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<\/p>\n\u2019Tis the season for top 10 lists, but ya boy here has looked at this year\u2019s queer news bulletin and, um, well. It\u2019s not a lot of \u201cfun\u201d or \u201cuplifting\u201d stuff to fill out the ol\u2019 listicle format. Instead, I thought I might drop 10 local queer places to put whatever extra holiday bucks you can spare. None of the recos appeal to you? Donate to a friend\u2019s top surgery, housing, health care, etc. fundraiser. Everyone could use a little help these days, and it does do a body good to give back.<\/p>\n
MASS Gallery: Contributing to this locally and sapphically run gallery means helping continue their platforming of interesting artists through stipends, residencies, and other resources.<\/p>\n
Oilcan\u2019s Winter Clothing Drive: Fourth Street\u2019s longest running gay bar hosts a donation drop spot for Queertopia, a local LGBTQ homelessness nonprofit, where you can give hats, coats, gloves, and other cold weather garments to help your neighbors out.<\/p>\n
allgo: This year marks 40 years of fine programming from this QTBIPOC-centric nonprofit, so consider donating to help them continue their work well past 40 more years.<\/p>\n
OUTsider Fest: Next year\u2019s \u201cBODIES\u201d theme offers radical celebration of queer bodies, with tons of artists showcasing their work. Help them get paid and put on the best show possible by donating to OUTsider \u2013 or even pre-buying your fest badge!<\/p>\n
Future Front Texas: Dropping your dough with this cultural hub allows them to keep running multiple markets, festivals, and workshops for women & LGBTQ creatives year-round.<\/p>\n
Local Queer ATX: If you\u2019ve Strut\u2019d, skated, or even helped Fill-A-Fridge with this local queer social nonprofit, then you know they\u2019re using every dollar donated to make Austin a pleasant place for the LGBTQ community.<\/p>\n
Austin Rainbow Theatre: What goes together better than queers and the theatre? Well, your donating power and these local stagecraft creators!<\/p>\n
Equality Texas: You know these guys from every protest at the Capitol to their daily emails on how to fight our state Lege\u2019s newest attack on LGBTQ rights, so it goes without saying a donation here goes far.<\/p>\n
Black Trans Leadership of Austin: From their grant work to their event support, BTLA fights for Austin\u2019s Black transgender residents like few others \u2013 and they deserve just as much support from you.<\/p>\n
Transgender Education Network of Texas: Trans Texans are under real, tangible attack from our state and federal government, which means TENT\u2019s work is crucial. Donations here help keep Texas informed and empowered about trans rights during this pretty scary time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Draggro Teq\u00a0<\/p>\n
Friday 19, Highland Lounge<\/p>\n
Gay-mers rise up for this retro game tournament, hosted by drag sorority Kappa Gamma Mascara. Battle it out in TMNT: Tournament Fighters while enjoying drag by Maxine LaQueene, Hellen Handbasket, and host Simone Riviera as well as tunes by DJ Badjoey. 7pm.<\/p>\n
Bookwoman: Solstice 2025<\/p>\n
Friday 19, BookWoman<\/p>\n
Celebrate the winter season as well as Austin\u2019s longest-running sapphic-owned bookshop with refreshments, a gratitude ceremony, and celebratory singing. Artists Laura Freeman and Abriel Louise Young guest. 6pm.<\/p>\n
America\u2019s Next Top Lesbian Pageant<\/p>\n
Friday 19, the Vortex<\/p>\n
Futch Fetish and TribRelations join forces for this first-of-its-kind Austin pageant of all sapphic sweethearts. Five contestants enter the runway, but only one will win this coveted title \u2013\u00a0so get on out there to see who exactly wears the carabiner best! 7pm.<\/p>\n
The Tease of \u201987: A FNAF Drag & Burlesque Show<\/p>\n
Friday 19, Valhalla<\/p>\n
Grab a slice of stale pizza and hold on to your security guard uniform because this tribute to Freddy\u2019s features a truly animated lineup including Fairy Petite, Eevee Velour, Marylin Moonlight, Phoenix Unique, Neura Toxin, Gretta Thunder, Mars Morningstar, Baby, Lithium, Jack the Stripper, and host Open Carrie. 9pm.<\/p>\n
HoliGay Party<\/p>\n
Friday 19, 1972 Pub<\/p>\n
Between college games and serving pints aplenty, Austin\u2019s women\u2019s sports pub hosts a holiday happening hosted by Vylette Ward. Enjoy musical bingo as well as contests for best Xmas pajamas, ugliest sweater, and the most holiSLAY outfit. 7pm.<\/p>\n
Better Gays<\/p>\n
Friday 19, Better Days<\/p>\n
Spread a little holiday cheer with these queers spinnin\u2019 \u201cjams that will make your grandma faint!\u201d Lineup includes DJs MK Ultra, Isto Juan, and Happy Meal. 10pm.<\/p>\n
Book Swap & Present-Wrapping Party<\/p>\n
Friday 19, Birdhouse Books and Gifts<\/p>\n
Catch up on your gift wrap \u2013\u00a0I know we\u2019re ALL behind \u2013\u00a0and enjoy light bevs and bites during this community event. For the book swap, bring up to five swappable spines to go to new and loving homes. 6:30pm.<\/p>\n
allgo 40th Anniversary Celebration<\/p>\n
Friday 19, Vibehaus ATX<\/p>\n
Forty years of bolstering Central Texas\u2019 QTBIPOC community looks good on allgo, who celebrate their anniversary at this ceremony honoring Los Mentirosos (SATX), Tarik Daniels, and Jeaux Anderson. Nicotine and the Warmtones perform. 7pm.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Holiday Gear Party<\/p>\n
Saturday 20, the Iron Bear<\/p>\n
Dress in your most festive gear fashion for a seasonal edition of the Bear\u2019s gear party. DJ BadDad spins, and Package pops up with merch and a clothing check. 9pm.<\/p>\n
