Qmmunity: Seeing Clearly on Trans Day of Visibility

The two prominent transgender holidays being about visibility and remembrance respectively suits public perception of the community: Either we’re being over-monitored by society or mourned after that monitoring turned violent. Trans people deserve a more robust celebration for our incredibly complex and captivating community – one that acknowledges the struggle alongside the sweetness. Fitting that two of Austin’s most prominent trans collectives – Haus of Trans and Black Trans Leadership of Austin – are leading the charge on a more joyous vision for TDOV.

Hosted this Sunday at Museum of Human Achievement, BTLA and HoT’s Trans Day of Visibility celebration features drag, conversation, and magic – all of which originates within the local trans community. Thanks to generous support from grants, sponsors, and community donations covering production costs, ticket sales will support Haus of Trans’ gender-affirming care fund as well as the work BTLA continues to do uplifting QTBIPOC individuals. I chatted with the event’s co-producers, who answered in the collective: drag mother the Trans Era (she/her) and BTLA co-founders Lais Milburn (she/her) and Tabitha Hamilton (they/them).

For the three organizers, the very subject of trans visibility is a thorny consideration. “On the one hand it can be empowering to be seen,” the three say, “and on the other hand, it can leave us vulnerable and susceptible to scrutiny, to danger, to expectations we never agreed to.” Offers of visibility also don’t equate to true transgender liberation, as observed by heightened awareness by many Republican lawmakers using trans issues as cudgel for outdated gender norms. “True liberation goes beyond being seen,” says Era, Hamilton, and Milburn, “it is about being valued, protected, and free to exist without justification.”

Among the event’s offerings is BTLA’s launch of a new QTBIPOC cultural archive called Fruit Preserves. This debut comes with a panel from local queer Austinites of color – Gothess Jasmine, Sir Beau Elliot, Rya West, and Sam Huisache – who’ll discuss the importance of “preserving” the work of queer BIPOC creators. There will also be drag from a variety of trans performers, cast by the Haus of Trans over a family dinner. “Drag performers have historically been on the front lines fighting for true liberation for our communities,” say the co-producers. “The lineup from this event is no different. Our drag show will feature trans drag artists who use their platform and their artistry to elevate trans stories.”

“Our event will be an opportunity to uplift and honor Austin’s diverse trans community,” Era, Hamilton, and Milburn conclude. “We want to remind you that Trans Day of Visibility is a celebration, because joy itself is an act of resistance.”

Texass

Thursday 27, ColdTowne Theater

Get in your gay guffaws at this Sarah Spear-hosted queer comedy night. Featuring Skylar King, Holden, Wasley, Curtis McOsker, Ivy Le, and Chris Bryant.

Glamp Glamp: Hearts & Farts

Thursday 27, Lynny’s

Delayed due to bad weather in February, this queer experimental open-mic performance night returns. Sets are limited to six minutes or less; go over and they’ll push you off with a giant tampon – literally!

Munster’s Playhouse

Friday 28, Elysium

Shock Therapy celebrates host Munster Mash’s birthday with a Pee-wee Herman party featuring performances from the ST cast (Mash, Ethel Institution, Jenna Talia, Sticky Gold, and MK Ultra) alongside special guests Buck Wylde, Cosmo, Flex Brojas, Traumada, Kitty Von Quim, and Peg Bunny.

Gaga Night: Government Hooker

Friday 28, Cheer Up Charlies

Brigitte Bandit teams up with Turito to celebrate Mother Monster’s 39th b-day by doing a one-woman drag journey through Gaga’s many eras.

The Changing Scene

Saturday 29, Kind Clinic Koenig

Presented by Boop Society of Central Texas and run by Pup Rae, this discussion digs into gender nonconformity in the evolution of pet play – with a pre-chat mosh for paws-on fun.

The Tea Girls

Saturday 29, Halcyon on Fourth

They’re spilling all the tea, but there’s nothing shady about the talent at BabiBoi and Angel Doll’s new monthly party. In addition to taking their turns behind the DJ booth, Wewé drops in for a set and Lavender Thug and Janae Fawn perform.

Cocktails & Coloring

Saturday 29, the Austin Eagle

Age players are invited by ATX Age Play Social to get in y’all’s little gear and enjoy an inclusive fun time among fellow players – including coloring, crafts, toys, and a raffle.

Art Build for Trans Day of Visibility

Saturday 29, Double Trouble

The Austin chapter of Party of Socialism & Liberation sets up at Dub Trub to make signs, posters, and banners for Monday’s TDOV march. It’s like arts & crafts but for liberation. Masks required.

