Leslie Cochran

I remember doing security at the Little Field building, back in 1999 and Leslie was my nightly entertainment, when I had to check the garage. You made my nights go by really fast. I miss you Leslie

Dear Leslie, my children and I had the pleasure of meeting you in front of Starbucks on 6th Street shortly after we moved to Austin in 1996. You made us laugh as you and the guitar wielding preacher heckled each other on the sidewalk. You graciously gave me an interview for a paper I was writing at the time about homelessness in Austin. You wanted to be cited as "Queen of the Universe" and you were. I got an A on the paper, and in the class, by the way :) You always had a kind or funny word whenever we saw each other downtown, and I am so glad to have known you before you went to the big rickshaw in the sky. You won't be forgotten, good buddy, I know you're rockin' that thong up there. <3

Leslie when I want to remember my Austin you are a huge part of it. I always smiled when I saw you. My favorite was you coming into little Woodrow's on sixth with your big leopard top hat. When you died a huge part of Austin went with you. Thanks for making me smile a lot....God bless Texas God bless Austin God bless lesslie

I'll always cherish our little encounters at Katz's Deli upstairs having a cocktail together, (it wasn't too difficult to convince him to let me buy him a cocktail!) listening to great music and Leslie admiring my unique fashion choices of the evening! He tried to get me to give them to him, without success! I hope he is at peace and knows my heart broke a bit when I learned of his passing.

Still in our heart Mr. Leslie

Were still remembering u.. we miss u

Enjoying a glass of wine at Eighteenth Over Austin and the gentleman sitting next to me told me about you! He appeared to be a successful businessman although I never got his name. This gentlemen was impervious with his comments about what you represented. I used an analogy of New York's "Naked Cowboy", only to be quickly interrupted being told that no comparison existed between the two icons. Not being from Austin, TX, I accessed the almighty internet and Bam there you were. I wanted to say I appreciated your true spirit and your courage to be different in this world.
RIP "Leslie".

You are missed Leslie.

I'm so sad to see him go my he RIP

I met him while I was on Spring Break in 2002. He was so nice and charismatic. Austin is losing one of it's greatest natives.

I was so sad to hear about Leslie. I had seen him for years going to work and always waived. Austin has lost a great person and we will always remember him with a smile.

I'm waiting for the day that there is a statue of you in your thong next to me. That's the least the City of Austin can do for you for all the free advertising you have given the city.

I have called Austin my home since birth and love everything about Austin. I can't say I ever had the pleasure of meeting Leslie, but I know this city will never be the same without his presence. He was a true Austin icon and will be dearly missed. RIP Leslie

leslie i met you over 20 years ago.i found you funny , very smart,and you always made me smile,noone else dressed like you downtown thats for sure...REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND

You will be missed,RIP...

The magic was nearly gone, but when Leslie came to town he seemed to rekindle it in some ways. Goodby dear friend; goodbye Austin.

My condolences to the family. May God give you the strength to endure this trial.

You knew you had become a legitimate Austinite when you could stand next to Leslie and think nothing odd was afoot. Great person - Great Austinite - Leslie will be missed

goodbye dear friend... you will be missed...

I feel so lucky to have "encountered" Leslie while visiting Austin. He wore a stunning, green out fit that showed of those enviable legs. Austin won't seem so happy to me now when I'm there. I will always be looking for Leslie. You will be missed, dear soul.

I remember you from Lamar Braker. The kids at Albertsons used to Buy extra sandwiches for you. You rarely passed up a chance to conversate or smile. Thanks for loving Austin! You were always kind to people even when they weren't kind to you. RIP Leslie.

leslie, will never be forgotten

Leslie, to know you was to love you............and so many of us did. You brightened our good city with your wildly colorful self. Rest with the angels. We shall miss your stylish ways my man. Debra Scully

I worked n a store on congress n saw him all the time...never talkd jus smilez....r.i.p

You will definitely be an asset in heaven. I didnt know you personally but I saved all of the paper clippings about you. I thought you were cool. RIP

best of wishes from your friends kel and abel peace love and tacos

Lesile was true friend who I personally knew for many wonderful years.We would sit down and have a cup of coffee, sometimes even a cigarette, I would ask his opinion on several personal issues and he would always find time to tell me what he thought was the best answer, I really enjoy those times.Leslie I love you and thank you for being such wonderful person and great friend, I will certainly miss you and your awesome,may we meet again one day.You are loved and I will never forget you.Enjoy those wings because you certainly deserve them.Your friend always!!!

