Queer Magic Shines on Austin's Big Top

"Theydies" and "gentlethem," beloved readers! We are thrilled to present to you a glimpse into the awe-inspiring, radical extravaganza that was the "Three Ring Spectacle," a celebration of queer expression and creativity that shook Austin to its core.

Welcome to the Circus

The Paramount Theatre played host to this revolutionary gathering, a bold move for a space that has historically upheld hetero-normative and cisgender ideals. And what a spectacle it was!

"A safe space created for People of Color individuals who did not have that in their pageantry, so they created a safe space for people like themselves."

• Natalie Sanders, House Mother of the House of Lepore and our glorious host for the evening.

A night of fabulosity and queer magic, the event brought together the vibrant souls of Austin's queer community, creating a much-needed haven for self-expression and creative freedom.

Step Right Up, Step Right In

As guests arrived, they were greeted by a stilt walker, a stunning testament to the unique talent on display. A fusion of red velvet coats, rainbow-hued allies, and lacy tanks filled the theater, with DJ BabiBoi spinning queer R&B and pop hits to get the party started.

Co-producers Ryan Thompson and Sawyer Stoltz, visionaries and queer champions, welcomed the diverse crowd. Thompson, with their insightful perspective, noted:

"When this theater was built, I don’t think they could have ever imagined this kind of event. I hope they’re rolling over in their graves."

Serving Diamond-Studded Realness

The legendary Diamond Dior Davenport graced the stage in a jaw-dropping salmon gown, silencing the crowd with their breathtaking presence. But the hush didn't last long, as Diamond belted, leaped, and twerked their way through a drag tribute to the iconic Ciara, followed by a fierce Missy Elliot-inspired moment.

Davenport owned the stage with their backup dancers, lighting up the venue and priming the audience for the OTA ("Open to All") runway walk, a celebration of self-expression and diversity.

Mother Has Arrived

The glorious Natalie Sanders, draped in crimson elegance, joined forces with Davenport to guide us into the next act. Mother Lapore, a trailblazer who has helped usher in ballroom culture to Central Texas, kept it simple and fierce with the house rules:

"Know your category, walk it, win it."

The Categories: A Showcase of Art and Resistance

With each category promising substantial prizes, backed by the Paramount Theatre and the Human Rights Campaign, the competition was fierce:

'Face' Off:
Judging a book by its cover, the 'Face' category celebrated the art of makeup and the transformative power of self-presentation.

Ringmasters in Red:
Competitors in the "Ringmaster" category slayed in red coats, black gloves, and top hats, with House Mother Lapore celebrating their confidence and authenticity. Ivan, a slender vision in distressed red, claimed the grand prize.

Bizarre Brilliance:
The "Bizarre" category brought out the creatively ambitious, with conjoined mummies and tubular clowns. The winner, a two-headed clown, dazzled with their original concept, though we must shout out to the refined beauty of the underrated black-and-white big-top skirt and psychic mannequin head.

Final Act, Take a Bow:
The "Performance" category ignited the crowd, with confusion over the rules leading to passionate cries of "Let them walk!" from the audience. Ultimately, all who embodied gymnasts and acrobats were allowed to perform, and the divas delivered a show-stopping grand finale, complete with dips and duck-walking across the stage.

A Circus of Queer Joy and Liberation

The night was a testament to the resilience and creativity of the queer community, a safe space where love and self-expression reigned supreme. As Sanders so beautifully stated:

"Every queer community deserves ballroom to know that there is a space for you to be loved and to love."

A TRUE LIBERATING SPECTACLE. #loveislove #queerpower