Queens of Clay

Saturday 29, Feats of Clay

Help raise funds for ceramic sweethearts Pottery Prom and help yourself to have a good time by catching Sticky Gold, Noodles, Tatiana Cholula, and Mandy Quinn at this drag spectacular.

Chudai

Saturday 29, Coconut Club

From music maker Turito (stream in my head now!) and drag icon Honey Baby comes a party “for the nasty girls.” Are you nasty? Then you better be at Coco’s!

Drag Me to the Tavern

Saturday 29, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

Travel to the Rift with your guides, the Sirs Travis Randy Travis and Beau Elliot, as well as special guest performers.

Cowboy Carter and the Two-Woman Drag Show

Saturday 29, Cheer Up Charlies

Wrangle yourself over to Chups to celebrate one full year of country-fied Beyoncé as Diamond Dior Davenport and Lucy Lonestar salute Queen Bey by performing the entire Cowboy Carter tracklist.

Sinister Cabaret Presents Erotic Chaos

Saturday 29, Package Austin

Miss Good brings their sauciest sirens to this burlesque showcase featuring Neon Frk, Diamond Dior Davenport, and DJ Chique Fil-Atio. BYOB, girly, cuz there’s no bar service here.

Sunday Masc

Sunday 30, Cheer Up Charlies

This drag-king centric showcase goes honk-mode with an “extra special silly show” hosted by special guest Xio Nova. Featuring drag by Bat Widow, Logan Liqueur, Kian Kismet, and Dantes Shottgunz.

Bodhi’s Brunch Babes

Sunday 30, Bodhi’s Hideaway

South Austin gets a shock to the system with this drag brunch hosted by Basura. Featuring rotating cast performers Pam Dulce, Yvonna F. Mei, Iggy Bank, and the Trans Era. No cover but plenty of great drinks and eats.

Tha’ Spot

Sunday 30, Rain on 4th

Diamond Dior Davenport hosts this celebration of hip-hop and R&B every week, supported by DJ Montez spinning beats all night.

Austin’s Queer Coven Book Club

Monday 31, Tweedy’s Bar

Discuss Queering Your Craft by Cassandra Snow with fellow witchy friends.

Trans Day of Visibility Celebration & Skill Share

Monday 31, Cheer Up Charlies

Organized by drag artist and DJ Xoy, this party features cock-and-mocktails, DJ sets, and a free self defense teach-in from local instructors Mars and Lu. Landon Richie of TENT drops in for intro/o

All Out for Trans Day of Visibility

Monday 31, Texas Capitol

Hope you joined that PSL crafting session, because they’re marching this Monday to “declare Trans people belong in Texas!” Bring your signs, comfortable footwear, and your best protest chants.

TDOV Visibility Rally

Monday 31, Capitol South Steps

Organized by local activist Melody Tremallo, this rally celebrates trans lives and advocates for trans rights. Pretty important biz!

Unapologetically Seen: Trans Voices in the Spotlight

Monday 31, Once Over Coffee

Join Local Queer ATX for a trans open mic where transgender and gender expansive folks can “share their journeys, dreams, and creativity through poetry, music, comedy, or storytelling.” Sign up via the link in their Insta bio; tickets are $10 for LGB and $5 for T.

Trans Day of Visibility Collage Making

Monday 31, Rebel Cheese Bistro

Purveyors of vegan cheeses, meats, and other non-animal-product charcuterie Rebel Cheese offer a fun collage-making happy hour to celebrate TDOV. Funds raised at the event go toward local queer art org Gender Unbound.

Trans Rights Readathon

Monday 31, wherever you are

Take on the challenge with local LGBTQ lit squad the Little Gay Shop to “read and uplift books written by and/or featuring trans, nonbinary, 2Spirit, and gender-nonconforming authors and characters.” Might I suggest local poet KB Brookins’ recent memoir as a starting point?

Queer Bomb Open Meeting

Tuesday 1, Virtual

Join up with other volunteers and organizers to discuss this year’s radical Pride event over Zoom. Topics include venue, permitting/procession, and general updates.

Queer Craft Night

Tuesday 1, Lark & Owl Booksellers

Georgetown Pride invites all crafty queers to come bring their knitting, painting, embroidery or otherwise to work on among LGBTQ friends.

Witchy Wednesday Social

Wednesday 2, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

Austin’s Queer Coven invites the mystical among us to join ’em at this casual catch-up session at the Tavern. Tarot cards WILL be on deck.

The Trans Era’s Birthday of Reckoning

Thursday 3, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

Celebrate her glorious birth at the Trans Era’s drag-tacular featuring performances by Sir Beau Elliot, Damiana Divine, Jenna Talia, and Venus Rising.