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VOLUME 03 ISSUE 02 WINTER 2014

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief KATE X MESSER

Contributors

ANDY CAMPBELL, JOHN EGAN, DAVID ESTLUND, SARAH MARLOFF

Art

Design Director RACHELLE DIAZ Photography CELESTA DANGER,

DEVAKI KNOWLES, KATE X MESSER Original Art RACHELLE DIAZ

Cover

Photography CELESTA DANGER

ON THE COVER: Susan Post, owner, operator, BookWoman; cover story, “Labrys Ex Libris,” page 10

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e r e H e iv L y e h T ; e r e H e iv G y The Susan Post and Beth Schindler, two subjects in this issue, would probably not feel comfortable calling themselves “givers” or “influentials” – terms that speak little to the grass-rooted lives of true giving they each live.

BookWoman owner Susan is approaching four decades of service in this town (“Labrys Ex Libris,” pg. 10). Beth creates playful, free, community-building events (“Time Time Time,” pg. 15). Sometimes, someone can be so effective, so ubiquitous – and in these cases so important – that their place in the scheme of things can be taken for granted or go by unnoticed. We know there are a lot of people who already know how much each of these women do. We hope you enjoy our attempt to spread the luv. n Austin’s just come out of election season, with run-offs occurring just as this publication hits the press. The AGLCC, nonpolitical by design, cannot weigh in. But I can tell you, as Agenda editor, that they have every reason to be very proud: Recent ex-AGLCC board members Jimmy Flannigan and Tina Cannon ran great campaigns for seats on Austin City Council. While Cannon made a healthy primary showing, it was not enough to tip into the run-offs. Her ideas and passion deserve a larger audience; let’s hope we see more of this drive in her next moves as a leader in our community. Flannigan earned a slot in the run-off due to his inexhaustible energy, focus, and solution-based pragmatism – even after a rival candidate attempted a sad, last-minute play at the “gay card.” The Agenda is published quarterly by the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with The Austin Chronicle and is financed entirely by the support from the membership of the chamber. The views and opinions expressed in The Agenda and austinagenda.com do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC), nor its officers or board of directors, nor The Austin Chronicle. Any advice or opinions provided herein are for informational purposes only.

In response, a number of local LGBT leaders, including the president of AGLCC rose to set the record straight (pun/no pun, whatever…), noting that Flannigan’s leadership, especially in his most recent tenure, produced for this organization much progress – most impressive being the growth from 15 members at the start of his return, to 350 upon his departure to run for office, as well as recognition from the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Both Cannon and Flannigan deserve praise and AGLCC (and all of LGBTQ Austin) may rightly beam for the work, dignity, and vision both of these candidates brought to the races. n On a different note: Sometimes you’ve just got to get away. And sometimes you don’t have a lot of time to do it. Come away with us to our nearest coolest neighbor, the easily accessible Big Easy in this issue’s Travel Dossier. Andy Campbell and I regularly venture together to New Orleans, and we’ve got plenty to share: Some Prospect 3 art show gumbo, a main dish of Mardi Gras mirliton, and a little Southern Decadence lagniappe. (And I promise, that is the extent of the corny food metaphors.) Please keep our ad peeps in mind as you select gifts to reflect your holiday spirit. And please accept the warm holiday wishes from the entire staff as well as our generous AGLCC member/advertisers for keeping this little glossy celebration of Austin LGBT culture afloat. Kate X Messer | The Agenda Editor-in-chief Copyright © 2014 Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Unsolicited submissions (including resumes, articles, artwork, and photographs) are not returned. PO Box 49216, Austin, TX 78765 512/761-LGBT (5428) contact@austinagenda.com at large

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Giving Liberates

’Tis the season for giving, and LGBT people and their allies have plenty to give thanks for this year. Across the country, we saw LGBT rights advance at a rapid pace. Locally, we saw a record number of LGBT candidates run for political office. The rainbow is broader and brighter than ever.

However, much more work remains in terms of LGBT equality and other issues affecting our community. As 2015 approaches, every one of us should consider giving the gift of time and money for LGBT-affiliated causes. Here are just some of the nonprofit members of the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) that could use your help. AIDS SERVICES OF AUSTIN (ASA) ASA provides services to people affected by HIV and AIDS, and strives to prevent further transmission of HIV through education and outreach. EQUALITY TEXAS This group is the largest in Texas that’s dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN (HRC) HRC is the country’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBT equality. OUT YOUTH This nonprofit organization serves LGBTQIA youth in Central Texas. PROJECT TRANSITIONS This is the only nonprofit group in Central Texas providing hospice care, transitional housing, and supportive services for individuals and families living with HIV and AIDS. TRANSGENDER EDUCATION NETWORK OF TEXAS (TENT) TENT is dedicated to furthering education about gender diversity in Texas.

By no means is this an all-encompassing list of all the deserving LGBT-affiliated nonprofits in our area, but it at least gives you some ideas about how you can give back to the community. If you aren’t already inspired to give of your time and money, then perhaps the following quotes will kindle the giving spirit. I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. — Maya Angelou

I’ve always respected those who tried to change the world for the better, rather than just complain about it. — Michael Bloomberg How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world. — Anne Frank If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. — Bob Hope Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. — Helen Keller Life’s persistent and most urgent question is “What are you doing for others?” — Martin Luther King Jr. Think of giving not only as a duty but as a privilege. — John D. Rockefeller It’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life. — Oprah Winfrey Edgar Gierbolini | Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce President

Thumbing through the pages of Austinâ€™s feminist-owned bookstores BY SARAH MARLOFF // PHOTOS BY CELESTA DANGER

Of the many magical aspects of Austin, our city’s dedication to preserving the independent bookstore is truly a shining source of pride. We tout that we are not a population content with browsing titles online, uploading e-books to tablets, or shopping at bookstore chains. And two local bookstores’ survival may very well depend on our virtual discontent. Among Austin’s stellar collection of indie book houses, two stores stand out for their origins and their owners. On the South Congress shopping strip lives South Congress Books. A lesbian-owned shop, it specializes in rare and extraordinary bound publications. Though the brick-and-mortar has only been open for three-and-a-half years, Sheri Tornatore began Tornbooks – an online bookseller of collectable editions – years before. Online and in person, Tornatore offers book lovers precious collection pieces at varying price points. The bookstore boutique is a bibliophile’s sanctuary, swaddled in the scent of used books. Overhead, exposed wood rafters lend the modestly sized shop an extra touch of Texas. Tall shelves are stocked to the hilt with an array of books, from collectibles to fiction, to vintage kids books, but, according to sales associate Erica Albright, SCB also specializes in art and photography books (Tornatore is also an artist). And though they don’t have a specific queer studies section per se, a queer writer (or artist) can be found on nearly every shelf – from collector’s editions of Truman Capote novels to Annie Proulx’s Brokeback Mountain. Having just celebrated Small Business Saturday, South Congress Books is ready to help holiday shoppers. Among the highlights, Albright

specifically points out their collection of Austin music posters, rare sheet music recently framed by Tornatore, and their latest collector’s pieces – a first edition Ray Bradbury novel, and a first book club edition of To Kill a Mockingbird. “We’re all book lovers here,” says Albright. “And we really do have the books you can’t find elsewhere.” Across town, on North Lamar, there’s another locally owned shop fully stocked with novels, guides, memoirs, and more. Now celebrating 39 years in business, BookWoman is not only an independent, lesbian-owned bookstore; it’s also one of a handful of surviving feminist booksellers in the country. Originally started by a collective of 13 women back in the mid-1970s, BookWoman is owned and operated by just one of those 13 – Susan Post. A pillar of Austin’s lesbian community, Post – like the store itself – is a keeper of information. Her shelves hold the tales of feminism and gay rights, and she holds the memories of an Austin many have long since forgotten – or never knew. Amid her collection lives an archive of The Lesbian Connection. Pre-Facebook, pre-Gmail, even pre-Internet, the 40-year-old publication was once one of the only venues to connect lesbians worldwide, according to Post. The still-publishing Connection contains news, book reviews, and even boasts in its herstory, the first published comic strips by Alison Bechdel. For travelers, says Post, The Lesbian Connection even used to list guides who were available to show out-of-towners their city’s “hot spots.” Post also recalls Austin’s first lesbian newsletter, Goodbye To All That, a publication

“

Today, we’re not redefining what feminism is, feminism just gets bigger as more of humanity realizes they’re able to join it.

“

– Susan Post, owner, BookWoman

that sprouted from grassroots organizing around the same time BookWoman launched. She credits the newsletter with helping spread the word about the budding collective in 1975. Post cleared some time in her holiday programming to talk with The Agenda about BookWoman’s history, queer culture, and the store’s plans for the holidays. The Agenda (Sarah Marloff): BookWoman’s history spans four decades. Please start at the beginning? Susan Post: [In the early Seventies] a couple of Austin women went on a road trip where they traveled to cities with women bookstores. When they got back into town, they decided to start one here in Austin. Thirteen women came together to form a collective. Together, we did all the things necessary to create bookstore. Though I didn’t come to the first few meetings, someone asked me to join, so I did. We opened two weeks before Christmas, in 1975. We didn’t have very many books though, because not a lot were published. There weren’t a lot of feminist presses when we started. Really, the bookstores and presses grew up together. Within the first year, half the collective left. By the second year, everyone else fell

off. I realized it was up to me, and I made a decision to keep going. Of the original 13, there are only four of us remaining in the area today. One still shops here regularly, and Dede – whose house meeting I first attended – resurfaces whenever there’s a crucial need for help. SM: Why is it important for us to keep these places alive? SP: Well, speaking personally for me, if someone comes into the store looking for something specific, I probably know about it – whether we have it, if it’s still published, or how to track it down. A year or so ago, a male UT student came in looking for Stone Butch Blues – you know the author, Leslie Feinberg died this week [November 15, 2014] – but, the book has been out of print for about a decade. His gender studies professor recommended BookWoman, so I helped him find a copy, because I knew where to look. We offer a safe space to have these conversations. Barnes & Noble might have a queer clerk, but hopefully – at a feminist bookstore – there’s a keeper of knowledge. To be a feminist is to be queer and, for me, I’m always learning and growing. Today, we’re not redefining what feminism is, feminism just gets bigger as more of humanity

realizes they’re able to join it. The more we add to it, the more the context changes. SM: Aside from knowledge keeping, BookWoman also helps build community, right? SP: Yes. Just last month we hosted a PFLAG event – Coming Out Story Open Mic. We had women of all persuasions came out and shared their wonderful stories. We had an older woman talk, and one trans woman told her story about coming out as trans in the corporate world. It was so great to hear her story and to hear about a strategy that worked. Another young woman shared a bit about her mother’s struggle with her daughter coming out. It was such a great space, everyone went out together for coffee afterwards. Really, I feel that my job – more than just selling books – is about connecting people and services and community. I rely on other people to help me know my stuff. It’s kind of like being a reference librarian or a community bulletin board. It’s really important to share things. SM: Is BookWoman doing anything special for the holidays? SP: Yes! I’m just starting to put together my plans, but December 7 will be our official kickoff of the holiday season with our fourth annual Austin Writer Grrls Book Festival, where several published authors will share new publications and works-in-progress. We’ll also have Virgin Day on December 17, in place of our monthly Goddess Group. Kay Turner – formerly of Girls in the Nose with Gretchen Phillips – helped start our first

