5 Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: Rock Out to Elton, Get Your Valentine's Day On, Celebrate Trans Visibility
Claim Valentine’s Day from the greeting card companies and make it your own this year. It’s a day to celebrate all kinds of love, whether you’re queer, straight, coupled, singled, throupled, or just really enamored with your pets. It’s a moment to cherish yourself and/or your loved ones, to consume copious amounts of chocolates and to fully indulge in all things amour. So whether you’re celebrating leading up to, on or after the big day, here are five queer things you can do right now-ish.
Revel in Trans Visibility at Detroit Invasion 22
Transgender Detroit (TG Detroit) is back with their first “invasion” of the year: Detroit Invasion 22. For eight years, their invasion events — celebrated throughout the U.S. and Canada — have offered a social opportunity and visibility for the trans community, and this upcoming event will be no different. Feb. 17-20, indulge in three nights of empowering representation. Throwback a few at Adam’s Apple, witness erotic performances at Detroit Dirty Show and splurge the night away at MGM Grand Casino. Samantha Rogers, president of TG Detroit, said the three-day event “not only empowers the girls themselves, but it creates a different impression among the mainstream people who are there.”Register on TG Detroit’s website.
2. Foresee Your Future at Royal Oak’s 'Love Fest'
We foresee a day full of love with this event. Explore your spiritual side at Royal Oak Farmers Market’s Psychic and Holistic “Love Fest.” The free event offers psychic readings, mediums, aura photography and reiki healing. Laura Moody, promoter and director of Rock Your World, said, “It’s an opportunity to come and explore the body, mind and the spirit.” For those who don’t want a peek into their future, check out various goods from spiritual vendors or check out the Royal Oak Farmers Antique and Collectible Market, open at the same time. Rock Your World will be offering a free gift to those who attend, so make sure you stop by their booth. The “love fest” is from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Feb. 13.
Register at Eventbrite.
3. Recharge With Femme, Them Comedy
The thems, femmes and gender non-conforming baes are ready to gift you with a night of nothing but laughter this Valentine’s weekend. Valentine Distillery is back with their third installment of Galentine’s Comedy Gala, a fundraiser for the domestic violence organization First Step of Wayne. “Valentine Distillery is the perfect venue; it feels so much like a speakeasy,” event facilitator Hailey Zureich told Pride Source. With this comedy event, Zureich hopes “that folks can feel special and seen and that they can celebrate friendships.” Expect an evening that showcases local femme, them and nonbinary stand-up comedians, with a prize drawing with offerings from Kismet Studio, Essential Massage and more. The event is 7-10 p.m. Feb. 13.
Get tickets at Eventbrite.
4. Rock Out at Elton John’s Retirement Tour
Mark your calendars because the rocket man is set to land back in Detroit soon. Catch Elton John as he continues his retirement tour “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” with back-to-back shows Feb. 8-9 at Little Caesars Arena. The eight-time Grammy winner is known for classic hits such as “Tiny Dancer,” “Cold Heart,” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” from “The Lion King.” Since launching his first solo tour in 1970, he has performed over 4,000 shows in more than 80 countries — a true icon. See the man, the myth, the legend take over the stage while you can.
Get your tickets at Ticketmaster.
5. Vibe With Friends and Lovers at El Club
Are you looking for a sultry Valentine’s night for the girls? Look no further than Friends and Lovers at El Club in Detroit. The evening is presented by Mona, an event company, and Lesbian Social, a pop-up party brand based in Detroit. “This event is different from our rooftop pop-up parties,” said Chelcea Stowers, Lesbian Social and Mona creator. “We wanted to provide a change of pace and give women in the city another platform to come together and vibe.” Detroit personality Ask Jenn will host. Performers include local acts such as Laurie Love, Lique, Ashley Sorrell and Maya Mereaux. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12.
Get your tickets on El Club’s website.
Due to Omicron and the recent surge of Covid cases, events are more likely to be postponed and canceled last-minute. Please check event pages for the most up-to-date scheduling information.
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