How an Austin Queer Quinceañera is Reimagining Tradición

“Con Mucho Amor,” a celebration that reimagines the quinceañera, spotlights trans and queer people who never got the chance to have the quince of their dreams, or who had one but never quite felt like they fit inside it. This November marked the second “Con Mucho Amor” event, founded by drag king and event producer Bobby Pudrido. Six queer and trans Austin artists were celebrated at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center during a magical night rooted in the traditions of the quinces we know and love, while coloring outside the lines of what it can be.

The stars of the quince show were crowned on a throne, slow danced with their chosen family, and received the final doll, traditionally marking the transition into adulthood during this rite of passage. But, of course, this was a queer quince, so there were a few fabulous additions not every celebration is blessed with: drag performances from O’Mari Dior Davenport and Guinness World Record holder for world’s oldest performing drag king, “El Daña,” alongside opera singer Claudia Chapa. And when the performances were over, everyone got down on the dance floor to the sounds of DJ Lavender Thug.

At a time when queer and trans existence is under attack and politicized, there was something especially powerful about witnessing a room full of people simply taking up space, celebrating one another, and experiencing joy.

RELATED: WATCH “CON MUCHO AMOR” INTERVIEWS