Hope you’re all staying dry out there in queer Austin-land, or at least getting wet in a fun way rather than an environmentally destructive one. (Chose this weekend to go offline? Lucky for YOU, reader, the AC’s got a whole freakin’ cover story to fill you in here.) Several events got canceled or postponed, so expect a few familiar listings to pop up in next week’s event listings when – fingies crossed – we’re rain-free.
In other news, I just read a queer interpretation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and I didn’t really like it. All the queerness felt tacked on to the story rather than an organic out-springing from its source material. Bu-ut I hadn’t read any Poe in years, so I cracked open the Poe omnibus that I got from a garage sale at 12 years old and re-read his version. Surprise, surprise: There’s definitely homosexualism in that freakin’ house! The narrator, first of all, drops all his duties to see his friend after said friend writes a letter that he’s depressed. While male friendship alone isn’t gay – who else will you watch Mission: Impossible movies with – the fact that the majority of their textual hangout time is taken up by either a) painting together or b) the narrator listening rapturously to his friend play the guitar… well, that’s painting the Usher house a little lavender. God, it must’ve been so great to be mildly rich back in the 1800s. People were constantly going to and fro their friend’s homes where everyone got to stay for, like, a week – if Jane Austen’s oeuvre is based on reality, anyway. Nowadays, snail-mailing my friends a note about how desperately lonely I am has been replaced by posting Fiona Apple lyrics on your Close Friends story.
We, as the LGBTQIA community, must bring back making your friends hang out with you and do hobbies together. Especially if what’s bumming you out is your living-dead sister, who keeps breaking out of the downstairs tomb. Not cutesy, not demure, Madeline!
Queer and Trans History
Thursday 10 & 17, Monkeywrench Books
Holly Genovese returns to North Loop’s leftist lit hub to teach a little queer and trans history to all who register via her email, holly.genovese@gmail.com. 6pm.
National Kitten Day
Thursday 10, Cheer Up Charlies
Bring in a photo of your cat – digital or printout – to get 15% off your drink, but stick around to groove to DJ Kshal. 8pm.
Angelina Martin and Friends
Friday 11 – Saturday 12, the Velveeta Room
All those in favor of funny jokes are encouraged by Angelina Martin to secure a ticket to one of three shows she’s headlining with comics Irielle Wesley, Mikey Biggs, Ashley Sharma, and Zain Hussain, who Martin says “all happen to be my friends & literal children!” 8 & 10pm.
Spilled Fruit
Through July, the Future Front House
Chance Weick curates this exhibition of Texan LGBTQIA artists whose “lush, loud, and limitless” work exists on the mainstream art world’s edges. Friday, July 11, marks the opening reception, with light refreshments and a chance to celebrate the artists face-to-face. 7pm.
Butch Prom
Friday 11, the Butterfly Bar
This one’s for da mascs – butches, studs, drag kings, etc. – with campy masculine fun that uplifts our “boys” including drag, spins by Schi the God, vendors, a prom photo op, buzzcuts, two prom king crownings, and a wrestling match between Jay Valentino and Armani Sage. 7:30pm.
Excellence Presents: SainTS
Friday 11, Coconut Club
Rise up on the Coco rooftop for a trans-formational show hosted by the Trans Era and Venus Rising, with drag, a heavenly angel costume contest (top prize, $100), B2B DJ sets by Xoy and Angel Doll, and many trans blessings. 9pm.
Sapphic Skate Night
Friday 11, Austin Roller Rink
Slip on your skates or blades for this TribRelations-hosted spin around the roller rink. As usual for Trib’s events, Black sapphic skaters are prioritized. 8pm.
Verano de Bebesotas: Latine Sapphic Meet-Up
Friday 11, Ani’s Day and Night
Under “la luna” on East Riverside, host Caro invites Austin’s sapphics of Latin American heritage to share a coffee, cocktail, or mocktail at this summer night’s social. 7pm.
Eagle Cruising Night
Friday 11, the Austin Eagle
Swing by if you’re single – or just looking to mingle – for a night where the music’s low, the gear and leather’s tight, and you can “meet your future ex-husband!” as the Eagle says. DJ Kelly spins. 10pm.
Club Madnes
Friday 11, Cheer Up Charlies
Get down for a good cause at Universal Madnes’ new show benefiting ChildHelp.org, who run a national child-abuse prevention hotline, and fundraising to help get resources to children in Santa Cruz De Yojoa, Honduras. Drop $12 to see the whole lineup or donate (new!) school supplies at the door for half-off. 9pm.
A Gentleman’s Education in Pleasure
Friday 11, Elysium
Described by its host Munster Mash as “An Evening of Sound, Vision & Revelry,” attendees may expect live music by Blood Dance, MaryBluuuu, and In a Darkened Room, DJ spins by BB Crux, tarot, tattoos, and art & oddities vendors. Open to those 18+, but if you’re under 21, prepare to pay a $13 cover ($9 for those of legal drinking age). 9pm.
Eagle Queer Market: Christmas in July
Saturday 12, the Austin Eagle
Oh, the weather outside is frightful – like, frightfully hot! Cool off at the Eagle’s monthly LGBTQ vendor market with tons of art, vintage, and more. 1pm.
Otter Fest
Saturday 12 – Sunday 13, Hippie Hollow
Once more will this clothing-optional park be occupied by gay otters (and otter allies) enjoying two full days of fun in the sun. Organizers advise bringing a cooler with water and snacks, wearing water shoes so’s zebra mussels don’t tear up your tootsies, and avoiding “LEWD CONDUCT.” 9am.
