Gay Place
A slow week, but there's still fun to be had
By Sarah Marloff, Fri., Aug. 5, 2016
Summer comes in stages, and this week the summer livin' is easy. Maybe it's the heat, or maybe it's the fact that Pride is peeking her pretty, glittery face around the corner (countdown: 23 days to Pride Weekend!). Either way, we're calling this week's lull (that isn't really a lull at all), a sign. It's time to enjoy the weeklies and monthlies that – sometimes – we take for granted. For example, those deeply disturbed (and fantastic) queens of Poo Poo Platter are serving up tribute to queer icon and all around weirdo-it-grrrl, Robyn (see Friday). Go ahead, keep on dancing on your own.
GAYDAR
Plezzure Island Mermaid Happy Hour The mermaids from Plezzure Island are swimming in for fruity cocktails and tart ladies' happy hour. Thu., Aug. 4, 7-9pm. Highland Lounge, 404 Colorado. Free. www.lesbutanteandtheboss.com.
Class Transitions A strength training meets boot camp-style class developed for Austin's trans community. Thursdays, 7:15pm. Transform, 1909 Wheless. $15. www.transformfitnessaustin.com.
Sha'Nyia Baltimore and the Cast of the Supernovas! Supernovas getting wild this week, every week at BTII. Thu., 11pm. Bout Time II, 6607 N. I-35. www.fb.com/bt2atx.
First Friday Pride Happy Hour (Austin's) Pride month is upon us, so kick back with the pride crew for a happy hour and pride-inspired raffles. Fri., Aug. 5, 7-10pm. Rain on 4th, 217 W. Fourth. www.austinpride.org.
Hold Me Well What if Othello were set in a post-apocalyptic world without men? Would the tragic ending still ring true? Playwright Eva Suter gives her take here. Directed by Shrewd company member Rudy Ramirez, this play puts the focus on women and LGBTQ voices. Give it a listen. Through Aug. 7. Fri.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 5pm. The Off Shoot, 2211 Hidalgo, 512/476-7833. $13-25. www.shrewdproductions.com.
Hail Yasss! Call Your Squirrel Friends (A Drag Tribute to Robyn) Femmebots! Call yer girlfriends for Poo Poo Platter's goddamn tribute to Robyn. Otherwise, you'll be dancing on your own. Fri., Aug. 5, 10pm. Elysium, 705 Red River. www.facebook.com/poopooatx.
Volleyball Austin Sand Tourney Join those volleyball gays for a day of sand, fun, and sportsball. Part of the profits go to the families of Pulse. Sat., Aug. 6, noon. Moontower Saloon, 10212 Manchaca Rd. volleyballaustin.com.leagueapps.com.
Torch Wildfire Reading Series presents: April Walker and Ebony Stewart Spend a literary evening with Cave Canem graduate fellow April Walker, and three-time Austin Slam champ and author of Love Letters to Balled Fists, Ebony Stewart. Open mic, Q&A, and of course performance. Sat., Aug. 6, 6pm. BookWoman, 5501 N. Lamar Ste. 105-A. Free. www.ebookwoman.com, www.torchliteraryarts.org.
Drag At The Drive-In: Hedwig And The Angry Inch + Afterparty Make the drive-in a drag this weekend with a special screening of the queer punk-ropera, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Afterparty to follow at Elysium with Hedwig cover band the Sideways Grimace. Sat., Aug. 6, 8pm. Blue Starlite Drive-In at Austin Studios, 1901 E. 51st. $7-22. www.internationaldrag.org.
Her HRC Casino Royale Get shaken and stirred at the HRC's yearly ladiez night with Les and the Boss. It's a Casino Royale up in here with burlesque, blackjack, and Bond. Play to win, pretties. Sat., Aug. 6, 7pm. Clearport ATX, 516 E. Sixth. $25, VIP $50. www.hrcaustin.org.
Celebrate the Life of Laura Votaw Celebrate the life and times of community member Laura Votaw. Motorcycle salute and music by Lisa Marshall, Susan Arbuckle, and Julie Nolen. Donations go to Hospice Austin's Christopher House in Laura's name. Sun., Aug. 7, 2-6pm. High Road on Dawson, 700 Dawson. $10 Donation. www.fb.com/events/1398915443469270.
Kit-Making Party AHRC hosts their first ever volunteer party! Meet the peeps behind the party and lend a hand putting together community kits. Sun., Aug. 7, 6pm. Austin Harm Reduction Coalition, 1115 E. 12th. www.austinharmreduction.org.
Workout! with Erica Nix Make exercise fun again. Dance and strength-training workouts inspired by Eighties and Nineties aerobics (think Richard Simmons, Jane Fonda, and a side of Big Freedia). Mondays, 6pm; Wednesdays, 6:30pm. Transform, 1909 Wheless. $15. www.transformfitnessaustin.com.
PFLAG Monthly Meeting Northwest Group Need a place to be? PFLAG's monthly meetings invite everyone from teens to senior citizens to join the discussion, or just listen and snack. As always, they like to keep things confidential. Second Tuesdays. Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church, 3315 El Salido, Cedar Park. Free. www.pflagaustin.org.
TuezGayz Grrl, it might be Tuesday but go ahead, dance like there's no tomorrow. Tuesdays. Barbarella, 615 Red River. Free before 10, $5 after. www.fb.com/ barbarella.austin.9, www.theglitoris.com.
PFLAG Monthly Meeting South Group Need a place to be? PFLAG's monthly meetings invite everyone from teens to senior citizens to join the discussion, or just listen and snack. As always, they like to keep things confidential. Second Thursdays. Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 E. Oltorf. Free. www.pflagaustin.org.
GAYLY AHEAD
Austin Pride 2016 Pride is coming. Werk Fashion Show: Sat., Aug. 20. Festival and parade: Sat., Aug. 27. $13-125. www.austinpride.org.
Plezzure Island That's right ladiez (and gents mayhaps) – it's the first (and only) all-grrrl resort takeover to hit the Texas coast. Get yer swimsuits packed for pool-party adventures and sleepover daydreams. Thu.-Sun., Sept. 29-Oct. 2. Hilton Galveston Island Resort. $200. www.plezzureislandtexas.com.
Splash Days Dance parties, pool parties, and So. Many. Shirtless. Dudes. Get yer Labor Day weekend splash on, tickets available by day or in packages based on how you want it. Plus, 100% – yes all of it – goes to helping local nonprofits like APAP and Care Communities. Sept. 2-5. Multiple locations, see website. www.splashdays.com.
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