Like Coachella and Comic-Con, South By Southwest has grown into one of those iconic national events that inspires deep FOMO. A humble music festival when it began in the late 1980s, SXSW now attracts the biggest artists, writers, thinkers, and business folk for 10 days of panels, performances, and premieres in Texas's funky capital. Though this year's event -- starting Friday -- will not feature Lady Gaga being barfed on (as far as we know), there are so many events of LGBT interest, it's deeply overwhelming. Stem your panic with this list of what's truly unmissable:
MARCH 13: The Final Girls Premiere
A comedy-horror hybrid in the vein of Scream,The Final Girls (not to be confused with the also forthcoming scary movie Final Girl) has its world premiere at SXSW. With an interesting time travel plot that involves the slasher heyday of the '80s, The Final Girls could be the next big scary movie.
MARCH 13: Speed Networking, LGBT Meet Up
Yeah, it's just a mixer, but it's a gay mixer. Since it's the first day of SXSW, this is the perfect place to meet new friends and get an idea of what everyone's excited for.
MARCH 14: Princess Reema Keynote Speech
Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud is the CEO of Alfa Intl., a Saudi Arabian luxury retailer. For her keynote speech, Princess Reema will discuss how she's challenging her nation's deeply sexist attitudes by employing women and offering them transportation and child care.
MARCH 14: Out on the Field: LGBT Pro Athletes in 2015
Don't miss this panel with NBA player Jason Collins and soccer star Megan Rapinoe discussing how 2014 changed the landscape for LGBT professional athletes and what we should expect this year and into the future.
MARCH 15: Trainwreck Premiere
Feminist comedian Amy Schumer wrote and stars in this story about a substance-abusing mess who tries to change her wild ways.
MARCH 15: Martine Rothblatt Keynote Speech
One of the most fascinating people on the planet, Martine Rothblatt is a brilliant scientist and businesswoman. She's also transgender. Rothblatt will speak about not only her gender identity and the corporate world but also her ideas on pharmaceutical development, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and robotics.
MARCH 15: Animal Planet's Next Cat Star Party
So Animal Planet is trying to find America's Next Cat Star for a new show and is hosting a SXSW party revealing the finalists. There's also an '80s band and dancing. This must be experienced.
MARCH 15: Tab HunterConfidential Premiere
We're very excited for this documentary on the 1950s screen idol who everyone -- press agents, costars, the actor himself -- tried to pretend was not gay.
MARCH 15: Helping LGBT Homeless Youth With Technology
This very specific panel will explain how expanding communications could save the lives of 650,000 homeless individuals who identify as LGBT.
MARCH 16: A Conversation With Amy Schumer
You know there's gonna be some zingers with Schumer shooting off her mouth about women, comedy, and everything else.
MARCH 16: An Above Average Talent Show Benefiting the Ally Coalition
Get ready for yuks from Bob Saget, gay comedian James Adomian, and SNL stars Vanessa Bayer and Jay Pharaoh. The event raises money for a local organization devoted to LGBT youth.
MARCH 17: Trans-X Performance
Drink a Red Bull and head over to the the Iron Bear for a performance by this '80s group that changed dance music forever.
MARCH 19: Bleachers Performance
Fun.'s Jack Antonoff will show off his latest musical effort with a show at UPROXX House. Antonoff is the cowriter of Sara Bareilles's gay-themed "Brave" and is a proud proponent of LGBT equality.
