Reader: Things aren’t looking so hot. Recent news for transgender people continues a downward trend, with Kansas’ sudden delegitimizing of all driver’s licenses bearing a gender not matched by the owner’s birth certificate being one of many stomach-churning headlines my mental teeth masticated this weekend. Were I some great mind attuned to political trends, cultural temperatures, and world history, this column would contain the absolute solution to the hate campaign mounted by conservative politicians – and mostly unacknowledged by liberal ones. Alas. All I am is a writer, and I am just as worried and frustrated as you probably are.
(Although if you’re not worried and/or frustrated, please let me know your secret. Except if the secret is having money. I know that one.)
I suppose while our rights trickle down the drain, we might as well have some fucking fun. One more week before our city gets South By’d, so appreciate the un-clogged sidewalks and thoroughfares around Downtown every day leading up to the Fest. Maybe get out and about; shake your legs in the sunshine or boogie beneath the moonlight. You don’t even have to go Downtown for your outdoor excursion, TBH. Being queer and social goes beyond bars. For example, you might want to check out MASS Gallery’s new exhibition “Ecstatic,” which features print work from local and national artists. Despite all seemingly playing in the same sandbox, each piece finds new materials, new shapes, and new ideas to plumb via printmaking methods. Viewable every Saturday through April 4, so if the South By haze gets too thick you can zip over to Gunter and Seventh.
Feeling bad’s not a permanent state, Reader, but I understand how depression can seem like the only response to unrelenting antagonism from guys who, like, don’t even appear to know a trans person, let alone any unpleasant enough to justify such cruelty. They are haters, plain and simple, and in the long run, haters don’t win. It’s just the long run is so, uh, long. But you don’t gotta face it alone, Reader. I’ll be running there with ya.
Austin Vogue Night
Thursday 5, Swan Dive
First Thursdays always sparkle at House of Lepore’s mini-ball. Mother Natalie Lepore emcees this nine-category kiki – including springtime fashion Best Dress Spectator. BabiDoll sets up behind the decks. 10pm.
First Fridays: Cardi B Edition
Friday 6, Rain on 4th
Pride in Black ATX celebrates Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar coming to town with a total takeover featuring performances by Diamond Dior Davenport and spins from DJ Cysūm. 10pm.
Riot!
Friday 6, Elysium
Brigitte Bandit invites y’all to get into some “Misery Business” with a Paramore tribute drag show. Lineup includes Tangelo, Gemma Nye, Calor, and Gender Destruction – plus a Hayley Williams look-alike contest. 11pm.
Burlesque in Bloom
Friday 6, 29th Street Ballroom
The Jigglewatts deliver another fabulous burlesque revue, this time themed around spring and its “flowering trees and warm night air, soft with the promise of forbidden delights.” Featuring Ruby Joule, Jolie Goodnight, Ruby Lamb, Something Blue, Alexander the Great, Selma Bawdy, and Roxxi Rose. 7pm.
Chaotic Singles Sapphic Party
Friday 6, Stargazer
Go wild with love at part three of Chaotic Singles’ collab with Local Queer ATX. Snag a ticket and you just may meet your next sweetheart outta the 100+ sapphic singles sure to be there. 8pm.
Kiss All The Time. Drag, Occasionally
Friday 6, Cheer Up Charlies
He’s back with a new haircut, so join “certified harrie host” Karabiner and performers Lucille De Monic, Iggy Bank, Sir Dree, Beebee Blvnt, Noe Carrera, Trey Devine, Schitzo tha Klown, and Tigris in celebrating Harry Style’s new album. DJ Lavender Thug spins. 10pm.
Lady Gaga Forever
Friday 6, Luxx
Join local queens Arianna Venti, Lexi La Bella, Joselyn Breezy, Isis Crysis, Sirena Mirage, and host Maria G. as they welcome Drag Race winner Aquaria to Fourth Street. 11pm.
Khattie Loves Karaoke
Saturday 7, Barrett’s Too
Sing your heart out with host khattieQ at this all-ages “community unity event” with karaoke DJ Johann Solo. Proudly born and raised in Puerto Rico, Khattie says she’ll be singing songs only in Spanish as a celebration of one Mr. Bad Bunny. 3pm.
Big Tits, Bigger Dreams
Saturday 7, Oilcan’s
Brigitte Bandit offers a well-endowed stage for amateur drag artists with this monthly non-competitive open mic. Guest co-host for March is Fairy Petite, DJ’s Lavender Thug, and all performers receive pro photos courtesy of Scam Likely. Sign up for stage time via the form linked in Brigitte’s Insta bio. 7pm.
