March 7 News

Adapted from our Subscriber Newsletter March 7, 2025.

This week, check out info on our Community Carnival, meet Drag Queen Monica Monae Davenport, learn about Texas anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, and see our upcoming events. We can’t wait to see you soon!


– The Cedar Park and Leander Pride Planning Team

Cedar Park and Leander Pride Community Carnival

Tickets Available Now

We’re putting in the work to ensure our Community Carnival on March 29th will be a memorable event for everyone. This family-friendly event will feature a drag panel and performances, LGBTQIA+ stories, DJs, food trucks, vendors and exhibitors, bounce houses, and more. Remember, tickets are free with RSVP thanks to our sponsors, but you’ll need to grab yours from our online ticketing platform. Sign up today! 

Get Tickets
Featured Sponsor: Firehouse Animal Health Center

None of our events would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We’re grateful to our Gold Sponsor, Firehouse Animal Health Center, for helping us bring the Community Carnival to life. Firehouse has been a consistent supporter of our events and the LGBTQIA+ community. They also provide excellent care for many canine family members across our Planning Team. Stop by the Firehouse Leander clinic or any of their 7 Austin-area locations, and be sure to visit their exhibitor booth at the Community Carnival on March 29th! 

Be a Sponsor, Vendor, or Exhibitor

If you own or work with an inclusive business, you can sign up to join us, too. We’re looking for a variety of community partners to help us bring a fun carnival atmosphere to attendees. Sign Up

Calling all Performers

Showcase your talent at the Community Carnival! Whether you’re a singer, dancer, magician, poet, or any other kind of performer, we want to see what you’ve got. Share your talent and help us celebrate! To secure your spot, complete our Talent form with your name, performance type, and any special requirements you have. We have limited slots available, so sign up as soon as possible! 

Introducing Monica Monae Davenport

Meet one of our favorite fiery Queens! We’re thrilled to introduce Miss Monica Monae Davenport, the newly crowned Miss Gay Texas USofA Newcomer 2025! Monica has been performing in the Austin area for more than 7 years and is a featured performer in our monthly Birdies and Brunch Drag Brunch and the upcoming Cedar Park and Leander Pride Community Carnival. 

Read our Blog 

Texas Legislative Session

We’ve been monitoring the updates from the 2025 legislative session with the support of Equality Texas. We know our hard work helped defeat many horrible bills introduced in the last session, and we can do the same together. During the 2023 Lege, there were 160+ anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed; however, 95% of those were defeated! Despite a handful being approved, it amounted to 0.56%. 

Now is the time to stay connected to our community. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out and know that we refuse to stand idly by and accept it. We will stand our ground. While it may feel like a lot of information to keep up with, most anti-LGBTQIA+ bills get assigned to just four House committees: Higher Education, Public Education, Public Health, and State Affairs. Learn more in this post from Equality Texas about who they are and the issues they’re facing. 

Find Equality Texas on social media, including Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop. Cedar Park and Leander Pride are working with them to host a Postcard Campaign Party soon. Let’s raise our voices and remind these lawmakers that the queer community refuses to stay silent. 

All in for Equality Advocacy Day

It’s time for LGBTQIA+ Texans and our allies to unite! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍🩷🩵🤎🖤Join us at the Capitol from 8 AM to 5 PM on Monday, March 24th, for the All in for Equality Advocacy Day. Equality Texas will be training folks on how to advocate for our issues, rallying to show our collective power, and building community with like-minded Texans who are ready to fight for our rights this session!

:pushpin:Sign up at: http://bit.ly/aifeday 

Cedar Park and Leander Pride Events

Out and About 

Cedar Park and Leander Pride friends were out and about this month at Drag Brunch, Youth Meetup, Gayme Night, and more. See what you missed and check out our list of upcoming events! 

 

Upcoming Events 

March 8: Pride, Pizza & Pints – 18+ LGBTQIA+ Meetup

On the 2nd Saturday of every month, join us at Obsidian Brewery in Leander for a meetup with adults 18 and over. Come meet new friends and enjoy great food and drinks this Saturday, March 8th at 5 PM. 