KhushATX Dinner Meetup
Saturday 12, Central Machine Works
Link up with Austin’s LGBTQ South Asian social group for an evening meet and meal at this Cesar Chavez brewery. RSVP to attend via tinyurl.com/DinnerKhushATX. 7:30pm.
Cupid’s Girls: A Princess of Power Tribute Show
Saturday 12, Cheer Up Charlies
Miz Zgizgi and Embry Officially host a Marina Diamandis salute to all her eras – from “Oh No!” to “Bubblegum Bitch,” and even “Venus Fly Trap” – just in time for her new album’s release. Angel Doll spins. 10m.
Woke Cowboy
Saturday 12, ColdTowne Theater
Finally, a comedy show lineup that’s Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive – which means there’s a whole lotta funny people on tap. That includes Ngozi Ukazu, who gay readers will recognize as creator of hockey comic classic Check, Please! 8:30pm.
Otter Space
Saturday 12, the Austin Eagle
Blast off at the official Otter Fest afterparty with DJs Rue D and Boost, who’ll be spinning galactic grooves all night. 9pm.
Big Gay Drag Brunch
Sunday 13, the Brewtorium
Austin Pride and Kelly Kline bring another delicious drag brunch to the Brewtorium with a twist to this month’s edition of Drag Survivor: Broadway – each number must be performed … in a seat! 12pm.
Bikini Brunch
Sunday 13, East Austin Hotel
Host Tiffany Epiphany tops this Downtown hotel with drag stars, brunch by Second Bar & Kitchen, Poppi-sponsored cocktails, and plenty of pool party pleasance. 10am.
Gays With Clay
Sunday 13, the Future Front House
Wham, bam, ceram – ics, that is, as you’ll be learning from the queerest clay-ers in town at this handbuilding workshop. With two times to attend (11am or 2pm), there’s a hunk of clay ready for your hot lil’ hands.
Bebesota Brunch: Sad Girls & Syrup
Sunday 13, Taquero Mucho Domain
Don’t let those tears trickle into your pancakes, at least not before this Sunday’s emo show from the best girls of drag brunch. Beauty hosts, with Amber Davenport, Venus Rising, and Penny Copperfield serving sorrow. Plus: $3 emo mimosas. 11am.
Austin Front Runners Membership Party
Sunday 13, Rain on 4th
AFR celebrates their longtime trotters and freshly signed-up sprinters both at this social. Those who already have their AFR merch are advised to wear it for a 4:30pm group photo. 3pm.
TGQ Social & Campfire Queer Storytime
Sunday 13, the Butterfly Bar
Enjoy the company of not just your fellow gender-diverse Austinites, but also queer storytellers of all ages as this month’s social overlaps with the Rainbow Connection’s hosted Campfire Queer Storytime at 7pm. First-timers can arrive early (5:30) for a pre-social meet-and-greet. 6pm.
Sebastiane
Sunday 13 & Wednesday 16, AFS Cinema
All saints are pretty queer, but few are quite as twink-tastic as Saint Sebastian, here explored and adored by queer Brit cinema king Derek Jarman. Opens with a video intro from programmer Elizabeth Purchell. 7:15 & 8:30pm.
Bronco Queer Linedance Workshop
Monday 14, Sagebrush
Learn where to put your boots to scoot your best scoot with Country Fried Dance and DJ Boi Orbison behind the decks. Cover’s $10. 7pm.
The Moment
Monday 14, Oilcan’s
A lip sync tournament for the ages graces the Oilcan stage with 20 performers battling to see who’s the musical monarch of Austin – and who gets that $1,000 prize. Ritzy Bitz hosts. 6pm.
Queering the Kitchen With Fork Fantasies
Monday 14, DAWA HQ
Fork Fantasies’ Chef Dan’Chaye leads a class on creating pulled-pork style barbecue flavors with only plant-based ingredients at this flavorful workshop run by QTPOC org allgo. RSVP to attend via the link in their bio. 6:30pm.
Drag the Ban!
Tuesday 15, ACC Highland Campus
Austin Community College’s Creative Writing Department and Arts & Digital Media Division once again presents banned-book readings by local drag stars in Highland’s building 4000. Plus, Reverie Books pops up with some banned books to buy. Zoom link available for those wishing to attend virtually. 7pm.
The Drag Queen Game Show: Birthday Show
Tuesday 15, the Highball
Celebrate two years of games, gags, and gorgeous gowns with hosts Celia Light and Mars. 8pm.
Queer Trivia: Beanie Baddies
Tuesday 15, Cheer Up Charlies
The Little Gay Shop’s back at Chups with host Aira Juliet, testing your knowledge about “trinkets & collectibles from the 80s-now.” Perfect time to score a Sonny Angel from the CUC vending machine… 7:30pm.
Drag Bingo
Wednesday 16, St. Elmo Brewing SoCo
Louisianna Purchase hosts this monthly bingo bash with delicious delights from on-site food trucks Spicy Boys and Patty Palace as well as a Little Gay Shop pop-up. 7pm.
Queer Film Theory Presents: Contact
Thursday 17, Alamo South Lamar
Watch along with the QFT fam – which includes Jodie Foster devotee Dilla – as they explore the cosmic unknown in this astronomical 1997 Foster feature. 7pm.
This article appears in July 11 • 2025.