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Virgin Day and has agreed to come back to Austin from New York to help this year. We’re calling it Vintage Virgin Day. Each year, we always have Solstice Party. This year, it will be on the actual solstice, Sunday, December 21. We’ll have a musical song circle, some poetry, a solstice ritual of some sort, refreshments, and camaraderie. SM: How does the community help keep BookWoman open for another 40 years? SP: We need more support. So, I challenge everyone in Austin to come and try to stump me with their Christmas shopping list. One friend brings me his list every year – a conservative aunt, a very liberal daughter – and we find something for everyone. It’s always scary, but also joyful. That’s part of what makes the job so enjoyable – finding that thing that will a difference for another person. Really, that’s what I like to do. These stores – and the women who run them – hold huge pieces of our queer history. So this year, reconsider where you take your holiday shopping business. Shopping local never felt so good, and so worthwhile. Sarah Marloff is a regular contributor to both The Agenda and The Austin Chronicle’s “The Gay Place,” where she pens a weekly online column and hosts “Where the Girls Go – ATX.” She also works closely with WTGG’s founding chapter in Washington, D.C., and is the Entertainment Editor at SharpHeels.com. Find contact information for South Congress Books and BookWoman on pages 43 and 44 of our AGLCC member listings.

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Time Time Time Where does event maven Beth Schindler find enough of that magic elixir to do all she does?

BY DAVID ESTLUND // PHOTOS BY DEVAKI KNOWLES That golden sunset glow that is distinctly winter streams through black silhouettes of trees that line the churchyard west of the Sahara Lounge where Beth Schindler cohosts a dusk-time dance held one Sunday a month, Lesbian Wedding, with her pal, Hazey Fairless. (Hazey’s name might be familiar to anyone who’s ever heard of a little spring music festival called GayBiGayGay.) The duo of besties named their nascent Sunday evening T-dance after an event

that happened one year ago this month: an actual lesbian wedding. And for anyone who’s ever been to one, we don’t have to tell you: They are a ton of fun. And while this Lesbian Wedding has no vows or bouquets, it does have cake. “It’s a super-fun, dykey dance party. People bring their kids.” The Sahara Lounge, repeatedly voted “Best Lounge” in The Austin Chronicle’s Reader’s Poll, is beloved for its

unique and quirky vibe. The place seems to have sprung up from the ground like a fairy ring of doodads, knick-knacks, and bric-abrac, but it actually used to be the home of an equally great R&B dive, TC’s Lounge. The floors and ceilings slant this way and that, like a tilt house at an old amusement park, and the walls are infused with the sweat and grit and pleasure of decades of great music and fun times. “There are no right angles at the Sahara Lounge,” says co-owner, cohost, and drinkmaster Topaz. Bobby Johns, a friend and colleague of Schindler’s, known for his roles in SoCo’s Hotel San Jose and Swag Menswear, as well as his founding role in the annual Queerbomb celebration, sips on his signature drink, the “Bobby Johns,” a pint of rosé over ice. The common thread of the crowd is definitely creative and down-to-earth, and a nice mix of ages and LsGsBsTsQsAs, etc. show up to fill the backyard of picnic tables or take turns on the dance floor. Johns is a regular at the monthly party. “The people keep me coming back… I’m a total dyke,” he states. “It’s just rad people, good jams, good food: everything you’d want at a lesbian wedding.” But Lesbian Wedding is not Schindler’s only “free-time” sideline… and not the only free event she throws in Austin. She’s also recently rebooted Free & Queer Cinema, a regular free screening at Cheer Up Charlie’s to benefit organizations tangentially relevant to the selected films. (To wit: A recent screening of John Waters’ Hairspray had proceeds benefiting the Circle of Health International, a global organization assisting women and children in crisis.) “Free & Queer was inspired by the Celluloid Closet [a film series hosted by Rebecca Havemeyer a few years back at the Alamo Drafthouse]. The point was to spotlight queerness in cinema that doesn’t play into the stereotypes

of tragic or comical one-dimensional characters,” says Schindler. “We wanted to create community and discussion around the experience, whether it’s talking about the film, dancing, or just laughing together. We always incorporate an activity or some props to make the experience a little more fun and interactive.” Another ongoing project shepherded by Schindler is the Homo Photo Club, which lives by the motto “Why film? Because we’re lesbians, and we love processing.” The current members are Beth Schindler and musicians (and apparently photographers) Deb Norris and Gretchen Phillips. The group, she explains, is ready to expand if anyone shows an interest. “We’ve got a gallery showing scheduled in February, to coincide with the launch of the OUTsider Festival. We’ve also just printed our second ‘Butch Feelings’ calendar, which is pretty much what it sounds like: Butches having feelings, and people feeling butch.” (Perfect holiday gifts, hint-hint?) And speaking of OUTsider, there’s a new fest coming to town, and it looks to do more than close some streets, sell some beer, and party down. Its mission states: “OUTsider showcases LGBTQIA multi-art via unique festival experiences in order to educate and entertain the public as well as to support the creative endeavors of LGBTQIA artists” and to bring “together queer artists, audiences, and scholars from around the globe to exchange ideas, ignite conversations, transcend boundaries, and experience new pleasures through artistic discovery” – a mouthful of a manifesto that seems to push the very definition of just what a festival can be, especially in the interactive realms, where “fourth wall” boundaries seem to be playfully up for grabs.

The new festival boasts a who’s who of queer and allied coordinators: aGLIFF veterans Curran Nault, Scott Dinger, Bobette Mathis, filmmaker PJ Raval, theater and drag artist Paul Soileau, as well as Executive Director Annie Bush (former teacher and co-producer of PJ Raval’s award-winning documentary Before You Know It), Music Supervisor (and entertainment lawyer) Mirna Hariz, and Treasurer (Again, we ask: Where does she find the time?) Schindler. Her day job is general manager at Bird’s Barbershop (known for “good music, old video games, beer, and good haircuts”), but that barely scratches the surface of her work. “I grew up in a family that was very politically aware and active,” says Schindler, “so organizing is kind of a natural fit.” But when she uses the word “organizing,” she’s not talking about your typical grassroots protest or rally or high-end fundraising gala. Instead, Schindler is of the mind – as are so many of the colleagues to whom she is drawn – to use art and culture to raise queer visibility and consciousness in novel ways. These events, and dozens like them, might have been at a deeper end of the fringe spectrum in Austin a decade ago, during the pits of the Bush era. The city had maintained its generally quirky culture, a whole set of creative people doing very creative work in their fields, with quite a heritage of acting up

and acting out. But in those years, there were few outlets for expression. “With all that cultural space and talent to work with, we realized we wanted something more for the queer crowd than a smattering of gay dance clubs and bars. When we started realizing that all we had to do was get organized and make stuff happen, it just snowballed.” That realization started with events like GayBiGayGay, an annual end-of-SXSW all-day Sunday party, and Camp Camp, a much-beloved and very-missed monthly short-form queer talent show. Cheer Up Charlie’s quickly developed from a vegan food trailer to a colorful performance space that catered to creative expression. The organizers, hosts, and talent became intertwined in a network of ideas, projects, and events. Some became close friends, others simply showed up and supported the work, but all grew because of it and taught our community a few things along the way. Out of all this – and coinciding frustration with policies at Austin Pride felt by many to be too commercial or too restrictive – came an idea that would shake Austin’s LGBTQ community to its foundations, change more than a few lives, and give the city the most spectacularly wild and wooly protest march yet seen. Queerbomb was conceived as a radical symbolic reversal of the increasingly assimilationist strategy of the gay civil rights

created by PJ Raval and Paul Soileau at the CentrakTrak Artist Residency & Gallery at UT–Dallas run by former Austin artist Heyd Fontenot, capably spoofs evangelical TV’s version of what the Old Testament has to say on a variety of moral issues. Given the proclivities of televangelists for fundraising, the new characters seemed a natural fit for a crowd-funding telethon. “I think they’re hilarious,” says Schindler. “We’ve gotten a lot of attention for the campaign. It’s really hard to stand out, even a little, but we did it. We still have a few weeks left, but we’re so close to our goal already, we’re sure to succeed.” Assuming the festival meets its financial and attendance goals, it can start working toward its cultural goals. “The point of this festival is to give a platform to local artists of all kinds,” she says. The academic conference aims to get people thinking, but the grandest opportunity for participants – attendees, artists, and critics alike – will happen in the form of multimedia cross-pollination.

