Billy Eichner and Dyllón Burnside Join Unleashed LGBTQ Live Event - September 2023
Joining a Powerful Lineup of Talent, including Antoni Porowski, Indya Moore, Shangela, and other Industry Leaders making Noise in the LGBTQ+ Market
DALLAS — APRIL 25, 2023 — Unleashed LGBTQ, a first-of-its-kind conference and entertainment festival creating a space for brands, artists, and LGBTQ+ professionals to connect, is thrilled to announce new talent joining its lineup, including Billy Eichner and Dyllón Burnside, for its first live and in-person Unleashed LGBTQ 2023 conference, taking place at Gilley’s in Dallas, Texas, from September 22 - 24, 2023. Unleashed event organizers also welcome iHeartMedia back as media partners to activate the programming as the official audio partners for the festival’s first ever in-person event.
"Our first live, in-person, event is going to create a synergy between talent, the business community and the entertainment industry in a way no LGBTQ+ event has ever done before,” said Founder, Wesley Smoot. “Companies sending representatives to our event will be able to take advantage of all opportunities available, whether it’s for educational purposes, networking or entertainment, LGBTQ+ professionals or others focused on allyship, will reap the benefits of our educational and entertainment-based lineup. We have dedicated an entire area to workshops for attendees to learn new skills from today's thought leaders and we’re confident companies sending entire departments to Unleashed LGBTQ 2023 will have a more informed, supercharged team that will be lightyears ahead of other brands.”
Each day at Unleashed LGBTQ will begin with educational topics — from workshops and panels discussing business (advertising, marketing, DEI), society (non-profit, advocacy), and personal (financial planning, continuing education) development – and will feature high-tech brand activations and experiential marketing installments throughout the venue, before transitioning to entertainment that will include screenings, drag shows, stand-up comedy, and musical performances. Attendees will be enriched by professional development and networking opportunities through the Unleashed LGBTQ event app (developed by WebEx/Cisco) and at specialized mixers and unique branded activations through the award-winning Freeman event services.
The growing lineup of talent will include:
● Billy Eichner Co-writer and Star of Bros (Universal Pictures), Billy on the Street, The Lion King (Disney), American Horror Story (FX), Difficult People (Hulu)
● Antoni Porowski Emmy-Award Winning Show Queer Eye (Netflix), Host of Easy Bake Battle (Netflix), Author of Antoni in the Kitchen & Antoni: Let's do Dinner
● Indya Moore Emmy Award-Winning Show POSE, Yves Saint Laurent Cosmetics, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
● Shangela Emmy Award-Winning Shows We're Here (HBO), RuPaul's Drag Race, & RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (MTV)
● Dyllon Burnside Emmy Award-Winning Show Pose,Emmy Award-Winning Show POSE, Emmy-Award winning PBS docuseries PRIDELAND, Golden Globe nominated limited series MONSTER. GLAAD & HRC award recipient
● Daniel Franzese, Mean Girls (Paramount Pictures), Ru Paul's Drag Race (MTV), Looking (HBO)
● Kelly Ann Winget, Founder & CEO of Alternative Wealth Partners, Over $1B in private equity raised, Host of The Wealth Alpha podcast, and Author of Pitch the Bitch (April 2023)
● Brian Sims, Former Penn State Rep., LGBTQ+ Advocate & Speaker, Managing Director of Government Affairs & Policy at Out Leadership, Board Member at Campus Pride & GLSEN
● Naomi Green, MBA Speaker, Marketer, Professor, and Transgender Advocate
● Ashley Brundage, President & CEO of Empowering Differences, Author of Empowering Differences, Transgender Advocate, Former DEI Vice President at PNC Bank, Mother
● Dr. Carlton Thomas, Gastro-Intestinal Medical Doctor, Social Media Sensation, Contributor to Men's Health Magazine, LGBTQ+ Consultant to the White House & the CDC
● Matt Skallerud, Founder & President of Pink Media, Host of #iLoveGayToday, former President of IGLTA, Award-Winning Online Marketer connecting businesses to the LGBTQ+ consumers
