Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce at SXSW
For years, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce has proudly partnered with SXSW, creating safe, inclusive spaces where the LGBTQ+ community can connect, celebrate, and thrive. From hosting signature events like the Big Queer Kickoff Party to amplifying queer voices in business, tech, and the arts, we are dedicated to ensuring that Austin feels like home for our out-of-town guests. No matter where you’re from, you are welcome, valued, and safe here. 🌈✨
SXSW 2025 Events
📍 Rain on 4th
📅 March 7, 2025
⏰ Time TBA
What started as an unofficial gathering of the queer community during SXSW has now become THE official kickoff party where everyone comes together to celebrate the vibrancy of Queer Austin & SXSW! 🌈✨
Join us at Rain on 4th for a night of high-energy vibes, live entertainment, and an electric atmosphere celebrating Queer Austin & SXSW!
📍 Gina’s on Congress
📅 March 8, 2025
⏰ 10:00AM
Stories have the power to shape culture, shift perspectives, and spark change. Queer storytelling goes beyond representation—it amplifies voices, preserves history, and creates space for authenticity in a world that often tries to rewrite, erase, or neglect our narratives. For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those who are also living with disabilities, storytelling becomes an essential tool for visibility, advocacy, and belonging.
In town for SXSW and looking for local businesses to support?
Established in 1997, we are Central Texas’ home for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and organizations. We work to create and support a vibrant and prosperous regional economy strengthened through the full participation of diverse local communities. We represent hundreds of small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share the values of promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
If you are looking to support LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, our directory has you covered!
- Restaurants, Food & Beverages
- Arts, Culture, Entertainment
- LGBTBE certified businesses
- Lodging & Travel
- Shopping & Specialty Retail
- & so much more!
Previous Austin LGBT Chamber Official SXSW Events
SXSW 2024
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. In 2024, we partnered with HRC of Texas!
Discussion: We're (SO) Over the Rainbow
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.
Discussion speakers:
- Deirdre Walsh CEO IGC
- Jackie Padgett CMO IGC Institute Exec Dir
- Juan Suarez, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Southwest Airlines
- Moderator: Fiona Dawson (Free Lion Productions), Emmy®-nominated and award-winning filmmaker
Takeaways include learning how to:
- Evaluate your organization’s authenticity, readiness, risks and opportunities
- Align product, social impact, DEIB, public policy, ERG and marketing efforts
- Identify unique opportunities for your brand to make a meaningful impact without “rainbow washing”
SXSW 2023
10th 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. In 2023, we were joined by DJ Cazwell.
Discussions
- The Business of Drag
- Queer Representation in Film
- Advocacy Through Art