Finn – a member of the Leander & Cedar Park Pride Fest Planning team – shares his experience as a trans man in Texas and how he found a supportive community.
What was your experience like growing up trans?
The place I grew up wasn’t the most accepting of anyone who was different. Even my friends teased me about not conforming to gender norms.
In school, I felt pressure to change what I wore or how I presented, but I was not comfortable in dresses, skirts or makeup. High school got so bad that I had to stop using the bathroom because every time I went in I’d get glared at, or I’d hear, “OMG there’s a boy in the girl’s bathroom” and I’d feel so much shame. My mom was a tomboy growing up and “understood” how I was feeling. But when I wanted to cut my hair short for the first time, she was hesitant because “it’d make me look more like a boy.” She knew I’d get teased more.
I didn’t have a word to describe how I was feeling until college. I spent part of my first year watching other people’s stories. That helped me to normalize how I was feeling, but it took time to come to terms with being trans myself.
I decided to join an LGBT club on campus. I remember feeling scared signing up at the table with my chosen name for the first time. Leadership was very accepting. Others in the club were too, but not fully-informed. They wanted to learn about trans people, so I had to do a lot of educating. It was a slow and frustrating process to get everyone to use my male pronouns. I came out to my parents the next year. They were mostly accepting of me but hesitant to change their own language. Just before my senior year, I saw a therapist and started testosterone. A year after I graduated, I had top surgery and had my legal name and gender marker changed, and that was really liberating. I gave myself a fresh start before my move to Texas.
How did you get involved in the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus?
After moving here, I went to karaoke night with coworkers and people said, “You’re actually good!” I saw a Facebook ad for auditions with the Chorus and even though I hadn’t been involved in music since I played the violin in grade school, I pushed myself to apply so I could feel I belonged somewhere.
When I first joined the choir, I was worried they might kick me out once they found out I’m trans. It turns out I didn’t have to be so worried. Today, our mission statement is much clearer that anyone can join who can sing in the range. There are now other trans members in the chorus, and I wound up finding a lot of friends and community.
I’m really happy that my life has led me to the chorus. I wound up finding a lot of friends and community.
In addition to our regular rehearsals and concerts this year, we hosted “Drag Out” – a drag show fundraiser March 21st at the Highland Lounge, where I performed in drag for the first time. We’ve also created a workshop called Transpose, where we’re flying in an expert on trans voices to coach us, which I’m looking forward to.
Our biggest news is the documentary “This Is Texas,” which was released at the end of 2025. At our 2024 Spring show, journalist John-Carlos Estrada was in the audience and was inspired to film our chorus, spotlighting trans members and our journey to performing at the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) Festival that year.
How does the political environment in Texas affect you?
It affects me a lot right now. Two states have already invalidated trans people’s driver’s licenses and I’m concerned Texas may be next. I’m grateful to have been born in California, where the political environment is much easier. When I moved to Texas, I was flagged for not being signed up for selective services and had to account for it. I worry that may have put me on a list.
Of course my healthcare is at risk, as is my daily safety. I have to rethink wearing my AGMC hat in certain places, because I don’t know how people will react. It sucks, because I have a lot of really fun Pride shirts! A neighbor did once thank me for putting a Pride flag in front of my house – that was heartwarming.
I want other trans and queer community members to know that if you don’t know anybody near you, there’s a lot of support out there.
Why is Pride important to you?
Pride lets people know their community exists. I want other trans and queer community members to know that if they don’t know anybody near them, there’s still a lot of support out there. There are online communities, Pride organizations, Instagram accounts and meetups of all kinds. If you’re new here or are just looking to make friends, that’s a good place to start.
I hope many more people will attend Leander & Cedar Park Pride Fest this year than ever before. Hosting it in a more prominent place like Lakeline Park increases visibility and lets people know there’s a lot of us north of Austin, ready to be a community they can plug into.
Free festival April 18th will feature queer music, art and culture at Lakeline Park
CEDAR PARK, TEXAS – Leander & Cedar Park Pride announced that tickets are now available for Pride Fest on April 18. The free event will feature an afternoon of high-energy performances, local music, food trucks, vendors, adult beverages and activities for all ages.