● Vicky & Charisse Pasche, Co-Founders of Dapper Boi – body-inclusive and gender-neutral apparel – Marketing, Sales, and Entrepreneurial Experts, Wives and Mothers of Twins
● Stacey Stevenson, CEO of Family Equality, Co-Founder of The Changists (Law Firm Consulting), LGBTQ+ Activist, Speaker, Mother of Two
● Gary Sanchez Sr., Director of Community Impact at Visit Dallas, Former Chairman at North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Chairman at Chamber Foundation
● Brad Pritchett, Award-Winning Marketing Executive, Chief Experience Officer at DMA (Dallas Museum of Art), Host of The Good, The Brad, & The Ugly podcast
Unleashed LGBTQ is also partnering with the iconic Alamo Drafthouse to host screenings of new LGBTQ+ content from streaming services, movie studios, and television networks. Independent filmmakers can submit works for Unleashed LGBTQ 2023 Film Festival at:
https://www.filmfreeway.com/unleashedlgbtq
Unleashed LGBTQ, LLC is proud to have received support, endorsements, and/or grants from the following organizations: DTPID (Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District), Visit Dallas, North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, NLGCC (National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), & IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association).
Other partners include Gilead Sciences, iHeart Media, equalpride, and Kelly Ann Winget.
About UNLEASHED LGBTQ, LLC
Unleashed LGBTQ, a space for brands, entertainers, and LGBTQ+ professionals to connect, will host its inaugural, live event September 22nd - 24th, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Attendees can learn about the latest products, services, and campaigns debuting in the LGBTQ+ market in a fun and interactive environment. Unleashed LGBTQ provides premier networking opportunities for professionals in a variety of industries. Unleashed LGBTQ will host speakers, panels, and performances from some of the biggest names in LGBTQ+ culture, including film, television, music, and business. Stay tuned for additional Talent announcements.
Tickets are currently on sale on the event website here: https://www.unleashedlgbtq.com For more information on partnerships and company group rates visit: www.unleashedlgbtq.com
CONTACT:
Nicole Rodrigues
NRPR Group for Unleashed LGBTQ
Nicole@nrprgroup.com
424-421-9610
To request press credentials email:
press@unleashedlgbtq.com
SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL FIRST ROUND OF SHOWCASING ARTISTS ANNOUNCED
Spotlighting Emerging Talents and Legendary Artists
Austin, Texas - October 19, 2022 - The South by Southwest® Music Festival (SXSW®) has announced the first round of Showcasing Artists invited to perform at the 37th annual event. The festival features multiple one-of-a-kind events that spotlight emerging talents and legendary artists performing for the international creative community and passionate music fans. The first essential and global music event on the industry’s calendar, the SXSW Music Festival takes place March 13 - 18, 2023 on Austin’s iconic and offbeat stages.
CIFIKA at Central Presbyterian Church Photo by Adam Kissick
Each year, SXSW Music Festival programmers present the best new artists and established acts from countries around the world including Armenia, Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Wales. Highlights from this first round of artists include: Armani White (Philadelphia PA), Algiers (Atlanta, GA), Balming Tiger (Seoul SOUTH KOREA), Beenzino (Seoul SOUTH KOREA), Edie Bens (Swansea UK-WALES), iLe (San Juan PUERTO RICO), Ladaniva (Lille FRANCE), Max Cooper (London UK-ENGLAND), Mightmare (Chapel Hill NC), Núria Graham (Vic SPAIN), The Orielles(Manchester UK-ENGLAND), Otoboke Beaver (Kyoto JAPAN), RVG (Melbourne AUSTRALIA), Sarah Shook & the Disarmers (Chapel Hill NC), Son Rompe Pera (Naucalpan MEXICO), Steam Down (London UK-ENGLAND), Thao (Oakland CA), Yazmin Lacey (London UK-ENGLAND) and Yogetsu Akasaka (Setagaya-Ku JAPAN).
