23 Feb LGBTQ+ SXSW 2024 Events
SXSW 2024 is right around the corner! You don’t want to miss all of the Official SXSW LGBTQ+ Programming. The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is excited to host two official SXSW events in 2024.
On February 20, SXSW and the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Equality Texas, held an LGBTQ+ Programming Meetup to learn all about what to expect at SXSW 2024. Check out our notes below or view the full presentation from the event.
Chamber Staff Picks:
Austin LGBT Chamber’s 11th Annual Big Queer Kickoff Party
Big Queer Kickoff Party produced by the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with HRC Texas. Join us at the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce 11th Annual Big Queer Kickoff Party at Rain on 4th! Once an unofficial gathering during SXSW of the queer community, and now THE official party where everyone gathers to celebrate the QUEER culture of Austin and SXSW. Whether you’re in town for the conference or a local looking to take in all the excitement and festivities, the 2024 #BigQueerKickoff Party is the place to be! Add to your schedule. SXSW Badges have priority access.
We’re (So) Over the Rainbow Discussion on Building a Meaningful LGBTQ+ Inclusion Strategy
Join us at Cambria Hotel Downtown Austin in Waterloo B on the 6th Floor! We’re (So) Over the Rainbow produced by the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. After headline-grabbing fallout from Pride month initiatives at major companies in 2023, many brands rolled back their LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts in an attempt to avoid pushback. However, some used the opportunity to reevaluate and ensure their efforts were comprehensive and meaningful. Hear an in-depth case study on how an organization conducted a transformative audit, leveraged frameworks and implemented best practices to craft a long-term LGBTQ+ inclusion strategy and a results-driven action plan to meet its business goals and support the LGBTQ+ community. Should be added to the schedule ASAP! SXSW Badges have priority access.
When Beer Goes Viral: The Role of Brands & Media in Fighting Hate
This panel will dive into the responsibility of brands and the media to not fuel the fire of misinformation and discrimination. Attendees will better understand how to spot the pitfalls of elevating sensational, hate-filled content aimed at undermining the acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.
Stories from Three Intersex Activist Authors
This session is a panel discussion between 3 prominent intersex activists and memoir authors providing personal and professional insights about intersex experiences and the growing global intersex human rights movement. Features Austin LGBT Chamber’s 2023 Business of Pride Gala Keynote Speaker Alicia Roth Weigel.
Human Rights Campaign
Happy Hour
Come mix and mingle with the Human Rights Campaign and HRC President Kelley Robinson, immediately following our featured panel with Dylan Mulvaney. Find out how you can get involved with the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, and have a drink with us!
Drag Queen Brigitte Bandit Dishes on the 1A (FREE)
Austin-based drag queen Brigitte Bandit brought her big pink hair and Dolly Parton look to the Texas legislature last year to petition against limits on drag. Drop by for complimentary cocktails and hear how she used her First Amendment freedoms to challenge restrictions on drag and how free expression is at the heart of her performances.
Limited seating; RSVP at freedomforum.org/sxsw.
LGBTQ+ Programming at SXSW Conference
The Power of LGBTQ+ Creators that Hollywood Can’t Replicate
This panel will discuss why we need even more happy queer stories, the impact of LGBTQ+ creators, what Hollywood can learn from them, and how brands can support.
Inclusive Content Creation: An Agency, Creator and Brand POV
Learn impactful ways to make inclusive content, from agency, creator, and brand POVs, and discover how to partner w/ creators in ways that put inclusion at the forefront – and ultimately drive success.
Negate Hate: LGBTQ Brand Advocacy in a Time of Anti-Wokeness
We’ve seen organizations roll back LGBTQ support in fear of reputational damage and financial impact.This panel will focus on the socio-political landscape of contemporary brand engagement.
Navigating DEI Initiatives in 2024 and Beyond
Join us to discuss how employers can advance their DEI initiatives while mitigating risk, leveraging technology, forecasting future diversity, fostering a psychologically safe team, and tackling racial and ethnic disparities among diverse employees.
We’re Here, We’re Queer: LGBTQIA+ Meet Up
The golden rule? Just be yourself. Expect heartwarming chats, real connections, and good vibes at our ‘kiki’. Our LGBTQIA+ meet up is more than a party – it’s a statement.
LGBTQIA+ Health Justice: Culturally Affirming Care
Featuring Ricardo Martinez of Equality Texas
Hear from experts how the pursuit of health justice and an affirming healthcare model is having a positive ripple effect beyond the LGBTQIA+ community.
LGBTQ+ Programming at SXSW Film & TV Festival
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
“Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story” reveals the extraordinary rise to fame, sudden disappearance, and resurgence of trailblazing Black trans soul singer Jackie Shane.
A House Is Not A Disco
“A House Is Not A Disco” documents a year-in-the-life in the world’s most iconic “homo-normative” community: Fire Island Pines. Situated fifty miles from New York City, this storied queer beach town finds itself in the midst of a renaissance as a new generation of Millennial homeowners reimagine The Pines for a new, more inclusive era.
Hello Stranger
At the crossroads of documentary and fiction, Hello Stranger relates the transition journey of a young trans woman named Cooper Josephine. With humor, the film revisits key moments of her life from her childhood in a small fishing village of the east coast of Canada to her tumultuous medical process.
LGBTQ+ Programming at SXSW Music Festival
Photo by Rico Olguin
Pelvis Wrestley – previously performed at the Chamber’s Pride in Local Music Festival
Caleb de Casper – previously performed at the Chamber’s Pride in Local Music Festival
Middle Sattre – previously performed at the Chamber’s Pride in Local Music Festival
FREE Events at SXSW 2024
- Flatstock poster show (w/ live music!)
- Austin Industry Day at the Creative Industries Expo (FREE on Mar 13!)
- Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake (March 14-16, Lady Bird Lake)
- Keynote Speeches will be streamed for free viewing (1 pm March 8-15)
- Free audio content post-event on schedule.sxsw.com after the event
- Free video content post-event at the SXSW YouTube page
Staff Tips
- LOCALS – Pick up your SXSW Badge Early! It’s best to pick up your badge during SXSW EDU, before the lines get long.
- Lock in your SXXPress passes at 9AM the day before your priority event. Use them wisely!
- Stay hydrated! There are lots of free drinks around SXSW, please remember to drink water too 😉
- Pace yourself. There’s so much to do during SXSW.
- Check out the Brand Activations around downtown! Rainey Street usually has some great activations.
- Don’t forget to stop by the Registrants Lounge for a free drink (each day) during Happy Hour!
- & most importantly, STAY SAFE & HAVE FUN.
We will keep adding to the list as more SXSW events are added to the schedule.