March 15: LGBTQ+ YOUTH and Ally Meetup

On the 3rd Saturday of every month, join us at 2:00 PM at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park. Our youth engage in fun activities and conversation to build social-emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. 

Our allies also meet here, same time, same place! This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people that may, or may not, have a close tie to the community. Showing up as an ally is incredibly important, especially now. Help us create safer, more inclusive environments and be great role models as we encourage others to speak up to support LGBTQIA+ friends and family.

March 16: Drag Brunch at Spare Birdie

Join us for Drag Brunch at Spare Birdie every 3rd Sunday of the month, where our fabulous drag queens serve up an unforgettable experience. Savor delectable cuisine from 12 PM, followed by an exciting show at 1 PM! Get tickets before they sell out!

March 20: Queer Craft Night

Bring your own craft and meet up with friends from Cedar Park and Leander Pride on Thursday, March 20th. We’ll be at 5th Element Brewing in Leander at 6:30 PM. 

March 29: Community Carnival

Make sure you have your schedule set to join us at the Cedar Park and Leander Pride Community Carnival March 29th! Save the date and grab your free tickets today! 

About Us

Cedar Park Pride and Leander Pride are volunteer-led 501(c)3 non-profit charities. We work together to foster visibility, joy, and inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ residents, allies, and community members. 

Please follow us on social media for updates. @cedarparkpride and @leanderpride

Meet Monica Monae Davenport

Monica Monae Davenport: The Newly Crowned Miss Gay Texas  USofA Newcomer 2025

Photo credit: @monicadmonae

Wearing the Crown with Elegance

That’s right y’all, Monica Monae Davenport has officially been crowned Miss Gay Texas USofA Newcomer 2025! She will be moving on to Nationals soon. Stay tuned.

Monica has been a powerhouse within the drag community. The backbreaking work, time, and commitment she puts into her craft is fierce, and her dedication has won her several titles, including:

  • Miss Merry Christmas 2019
  • Miss Gay Austin USofA Newcomer 2022; reigned until October 2024
  • Miss Austin Pride 2023
  • Miss Texas, 1st Runner Up 2023, placing 7th at Nationals
  • Miss Gay River City Newcomer 2023
  • Miss Texas, 1st Runner Up 2024; placing Top 5 at Nationals
  • Miss Gay San Antonio Newcomer 2025

Photo credit: Anna Fugate-Downs 

Before and Beyond the Spotlight

Monica was born in the city of Chicago and raised in the suburbs throughout the region. In 2016, after graduating high school in Northwest Indiana, she was looking for a change of scenery and made her journey to Austin. Looking back, she says, “It’s still a shocker that it’s going on 9 years this summer.”

With a background in theater, dancing, choir and orchestra, she had her eyes set on performing in drag, so once she arrived, she began to perfect her “look” before hitting the stage. This stunning Queen has now been on the drag scene for a little more than 7 years.

Her first performance in January 2018 was at an open talent night at Rain on 4th, called “Showstoppers,” hosted by Sabel Scities. She continued this show weekly, as she built her confidence and explored this new world.

Davenport’s growth in the business came from perseverance, inquiring about shows where she could spotlight and perform just for tips, because she was looking for exposure. “Back then, getting a $25 booking was like winning the lottery.”

As her popularity grew, hosts took notice of this shining light. Venues like Highland Lounge (Tucked) and Oilcan Harry’s (Crave), as well as a plethora of drag brunch locations, began seeking her out to draw in crowds. Davenport developed a love of competition in a show hosted by Highland Lounge called “Drag Class of 2019.” Here, she placed 3rd in her group as she moved on to do two seasons of Drag Superstar. “But I wasn’t done there,” says Davenport.

The exposure escalated in December 2019 when she won her first title as Miss Merry Christmas and the opportunities started rolling in. 

