Qmmunity: Taking Yourself on a Date

Despite being an artist, I do not do morning pages. This is because I am also a professional writer, which means my sleep schedule is done 80% while the sun's shining. I have never and will never be an early riser, okay! Not even to do the Artist’s Way, helpful though it may be to other creators.

But I won’t throw the baby out with the bathwater: Julia Cameron’s spiritual seminar on unblocking creativity contains many ideas, and one I really like is artist dates. An important element of a sustainable creative practice is, unfortunately, making time for yourself and keeping that time. Let those among us who have never allocated a Saturday evening to working on a rough draft only to totally flake the minute a friend asks if we wanna get dinner and drinks cast the first stone, right?

I find turning down plans with friends a truly difficult endeavor. Maybe that’s because I spent a long time not being in on those wild nights – which left me all the time in the world to write Beatles fan fiction but not a lot of goofing around with the gals time. Now that I’ve found people I love who love me back, the scarcity mindset I developed as a dorky teenager still rears up – warning me that if I skip this one hangout, I’ll never have another. It’s almost like the weird self-confidence tangle I carry from my youth hasn’t been totally undone just because I’m an adult now. Weird! Anyway!

Having abundance after being bereft can make a person greedy in a particular way. Think of the way people growl and spit whenever the Target Pride collection gets critiqued: Before there was nothing, then there was something, and now the threat of having nothing again makes one defend the corporate creeps who instantly bowed to inane, cruel executive orders. But we’re allowed to step back and say we need more for ourselves. Unlike corporations, your friends will stick by you even when you stay home to work on your art.

(Which for me is still fan fiction, TBH! Not the Beatles anymore but ... no, I shan’t say. If you’ve seen my car, you’ll know and if you haven’t, good luck guessing.)

Oh right: artist dates. The world’s on fire, evil pervades in too many hearts, and a lot of fun stuff is about to get expensive. Take this column as a signal to break off from doomscrolling or drinking the worries away, and enjoy your own company. These dates should enrich your creative spirit, so consider what inspires you. I personally love seeing new-to-me movies, wandering through thrift stores, or having a solo lunch with a book. You could also check out a queer art open mic, catch an author talk, or sit on your own front porch taking in the world as it passes. In the churn of contemporary chaos, it’s easy to sublimate yourself for other worries but I swear: You are worthy of the respect you give others.

Unless you’re Ken Paxton, in which case why are you reading this? Doesn’t your Humpty-Dumpty ass have a wall to fall off of?

Glamp Glamp: Hearts & Farts

Thursday 17, Lynny’s

Rescheduled twice but thrice is nice enough, so here’s hoping the spring edition of this queer experimental performance night stays on schedule. Erica Nix and Lynn Metcalf host with each performance getting six minutes apiece. Go over time and risk being chased off by a giant tampon – literally. 7pm, sign-up at 6.

Little Gay Author Talk: Jonny Garza Villa

Thursday 17, the Little Gay Shop

Author of new sport-o romance Futbolista – where a football star falls for his philosophy classmate – hits up Austin’s gayest shop to chat with moderator Aaron H. Aceves about his book, community, and more. 7pm.

Highland Vogue Nights

Thursday 17, Highland Lounge

House of Lepore hosts their Fourth Street mini-ball every third Thursday, with this week’s event emc’d by Mother Natalie Lepore being a true Taurus moment. Cover’s $7 and drink specials all night. 10:30pm.

Trans-It Girls

Friday 18, the Creek and the Cave

The incredible Nori Reed and Hayden Johnson host a Moontower Fest showcase that promises “an iconic night of stand-up & trans absurdity with their favorite comedians.” 9:30pm.

April Queer Poetry Night

Friday 18, Birdhouse Books and Gifts

Poets rejoice, for another open mic unfolds at Birdhouse. Don’t have a rhyme to share? Feel free to RSVP and simply listen to others read their work. 6:30pm.

Cheers Queers Comedy Showcase

Friday 18, Paramount Theatre

Calling all LGBTQ Moontower Comedy Fest badge holders – or folks who just wanna see a real gay lineup – this showcase features local and visiting comics serving queer yuks like you would believe. Featuring Dylan Carlino, Liza Treyger, Emma Willmann, Ian Fidance, Jared Goldstein, Kalea McNeil, and many more. Plus, badge and ticket-holders can hit up Paramount ahead of the show (5pm) for a zodiac-themed happy hour featuring Home Slice pizza, Tito’s tipples, and BeatBox bevvies as well as complimentary chart and card readings. 7pm.

The Real DragQueens of Austin

Friday 18, Highland Lounge

Figures the biggest gay bar is also dropping the biggest drama, aka a reality TV themed drag show. Colleen DeForest, Maeve Haven, Aria Rey, and Juliana together “bring you into this spring season in the most SICKENING way.” BabiBoi takes over the DJ booth, and Highland highlights “Gay-pril” with happy hour specials running from 9:30pm ’til midnight. 11pm.

Middle School Dance Party

Friday 18, Cheer Up Charlies

DJ Ed West reignites the classic nostalgia-driven dance party with a Gen-Z vs. Millennials battle, featuring fellow deck masters Mea Culpa and Killgxrl playing pop nonstop from both eras. Grinding encouraged for this 21+ party – after all, there’s no teachers supervising this time. 10pm.

