Hello readers! This is my annual birthday column, which I write just in case anyone has birthday compliments for me burning a hole in their pockets. Usually I have a whole gimmick like trans movie recs, but this week I actually also wrote the cover feature so my gift to myself is keeping the column short and sweet.
I vacillate wildly between finding my current life a pit of despair and actually pretty alright, which feels appropriate for a trans guy in his early 30s right now. Nothing I do ever feels like enough: never enough coverage given to all parts of the Austin queer community; never enough time spent in and around the city; never enough space given to all critiques delivered to me by others as well as my own brain. My spirit’s got a perpetual hole in it that I can’t seem to fill. Is that good? Probably not. But I also don’t know that’d I’d be as good at my work if I wasn’t breathlessly chasing perfection all the live-long day.
So I just wanna say thanks to all y’all for bearing with me as a human being trying my best. In writing up and editing event descriptions, my aim is to communicate how cool all the various movers & shakers of queer Austin are – from the small biz owners to the drag performers, the burlesque babes to health care hotties. If I’ve been able to do that for you even once, then my 3am freak-outs over this column have been worth it.
Vivent Health Clothing Swap Donations
Through November 26, Vivent Health Austin
Help local sexual health clinic Vivent have the best possible winter clothing swap on Dec. 6. Stop by sometime between now and Nov. 26 and donate your washed and gently used clothes (all seasons); accessories like hats, socks, belts, and ties; and even drag accoutrements ready for a new home.
Hard Rubber
Thursday 13, Kingdom
Time to party Austin-style by way of Croatia, as the EU’s own Only Fire pops in to this all-night beat to spin with local Homotopies. Sir Maxim holds down hosting duties, and Package provides a complimentary coat check. 10pm.
Rainbow Safety Squad Info Session
Friday 14, Virtual
Looking to directly provide safety to your local queer community? Rainbow Safety Squad hosts this 15-minute Zoom presentation where they’ll go into plans for volunteer safety escorts through LGBTQ entertainment areas like Fourth Street and Red River. There’ll also be a Q&A. 6:30pm.
Holigay’s Fall Break
Friday 14, Holiday on 7th
Take a break from holiday hot messes and enjoy this autumnal affair featuring Holiday’s limited release fall menu as well as spins by DJ Killgxrl and flash tattoos by T4T Tattoo. Snag a spiced appletini, chamomile hot toddy, Boilermaker, or Wild Turkey Old Fashioned, and rest easy knowing the proceeds benefit Queer Liberation Network. 6pm.
Girls on AUX: Something for the Ladies
Friday 14, Coconut Club
On Coco’s roof is a party most feminine, with Jos tha DJ joined on the decks by Ajah Monet serving neo-soul and R&B until closing time. 9pm.
OutWellness Friendsgiving
Friday 14, RSVP for location
Celebrate this thankful season early with your fit friends at OutWellness. Dinner’s potluck style, so sign-up to bring a dish, and, because this IS Texas, there’ll be brisket provided by la Barbecue. Plus games, card exchanges, and a “safe, affirming space to celebrate the season together.” 7pm.
Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys Drag Show
Friday 14, Elysium
Brigitte Bandit hosts at this tribute to My Chemical Romance’s third album, with Calor, Atlas Mars, Gator Gorr, Tangelo, and Jack the Stripper helping to make some noise! 10pm.
Lauren Klotzman: “100% Ennui”
Through November 22, Ivester Contemporary
Described to me by the artist as “basically dyke video painting,” Klotzman explores the paradox of our screen-saturated lives by combining gouache painting with video works made via analog modular synthesizer. These pieces, along with sculptural wall hangings, offer thoughtful comment on digital boredom, a specific condition the artist embraces as “fruitful, a space where idle contemplation becomes possible.”
Violet Crown Follies
Saturday 15, Regal Rooms
The Jigglewatts join guest performers Tito Bonito and Rose Hipnotique to bring big-screen glamour to this burlesque show. Expect thrills, chills, and a whole lotta movie magic. 8pm.
Louisianna Purchase Presents: “My Heart Will Burst Into a Million Stars”
Saturday 15, the Conroy Gallery (Inside Feats of Clay Pottery)
Dragula star and Austin drag icon Louisianna Purchase debuts their first art show in over 10 years, displaying 11 pearled paper-cut works during Austin Studio Tour’s second weekend. To learn more about this new show, check out our interview with Louisianna online at austinchronicle.com/queer. 6pm.
Doom Metal Goat Yoga: Queer Edition
Saturday 15, Jester King
Take a furry journey to connection with Taylor Fox, Weird Warrior Yoga Group, and OutWellness at this yoga session that takes place alongside sour-beer brewery Jester King’s goat herd. 10am.
Slinksgiving
Saturday 15, Cheer Up Charlies
Hype up your holiday with Haus of Madnes and their stacked lineup topped by Grammy winner DJ Slink along with Bad Apple, Bambi, Keltiey, Jody Simms (PU$$YRAP), and Robbie Lepore on emcee duties. Five bucks from every purchase goes to Angel House Soup Kitchen. 9pm.
Queer Poetry Open Mic Night
Saturday 15, Birdhouse Books and Gifts
Join fellow poets at this Burnet bookshop for a lyrical night. Plus, your $5 ticket purchase converts to store credit during the event, so mayhaps it’s time to snag a new chapbook or two? 6:30pm.
Bobbing for Apples
Saturday 15, Cheer Up Charlies
Take a freakin’ bite into this evening of camp and high art with your host Jezebelle guiding you through live music by Doom Well, drag by Salem Purchase, Stephania Elegonza, and Deidre Laqua, and AK-4ya and Angel Doll behind the decks. 9pm.
