WARREN –
Through years of doing high school class photos, Pam Patrick of Patrick Photographic Studio has heard many sad stories from kids who have been affected by bullying. "We deal with 18-20 schools each year and these kids tell us things. And we realized things. There has always been bullying and physical violence but it seems things are getting worse. Now there's this cyber-bullying. This has to stop. We listened and we thought, who better to champion this cause? Let's get this out in the open and let's deal with it," Patrick said.
They came up with an idea that lots of students could take part in – a fashion and variety show called Strut Out Bullying. The event is 6 p.m. May 7 at the Warren Civic Center and is free to the public. Over 80 students from 18 area schools are involved in the grand production, including a drum line from Warren Mott and Cousino High, a singer from Royal Oak High School, and fashion from students from Rochester and Sterling De La Salle. Students from the Warren Woods Cosmetology program are donating the hair and make-up for youth who will be taking the runway.
Mixed with the entertainment will be skits written by the youths about bullying, tackling how it feels to be bullied, including a youth who is taunted for being gay. "They want to show what it is like when kids are being bullied. Judgment signs are placed on them and rescuers rip them off and put good messages on instead," Patrick said. The point is to show that standing up for others can make a difference. "We want to give these kids a way to say 'we're not going to do this,' and to stop the bullying."
The students met weekly for over a month to put the program together. Patrick hopes to be able to make this an annual event.
In addition to the performances, students will be presenting a pledge to the Mayor of Warren, stating that they will not bully others.
80 Kids To Strut Out Bullying May 7
Read More
Michigan Democratic Party LGBT and Allies Caucus Holds Spring Meeting
One of the most often derided cliches of political journalism is to say “a lot is at stake in this election” but it is quite literally true this [...]
Why So Many Local Queer Folks Are Flocking to Mishpacha, Temple Beth Emeth’s Thriving LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
Ari Smith was a little worried when her rabbi called to ask her about something he was noticing in her part of the sanctuary during weekly services at Temple [...]
Why a Local Academic Is Fostering Queer Discussion and Community Through an Old-Fashioned Book Club
Queer books on public library shelves have come under fire across the country in recent years, but you wouldn’t know it at the Ypsilanti District Library [...]
Biden-Harris Campaign Launches LGBTQ+ Voter Initiative at Affirmations — How You Can Get Involved in the 2024 Election
The election season is officially heating up in Michigan, with a special focus on queer voters. On April 10, local and statewide community leaders and elected [...]
Tips on Selecting a Wedding Venue When You’re Stuck on the ‘Where’
One of the most critical decisions engaged couples will make is choosing a ceremony and reception venue. These choices will impact almost every other choice, so [...]
How the Recently Passed Michigan Family Protection Act Will Safeguard LGBTQ+ Parents and Families
Michigan Democrats have held a “trifecta” of power since late 2022 when the party flipped both chambers of the House and won the governorship and [...]