Poppy Ajudha at Cedar Street Courtyard Photo by Caleb Pickens
This is the first of several announcements of can't-miss showcases spanning six nights. Showcases are curated by SXSW programmers in collaboration with record labels, booking agencies, export offices, management and PR firms, publishers, media outlets, lifestyle brands and festivals. These showcases give attendees the opportunity to experience today’s and tomorrow’s headliners in small-stage performances. A few of this year’s showcase presenters include Anniversary Group, Atomic Music Group, Athens in Austin, British Music Embassy, Don Giovanni Records, Fire Records, FOCUS Wales, Gorilla vs Bear, Jazz re:freshed Outernational, Pop Montreal, M for Montreal, Music From Ireland, New West Records, Space Agency, and Wide Days Scotland.
The first round of artists invited to perform include:
250 (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Ailbhe Reddy (Dublin IRELAND)
Albertine Sarges (Berlin GERMANY)
Algiers (Atlanta GA)
Alien Tango (London UK-ENGLAND)
Amber Arcades (Utrecht NETHERLANDS)
Anna Salman (Lahore PAKISTAN)
Ariel & The Culture (Dallas TX)
Armani White (Philadelphia PA)
ASHY (Christchurch NEW ZEALAND)
Automelodi (Montreal CANADA)
Avalanche Party (Middlesbrough UK-ENGLAND)
Baby; Baby: Explores the Reasons Why That Gum is Still on the Sidewalk (Providence RI)
Balimaya Project (London UK-ENGLAND)
Balming Tiger (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Beatenberg (Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA)
Been Stellar (Brooklyn NY)
Beenzino (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Being Dead (Austin TX)
Beverly Kills (Gothenburg SWEDEN)
Bibi Club (Montreal CANADA)
Big Bill (Austin TX)
BIRTHH (Florence ITALY)
bj wnjn (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Blondshell (Los Angeles CA)
Bloomsday (Brooklyn NY)
Bones and Jones (Geelong AUSTRALIA)
Brighde Chaimbeul (Isle Of Skye UK-SCOTLAND)
Cafuné (Brooklyn NY)
Cailin Russo (San Diego CA)
Campfire Social (Wrexham UK-WALES)
The Chairs (Taiwan TAIWAN)
Chief Cleopatra (Austin TX)
Chiiild (Montreal CANADA)
Choses Sauvages (Montreal CANADA)
CHROMA (Pontypridd UK-WALES)
Coach Party (Newport UK-ENGLAND)
Colin Gilmore (Austin TX)
Constant Follower (Stirling UK-SCOTLAND)
Crawlers (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Criibaby (San Francisco CA)
Darling West (Oslo NORWAY)
Data Animal (Berlin GERMANY)
Dead Gowns (Portland ME)
Dead Pony (Glasgow UK-SCOTLAND)
Death And Vanilla (Malmö SWEDEN)
Demob Happy (Newcastle Upon Tyne UK-ENGLAND)
Die Spitz (Austin TX)
Disq (Madison WI)
DoomCannon (London UK-ENGLAND)
Dream, Ivory (Lake Elsinore CA)
DYGL (Tokyo JAPAN)
Edie Bens (Swansea UK-WALES)
ena mori (Parañque PHILIPPINES)
Exit Kid (London UK-ENGLAND)
Far Caspian (Enniskillen IRELAND)
Fat Tony (Houston TX)
Flowerkid (Sydney AUSTRALIA)
foamboy (Portland OR)
Folly Group (London UK-ENGLAND)
Foyer Red (Brooklyn NY)
Fragile Rock (Austin TX)
fuvk (Austin TX)
Germein (Adelaide AUSTRALIA)
Ghouljaboy (Jerez SPAIN)
GHUM (London UK-ENGLAND)
Ginevra Nervi (Rome ITALY)
Gloria de Oliveira (Berlin GERMANY)
Godcaster (New York NY)
The Golden Dregs (London UK-ENGLAND)
Grace Pettis (Nashville TN)
Great Gable (Perth AUSTRALIA)
HARU NEMURI (Yokohama JAPAN)
