Senate Bill 8 got Gov. Abbott’s grotty little signature last week, and the new restrictions on restroom access in government and school buildings start on Dec. 4. Called confusingly the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, reporting from The Texas Tribune’s Ayden Runnels states that the bill’s Texas House sponsor Rep. Angelia Orr initially said in August that its enforcement would be based on a person’s appearance – which to me sounds like the opposite of protecting women’s privacy. Even the walked-back comments Orr made later stating that each agency would determine their own enforcement policies seems to imply state agencies required complacency in transphobia. How private can anyone expect these restrooms to be when all eyes are on you and whether or not you look lady-like enough?
But that’s the point, isn’t it? No one is allowed privacy when jerk-offs and bozos get their way, and that’s exactly where we are now with schools, universities, and places like the DMV weighing a $25,000 fine against treating people with respect. It’s all weasel shit, and I don’t know about you but I hate a weasel. As previously stated, they can drag me from the stall still pissing before I comply in advance with the spineless rules set by anyone foolish enough to support this bill.
In other news: The Chronicle’s finally entering the 2010s and getting a Wordpress site. When you log on to see your favorite local queer event section – no shade to DoGay512, but Qmmunity is more fun! – everything will look a little different. But the actual words, pictures, and vibe will be the same ol’ same ol’, just featuring a more pleasing serif font. HOWEVER, website migration is a process not unlike medical transition, so don’t expect the whole thing to have passing privilege overnight. We’re working on it. Eventually you’ll never be able to tell we were once a Dispatch hosted site.
Pink Pony Rodeo
Thursday 2, Cheer Up Charlies
This ain’t no “House Tour” but there’ll deffo be “Tears” of joy when you mosey on over for Neon Rainbow’s country dance party inspired by ACL first-weekend headliner Sabrina Carpenter. Plus, drag by Brigitte Bandit, Moxie, Miss Steelya Girl, and Damiana Divine. 8pm.
Sana Sana: It’s Fwiggin’ Bats!
Thursday 2, Ani’s Day and Night
This open mic invites creatives young and old to show their Halloween spirit in any art form. Plus, free on-site HIV/STI testing from Vivent Health and candy. Artist check-in at 7pm, and show kick-off at 8.
Queer Muslims ATX Hangout
Thursday 2, BRB Coffee
Find friends and fellow queers at this CTX LGBTQ Muslim meet-up group that promises a “super chill” time at a laundromat-located coffee spot. 7:30pm.
The Galactic Salon: Spectre
Thursday 2, Kick Butt Coffee
The cosmic dancers of the Galactic Salon perform a “burlesque, drag, and spoken word seance” with performances by Sir Beau Elliot, Brandy Knight, Venus Fur, Brad French, Ruby Lamb, Mina Daggers, Bobby Barnaby, the Great Flying Cervix, and Gemmi Galactic. 7pm.
Pride Parallel Play
Thursday 2, Triple Six Social
San Marcos Queer Council invites crafters to make DIY horror-themed headbands and play Mario Party games alongside each other. While headbands will be provided, feel free to bring your own accents like horns, twigs, and feathers to add. 6pm.
Spooky Craft Night
Friday 3, Location TBD
Tribrelations kicks off “Tribtober” with an 18+ craft gathering where one can make decorations for Trib’s upcoming Trunk of Treat event (Oct. 12) or just conjure your own creepy craft creations. 5pm.
The Life of a Mean Girl
Friday 3, Highland Lounge
Celebrate TayTay’s new album release with a Mean Girls themed party featuring a full album spin, drag show, and happy hour from open ‘til midnight. 9:30pm.
A Formal Fetish Affair
Saturday 4, Beerburg
Celebrate Central Texas kinksters at this glammed up night featuring performances by Raven Nox, Bobby Barnaby’s troupe, Max Allure & Madelinn Minx, and emcee the Queen Fantasia. In addition to the show, expect delicious dining, sensual speakers, and a formal fetish dress code. 6pm.
ACL Fest Nights: Haute & Freddy
Saturday 4, C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
LA-based alt-poppers Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp perform their combo of “18th-century baroque influences with 80s synth sounds” with local clown-time players Fou Fou Ha! Austin delivering jesterly joy. Local post-punk sweat-servers J’cuuzi bulk the lineup. 10pm.
Trans and Intersex Sewing Workshop – Let’s Make a Cloak!
Saturday 4, Native American Cultural Center
Learn the steps to making your own Ren Faire flair with this three-hour sewing workshop for trans and intersex folks only. Fabric is provided at the $25-65 ticket range, but those who bring their own cloth pay $15. See genderunbound.org for further details. 3pm.
Until Liberation: Austin Organizing for Palestine
Saturday 4, 100 E. 27th
Join the Austin for Palestine Coalition for an afternoon-to-evening conference focused on building long-term organizing skills through hard-and-soft skill workshops, local project/campaign intros, and all the discussions you can stand. 1pm.
Pork’d: Wigged!
Saturday 4, the Iron Bear
This edition of Package Austin’s monthly gear night goes all in on the Halloween vibes by asking attendees to secure their bald caps and slap on the Got2B glue for a real wig gig. Clothing check’s still on the menu, so feel free to strip down – just keep those faux hairdos ON. 9pm.
