Just like the capitol is an emblem of Austin politics, Leslie is an emblem of Austin weirdness. Leslie Cochran is a man (I think ) that dresses like a woman and parades around the city in undergarments. Seemingly in his 50s, he hangs around the bar areas of 6th street and South Congress, normally wearing thongs and high-heeled shoes. 

Leslie takes a picture in front of the Capitol. Photo by Mr. Wright under Creative Commons License.

Leslie takes a picture in front of the Capitol. Photo by Mr. Wright under Creative Commons License.

But with Leslie there is more than what meets the eye. He is a fervent advocate of homeless people, and in 2000 he ran for Mayor of Austin to do something about it. It’s surprising enough that he ran, but what’s more surprising is that people supported him! He came in second with 4.83% of the votes after Kirk Watson won with 89.35%. Imagine a transvestite for mayor. Just the fact that he won second place out of four contenders says that people embrace his weirdness.

Nonetheless, Leslie is more often than not a lighthearted streetwalker of the downtown bar area, saying hi to people he does or does not know, lending himself for pictures or interviews, posing, entertaining.  Here’s a video of him in action.

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