Today we’d like to introduce you to Adryan McGuire, Brandi Vasquez And Genesis Vasquez with Queer Musicians and ATX Queer Music Fest
Hi Adryan, Brandi, and Genesis, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2020, Genesis and Brandi recognized a gap in the music scene—there weren’t many spaces highlighting queer musicians in a dedicated way. So, they decided to take matters into their own hands by starting to book queer music events. Their aim was to create inclusive, empowering spaces for queer artists to perform and for queer audiences to feel seen and celebrated through music. This early stage was filled with learning, experimenting, and connecting with artists who were eager for such spaces.
By 2022, the vision grew into something larger, and Genesis and Brandi were able to organize and book a full-fledged queer music festival. The festival quickly gained attention, providing a stage for a diverse range of queer musicians and creating an unforgettable experience.
In 2023, Adryan joined the team, bringing in fresh energy and perspectives. With their help, the team has been able to further expand the reach of their work, booking even more queer musicians and continuing to grow the platform for artists who were often overlooked by mainstream music events.
It’s been a journey of passion, commitment, and collaboration, and the team continues to push for greater representation and celebration of queer talent in the music industry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, and there have definitely been struggles along the way. One major challenge was finding venues that were open to hosting queer shows, especially ones that weren’t already considered “gay bars” or spaces explicitly marketed to the queer community. Many venues would hesitate, sometimes offering dates on less desirable nights, like Wednesdays, as though they didn’t take the queer community seriously or didn’t value the potential of these events. It was disheartening at times, trying to convince venues that queer events weren’t just niche or “alternative”—they were legitimate, vibrant cultural gatherings that deserved the same attention and respect as any other show.
Additionally, there were moments when being a queer Latinx individual in the scene led to being questioned in ways that felt both personal and professional. There were instances when the team was asked, sometimes in a condescending manner, if they could actually afford to throw events. The underlying assumption seemed to be that they weren’t “serious” enough to make it work, and it was frustrating to constantly fight against those prejudices while also trying to create something meaningful.
Finding spaces that were welcoming, inclusive, and aligned with the team’s vision was an ongoing struggle. The team didn’t want to rely on spaces that already catered specifically to the LGBTQ+ community, because that often meant limiting the reach and experience they were trying to create for everyone. They were looking for venues that understood the importance of intersectionality and diversity, but those spaces were hard to find.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our work is rooted in creating and celebrating inclusive spaces for queer artists, and we’re deeply invested in amplifying underrepresented voices within the queer community. We’re a collective of queer musicians, and as part of a queer band called Female Gallery, we specialize in organizing and booking queer music events that center intersectionality and diversity. We’re known for blending the vibrant energy of queer expression with the power of live music, creating spaces where queer folks can not only enjoy music but also feel empowered and seen.
One of the things we’re most proud of is our upcoming Queer Spring Break Festival in March. It’s something we’ve poured a lot of heart into, and it represents everything we stand for—celebrating queer talent, pushing boundaries, and offering a platform for artists who might otherwise be overlooked. We’re excited about how it brings together different genres, cultures, and backgrounds within the queer community, making it a truly inclusive celebration.
What sets us apart from others is the way we approach our work. We’re not just about booking gigs or throwing events—we’re about building long-term relationships with queer musicians, creating a support system that goes beyond just the shows. We’re a collective that truly believes in the power of collaboration, which is why we’re so hands-on in developing a community around our music and events.
We also emphasize the importance of space. We want our events to take place in venues that reflect our values: welcoming, safe, and diverse. While many queer music events take place in gay bars, we focus on expanding beyond those traditional spaces to make sure the experiences are accessible to everyone, regardless of background or identity.
Ultimately, we’re proud of how we’ve managed to create something that’s both an artistic expression and a community-building tool. It’s about more than just the music—it’s about providing a platform for those whose stories have often been left out of the mainstream. And Queer Spring Break Festival is a big step in that direction, showcasing what queer talent can achieve when we come together to support one another.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Queermusiciansatx
Image Credits
Photos by
Brandi Vasquez
Crystal glaze photography
Shots x nathelie
