Every Tuesday night, a downtown Austin dance club known for its lively LGBTQ+ scene becomes an unlikely venue for civic education. Amid the neon lights and pulsing music at Oilcan Harry’s, drag performer Brigitte Bandit commands the stage not just with sequins and sass—but with a laser pointer and a PowerPoint. Her event, LegiSLAYtion & Liberation, blends drag performance with political education in an effort to inform and empower the queer community.
What began in January as a timely response to the Texas legislative session has since grown into a weekly hub for political awareness. Brigitte breaks down complex state policies and national developments—from bills being debated at the Capitol just blocks away, to actions from figures like former President Donald Trump—all while maintaining the glamour of a drag show, as reported by Kut News. Her goal is simple: to make civic participation accessible and even fun.
Brigitte’s unique blend of performance and politics is rooted in activism. She’s no stranger to the Capitol, having testified in drag and participated in a successful legal challenge to a 2023 Texas law that sought to limit drag performances. Through LegiSLAYtion & Liberation, she partners with local organizations and invites guest speakers to educate attendees on topics like testifying at hearings or understanding new legislation.
Brigitte’s actions carry significant weight in light of the current political climate in Texas, where the Legislature is considering a record number of anti-trans bills. These proposals continue a troubling trend of targeting the rights and visibility of transgender people in the state. Among the most alarming for LGBTQ+ advocates are the so-called “sex definition” bills, which seek to rigidly define male and female as fixed categories assigned at birth. Such measures would prevent trans individuals from updating essential government documents like birth certificates and driver’s licenses — a discrepancy that can expose them to discrimination or even violence. Compounding the threat, additional legislation proposes criminal penalties for so-called “gender identity fraud,” further criminalizing the simple act of living in alignment with one’s identity.
Briggite’s event also features interactive elements like “breaking news bingo,” where participants track headlines while learning how to take action.
Political engagement in Texas is often low, especially when it comes to following the legislature. But LegiSLAYtion & Liberation offers an alternative to the apathy and overwhelm that many feel.
91% of heterosexual Americans believe LGBTQ+ people should be free from discrimination, underscoring a growing public acceptance that contrasts sharply with the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Republican-led states. Over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in the past year, many targeting transgender youth, yet public support for LGBTQ+ rights has increased from 79% in 2021 to 84% in 2023. Despite this progress, the survey also found that many Americans are still unfamiliar with transgender and nonbinary people, indicating that more public education and storytelling are needed to foster deeper understanding and inclusion.
Advocates emphasize that this growing support must translate into steadfast allyship, especially in the face of increasing political and social backlash. Recent events, such as Target pulling some of its Pride merchandise after receiving threats, highlight the tension between public support and corporate or political responses to extremist pressure. Though originally planned to end with the legislative session in June, demand for LegiSLAYtion & Liberation is growing. Brigitte has received requests to take the show on the road to other cities in Texas.
