QUEER RIGHT HERE

LOCAL EVENTS

Variety show celebrates queer joy

Everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day in their own way from candlelit dinners with one’s significant other, to Galentine’s gal pal celebrations. February 14th celebrations do not have to be exclusively for couples but can be an opportunity to celebrate love in all forms, from friends, family, and even communities. This was the goal of “Queer Right Here”, a live variety show focused on celebrating the vibrant and diverse queer community in San Marcos. Hosted at MotherShip Studios, the showcase featured live music, storytelling, comedy, drag, vendors and even fire eating. The event was a fundraiser for the San Marcos Queer Council, which is an organization that’s dedicated to creating safe and supportive spaces for queer individuals. The host of the event was James Hardin who organized the event and acted as the master of ceremonies, guiding the crowd through each local performer while telling jokes and stories in between acts. The packed crowd laughed and sang together as there was a diverse variety of talents showcased throughout the night.

The lineup was stacked with over ten unique performances throughout the evening. The performers were gathered by an open call process. Local artists were encouraged to apply to the variety show, some performing for the first time to a public audience. One of these new performers was the house band, Bi-Curious George. They sang pop punk covers and kept the pacing of the night alive with vocal harmonies and live guitar, bass and drums. The night was paced with music, comedy and performances woven together, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued in the next unique act. Performers included Ensis, Sunday Symth, Jinx the Minx, Smokey Zbornak, Quizabella, Dietrich Calhoun, Tommie Tee and Solangel Vergara. Guests were able to enjoy a variety of local vendors from homemade pillar candles by Thicc In A Box to treats and confections by Andie’s Handy Sweets. Artist Melisa Gerecci traveled from North Texas to showcase specialty tactical art, prints and zines.

The event started with James Hardin’s idea to throw a showcase highlighting the full spectrum of talents within the local queer community.

“Upon moving to San Marcos I found that most queer focused events centered around drag shows, which is great, but as a storyteller and comedian there weren’t any local opportunities for me to perform,” Hardin said.

He approached the SMTXQC with the idea to make a showcase to not only highlight a variety of performers but to raise funds for the organization.

“Why not put on a party for a good cause, right? I love their mission of creating safe spaces for queer people in San Marcos. They were excited to offer marketing and volunteer support for the event,” Hardin said.

It took months of planning and organizing acts, vendors and sponsors as well as a communal effort to create a night that gave back to the community.

“The DIY space that MotherShip had was perfect to put together a fun creative vision,” Hardin said. “I wasn’t living in San Marcos while Stonewall was open, but I know the queer community is really missing a communal space to be together. Many people told me this night and event was really needed for this community.”

Hardin said the showcase was such a success that he is already making plans for an early summer event. Follow Hardin @jcshardin and the SMTXQC @smtxqc on instagram for more updates on events and opportunities to showcase one’s own talents to an inclusive and accepting community.