Organizers aim to create a joyful event to “help LGBTQIA+ folks feel like they belong with a big, beautiful party that celebrates queer music, art, and culture,” said Shannon Whiting, President of Leander Pride.
The celebration comes at a time when both Pride organizations feel it’s needed most. “Lawmakers and Texas leaders keep targeting the queer community,” Whiting said.
“That just adds to the exclusion we already face,” added Virginia Shrader, President of Cedar Park Pride.
The festival marks the third joint Pride event hosted by Leander Pride and Cedar Park Pride, a growing collaboration focused on building a visible and affirming community in the northern Austin suburbs.
“People need to see Pride events happening in the smaller cities outside of Austin,” Shrader said.
Whiting agreed, “Pride is about more than throwing a big party once a year. It’s about visibility and outnumbering the hate, one voice of love at a time.”
Leander & Cedar Park Pride Fest will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm at Lakeline Park in Cedar Park at 1510 Alexis Drive.
ABOUT LEANDER PRIDE AND CEDAR PARK PRIDE
Leander Pride and Cedar Park Pride are two volunteer-led non-profit organizations, committed to making our cities safe and inclusive places for LGBTQIA+ people.
After protestors shut down drag story hour at the public library in 2019, Leander Pride members banded together to work toward building acceptance and community for queer neighbors.
Forged by the call to save a beloved local drag brunch that lost its venue, Cedar Park Pride has fostered visibility and inclusion by serving the Central Texas community with a LGBTQIA+ volunteer network since 2021.
He said it while breezing past our table last weekend – a table that greeted him with two smiling faces and a colorful “Love Is Love” banner.
We knew our presence at Leander Local Fest would have mixed reactions. Plenty of people walked right past us with little more than a polite nod, while some gave no eye contact at all. That’s to be expected. The deliberate hate announced in the middle of a professional networking event, however, was not.
But neither was the amount of support we encountered. The allies seemed to come out of the woodwork of our small cities, as countless encouraging phrases soon drowned out the ugliest voice in the room.
These hopeful words came from a myriad of faces: a new Texas transplant looking for connection; a queer couple excited to find like-minded friends; children looking up at our jar of flags to ask for one, then running off in a joyful sprint, waving the small rainbow above their heads.
And those were just the attendees. The businesses that were set up near ours stepped away from their tables to let us know we were in good company: a proud mother/in-law of a lesbian couple who was excited to soon welcome two newly adopted grandchildren; a candlemaker who immediately placed our Pride sticker on his tote; and a church leader who wanted us to feel safe sitting across from them.
Pride is about so much more than throwing a big party once a year. It’s about outnumbering the hate, one voice of love at a time.Thank you for adding to our numbers. Showing up is the most important thing you can do.
With gratitude and Pride,
Shannon Whiting & Virginia Shrader
Presidents of Leander Pride and Cedar Park Pride
Adapted from our Subscriber Newsletter March 6, 2025. Did you miss it? Use the form below to subscribe today.
Local drag performer and partner find support from the Pride Community
Drag performer Sara Vignette, photographed by Ima Leupp.
My partner began his journey into drag performing during the lockdown of 2020. Stepping out the front door of our suburban Cedar Park home – even when masked and under the cover of darkness – was terrifying.
When it was time for “Sara Vignette” to emerge, we carefully orchestrated every move – I stepped out first to make sure the coast was clear, starting the car and turning off the interior dome light. He – now she – turned off the motion detector lights outside on her way out to the passenger door, which I had triple-checked was unlocked.
Sara is far too beautiful to be hiding herself, but she hunches down in an attempt to conceal her statuesque height of six-and-a-half feet with heels and hair. This queen, who is meant to be seen, creeps like a mouse across the 20 feet from the front door to the car. All due to fear of judgment. All because her fluid self-expression felt like a vulnerability in a world that raised Her to believe the He had no right to be feminine.