movement. The event was meant not only to welcome people of all sexual identities and gender expressions, but to invite them to turn themselves ‘up to eleven’ and shout to the universe that they are worthy. Schindler recalls, “The people proposing the concept were all people I looked up to, who I enjoyed working with, and who really got stuff done, so I decided to join up with them and try to make this thing happen.” OUTsider Festival is a natural outgrowth of these enterprises. As with Queerbomb, Schindler could not resist joining forces with “a bunch of artists and organizers” creating a multimedia art festival. “It’s going to be really exciting,” she says. “We’ve never seen anything quite like this, at least not here in Austin.” The festival is still in the fundraising phase, and many details have yet to be ironed out. But there are a few things she knows and can share: “We’re definitely going to be on Manor Road, with some events at the Vortex and the Salvage Vanguard Theatre, and a couple of other little pop-up spots.” The fundraising campaign itself hints at some unique and unexpected content to come. The Reverie & Randee Show, a short film project

The festival will soon be releasing details of venues, performances, and visiting artists. “Our advisory board,” asserts Schindler, “is an awesome line up of badasses on its own, so if the artistic program looks like that, it will already exceed anything Austin’s seen. “This project is based on a lot of collective experience we’ve all had with various kinds of festivals and conferences,” Schindler says. “OUTsider is going to push back on some of the limitations we’ve seen in that experience. We want to break down some barriers and get artists collaborating in new and unheard-of ways with other artists they meet at the festival. At almost every arts festival, there’s a film or art show. Then, there might be a five-minute Q&A interaction with the artist, which often is exciting and inspiring, but then… nothing. The end. A lost opportunity. That’s the idea behind this: What comes from that excitement and that inspiration? Why not a gigantic open artistic workshop that everyone gets to be a part of?” Why not? It’s about time. David Estlund is a regular contributor to both The Agenda and The Austin Chronicle’s “The Gay Place,” where he presents “The AggreGaytor” each weekday: austinchronicle.com/gay. To learn the latest about OUTsider Fest, visit outsiderfest.com.

AU STIN GAY & L E SB IAN

Southern nights in the wards and LGBTQuarters of New Orleans

BY ANDY CAMPBELL AND KATE X MESSER // ART BY RACHELLE DIAZ

riter Rebecca Solnit called New Orleans “the center of the American unconscious,” which not only speaks to the Big Easy’s notorious resilience and forgotten care, but hints at the condition that many of us find ourselves in when there. Guilty. Solnit goes on to speak soberly about how “the past is not even past here, but a lingering presence in custom and memory and maybe old wounds; and the present – the present is forever bubbling over.”

Arguably the most cosmopolitan of the Southern cities, New Orleans revels in its ethnic muddle. Of course, the trifecta of French, Creole, and Cajun cultures form the crux of the city’s cultural identity – but the Vietnamese, Italian, and emergent Latino communities make their mark. And in the interest of our constituency, we declare, New Orleans is also very, very gay. The LGBT Community Center of New Orleans (lgbtccneworleans.org) launched in 1992, and even Hurricane Katrina could not shutter it. Hurricane Isaac (2012), however, did manage to knock it out of its Decatur Street home. The quest for a new location has forced it to clarify its mission, one of which: the city’s first LGBT NOLA Directory (lgbtccneworleans.org/directory). If the French Quarter’s your thing (who doesn’t like Hand Grenades?), gay bars Bourbon Parade, Oz, Napoleon’s Itch, and Café Lafitte in Exile (the USA’s oldest continuously operational gay bar) are all clustered along what’s known as Gay Bourbon. Check out neighborhood store Bourbon Pride for local info (bourbonpride.com/ map). Bulk up on pre-blotto protein at the Quartermaster’s Deli (1100 Bourbon, 504/5291416, quartermasterdeli.net), aka the Nellie Deli. The Muffaletta is bang, as is the rest of the 11pm-6am menu. The Clover Grill (900 Bourbon, 504/598-1010, clovergrill.com) grills burgers under hub caps for the post-blotto crowd.

No queermo’s trip to New Orleans is complete without a Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, the FAB Bookstore (600 Frenchmen, 504/947-3700, www.fabonfrenchmen.com) stop. Gay bookstores are disappearing – Oscar Wilde in New York and Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia, R.I.P. – so leave time to dig and forage. Books are piled high, porn VHSs are stacked in the back, and art hangs on every surface. Prices determined at the counter... Not unlike our town, NOLA can’t swing a cat without hitting a festival. Mardi Gras 2015 (mardigras.com, mardigrasneworleans.com, gaymardigras.com) happens February 15. (Book your room as soon as you read this.) Carnival, as it is also known, follows the Lenten calendar, starting on 12th Night, Jan. 6 and rolling through Fat Tuesday. The calendar is loaded with can’t-miss balls and parades –Endymion, Muses, Bacchus, and Zulu, etc. – but don’t just spectate: Join participant parades like Barkus (doggies!) and the Societé de Sainte Anne. Paradoxically ramshackle and refined, Mardi Gras Zone (2706 Royal, 504/947-8787, mardigraszone.com) is part grocery store, part deli, part souvenir/ mardi gras shop. Throw yourself some beads upstairs, and stuff your face with stuffed Cornish game hen (served Tuesdays). The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (nojazzfest.com) happens the two weekends between April 24 and May 3, 2015. The Voodoo Experience (worshipthemusic.com) is a Halloween-proximate fall rock fest with

Photo: lafittes.com

Café Lafitte in Exile, America’s oldest continuously operational gay bar

Sainte Anne strollers on Fat Tuesday

The boys of Mardi Gras

as chill a vibe as our Austin City Limits. New Orleans’ annual gay confluence is Southern Decadence (southerndecadence.net, southerndecadence.com), a bacchanalian romp of chaps in leather chaps that cranks the gay bars up to 11 and should be on every gay man’s (oh heck, everyone in the acronym’s) bucket list.

satsumacafe.com) serving TDF Alabama peach pancakes. Our fave oyster shop is Felix’s (739 Iberville, 504/522-4440, felixs.com) home of char-grilled babies that make us cry, and Dooky Chase (2301 Orleans, 504/821-0600, dookychaserestaurant.com) serves soul food so rich, they spell Po-Boy P-O-O-R. Pho Tau Bay (113 Westbank Expressway, 504/368-9846) is across the way, worth the trip, and is our favorite Vietnamese (get the Pho, duh!). For mangia mangia, hit up next-door paisans Venezia (134 N. Carrollton, 504/488-7991, venezianeworleans.net) and Brocato’s (214 N. Carrollton, 504/486-1465, angelobrocatoicecream. com), each featuring generations of family recipes. For the definitive NOLA celebrichef experience, John Besh (www.chefjohnbesh. com/restaurants) pretty much has all palates covered.

GastroNOMically speaking: Check out the restaurant born out of the very queer Unicorn Booty website: Booty’s Street Food (800 Louisa, 504/266-2887, bootysnola.com) for great craft cocktails and an ever-evolving menu in the Bywater neighborhood. Nearby, there’s Frady’s (3231 Dauphine, 504/949-9688) for absolutely rib-stickin’ Po-boys, and Satsuma Cafe (3218 Dauphine, 504/304-5962, Southern Decadence revelers

Photos: Artist’s rendering; facing page: Kate X Messer, New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau

Architect Charles Moore’s Piazza d’Italia

For example, The Roosevelt (130 Roosevelt Way, 504/648-1200, therooseveltneworleans.com), the definition of glamour and luxury in New Orleans for over a century, houses Besh’s collaboration Domenica. The stately hotel’s post-Katrina restoration brought it back to its Art Deco glory. Make a point of strolling through the lobby. Nearby, The Saint (931 Canal, 504/522-5400, thesainthotelneworleans.com) seems to have stumbled out of a Pierre et Gilles print. The aesthetics are so overthe-top, honestly, if Tom of Finland himself stepped out of the elevator, we would not bat an eyelash. The traditional and cozy Degas House (2306 Esplanade, 504/821-5009, degashouse.com) is the only home or studio of Edgar Degas anywhere in the world open to the public. The queen of all NOLA hospitality, however, by far, is the one-andonly Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal, 504/5233341, hotelmonteleone.com). Night time is the right time, and for a classy bevvie, there’s only one rotating pewter bar (ROTATING. PEWTER. BAR.), the Carousel, and it’s at the Monteleone, the French Quarter landmark built the same year as our Driskill, 1886. Five generations of the family Monteleone have lead this jewel into the modern age without losing one iota of her original charm. What is it about those Italians?

The Piazza d’Italia (377 Poydras, between Lafayette & Commerce, americanitalianculturalcenter.com) by architect Charles Moore is not only one of the hidden gems of New Orleans, but a potent metaphor for the landscape of the city. Though dubbed a masterpiece of postmodern design, the jaunty, flashy fountain and mini-acropolis (a tribute to Italian immigrants) fell swiftly into ruins when proposed adjacent developments went bust. Sad and spent, for a little while it looked like this witty take on the Italian ruin would itself become a ruin. But in 2004, it was restored and rededicated, and the 20-teens promise even more updates. This is the story of New Orleans: Things come back.

