5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: See a 'Drag Race' Contestant Live, Explore Black Art at DIA
April showers may block some much-needed vitamin D, but thanks to a springtime influx of social events, your internal sunshine is sure to shine through. So, live it up, whether you decide on a star-studded drag show at Hamburger Mary’s or an exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
1. Attend a Pride Cancer Support Group
Rosie Ingebritson, program director for Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, said she created Pride Cancer Support Group to serve “folks underrepresented within the LGBTQ+ community” who’ve been affected by cancer. Since then, it has become a “compassionate” space that is “professionally facilitated.” The group welcomes patients, survivors and loved ones impacted by cancer who identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, nonbinary, queer, transgender, two-spirit, and all other sexual and gender minorities. Their next virtual monthly meeting is set for 6 p.m. April 21.
Visit the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor website to sign up.
2. Be Entertained By a 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' Superstar
Grab the crew and head over to Ypsilanti’s Hamburger Mary’s for a show to remember. This star-studded spectacle features Widow Von’Du from Season 12 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race," and will be hosted by Hamburger Mary’s Show Director Jadein Black,
also known as the co-founder and show director of Southeast Michigan drag troupe Boylesque. “Our intention is to keep awareness and positivity in the community,” Black told Pride Source. At the end of the show, they will be accepting donations for the Michigan chapter of Stand with Trans.
Showtimes are 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on April 24. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com; there will be no meet and greet.
3. Party at an Inclusive Lesbian Event
Hey ladies, check this out: Pronto! Restaurant and Showbar in Royal Oak is holding their monthly Lesbian Friday. Local talents DJ Nouveau and DJ Kenny will be spinning throughout the night. Pronto! opened in 1991 and considers itself “a local food pioneer and a cornerstone of the community.”
The event requires no admission charge and runs from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on April 17. Visit Pronto’s website for more information.
4. Explore a Black Exhibition at the DIA
Spring is the perfect time to indulge in vibrant color portraits, conceptual images and fashion editorial photographs by 15 emerging Black photographers. If you could use an artsy refresher, check out “The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion” at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), which simply breathes inspiration. The exhibit includes over 100 photographs captured on various mediums and platforms. In addition, “the exhibition explores conversations around Black representation and Black lives as subject matter,” according to a DIA press release.
“The New Black Vanguard” runs through April 17. Visit the DIA’s website for more information.
5. Get Totally Freaked Out By a Horrifying Baby
Call a cuddle buddy over, turn out the lights, and let the horror of HBO’s new limited series “The Baby” wash over you. Because, judging by the trailer, you’re going to want company when you watch this one. According to HBO, the series is a “Get Out”-esque, darkly funny horror-comedy that takes a “very unique approach to commentary on motherhood and what it means to be a mother in 2022,” including a prominent LGBTQ+ storyline. Because even shows about terrifying babies deserve fair and equal representation.
“The Baby” debuts April 24 on HBO Max.
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