Shout Out to the Queer Best of Austin Winners

Hopefully by now you’ve realized our 2018 "Best of Austin" issue is out – on stands and online now! It’s safe to say, "Best Of" is my favorite issue The Austin Chronicle team puts out each year. (And a huge round of applause to our Editor-in-Chief and "BOA" editor Kim Jones for doing such a bang-up job on this one!)

But as the paper’s Qmmunity editor, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I’m extra excited to see so many queer winners this year – in both the Readers Poll and Critics Picks! We all know Austin’s queer community is brimming with talented, creative, and awe-inspiring folks, but it's always rad to see them get noticed! So, we’d like to give a big round of applause to all the queer’d winners in this year's "BOA"! (And to everyone who voted for me – thank you, it really does make the hard work worth it!)

Best Graphic Artist: Lauren Dickens

Best Theatre Director: Lisa Scheps

Best Drag Performer: Louisianna Purchase

Best DJ: GirlFriend ATX

Best Bar for Singles, Intimate Live Music Venue, and LGBTQ Bar: Cheer Up Charlies

Best Nightlife Wildcard: Lesbian Wedding

Best Journalist: Sarah Marloff

Best Mani/Pedi: Cute Nail Studio

Best Hotel/Motel: Hotel San José

Best Psychic/Tarot: Sister Temperance Tarot

Best Adult Store: Forbidden Fruit

Best Personal Trainer: Erica Nix (Transform Fitness)

Best Champions for Austin’s Blaqueers/QPOC Community: Austin Black Pride

Best Boundary-Pushing Fest: Contrast Film Festival

Best Advocate for Queer Youth: Kathryn Gonzales

Most Gender-Diverse Meetup: TGQ Social

Best Creative Nightlife: Fuego

Best Statement Underwear: Package Menswear

And, if you want to celebrate with the winners, snag tickets to our "Best of Austin" party, Thu., Nov. 8, 6-9pm, at the Mohawk. $10-15.