AU STIN GAY & L E SB IAN

I Anticipate and Organize Your Real Estate Needs! Scan here to visit my website

PROSPECTS LOOK GOOD NOLA art triennial P.3 proves the first, second, and third time’s the charm BY ANDY CAMPBELL A bright pink neon sign – 50 feet long and 10 feet high – reading “You Belong Here” glides across the Mississippi River, pulled along by a tugboat. Viewing the sculpture, by Bahamas-born artist Tavares Strachan, from New Orleans’ Esplanade Street wharf, one may wonder: Exactly who is included in the “you” of that proclamation? Those who left during Katrina and never came back? Future residents of NOLA? The art tourist, here to check out the sprawling triennial? Importantly, no easy answer is offered. The artwork also exists as an audioguide smart-phone app developed by the artist, the proceeds of which go to two local nonprofit organizations. Strachan’s holistic project might be an accurate way to sum up both the cultural provocation and

Photo: Priscilla Frank

transformative power of the multi-venue art triennial* Prospect.3 (P.3). P.3 is the third iteration of what began with the intention of being biennial, in the wake of Katrina by curator (and then-New Yorker), Dan Cameron. The first Prospect was expansive, siting projects – perhaps problematically – all over the city, in art and cultural institutions, as well as in the devastated Lower Ninth Ward. Some found works like Katharina Grosse’s Untitled, in which the artist spray-painted a condemned house vibrant orange and yellow as though it were on fire (decidedly leaving the urban search-and-rescue “X” code intact), a bitter pill to swallow after so much devastation. Other projects meditated on New Orleans’

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storied and often sordid history. One such project was Skylar Fein’s Remember the Upstairs Lounge, a large multimedia environment that retold the story of a deadly 1973 fire in a French Quarter gay bar (the work has since been acquired by the New Orleans Museum of Art: NOMA, where part of the exhibit will be on display during P.3). Yet, for whatever else it was, Cameron’s biennial was good for business – on the whole, the first Prospect attracted over $23 million in cultural tourism. The interest in New Orleans from the artworld is still strong, even after Cameron’s 2010 ouster from all things Prospect. The vitality and diversity of the biennial (which draws local, national, and international artists to its roster), is an ideal prism to understand the ways that gender, sexuality, race and class intersect in contemporary artistic practice. This year is no exception as Franklin Sirmans, the curator of P.3, has built a roster comprised of over 75% artists of color. The broad theme of the triennial is “Notes for Now,” and in the following paragraphs we’ll offer our own notes on exhibitions we recommend you check out (by LGBTQ-identified artists or those working with LGBTQ concerns) should you visit the Crescent City before P.3 closes January 24, 2015. Ebony Patterson extends her inquiry into Jamaican dancehall culture’s endemic misogyny and homophobia in her carefully crafted (and wondrously bedazzled) landscapes on view at Tulane’s Newcomb

Skylar Fein’s installation Remember the Upstairs Lounge.

Art Gallery. Black bodies lie sprawled in “di bladez” of grass, resting from revelry or perhaps something more sinister. Jean-Michel Basquiat is arguably one of the most famous names on P.3’s roster, and the focused exhibition “Basquiat and the Bayou” at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art examines Basquiat’s relationship to the South. Versed both in the popular black imaginary and in the artist’s brief trip to New Orleans. In one painting dedicated to Louis Armstrong, a face appears, masklike, painted in the style of a Zulu krewe member (revelers of this historically black krewe have worn blackface and grass skirts for near 100 years). Although Basquiat died in 1988, his work still provokes questions about the place of the Southern landscape in the popular American imaginary. Jeffrey Gibson’s “Flag” (2011-’12) hangs in the New Orleans Museum of Art’s modern and contemporary galleries. It shares space with other abstract works, but unlike them, Flag reflects critically on Native American aesthetics (Gibson is a member of the Mississippi band of Choctaw) and the concept of nationalism. Blending deadpan

Photos: Newcomb Art Gallery; facing page: : Collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art, image courtesy of Jonathan Ferrara Gallery

Ebony Patterson’s dazzling glitter-encrusted landscapes

humor with a Native queering of art history is Gibson’s particular talent. In Quiver, Gobson gives us a Dan Flavin-esque neon tube in a hide quiver, two balls dangle suggestively from the shaft. There are other highlights to be sure – Liu Ding’s performance-based excoriation of the “no loitering” signs that control black and brown bodies, for example, or Glenn Kaino’s installation of tanks and live coral at the Contemporary Arts Center. Of course, you can’t leave without a catalogue, which besides very smart essays from Sirmans and other art world luminaries, features writings by queer poet Rickey Laurentiis, and a curated playlist by New Orleans staple DJ Soul Sister. Yes!

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P.3 and all related events are free and open to the public (some venues charge admission for certain events. The biennial will be open to the public through January 25, 2015, Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am-4pm., and will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Wednesday and Thursday, December 24-25, 2014, New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2014, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2015. prospectneworleans.org *Prospect was recently redubbed a “triennial” by Prospect’s Executive Director, Brooke Davis Anderson. Indeed, this reflects the actual dates of exhibitions – P.1 (2008), P.2 (2011), and P.3 (2014) – despite the original intention and branding of multi-venue art show. The revised language has yet to be used on Prospect’s website.

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar runs through December 24 at The Marchesa Hall and Theatre. For more information, see their listing in the Friends & Family secion, page 42.

In which our intrepid shoppers explore the the Blue Genie Art Bazaar — the art-centric, Austin-quirky gift-stravaganza that will have you asking, “Santa who?” PHOTOS BY KATE X MESSER

friends & FamIly

AUST IN

A directory of current AGLCC members

LGBTQ-owned establishments in Central Texas CIVIC A*FAB All-volunteer non-profit on a mission to assist fellow nonprofits. afabaustin.com ACC GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE Making the entire Austin Community College district safe and welcoming for all students regardless of orientation or identity. 254/338-5688, fb.com/accgsa AIDS SERVICES OF AUSTIN Enhancing the health and wellbeing of the community and people affected by HIV and AIDS. 7215 Cameron, 512/458-2437, asaustin.org S AISD COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Austin Independent School District department links employees, parents, families, and the community. 512/414-9832, austinisd.org ALLGO Statewide resource for LGBTQ people of color and allies, working toward collective liberation. 512/472-2001, allgo.org AMERICAN MILITARY PARTNER ASSOCIATION Drop and give us 20 (hugs for partners and spouses of LGBTQ service personnel and vets). Ten hut! 202/695-AMPA, militarypartners.org

AUSTIN ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Local and national artists imbue Austin into cultural landmarks. austintexas.gov/department/art-inpublic-places

AUSTIN LGBT BAR ASSOCIATION Working to promote and unite the LGBT legal community in the often byzantine realm of law. austinlgbtbar.org

AUSTIN GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Austin’s colorful rainbow umbrella for gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses. 512/761-LGBT, info@aglcc.org, aglcc.org

AUSTIN POLICE ASSOCIATION Standing in solidarity with the thin LGBT blue line. 512/474-6993, austinpolice.com

AUSTIN GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL Founded in 1987 and still going strong, celebrating the best in LGBTQ cinema. 512/302-9889, polarifest.com AUSTIN GAY & LESBIAN PRIDE FOUNDATION Austin + Pride You = The LGBTQ community’s biggest party, fest, and parade of the year. 512/468-8113, austinpride.org AUSTIN GAY & LESBIAN SENIOR SERVICES Working to ensure everyone’s golden years are rainbow hued. 512/628-1694, aglss.org AUSTIN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Through faith in action, the Austin Habitat chapter brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. 512/472-8788, www.austinhabitat.org AUSTIN INTERNATIONAL DRAG FOUNDATION, INC. A diverse group of artists and advocates offering exposure and support for the drag artist community. 512/850-6707, fb.com/austindragfest

W = Gold Sponsor

V = Silver Sponsor

AUSTIN ROUNDUP Presents an annual conference to promote sobriety and fellowship in the LGBTQIATX. austinroundup.com AUSTIN WEIRD CITY SISTERS In the grand tradition of SF’s Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and not unlike real nuns, these sisses are all about the service (and the getting down on the knees…). weirdcitysisters.org BOBCAT PRIDE SCHOLARSHIP FUND Support and community for LGBTQ Texas Staters. Go, Bobcats! bobcatpridescholarship.com BREAST CANCER RESOURCE CENTERS OF TEXAS SA centralized source of information, education, and support that empowers those affected by breast cancer to navigate through diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and beyond as active, knowledgeable participants in their healthcare. revans@bcrc.org, bcrc.org

S = Bronze Sponsor

CAPITAL METRO Get around with Austin’s public transportation hub. 512/474-1200, capmetro.org

HILL COUNTRY RIDE FOR AIDS Ride your bike; help fight AIDS. Raise funds in this late-April charity ride for non-profits fighting the good fight. 512/371-7433, hillcountryride.org

THE CARE COMMUNITIES Caring for those living with HIV/AIDS and cancer. 512/459-5883, thecarecommunities.org HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN – AUSTIN Steering committee of the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights CLASSIC CHASSIS CAR CLUB organization. hrc.org/states/texas AUSTIN Classic car enthusiasts show off their classy chassis. classicchassis.org/austin JEWISH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTIN EQUALITY TEXAS The front Enhancing Jewish life in Austin lobbying line looking out for and around the world through LGBTQ rights at the Texas Lege. community, philanthropy, 512/474-5475, equalitytexas.org education, social service, culture, spirituality, and total wellness. 7300 Hart Lane, shalomaustin.org FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Dedicated to an ever more inclusive and relevant Church via THE JOULE SCHOOL Private reform and reconciliation. school located in North Austin/ 1314 E. Oltorf, 512/444-1314 Cedar Park with a handsfaithpresaustin.org on program featuring Latin, gardening, programming, and cooking in addition to the required FIRST UNITED METHODIST academics. CHURCH Welcome and inviting, 818/925-6853, www.jouleschool.com open and affirming.1201 Lavaca, 512/478-5384, contact@ fumcaustin.org, fumcaustin.org LEGALIZE HUMAN Envisioning a society where people are equal in all aspects of life. GATHERING PLACE WORSHIP 512/659-6617, legalize.human@gmail. CENTER Bible-believing, Christcom, fb.com/legalize.human centered, spirit-filled church. 7801 N Lamar, 512/323-9501, gpwcaustin.org LESBIAN & GAY PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION Supporting LGBT sworn, civilian, and retired GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE members of the Austin Police WARRIORS Texas A&M Department. University–Central TX GSA lgpoa-austin.org warriors fight for education, equality, and acceptance. 1001 Leadership Place, Killeen, LIFE IN THE CITY SERVICE: FIRST 254/501-5874 UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Offering radically inclusive love for the health and wholeness of mind, THE HANDSOME FATHER A body, and spirit. community for gay dads and gay 512/478-5684, lifeinthecityaustin.org dads-to-be. 512/565-0506, brian. stephens@thehandsomefather.org, thehandsomefather.org