Sapphic Singles<\/p>\n
Sunday 21, Ani\u2019s Day & Night<\/p>\n
Meet your new best friend, your next great love, or just a pleasant companion for the evening at this social hosted by Erin Christine and Areesha Singh. 5pm.<\/p>\n
The Patio Sessions<\/p>\n
Sunday 21, Highland Lounge<\/p>\n
With spins by DJ Hella Yella and Pride in Black ATX powering the night\u2019s vibe, there\u2019s few places that\u2019ll shoo away the Sunday scaries quite like this Fourth and Colorado kickback. 4pm.<\/p>\n
Playdate Drag Brunch: Houston Takeover<\/p>\n
Sunday 21, the Far Out Lounge<\/p>\n
H-town heroes trek on down to South Austin for a drag brunch bash, including Glitter Lxve LaRue, Dazey Seymour, Everly Rose, and host Eileen Dover. TJ the DJ spins. 2pm.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fourth Annual Jolly Dolly Holiday<\/p>\n
Sunday 21, the Fairmont<\/p>\n
Extragrams puts the jingle in your bells with this show at the Fairmont\u2019s holiday pop-up, the Ugly Sweater. Brigitte Bandit, Celia Light, Diamond Dior Davenport, and Mars perform, so reserve your spot today. 1pm.<\/p>\n
But I\u2019m a Cheerleader<\/p>\n
Sunday 21, Hyperreal Film Club<\/p>\n
Queer Liberation Network presents this screening of a sapphic classic, where Clea DuVall and Natasha Lyonne find love in a hopeless place \u2013 a conversion camp. 7pm.<\/p>\n
JK\u2019s Just Kidding Variety Hour: Winter Solstice Edition<\/p>\n
Sunday 21, Trinity Street Playhouse<\/p>\n
A night of seasonal rebirth from married artistic duo Jenny Larson-Qui\u00f1ones (J) and khattieQ (K), this variety hour signs off the 2025 Just Kidding season with performances by Sir Beau Elliot, Adrienne Dawes, Tor Reynolds, and Angie and Audrey of ORO Dance Company. 3pm.<\/p>\n
Bronco 2<\/p>\n
Monday 22, Sagebrush<\/p>\n
Before the year ends, boot scoot over to this final lesson from Country Fried Dance and Neon Rainbows\u2019 Ed West. Usually the advanced event, this Bronco 2\u2019s open to every skill level as well as to all those interested in contributing to a potluck. Sign up for the dish you\u2019re bringing via Neon Rainbows\u2019 Insta. 7pm.<\/p>\n
Eagle Chosen Family Xmas Dinner<\/p>\n
Thursday 25, the Austin Eagle<\/p>\n
Need a place to enjoy good food and warm company? Look no further than the Eagle, where a traditional Christmas dinner gets served right at 5pm. There\u2019ll also be a hot chocolate social with this year\u2019s Mr. and Ms. Eagle title holders as well as the Eagle Bootblack. Bring gently used or new sweaters to donate to keep that giving spirit alive. 4pm.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tThe biggest stories in Central Texas of 2025 mostly brought bad news\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tKey insights from local creatives\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tThese are the plates I kept coming back to\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tLooking back at a year of bold, empathetic, boundary-pushing creations\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tThe year\u2019s best feature films, plus critics lists\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tA look back at the good and the bad of the Verde & Black\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tFlooding and new parks in 2025 top the Day Tripping list\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tAs decided by the Chronicle culture desk\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n This article appears in December 19 \u2022 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n A note to readers:\u00a0Bold and uncensored,\u00a0The Austin Chronicle\u00a0has been Austin\u2019s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community\u2019s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJames Scott is a writer who has lived in Austin since 2017. He covers queer events, news, and anything pertaining to Austin’s LGBTQ community. Catch his work writing film essays for Hyperreal Film Club, performing in Queer Film Theory 101 at Barrel O’ Fun, or on his social media platforms: @thejokesboy on Twitter and Bluesky or @ghostofelectricity on Instagram.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Better](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766065149_781_Lege-GettyImages-913394446_WEB.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Top](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766065149_35_Top10s2025_Culture_lead.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Day](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766065150_376_Top-Ten1.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766065150_100_AlbumArt_Collage.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Avatar](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-James_Scott__21_of_23_-80x80.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore by James Scott\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u2019Tis the season for top 10 lists, but ya boy here has looked at this year\u2019s queer news…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":92794,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[132,134,133,43461],"class_list":["post-92793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-austin","tag-austin","tag-austin-headlines","tag-austin-news","tag-top-10s"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92793","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92793"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92793\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92794"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92793"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}