How to Connect With the Gay and Lesbian Community in Austin

The “Live Music Capital of the World” offers a world of support to its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents. From the University of Texas to gay sports, Austin is in harmony with the GLBT community.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go to Allgo, an organization for queer people of color, online or at 701 Tillery Street, on the east side of Austin. There, you’ll find networking, social events and wellness seminars that focus on breast cancer and HIV, among other concerns. Activities include an AfroCaribean Queer meet-up, Womyn's Night and ButchFest.

2. Renew your Pride. Austin Pride takes place in June but you can get to know people all year long through networking and other events.

3. Get a nose for news. Check out the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce publication, Forward, published four times a year. Or turn to the gay pages of the Austin Chronicle.

4. Go out and about to Austin’s gay and lesbian bars, which include ‘Bout Time, 9601 IH-35 North, Charlie’s Austin, 1301 Lavaca Street and Oilcan Harry’s, 211 West 4th Street.

5. Learn about the GLBT groups at the University of Texas such as the Delta Lambda Phi social fraternity.

6. Tackle a new sport like gay rugby or soccer or try some outdoor adventures with the gay camping group.

7. Find your niche in politics or other areas. Look into Equality Texas, the Lipstick Lesbians or Out Youth for like-minded gays and lesbians.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t forget that Austin’s great music festivals are also packed with GLBT attendees.
• Check out Austin’s local, independent bookstores for more information on the GLBT community.

Resources

• Gay Austin
• allgo queer people of color
• Austin gay sports
• Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
• Austin Pride
• Bars and clubs
• Central Texas Transgender Society
• Heart of Texas Bears
• Austin Chronicle's Gay Pages
• Equality Texas

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on 5/16/2009 Volunteering is a great way to get connected! Check out the Pride Coalition and other non-profit organizations for opportunities.The GayPlace blog is updated constantly with what's happening in Austin. It also has a calendar and other resources for the GLBT community.The Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce's website is a great resource. The directory includes community groups and non-profit organizations as well as GLBT-friendly businesses. It also has an event calendar that includes community events.There are also a lot more bars such as Rain on 4th, Rusty Spurs, Rainbow Cattle Company.L Style G Style magazine, a GLBT lifestyle publication, has a release party every 2 months.