Queer Dance & Brunch
Sunday 5, the Austin Eagle
Queer Dance Austin offers a lesson on bachata for all those interested in doing more with their movements. All skill levels welcome. 1pm.
¡BUENAS!
Sunday 5, Cheer Up Charlies
Tiny Taurus continues his top-surgery fundraising tour with a party at Chups featuring loteria with fabo prizes, local vendors, and drag by Moxie, Bobby Pudrido, and BeeBee Blvnt. 7pm.
Lezzz B. Honest: Tim Burton Tribute
Sunday 5, Ani’s Day and Night
Grab your eyebags for a journey into the twisted imagination of these sapphic performers as Kino Kino, Barry Mii Dandy, Bat Widow, Marilyn Moonlight, Phoenix, and Mars Morningstar present drag tributes to the babes of Burton’s filmography. Pluz, a vendor market and spins by DJ Deadlao5. 1pm.
Sir Rat Kink Bingo
Sunday 5, the Austin Eagle
Win kinky prizes and have a fine ol’ time with hosts Daddy Randy, Simone Riviera, and Hexa Dulce at this bingo bash. 4pm.
Monday Night Jammie Jam: Haunted House Party
Monday 6, Kick Butt Coffee
Burlesque goes in a boo-tiful direction at this Halloween variety show featuring comedy, dance, and local & out-of-town performers. 7:45pm.
Karao-Kiki
Monday 6, Rain on 4th
Sing your heart out with host Mars. 10pm.
The Boulet Brothers Dragula Titans Viewing Party
Tuesday 7, Oilcan’s
Who better to experience the frightening first viewing of Dragula Titans’ new season than with contestant Evah Destruction, who’ll provide commentary and a post-show performance at every viewing. 8pm.
Mass Hysterics: The Boulet Brothers Dragula Titans Viewing Party
Tuesday 7, Cheer Up Charlies
Why have one host when you can rotate multiple horror honeys throughout the Titans season 2 run? Come every Tuesday to see whether Jack the Stripper, Neura Toxin, Karabiner, Atlas Mars, or Hot Lunch will be your host for the watch party/lip sync/live host extermination event. 8pm.
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark
Wednesday 8, Double Trouble
Our very own Mistress of North Loop Owie hosts this spooky fun film-screening with trivia, drag, and all-day happy hour to amplify the vibes set by goth queen Elvira’s big screen debut. 8pm.
Greetings From Queer Mountain: Witchy Spirituality Night
Wednesday 8, Cheer Up Charlies
Learn all about the Austin queer community’s stories, thoughts, and experiences with magic and spirituality. Plus, witchy vendors, workshops, and much more. 6pm.
Mars Attackz: The Invasion
Thursday 9, Cheer Up Charlies
Atlas Mars and Mars Morningstar host an out-of-this-world drag show with performances by Sissa Muerta, Gender Destruction, Franki Marz, Neura Toxin, and Venus Rising – plus space-out spins by DJ Turito. 9pm.
Haunted Hoedown
Thursday 9, Elysium
Neon Rainbows presents their gothic gathering of queer country fun that’s stuffed to the skeleton with drag, linedance, go-go cowbois, vendors, and so much more – all hosted by Owie, May Magdalene, Travis Randy Travis, and Bobby Pudrido. 8pm.
From the Calendar
Thee Cuntry Faire
Friday 3-Saturday 4, the Museum of Human Achievement
Even Big Tex might be jealous of the lineup promised by Thee Gay Agenda’s queer and country-fried fair – a truly top-tier gallery of whosits and whatsits galore. That includes comedy, drag, and other performance art pieces from folks like Lucky Starzzz, Fou Fou Ha! Austin, Bobby Pudrido, Sir Beau Elliot, Chanty Aguirre, Kat Ellison Williams, khattieQ, Sueitko, DJ tippytoe, Lichen Bouboushian, Eddie Hale, Sid Holderbach, the Country Fried Dancers, Bunni, and Emmet Hunker; fine art features from anderson dean, Ari Borazjanian, Chabriely Rivera Roldan, Ben Roan, LV, Stone, Wayne Halliburton, Skylar Gerken, Z, Danny Gallucci, Mac Eggimann, Gladdpole, Bobby Barnaby, Keegan Goethals, Nathan Dinh, and terri; immersive experiences like pre-show games; and much more. Friday’s performance is masks-required, and despite the $22.74 GA ticket price, no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. – James Scott
High Art
Thursday 9 & Sunday 12, AFS Cinema
Goddamn, the Nineties were a good time to be a movie fan. The indie film movement was exploding with distinctive voices empowered by cheaper production costs and nurtured by film schools and festivals – including Lisa Cholodenko, who began work on this New Queer Cinema essential while at Columbia and debuted it to acclaim at Sundance in 1998. High Art more than fulfills the promise of its title, but you can throw in another modifier, too: hot. Playing a Nan Goldin-esque photographer on a drug spiral, Brat Packer Ally Sheedy shook audiences with the sensual tractor beam she fixed on the baby-faced neighbor upstairs (Radha Mitchell). Seriously – so much hotness. – Kimberley Jones
This article appears in October 3 • 2025.