Listen, we know you're tired. This year has been relentless. So you can imagine how excited we are about the extended weekends and holiday observances coming up. We're ready to relax, celebrate and recharge. If you're on the same page as us, here are five queer things you can do during your holiday downtime.
1. Reflect on loved ones at Marygrove's Solidarity and Unity Event
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 1, come together for a day of Solidarity and Unity on the Marygrove College historic campus in Detroit. The World AIDS Day Community Committee (WADCC) will celebrate World AIDS Day 2021 in their annual ceremony. Chair of WADCC Ron Doe says this year he's "most excited that we will be able to spend some time together and that we will be in person." There will be free food, raffles, educational opportunities and more. In addition, family members and friends whose loved ones have passed away will reflect on their loss in a slide show, which will be presented during the event. Temperatures will be taken, and masks are encouraged for unvaccinated people.
Register for the event on Eventbrite.
2. Find a community at Transgender Life Support
If you're a transgender person who recently came out, or an ally looking for support, then this group is for you. Attendees meet at Ferndale's Affirmations Community Center every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and online through Discord. "We have a lot of experienced people in the group, and that helps a lot of new people that are coming into the community," said Helena Blakemore, the group's facilitator. "It's really grown well. We're one of the largest growing trans support groups in the country." In addition to a safe space, the group also provides a directory of businesses and organizations that are allies to the transgender community. Registration isn't necessary. For more information go to Affirmations' website.
3. Watch a dysfunctional family survive on Thanksgiving
Photo: A24
Queer "Impeachment" star Beanie Feldstein, along with Steven Yuen ("Minari"), Amy Schumer ("Trainwreck") and Richard Jenkins ("The Shape of Water"), star in the Showtime and A24 film "The Humans." The film, about a dysfunctional family, takes place during Thanksgiving night in New York, as three generations discuss Brigid's (Feldstein) recent move in with her boyfriend Richard (Yuen) and Aimee's (Schumer) recent breakup with her girlfriend. The movie is based on the Pulitzer-nominated, Tony-winning play of the same name from writer-director Stephen Karam.
The film premieres on Nov. 24. on Showtime.
4. Participate in #GivingTuesday for Black and Brown Women
Photo: Atlas Illustrations.
LGBT Detroit's Woman 2 Woman welcomes all in their day of global generosity as they celebrate #GivingTuesday on Nov. 30. The group recognizes the day as a day of giving in any way to help support Black and Brown lesbian/bi-attractional women in their fight to elevate their voices. Woman 2 Woman's monthly podcasts series, entitled Lingo Function, is aimed at providing physical and emotional well-being.
For more information and to donate, go to lgbtdetroit.org/give.
5. Stroll through Detroit Zoo's Wild Lights event
Photo: Detroit Zoological Society.
What could be queerer than strolling through the glitz and glam of the Detroit Zoo's annual light show Wild Lights? Not really sure, to be honest. For 40 magical nights from Nov. 20 through Jan. 9, 2022, you can view more than 280 sculptures on display at the zoo. According to a statement by Detroit Zoological Society, the annual event "receives glowing reviews each year by visitors who have made it a holiday tradition." Guests will enjoy uniquely designed, festive vignettes and holiday treats. Ticket packages range from $17 to $38, and the viewings are on select nights.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to the Detroit Zoo's website.
