LGBTQ+ Programming at SXSW 2026:

MUSIC SHOWCASE: Julie Nolen @ SAXON PUB – Julie Nolen is a Texas-based singer-songwriter whose music blends raw storytelling with the grit of rock & roll. Born under the wide-open skies of West Texas, her songs carry the dust of desert highways and the resilience of those who call them home. A proud voice in queer country, Julie brings authenticity to a genre rooted in tradition, proving that country music is for everyone.

MUSIC SHOWCASE: MAMA DUKE @ Swan Dive –  Fresh off the national spotlight of America’s Got Talent, Mama Duke has emerged as one of the most commanding voices in music and culture today. As a Season 20 finalist, she earned Mel B’s coveted Golden Buzzer, launching her straight into the finals and into living rooms across the country. In that historic run, she became the first female rapper ever to reach the Top 10 in the show’s history—shattering expectations and proving that rap can be stadium-sized, deeply vulnerable, and undeniably powerful all at once. Comparisons to icons like Missy Elliott followed, but Mama Duke made it clear. She’s not here to imitate, she’s here to redefine.

MUSIC SHOWCASE: Caleb De Casper @ Valhalla – From the horror cabaret and glam-rock theatrics of his early career to the shadowy, neon-lit world of his current dark synth-pop, Austin-based performer Caleb De Casper has never stopped evolving. A classically trained pianist and vocalist, De Casper commands the stage with a sharpened, unmistakable intensity — trading in the avant-garde gowns and stilettos of the past for a bold, more masculine and unfiltered presence that puts the focus squarely on the music, the message, and the electricity of performance. His 2022 debut LP Femme Boy expanded his sonic world, weaving dancefloor heat, cinematic drama, and queer storytelling into a record that was equal parts brooding and explosive. That same year, the City of Austin proclaimed Caleb De Casper Day, recognizing his cultural impact. He went on to perform yearly at SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Utopia Fest, Houston’s Art Car Festival, Thin Line Fest, and multiple Pride celebrations, while continuously advocating for LGBTQIA rights at the Texas State Capitol and beyond. Now, with his forthcoming sophomore album Delirium, De Casper enters a new creative chapter — darker, dirtier, dance-driven, and poised for a breakthrough.

Perfect @ State Theatre – In a world devastated by a contaminated water supply, Kai, a lost soul, finds herself living out of her car after a bad breakup. Each day is a struggle until fate intervenes and leads her to a hidden utopian lake, where the water is pure and life flourishes. At this secret haven, Kai encounters a band of eccentric misfits each with their own stories of loss and hope. Among them is Mallory, an enigmatic and wealthy pregnant woman living out an escapist fantasy. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Kai and Mallory are drawn to each other, and a sudden, passionate romance ignites. As their bond deepens, Kai begins to uncover the layers of Mallory’s life and the secrets she harbors.

Sinner Supper Club @ Alamo Lamar 8 – Nora is late. Alice unceremoniously brought her partner, whose name no one can remember. Jayae doesn’t want to be around “these” people…but came anyway? And Genevieve, the host, has put an unhealthy amount of pressure on this eviction funeral (kinda cringe, right?) to solve all of their problems. As they barrel through the evening, this disintegrating friend group, delirious from the heat and lack of food, desperately throws Hail Marys, caution to the wind, and lamb against the wall, trying to harness some semblance of what they used to have. …and then their dead friend shows up.

13th Annual Big Queer Kickoff Party – The 13th Annual Big Queer Kickoff Party is the official LGBTQ+ start to SXSW. What began as an unofficial meetup has grown into a signature Austin tradition, bringing together locals and visitors for a night of connection, celebration, and unapologetic queer joy. Join the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce at Rain on 4th for high-energy vibes, special performances by Bebe Zahara Benet, first-ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Austin drag icon Nadine Hughes, plus an electric welcome to Queer Austin & SXSW.