Critter Tea Party and Clothing Swap
Saturday 7, OutWellness
Woof down some tea sandwiches and paw through new-to-you clothing at this party hosted by Pup Raw and Boop Society of Central Texas. 3pm.
Midnight Rodeo
Saturday 7, Chess Club
The only nightcap you’ll need here is your 10-gallon as DJs Ed West, SuperMcN4sty, and Charlie Bonner spin country tunes all night. May Magdalene and Tequila Time deliver drag. 10pm.
Body Mechanics
Saturday 7, 4211 Todd Ln.
Five whole years of rockin’ Austin with fantastical beats have flashed by for this local rave, but they’re celebrating in typical slayful style. Lineup includes He/Who, Glass Slipper, 4am NYC, Rosei City, and Dream Days – plus a piñata and other surprises. 10pm.
Coffee and Chat
Saturday 7, Genuine Joe’s
Pour a cup’a java and have a fine convo with fellow trans masc folks at this social scheduled by Trans Guys Gather ATX. 1pm.
Gupshup
Saturday 7, RSVP for location
Khush ATX throws their rescheduled gathering for any local South Asian LGBTQ folks looking to share a space together and support each other. Held at a private residence, so RSVP via their Partiful invite for further details. 11am.
TGQ Social
Sunday 8, the Vortex
They’re calling this “St. Practice Day,” so wear shades of green for this edition of the gender diverse social. Arrive early (5:30pm) if you’re new and want a little more time for chatter. 6pm.
Austin Pride’s Big Gay Drag Brunch
Sunday 8, the Brewtorium
Have a super gay Sunday with host Kelly Kline and a fabo lineup of local drag artists – plus brunch by Brewtorium and mimosa buckets. 1pm.
Vixens of Volstead Mayhem Brunch
Sunday 8, Hotel Vegas
Paws up on the Vegas patio as your favorite vixens Mars, May Magdalene, and Veronica Valentine tribute Lady Gaga ahead of her Austin concert. Tequila Rose guest stars and DJ Killgxrl spins. 1pm.
The Mayhem Ball After Party
Sunday 8 and Monday 9, Cheer Up Charlies
DJ Orya gags you post-Gaga with a DJ set concert cool-down for both show nights. 10pm.
Mayhem Madness
Sunday 8 and Monday 9, Rain on 4th
Make the most of Mother Monster’s Austin appearance with two days of Gaga drag at Rain. First is Sunday’s Gaga edition of Special Awesome! and a concert afterparty, with Monday night bringing another post-concert party with DJ BabiDoll and drag by Mars.
Queer Two-Step Night
Monday 9, Sagebrush
This past week, Neon Rainbows announced they’re bringing a little queer country “every dang Monday” to Southside spot Sagebrush. That includes this second go-round of their two-step night featuring lessons and open floor boot scoot-ery. 7pm.
Hello, Darlings
Monday 9, the Iron Bear
Hilda Dixon hosts this musical Monday night sensation. This month’s theme is “Movie Musical Madness” so expect all the glitz and glam of the big screen. 9:30pm.
Eagle Leather Social
Thursday 12, the Austin Eagle
Meet, greet, and connect with fellow leather folks at this social gathering hosted by Mr. Austin Eagle Graham, Eagle Bootblack Cam, and Texas Bootblack Verde. 6pm.
In The Calendar
UnFOUseen Circumstances
Saturday 7, the Vortex
What’s there, in the cosmic beyond? Why, it’s everyone’s favorite local branch of queer clowning trope FouFouHa!, back onstage for two shows of totally trippy entertainment. This pilot performance of their new variety hour presents audiences with a wildcard roundup of colorful acts, interactive games, and “mysterious fou-quencies” that’ll beam even the most level-headed among us out-of-this-world. Catch ’em early at 7pm or later at 9, but whatever you catch is sure to spin you into a new galaxy of great fun. Honk! – James Scott
Maggots and Men
Sunday 8, We Luv Video
Continuing to go beyond the usual LGBTQ film series flick picks, SunGays screens what they say is “the largest cast of trans actors ever in a film.” That film? An experimental depiction of the Kronstadt rebellion, when Soviet sailors and civilians enacted an insurrection against the Bolshevik government. Celebrate the 102th anniversary of this radical act alongside other queer cinema enjoyers and observe the evocation of what Susan Stryker called “the poignant sense that our present world is haunted by radical potentials that have yet to be fulfilled.” – James Scott
This article appears in March 6 • 2026.