both will be exorcised before the night’s over.

Dragula Viewing Party & Open Mic

Tuesday 8, Cheer Up Charlies

Hosted by Gothess Jasmine, this watch party is more than just a celebration of the bizarre Boulet Brothers competition show. There’ll also be an open mic for “all who want to join that embody drag, filth, glamour and horror,” as Gothess posts on Insta. Entry is a $10 suggestion donation, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.

Tunnel Vision

Thursday 10, Elysium

Here’s one computer virus you gotta catch: Solovino hosts their hand-picked lineup of “the scariest weirdest sexiest entertainers to come and lead you down this rabbit hole.” But make sure you bring a little coin, as there’ll be a vendor market as well.