Hayley Warner (Sydney AUSTRALIA)
Helen Ganya (Brighton UK-ENGLAND)
Her Skin (Modena ITALY)
Hope (Berlin GERMANY)
Housewife (Toronto CANADA)
Iguana Death Cult (Rotterdam NETHERLANDS)
iLe (San Juan PUERTO RICO)
Immaterial Possession (Athens GA)
Izzy Heltai (Boston MA)
Jad Fair and The Placebos (Austin TX)
Jaguar Jonze (Brisbane AUSTRALIA)
James and the Cold Gun (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Jane Weaver (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Jazz re:freshed DJ's (London UK-ENGLAND)
Jealous (Berlin GERMANY)
Jeannel (Berlin GERMANY)
Jembaa Groove (Berlin GERMANY)
JessB (Auckland NEW ZEALAND)
JESSWAR (Gold Coast AUSTRALIA)
JEVERSON (Nashville TN)
Jobber (Brooklyn NY)
Julie Doiron (Memramcook CANADA)
Julie Odell (New Orleans LA)
Kalush Orchestra (Kyiv UKRAINE)
Kidd Kenn (Chicago IL)
Kiwi Jr. (Toronto CANADA)
Knifeplay (Philadelphia PA)
Krooked Kings (Salt Lake City UT)
Kym Register (Loamlands)
(Durham NC)
Ladaniva (Lille FRANCE)
layzi (Boston MA)
Le Couleur (Montreal CANADA)
Lee Bains + The Glory Fires (Birmingham AL)
Leesuho (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Lemonade Shoelace (Newcastle UK-N. IRELAND)
Letting Up Despite Great Faults (Austin TX)
Living Hour (Winnipeg CANADA)
Lola Brooke (Brooklyn NY)
The Lounge Society (Hebden Bridge UK-ENGLAND)
MANE (Adelaide AUSTRALIA)
Marina Allen (Los Angeles CA)
Max Cooper (London UK-ENGLAND)
Medium Build (Anchorage AK)
Meltt (Vancouver CANADA)
M(h)
aol (Dublin IRELAND)
Mightmare (Chapel Hill NC)
milk. (Dublin IRELAND)
modernlove (Drogheda IRELAND)
Moritz Fasbender (Leipzig GERMANY)
MOSES (London UK-ENGLAND)
Mudd the student (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
mui zyu (London UK-ENGLAND)
Mynolia (Berlin GERMANY)
Nadeem Din-Gabisi (London UK-ENGLAND)
NEMOPHILA (Tokyo JAPAN)
N'famady Kouyaté (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Nisa (Brooklyn NY)
NTsKi (Kyoto JAPAN)
Núria Graham (Vic SPAIN)
Omega Sapien (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Orchestra Gold (Oakland CA)
The Orielles (Manchester UK-ENGLAND)
Orions Belte (Oslo NORWAY)
Otoboke Beaver (Kyoto JAPAN)
Paisley Fields (Brooklyn NY)
Panic Shack (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Pearla (Brooklyn NY)
Pickle Darling (Christchurch NEW ZEALAND)
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (Newcastle Upon Tyne UK-ENGLAND)
Plàsi (Stockholm SWEDEN)
Plattenbau (Berlin GERMANY)
poolblood (Toronto CANADA)
Poster Paints (Glasgow UK-SCOTLAND)
Quarters of Change (New York NY)
Red Rum Club (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Rett Madison (Los Angeles CA)
Ric Wilson (Chicago IL)
Robocobra Quartet (Belfast UK-N. IRELAND)
Ron Gallo (Philadelphia PA)
Rosie Darling (Boston MA)
RVG (Melbourne AUSTRALIA)
Saloon Dion (Bristol UK-ENGLAND)
San Saba County (Austin TX)
Sarah Shook & the Disarmers (Chapel Hill NC)
Scorey (Syracuse NY)
Sea Lemon (Seattle WA)
Sego (Los Angeles CA)
Shadow Show (Detroit MI)
Sid Simons (Brooklyn NY)
Silverbacks (Dublin IRELAND)
Smut (Chicago IL)
Snøw (Salem MA)
Somebody's Child (Dublin IRELAND)
Son Rompe Pera (Naucalpan MEXICO)
Sophia Galaté (Los Angeles CA)
SPARKLING (Cologne GERMANY)
spill tab (Los Angeles CA)
Steam Down (London UK-ENGLAND)
