Reader, there’s something you ought to know: It’s my BIRTHDAY this coming Tuesday. Yes, 33 years ago the columnist whose words you skip in order to read about the latest drag shows was born unto this gay little world. I share Nov. 17 with two other short kings, Martin Scorsese and Danny DeVito, the latter of which I’ll be celebrating with a screening of Matilda on Tuesday, aka our joint b-day. (Tix at hyperrealfilm.club; please come!) Last week was probably the best gift I could’ve gotten – blue? Texas?? And a fellow James winning??? – but should you feel the giving spirit continue, consider throwing a book or some coin to Inside Books Project. They’re a great nonprofit providing reading material for those incarcerated in Texas. If you check their website, you’ll find not only links to their Bookshop wish list but also guidance on what genres and types of books you can physically donate.
I’m so happy with my life as it is right now. Getting to celebrate my birthday in a body I’ve made totally my own, with the name I chose, and surrounded by people who love me just as I am is such a blessing. As I hit my Jesus age, thoughts strike me about what comes next – and that, I don’t really know. Maybe nothing will change, or maybe everything will. Whatever the case, I’m profoundly grateful for every one of the 33 years that brought me right here – to being James. Here’s hoping that you, Reader, feel the same way about yourself.
Queer Mic
Thursday 12, Originator Studios
All queer comics, all big laughs: That’s what you’ll find at this monthly showcase from DEI Comedy. Hya Zakite takes the November host spot. 8pm.
Texass
Friday 13, ColdTowne Theater
It’s your lucky day as the laughs gallop through this edition of Sarah Spear’s queer comedy showcase. Featuring Jon Paul, Xy, Aditya, Amy Beth Castleberry, and Stephanie Vasquez Fonseca. 8:30pm.
Doll Behavior
Friday 13, Oilcan’s
A special Skullector edition of this trans feminine fete releases this Friday with Lavender Thug, Ruby Knight, and Angel Doll joined by DJ Xoy. 9pm.
Dungeons & Drag: Slashers & Swashbucklers
Friday 13, Tiny Minotaur Tavern
Play drag games, win a fantastic drag show prize as Boobish Goo, Cambrian Explosion, and Ruby Chest roll the dice under the stewardship of Dungeon Mistress Petty Cakes. 8pm.
Brew Paul’s Drag Show
Friday 13, Meanwhile Brewing
Eileen Dover continues her farewell tour at all the drag shows she’s produced with a stop in South Austin. Featuring Blue Dream, Luca Choo, Amy H. Graves, Aria Rey, Ever E. Wear, and Kylie Kinks. 9pm.
Infinity on High Drag Show
Friday 13, Elysium
Send up this absolutely classic Fall Out Boy LP with host Brigitte Bandit with performers Greta Grip, Calor, Hya Zakite, Schitzo, Perra Normal, Aqua Marie Pardi, the Vampire Eve, and Riot Eterna Molotov proving this ain’t a scene, it’s a gah dang drag show. 11pm.
A Nightmare on Cvnt Street
Friday 13, Highland Lounge
Just as Jason and Freddy tangled for their crossover, so too do Phoenix Eterna Celestial and Kupid Kopperhead co-host this horror icon tribute show. Come in costume, shop the vendors, and whatever you do, don’t fall asleep! 10pm.
Forks After-Dark
Saturday 14, Triple Six Social
This all-ages event brings everyone into the Cullen family with a screening of Twilight. Also on tap: a photo booth, costume contest, curated tipples, movie props, and vendors. 6pm.
Turning Point U.S. Gay
Saturday 14, Elysium
Come see all your least favorite right-wing freaks get goofed on by your favorite drag performers at this totally topical parody show. Featuring viral sensation Lauren Banall as Erika Kirk and special local spotlights Brigitte Bandit (Ted Cruz), Alexander the Great (RFK Jr.), Lawrie Bird (the Tree That Fell on Abbott), and Sir Maxim (Lindsey Graham), plus many, many more. Benefiting the ACLU. 9pm.
“Sweetheart Grip”
Through December 19, MASS Gallery
Drawing on the World War II practice of embedding a loved one’s photograph into the grip of a pistol, visiting artist Machine and local Simone Thornton explore what it means to “[hold] tenderness and violence in the same hand” through reclaiming traditionally masculine objects with pop culture imagery. Saturday’s opening reception runs 6-10pm, with an artist talk on Sunday (Nov. 15) moderated by Gemma Rolls-Bentley as well as a screening of Pumping Iron 2: The Women on Dec. 17.