I found out about Leslie's passing while celebrating St Patrick's day in a bar last night here in DC. It really gave me pause. He made weird normal and made the world brighter for it.

Back in 2004 when my I was living in Georgetown, my 18 year old nephew told me how excited he was to have met Leslie the night before when he was out with his friends. To him and his friends Leslie was just Leslie.

Thanks for being who you were and RIP.

From 1981 to 2004 I lived in Central Texas. It was always Leslie that made sure all the girls on 6th Street got a cab, made it out safely, were walked back to their girls if needed. God Bless You Leslie, he lent us our Guardian Angel for awhile and now he has taken you back home. We will see you again some day.

I've been in Austin from 1999 to 2012 and it has always been nice just knowing that Leslie is around. I might have only talked to him in passing, but Thank You Leslie for flying your flag and living out loud. God bless you and your loved ones.

I was only passing through Austin when I had the good fortune to meet Leslie and enjoy a minute in the light of his smile. I hope he's happy and keeping heaven weird in his wonderful way !

I've lived in Austin since 1974, and Leslie & I are born in the same year, 1951. I've seen Leslie downtown, smiling, talking, to everyone and anyone who came his way. "Keep Austin weird," will always keep Leslie's memory alive. My prayers & thoughts are with his family, and close friends who knew him, and whose lives are sadden, without Leslie being here. I know that Leslie's @ pease now, no longer homeless, no longer feeling the physical and emotional pain of his life's journey. I life up Leslie's family to God asking that they be comfort, with God's peace and love.

Austin will always be "weird, and eunique to us Austinites, and visitors, and passer through.

From Barbara Beal "BB"

[email protected]

I've lived in Austin, TX since 1974, and the most outstanding "Keep Austin Weird" was seening Leslie downtown being his usual self.

My prayers & thoughts go out to Leslie's family his mother & sister, and all of the lives that he touched,during his life on this earth. I know that he's @ peace now, no longer homeless, now that he has a home in Heaven. "Keep Austin Weird," will never be the same without Leslie's presence.

My prayers are with all who knew loved him. "Rest in Peace Leslie,...& Austin will always be weird.

all of us who want to keep austin as weird as possible owe it to leslie to be true to ourselves while remaining unconcerned about what others think -- within reason, of course. or not.

I was saddned to find out he had passed I was A nurse n Austin 1996-2003 I used to catch capital metro to n from work n everyday at 6th n congress there Leslie would be,,,He was actually very smart,nice, n could make me laugh on my worst days,,I MOVED BK TO MY HOME TOWN TEMPLE 2003,,BUT WILL NEVER FORGET HIM

Goodbye! My dear Leslie! the day i found you unconscious along sixth street,and then seein you as the ems vechicle whisk you off to the hospital i knew it was the end!I know you are now in good care!

"Love is the immortal essence that allows us to be forever, for love is the arms of God. It is the thing that holds into eternity. It never dies~It never dies! It only becomes richer, deeper and freer. To be utterly god, you must utterly love and be loved in return," a Ramtha statement.

Leslie, you were -- as we all know -- one of a kind. You let us laugh and, through example, allowed us to be as weird as we wanted to be. When I first moved here, you were up on Braker Lane. I had a few conversations with you over the years; but you met so many people, I doubt you'd have remembered. You were always gracious, amusing and charming. A true star of Texas burned out when you passed. We will forever miss you.

Hopefully, an annual celebration in your honor will occur -- something like The Spirit of Leslie, crowning a new "queen" to reign for the coming year. Perhaps "she" would win a tiara, fish net hosiery and a pair of stillettos. Regardless, you were a rare person, indeed, who is irreplaceable!!

Always love and peace to you!

I was saddened to hear of your passing, you are what America needed, a loving and compassionate man, who didnt care what people that of you; I only meet you once and you changed my way of thinking. I will forever cherish our encounter. Missing You

I had just moved to Austin and was sitting at a traffic light when I saw this exquisitely shaped creature in a mini skirt and cleavage-displaying top wearing stilletos capped off with wavy blonde hair. I was jealous. Then Leslie turned around, I saw his beard and I had my first Leslie sighting. Leslie did make us all smile and was a true Austin icon. Thank you, Leslie!

