Prom Queen for a Day
This week’s Cover Story (“The Lauryn Paige Fuller Story,” see p.36) by Chronicle writer Jordan Smith explores the story behind a particularly heinous crime in recent Austin history, the brutal murder of 18-year-old transgendered Donald Scott “Lauryn Paige” Fuller, whose bludgeoned body was discovered in a ditch in southeast Austin in January of 1999. The cover feature is accompanied by an exquisite photo essay (“Mighty Real,”see p.40) by Jana Birchum which presents a look at some of the background to Lauryn Paige’s world in the Austin drag scene. While the tone of both pieces is appropriately somber out of respect for the subject matter, we’d like to throw in our two cents and say that Austin’s drag shows are brimming with a sassy, dishy playfulness that keeps crowds coming back for more. What’s more, much of the public part of Austin’s drag culture is intrinsically linked to the charity community, with show proceeds often benefitting this cause or that. Plus, the mere fact that these shows exist reflects a healthy openness and comfortable place within the larger community, and that’s a good enough cause in and of itself. The beautiful visage which graces our cover this week is that of Kelly Kline. So we’re thrilled to announce Kelly Kline’s Gay Prom, which is taking place at the Forum, 408 Congress, tonight, Thu, Feb 17, at 11:30pm. The Free event is part of a line-up offered by Austin’s Men’s Project, a group dedicated to building a strong gay community outside of the club environment. In this case, the club serves as venue, backdrop to the real show: Austin’s gorgeous drag babes walkin’ it like they talk it and the folks who accept and admire them. 447-4270.Hurl Pool Bowl
Okay, it’s late, we just edited a big-ass feature spread, got our part of two special issue projects out two weeks ahead of schedule, helped the kid with his science project, and turned in our thesis about Broken Hearts all in less than a week. We’re tired, okay??? So the headline is cheesy, especially if you keep up with the Austin music scene. And really, the only reason “Hurl” is in there is because that is what we do to bowling balls and pool cues alike. Hyuuunnngh! So there you have it: a cheap headline at the expense of a Nashville session master, recently relocated to Austin. We’re sorry Mr. Earl Poole Ball, and welcome to Austin, but you are too much of an icon (and that’s a damn funny name) not to be subject to our silly word play. And for the rest of you, take our hand and follow along with our line of (random) logic for a moment, will you? Earl Poole Ball = session man for Johnny Cash– The Man! The Man in Black! Johnny Cash = working man = Miller Time (make ours Shiner, thanks–). And when we think Miller time, we think pool halls! That bastion of middle class divertissement! You meet the nicest people in pool halls! Same goes for bowling alleys! So check this out: Big Brothers/Big Sisters will be the beneficiaries of the 10-day Bowl for Kids’ Sake event which kicks off this Fri, Feb 18, 10am. Famous people will bowl, like Sheriff Margo Frasier, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Senator Gonzalo Barrientos, State Rep. Dawnna Dukes. You can bowl too. The event runs Fri, Feb 18 – Sun, Feb 27. Surely there is a slot in that span where you can show off your Fred-Flintstone-twinkle-toes for a good cause. The money raised will go directly to the BB/BS One-to-One Mentor Programs. 472-KIDS.
Make Way for Dessert!
Just a quick “fork’s up” to give you a week’s notice (to skip dessert to make room for): A Chocolate Fantasy & Fine Art Auction happens next weekend, Sat, Feb 26, 8:30-midnight at the Texas Federation of Women’s Club, San Gabriel & 24th in West Campus. The chocoholic’s best nightmare will benefit the Waterloo Counseling Center. Advanced, discounted tix are available at Bookwoman, Sparks, and Waterloo Counseling. More info next week. 419-7526.
This article appears in February 18 • 2000.