Photo credit: Anna Fugate-Downs

Rooted in Love

Monica grew up in a very religious household, and at a young age, she would often try to hide who she was. She felt apprehensive to be her true self; however, after coming out, she lovingly reminisces, “My family, both blood and chosen, have been my biggest supporters. My family isn’t the kind to bash or shun me for being me. I had lots of support and respect from members of my family.” 

In addition, her extensive, chosen family spans many avenues throughout her life. She speaks about the more seasoned Queens that aided in steering her in the right direction, with some even taking her under their wing. Davenport says, “They have always been some of my biggest supporters. They can be hard on me at times, but they have always done it with love. I am forever grateful for all the people in my corner rooting for me and how the community can come together in solidarity for injustice.”

I’m forever grateful for all of the people in my corner rooting for me and how the community can come together in solidarity for injustice.

Davenport is deeply grateful for the support of the LGBTQ+ community, as they have also been huge supporters in all her endeavors. She credits the community as a reason she continues to entertain us all. “Honestly, seeing all of the smiles that I bring to people during my performances brings me so much joy. Drag is an art form and I’ve always been a performer. I love bringing the emotion out of a song, because there are people that really have things they are going through, and sometimes, those performances help them get through whatever it is they are dealing with.”

Photo credit: Anna Fugate-Downs

Embracing Her Black Culture and Identity

“Growing up in the midst of Black culture in Chicago, seeing my mom love who she is and all of the women around me loving who they are make me proud to be a Black woman.” Monica embraces and appreciates everything from the music, to the hair, the clothing and jewelry. “There’s just so much that makes me love being a Black woman”. Although she says it may sound cliche, Beyonce has been a big role model based on the hard work and dedication she gives to her craft. She also looks up to greats like Quincy Jones, and how immersed he has been in the history and greatness of Black artists. At the end of the day, she loves anything pro-Black culture. Anytime she sees an artist doing a song or number that represents the beauty and joys of Black culture, she just must do it!

Ultimately, Monica discusses seeing all the struggles Black women faced, still managing to survive and push through and she is determined to do the same.

Always stay true to yourself and never let anyone dim your light, because without that light, we have lots of darkness.

Follow Monica Monae Davenport

Don’t miss Monica perform at our monthly Birdies & Brunch Drag Brunch at Spare Birdie in Cedar Park, every 3rd Sunday of the month. 

March 16th tickets

Monica is also an esteemed hairstylist in Downtown Austin, with countless years of experience and a specialist in just about everything hair. Find her on Instagram at the links below.

@monicadmonae 

@monicakwileystyles 

Announcing our Community Carnival

Adapted from our Subscriber Newsletter February 13th, 2025.

Happy Valentine’s Day this week! We’re sending you love from Cedar Park and Leander Pride! Our teams are hard at work planning our next big event, and we’re excited to announce the Cedar Park and Leander Pride Community Carnival!

SHOW YOUR PRIDE ON MARCH 29th 

Image of a pride banner and carnival with the words Join Cedar Park and Leander Pride on March 29th
On Saturday, March 29th 2025, Cedar Park and Leander Pride will bring together friends and allies for a Community Carnival at Live Oak UU in Cedar Park. 

This family-friendly event will feature food trucks, crafts, entertainment, vendors and exhibitors, LGBTQIA+ storytelling and a drag show.  Tickets to the event are free with RSVP thanks to our sponsors. Click the link below to reserve yours today!

Get tickets



BE A SPONSOR, VENDOR OR EXHIBITOR We can’t wait to host friends at our second event at Live Oak, made possible by support from our sponsors. If you own or work with an inclusive business, we need you and would love for your organization to join us as an event sponsor!   We also know it’s not a Community Carnival without vendors and exhibitors! If you’re down to serve something up on March 29th, please sign up today. We’re looking for a variety of community partners to help us bring a fun carnival atmosphere to attendees. 