Brew Paul's Drag Show

Saturday 19, Meanwhile Brewing

Spring into this drag-tacular delight with Kylie Gorgeous Dlux, Gemdoll Dlux, Amber Nicole Davenport, 2023's Mr. Austin Pride Jayden Daniels, and your fabo host Eileen Dover. TJ the DJ spins. 9pm.

Coming Out: A Queer Stand-Up Showcase

Saturday 19, Fallout Theater

Moe Christine brings y’all top-tier queer comedy lineups every month, so take a break from all the out-of-town talent Moontower’s peddling to enjoy Austin’s own LGBTQ gems. 10pm.

Local Queer Sherwood Forest Faire Meet-Up

Saturday 19, Sherwood Forest Faire

Headed to this local Renaissance affair alone? Local Queer invites all bards, lords, ladies, knights, and otherwise to meet up over the course of your Saturday trip to share mead, munch on turkey legs, or eat the flattest chicken strip you ever did see. (Speaking from personal experience here.) Buy with LQ for a $6 discount on tickets. 11am.

Dancing with Mary Jane

Saturday 19, Kick Butt Coffee

Smoke ’em if you got ’em, and Bat City Bombshells Burlesque sure does have “’em.” Talented performers, that is: What did you think I meant? They’ll be showing off their smokin’ hot skills at this 4/20-themed song-and-dance. 7pm.

A Drag Is Born

Saturday 19, Highland Lounge

Presented by Austin’s very own gay flag-football team the ATX Heat, Drag Race All-Star Miz Cracker plays headline judge to this drag competition show. Alongside her at the judge’s table will be Nadine Hughes and current Drag Is Born champ Shania Shain, with Vylette Ward presiding as host. 7pm.

The Easter Extrava Ganja

Sunday 20, Swan Dive

Have a divine time with the talented tokers of this drag show, featuring Louisianna Purchase, Titty Androgunous, Brigitte Bandit, Jenna Talia, Be Nasty, Honey Baby, Sinful Purchase, Aira Juliet, Flex Brojas, and show presenters Bubu, Randi Welch, and Cupcake. Cover's $10, which more than funds Easter egg hunt and Jesus piñata. 3pm.

Bebesota Drag Brunch: Selena Edition

Sunday 20, Taquero Mucho

Tributing the Queen of Tejano are best girls Amber Nicole Davenport, Marilyn Williams, Heidi T. Iman, and host Beauty. Brunch starts at 11am; show kicks off at 1pm.

Lesbian Wedding

Sunday 20, the Sahara Lounge

This ain’t no stoner soiree but a sapphic send-up hosted by Lex Vaughn with DJs, performers, and the traditional LW cake and queso served. Plus resource tabling from Lesbian Mapping Project, SWEET ATX, and emergency preparedness prep from Katherine Strickland. Tix run $10 but no one’s turned away for lack of funds. 3pm.

Stoner Bitches Only Brunch

Sunday 20, Cheer Up Charlies

Chups lights up this smoke-sesh featuring free b-fast tacos, THC-tilted cocktails, and a delightful drag show featuring Peg Bunny, Gemma Nye, Slaylem, Redd Roulette, Hya Zakite, and host Brigitte Bandit. Turito tags in as DJ, and CUC advises you BYOW – you know, before the Lege takes the THC-bird away. 2pm.

House of Deviance Presents: the 10 Commandments

Sunday 20, Cherrywood Center

Saints beware; you’re in for a sultry scare at this “subversive Easter service,” aka a sinfully fun variety show featuring burlesque, dance, and more. 7pm.

Girl Bluntz

Sunday 20, Cheer Up Charlies

Yah, yah, yah: Turito and Lavender Thug bring back their “joint” party with tons of hot tunes, a market, raffle, and drag by Sir Beau Elliot, Ryan, Daminia Devine, Miss Steelya Girl, and Leia Sakura Dior. As with previously mentioned Chups stoner such-and-such, BYOW. 9pm.

LGBTQIA+ Commission Meeting

Monday 21, City Hall

Do your civic duty – and maybe catch a drag show – at this meeting of the Austin queer minds. This is your city, and you deserve to have a voice in how it runs!6:30pm.

Self Defense Workshop with Kai

Tuesday 22, allgo

For all QTBIPOC Austinites looking to build up your “physical safety toolkit,” allgo invites y’all to this beginner-friendly workshop with trainer Kai Bustos. Techniques include voice work, posture, as well as striking and grip escape approaches. RSVP as space is limited. 6:30pm.

Say That: A Conversation Series

Tuesday 22, Pease Park

Meet mod Jeremy A. Teel at the Tudor Cottage for a discussion about trans joy, power, and responsibility. Featured ont his week's panel are Amber Nicole Davenport and Kelly Kline. 6pm.

QTOPIA 3.0: Loud & Proud Auction and Community Zine Making

Thursday 24, the Beck Group Office

AIA Austin’s LGBTQIA Alliance continues to fundraise for their Hill Country Ride for AIDS cycling team, this time via a collab zine activity where everyone makes their own special pages. Plus, separate LOUD and silent auctions featuring cutesy items like furniture, lighting, electronics, etc. Entry’s free, but consider dropping the suggested $5 donation to help these wheeler dealers. 6pm.

Denim & Democracy Advocacy Day

Thursday 24, Texas Capitol & Cheer Up Charlies

Youth-oriented rights org Deeds Not Words teams up with local heroes Urge TX and organizer Democrasexy to get folks informed on Lege advocacy, meet directly with reps, and generally kick legislative butt in yer best jeans from 9am until 4pm. Blow off any remaining steam at a Chups afterparty starting at 5pm.