5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: Join LGBTQ+ Softball, Attend a Pride Prom, See BenDeLaCreme

It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of April and rounding the corner for May already, but here we are! As you fill in your busy spring calendar, be sure to include our suggested mix of fantastic, fabulous and important upcoming events and observances happening over the next few weeks. 

1. Join an LGBTQ+ Softball League

Spend some time in the great outdoors this spring enjoying a great American pastime. The Metro Detroit LGBT Softball League (MDSL), based in Ferndale, invites players and spectators to join the in-progress 2022 season. Cheer on the players at the league’s May 1 game or sign up to play all season. The league holds parties for players and fans all season long — be sure to check out upcoming events.

Find out more at leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=mdsl.

2. Shake Your Booty at the Ringwald’s Latest Show

Shake, shake, shake; shake, shake shake… you get the picture. Ringwald Theatre’s triumphant return to live, in-person theater gets off to a raucous start with “Bootycandy,” set for May 6-30 at Affirmations in Ferndale. Ringwald describes the show as “a kaleidoscopic portrayal of growing up gay and Black. Uproarious satire crashes headlong into the murky terrain of plain and pleasure and… Bootycandy.”

Proof of vaccination and masks required. Reserve your tickets at theringwald.com/productions/bootycandy/.

3. Support Crime Victims 

Becoming a target of crime is difficult enough, but the trauma is compounded when that crime goes unpunished. Crime Victim’s Rights Week focuses on helping crime survivors find justice. Geneva Maze, lead victim advocate at Equality Michigan, which is spearheading the observance, said, “We believe that building community partnerships will assist mainstream organizations with understanding LGBTQIA+ victims and how to effectively work with us.” 

Join Equality Michigan and other local organizations like Stand with Trans at two upcoming resource fairs featuring local resources about victimization, networking opportunities and refreshments. 

Tuesday, April 26 at Unity Church in Bay City and Friday, April 29 at Affirmations in Ferndale. Both events take place from 5-7 p.m. and are free to attend. No prior reservation needed.

4. Bask in the Glory That Is BenDeLaCreme

BenDeLaCreme. Photo: Eric Paguio

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 6 and All Stars” Season 3 wouldn’t have been the same without the veritable force that is BenDeLaCreme, and now you can feel that electricity up close and in person when the drag star hits the stage April 30 at the Majestic Theatre in Detroit.

When Pride Source Editorial Director Chris Azzopardi interviewed BenDeLaCreme alongside Jinkx Monsoon ahead of their holiday show in December, their first live performances since the pandemic, the performer talked about valuing the relationship she shares with audiences. She said she loves “the live, energetic exchange that we get to have with each other as like a threeway with the audience… I can’t wait to live life as a performer again.” And we can’t wait to see her perform yet again in 2022!

Buy tickets at majesticdetroit.com.

5. Relive (or Reinvent!) Your Prom Experience

Whether you loved your high school prom, skipped it or had a not-so-great experience, Pride Prom is your chance for a redo. Central Michigan University’s LGBTQ+ alliance, Spectrum, will host a “free opportunity to have the prom experience you might not have gotten in high school” on April 30 as part of the CMU Pride Celebration. Enjoy dancing, free food and a chance to explore queer history at this no-dress-code event that is student-led and open to the public. And, obviously, don’t miss the lip-sync battle.

Pride Prom will be held in the Rotunda on the main level of the Bovee University Center in Mt. Pleasant from 6-9 p.m. April 30. While the event is open to the public, attendees must have a reserved ticket and an ID. Reserve your ticket at eventbrite.com/e/pride-prom-tickets-278214405777.