Woke Cowboy
Saturday 14, ColdTowne Theater
While this diverse delight says their job’s done due to Texas bluing itself, you can still catch this show featuring Andrew Horneman, Rochelle McConico, Moe Christine, Gavin Alexandra, Holden, Chris Bryant, and Evan Rabalais. 8pm.
khattie loves karaoke
Saturday 14, Barrett’s Too
Sing yourself… well, not silly, but at least a little absurd with Khattie Q and DJ Johann Solo for another queer karaoke night. Happening at the same time as the Queer Sip, Swap & Sell Social. 3pm.
Queer Sip, Swap & Sell Social
Saturday 14, Barrett’s Too
Miss Steelya Girl facilitates this market of donations, swaps, and purchasables with the rule being everything must be under $40. To sign up to bring your gently used clothes, accessories, wigs, or shoes, visit the link in their bio. 3pm.
Dyke Knight
Saturday 14, French House Co-Op
Wench rights reign at this medieval mash featuring spins by Estrella, Xoy, and Angel Doll, drag from Iggy Bank, Ryan, and Maja Gray, and a special knighting ceremony for birthday queens Jasmine Iacullo and Delilah Acres. 9pm.
The Sapphic Scoop
Saturday 14, the Cavalier
Get the hot goss while also meeting the many players in said gossip at this brunch club by Scissor Sisters ATX. Plus, an actual, physical bulletin board for pinning all the latest sapphic scoops. 10am.
Black Lesbian Journal Club Meeting
Sunday 15, allgo
Join fellow Black lesbian diarists for a chill journaling session and chat. As the host specifies, “this will be a gatekept space,” so if you’re not a) Black and b) a lesbian, maybe find a different prompt-based afternoon hang. 2pm.
Pick Up With Pride
Sunday 15, Hero Way and West Broade Street
Join Leander Pride in cleaning up these gay streets – literally! Supplies provided, so bring just your best trash-collecting attitude. 10am.
Bingo Madness
Sunday 15, LazyDaze Coffee Shop
Get lost in the haze of great drag hosted by the Trans Era and Venus Rising – and that skunky smokey haze of Dan Patrick’s least favorite bud. 4:20pm.
Elsinore Drag Bingo
Sunday 15, Oilcan’s
Ritzy Bitz and Noodles host this special bingo sesh presented by Focus Features and benefiting the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). Winner gets ‘sclusive tix to Elsinore, aka that new Andrew Scott flick about Ian Charleson. 5pm.
Queer Two-Step + Linedance Night Pie Social
Monday 16, Sagebrush
Neon Rainbows serves up a slice of queer country pride with hosts Miss Steelya Girl and Tiny Taurus. Music provided by Missy Beth & the Morning Afters, Rebecca Patek Band, and DJ Ed West. You bring the pie; Country Fried Dance and Driftin’ Cowpoke’ll bring the fancy footwork. 7pm.
Kiki + Karaoke
Tuesday 17, Cheer Up Charlies
Sing a tune or cut a rug – “as long as you don’t sing Hamilton and you tip,” host Aira Juliet welcomes your presence at this weekly karaoke night. 9pm.
Dr. Lisa Moore: How Lesbians Saved Poetry
Wednesday 18, Central Library
Does our lyrical present have a lesbian past to thank? That’s what Dr. Lisa Moore discusses with Dr. Paige Schilt at this BookWoman-organized reading/Q&A. Plus, refreshments as well as a BW pop-up shop. 7pm.
And They Were Roommates: No Kings But Drag Kings
Wednesday 18, Rain on 4th
Tiny Taurus and Miss Steelya Girl bring a royal flush to their monthly show featuring Perra Normál, Trey Devine, Morte Lumina Danger, Sal Chicha, and Rey De Copas.
Home by Nine
Wednesday 18, Stargazer
Don’t stay home when you can enjoy a quick jaunt through this Springdale lounge with vinyl spins by DJ Sonder and half-off wine bottle deals. You may just bring home the R&B bingo prize before bedtime. 6pm.
Bronco
Wednesday 18, 29th Street Ballroom
Boots? On! Hat? Ten-gallons! And your linedance night? Queer as hell with lessons taught to country classics and wild-card picks. 7pm.
Queer Pinball
Thursday 19, Bender Bar
Silver balls go flying and friendships are made at this event co-presented by Local Queer ATX and Queer Pinball ATX. 7pm.
This article appears in November 13 • 2026.
