We continue to keep Austin weird with our own resident drag-queen - Leslie Cochran

Photo taken at the 2009 Old Pecan Street Festival in Austin TX.

Leslie Cochran born as Albert Leslie Cochran is an American vagrant cross-dresser and arguably the most famous street person, according to local media sources, in Austin, texas. He is an outspoken critic of police treatment of the homeless in the downtown area. Many consider him to be the epitome of the "Keep Austin Weird" campaign, as demonstrated by his two time run for mayor as well as numerous articles in the Austin Chronicle and local news stations. Leslie hangs out around 6th street, usually around 6th and Congress during business hours. He can often be found at Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse during late afternoons and evenings. He is most frequently seen wearing women's clothing, the most popular attire is a leopard thong and high-heeled shoes, a bra and tight skimpy t-shirt to show off his b-cup top. In 2000, Leslie ran for mayor against the incumbent Kirk Watson and finished second. His popularity waned in the 2003 election because of his platform to house the homeless in tipis.

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Article Below Published: Jan. 26, 2000 - By John Kelso
American-Statesman Staff

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson's worst nightmare may be standing right now in front of One American Center at Congress Avenue and Sixth Street in bad makeup, pink Spandex and stacked heels.

Leslie Cochran, the city's human weather gauge (the more pants he has on, the cooler it is), is running for mayor. Although the crossdresser has no money, he has one advantage over Watson -- better name recognition. He's like Madonna. He can go by one name, and you still know who he is.

For some time, the Downtown Austin Alliance has tried to get Leslie off the corner in front of One American Center because all that leg clashes with the high rise's image. Maybe this mayoral stunt will fix the problem.

"The rumor is that the DAA is endorsing his campaign so he'll be inside the mayor's office instead of on the street corner," Watson said. He understands the scope of the competition.

"My fear is that this will not be an issue-oriented campaign but (about) who has the best legs, and then I know I'm a dead man," Watson said. "The only problem I've got is that I've seen freckles where I never really wanted to." The mayor was referring to Leslie's freckles, not his own.

For his part, Leslie is selling, on the street, Christmasy glossy photos and T-shirts that show him in a plaid skirt. Both T-shirts and photos come with the slogan, "Have you been naughty or nice?"
These items were given to Leslie by Yclip.com, the startup that made a name for itself with a $50,000 print ad campaign that features large color photos of Leslie in his tiara. The items are leftovers from the office Christmas party.