Sug Daniels (Philadelphia PA)
Sweet Pill (Philadelphia PA)
Tamzene (Cromarty UK-ENGLAND)
TC Superstar (Austin TX)
Teenage Halloween (Asbury Park NJ)
Thanya Iyer (Montreal CANADA)
Thao (Oakland CA)
TmbaTa Orchestra (Yerevan ARMENIA)
Tomato Flower (Baltimore MD)
The Trials of Cato (Wrexham UK-WALES)
Tribe Mafia (Austin TX)
The Vices (Groningen NETHERLANDS)
Vox Rea (Vancouver CANADA)
The Wandering Hearts (London UK-ENGLAND)
Warm Human (Chicago IL)
Why Bonnie (Austin TX)
Wynona Bleach (Belfast UK-N. IRELAND)
Yazmin Lacey (London UK-ENGLAND)
Yogetsu Akasaka (Setagaya-Ku JAPAN)
Your Grandparents (Los Angeles CA)
(This list is subject to change. More performers will be announced at later dates.)
Listen to the artists who will be performing at SXSW 2023 by subscribing to the official SXSW Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music Video playlists.
All SXSW Music registrants receive primary access to Music and Convergence Conference programming, including Keynotes and Featured Speakers, Music Festival showcases, the Comedy Festival, exhibitions, networking Meet Ups, the Flatstock Poster Show, Registrant Lounge, and the BBQ & softball tournament. Secondary access is available for most Interactive and Film events.
The online SXSW Schedule, launching October 25, provides a complete rundown of 2023 programming, broken down by time and event category, with the ability to build a customized schedule. Please visit https://schedule.sxsw.com/.
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2023 will take place March 10 - 19, 2023 in Austin. For more information, please visit sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend.
SXSW 2023 is sponsored by White Claw, Porsche, Itau Unibanco, and The Austin Chronicle.
Unleashed LGBTQ to Cover RuPaul's DragCon LA 2022
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY
These last two years have been a drag. And not in a cute way… COVID-19 has kept us from enjoying some of our favorite events, one in particular: RuPaul’s DragCon.
Not to worry Ms. Thang. RuPaul and World of Wonder Productions are proud to announce DragCon LA is back! Returning for its 10th ever in-person conference, this annual event celebrates the artistry and culture of Drag like no other. Attendees can expect three days of performances, panels, exhibitors, Q&As and everyone’s favorite: the chance to meet your favorite drag performers in-person. The convention will take place Friday, May 13th - Sunday, May 15th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring — for the very first time — a full day of programming on Friday. Tickets are on sale now at RuPaulsDragCon.com.
Unleashed LGBTQ is honored to have the opportunity to cover Drag Con LA.
Wesley Smoot had this to say:
“This franchise (Ru Paul’s Drag Race) has seen so much success, we are privileged and honored to cover the events of DragCon LA 2022 and give our readers a glimpse inside one of the year’s most anticipated LGBTQ events.”
“Everyone from Alaska to Yuhua Hamasaki is included in this year’s line-up with more talent expected to come onboard. There’s over 100+ performers confirmed— DragCon 2022 is expected to be a powerhouse of talent and an unforgettable experience. I’m literally gagging!”
