5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: Catch a Catwalk Catfight, See a Gay Music Icon, Get Hotter Than July
Congratulations! Now that we’re into July, you’ve reached the halfway point 0f a year that has already felt like a decade. It’s tough out there, in so many ways. If there was ever a time to lean into the loving embrace of a like-minded community, it’s right now. Pick one (or all five) of these queer things to do now or in the very near future— we know you’ll find something meaningful, joyous or just plain fun.
1. Get Hotter Than July
Just go ahead and clear your calendar from July 15 to July 17, when Hotter Than July, the world’s longest-running, uninterrupted Black LGBT+ Pride celebration, returns to a less pandemic-impacted world. The weekend will be jam- packed with exciting and memorable events, including a headlining concert featuring Da Brat on July 16 at MotorCity Casino Sound Board, a candlelight vigil, an endorsed candidates forum, an art show, a worship service, a special Sunday brunch and a dedicated testing zone.
Events held at various locations. Get tickets and learn more at hotterthanjuly.org.
2. Experience a Uniquely Detroit Art Installation
The undefinable Flint native Tunde Olaniran, who headlined this year Ferndale Pride, is the multi-disciplinary artist, musician, singer and performer behind “Made a Universe,” a short film and exhibit on display at Cranbrook Art Museum through Sept. 25.
Olaniran and other local artists worked together on an “immersive, parallel journey through Olaniran’s creative universe,” according to a press release about the exhibit. Billed as contemporary horror, the film “examines what it means to unlock your power in the face of fear and repression, and how one must unify various fragments of their psyche to connect with the world and themselves on a deeper level,” Olaniran said in the statement.
“Made a Universe” was shot on location throughout Detroit. Learn more at cranbrookartmuseum.org.
3. Don’t Miss These Gay Icons
Need proof that the Detroit area concert season is in full swing? Consider the fact that three big name, LGBTQ-loved performers will hit the city over the course of four days this month. On July 15, Dionne Warwick is set to play Music Hall Center at Greektown Casino, followed by Patti LaBelle at Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel on July 17 and Elton John at Comerica Park July 18.
All three veteran performers have dedicated decades to their music careers, amassing huge, global LGBTQ followings along the way. As if that wasn’t reason enough to catch them, Warwick and John are also on their farewell tours (or, like Cher, so they say).Tickets are still available for all three shows at ticketmaster.com.
4. Catch This Catwalk Catfight
War on the Catwalk, featuring a laundry list of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants, visits The Fillmore July 7 in downtown Detroit. That “Drag Race” energy will get your engine going as “Ru girls” like Olivia Lux, Crystal Methyd, Kylie Sonique Love, Heidi N Closet, Priyanka, Icesis, Jimbo and Kandy Muse square off in a competition-style performance hosted by Miz Cracker. Promoters promise audiences will have a “hilarious opportunity for performers to display their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.”War on the Catwalk is an all-ages event. Buy tickets and find out more at detroittheater.org.
5. Join an LGBTQIA+ Substance Recovery Group
When it comes to breaking free from problematic substance use, joining up with other people in recovery can make a world of difference. Wherever you are on your journey to recovery from alcohol and/or drugs, the LGBTQIA+ In Recovery Group welcomes you.
The group meets every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at the Recovery United Community Center in Fraser and is part of the Center’s mission to “build an authentic connection of recovery, hope, and community through meaningful relationships and profound advocacy.”
Learn more at ruccfraser.com. Recovery United Community Center is located at 32577 Garfield in Fraser in Northwest Macomb County.
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