Every time of year is a great time to get involved with volunteering, fundraising and attending events and rallies for LGBT issues in Michigan. But let's face the truth. It's winter. It's cold. It's snowing. The drive to work or to the gym seem, some days, like insurmountable tasks. So driving to Lansing or Detroit to support LGBT initiatives and get involved? Not bloody likely.
But, for better or worse, the temperatures are going up and our excuses to stay inside with a cup of cocoa and a dog at our feet are, conversely, running out.
Our advice to you, Between The Lines readers? Come out of hibernation.
Everyone loves springtime for activities like biking, strolling with the dog and driving around with shades on and the windows cracked. Here in Michigan, 50-plus degree weather practically means we're sitting out by the pool.
But it also means that pride celebrations are just a few short months away and we need to begin gearing up for another fun summer of being LGBT in our Great Lakes state.
Don't wait until June to show your not-so-tan (or fake and baked) face at a social gathering or political rally. Start now and get your feet wet with events happening all over the state.
March is a wonderful time to be gay in Michigan. Or bisexual, transgender, lesbian, allied, questioning, etc. On March 5, the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center is hosting a Comedy Night in conjunction with Project Light http://www.kglrc.org. From March 5-8, the Jewish Gay Network is hosting a slew of events centered on education and understanding about what it means to be LGBT and Jewish – and all religious denominations are welcome to join in on the experiences http://www.jgnmi.org.
On March 7, step outside of your community bubble and visit the Femmes Front and Center exhibit at the SHaut Gallery and Performance Space, featuring photos of femme culture by Kristin Kurzawa http://www.kristinkurzawa.com.
The following weekends hold just as much promise. On March 13, see the opening of Thomas Frank's solo exhibit at Affirmations. The next night, get some more laughs in at the Michigan Lesbian and Gay Comedy Fest, sponsored by the Triangle Foundation and featuring such comedians as Andre Kelly and Lisa Koch http://www.comedyfest.org.
If you're not worn out by mid-March, the biggest LGBT party of the year kicks off from 6-11:30 p.m. March 21 at Motor City Casino when Affirmations hosts their annual Big Bash. This year's celebration marks 50 years of Motown, 20 years of Affirmations and 10 years of the event itself http://www.goaffirmations.org.
Then, after you've recovered from a night of socializing and dancing, make the (snow-free – hopefully) drive to Lansing for Matt's Safe Schools Lobby Day. All those social events need to be balanced out with a little activism, and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 25, this lobby day provides the chance to do just that while supporting the safety of LGBT and all other students in the state http://www.tri.org.
From art exhibits and comedy shows to social outings and activism opportunities, there's no need to wait any longer to get primped and pumped up for Michigan LGBT activities. Between The Lines will be here with you in March, April, May and beyond to be your guide to what's happening in the LGBT world in our state – when it's not buried in snow.
