We can’t always afford our job. That’s no dig at our employer. It’s the reality of working in print journalism, of alt-media, and all those life choices to fight good fights, live in art, and revel in other doesn’t-pay-the-bills folderol. These days, things are pretty posh: putting a kid through college, taking road trips here and there, being able to budget for the occasional vinyl shopping spree at thrift stores and indie record havens. Yup. Way better, relatively speaking, than those crazy Nineties. Back then, when everyone and their 20-year-old grandma was rolling in the gloss and dross of Austin’s start-up explosion and everyone I knew was buying Volvos and houses, your friendly neighborhood Gay Place (wasn’t even the Gay Place yet) had to take a second job to afford her first one. Our choice? To work for sweetheart Bernard over at MusicMania in the Delwood Center, next to Fiesta. Dinners often consisted of an apple and one flour tortilla slathered in butter. No exaggeration. The spirit was willing and the cash flow was weak. We take this trip down memory lane because it’s a palpable recollection triggered by any mention of Selena, the Corpus Christi homegirl who hit it big only to be cut down in her prime. I happened to be working in East Austin’s hip urban record store when St. Selena was gunned down in cold blood. I absorbed her career, first out of necessity, then out of goofy joy. She resides in a special place in mi corazón. Always. Viva, Selena. And thank you Bernadette’s and Pasht for giving her her due. (This Saturday.)
ON OUR GAYDAR
BELLY LAUGH FOR ABS MOVIE NIGHT These films will cut you up. Monty Python and the Holy Grail at 6pm and Rat Race at 8pm. Thu., March 29, 6-10pm. The Q, 3408 West, 420-8557. Free. www.qboyz.org.
CHERRY BOMB Free food while it lasts, prizes, hot music, sexy dancers – well, that’s most of your needs met right there. Last Thursday of the month, 9pm-2am. Deco Lounge, 408 Congress. $5 ($3, advance). www.facebook.com/fierceloveproductions.
LIZZY CAROLOKE Sing it like you swing it. Fridays, 8pm-12mid. Bernadette’s, 2039 Airport. Free.
1983 Cold. New. Electro. Synth. Your roots, minimal babies. Last Fridays, 10pm. Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E. Sixth, 431-2133. Free. brookesterryemail@gmail.com.
LONE STAR LESFIC FESTIVAL Oh, we know a lot about lesbian fiction, but hey, this isn’t about our love life. This is about your lit life: 20 authors in a clusterfic of fricken megalez proportions, with raffles, prizes, giveaways, and more. Sat., March 31, 11am-6pm. Nature’s Treasures, 4103 N. I-35, 472-5015. Free. www.rainbowromancewriters.com/2012/01/lonestar-lesfic-festival-2012.
ARTEROTICA ART DROP It’s your last chance to drop off an art donation for AE and get your free artist ticket. The general public is invited as well for mimosas, a preview of the art, and presale discounted tix. Sat., March 31, 2-4pm. Jerry’s Artarama, 6010 N. I-35.
ANYTHING FOR SELENAS! Yes, anything. Even una noche entera del amor para Selena Quintanilla on this, the 17th anniversary of the day the angels took her away from us. Dress to bidi bidi bom your bum off. Sat., March 31, 9pm-1am. Bernadette’s, 2039 Airport. Free.
GENDER BENDERS With Clarkisha and WAADE. Sat., March 31, 9pm-1am. Club 606, 606 E. Seventh. Free.
BLACK PARTY LEATHER DANCE Bear fetish. Bare fetish. Grrrrrrrr! For participants and admirers. Sat., March 31, 10pm-2am. Iron Bear, 121 W. Eighth. Free. www.theironbear.com.
ART EROTICA VOLUNTEER PLANNING Attend three to five meetings, commit to participate as a volunteer, and get free admission into this year’s sexiest art show, all to benefit ASA. Mon., April 2, 5-7:30pm. The Q, 3408 West, 420-8557. Free. ashton@theqaustin.org, www.theqaustin.org.
TUEZGAYZ Your weekend just started a li’l earlier. Tuesdays, 10pm. Barbarella, 615 Red River, 476-7766. www.barbarellaaustin.com, www.theglitoris.tumblr.com.
CHULITO Charles Rice-González will read from and sign his coming-of-age-in-the-Bronx tale. Tue., April 3, 7pm. Resistencia Bookstore, 1801-A S. First, 416-8885. Free until 11pm; $3 thereafter. www.charlesricegonzalez.com, www.magnusbooks.com.
LUSHE Cheap drinks and hot lady ‘tenders by the eyeful. Not just for lushes. First Tuesdays, 9pm. Rain on 4th, 217 W. Fourth, 494-1150. www.rainon4th.com.
OCCUPY AUSTIN OCCUQUEERS MEETING Take up your rightful visceral and political space. Come help plan for Harvey Milk, Mayday, the overall mission statement, and more. Every other Wednesday, 5-6:30pm. The Q, 3408 West, 420-8557. Free.
NO DOVES FLY HERE Bats do. Twice-a-month goth with DJs Damage Done, Death Church, and Straylight. Darkness! Realness! First and third Wednesdays. Chain Drive, 504 Willow, 480-9017. Free. www.facebook.com/nodoves, www.nodovesflyhere.com.
CHOCOLATE NIGHT Tasty movie night: Chocolat at 6pm; Willy Wonka sing-along at 8pm. Thu., April 5, 6-10pm. The Q, 3408 West, 420-8557. Free. www.theqaustin.org.
THE LARAMIE PROJECT WILDE PARTY Emotional powerhouse in two parts. You’re invited to a special LGBT preshow reception, and you know you’ll be in good company. Catered reception, 6:45pm; show, 8pm. Zach Theatre, 1510 Toomey, 476-0541 x1. Single event or Wilde Party Season tickets available. www.zachtheatre.org.
This article appears in March 30 • 2012.