Sign up

VOLUNTEER AT THE EVENT Do you love working with inclusive friends to make events a success? Find a shift that works for you and sign up to help bring our March 29th event to life!  Volunteer    

HAVE YOU MADE IT TO DRAG BRUNCH YET? We are beyond excited to have our resident Queens with us each month at Spare Birdie, right here in CEDAR PARK! Yep, that’s right…Drag Brunch, every month, on the 3rd Sunday! Nadine Hughes grew up here in Leander (learn more about her story in our 2022 blog). We also have Penny Copperfield, Monica Monae Davenport, and Sierra Mykels, as well as the fabulous Tony Castro, their resident DJ. If you haven’t been to Drag Brunch yet, please consider adding it to your calendar, as we have an absolute blast! Brunch begins at 12 PM and the show starts at 1 PM. Please visit the link below to reserve your tickets for our next one this Sunday, February 16th. Tickets are $10 and kids 12 and under are free! Grab a ticket      

OUT AND ABOUT  Did you miss us at recent events? From drag brunch to coffee, happy hour and a Super Bowl celebration, Cedar Park and Leander Pride friends have been meeting up to be visible, build friendships and community, and support our inclusive local businesses. 

Images of smiling Leander Pride and Cedar Park Pride friends at various recent events with the words "out and about"  

UPCOMING EVENTS In addition to our Community Carnival, we host a variety of special events and recurring microevents. Find a few that fit you and we can’t wait to see you there!

LGBTQIA+ Youth and Ally Meetup – February 15th  On the 3rd Saturday of every month, join us at 2:00 PM at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park. Our youth engage in fun activities and conversation as they discover similarities with one another, which helps to foster healthy social-emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. In February and March we’ll be working on some decorations for the Community Carnival. 

Parents, Family Members, and Allies Meetup – February 15th Our Allies Meetup is at 2:00 PM on the same date as the Youth LGBTQIA+ Meetup, the 3rd Saturday of every month. This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people that may, or may not, have a close tie to the community. Showing up as an ally is incredibly important, especially now. Allies help create safer, more inclusive environments and can even be great role models as they encourage others to speak up to support LGBTQIA+ people.

GAYME Night – February 20th  Who’s up for fun and games? On Thursday, February 20th at 5:00 PM, bring friends and family to 5th Element Brewery in Leander for a family-fun evening out.   

ABOUT US Cedar Park Pride and Leander Pride are volunteer-led 501(c)3 non-profit charities. We work together to foster visibility, joy, & inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ residents, allies and community members.   

Please follow us on our socials for updates and other microevents.  
@cedarparkpride and @leanderpride

We’re in this together.

A Message from Leander Pride to our LGBTQIA+ Community & Allies:

We understand the election results have stirred a wide range of emotions—concern, fear, frustration, determination—and so much more. We want to remind you that as a community, we are here for you. We stand united, stronger together than ever before.

Our mission to make Leander a more inclusive and welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ residents and community members is as important now as it’s ever been. The road ahead may not always be easy, but we are resilient.

We will continue to offer events and ways to bring us together as community. We’ve faced challenges before, and together, we have the power to continue pushing for progress.

We encourage you to seek out support and connection within our community, whether that’s with Leander Pride or any of the other incredible local Pride organizations.

Now, more than ever, it’s time for us to show up for each other. Stay strong. Stay proud.

We’re in this together.

With love, Leander Pride

hearts

If you or someone you know needs support services, you can also reach out to these organizations.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    Call: 988
    Available 24/7
  • LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline
    888-OUT-LGBT (888-688-5428)
  • LGBT National Help Center
    Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743
    Senior Hotline: 888-234-7243
    Monday thru Friday, 4pm to midnight ET; ; Saturday from noon to 5pm ET
  • SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline
    1-877-360-LGBT (5428)
    Connects LGBT elders and caretakers with friendly responders who are ready to listen. Available 24/7, in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages.
  • Trans Lifeline
    Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a confidential 24/7 peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning people. Call us if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not in crisis or if you’re not sure you’re trans.
    1-877-565-8860 (United States)
    1-877-330-6366 (Canada)
    Oprime 2 para hablar con unx operadxr en español.

