Exactly my feelings (Photo by Lisa Fotios via Pexels)
I’m a well-adjusted bisexual, so of course I have a therapist I complain to every other Friday. One complaint I often bring to sessions is how much I hate summer. Too hot! Being outside drains me the moment I step a toe on concrete – I live in an apartment complex; there’s A LOT of concrete – and the outfits? I’m not great with sweat stains, and Austin summers put an end to layering. There are so many outfits with big shirts and shorts I can arrange!
When I brought this up with my therapist, she asked me how I “get over” summer. My hot weather coping mechanisms are based on convenience: I buy pre-boiled coffee instead of making it myself; I spray on sunscreen to make it easier to apply; and most importantly, I don’t go outside at all. While this helps me avoid the sensory nightmare that is muggy Austin, it triggers a different kind of hell. I love getting outside! Part of my damn job as a reporter and queer events columnist is messing around the city. Locked in my air-conditioned cave, I’m safe from summer blues but completely vulnerable to indoor depression.
Honestly, being queer feels like a two-sided issue right now in many ways. Be safe or be exposed—either way, you’ll regret it in a new and horrible way. People choose to hide all the time because the alternative is being exposed and being conservative cannon fodder. But hiding gets cramped and lonely and smells bad after so long without proper ventilation.
Of course, my summer situation and the countless experiences of queerness around the world are not entirely comparable. Coming out and being proud of it, for example, doesn’t cause sunburn. Yet the same internal conflict arises when I look out at an outdoor market at 3 p.m.—the hottest time of the day for me, at least—and every time I have to give my coming out monologue: Is it worth being authentically myself and risking my well-being? I can’t tell you what the right choice is, because I’m not you and we’re not that far yet in my therapy sessions. But I will say this: At these outdoor queer events, there are always a ton of virgins who have brought water to share. A real queer community helps each other. When you’re outside, at least you’re not alone.
Night of a Thousand Lanas: Let the light in output
Thursday, 15th, Volstead Lounge
The Vixens of Volstead will pay tribute to Lana Del Rey with an evening of performances by May Magdalene and Tequila Rose to the sad singer’s hits, plus a Lana costume contest, themed cocktails and music by DJ Casstevens.
Waterloo Squares: Square Dance Classes
Thursday, 15th, Trinity Church of Austin
Not necessarily queer, but according to workout queen Erica Nix, it might be. Grab your queer girls, guys, and genderless friends for this square dance class for beginners.
Drag Bingo Happy Hour
Friday, 16th, Jo’s Red River
What does $10 get you this bingo night? For that $10, you get a bingo card and a seat to sip happy hour drinks while host Lawrie Bird calls out numbers. Could one or five of those numbers be your ticket to a prize? You’ll have to be there to find out!
Hard Rubber ATX presents: Summer of Love Act II
Friday 16, Highland Lounge
For their second appearance, the rave-rage folks of Hard Rubber are back and continue their homage to the hippie-dippy dance love of the sixties.
Eagle’s Ark
Friday, 16th, the Austin Eagle
This is a rave party for all the furries, pups and critters in town who need to let their animals out and dance. Hosted by the Austin Eagle Kennel Club and the Alamo City Furry Invasion, there will be a puppy mosh, clothing check and music from DJs BASSCAT, Axyl and Halcyon. Protective clothing is recommended.
kingdom
Friday 16, Oilcan’s
Enjoy the royal treatment while watching these drag performers: Brigitte Bandit, Kino Kino, Selma Bawdy, presenter Alexander the Great and special guest Eva Inez!
Women’s Bow
Friday 16th, Cheer Up Charlies
According to the description by creator Dragonnqueen, it is a “fully immersive party with infectious Latinx underground beats (and more) played by femmen/nb powerhouse DJs who create a space where you can dance without inhibitions into the heat of the night.” There are four DJs: Ella Ella, La Morena, Hierba Malita and of course Dragonnqueen.
Distorted
Saturday 17, Ovenbird
Malibu Imported is bringing back their Southside Drag Brunch with an all new VIP package, including party favors, champagne, and special seating. But you don’t have to switch to VIP mode to see this performance featuring the wonderful Maxine LaQueene, Felesia, Kiki Divine, and Jeffica Fox.
Fees and Donuts
Saturday, 17th, Voodoo Donut
The only Sixth Street drag show and it’s as sweet as can be. Nova Sparks hosts this drag open mic every other Saturday, so come along and help shake up Austin’s drunken straight paradise.
Back to Cool
Saturday 17, ASHwell
Find your new school look at this free event. Not only does it feature incredible performances by Miss Trans Texas Vivica Perry, Maxine LaQueene, Simone Jewel Riviera and Sin Corker, but it also features stylists, makeup, raffles and a clothing swap.
Bebesota Brunch: Bath and Boujee
Sunday 18th, Taquero Mucho Domain
Bring your best girls, boys and enbies to see performances by Amber Nicole Davenport, Jeffica Fox, JT Davenport and Johnee Blaze – and of course, host Beauty.
QBWA early morning hike
Sunday, 18th, Mayfield Nature Preserve
Marlene, aka @ezmjay, is leading a hike with the Queer Black Women Alliance. Enjoy Austin’s numerous outdoor offerings while hanging out with other athletic or at least hiking-loving queer black women. Remember to bring water, snacks, and “good vibes,” as her Insta post recommends.
A great gay pool party
Sunday, 18th, Austin Motel
Wash away the stresses of everyday life at this spectacular pool party, featuring beats from DJ Boyfriend ATX, drag from Harlot and Honey Baby, a pop-up market from Little Gay Shop and Ryan Fitzgibbon (A great gay book) sign graves for you.
Texas
Sunday, 18th, ColdTowne Theater
Laugh your way through Pride season at this queer comedy and karaoke party. Sarah Spear hosts a lineup including Jose Da’Hype, Moe Christine, Aira Juliet, Angelina Martin, Derek Kopswa, Brandi Davis and Aaron Seroussi.
Sapphic Singles
Sunday, 18th, Double Trouble
Find a friend, a lover, or a frenemy who may later become your lover at this Sapphic dating event at Double Trouble in North Loop.
Book Lovers: LGBTQ+ Night
Tuesday, 20th, Radio/East
Queer bookworms, come find your new love—book, person, or both—at this speed dating event presented by the Austin Independent Book Fair. It’s like the Scholastic Book Fair, but for your gay little heart.
Drag Queen Bingo
Wednesday 21st, St. Elmo Brewing Co.
Anyone can win at bingo, but this bingo hosted by Louisiana Purchase and the Little Gay Shop is for the very special. Or the most mediocre. Just have fun out there, to be honest!
Queer Swimming
Thursday, 22nd, Barton Springs Pool
Splash and splash with your queer community at this casual hangout. Each swim this year will also feature a land-based activity, so bring a good attitude, safe swimwear, a pool noodle (in case you need it), and plenty of sunscreen. Look for the Pride flag and float tube to find your crew.
BABE ATX takes over the start of school
Thursday, 22nd, Volstead Lounge
A local DJ collective of women and non-binary people brings big beats to the dance floor at Volstead with guest artists MYST, DJ Lóa and Prissy P.