LIZZY’S HOSPICE HOUSE Providing a caring, loving environment for pets that are terminally ill. 512/699-9855, lizzyshospice.com LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS OF AUSTIN Proud members of the GOP who believe inclusion wins. 512/428-5475, logcabin.org/chapter/ texas-austin THE MANKIND PROJECT Personal growth and transformation nonprofit that helps all men break through barriers that may be preventing them from reaching their goals (whether personal, relationship, or career). 512/374-9688, mankindpride.org THE OCTOPUS CLUB Raising the big bucks through fab parties for AIDS Services of Austin. octopusclub.org OUT YOUTH Support, programming, and drop-in center for LGBTQ (or questioning) kids. 909 E. 49 1/2, 512/419-1233, out@ outyouth.org, outyouth.org OUTSIDER FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL A multi-arts LGBTQIA festival championing provocative, overlooked, and out-of-the-box film, performances, music, writing, and visual art. 831/332-0878, OUTsiderfest.org PFLAG AUSTIN Support, advocacy, acceptance, and love in the form of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (in other words: Angels). 512/302-3524, PFLAGAustin.org PROJECT TRANSITIONS Serving Austin’s HIV/AIDS community through hospice, housing, compassion, and care. 512/454-8646, projecttransitions.org

SAN ANTONIO LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Where LGBT and LGBT-friendly biz concerns in SA meet. sagaychamber.com

WATERLOO COUNSELING CENTER Austin’s nonprofit hub for LGBTQ support and support groups. 314 E. Highland Mall Blvd., #301, 512/444-9922, waterloocounseling.org

SANGHALINK Online connection and support for LGBTQ high school students. www.sanghalink.org

WOMEN’S ALLIANCE FOR LEADERSHIP Positively influencing and empowering women of the LGBTQ community and their allies through community education, career development, advancing leadership skills, and providing networking opportunities in a professional environment. waltexas.org

START OUT Dedicated to creating great business leaders through supporting LGBT entrepreneurs. startout.org STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF AUSTIN The Austin affiliate of the National Stonewall Democratic Federation. stonewallaustin.org TEAM PROHOMO The beasts behind the weekly Queer Ride and other most excellent Austin adventures. teamprohomo.org TEXAS ADVOCACY PROJECT Free legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 800/374-4673, texasadvocacyproject.org TRANSGENDER EDUCATION NETWORK OF TEXAS Educating the State of Texas about gender diversity. 877/532-6789, info@transtexas.org, transtexas.org THE UNITED COURT OF AUSTIN, INC. Providing support to LGBTQ, HIV/AIDS, and other service groups. Affiliated with the International Imperial Court System of drag divinity. unitedcourtofaustin.org UNIVERSITY BAPTIST CHURCH Come worship with “Austin’s progressive voice of faith.” 2130 Guadalupe, 512/478-8559, ubcaustin.org

THE WRIGHT HOUSE WELLNESS CENTER Working to improve the lives of those living with, affected by, or at-risk for HIV and Hep C. 512/467-0088, thewrighthouse.org

DESIGN & MEDIA APROPOS PROMO Swaggy promotions matched to specific needs. 10601 FM 2222 Ste R-163, 512/241-1479, 888/705-2522, apropospromo.com

BRENDA THOMPSON COMMUNICATIONS A bright and enthusiastic face in Austin’s PR scene, providing strategic public relations counsel and resultsgeared services. 512/461-5644, brendathompson.com CELESTA DANGER PHOTOGRAPHY Brilliant art photography. Specializes in unique and unabashed portraiture. celestadanger.com CREATIVE TONIC A brand experience studio which holds the belief that each interaction with a customer is an opportunity for your brand. creativetonicstudio.com CURRY COMM Be it a brand new site, public relation polish, or just some good ol’ fashion social media, Curry Comm can make it shine. 919/623-1956, info@currycomm.com, currycomm.com DRAKELIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY Pretty or gritty: Photos of people, the fire in their lives, and the passions they pursue. 512/850-6326, fb.com/ drakelightphotography

ART DIVA CREATIVE Specializing in print and web graphic design for small businesses, non-profits, and FUN LOVING PHOTOS Count on Devaki Knowles to capture your special events. good side. 512/934-8088, artdivacreative.com 512/298-9249, devakiknowles@gmail. com, funlovingphotos.net THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE Central Texas’ wild and free altGAY PLACE ONLINE Steer here, newsweekly. Home of the “Gay queers, to the home of Dandy Place” column and blog. 512/454-5766, austinchronicle.com/gay Unicornn, the Gay Place Krewe, the AggreGAYtor, Where the Girls Go/ATX, and more. BLOGPHILO NEW MEDIA 512/454-5766, gayplace@ Copywriting, filmmaking, and austinchronicle.com, austinchronicle. social media consulting. com/gay 512/516-5544, brian.boyko@ gmail.com, blogphilo.com

JANA BIRCHUM PHOTO-VIDEO A photographer, video producer for the web, and a storyteller looking for a story to tell. Specifically yours. 512/297-7821, janabirchum.com MERCURY MAMBO Marketing agency focused on experiential marketing, digital, and sales promotion with a Latin flare. 512/447-4440, mercurymambo.com OUTCAST, KOOP 91.7 FM Tune your FM to 91.7 every Tuesday at 6pm. info@outcast.com, outcastaustin.com POSTNET – FAR WEST Accessible and friendly shop for all your printing needs. 3571 Far West, 512/231-1321, postnet. com/austin-tx157 SHWEIKI MEDIA Heavy-duty industry publishers specializing in large projects that can take your concepts to the next level. 512/480-0860, shweiki.com SITE STREET From the ABCs of SEO to crossing the Ts and dotting the Is of your web presence. 3009 N. Lamar Ste 3, 832-8383, sitestreet.com TODD V. WOLFSON PHOTOGRAPHY Covering Austin’s creative class with class for over 30 years. fb.com/toddvwolfson30years, toddvwolfsonphotographer.tumblr.com

ENTERTAINMENT AUSTIN CHAMBER MUSIC CENTER Expanding appreciation of chamber music one intimate performance at a time. 3814 Medical Pkwy, 512/454-0026, austinchambermusic.org

AUSTIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The high art part of the Live Music Capital of the Planet and its oldest performing group (since 1911). austinsymphony.org

DOZEN STREET A central East Side neighborhood spot with great art, music, and a full bar. 1808 E. 12th, 512/236-1770, dozenstreet.com

CAPITAL CITY MENS CHORUS Austin Texas’ premier men’s chorus for over a quarter century. 512/477-SING, info@ccmcaustin.org, ccmcaustin.org

HIGHLAND LOUNGE Austin’s upscale gay bar, lounge, and dance club located in the heart of downtown. 404 Colorado, highlandlounge.com

CASTRO’S WAREHOUSE A boy bar and drag nexus named after the gayest neighborhood this side of the Mississippi. 213 W. Fourth, 512/322-9981, castroswarehouse.com

THE IRON BEAR When the teddy bears leave the picnic, they hit up this favorite party spot. 121 W. Eighth, theironbear.com

THE CITY THEATRE COMPANY New works, comedies, classics, and musicals – in a cozy and convenient setting. 3823 Airport, 512/524-2870, citytheatreaustin.org CHEER UP CHARLIE’S 2010-2014 Austin Chronicle Best LGBTQ Hang Out. LGBTQIA and friends hangout/music/art/ dance party space known for fresh juices, kombucha, and great live music. 900 Red River, 512/431-2133, cheerupcharlies@gmail.com www.cheerupcharlies.com DEPARTURE LOUNGE Upscale high-tech coffee and wine bar/ travel agency. 311 W. Fifth, 512/322-9399, departurelounge.com DJS FINE & DANDY W/ KATE & ANDY 100% local, 100% loungey, 100% vinyl chill. Ask for our AGLCC rate. 512/217-9223, fb.com/ djsfinedandywithkateandy

LONE STAR LAMBDAS Boot scoot on over to these two-steppin’ purveyors for a good time. 512/418-1629, lonestarlambdas.org THE LONG CENTER The capital city’s performance art hub and home of Austin’s creative community. 512/474-5664, thelongcenter.org OILCAN HARRY’S Made Fourth Street what it is today– the beating heart of Austin’s gay district. 211 W. Fourth, 512/320-8823, oilcanharrys.com PLAY! THEATRE GROUP So new, the curtain hasn’t even risen yet. Coming to the Eastside this season. 2411 Princeton, 512/809-0050, playtheatregroup.org S RAIN ON 4TH One of the mighty cornerstones of Austin’s gay warehouse district. 217 W. Fourth, 512/494-1150, rainon4th.com

Get seen in your scene. Advertising in The Agenda is easy and affordable. For more info, contact 512-761-LBGT (5428) advertising@austinagenda.com

STARGAYZER EVENTS, LLC Annual queer music festival gathering the alt-LBGTQ tribes . 512/571-3522, stargayzerfestival.com

NEW YORK LIFE Life and longterm care insurance, annuities, and mutual funds. aeford@ft.newyorklife.com

WHERE THE GIRLS GO–ATX Putting the queer back in grrrl, and inclusive back in dance parties, these ladies offer trans-positive, all-gender-inclusive, anti-isms/ists, pro-makeout spaces. fb.com/wherethegirlsgoATX

STRATEGIC PAYMENT SYSTEMS Full-service and cost effective solutions for credit card processing needs. 2013 Wells Branch, 512/807-7015, spsinfo.com

FINANCIAL AMY COOK, CPA CPA practice providing accounting, tax, and bookkeeping services for individuals and small businesses. 7908 Cameron, 512/222-1267, amy@ acookcpa.com, acookcpa.com ARCHER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Customized investment advice and financial planning for high-income professionals and successful families. 800/840-5946, archerim.com BB&T, BRANCH, BANKING AND TRUST Banking services to help define and reach financial goals. bbt.com BROOKS WATSON BENEFITS Filling group benefits, individual medical, life insurance, and 401k retirement needs. 512/320-0123, brooks@bwatsonbenefits. com, bwatsonbenefits.com