MUSIC SHOWCASE: Javiera Electra @ Austin Marriott Downtown

MUSIC SHOWCASE: Lovpune @ Las Perlas

LGBTQ+ AND FRIENDS MEET UP – This is a space to pause, breathe, and connect. We bring bubbles for your inner child, stories that spark connection, and space to show up exactly as you are. Join LGBTQ+ creatives, storytellers, and allies for an authentic gathering rooted in curiosity, community, and queer joy. Come curious, leave connected. We can honestly say that for 4 years, this is the space where we had made the most unique and stronger connections!

Big Girls Don’t Cry @ Alamo Lamar 8 – Summer 2006, 14-year-old Sid is caught between her own burgeoning sexual curiosity and acceptance from an older group of girls. As she delves deeper into rebellion, she leaves behind a trail of destruction as she goes. Big Girls Don’t Cry is a love letter to all the women that still feel shame scars from this time of their lives; who did things they wished they hadn’t, or didn’t do things they wished they had; to hold up a mirror and say yes; that was f#&*ed up.

Adam’s Apple @ Alamo Lamar 1 or @ Alamo Lamar 3 – “Adam’s Apple” is an intimate, collaborative documentary told through the dual perspectives of Adam, a transgender teen, and his mother, visual artist Amy Jenkins, that offers an authentic and tender counterpoint to the hostility facing trans youth today. Adam’s journey balances the milestones of gender transition with the rhythms of adolescence. As Adam asserts his identity and steps out into the world, his parents grapple with the challenges of raising a teen while learning to let go. Through a visually poetic approach, the film transforms a deeply personal archive, collected over two decades, into a powerful, joyful testament to the beauty and difficulty of reckoning with profound change.

Mickey @ Violet Crown 2 or @ Violet Crown 4 – Mickey spent the last ten years exploring her transition process within the conservative context of Sinaloa, Mexico. Through digital archives, artistic reenactments, and deeply personal encounters, the film moves between tenderness and rage, transforming memory into an act of freedom. An exploration of self-perception and a non-punitive confrontation with the past.

My Brother’s Killer @ Alamo Lamar 7 or @ Alamo Lamar 2 – The unsolved murder of Billy London, a gay adult film performer brutally killed in West Hollywood, was an urban legend for 33 years. A documentary intended to honor his life took an unexpected turn when members of the community joined forces to uncover overlooked clues, and seek a resolution to the mystery of who killed him. Drawing on a rare trove of VHS and personal footage, the film reveals a chilling overlap between the victim and some of the suspects who were captured on camera in films made in the narrow window of Billy’s death.

Amplifying HIV Prevention Through Pop Culture and Music – How can music and pop culture help amplify HIV prevention within the community? Join us for an in-depth panel discussion on the intersectionality of music, media, and marketing along with an overview of a long-acting HIV prevention option. Panelists include Dr. Leo Moore, author, healthcare influencer, and HIV specialist; Loren LoRosa, journalist, podcaster, TV and media personality; and Ciara, multi-platinum, GRAMMY-winning global superstar, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural icon. The conversation will be moderated by Jenny Yun, Senior Director, PrEP Marketing at Gilead Sciences.

‘Heated Rivalry’ Effect: How LGBTQ+ Content Drives Culture – More than a gay hit, HBO’s “Heated Rivalry” is a massive phenomenon at the center of an unprecedented wave of LGBTQ+ content now shaping culture (think: “Stranger Things,” “The Hunting Wives”). It reflects the larger truth that queer is now mainstream, and that’s exactly how marketers need to think about LGBTQ+ content and consumers to seize a huge opportunity. Execs from GLAAD, Do The WeRQ, PrideNOW, and Mark Allen & CO. unpack this moment and present new data for brands, as the time is now to pivot to queer storytelling.