July 2024 events

Join us for upcoming Leander Pride events in July. We can’t wait to see you there!

Leander Pride Coffee Crawl

Saturday, July 6

10:00 AM

Morning Sunshine Cafe, Cedar Park

View details on Facebook

LGBTQIA+ Youth Meetup

Saturday July 13

2:00 PM

Live Oak UU, Cedar Park

View details on Facebook

Leander Pride Book Club

Sunday, July 14th

3:00 PM

Obsidian Brewery, Leander

View details on Facebook

If you’re not already, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn!

Leander Pride Party

Kick off Pride season at the Leander Pride Party!

Join Leander Pride for a fun event at Haute Spot, featuring Drag Queen Nadine Hughes, live DJ and house band playing hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, March 29th.

Details

Saturday, May 18th, 2024

6 PM – Midnight

Haute Spot

1501 E New Hope Dr

Cedar Park, TX 78641

Ages 18+

Schedule

  • 6:00 PM Doors Open / Happy Hour 6-7
  • 6:00 – 8:00 PM DJ 
  • 8:00 – 10:45 PM Band 
    • 80’s @ 8pm
    • 90’s @ 9pm
    • 2000’s @ 10pm
  • 10:45-Midnight Afterparty

Tickets

$15 GA in advance
$18 GA day of show
Additional options will be available for reserved seating for a table of 4 and balcony

Purchase tickets at the link below starting this Friday, March 29th.

Tickets

Happy Hour for Trans Day of Visibility

Leander Pride happy hour Sunday March 24th, 2024 2-5 PM. Join us for a low-key meetup and early celebration in honor of Trans Day of Visibility.

In honor of Trans Day of Visibility later this month, join us on Sunday March 24th for a low key meetup between 2 and 5 PM at 5th Element Brewing.

Each year at the end of March, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. It’s a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the discrimination and violence the community faces.

Join us to meet Leander Pride members and local residents and celebrate trans and non-binary people everywhere.

Leander Pride Happy Hour for Trans Day of Visibility

5th Element Brewing

100 E Evans St

Leander TX 78641

Sunday, March 24th 2024

2:00 – 5:00 PM

Read more about Trans Day of Visibility from the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD.

See more news and events on our blog and on the Leander Pride Facebook page.

Queens & Wings Spring Break Edition

Drag Brunch Spring Break Edition March 24th at 10am Hosted by Nadine Hughes Haute Spot Cedar Park

Don’t forget to head out to Haute Spot this weekend!

The Beaches are Back on Sunday, March 24th at Haute Spot for the popular Queens & Wings Drag Brunch – Spring Break Edition!

Brunch starts at 10am and the show starts at 12pm. Hosted by Leander Pride’s favorite queen, Nadine Hughes, with music from Dj Tony Castro.

$5 general admission or reserve a table for $40 (includes 4 seats & tickets). *Brunch is an additional cost on site.

Tickets are on sale now!
Brunch at 10am
Show Starts at 12pm

Buy tickets

See more events on the Leander Pride Facebook page.

2024 Coffee Crawl

Does your New Year’s resolution include learning more about your local Pride group? Getting to know the board members and finding out what events and opportunities are available for the upcoming year?

Coffee Crawl hosted by Leander Pride the first Saturday of every month

Join us for our monthly coffee crawl meetup! On the first Saturday morning of every month, we’ll meet for a low-key chat at a local coffee shop.

Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new friends!

If you can’t join us this month, be sure to follow Leander Pride on Facebook to receive updates on other events and activities you can join.

Queer EmPower Festival

Leander Pride and Cedar Park Pride teamed up to host a joint event July 15, 2023 to raise awareness about issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community, provide a fun, safe space to celebrate everyone, and equip local allies with insight and information to help support our community. It featured community speakers, vendors, performers, music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.

Queer EmPower Pride Conference & Festival, hosted by Cedar Park Pride and Leander Pride