Qmmunity: Thee Gay Agenda Holds Court

Bang the gavel, girlies, because court is in session, and you’re guilty – of being a slay queen! Just kidding, just kidding: I get ahead of myself here in Qmmunity headquarters (my bedroom/office). No, what’s in session for real is “thee” newest variety show/improvised play from queer art weirdos Thee Gay Agenda. Premiering this Thursday and running through Saturday is TGA’s Justice Is Served at CrashBox. Dress code is courtroom chic – your lapels ironed, heels sharp, and not a single hair out of order.

Seeded in TGA’s 2023 show Gags to Riches, the invented MLM HomoLyfe has been slapped with a lawsuit. “[We] all kinda fell in love with this chaotic thing we invented,” recalls TGA director Emmet Hunker. “Not only because it was dumb as hell, but because we got to inspect themes like rainbow capitalism, corruption, and community. When we felt ready to resurrect HomoLyfe, a friend jokingly said they joined a class action against it – immediately the picture of us in court seemed too stupid to pass up on.” Each night’s court performance features a different judge, jury, and prosecution and defense lawyers, so audiences receive separate but equally silly experiences depending on their show’s lineup.

“We’ve recruited comedians, drag performers, and musicians who all have one thing in common: They commit to the bit,” says Hunker. They add also that the biggest role is each night’s judge: “They’re the literal centerpiece of the show and both the set and the person playing the judge are iconic, stellar, and gay as hell.” While everybody’s roles aren’t specified yet – gotta leave a few surprises, right? – the lineup includes local icons like Irielle Wesley, Steph VF, Bad Luck Penny, Mase Kerwick, Aida Hernandez-Reyes, Sirena Del Canto, Eddie Hale, Taylor Dominique, Lynn Metcalf, and p1nkstar on DJ duty. More names still than can fit in my column space have contributed to the story, set-building, and overall production, which is par for the TGA course as a community-driven collective. “With the powers of the countless talented gays involved put together,” Hunker concludes, “it’ll make for a really dumb and fun time.”

But don’t think all is over after the verdict is read: Following Saturday night’s finale show will be an all-out afterparty put on in partnership with sapphic soiree experts Lez B in Touch. On the decks are DJs Veneer and Schi the God with p1nkstar reprising her showstopping spins as well. Per Hunker: “We’re so stoked to be collaborating with Lez B In Touch on this and want the gays to come out looking steamed, pressed, and guilty.”

Brittany/Britney

Friday 9, Elysium

Bring together the two most important Brits (Britney Spears and Brittany Murphy) are two very important alt-drag casts: Shock Therapy and PooPoo Platter. One night only, and remember that Elysium requires CASH for that $10 cover. 10pm.

The Watermelon Woman

Friday 9, Hyperreal Film Club

Kicking off their new Carabiner Club are collaborators Sapphic Singles and HFC, who screen this Cheryl Dunye classic with post-movie cocktails and a DJ set. Two for one on those drinkies if you find a fellow sapphic who shares your star sign, FWIW. 7pm.

embodied Launch + Market

Friday 9, Cheer Up Charlies

Yes: Chups has a podcast now. To celebrate the launch of CUC co-owner Maggie Lea and Caesar B, aka Big Cheez, a quad-coterie of DJs gather (Dragonnqueen, JP, Vonne, Hierba Malita) as well as a vendor market.9pm.

Flora & Fauna Fantasy Faire

Saturday 10, Tiny Minotaur Tavern

From Amazing Aeffects – aka Gothess Jasmine’s entertainment org – comes a celebration befitting global Black Fae Day. Step into a realm filled with vendors, performances, and special quests, all platforming Black joy and imagination. It’s an all-ages affair until 6pm, after which only adults may indulge. 3pm.

Woke Cowboy

Saturday 10, ColdTowne Theatre

Lasso yourself some laughs at this showcase of Austin’s diverse comic talents, this week featuring headliner Jeff Hiller. 8pm.

WNBA Game Watches

Saturday 10, 1972 Pub

Lovers of basketball and good brews are welcome to take in three games within 1972’s confines: Fever vs. Dream, 2pm; Toyota Antelopes vs. Dallas Wings, 7; and Sky vs. Lynx, also at 7. Check this women-owned & centered pub’s website for more sporty screenings over the weekend.

Trans Texas Writing Workshop

Saturday 10, RSVP for location & time

KB Brookins leads this workshop on “writing and pitching op-eds for trans rights” presented by TENT. RSVP for this two-hour lesson via workshop.transtexas.org.

Boot Scootin’ Brunch

Sunday 11, Central Machine Works

Country Fried Dance invites you to dance and eat your fill at this afternoon shindig. All ages are welcome. 12pm.

Full Moon Circle

Sunday 11, the Pilates Apothecary

Reflect on the wins, the losses, and the life you’ve led over the past 30 days at this queer-centric ritual space. Suggested donation is $15, and it’s advised to bring a blanket and a swimsuit for a possible post-circle swim. 6:30pm.

Queer Skate Austin

Sunday 11, Branch Park Pavilion

Whether you’re blading, boarding, or simply a lover of all wheels, QSA invites all chillers to enjoy this monthly meetup. 7pm.

Strut

Monday 12, Ann & Roy Butler Trailhead

OutWellness and Local Queer collab every Monday for a 3-mile walk through the Austin nature scene. Get your stems stepping after a little stretch, and enjoy the post-Strut JuiceLand trip. 6:45pm.

Still Tumbling 4U

Tuesday 13, Cheer Up Charlies

The sapphic indie-pop night sensation goes Tumblr-core this Tuesday with sets by Orya and BabiBoi. Plus, pop-up drag by Moxie and Impulse Purchase. No cover, but it’s drinking-age and over only. 9pm.

Queer Craft Night Georgetown

Tuesday 13, Lark & Owl Booksellers

Georgetown Pride hosts this BYOC (bring your own craft) night for all hands-on queers. All hobbies and art forms welcome, from embroidery to elbow macaroni glued on construction paper. 5pm.

Tales of the Stiletto Coast: Season Finale

Wednesday 14, Vigilante Gastropub & Games

Drag D&D hits new heights at this epic ending of Stiletto Coast’s current seafaring storyline. Cast members Gemma Nye, Pumpking, and Tangelo are joined by special guests Anarch Kye, Karabiner, Senior Sissa Muerta, and Slaylem. 7pm.

Greetings From Queer Mountain: Show & Tell

Wednesday 14, Cheer Up Charlies

Ellie DeCaprio hosts another edition of queer storytelling, this time themed around whatever cool crap you’ve got lying around. Plus, ASL interpretation. 8pm.

Twerking for Titties

Wednesday 14, Double Trouble

Owie hosts a fundraising function featuring raffles, drag, poetry, burlesque, and – obvi – a twerk contest. Plus, Dub Trub happy hour all day. 7pm.