SheHive New Year Open House
SheHive is a women's collective dedicated to empowering its members via classes, coaching and social clubs. On Sunday, Jan. 13, it's offering an open house event from 1 to 4 p.m. to introduce prospective new patrons.
Affirmations XTL Youth Workforce to Re-Open Recess Cafe
Part of the Affirmations LGBTQ community center's Cross the Line Youth Empowerment Program, patrons of the center will be welcome to attend the opening shift of its Recess Cafe on Friday, Jan. 11, from 4 [...]
Detroit Zoo Kicks Off Wild Winter Weekends in Jan. 2019
Just because there aren't as many holiday celebrations to look forward to post Jan. 1 doesn't mean that the Metro Detroit area doesn't have winter-embracing events. In fact, starting Jan. 19 Royal Oak's Detroit Zoo is hosting its annual Wild Winter Weekends tradition through Feb. 2.
Royal Starr Returns To Host Filmmaker Community Mixer
ROYAL OAK — LGBTQ and ally filmmakers can look forward to the upcoming Royal Starr Arts Institute's Community Mixer — scheduled to be held on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. The Royal Starr Arts institute itself is a a non-profit arts organization that encourages filmmakers from across the Metro area to meet up, chat about upcoming projects and possibly even collaborate. President of the group Luke Castle said he's excited about the kick-off event for 2019.
Royal Oak Karaoke and Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Held at Royal Oak’s Mr. B’s Gastropub on Main Street on Dec. 19 is an event brimming with holiday cheer, karaoke and ugly Christmas sweaters. This annual party encourages guests to bring their wild side [...]
Home for the Holidays Dec. 22 Stand-Up Charity Show
In the middle of the winter holidays this year Go Comedy! Improv Theater is hosting a LGBTQ-inclusive holiday stand-up show in which proceeds will go to benefit Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ community center. All featured comics [...]
MOCAD Hosts Heidelberg Retrospective through Jan. 7
Called "2+2=8: Thirty Years of Heidelberg," Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is letting visitors experience the three decades of variation in one of Detroit's most famous outdoor installations by Tyree Guyton. Through Jan. 7 of [...]
Detroit Public Library Holiday Craft Event
Located in the Edwin Conely Branch of the Detroit Public Library, on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. children and tweens up to age 12 are invited to join other library-goers in a [...]
BTL to Host Final Farewell Party for Common Language Bookstore Dec. 15
After 27 years as a beacon for those in Ann Arbor's and Southeast Michigan's LGBTQ community, Common Language Bookstore will be forced to close its doors one final time at the end of 2018. According to husbands and co-owners Keith Orr and Martin Contreras, this comes after years of market pressures that have made running the store unsustainable.
UMS Presents ‘Winterreise’ Dec. 16
Contemporary opera composer Jake Heggie said of her mezzo-soprano voice in Gramophone magazine, "The staggering, joyful artistry of Joyce DiDonato reminds us that in any generation there are a few giants ... Those who know [...]
Ann Arbor LezRead ‘The Spanish Pearl’ Dec. 8
A book club specifically intended for queer women, LezRead meets regularly at the Jim Toy Community Center in Ann Arbor to discuss books on the fourth Saturday of every month. This month's selection is "The Spanish Pearl" by Catherine Friend.
Local Partners Unite to Educate, Give Options for Pain Management
OKEMOS — Several local organizations and health care providers have recently come together to encourage people to think beyond medications, especially potentially habit-forming opioids, when it comes to pain management. This comes in light of [...]
MSU College of Music Presents Holiday Classics
EAST LANSING – Michigan State University’s College of Music will bring a holiday tradition to St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. with a performance of selections from Handel’s "Messiah" and [...]
Adoption Month: Michigan Searches for Permanent Homes for Over 320 Children in Foster Care
LANSING, Mich. – More than 320 children who are in foster care in Michigan need permanent homes as the state marks November as Adoption Month, as proclaimed by Gov. Rick Snyder. The Michigan Department of [...]
The Ringwald Serves a Slice of Life and Politics with ‘The Cake’
Bittersweet Dramedy Explores Bakers, Cakes and Family Dilemmas In July 2012, Colorado residents Charlie Craig and David Mullins approached Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips with a request to create a cake to celebrate their upcoming [...]
Affirmations Suspends Executive Director Search, Announces Layoffs
In a Nov. 14 press release, Ferndale’s Affirmations LGBTQ community center announced that it has suspended its nearly year-long search for a replacement executive director and laid off three employees: Development Director Katie Koch, Education and Training Manager Becca Budde and Offices and Facilities Coordinator Ryan Fowler.
