Drink 'Til It Helps
Boozy events that give back to queers and the greater community
By Sarah Marloff, 10:00AM, Thu. Jul. 12, 2018
If there are two things Austinites do well together it’s drinking and fundraising. And, considering the current state of affairs, the two pair quite nicely, like pizza and beer, cheese and wine, queers and activism.
Sure, it’s not the same as taking to the streets, but for those nights when you’re feeling scared, defeated, or even defiant, why not drown those feelings someplace that’s actively supporting queer (and basic human) rights.
As this week’s special Drinks Issue hits stands (and browsers) today, “Gay Place” has rounded up some appealing, boozy, and supportive events that will get you tipsy while giving back to organizations fighting the good fight. *And as a reminder, all these events are just as fun and just as important with a Topo in hand. No alcohol necessary.
LGBTQ+ Happy Hour with the 'Loo
Once a month, on the second Thursday, Rain hosts a happy hour fundraiser to support Waterloo Counseling. Waterloo has been serving the LGBTQ community, folks living with HIV, and people experiencing trauma, depression, or anxiety since 1983, and they’re still going strong. They offer sliding scale services for the uninsured, while Rain keeps the drinks cold and flowing.
Thursday, July 12, 6-8pm. Rain on 4th (217 W. Fourth).
Her Black Brunch
Ok ok ok, this is not so much a cash fundraiser, but it’s a community building boozy brunch (and bar crawl) to support, promote, and celebrate Austin’s black lesbian, bi, and trans women. Hosted by Austin Black Pride.
Sun., July 15, 1-3pm. Tillery Kitchen & Bar (3201 E. Cesar Chavez St.)
Sing to #SaveTheNipple With Lizzy Caroloke
A group of local community members are fundraising for the Texas Mamma Jamma bike ride, which raises money to support Austin organizations fighting against breast cancer and helping those affected by it. Why? Because "breast cancer does not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, [or] disabilities," says one organizer, Lex Keaton, who's looking to raise $2,000. Keaton said they're more dedicated to the cause after one of their friends, a local trans man of color, was diagnosed with breast cancer this past year. The experience, Keaton said, sent their friend group into a "world wind of emotions." Help Keaton and Co. reach their goal by singing out loud with Lizzy and a bunch of queers while enjoying some of Rio Rita’s specialty cocktails. Plus, what a great hashtag, amiright?
Wed., July 18, 7-11pm. Rio Rita (1203 Chicon).
Guerrilla Queer Bar: Summer of Resistance
We like to call it margs for the cause, and that cause is working to reunite over 300 parents with their children after being ripped apart by our lovely government officials. GQB makes it a habit to collect 10% of the bar sales for different nonprofits each takeover, and this month the tab, plus whatever’s collected during the happy hour, will be donated to the Texas Civil Rights Project. Plus, it’s like one big qmmunity hug. (Full disclosure: "Gay Place" editor Sarah Marloff co-hosts GQB.)
Thu., July 19, 6-10pm. Gabrielas Downtown (900 E. Seventh).
Equality Texas Fundraiser With New Waterloo
The restaurant group behind La Condesa, Sway, Café No Sé, and more has partnered with Equality Texas for a delicious, and craft cocktail-filled fundraiser. Every first Monday of the month, now through February, a different New Waterloo eatery will donate 10% of their dinner sales to EQTX. This money helps fuels the fight against our hate-ridden state legislature and push for more LGBTQ rights. The next dinner takes place at Le Politique.
Mon., Aug. 6, 5-10pm. Le Politique (110 San Antonio St.).
EQTX + Shed Shed Barbershop: Queer As Hell
What better way to kick off Austin Pride than supporting EQTX? We like to think of it as preemptively fighting back against the 86th legislative session (returning January 8). Dulce Vida Tequila and Hops and Grain beer will be available for all your sipping pleasures, but don’t expect bar vibes. This fundraiser is taking over Shed Barbershop on the Eastside. Extra credit: they’ll also have voter registration onhand so make sure you can vote this November.
Fri., Aug. 3, 8-11pm. SHED Barbershop and Supply (2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Suite 312).
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