MUSIC SHOWCASE: Javiera Electra @ Hilton Austin Downtown

The Dads @ Alamo Lamar 9 – Inspired by the Emmy-Award winning short documentary of the same name (Netflix, 2023), “The Dads” chronicles fathers of trans and nonbinary children as they are forced to choose between country and family when a new right-wing administration and conservative Supreme Court take hold in the United States. Filmed over the course of a year spanning retreats in rural Maine and Minnesota, protests, family milestones, a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court decision, and the collapse of gender-affirming care for youth, “The Dads” captures this national reckoning with remarkable intimacy through verite footage and interviews with the film’s main protagonists. This is fatherhood as an act of radical resistance.

Sinner Supper Club @ Violet Crown 4 or @ Violet Crown 2 – Nora is late. Alice unceremoniously brought her partner, whose name no one can remember. Jayae doesn’t want to be around “these” people…but came anyway? And Genevieve, the host, has put an unhealthy amount of pressure on this eviction funeral (kinda cringe, right?) to solve all of their problems. As they barrel through the evening, this disintegrating friend group, delirious from the heat and lack of food, desperately throws Hail Marys, caution to the wind, and lamb against the wall, trying to harness some semblance of what they used to have. …and then their dead friend shows up.

Big Girls Don’t Cry @ Violet Crown 4 or @ Violet Crown 2 – Summer 2006, 14-year-old Sid is caught between her own burgeoning sexual curiosity and acceptance from an older group of girls. As she delves deeper into rebellion, she leaves behind a trail of destruction as she goes. Big Girls Don’t Cry is a love letter to all the women that still feel shame scars from this time of their lives; who did things they wished they hadn’t, or didn’t do things they wished they had; to hold up a mirror and say yes; that was f#&*ed up.

Perfect @ Alamo Lamar 3 or @ Alamo Lamar 1 – In a world devastated by a contaminated water supply, Kai, a lost soul, finds herself living out of her car after a bad breakup. Each day is a struggle until fate intervenes and leads her to a hidden utopian lake, where the water is pure and life flourishes. At this secret haven, Kai encounters a band of eccentric misfits each with their own stories of loss and hope. Among them is Mallory, an enigmatic and wealthy pregnant woman living out an escapist fantasy. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Kai and Mallory are drawn to each other, and a sudden, passionate romance ignites. As their bond deepens, Kai begins to uncover the layers of Mallory’s life and the secrets she harbors.

Tacos & Tiaras Drag Lunch – Join the Austin LGBT Chamber, aGLIFF, and community partners for an unforgettable performance starring RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bebe Zahara Benet, hosted by Austin drag icon Nadine Hughes and featuring additional local performers. Expect high glamour, big personality, and plenty of sparkle.

Around the World with Chamber Partner Justworks – The adventure continues here! You’re invited to embark on a world-class journey with Justworks, and our next stop is SXSW. This isn’t just another networking event-it’s a chance to connect and build meaningful relationships in the small business community that’ll stay with you on the road ahead. From first-class entertainment to international experiences, this event is designed to bring together founders, funders, leaders, and partners who believe in doing business the human way. Please RSVP by March 13th.

MUSIC SHOWCASE: Javiera Electra @ Shangri-La

Adam’s Apple @ Satellite Venue: AFS Cinema – “Adam’s Apple” is an intimate, collaborative documentary told through the dual perspectives of Adam, a transgender teen, and his mother, visual artist Amy Jenkins, that offers an authentic and tender counterpoint to the hostility facing trans youth today. Adam’s journey balances the milestones of gender transition with the rhythms of adolescence. As Adam asserts his identity and steps out into the world, his parents grapple with the challenges of raising a teen while learning to let go. Through a visually poetic approach, the film transforms a deeply personal archive, collected over two decades, into a powerful, joyful testament to the beauty and difficulty of reckoning with profound change.

Apolo @ Violet Crown 1 or @ Violet Crown 3 – “Apolo” follows the journey of a family formed by a transgender couple, revealing the nuances of love, daily life, and the constant struggle for recognition and respect. The documentary offers an intimate look into their family dynamics, inviting us to rethink our notions of affection, care, and society itself. As we accompany Apolo’s pregnancy, we are led to reflect on the challenges and dramas faced by the couple — Isis Broken and Lourenzo Gabriel. The father is the one giving birth, and society is not yet ready for that reality. The feature-length documentary marks the directorial debut of actress Tainá Müller and trans woman and musician Isis Broken.

