Qmmunity: Parton This Interruption

With Dolly Parton’s b-day coming up this weekend – Sunday, to be exact – your trusty Qmmunity editor had a pretty “1+1=2” idea: Why not interview our own Dolly of ATX, Brigitte Bandit, as the big day approaches? But the fit was even better than I imagined when I first saw Parton’s birthday marked on my girly-pop-ass planner.

“Dolly was my second concert ever!” Brigitte informed me when I asked about her personal interest in the singer. “Cher was my first, and Dolly was my second, which is why I like to think I’m a drag queen today. The power of the divas turned me into a queen!”

What an origin story! But the love goes deeper still: Parton’s presence and support of the queer community has been outspoken for ages, but her kindness has taken on extra meaning during our country’s recent return to old-school bigotry. “Dolly understands wanting to express yourself and exist outside of others’ expectations,” Brigitte said. “I think Dolly, although not openly queer, can really understand the queer experience as a woman who challenged societal perspectives of how a woman should look and behave.” The famous Parton pop-off – “If I hadn’t been a woman, I would have been a drag queen” – puts her squarely in support of a part of the queer community currently under attack, although Brigitte added that being a woman and a drag queen aren’t mutually exclusive.

That support is crucial, Brigitte said, especially as Parton’s home state Tennessee sits at the center of a huge Supreme Court case thanks to a regressive ban on trans minors seeking gender affirming care. “At a time where we see others shying away from openly supporting queer people,” Brigitte added. “Dolly remains committed to her values and her voice continues to be a prime example of how to properly stand with the queer community.”

Brigitte takes her Dolly of ATX title as a guiding philosophy: What Would Dolly Do, or WWDD. “I try to navigate conflicts and questions with the same kind of grace, humor, and poise that Dolly carries,” she explained. “She is able to respond to those who judge her in a way that demonstrates who she truly and undeniably is, not only in what she says but how she treats others. Dolly is kind to everyone, even those who may misunderstand her, but still stands up for herself when she needs to.”

The need to engage that Parton spirit grows as we enter what’s sure to be a rough-and-tumble 2025. Consider the freshly sprouted 89th Texas Lege, where last week the Chron’s own Brant Bingamon reported several new and ugly anti-LGBTQ bills already filed. Those include bathroom bills, which would restrict your access to restrooms based on your genitals, another “Don’t Say Gay” knock-off, and multiple filings aimed at restricting your ability to change your gender on official documents.

Taking all that on is a real big bite, and it’s hard to know where your help fits in. Brigitte advises following Parton’s lead in getting involved with your community directly, pointing to the singer’s Imagination Library’s free book project. “I know we don’t all have the resources of Dolly Parton,” she said, “but there are so many ways to get involved and it’s so important, now more than ever, that we never lose hope and continue building a better future for all, even if things are bleak. We always have each other.”

Queer Trivia

Thursday 16, Wanderlust Wine Co.

Aira Juliet and the Little Gay Shop reach for the stars this week with a space-themed trivia night, where “we might even talk about zodiac signs because why not.”

Sunday Masc

Sunday 19, Cheer Up Charlies

Dearly beloved, we gather here to have a gay little time with all the hottest guys in town. Arby’s, aka Miche, hosts, DJ Xoy spins, and King Jason Taylor, Barry Mii Daddy, Wyatt Diamond, Casper Cain, and Dante perform.

Little Gay Book Club Mixer

Thursday 16, the Violet Crown Wine Bar and Coffee Shop

Swap books with your fellow literary fans in the LGBTQIA community while sipping either wine or Violet Crown’s delicious lavender lemonade.

Queer Mindful Vision Board Party

Friday 17, Birdhouse Books & Gifts

For a pay-what-you-can price, Birdhouse invites y’all to plan out your year alongside messy – or neat! I don’t know y’all’s life – queer peers, although they add that allies are also welcome. Friend of the store G’Nell leads a pre-craft meditation and journaling exercise, and champers or a sober sip are included in ticket price.

Dolly’s Birthday Draglesque

Friday 17, Cheer Up Charlies

Before but not a part of Neon Rainbows’ queer country night is a b-day party Parton would be proud of. Brigitte Bandit hosts, Lavender Thug DJs, and drag artists Bobby Barnaby, Kitty Buick, and Impulse Purchase perform.

Neon Rainbows’ Disco Cuntry Club

Friday 17, Cheer Up Charlies

Post-Parton party comes DJ Boi Orbison’s country queer roundup, this month featuring a disco spin and guest DJ Lavender Thug. Drag boot-scoots on in with performances from May Magdalene, Tequila Rose, Cheetah Daniels Kennedy, and Brigitte Bandit.

10th Annual Fet Tease

Saturday 18, Captain Quack’s

Frisky Business Burlesque celebrates their continued trailblazing in the Lone Star State with a showcase of performers “ready to dazzle you with acts that blur the line between playful and provocative.”

Lesbian Game Night

Sunday 19, Game Kastle

Every third Sunday beckons the board game gays among us to join this queer, nonbinary, genderfluid, and agender-welcoming meetup. There’ll be card games, miniatures, RPGs, and – yeah, yeah – freakin’ board games, baby.

Queer Flea Market

Sunday 19, the Little Gay Shop

You want secondhand? Try these sellers – vintage, flea, and reused vendors who’ve flocked to TLGS parking lot to hawk their wares. Treasures abound, as well as people in cute outfits you can copy later.

Bronco Brunch

Sunday 19, Radio/East

Country Fried Dance feeds your soul and stomach with this line dance lesson and breakfast taco matchup. Snag your tickets now to secure the $15 advance price, or show up day-of because you love paying more.

Sapphic Singles

Sunday 19, Cabana Club

You need friends? Lovers? Countrywomen? Lend me your ears then so I might inform you about this monthly meetup of sapphics. Hosted by Erin Camp and Areesha Singh, all queer women, sapphics, trans & nonbiney folks are welcome.

Maryblu’s Karaoke Night

Wednesday 22, Cheer Up Charlies

Musician Mary Blue Anne hosts this weekly chance to sing your ding-dang heart out. Tips go toward the artist’s upcoming EP.

Shimmy Shake Support

Thursday 23, Kick Butt Coffee

A chance to support your local Austin Academy of Burlesque AND see a selection of Bat City’s burly-q best performers? That includes Queertini Time, Ruby Joule, Coco Lectric, just to name a few. Yeah, that’s worth the ticket price – all of which goes to fund the Academy’s mission to invest and sponsor local burlesque!