Austin will never be the same. Thank you for the joy that you have brought so many. May your legacy of a passionate, free spirit be carried on through others. You will be greatly missed.

Thank you Leslie for making our hearts smile!

Rest in Peace Leslie!!! Thanks for Keeping Austin Weird! You will be so missed by and entire city, plus more~XOXOXO

We have lost a true Free Spirit. One who lived only to please others. Thank you so much for the joy and happiness you gave to so many. May this next great journey take you to a place where you can inspire and be inspired as well as share love. Rest in Peace.

Leslie, you gave so much to so many. To me you gave me many smiles, and always a lighter heart. You truly are a man who dances to a different drummer!
You are gonna look wild in those wings!!

Leslie, your free spirit and view of the world, without caring what anyone thought about you.. you just being you, has inspired me over the years.. It was such a pleasure to meet you and visit with you, and visit with you so many times over the years. May you be free and happy... May you be at peace.. Know that you live in the hearts and minds, souls of so many you have inspired.. Thank you to Leslie's family for sharing him with us.. May God bless you during this time... I'll miss you.. XOXO

Rest in peace..you will be missed!

So sorry to hear of Leslie's passing. He added a lot to Austin.

Leslie, thank you for all that you have given to us. You are truly one who will not be forgotten. Your spirit will always and forever be Austin.....

One less Austin icon... Godspeed Leslie. You brought joy to many, Austin style. Onward Thru The Fog.

Leslie...I will never forget my first glimpse of your tanned butt and legs prancing down 6th street. I loved you from that point on. Rest in peace dear Leslie. Natalie

My sympathies to all who were friends of Leslie. I remember commuting from south to north on the bus, talking with Leslie and another cross-dresser and we would be admiring each others shoes and accesories! I also enjoyed sharing my Kamel Reds with her. See you in the afterlife.

Angels walk among us, sometimes on stilettos. You taught us about unconditional love and made Austin a bit of heaven on earth, and now you are making heaven a much better place.

I will miss seeing you downtown, Leslie. You were truly unique and always brought a smile to my face with your quirky charm. Keep Heaven weird.

RIP Leslie--I remember seeing you on the street amongst friends and fans and thinking, you are a brave and shining Star. Austin will not be the same without you. Go and illuminate the charm God gave you in the heavens!

Last summer while in street ministry I met this man. I was looking for one of my ministry friends . He helped me with directions and I was able to pray with him. The prayer has been answered. God let peace come to this man . Rest in peace Leslie. brbruce from Caldwell.

Dearest Leslie...I left Austin in 2006 to pursue other "life" opportunities, but always thought that our paths would cross again very soon. When checking in with friends still residing in Austin, you often came up in conversation...I always loved hearing what you were "up to". Please know that you are truly loved and appreciated by so many...and we know that wherever you are, you're doing your part to "Keep It Weird"...take care, my "brother".

i will always envie your buns of steel.
love you leslie - your kind spirit lives!

The first time I saw Leslie was in the late 1990s. He was walking down N. Lamar in a schoolgirl outfit, carrying a bike wheel, smoking a pipe. He made me smile and forget I was stressed. I always smiled when I saw him. Thanks for all the smiles, Leslie.

Another bit of Austin's Heart has died. Rest in peace, you will be missed greatly. Sharon Spencer (Austin, Tx)

You were the reason I knew Austin was the place for me! I will miss you and the many slices of pizza we shared together. Rest In Peace My Friend.

Goodbye, Leslie. You'll be missed.

Thank you for the smiles, the laughs & the wonderful conversations. Austin just won't be as weird without you. RIP Leslie.

Leslie scared me to death the first time I met him - not because of who he was, but because I had no idea he was behind me. He just wanted to ask me to vote for him for Mayor! A part of what makes Austin "Austin" is gone and will be greatly missed!

Leslie, no one could ever fill your shoes or wear them with the style you had. Thank you, so much!

Leslie, you were always my favorite part of visits to Austin..you will be truly missed..?