Distorted: Shrek Drag Brunch
Saturday 15, Ovenbird
It’s back to the swamp with host Malibu Imported at this drag show themed to 2001’s most important event – the release of Dreamworks’ Shrek. Angel Rawze, Queen Diva, and Tiffany Epiphany perform. 11:30pm.
Hill Country Ride for AIDS Game Night
Saturday 15, Merfolk Coffee
Hill Country Ride for AIDS partners with South Austin coffeeshop Merfolk and TTRPG aficionados Wizard City for a special board game night. 6pm.
Package Queer Market
Sunday 16, Package Austin
Specialty shop Package throws another queer-centric vendor market with plenty of local makers to start your holiday shopping right. Plus, free drinks! 12pm.
Bebesota: Amber’s Birthday Bash
Sunday 16, Taquero Mucho at the DOMAIN
The best girls celebrate cast member Amber Nicole Davenport’s big day with a brunch drag. Beauty hosts, with Shasta and Zimora Evans joining the lineup alongside those iconic $10 mimosa towers. 1pm.
Fall 2025 K9-9K Critter Fun Run
Sunday 16, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Put your paws in motion this weekend with Boop Society of Central Texas’ 9K fun run in observation of Transgender Awareness Week. Started by Champ the Fox, this jaunt allows hoods, tails, and gear, so everyone can be themselves while jogging. 11am.
Queer Soup Night
Sunday 16, Fast Friends Beer Co.
Soup’s on, and so is the fun at this fundraising community event. In addition to trying soups by chefs Luna Vela, Slate Shellooe, Hope Wissel, Kristen Torres, and Ali Clem, attendees can enjoy a Thee Gay Agenda variety show, Country Fried Dance lessons, live music by Kelsi Creek, Queer Vinyl Collective spinning, a pop-up Little Gay Shop shop, and a spoon swap. How delicious! 5pm.
The Tiny Cookout Show
Sunday 16, Sahar Studios
Black Trans Leadership ATX feeds your stomach and soul at this event with the help of hosts Blakchyl and TribRelations. In addition to plates sponsored by Super Woman Records, you’ll enjoy tunes by Essynce, Grdn, Nicotine & the Warmtones, and Blakchyl as well as a DJ set by Sahar Sounds. 6pm.
The Dirty Bird Show With Cynthia Lee Fontaine
Sunday 16, the Austin Eagle
Have a fabo time with Drag Race star Cynthia Lee Fontaine at this drag show hosted by Malibu Imported. Dee Gee Ray, Lady Grackle, and Sister DeLulu perform, and Vivent Health provides on-site testing. 12pm.
Come Out and Run
Sunday 16, Radio Rosewood
Move on over to this Brand New Love event to get in touch with your wellness side. There’ll be a fun run, recovery massage, drink specials, cold plunges, and the chance to meet your new fave walking/running group. Local orgs like Austin Front Runners, OutWellness, and Local Queer ATX appear as well. 2pm.
Sungays: Scenes From the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills
Sunday 16, We Luv Video
Camp out ahead of the holidays with this late Eighties social satire by director Paul Bartel that follows a former sitcom actress attempting to mount her comeback. When that’s sabotaged by rumors of sexual indiscretions, her path forward becomes less “straight” forward. 6pm.
Sad Girls Only
Monday 17, Swan Dive
Here’s the swan song to this emotional drag show, with hosts Louisianna Purchase and Ruby Knight waving their tear-stained hankies alongside a double featured cast, special guest Lawrie Bird, DJ Sad Dad, and the traditional drag finale cake. 10pm.
Adult Skate Night
Tuesday 18, Pins & Wheels
Local social group Trans Guys Gather ATX invite all interested skaters to this rink roundup where folks 18 years or older can hang out, skate around, or enjoy the arcade. 7pm.
Queer Trivia: Gays & Dolls
Tuesday 18, Cheer Up Charlies
Join hosts Aira Juliet and Justin of the Little Gay Shop as they test your knowledge of musical theatre. Will you defy gravity or throw away your shot? 7:30pm.
Boyz of Austin: Night of 1000 Goths
Wednesday 19, Elysium
Go dark and spooky post-Halloween with ya Boyz in Austin’s drag king and gender diverse troupe. Performances center goth style and culture, so expect black nail polish, lace, and souls to grace the Elysium stage. 10:30pm.
Stampede x Do Si Don’tcha
Wednesday 19, Elysium
Neon Rainbows and Country Fried Dance partner up with trans Australian line dance legend Ponyboy for a big ol’ queer line dance night. Learn more about Country Fried Dance and what line dance means in this week’s cover story on founder Nico Osier! 7pm.
Freddie Party
Thursday 20, Highland Lounge
Who says brand parties can’t slay? PrEP purveyors Freddie host a bash at Highland featuring performances by Drag Race’s Naomi Smalls and Detox alongside local queen and host Amber Nicole Davenport. Amarji King and Ryan McClure provide the beats. 9pm.
From the Calendar
Equality Texas: Together We’re Unlimited
Saturday 15, Hilton Austin
We’re all getting a little tired of Texas’ Wizard behind the Capitol curtain – aka Greg Abbott – who rather than offer his citizens a heart, a brain, or courage prioritizes his own loyalty to D.C.’s right-winged monkeys. But there’s still magic here, kept alive by progressive orgs like Equality Texas. This year, they’ve themed their seventh annual fundraising gala around book-to-musical-to-movie musical Wicked, and they’re asking attendees to come in their most Oz-ian outfits. General admission’s $250, which also covers the four-course meal served, and that all goes to fighting continued conservative efforts to hurt Texas’ LGBTQ communities. – James Scott
This article appears in November 14 • 2025.