V VISA INC. Global payments tech company. visa.com WADDELL & REED Financial advisory services provided by Brandon Campbell. waddell.com WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE Steven Parrish, private mortgage banker. 512/703-0333, steven.parrish@ wellsfargo.com, needamortgage.com

FOOD ALFRED’S CATERING Seasoned seasoning pros so thorough, “you’ll be a guest at your own party!” 512/785-8416, alfred@alfredcatering. com, BeAGuest.net CHEZ ZEE AMERICAN BISTRO Romancing Austin since 1988. 5406 Balcones, 512/454-2666, chez-zee.com

GENUINE JOE COFFEEHOUSE LGBT and nerd haven inthe heart of North Austin. 2001 W. Anderson, 512/220-1576, genuinejoecoffee.com GUSTO ITALIAN KITCHEN + WINE BAR Delectable flavors of Italian cuisine. 4800 Burnet, 512/458-1100, info@gustoitaliankitchen.com, gustoitaliankitchen.com IN GOOD TASTE CATERING & DESIGN Make sure everyone leaves your shindig saying “Omnom-nom.” 512/825-7573, john@ingoodtastecatering.com, ingoodtaste-catering.com NOURISHMENT PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES Boutique catering and in-home meal preparation with a focus on fresh, natural and organic foods, and special diets. 512/686-8442, celeste@ nourishmentpersonalchefservices.com, nourishmentpersonalchefservices.com

HEALTH & FITNESS ABSOLUTE DERMATOLOGY & MEDI-SPA Medical to cosmetic – you name it, Dr. Honeycutt does it. 1103 Cypress Creek Rd., Ste.100, Cedar Park, 512/257-7600, absolutedermatology.com ALPHA MEDICAL MASSAGE & REHABILITATION Massage the pain away. 595 Round Rock West Dr, Ste 601, Round Rock, 512/366-5483, alphamedicalmassage.com

COMERICA BANK Personal finance and business banking. 3801 Bee Caves Rd., 512/329-5095 comerica.com

CLAY PIT Contemporary Indian cuisine served with a warm and inviting ambience. 1601 Guadalupe, 512/322-5131, claypit.com

DNA FINANCIAL GROUP Supporting your business growth through health, wealth, and accountability. 512/573-8800, dnafinancialgroup.com

CRAVE RESTAURANT Fresh, vibrant, American. APRIL O. OWEN, PSY.D., 340 E. Second, 512/469-0000, PSYCHOLOGIST Teens, LGBTQ cravetexas.com issues, love lives, you name it, Dr. O can help. DUE FORNI PIZZA & WINE 4425 Mopac S., Bldg.3, Ste.505, Two ovens; two styles of pizza 832/421-4968, dr_o@live.com, (Neopolitan and Roman); 30 owenpsychology.com outstanding wines by the glass. 106 E. Sixth, 512/391-9300, dueforni.com AUSTIN GAMBLERS BOWLING LEAGUE We promised ourselves EL SOL Y LA LUNA A great place that we would not make cheap to bring your amigas y amigos for jokes about balls. But come on, some of the best Migas on the you know they’ve got big ones. planet. 512/786-4013, austingamblers@ 600 E. Sixth, 512/444-7770, gmail.com, fb.com/austin.g.league elsolylalunaaustin.com AUSTIN GAY BASKETBALL LEAGUE Bounce balls. Shoot hoops. Sign up S FROT VODKA Fraught about to play, or come out and support. where your money goes at a 512/814-6495, info@atxgbl.com, local watering hole? Fret not. atxgbl.com LGBT owned and operated. 512/966-4174, frotvodka.com

EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS – STEPHANIE EMORY A personal approach to investing and financial planning to help you reach your longterm financial goals. 512/442-5321, stephanie.emory@ edwardjones.com W MASSMUTUAL SOUTHWEST Help with decisions for long-term financial success. 512/527-0671, southwest. massmutual.com

APOLLO WELLNESS Yoga, fitness training, and holistic care. 512/669-5695, apollowellness.com

Hassle Free Printing We Take Printing Seriouslyâ€ŚNot Ourselves.

Visit us at www.shweiki.com Email samplEs@shwEiki for a frEE quotE or call 512-480-0860

AUSTIN TENNIS CLUB For LGBT people who ‘love’ to make a ‘racquet.’ austintennisclub.com BACK TO BALANCE Therapeutic massage, bodywork, and hypnosis for health and wellness. Austin’s therapeutic breast massage specialist. hypnewyou.com BIG BLUE EYE CONSULTING, LLC Helping families and individuals overcome chemical dependencies and dual disorders. 1715 Capital of Texas, S., Ste.201, 512/971-4567, kimgallen1@me.com

FEELGOOD SYNERGY What’s better than a professional massage that comes to you? Nothing, that’s what. 512/565-3406, feelgoodsynergy.abmp.com V HAND & STONE MASSAGE & FACIAL SPA Professional massage, facial, and hair removal services. tevans@handandstone.com, handandstone.com

HARMONY HYPNOSIS, AUSTIN’S QUIT SMOKING HEADQUARTERS Stressed out? Smoking too much? Hypnosis can help: Are you BLACKBIRD FITNESS & NUTRITION getting sleepy? Guides, directs, and mentors 7703 N. Lamar, Ste.250, clients by providing complete 512/200-4249, harmonyhypnotist@ nutrition and fitness assistance. gmail.com, hypnosisaustin.com blackbirdfitnessandnutrition.com HAUSMAN CHIROPRACTIC & BREAZEALE CHIROPRACTIC ACUPUNCTURE Your body can CENTER Bad back? They can help, heal without the use of traditional and have been for 20 years. medication. 1515 Capital of Texas, S., Ste.220, 8015 Shoal Creek, Ste.110, 512/328-3881, breazealechiropractic.com 512/419-1000, drrobhausman@ gmail.com, hausmanchiropractic.com CATHERINE M. FORD, PHD, PSYCHOLOGIST Psychotherapy HUMAN MACHINE ATHLETIC CLUB for adults: individuals, couples/ Private training studio that offers family, group, grounded in experienced, certified trainers psychological science and for one-on-one and small group offered in a conversational style. personal training. All ages and Specializing in GLB concerns. fitness levels. 512/842-2223, catherine-ford.com 512/765-6025, humanmachinetraining.com CITY OF AUSTIN HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES HIV counseling, testing, and outreach. 15 Waller, 512/972-5580, omar.lopez@ austintexas.gov, austinhiv.com CYNTHIA NETTING COUNSELING Offering guidance to couples and individuals. 1210 Parkway, 512/658-5452, cynthianettingcounseling.com DEREK LEIGHTON, LMFT, LPC, NCC, CGP Promotes “healthy sexuality” and a better outlook on life. 3534 Bee Caves #114, 512/658-2960, leightontherapy.com DR PEA’S ACTIVE HEALTH CENTER One of the most experienced and qualified practitioners in Austin. Acupuncture, Asian bodywork, and other non-needle therapies, Chinese herbs, whole food nutrition and chi gong classes are highly effective for many conditions. 512/289-3225, drpea.com

JEFF LUTES COUNSELING & CONSULTING, LLC Psychotherapist in private practice with a specialty in helping LGBT couples. 512/419-0600, contemporarycouples.com THE JOINT Convenient, friendly, walk-in chiropractic services, weeknights until 7pm and weekends until 4pm. Memberships available. 9500 S. I-35, Ste. L-725, 512/292-3500, dustin.sparks@thejoint.com, southparkmeadows.thejoint.com

MOONTOWER COUNSELING Offering services to couples, individuals, and families in relationship conflict, coming out, HIV and stigma, bisexuality and belonging, depression, anger, and shame. 512/565-6974, moontowercounseling.com PSYCHOTHERAPY – PAM GREENSTONE Specializing in depression, anxiety, eating disorders, sexuality, self-esteem, self-acceptance, couples counseling, and GLBT community. 512/689-7279, pamgreenstone.com PIAZZA CENTER FOR PLASTIC SURGERY AND ADVANCED SKIN CARE Cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. 512/288-8200, practiceadmin@ thepiazzacenter.com, thepiazzacenter. com/blog RIVER PLACE MOHS & DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY CENTER Experts in Mohs (chemo-) surgery, skin cancer treatments, reconstructive, and dermatologic procedures. 10815 RR 2222, Bldg.3a1, Ste.200, 512/767-7546, riverplacedermatology.com RODAN+FIELDS DERMATOLOGISTS The creators of Proactiv. 512/844-6514, suzyjuncker.myrandf.biz RUSS BOYD, MA, NCC, LPC INTERN Psychotherapist working with the gay community. 512/632-4731, russboydcounseling.com SOCO WELLNESS CENTER, PLLC Offers affordable, high quality, GLBTQAI counseling services for young adult and adult individuals, couples, and families. 512/621-5337, sococounseling.com SOFTBALL AUSTIN Players of all expertise levels wait on-deck at their turn to bat more than just eyelids. softballaustin.org

TEXAS GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION This is Texas, darlin’. Of course JUICELAND A uniquely Austin vibe there is a gay rodeo association. spirited by creative and concerned 214/346-2107, tgra.org employees, JuiceLand keeps TEXAS MAMMA JAMMA RIDE Austin juiced. Several locations around the metro area all serving Awareness and much needed an extensive menu of smoothies funds for folks coping with breast cancer. and juices. mammajammaride.org juicelandaustin.com MIMIR HEALTH Defining health intelligence as raw data transformed into actionable information. mimirhealth.com

TRU-SKIN DERMATOLOGY Botox and Dermal Filler treatments will give you a refreshed, rejuvenated, and rested look, and have you saying “I woke up like this!” and mean it. 512/451-0139, tru-skin.com