We didn’t have the support of a Pride group then. Sandwiched between neighbors with conservative political leanings, we didn’t expect to find a robust queer community in Cedar Park. So we tried to blend in. We tried to stay still and small to avoid being ostracized.
Drag performer Sara Vignette, photographed by Ima Leupp.
In the animal world, being “safe” often depends on a creature’s ability to go undetected. A deer standing still can easily disappear into its surroundings.While hiding might guarantee safety, what it also guarantees is solitude. As we spent more time with Cedar Park Pride, we came to realize a new definition of safe.
While hiding might guarantee safety, what it also guarantees is solitude.
Anna Fugate-Downs
The visibility of this Pride community has given us a similar evolutionary concept to a bold zebra stripe, the flashy scales of fish, or the vibrancy of a poison dart frog. Safety doesn’t have to mean staying small, still, and solitary. Safety can also be found in disruptive patterns, dazzling displays, or big bright identifying colors.
Are we still cautious when we walk out our front door? Absolutely. But knowing that a welcoming group of people waits for us on the other side of that car ride has made all the difference. Having a full flock of rainbow-colored birds to greet us gave us the courage to spread our wings and join them!
Planning Team Hangout + Committee Kickoff: In Person!
We’re feeling all the warm fuzzies just thinking about the magic we have planned for 2026. Come hang with us at La Dosis on Thursday at 6:30pm to get in on the planning!
This will be a low-key, social kickoff as we start shaping our committees and figuring out how we’ll work together between now and the festival. Expect mingling, introductions, and a chance to connect faces to names, plus generally having a gay old time.
Before Thursday: If you’re able, take a look at the committee list below and see if any of them spark your interest. It’ll be a helpful starting point for conversations.
Don’t worry, there’s no commitment contract and in fact:
You do not have to join a committee to be involved
You do not need to have a lot of time to make a meaningful impact
Any amount of help—big, small, occasional, behind-the-scenes—is genuinely appreciated
If you want to plug into a committee, that’s amazing! If you’d rather help in a more flexible or ad-hoc way, that’s just as great. There is plenty to do, and we’ll meet people where they are.
Most meetings after this will continue to be virtual; this is just a chance to kick things off together in person and start building our rhythm as a group. Our virtual meetings will continue to be bi-weekly, every other Tuesday/Thursday on alternating days. If you need the meeting invite, let us know.
Hope to see you Thursday!
PS: If you can’t make it, no stress at all, we’ll be sharing next steps afterward. You can also fill out our volunteer form to sign up now and receive updates by email.
The holidays are here, and we’re spreading cheer with purpose! Leander and Cedar Park Pride are hosting a Holiday Auction to celebrate community and support next year’s Pride Festival, and we’d love your help to make it shine.
How It Works:
Donations accepted: November 20 – December 1
Online bidding: December 2 – 8
Fulfillment period: December 9 – 15
Donate Auction Items
We’re seeking donations of goods, services, gift cards, and unique items from local vendors and businesses. Your contribution will be promoted to our community, and auctioned off with all proceeds funding the 2026 Leander and Cedar Park Pride Festival.
Donors will be matched with winning bidders to arrange item fulfillment directly. It’s a simple, impactful way to promote inclusion and visibility in Leander and Cedar Park.
Get ready to spread cheer and help us plan another amazing Leander and Cedar Park Pride Festival in 2026! It’s easy to participate in the Holiday Auction:
Check back through December 1st as we add new items from our donors.
Watch for the online auction to open on Giving Tuesday, December 2nd and start placing bids.
At the end of the auction on December 8th, the highest bidder wins and purchases each item at the bid price. Then, donors will arrange for fulfillment of the item.
Make a direct donation
If you’d like to support our event by making a direct financial contribution instead, visit the online auction page at any time and click “Donate.”
Thank you for helping us to spread holiday cheer and bring unity to our cities!
Applications now open for upcoming Leander Pride Officer and Planning Team roles
Leander Pride is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating positive change in our community. Leander Pride’s mission is to help eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and to foster diversity and inclusion through our service to members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Our purpose is to foster relationships, raise awareness, and make our city a more inclusive place for LGBTQIA+ residents and community members.