Why Isn’t Gen Z Having Sex? How Politics Invaded the Bedroom – Young people are in the midst of a sex recession – they’re having much less sex, way less often – and they’re taking flak from all sides. Some say young women are too sex negative in the wake of #MeToo and the fall of Roe v Wade. Others blame young men for becoming enamored with the manosphere and internet porn. Placed against the backdrop of a sexually-conservative, anti-LGBTQ+ Trump administration – and a Democratic opposition too scared to broach the subject – this conversation will explore Gen Z’s worries about romance and dating, and what it means for the rest of us.

The Dads @ Satellite Venue: AFS Cinema – Inspired by the Emmy-Award winning short documentary of the same name (Netflix, 2023), “The Dads” chronicles fathers of trans and nonbinary children as they are forced to choose between country and family when a new right-wing administration and conservative Supreme Court take hold in the United States. Filmed over the course of a year spanning retreats in rural Maine and Minnesota, protests, family milestones, a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court decision, and the collapse of gender-affirming care for youth, “The Dads” captures this national reckoning with remarkable intimacy through verite footage and interviews with the film’s main protagonists. This is fatherhood as an act of radical resistance.

Leviticus @ State Theatre – “Leviticus” is the story of Naim and Ryan, two teenage boys living in a conservative Christian community in regional Victoria. When their attraction to each other is identified by the local pastor, the pair are subjected to a disturbing conversion ritual which unknowingly releases a violent entity that terrorizes the town. As Naim and Ryan attempt to survive the bigotry of their fellow town members, they must also defend themselves against the unleashed spiritual being that takes the form of the thing the boys desire most – each other.

Funding, Power, and the Future of Queer Storytelling – As Queer visibility grows, funding and distribution for LGBTQIA2S+ stories remain limited, especially for intersectional voices. This candid, solutions-focused conversation explores where financing for Queer film and TV projects actually comes from, who influences decision-making, and why certain narratives move forward while others stall. Industry leaders share independent funding pathways, power dynamics, and practical strategies to build sustainable systems so Queer stories can thrive at scale.

WITHDRAWN: Market Inclusion: LGBTQ+ Innovators & Allies Meet Up – Innovators dedicated to growing and connecting audiences know that inclusivity is simply an additive “And.” To add revenue, you must add customers, which means you must add new communities to your business strategy, and that means considering the experiences and culture of people outside your existing consumer profile. An “And” to understanding means and “And” to people, then an “And” to revenue. Leaders seeking market expansion can connect here to explore how they might better connect with LGBTQ+ communities to grow business opportunities while benefitting arguably the country’s fastest growing consumer demo.

MUSIC SHOWCASE: Julie Nolen @ Lefty’s Brick Bar – Julie Nolen is a Texas-based singer-songwriter whose music blends raw storytelling with the grit of rock & roll. Born under the wide-open skies of West Texas, her songs carry the dust of desert highways and the resilience of those who call them home. A proud voice in queer country, Julie brings authenticity to a genre rooted in tradition, proving that country music is for everyone.

Leviticus @ Alamo Lamar 2 – “Leviticus” is the story of Naim and Ryan, two teenage boys living in a conservative Christian community in regional Victoria. When their attraction to each other is identified by the local pastor, the pair are subjected to a disturbing conversion ritual which unknowingly releases a violent entity that terrorizes the town. As Naim and Ryan attempt to survive the bigotry of their fellow town members, they must also defend themselves against the unleashed spiritual being that takes the form of the thing the boys desire most – each other.

