It’s being reported (and apparently confirmed) that Austin’s weirdest icon, Leslie Cochran, has died.
I didn’t know Leslie at all, but saw him more than enough times in town and he always brought a smile to my face.
In fact, Leslie was the first bit of Austin I saw when I moved here.
Moving to Austin, driving into town with a carload of stuff. Passing an Albertson’s grocery store up in north Austin, and there was some ugly dude wearing a bikini and standing on the sidewalk protesting Albertson’s.
I think Wife’s grandfather was taken aback. 🙂
And thus, we were introduced to the weirdness that was Austin.
So long, Leslie. Thank you for all the smiles and weirdness. You will be missed.
Stuff From Hsoi 
When did you come to Austin? I remember Leslie hung around Braker and Lamar (and lived in the woods further west) around 1990. He dressed normally then. I didn’t see him downtown or in drag until years later.
1996