-Jojo Love
This three-day convention is the world’s largest all-ages and family-friendly celebration of drag including supermodel of the world RuPaul, recent season winners - Priyanka (Canada’s Drag Race), Kita Mean (Drag Race Down Under), Lawrence Chaney (Drag Race UK), Symone (RuPaul’s Drag Race S13), Kylie Sonique Love (Drag Race All Stars 6), Carmen Farala (Drag Race Espana S1), Icesis Couture (Canada’s Drag Race S2), and all your other favorite dazzling queens from across the global award-winning “Drag Race” franchise including Aquaria, Mariah Balenciaga, Alaska, Priyanka, Tammie Brown, Kim Chi, Heidi N Closet, Divina De Campo, Eureka O’Hara, Gigi Goode, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls, Pandora Boxx, Ariel Versace, Blu Hydrangea, Kahmora Hall, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Scarlet Envy, Nicky Doll, Vivacious, Dusty Ray Bottoms, Baga Chipz, Shuga Cain, Sasha Velour, the United Kingdolls, the Frock Destroyers, and more. Additional talent includes June Diane Raphael, Rachel Bloom, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, and Daniel Franzese just to name a few. Find the full list here, henny…
SYMONE | RuPaul’s DragCon 2022 Los Angeles
“I’m so excited that our tribe will be safely reunited once again.” says RuPaul, “RuPaul's DragCon is the most gorgeous, most gagworthy and most life-affirming drag convention on the planet, and our aim is to serve you a super amazing experience, while keeping you as safe as possible.”
Santiago Felipe/Getty Images
DragCon aims to make its first priority the health and safety of everyone involved. Given how quickly information and safety requirements surrounding COVID-19 are changing, specific COVID guidelines will be determined closer to the event.
“The 2022 LA convention marks the first time ever we will be featuring a full-day of Friday programming for the three-day convention,” says WOW co-founders Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey. “With our last DragCon having been a virtual experience, we are thrilled to be bringing our flagship in-person event back to the community we love so dearly, and rest assured safety will be our top priority!”
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of events by subscribing to our emails and following us on all social media platforms: @UnleashedLGBTQ and stay updated on everything #DragCon by following @RuPaulsDragCon!
See you in LA!
KYLIE SONIQUE LOVE | RuPaul’s DragCon 2022 Los Angeles
Unleashed LGBTQ to Cover QUEER Experience at SXSW 2022
SXSW 2019
Live events are back and I have to say, few events have me pumped like the return of SXSW.
Every year industry professionals from around the globe meet in Austin Texas to learn about the latest in a variety of industries. While focus for this groundbreaking event was initially centered around music and film, we have seen SXSW expand, every year, into more and more fields and industries— covering topics that include everything from finance to transportation and even oil and gas. If it’s new and innovative, South by is where you’ll find it. This 9-day conference and festival offers insight on the latest in film, music, tech and more through screenings, panels and showcases. There’s endless branded activations and art installations. It’s experiential marketing at its finest.
However, that hasn’t been the case, at least for the last two years.
Actresses Abbi Jacobson (L) and Ilana Glazer attend the premiere of the "Broad City" series finale at ZACH Theatre on March 10, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW)
The only shutdown I like is after I read a bitch— but with the rollout of vaccines, new guidelines, and recent drops in Covid-19 cases, group gatherings of this scale are once again possible. People are doing their part and it shows. To that I say, Yasssssss!!!
This light at the end of the tunnel is making it possible for one of the largest and most prestigious gatherings of talent and industry professionals to reconnect once again. (Missed y'all!)
Film subject Kathy Griffin attends the premiere for "Kathy Griffin: A Hell of A Story" during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at ZACH Theatre on March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW)
When attending SXSW, it's not uncommon to rub shoulders with movers and shakers, even high-profile celebs… But what or who’s gonna be the next big thing is what I find most fascinating. Ambition and opportunity sets the scene.
You can be drinking a beer with the next tech millionaire or attending the show of the next rock band who will one day grace covers of magazines. We all love a good success story. Seems anything’s possible and I’m here for it!
So what’s to be said about LGBTQ inclusion at SXSW?
Lizzo performs onstage during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals. (Photo by Stephen Olker)
In the past we have seen queer artists, performers, speakers, and panelists offer insight into our unique culture. as well as LGBTQ icons and allies showing support with important, thought provoking messages through powerful performances, screenings, keynotes and panels.