Sinner Supper Club @ Alamo Lamar 1 – Nora is late. Alice unceremoniously brought her partner, whose name no one can remember. Jayae doesn’t want to be around “these” people…but came anyway? And Genevieve, the host, has put an unhealthy amount of pressure on this eviction funeral (kinda cringe, right?) to solve all of their problems. As they barrel through the evening, this disintegrating friend group, delirious from the heat and lack of food, desperately throws Hail Marys, caution to the wind, and lamb against the wall, trying to harness some semblance of what they used to have. …and then their dead friend shows up.

Apolo @ Violet Crown 1 or @ Violet Crown 3 – “Apolo” follows the journey of a family formed by a transgender couple, revealing the nuances of love, daily life, and the constant struggle for recognition and respect. The documentary offers an intimate look into their family dynamics, inviting us to rethink our notions of affection, care, and society itself. As we accompany Apolo’s pregnancy, we are led to reflect on the challenges and dramas faced by the couple — Isis Broken and Lourenzo Gabriel. The father is the one giving birth, and society is not yet ready for that reality. The feature-length documentary marks the directorial debut of actress Tainá Müller and trans woman and musician Isis Broken.

My Brother’s Killer @ Alamo Lamar 8 – The unsolved murder of Billy London, a gay adult film performer brutally killed in West Hollywood, was an urban legend for 33 years. A documentary intended to honor his life took an unexpected turn when members of the community joined forces to uncover overlooked clues, and seek a resolution to the mystery of who killed him. Drawing on a rare trove of VHS and personal footage, the film reveals a chilling overlap between the victim and some of the suspects who were captured on camera in films made in the narrow window of Billy’s death.

Big Girls Don’t Cry @ Violet Crown 2 or @ Violet Crown 4 – Summer 2006, 14-year-old Sid is caught between her own burgeoning sexual curiosity and acceptance from an older group of girls. As she delves deeper into rebellion, she leaves behind a trail of destruction as she goes. Big Girls Don’t Cry is a love letter to all the women that still feel shame scars from this time of their lives; who did things they wished they hadn’t, or didn’t do things they wished they had; to hold up a mirror and say yes; that was f#&*ed up.

Mickey @ Alamo Lamar 2 – Mickey spent the last ten years exploring her transition process within the conservative context of Sinaloa, Mexico. Through digital archives, artistic reenactments, and deeply personal encounters, the film moves between tenderness and rage, transforming memory into an act of freedom. An exploration of self-perception and a non-punitive confrontation with the past.

Perfect @ Alamo Lamar 1 – In a world devastated by a contaminated water supply, Kai, a lost soul, finds herself living out of her car after a bad breakup. Each day is a struggle until fate intervenes and leads her to a hidden utopian lake, where the water is pure and life flourishes. At this secret haven, Kai encounters a band of eccentric misfits each with their own stories of loss and hope. Among them is Mallory, an enigmatic and wealthy pregnant woman living out an escapist fantasy. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Kai and Mallory are drawn to each other, and a sudden, passionate romance ignites. As their bond deepens, Kai begins to uncover the layers of Mallory’s life and the secrets she harbors.

I Was Never Meant to Survive This: Building a Creative Legacy – In this presentation, visionary artist Richie Shazam will share her unique insights into the state of the art world, working with brands and advertisers, queer and trans identity and its impact in culture, and how to build a creative legacy. Inspired by her own experience as a multi-disciplinary artist and changemaker, this presentation will focus on the exciting and subversive ways that art and culture can intersect, and the lessons we can learn from queer history in order to continue building a more authentic and inclusive future.

Market Inclusion: LGBTQ+ Innovators & Allies Meet Up – Innovators dedicated to growing and connecting audiences know that inclusivity is simply an additive “And.” To add revenue, you must add customers, which means you must add new communities to your business strategy, and that means considering the experiences and culture of people outside your existing consumer profile. An “And” to understanding means and “And” to people, then an “And” to revenue. Leaders seeking market expansion can connect here to explore how they might better connect with LGBTQ+ communities to grow business opportunities while benefitting arguably the country’s fastest growing consumer demo.