H.E.R. to Perform at Royal Oak Music Theatre Dec. 3
At only 21 years old, Gabi Wilson, better known by fans as H.E.R. has been making music since 2014, but in her short career already earned a spot on iTunes' Best of 2016 R&B/Soul Albums [...]
Brunch With Santa at Royal Oak’s Pronto! Restaurant
Kids eager to see Santa Claus to ask for gifts can now prepare for brunch with him, too. Presented by Pronto! in Royal Oak on Saturday, Dec. 1. "Join us for Brunch with Santa at [...]
Royal Oak Fundraiser for Helping Hands of Wayne County Dec. 4
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, guests at the Michigan By the Bottle Tasting Room in Royal Oak are welcomed to help the cause of Helping Hands of Wayne County by purchasing a ticket valued at $40. [...]
Affirmations Hosts SHop and Sip at Dolce MODA
On Thursday, Dec. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., shoppers at dolce MODA in Birmingham have the opportunity to support the LGBTQ community center through their purchases. Wine and cocktails will be served during the [...]
‘The Cake’ Runs at Ringwald Theatre Through Dec. 10
Running Nov. 16 through Dec. 10, The Ringwald Theatre is "The Cake," a topical story about two worlds colliding and the choice to accept or reject change. The story begins with Della, a woman who tries not to voice controversial opinions.
Theatre NOVA premieres ‘The Stone Witch’ Through Nov. 11
ANN ARBOR – Theatre NOVA is a professional theater in Ann Arbor’s that focuses exclusively on new plays and playwrights, and since mid-October it's been performing “The Stone Witch” by Shem Bitterman. Available to see through Nov. 11, it focuses on Simon Grindberg, "the world's most illustrious children's book writer."
Aut Bar Hosts Trivia with Terry Nov. 15
A recurring Thursday event, Terry is Aut Bar's recurring trivia guru who invites patrons to try their hands at answering a slew of varying questions. "Terry is a Yale graduate and an Aut Bar icon. [...]
Ann Arbor Art Center’s Holiday Art Shop Opens Nov. 16
Inside the Ann Arbor Art Center is the 117 Gallery Shop that features a range of "original, handmade works of art for sale by emerging and established artists," according to shop owners. Visiting the shop's [...]
Salus Center UCC Worship Nov. 6
The United Church of Christ and the Lansing-based Salus Center have joined together to provide an LGBTQ-friendly, multi-faith worship event every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. "If you've never participated before, this is [...]
Wharton Center Presents Nontombi Naomi Tutu Nov. 5
Nontombi Naomi Tutu's life has been spent as a South African activist for human rights, as well as a consultant and educator against oppression. She is the daughter of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner [...]
Potter Park Zoo Wonderland of Lights Nov. 22 to Dec. 30
It's known by many in Lansing that Potter Park Zoo annually decorates its zoo grounds with a collection of holiday lights. Recurring every week starting Nov. 33 through Dec. 30, every Thursday through Sunday, visitors [...]
Snap Judgment at Royal Oak Music Theatre
On Friday, Oct. 26, fans of all forms of storytelling can mark their calendars to see Snap Judgment LIVE. Hosted by Detroit's own Glynn Washington, the show has been running on NPR stations for five [...]
New poll Shows Haley Stevens with 10-point Lead in Race
BIRMINGHAM, Michigan – New polling conducted by ALG Research shows Haley Stevens has expanded her lead in the Michigan 11th congressional race. With less than three weeks until Election Day, Stevens, 44 percent, now holds [...]
Hazel, Ravines and Downtown Owners Support Workforce
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – Restaurateurs Beth Hussey and Emmele Herrold have not yet opened the doors to the anticipated, new Birmingham restaurant and market Hazel, Ravines and Downtown, but Eater Detroit reports that they are pushing [...]
Queer-Friendly Halloween Celebrations
There’s no Halloween like a Halloween with drag queens, burlesque shows and friendly LGBTQ company. With the season kicking into high gear this weekend, our team at BTL has organized a list of queer-friendly Halloween [...]
Empowered, Awakened and Free: Event for Survivors of Sexual Violence, Assault
Current political events have triggered a national outcry from people of all races, genders and age groups who have been victims of sexual assault. Their stories have filled social media, the press and television. Many [...]
Stephen Keye and Guy Darienzo: The Special Blend Behind Uncommon Coffee Roasters
Uncommon Beginnings Back in the early '90s, when Guy Darienzo and Stephen Keye were still a couple, they fell in love with Saugatuck, Michigan, and decided to relocate from Chicago to open a bed-and-breakfast. It [...]
