LGBTQ

Attend a Pride Fest, Dress Up for a Gala, Join a…


Pace yourselves, fam. The entire state of Michigan is virtually throbbing with Pride vibes this year, with events stacked up like endless hotcakes at IHOP. The good news is that there’s something for everyone; the bad news is that you’re only one person with only so many hours in a day. Choose wisely, stay hydrated and bask in a month set aside to celebrate, reflect, and gather together as an LGBTQ+ community. On tap this first week of June are several festivals in Southeast Michigan and beyond, the launch of a queer social group at the Royal Oak Library, a fancy fundraising gala, a chance to get sweaty while supporting a good cause and a sweet Pride event for the whole family in Madison Heights. 

1. Celebrate Pride in Ferndale and Beyond

Ferndale Pride is the first large-scale event this season (the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 3 in downtown Ferndale). In addition to a vendors market, kids activities and street entertainment, you can check out live drag performances and music by Michigan’s own Nervous But Excited and DJ Deanne. Ferndale is one of several Pride events happening across the state this week — other fests scheduled June 1-8 include:

2. Join a Fun Queer Club

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Listen up, self-appointed weirdoes — this one’s for you! Royal Oak Public Library invites you to join Queerdos, a “literary and just plain social club” for LGBTQIA+ and allies group for people who love books, graphic novels and other forms of media. The goal here is to simply meet and chill with like-minded folks in a safe space where, the library says in an announcement, you can “simply exist in a place where you don’t need to worry about people just not getting it.” Emotional support allies are welcome and coffee and tea will be provided. “Bring your iced coffees, your sweatpants, your septum rings…they’re all welcome here,” says Royal Oak Public Library in the announcement. 

June 5, 6:30-8 p.m., Royal Oak Public Library (222 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak). No registration required.

3. Don Your Finest Gay Apparel for a Good Cause

Celebrate Pride in style this year at the COLOURS Pride Awards Gala, hosted by the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce on June 16. Tickets are available now for the gala, which features Chamber members who visibly support the LGBTQ community. Funds raised will help the organization fund grants for newly certified LGBTQ-owned and operated businesses and increase training and resources for young Metro Detroit entrepreneurs. “It is our hope to increase their non-borrowed capital, capacity and operations, the number of minority-owned LGBTQ businesses, and support the development of future LGBTQ entrepreneurs,” the organization writes in a news release. The event will feature an appearance by Michigan Sen. Jeremy Moss, who will receive the Equity in Champion of the Year Award. 

June 16, 6-10 p.m., Motor City Casino (2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit). Ticket link at detroitlgbtchamber.com/coloursawards.

4. Create Arts and Crafts 

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Looking for a low-key, wholesome Pride event? Arts & Pride, a family-friendly festival set for June 4 in Madison Heights’ Civic Center Park, is sure to fit the bill. The event, presented by the Madison Heights Human Relations & Equity Commission and Arts Board, will feature artists, games, snacks and music. Attendees are encouraged to bring a plain white t-shirt to decorate at this sweet event centered on joy and happiness. 

June 4, 2-6 p.m., Madison Heights Civic Center Park (360 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights).

5. Run, Walk and Stretch Your Pride

Sign up now to participate in the 3rd annual Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness Palmer Park 5K Run/Walk + Outdoor Yoga event, set for June 11 at Palmer Park in Detroit. The Pride-themed event raises funds for the People for Palmer Park organization, which focuses on the preservation, revitalization and viability of Detroit’s Palmer Park, as well as Ruth Ellis Center and Affirmations. Sign up for the 5K run/walk and outdoor yoga event or participate in a virtual 5K run/walk. Onsite participants can enjoy complimentary treats from a variety of health food vendors.

June 11, 8:30 a.m., Palmer Park (1121 Merrill Plaisance St., Detroit). Sign up at welcomehomeyoga.com/palmer-park-5k.





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