Adam’s Apple @ Alamo Lamar 3 – “Adam’s Apple” is an intimate, collaborative documentary told through the dual perspectives of Adam, a transgender teen, and his mother, visual artist Amy Jenkins, that offers an authentic and tender counterpoint to the hostility facing trans youth today. Adam’s journey balances the milestones of gender transition with the rhythms of adolescence. As Adam asserts his identity and steps out into the world, his parents grapple with the challenges of raising a teen while learning to let go. Through a visually poetic approach, the film transforms a deeply personal archive, collected over two decades, into a powerful, joyful testament to the beauty and difficulty of reckoning with profound change.

Mickey @ Violet Crown 2 or @ Violet Crown 4 – Mickey spent the last ten years exploring her transition process within the conservative context of Sinaloa, Mexico. Through digital archives, artistic reenactments, and deeply personal encounters, the film moves between tenderness and rage, transforming memory into an act of freedom. An exploration of self-perception and a non-punitive confrontation with the past.

The Dads @ Violet Crown 1 or @ Violet Crown 3 – Inspired by the Emmy-Award winning short documentary of the same name (Netflix, 2023), “The Dads” chronicles fathers of trans and nonbinary children as they are forced to choose between country and family when a new right-wing administration and conservative Supreme Court take hold in the United States. Filmed over the course of a year spanning retreats in rural Maine and Minnesota, protests, family milestones, a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court decision, and the collapse of gender-affirming care for youth, “The Dads” captures this national reckoning with remarkable intimacy through verite footage and interviews with the film’s main protagonists. This is fatherhood as an act of radical resistance.

Resistance, Resilience, and Reality: The Fight for Trans Equality – In the wake of a steep rise in anti-trans legislation and hostile rhetoric, how can we protect our communities and fight for a better future? Join leading trans advocates as they report from the frontlines—a teacher navigating classroom censorship, a lawyer challenging discriminatory laws, and an organizer educating the public while building community. Moderated by a long-time legislative staffer, this panel will explore what it takes to fight from the inside and survey the political realities in Texas. How is anti-trans legislation reshaping the lives of trans folks and the broader community? What does the path to equality look like, and what can we do to move in that direction? Get the facts and leave with actionable steps.

MUSIC SHOWCASE: DJADE – DJADE is a Black, queer, non-binary DJ and multi-artist whose sound sits at the intersection of Latin America and the Black diaspora. Originally from the United States (East Coast), they spent five years living in Brazil, where they discovered DJing during the pandemic and began cultivating their multicultural approach to the dance floor playing at local bailes and LGBTQIA+ balls. A lifelong musician trained in trombone, drums, and percussion; rhythm sits at the core of DJADE’s sound. Their sets move fluidly across Brazilian funk, house, R&B, and other Black diasporic genres, weaving together global influences that invite movement, connection, and collective joy. Blending diasporic sounds with deep rhythmic sensibility, DJADE creates dance floors where music becomes a meeting place between cultures, bodies, and histories.

My Brother’s Killer @ Alamo Lamar 9 – The unsolved murder of Billy London, a gay adult film performer brutally killed in West Hollywood, was an urban legend for 33 years. A documentary intended to honor his life took an unexpected turn when members of the community joined forces to uncover overlooked clues, and seek a resolution to the mystery of who killed him. Drawing on a rare trove of VHS and personal footage, the film reveals a chilling overlap between the victim and some of the suspects who were captured on camera in films made in the narrow window of Billy’s death.

Apolo @ Alamo Lamar 1 – “Apolo” follows the journey of a family formed by a transgender couple, revealing the nuances of love, daily life, and the constant struggle for recognition and respect. The documentary offers an intimate look into their family dynamics, inviting us to rethink our notions of affection, care, and society itself. As we accompany Apolo’s pregnancy, we are led to reflect on the challenges and dramas faced by the couple — Isis Broken and Lourenzo Gabriel. The father is the one giving birth, and society is not yet ready for that reality. The feature-length documentary marks the directorial debut of actress Tainá Müller and trans woman and musician Isis Broken.