US HEALTH ADVISORS Customizing health insurance plans that offer three-year premium lock, zero deductible at an affordable rate. 512/450-2054 Tyka.Booker@ ushadvisors.com, ushadvisors.com

FUNK FAMILY AGENCY Fullservice Allstate agency with four Austin area locations. Recognizes partners as spouses to provide all the discounts a married couple deserves. funkfamilyagency.com

CHRISTINE HENRY ANDRESEN, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Any family lawyer who puts a portrait of the Addams Family on her website is A-OK with us. 905 W. Oltorf, Ste. C, 512/394-4230, cha@chalaw.com, chalaw.com

VOLLEYBALL AUSTIN Come out to set and spike the night away with these volley-lovin’ Q-ballers. volleyballaustin.com

HARRISON INSURANCE AGENCY INC. Jenny offers over 19 years of experience – and customer loyalty – to back up the statement: “We’re here if you need us, but let’s hope you don’t!” 512/377-6869, harrison-insurance.com

OFFICE OF SUZANNE BRYANT Helping Texas LGBT families’ secure legal protection since 1995. 512/476-4760, suzannebryantlaw.com

WORK IT PERSONAL TRAINING Get off your butt, and get fit. 512/426-2336, info@workittraining. com, workittraining.com

INSURANCE

LEGAL

ADAMS, LONDON & WEISS LLC Helping you collect what’s yours… from bad checks to merchandise recovery. 6250 Westpark, Ste.319, Houston, 713/266-7500, jdanek@alwllc.com, BRITTON & BRITTON Local allies service all your insurance needs at alwllc.com the best possible rate. AMINI & CONANT, LLP Lawyering 512/334-6330, 512insurance.com for humans, by humans. We treat our clients like people, not cases. CHAD COOK, METLIFE AUTO 512/222-6883, aminiconant.com & HOME Great for car and homeowners alike, and they’re gay-friendly to boot. 512/644-3039, ccook@getmetagent.com ALLSTATE INSURANCE Home, auto, commercial, and life insurance 512/345-0005

Companion Animal Rescue An automated donation of as little as $10/month makes a huge difference to these sweet seniors. Contact us for more information.

lizzyshospice.com lizzyshospice@gmail.com

Insurance Agency home | auto | commercial | life

Ian Punjwani Licensed Sales Agent 3435 Greystone Dr Ste 107 Austin, TX 78731 Office (512) 345-0005 ianpunjwani@allstate.com

CAPPS LAW FIRM It’s all about family – and keeping it legal. 7718 Wood Hollow, Ste. 205, 512/338-9800, cappslawfirm.com CAROLE CALLAGHAN LAW Providing estate planning and probate services for the LGBT community. 512/861-2294, csclawaustin.com LAW OFFICE OF KELLEY J. DWYER It’s your estate. It’s your business. Make sure they are protected, legally. 9442 Capital of Texas, Ste 500-159, 512/343-3630, dwyerlawaustin.com

S THE FOWLER LAW FIRM PC “Law is a ministry if you come in with a pure heart and a good attitude,” according to founder, owner, ex-Navy JAG, and law firm matriarch Laura Fowler. 919 Congress, Ste.900, 512/4411411, www.thefowlerlawfirm.com THE LAW OFFICE OF VIRGINIA W. GREENWAY Defense for people accused of crimes – from simple traffic, up to first-degree felonies. 811 Nueces, 512/573-3221, vwglaw@ austin.rr.com, virginiagreenway.com LEE, GOBER & REYNA - LAW FIRM “Family” lawyers who handle family, personal injury, and criminal matters. 11940 Jollyville, Ste 220, 512/478-8080, rwleelaw.com LYNCH LAW FIRM Working with small companies to take care of business while minimizing expense. 4408 Spicewood Springs Rd., 512/298-2346, nlynch@lynchlf.com, lynchlf.com JORGESON PITTMAN LLP Central Texas family law and estate planning law firm. 512/320-0999, jptexaslaw.com

LODGING FURNISHED HOUSING IN AUSTIN Fully furnished lodging near downtown (Clarksville). furnishedhousinginaustin.com/cottage. html GABLES PARK PLAZA Beautiful luxury apartment community in the heart of downtown Austin. 115 Sandra Muraida Way, parkplaza@ gables.com, gables.com

HILTON AUSTIN Towering 31 floors in the heart of the city, Hilton Austin is the largest hotel in the downtown area. Signature service along with high tech conveniences and local charm. 500 E. Fourth, 512/682-2826, austin.hilton.com LAKEWAY RESORT & SPA AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort nestled on the shores of Lake Travis. 101 Lakeway, 512/261-7396, gschneider@lakewayresortandspa.com, lakewayresortandspa.com

PETS PAWS & MORE Sit! Humans sit with your pups and kits and more. While you’re away, your mice and gerbils and sugargliders will play. 512/695-3131, pawsandmore.com PEOPLE AND PETS ENERGETICS LLC Energy health & wellness coach that helps people and their animals. 210/775-2696, peopleandpetsenergetics.com

RENAISSANCE AUSTIN HOTEL Nestled in the picturesque hills of Texas Hill Country, this luxury hotel provides tranquil environment surrounded by nature trails and 95 breathtaking acres. Convenient proximity to downtown Austin and the metro area. 9721 Arboretum Blvd, 512/343-2626, marriott.com/aussh

WONDERCIDE Pesticide with a safe-for-pets twist. Treat your pets to some holistic loving, or rid yourself of unwanted house guests the natural way. 9415 Neils Thompson, stephanie@ wondercide.com, wondercide.com

SHERATON AUSTIN HOTEL Distinctively modern architecture, majestic downtown views, and warm, friendly service with a prime location: next door to the famed Capitol and just steps from the University of Texas, Sixth Street/Warehouse District, and more. 701 E.11th, 512/404-6942, sheratonaustin.com

JEFF ARNOLD, BELLA CASA REALTY Full-time realtor working in the Austin metro area, happy to help with your real estate needs – first time home buyers/sellers all the way up to helping seniors right-size their lifestyle. 512/639-8838, JeffArnold.Realtor@ gmail.com, TexasLandAndLifestyle.com

W AUSTIN HOTEL Luxury located close to the action, in the sweet spot between ACL Live/Moody Theatre and Austin City Hall. 200 Lavaca, 512/542-3600, whotelaustin.com

REAL ESTATE

AUSTIN HOMES REALTY Real estate brokerage making finding realty in Austin a reality. 512/507-8252, austinhomesrealty.com AUSTIN REAL ESTATE AGENT AT SKY REALTY AUSTIN – TEAM ENSOR Professional services for buyers, sellers, and leases. 4501 Spicewood Springs, Ste.1029, 512/522-8196, morganmatthewe@ gmail.com, SkyRealtyAustin.com

BB&T – JESSICA TAYLOR Building on a tradition of excellence, we continue to offer clients a complete range of financial services including banking and lending solutions. 512/577-0735, bbt.com/jessicaw.taylor COLDWELL BANKER – LISA ANDERSON Finding a home enhances the quality of your life. Lisa is committed to helping achieve your real estate needs. 512/585-0755, LisaAnderson@ cbunited.com, cbunited.com/Lisa.Anderson JOHN DOUCETTE, REALTOR, DOUCETTE PROPERTIES From downtown to Westlake and beyond. 512/828-2604, DoucetteProperties@ gmail.com, DoucetteProperties.com V BILL DUNHAM, REALTOR AT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES TEXAS REALTY Diligence and intuition in finding the perfect home to fit clients needs and desires. 512/940-1886, bdunham.com GAYINAUSTINTEXAS.COM Real estate services and a LGBT relocation focus. 210/501-5435, gayinaustintexas.com GIVE REALTY Real real estate services with real heart. The “give” in their name highlights their goal to enable clients to give back to the community. 512/299-6916, giverealty.com GOODLIFE MORTGAGE Convenient, online mortgage info services. 1114 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/582-7878, smy866@gmail.com, goodlifeloans.com BRANDI HALE – INDEPENDENCE TITLE COMPANY Licensed directly in 22 counties and supported by every major underwriter in the U.S. 901 S Mopac, Plaza II, Ste.150, 512/329-5299, independencetitle.com TROY HANNA, PRESIDIO Representing the realty interests of Austin’s LGBT community for over a decade. 1701 W. Koenig, 512/659-7093 DENNY HOLT REALTORS Working with buyers and sellers in all price ranges. 8708 Primrose, 512/694-1103, denny@dennyholt.com, dennyholt.com

HOMESTART Teaching Austinites about where to start with real estate and mortgages. 2500 Bettis, 650/409-7444, homestart.us JACOBS & MIKESKA REALTORS Proudly supporting the LBGT Community for 20 years! 512/462-1866, AusTXrltrs@aol.com, jacobsandmikeska.com KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD HOMES Offering unique solutions for unique situations deep in the weird li’l heart of Texas. 512/297-3442, theresa@ keepaustinweirdhomes.com, keepaustinweirdhomes.com MAGPIE GROUP Building homes that Austinites want to live in. 512/814-7562, magpiehomes.com MIDTOWN INDEPENDENCE TITLE When you cross the threshold into home owning this LGBT-owned company has got you covered. 3009 N. Lamar, 512/459-1110, midtowntitle.com LESLIE NEGRON – TEAM PRICE REAL ESTATE The needs of the client always prevails. 832/884-7738, Leslie@TeamPrice.com PATTERSON-RAUSCH TEAM – KELLER WILLIAMS From “urban to suburban,” Darian Rausch and Rich Patterson of Keller Williams Realty have Austin covered. 1335 E. Whitestone, Ste.200, 512/663-5826, urbantosuburban.com

T THE STAGING GUY Gussy up your home to make it irresistable to prospective buyers. 7310 Manchaca Rd #152936, 512/537-4489, thestagingguy.com ULTIMATE AUSTIN Realtor® Steven Van Orden helps buyers and sellers realize dreams, spanning all price ranges and property types. 512/921-1502, ultimateaustin.com