Film critic and contributing writer Arnold Jones called SXSW “An intoxicating crossroads of bohemianism and commerce, SXSW embraced alternative and queer in its many definitions– quirky, cool, campy.”
Stacey Abrams speaks onstage at Featured Session: Lead from the Outside: How to Make Real Change during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Hilton Austin on March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Danny Matson/Getty Images for SXSW)
Since its inception, SXSW, has been a pioneer of inclusion, reaching across cultural divides. These opportunities have provided platforms for under-represented individuals (like LGBTQ and POC) to connect with decision makers that can elevate careers to new heights.
Walt Disco showcase presented by British Music Embassy. Photo by Thomas Jackson
Some of these dynamic queer persons of interest photographed from SXSW 2019 can be seen below. (Zachary Quinto, Lance Bass, and Beanie Feldstein)
Ashleigh Cummings (L) and Zachary Quinto attend "NOS4A2" Premiere during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Alamo Lamar D on March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Hutton Supancic/Getty Images for SXSW)Bud
Lance Bass speaks onstage at Featured Session: Lance Bass during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin Convention Center on March 13, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Travis P Ball/Getty Images for SXSW)
Kaitlyn Dever, Olivia Wilde, Beanie Feldstein attends the "Booksmart" Premiere - 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Paramount Theatre on March 10, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW)
While not all events are currently listed for SXSW 2022 (schedule will continue to be updated leading up to event), here’s some LGBTQ events to include in your SXSW GO App’s calendar:
LGBTQ+ Sex Education for Brands 11:30 AM-12:30 AM | March 16
Speakers: Arielle Egozi, Kayla Gore, Graham Nolan, Alicia Sinclair
A Clarion Call for More LGBTQ Inclusion in Sports 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 13
Speakers: Katie Barnes, Chris Mosier, Amit Paley, Adam Rippon
LGBTQ+ Rights & Politics 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | March 12
Speakers: Rebecca Marques, Ricardo Martinez, Emmett Schelling, Jessica Shortall
Social Media Platform Accountability: LGBTQ+ Edition 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM | March 12
Speakers: Jenni Olson, Brennan Suen, Alok Vai-Menon
Marginalized Voices in Film & TV Journalism 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | March 13
Speaker: Dino-Ray Ramos
Tech-Driven Trends in Adult Entertainment 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | March 13
Speaker: Buck Angel, Shirley Lara, Sinnamon Love, Courtney Trouble
No Label, No Problem: Indie Artist Steps to Success 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Speakers: Andreea Gleeson, Vickie Nauman, Lie Ning, Hessel von Oorschot
Speak for Yourself 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM | March 14
Speakers: Gina Chua, Cheryl Phillips, Aron Pilhofer
The Black Agenda 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 14
Speaker: Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
How Do I Un-Remember This? 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | March 14
Speaker: Danny Pellegrino
Inclusion Revolution: How Hybrid Work Boosts DEI 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM March 15
Speakers: Antoine Andrews, Aman Bhutani, Sam Bright, Sheela Subramanian
Meet the Women of Evolving the Gaming Industry 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 15
Speakers: Jill Kenney, Shannon Liao, Makeda Loney, Alanah Pearce
Helping Queer Youth Find Joy 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | March 15
Speaker: Brian Wenke
Unleashed LGBTQ will keep you updated on what’s to come as well as what’s happening at the events through the lens of these dramatic rainbow shades. Follow us on social media for live coverage of events. We are proud and honored to cover all things fabulous at this year’s SXSW. Thank you to the organizers for including us. Muah!
For more information on attending, line-up, and marketing opportunities visit: www.sxsw.com
Attending SXSW?… do download the SXSW GO App and link your badge for optimal experience. Trust. No, seriously. Trust. Also, if you’re not vegan, try the brisket!
Elizabeth Warren speaks onstage at Conversations About America's Future: Senator Elizabeth Warren during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on March 8, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Amy E. Price/Getty Images for SXSW)