LGBT culture in Austin, Texas

With a population that is quickly becoming more diverse and liberal, Austin, Texas has one of the most prominent and active LGBT populations in the United States. Austin was acclaimed by The Advocate in 2012 as part of its Gayest Cities in America, and was recognized by Travel and Leisure as one of America's Best Cities for Gay Travel. Much of Austin's gay nightlife scene is clustered around 4th Street.^[1] LGBT activism groups Atticus Circle and Equality Texas are headquartered in Austin.

History

Throughout the mid-20th century, Austin had several gay bars, long before its LGBT movement began. These included Apartment, Cabaret, Insomnia Club, Manhattan Club, Pearl Street Warehouse, and Red River Lounge.^[2]

The LGBT movement in Austin began in 1970, shortly after the Stonewall riots that sparked LGBT movements across the U.S. This first public meeting was only attended by 25 individuals at University Y.^[2] In 1970, Austin also became home to a chapter of the Gay Liberation Front, and local newspapers such as The Rag began supporting the movement. By 1974, the Austin Lesbian Organization and the Gay People of Austin had been established. An event organized by the Gay People of Austin was held in 1974 at Shoal Creek Park and the Student Union Ballroom, which about 300 people attended.^[2] These early organizations were subjected to homophobic backlash; In 1975, an Austin Lesbian Organization party was raided by the University of Texas Silver Spurs, and pride floats built for Round Up Weekend were vandalized into the 1980s.^[2] In 1976, Mayor Jeff Friedman established a Gay Pride Week to take place annually in June, which included a pride and march to the Texas State Capitol. In response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the pride marches to the capitol building expanded in attendance to about 25,000 people.^[2]

By 1980, three more LGBT activism groups — Austin Lambda, Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus, and Gay Community Services — had been established, and six more nightclubs — Austin Country, Friends and Lovers, Hollywood, New Apartment, and Private Cellar. In 1987, LGBT activist and Austin native Glen Maxey, was elected as execute director of the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas, and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1991. The first Gay and Lesbian Pride Fiesta began in 1990.^[2]

Recreation

Most of Austin's gay bars and nightclubs are clustered around 4th Street, or the Warehouse District.^[1] There are few establishments, but most are well-attended, and all are small in size. Many LGBT revelers choose to attend other bars in the city, which are usually not oriented towards the LGBT community.^[3] These bars include Oilcan Harry's, Rain on 4th, and 'Bout Time II. Halcyon Coffeehouse, Bar, and Lounge is another establishment popular among the LGBT population.^[3]

Austin also has a gay bathhouse called Midtown Spa-Austin and a gay sunbathing area located at Hippie Hollow Park.^[3]

References