The Ringwald Offers ‘Clue’ Through Nov. 5
FERNDALE - The Ringwald Theatre offers a production of "Clue," adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn with additional material by Hunter Foster, Eric Price and Sandy Rustin, from Oct. 5 through Nov. 5. The [...]
‘Pipeline’ Opens DPT 4th Season Through Nov. 4
Dominique Morisseau’s "Pipeline" opens Detroit Public Theatre’s fourth season. Detroit-born Morisseau, is a world-renowned playwright having created such works as "Detroit ‘67," "Skeleton Crew," "Shameless and "Ain’t Too Proud," brings another of her works home [...]
MOCAD Teen Council Applications Due Oct. 23
Teenagers interested in impacting the local art scene are encouraged to apply to the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit's Teen Council by Oct. 23. "The Teen Council is a select group of young creatives from [...]
Aizuri Quartet in Ann Arbor Oct. 26
The award-winning Aizuri Quartet has been lauded everywhere from Osaka to Ann Arbor and on Friday, Oct. 26, they’ll be back at the University of Michigan's Rackham Auditorium to present what the Philadelphia Inquirer describes as a unique "balance between charisma of the individual and cohesion of the collective."
Trans Together Offers Monthly Social Space
Hosted by Ypsilanti's Riverside Arts Center, Trans Together is a monthly group that meets on the second Thursday of each month. This week, interested members of the transgender community can visit the arts center on [...]
Anne Lamott at First united Methodist Church of Ann Arbor Thursday, Oct. 25
Due to demand, the LGBTQ-inclusive First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor and Literati Bookstore created a second, earlier event in which author Anne Lamott reads from her latest book "Almost Everything: Notes on Hope." [...]
Michigan Pride Saturdays at Spiral Dance Bar
Saturdays at Spiral Dance Bar have now become especially LGBTQ-friendly. The Lansing-based gay bar has dedicated the first Saturday of every month as a Pride Saturday. "where a portion of your cover goes to supporting [...]
9th Annual Lansing Zombie Walk
Gore and ghouls will abound on Saturday, Oct. 13 as an undead horde of zombies will traverse the path from the Lansing Center to the Michigan State Capitol. The event is presented by Capital Area District Libraries and all ages of undead participants are encouraged and invited to make the free trip while dressed in their spookiest zombie style.
Hard Cider and Donuts in Royal Oak
As fall comes closer and brings cold weather with it, many Michiganders will begin preparing to enjoy fall-specific treats like donuts and cider. On Sunday, Oct. 14, the Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room will [...]
Fall Fling at Affirmations
As summer ends and fall approaches, LGBTQ community center Affirmations is gearing up for its annual Fall Fling celebration fundraiser. The event is presented by the Masco Corporation and will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Jim Toy Community Center September LezRead Features ‘The Stone Sky’
Queer women looking for an LGBTQ-friendly book club can stop their search with the Jim Toy Community Center's LezRead group. Meeting every fourth Saturday of the month from 4 to 6 p.m., attendees will spend [...]
Penny Seats Theatre Company Features ‘Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde’
ANN ARBOR — The Penny Seats Theatre Company offers “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” an adaptation of the classic Robert Louis Stevenson story by playwright Jeffrey Hatcher from Oct. 12 through 28 at the College [...]
National Attention Paid to Michigan’s ‘Dadvantage’
Michigan’s innovative “Give your child the dadvantage” campaign that urges families to establish paternity at birth won a national award last month.
Providers Must Enroll in Michigan Medicaid Program
Health care providers that serve Medicaid beneficiaries are facing an upcoming enrollment deadline that is necessary for them to continue to receive payments from Medicaid. While the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has revised the timeline to give providers more time to enroll, the department is urging providers to complete the screening and enrollment process as soon as possible.
Over the Ledge Theatre Shows ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ Through Sept. 16
Over the Ledge Theatre is now featuring the play 'Dancing at Lughnasa' through Sept. 16. Winner of the 1992 Tony Award for best play, it was praised by the New York Times as being a "ravishing memory play" that "carries its characters and audience aloft." The story is said to be loosely based on the life of its writer, Brian Friel, and begins in Ireland's County Donegal in 1936.
Royal Oak Barktoberfest Starts Sept. 15
The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce invites attendees to discover Barktoberfest, a fall festival for dogs and dog owners. Centered around locally-brewed craft beer and music, this dog-friendly event is designed to bring together the community.
Five15 Offers Sip, Swish & Stroke Painting Classes
Known for its popular Drag Queen Bingo events, Royal Oak's Five15 Media, Mojo, & More store is now offering a more creative outlet: Sip, Swish, & Stroke. Attendees are invited to bring an open mind as an instructor walks them through how to paint a picture on a canvas.