In honor of tonight’s Gay Heat at Still Whiskey, we’re dropping Happy Heat a day early — an abbreviated version with a bit more about what’s on tap. There’s still time to grab a ticket, and proceeds benefit Equality Texas. So come on out and join us! happyxheat A post shared by @happyxheat Advance tickets here for $15, $20 at the door. Includes the first drink! WHO IS EQUALITY TEXAS? Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration. Equality Texas Mission Statement We thought it appropriate during Pride Month to highlight and support local non-profit Equality Texas, the state’s leading advocacy organization for LGBTQIA+ Texans. And in this dark political moment, it’s also important to note EQ has a long record of wins. The organization, then known as the Legislative/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas, helped defeat anti-gay marriage bills in three consecutive sessions in the late 90s, and has repeatedly beat back discriminatory legislation since its inception in 1978 as an entity called Human Rights Advocates. Several mergers and name changes later, Equality Texas formally launched in 2006 to fight Proposition 2, the “defense of marriage” constitutional amendment, which passed in Texas before being struck down by the courts. Equality Texas says in the 2023 legislative session, conservative lawmakers introduced 141 bills impacting the LGBTQ+ community. The organization says only 12 such bills were filed in 2015.. One of the people they recruited to speak was Austin drag performer Brigitte Bandit. Which turned Brigitte into a national sensation. The Austin Chronicle, Sept. 22, 2023. BRIGITTE BANDIT AND THE SUDDEN SPOTLIGHT Brigitte Bandit in the Texas Senate Chambers, Time Magazine’s Top 100 Photos of 2023 . Brandon Bell—Getty Images I felt I had a duty to show up for my community when I first heard about SB12. Although I’ve always been politically active, this was my first time going to testify at the Capitol and with the help of Equality Texas, I was able to draft and present a testimony that ended up going viral. Although many of the legislators left the chamber when we, the opposition, began to testify, I realized afterwards while my testimony made headlines that we could get the attention of the WORLD.  All eyes were on Texas drag! And that was my goal when I went to testify the second time, except I was a little less polite and had a heavier testimony, discussing things like gun violence and neo-Nazis roaming our streets, which ended up getting me escorted out by the police. I needed to make it clear what the true dangers to our community and our children are while they were arguing about who could wear a wig. After the bill was signed into law and before it went into effect, I was grateful to join the ACLU of Texas to head to federal court to explain to an 84 year old judge what a breastplate was and why I need it for my Dolly Parton illusion, and he ultimately ruled that my rubber titties and big Texas hair were free speech, protected by the first amendment, and the drag ban was blocked. Trans kids can no longer get access to puberty blockers that allow them to delay development in ways that can cause more gender dysphoria or discomfort. Imagine developing into a body that doesn’t feel like it belongs to you. My heart aches for these kids! They deserve access to healthcare like anyone else, and they especially don’t deserve to have it stripped away by people who don’t even care to understand what this healthcare actually involves. Ultimately, these decisions should be made by parents and medical professionals, not legislators who are uninterested in facts and willing to spread misinformation. Luckily here in Austin, we were able to pass an ordinance that deprioritizes the enforcement of this law, helping protect our local trans youth. I walk my dog a lot. When things get rough, especially online, I just have to unplug and take Buddy Bandit, my three year old corgi, on a long hot girl walk. And of course I focus on my art, producing and hosting and performing shows every weekend, where I can surround myself with the community and celebrate queer art and people I stay and fight because queer people will never stop existing in Texas. We were here long before it was ever even called Texas. We belong here. The answer is not to leave, but to change Texas into a more inclusive and progressive space, especially for the queer youth who have no other option. And this is my home! I was born and raised here. I love the big Texas sky, the thunderstorms, the heat, the opossums in my backyard, the armadillo sightings, the bluebonnets, and I look great in some cowgirl boots! Texas is a beautiful state, and we can do better for her.  WHAT TO EXPECT Tonight’s event is being staged at Still Austin Whiskey , and the ticket also covers the first drink — a tasty frozen concoction cooked up by the distillery’s bar. Brigitte Bandit will host, Lord Friday the 13th will headline. They’ll be joined by Vertarias and Super Snatch. SXSW describes Vertarias as “sultry, fun and creative.” They moved here four years ago from California “to create a platform for the musical artists that are stage and radio-ready to put on a show of a lifetime” From their perfectly punk-rock name to singles like “Adam in Your DMs,” a nod to the Maroon 5 singer’s rumored extramarital sexting, it’s clear: Subpar Snatch has jokes. Rather than skewering cringey male figures, on new single “Juicy Booty” – which the trio premieres Friday, alongside Hellfury, Bat Lips, and Sunspite – Jess Scott turns her fury on herself. “The enemy is me,” she wails, atop Cee Cee Email’s pummeling drums and Nate Ribner’s fuzzy bass. Despite her blunders, the singer emerges triumphant. Carys Anderson, The Austin Chronicle Check out the profile of Lord Friday the 13th in last week’s Happy Heat . And check out the vendors — Lone Star Tattoo , Feels So Good , Peace Cheese , Little Gay Shop , and Not Bad Hot Stuff . Finally — grab the Official Gay Heat t-shirt to commemorate Texas Pride, designed by queer Austin artist Sophia Rumbarger. See ya tonight!!! How are we doing? We want to hear from you. Take this quick survey and help us make Happy Heat better. Go see something, tell us about it, we’ll share more stories next week. Let’s build something together. 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