Applications are now open for our September 2025 Election, and we want you. We are currently seeking passionate, committed individuals to join our Board of Directors and Planning Team.
Check out the information below and submit your application by August 20, 2025.
Open Positions
Officers: Two-Year Terms (2025-2027):
President – Serves as Chief Executive Officer, presides at board meetings, and provides strategic leadership
Secretary – Records meeting minutes, maintains organizational records, and serves as custodian of the organization’s logo and official documents
Assistant Treasurer – Supports financial operations and assists the Treasurer with fiscal responsibilities
Officers: Completing Current Terms (Through September 2026):
Vice President – Assumes presidential duties when the President is unavailable and provides executive leadership support
Assistant Secretary – Supports the Secretary with record-keeping and administrative duties
Planning Leads (September 2026-September 2026)
Marketing & Promotion – Plans and manages social media, web content, print, and merchandise
Communications & PR– Plans and manages media outreach, email newsletter, interviews
Finance – Assists the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer with creation and oversight of the annual budget and ongoing income and expenses
Fundraising – Develops and ensures execution of event-specific and annual fundraising and donor outreach plans
Business & Community Outreach – Drives targeting and outreach to Leander businesses, the City of Leander, Chamber of Commerce, non-profits, and schools to develop relationships and identify partnership opportunities
Systems & Technology – Develops and oversees the strategy, evaluation, deployment, and maintenance of technical tools
Large Events – Drives planning and execution of the organization’s annual event(s), serving as the lead project manager and partnering with the board, other planning leads, and volunteers
Microevents – Ensures effective planning and execution of monthly microevents (i.e. Coffee Crawls, Gayme Nights, Youth Meetups), working with the board and Planning Team to confirm that a location and host are identified for each event and to promote and drive attendance
Graphic Designer(s) – Design and produce Leander Pride visual assets, including social posts, banners, event materials consistent with Leander Pride branding
What We’re Looking For
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
Commitment to Leander Pride’s mission of promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion and eliminating discrimination
Previous experience in leadership, governance, nonprofit work, or community organizing
Experience in one or more of the following areas: fundraising, volunteer recruiting and management, event planning, marketing, legal and financial management, data management and technology systems, business development
Ability to attend monthly board or planning team meetings and participate in scheduled events
Strong communication and collaborative skills
Willingness to contribute time volunteering for organizational activities
Understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and nonprofit governance
Ability to lead and facilitate volunteer activities and treat everyone with respect
Responsibilities
Participate in strategic planning and organizational decision-making
Provide governance oversight and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
Support fundraising and community outreach efforts
Attend board or planning team meetings (with in-person or virtual meeting schedules defined by the group)
Volunteer at Leander Pride events and initiatives
Uphold the organization’s nondiscrimination policy and conflict of interest standards
Contribute to the financial health and sustainability of the organization
Enable the planning and execution of monthly microevents, an annual event, and ongoing awareness and community-building activities agreed upon by the leadership team
Commitment
These are volunteer (unpaid) positions. Board members are expected to dedicate time to both governance responsibilities and hands-on volunteer work. Meeting attendance and active participation in organizational activities are essential.
How to Apply
We want to hear from you! Complete our application form where you can share:
Why you’re passionate about joining Leander Pride leadership
What motivates you to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion and community building
Relevant experience you bring to this leadership role
Which specific position(s) interest you most and why
If desired, you can attach a resume or supporting information to the application form.
Application deadline: August 20th.
Elections will be finalized during our regularly scheduled meeting on or about August 27th, and new roles begin September 15 to kick off planning for Q4 and 2026.
If you want to get involved but have questions or you’ve got skills and passion to help that aren’t listed here, reach out to us at leanderpride@gmail.com!
Leander Pride is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds who share our commitment to creating a more inclusive community.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Before Thursday: If you’re able, take a look at the committee list below and see if any of them spark your interest. It’ll be a helpful starting point for conversations. 
Sign up at: 