RETAIL & FASHION A FLOWER BASKET Fulfilling any vision you have for your wedding, anniversary, birthday, funeral, or any other occasion. Same day delivery available in certain areas. aflowerbasket.com ANNA LANI MAKEUP UT Technical Theatre grad lives to see creative theatre, film, and print projects manifest. 361/442-3206, fb.com/AnnaLaniMakeup BLUE GENIE ART BAZAAR An Austin tradition during the holiday shopping season, open daily 10am-10pm, through December 24th at the Marchesa Hall & Theater. Free admission, free parking, and some very very Austin holiday gifts. 6226 Middle Fiskville, 512/222-7303, bluegenieartbazaar.com

BOOKWOMAN Know your herstory and get to know us, one of the country’s few remaining feminist bookstores. Check their calendar online for communitybuilding events. 5501 N Lamar, 512-472-2785, RON REDDER, PRESIDIO With over ebookwoman.com 18 years experience, he might just CAT’S CUSTOMS Contemporary be on to something. 1701 W. Koenig, 512/657-8674, ron@ tie dye: psychedelic, hand-dyed clothing and accessories for the presidiogroup.com, presidiogroup.com whole fam. CHRIS RODRIGUEZ, AUSTIN REAL 512/296-5697,fb.com/ catscustomsofaustin PROS REALTORS Buying? Selling? Navigate the home ownership COCO COQUETTE Wig out to look world together. as divine as Divine. The higher the 512/921-1431, ChrisSellsAustin@ hair, the closer to Gawd. gmail.com 2109 E. Cesar Chavez, coco-coquette.com SARAH SCHOENFELDER, REALTOR COSMIC CONSIGNMENT Revamp Texas and California real estate your house with furniture licenses and specializing in from your grandma’s era, your residential real estate with a subspecialty in investment properties mom’s era or just yours. Grab a secondhand guitar on your way and redevelopment projects. out. 512/343-4400, sjschoenfelder@ 2604 E. Seventh, 512/547-6549, gmail.com, simplyaustinhomes.com fb.com/cosmicconsignment RIVER & OAKS REALTY LLC Stacy Bass specializes in outlying areas, like Driftwood, Lakeway, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, and more. 512/413-7893, stacybassrealtor.com

ROBERT M. PROSSER, ETHAN ALLEN One-stop shopping for your home, with décor consulting. 2817 W. Anderson, 512-615-9990, rprosser@austin.ethanallen.com, ethanalllen.com

ATRIA AT THE ARBORETUM An active lifestyle senior living center with spectacular views and upscale amenities. 512/346-4900, atriaseniorliving.com/ atria-at-the-arboretum-austin-tx/

GREAT OUTDOORS All things outdoors. 2730 S Congress, 512/448-2992, greatoutdoorsnursery.com

AUSTIN CONSTRUCTION PROS Specializing in reducing the stress and increasing the joy of home ownership. 512/413-2129, austinconstructionpros.com

SOUTH CONGRESS BOOKS Used, collectible, vintage, and unique books and paper. 1608 S. Congress, 512/916-8882, southcongressbooks.com S VAPOR JOY E-cig and vapor wellness center. info@vaporjoy.com, vaporjoy.com, facebook.com/theoriginalvaporjoy YACHT OUTFITTERS Our passion for boating drives us to offer the best products available for yachts and cruisers. Luxury boat bedding is custom fitted for your specific mattress. www.yacht-outfitters.com

B2 MANAGEMENT & CONSULTING Helping attorneys start, develop, manage, and grow firms. 701 Rio Grande Ste.B, 512/381-1500, b2-mgmt.com CÉBÉ IT & KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT LLC Information and knowledge management. 7118 Las Ventanas, 281/460-3595, cebe-itkm.com CITY OF AUSTIN SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Assistance and business solutions to emerging small businesses. 512/974-7800, austintexas. gov/department/small-businessdevelopment-program

CITY OF AUSTIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Cultural arts, music, international and emerging technology A&A ILLUMINATORS Austin-based programs. event decoration and décor rental 512/974-7819, austintexas.gov/ department/economic-growth company. 512/765-5206, anailluminators.com CLUB ONE CONCIERGE Austin’s only lifestyle management A-ONE ELECTRIC Full “circuit” company to offer as-needed of residential and commercial personal assistant services to electrical services. individuals and corporations. 512/497-1513, aoneelectric@ 512/730-0637, cluboneconcierge.com hotmail.com, aoneelectricaustin.com

SERVICES

ACCELEROS Austin-based company providing IT support in the form of product and application development, process re-engineering, and project management. 512/736-8385, info@acceleros.com, acceleros.com ARDEN COURTS MEMORY CARE Caring for your loved ones in a loving environment. 11630 Four Iron Dr., 512/918-2800, arden-courts.com ARRANGING IT ALL These professional organizers can whip your chaos into shape. info@arrangingitall.com, arrangingitall.com

S COOK-WALDEN Celebrate your loved one with a funeral and memorial service befitting of the life lived. 512/971-2449, cook-walden.com CROWN TROPHY – NORTH AUSTIN Corporate, golf, educational, and religious awards, trophies, plaques, gavels, promotional products, medals, ribbons, acrylics, crystal, name badges, and much more. 512/506-9790, crowncentral@ gmail.com, crowntrophy.com/store-122 DEKLYND CHANNING HAIR DESIGN Artistic hair design, specializing in color with profound results. You … only better! 4303 Medical Pkwy., 512/323-6570, dc-hairdesign.com

GARBO SALON AND SPA Eclectic, colorful, urban eco-friendly salon ready to serve you with professional, cutting edge artwork that expresses you, not a clone, seven days a week. 7739 Northcross, Ste K-L, 512/458-4162, garboasalon.com GEEK POWERED STUDIOS Handles your entire web presence. No a la carte menu here, we believe in utilizing every tool possible to help our clients grow. 512/369-3882, geepoweredstudios.com GREEN ISLAND CAR WASH AND DETAIL Full service car wash and detail shop. 12600 Research, 512/257-1799, greenislandcarwash.com THE HAROLD ORGANIZATION, LLC Information technology consultants. 512/345-9605, harold.org HE’S FOR ME Find me a match, catch me a catch! Make a match, you busy gay professional. 300 Guadalupe Ste. 200, 855/443-7463, H4M-Austin.com INSTAFF Recruiting, hiring, motivating, leading. A staffing firm with integrity. 8015 Shoal Creek Blvd., Ste.210, 512/339-0777, instaff.com MAMMOTH RECRUITING Focusing on finding candidates for full-time, direct-hire positions in administrative, human resources, marketing, sales, accounting, and financial roles. mammothrecruiting.com MCSWAIN CONSULTING, LLC Marketing consultant with proven results in both Fortune 500 and start-up environments. 512/750-4919, jennifer_mcswain@ att.net, mcswainconsulting.com MILLERSTEPHENS AND ASSOCIATES Focused on nonprofit, healthcare, and socialchange initiatives. 512/422-6030, millerstephens.com PERSONALI-T-Z T-shirt printing with no minimum and no set up fees. 512/400-5023, personali-t-z.com PRAXIS FUNDRAISING SOLUTIONS Product-based fundraising. It gets the job done and the dollars farmed. 512/739-0214, shannonm@ praxisfundraising.com, praxisfundraising.com

POWER OF TWO PROMOTIONS Your promotional product concierge, putting your logo on almost anything. PTwoPromo.com RAINBOW SPECTRUM MEDIA Screen printing and embroidery all across the rainbow spectrum. terry@rainbowspectrummedia.com SEEDLINGS GARDENING Full-service landscaping and gardening born and raised in Austin, striving to bring the natural beauty of Central Texas’ landscape to clients’ properties. 512/294-0064, seedlingsgardening.com SEND OUT CARDS Custom greeting cards to get your business noticed. 512/789-0267, getcardedonline.com SIXT RENT-A-CAR One of the oldest, most prestigious car rental companies in all of Europe – now in the ATX. 512/524-1121, fb.com/sixt35thst, sixt.com SPAREFOOT Based in Austin, TX, this ingenious start-up operates the country’s largest online marketplace for self-storage. 512/705-6208, sparefoot.com

SPECIALTY SPEED AUTOMOTIVE Quality used cars, mechanic work, and paint and body repair. 512/318-2895, specialtyspeedauto.com SPOT ON CONSTRUCTION CLEAN Tailor-made, all phases of the construction clean-up process, from commercial, multi-family, REO, and new or renovated residential. 512/270-9283, regina@spotoncc.com, spotoncc.com S SUPERSHUTTLE & EXECUCAR OF AUSTIN Your choice of shared-ride van or a premier luxury sedan to/from the airport. 512/929-3900, execucar.com, supershuttle.com TAILORED TEAM Let TT unlock your company’s full potential through their informative and fun training courses. 1103 Ridgecrest, 512/563-3845, bartnaustin@aol.com, jblmicrotraining.com STEVEN TOMLINSON Strategic communications consultant for Fortune 500 companies. st@steventomlinson.com, steventomlinson.com

TRAVEL BALBOA TRAVEL, INC Ranked among the nation’s top 1% of travel companies and are IATA, CLIA, Virtuoso, and a founding ASTA member. 512/732-9400, balboavacations.com CENTURY TRAVEL Luxury providers worldwide, first class. 2714 Bee Cave #101, 512/327-8760, centurytravelaustin. com COMPASS GAY & LESBIAN COMMUNITY CENTER OF PALM BEACH COUNTY LGBTQ community center for the Palm Beaches. 201 N. Dixie, Lake Worth, 561/533-9699, 561/533-9699, compassglcc.com KEY WEST BUSINESS GUILD & THE GAY KEY WEST VISITOR CENTER Promoting Gay Key West to LGBTQA travelers. 305/294-4603, 800/535/-7797, events@gaykeywestfl.com, gaykeywestfl.com, kwbgonline.org VISIT FLORIDA The Sunshine State’s best ambassadors have LGBT outreach. visitflorida.com/lgbt

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