Leslie ... may heaven find you in peace and harmony. You gave Austin a lot of its character and pizzazz and reminded many of us that we can always laugh at life and occasionally just be ourselves, no matter what age. Thank you, darling!

We will miss seeing & talking to you. You will always be remembered..loved the pink tutu. Your Austin Friends

We will miss seeing & talking to you. You will always be remembered..loved the pink tutu. Your Austin Friends

WHAT AN EMPTY PLACE.. GIVE HER A STATUE TO HONOR WHAT SHE HAS DONE FOR AUSTIN.. SHE REALLY PUT IT ON THE MAP IN A GOOD WAY... KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD FOR SURE.. A BIG STATUE OF LESLIE RIGHT ON 6TH STREET.. THONG AND ALL.. YES!!
REST IN PEACE LESLIE..

A true artist and authentic human. Austin is a much darker place without you. I wish I had the guts to say something to you all those times I saw you. My loss, Heaven's gain.

When I heard you wanted to leave I was so sad. Did CO deserve you? Perhaps if we stepped up our game you would change your mind and stay? No One will ever know But surely the man upstairs had a whole new audience for your arrival. It is our loss, for beyond the outter clothing was a man of amazing character. Austin will indeed miss you. RIP

Gone but certainly never forgotten

You made Austin who it is today Leslie. We will miss you, but never forget you!

R.I.P Leslie, you were a true Austin Icon!

R.I.P. Leslie, you will be missed. Thanks for the good times...

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Poet Mary Frye
Unincumbered no copyright

I always saw Leslie on my way to work when I traveled up 51st street and he always made me laugh. He was eccentric but then again we all are to some degree. RIP Leslie and God Bless. I'm sure you have your angel wings now.
Karen Long

A candle to light your way home. Prayers for you and to your family. Rest in Peace

I'm half a world away in SE Asia and yet word of Leslie's passing brought a tear to my eye. I only met him once but it will always be a fond memory. Austin will go on but without Leslie, it will be like the Mona Lisa with a little bit less of a smile. Thanks Leslie for making life a bit brighter for all of us.

David O (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

Leslie, you were an icon of Austin history and your memory will live on forever. I too have had the honor of being asked if I knew Leslie when I have said I lived in Austin, and although I only met Leslie a few times in brief passing, it still made an impression on me.

Leslie. I cherish our wonderfully random conversations and the beautiful and honest insight you always offered me, which I live by still today. You are not weird, just misunderstood! You will always be in my heart. God be with you and Bless You always.

I barely knew you, but Austin will never be the same without you. We already miss you, Leslie!

Leslie a true Austin Icon! May you rest in peace... I know you're in Heaven wearing one of your 'outfits'! Shine down on us as we remember you always! We will miss your smiling face and your wave of grace... As a Austin Icon, you should have a life size statue on 6th Street aka to some of us, 'Leslie Street'....God Speed Leslie.....

You always made my night running into you downtown! Austin Texas will miss you!

Miss you, my friend. Instead of talking to myself all the time, i'll just talk to you.

R.I.P.Leslie, i will miss you!!!!!!!! Lili Hart

My heart is heavy with sadness because Austin has lost a true Icon...Leslie was Intelligent, friendly and funny weird. I had the honor of sitting with him/her at the Forum and consumed a few drinks, we talked politics and her life style choice. Goodbye Leslie...our loss is Gods gain of a beautiful soul...now you're an angel. May you Rest In Peace.

Years ago I was in London. The Brits recognized my 'American' accent and asked where I was from. I proudly replied I was from Austin, Texas. The FIRST question asked was if I knew Leslie! That was around 1997.

Leslie was not 'from' Austin...Lesie IS Austin. I am so very happy and proud that you were (and will continue to be) OUR world Ambassador and the one, true sovereign Queen!

Leslie, you always had a smile and a hello when downtown was my neighborhood. You will live on in our memories. Rest in peace.
MG

u will be missed Leslie u were a very energetic person and u brought life to austin tx

Goodnite My Prince(ss) its a sweet dream now.. and I guess we are even. (I gave you all that lingerie I could never fit into again!! Austin will miss you.

Leslie, you will always be remembered...Rest in Peace, now!

first saw you as I rode the Austin transit. I thought What the heck. You were to cool RIP my friend