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Austin Pride Parade, 2017 (Photo by Jana Birchum)
“Now more than ever.” I’ve expressed here before how infuriating I find this sentence, but there are certain situations, I think, where the issues cannot be described in any other way. Right now, this is one of those times. Today more than ever, we must recognize the only way out of COVID-19 crisis is together. Wednesday August 11 Austin Pride has announced that it is postponing this Saturday’s pride parade and afterparty indefinitely for security reasons. Their message to the Austinites was clear: we are in the same boat.
Me, and countless others, to feel for Austin Pride. These are tough decisions in tough, relentless times, and when looking at events like pride, turning around isn’t just about flipping the switch. Permits have been obtained, float fees paid, talent reserved, events promoted, and liquor orders placed. The same goes for any person or business that hosts (or has had to cancel) Pride events. I’m not a bartender, club owner, artist, or event planner, so I can’t speak to what I imagine to be a difficult reality.
It didn’t have to be that way. But thanks to the rulers of the state, who said goodbye to science a long, long time ago, the problems, the anxiety, the tough appeals were instead made on their inhabitants – you, me, all of us. Despite this, there are people who are doing what they can to help mitigate the risks. Austin Pride, after unplugging, is now one of those, and this week alone, Blue on green canceled.
Although Saturday’s parade and afterparty took place outdoors, where the risk of transmission is considered to be much lower than indoors, Austin Pride made the right choice. On the one hand, COVID-19 can spread from fully vaccinated people to those who can not to get vaccinated. Even worse is the fact that the Delta variant can infect fully vaxxed people who, due to Delta’s higher viral load, are more likely to potentially infect asymptomatic people. Gatherings indoors, such as in bars and clubs, are also bad news for community transmission.
We can – and must – do our part. This means being completely vaxxed (if you aren’t already) and really committing to preventive measures, like masking and get tested within 72 hours of meeting with others. Ideally this also means avoiding non-essential events, especially those where the mask and vaccination are not required, but if it is not in the cards then at the very least we can require it of ourselves- themselves and urge others to do the same.
If we to know the worst results of our actions could mean death, hospitalization and the general prolongation of suffering that undergoes a global pandemic, why then even consider the risk? I miss the pride, especially after its two year absence, but our actions today determine what is possible tomorrow, including future pride celebrations. By canceling Saturday’s events, the organizers of Austin Pride have brought us closer to our post-pandemic future.
2 to do
Pride party by the pool Participants will need to verify their COVID-19 vaccination through the Clear app prior to their arrival at the event or provide a negative test result received within 72 hours of the event; see ticket link for instructions. 100% of ticket sales benefit the Alliance for Equality. Sat, August 14, 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Hotel W, 200 Lavaca. $ 40-50. whotelaustin.com.
“Everyone says love†pride market Shop over 20 local queer vendors, plus an afternoon of drag performances by Ritzy Bitz, Celia Light and Casady Milan, photo ops by Sean Peters, and music by DJ Eriq Stylez. Sun, Aug 15, 11 am-3pm. Hôtel du Congrès Sud, 1603 S. Congrès. fb.com/southcongresshotel.
Q’d Up
Thursday-GAY Pool Party Geraldine’s kicks off Austin Pride Weekend a bit early by the pool with drink specials and DJ Kick It. $ 1 of each frozen “CAUSE-Mo” purchased will be donated to Project Trevor. Thu, Aug 12, 5-8 p.m. Geraldine, 605 Davis. $ 20. hotelvanzandt.com/austin-restaurants/geraldines.
Special session strategies In preparation for the Second Special Session of the 87th Texas Legislature, Equality Texas is hosting an updated messaging and witnessing training session for advocates and organizers. Thu 12 August, 6.30 p.m.-8.30 p.m. In line. Free (registration required). fb.com/equalitytexas.
Austin Pride presents RAW Oilcan’s turns off the lights for people to turn on while showing off their favorite gear. Thu, Aug 12, 10 p.m. Oilcan’s, 211 W. Fourth. Free. fb.com/austinpride.
Velvet Dreams: Austin Pride Weekend Nothing says Purrr-ide like not one but two days of all day pool parties, live DJs, specialty cocktails and more. August 13 & 15. Fri, 6 p.m .; Sun, noon. Hotel W, 200 Lavaca. $ 20-40. wetdeckatx.com.
Fuego from before pride To celebrate Austin’s pride, our favorite QTBIPOC Dance Party Market goes wild with an incredible lineup of local artists and DJs, as well as an all-queer market. Free PPE provided on site by Austin Latino Coalition. Fri, Aug 13, 7 p.m. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River. $ 10. fb.com/fridafridayatx.
Drip IX Austin Black Pride, Pink Elephant Radio and more are putting on a hotter than hot night of live music, dancing and Pride vibes. Fri, Aug 13, 9:30 p.m. Cedar Street Court, 208-C W. Fourth. $ 10-20. fb.com/dripdropatx.
Caca Caca Plate Enough is enough, and the girls at Poo Poo Platter are taking matters into their own hands. Bulimianne Rhapsody, Louisianna Purchase, Arcie Cola, Kitty Buick, CupCake, Summer Clearance, and Basura summon their darkest and most draconian forces to help save Queen Britney. Fri, Aug 13, 10 p.m. Elysée, 705 Rivière Rouge. $ 5. fb.com/poopooatx.
The category is … LatinXXX Tatiana Cholula presents a post-Pride Parade evening full of queerness and Latinx ferocity. Performances by Ruby Knight, Honey Baby, Arinna Heys and Bohemia, as well as music by Suxxy Puxxy, Aldo and DJ Lilith. Sat, Aug 14, 10 p.m. Cuatro Gato, 310 Colorado. $ 5 blanket. instagram.com/cuatrogato.austin.
Sounds on Saturdays Pride Edition with Danny Tenaglia Sat, Aug 14, 10 p.m. Summit Rooftop Lounge, 120 W. Fifth, 512 / 394-7347. $ 35. sommetaustin.com.
Eastciders: Austin Pride Brunch A fabulous way to end your weekend. Austin Eastciders Barton Springs will host a drag show, featuring $ 4 on tap and brunch cocktails to complement their delicious brunch menu (filled with coffees and baked goods from local Austin vendors, as well as salads, of pizzas and more), and the all tasty shindig is a perk for Out Youth, too. Tip: try this watermelon cider, omg. Sun, August 15, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Austin Eastciders Barton Springs, 1530 Barton Springs Rd. Austineastciders.com.
Sad girls only Explore the softer side of dating with hosts Ruby Knight and Louisianna Purchase and very special (and very sad) guests. Mon, Aug 16, 9:30 p.m. Plongée Swan, 615 Rivière Rouge. $ 10. fb.com/sadgirlsonly.
Bingo BearBack Lady Grackle and CupCake are the hosts as you play to win prizes. Tuesdays, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Iron Bear, 301 W. Sixth. Free. fb.com/theironbearatx.
Bingo Drag Queen Play for prizes between performances by Ms. Louisianna Purchase herself. The Little Gay Shop joins the party in honor of Austin Pride Month. Wednesday August 18, 7-9 p.m. St. Elmo Brewing Co., 440 E. St. Elmo. Free. stelmobrewing.com.
Austin Boyz Austin’s only drag troupe is on Fourth Street tonight. Wednesday August 18, 9 pm-11pm. Oilcan’s, 211 W. Fourth. No cover. fb.com/boyzofaustin.
theGlitoris Showcase presents La Goony Chonga, Iconika, DJ Elosi Thu, Aug 19, 10 p.m. Plongée Swan, 615 Rivière Rouge. swandiveaustin.com.
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