Community Connections

Get connected! Non-profit organizations are encouraged to send listings of ongoing events to Community Connections via email at [email protected], fax at 248-615-7018 or postal mail: 20793 Farmington Rd., Ste. 25, Farmington, MI 48336. FORTY WORD MAXIMUM. BTL reserves the right to edit for space, grammar and suitability and to run Connections items as space permits. If yours is a for-profit or one-time event, list it with our calendar at https://www.pridesource.com/entercalendar.shtml. Be sure to include your contact information!

Community Announcements

Send wedding, birth, and other announcements to Dawn Wolfe Gutterman at [email protected]. Pictures are welcome as .jpg files. Forty word limit; BTL reserves the right to edit for space, grammar, and suitability. Be sure to include your contact information!

LGBT Youth Hotline:
The Trevor Project Youth Hotline for LGBT and questioning youth. Frightened? Feeling alone? Free help is available. Call 1-866-488-7386. This number won’t show up on your parents’ phone bill.

Health, HIV/AIDS

Safe Spaces-The Escort Safe Space:ÊHealth and support services for male escorts, referrals for LGBT friendly health and support service providers; safe, confidential, private, rapid HIV testing,ÊandÊother suport services. Contact Billy at 313-446-9820 or [email protected]

MSM HIV prevention support group meets Thursdays from 6 – 8 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington Street in Traverse City. Safe sex supplies provided. Call Brian at 231-499-1653. Light snacks and refreshments provided.

Open ArmsÊwelcomes all persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Ferndale. Also a group for thoseÊ30 andÊunder on the last Wednesdays. Call Andrew at MAPP, 248-545-1435, or email [email protected].

WINGS offers an HIV/AIDS support group Tuesdays, 7 p.m. at the Community Pride Building, 429 Livernois in Ferndale. Call 248-544-3320. Office hours are Tuesday – Thursday Noon – 5 p.m.; high speed internet access available.

POZitive Chat is a support group for HIV-positive Gay & Bisexual Men in Grand Rapids and the surrounding area. Call Brad at 616-913-8208 or Dave at 616-456-9063.

HARC provides free HIV/AIDS testing at the Washtenaw Rainbow Action Project offices, 325 Braun Court in Ann Arbor, on Mondays, 3-5 p.m. and Sundays, 9-11 p.m. Call 734-572-9355 or 866-HIV-TEST.

Higher Ground is a holistic/spiritual support group for HIV/AIDS positive people. Meets Mondays in Royal Oak. Email [email protected] or call Rick at 586-427-1259.

GILDA’s Club of Metro Detroit has a Gay and Lesbian networking group for anyone touched by cancer that meets 3rd Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., and a group for those who have lost a loved one to cancer that meets 4th Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., at 3517 Rochester Rd. in Royal Oak. Call Chris at 248-577-0800 x 24 or email [email protected].

Support Organizations

Statewide support

PFLAG – Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – sponsors support and social groups throughout Michigan. Visit http://www.pflag.org or call Mike Neubecker 734-783-2950.

Suburban Lesbians Of Michigan is the largest lesbian online community in Michigan. Meet new friends and network with other Michigan lesbians. http://www.slomorg.com.

TransGender Michigan offers a hotline, meetings, and online support for trans persons throughout the state. Call 517-420-1544, email [email protected] or visit http://www.transgendermichigan.org.

Regional support

Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center
195 West Nine Mile, Ferndale, MI 48220; Phone: 248-398-7105
Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.GoAffirmations.org
Affirmations offers group support for youths, seniors, men, women, and health issues. Activities throughout the week; call, email or visit their web site for more information. Metro Detroit area.
Helpline: 800-398-4297

PFLAG-Detroit Family Reunion. meets at Central United Methodist Church in Detroit, third Tuesdays at 6 p.m. PFLAG Family Reunion is now looking for board members and chapter participants. Call Alicia SkillmanÊat 313-585-5656.Ê

Blue Water Pride offers men’s, women’s and youth groups in Port Huron. Contact 810-364-1080 or [email protected].

Care of the Soul and Companions offers various faith-based groups for LGBTs at El Sombrero Restaurant, 801 Old 13 Mile Rd. in Warren. Visit http://www.careofthesoul.org for more information.

Friends North provides social, educational and support activities and opportunities for the LGBT community in the greater Grand Traverse region and northwestern lower Michigan. Visit http://www.friendsnorth.org or call 231-946-1804.

Gays In Faith Together sponsors various support programs for LGBTs in Grand Rapids. Visit Gays In Faith Together.org or call 616-774-0446.

The HIV/AIDS Resource Center in Ypsilanti offers several support groups for people living with AIDS as well as testing, case management and other services. Call 734-572-9355 or visit http://www.r2harc.org.

Horizon’s Project offers medical & psycho-social services, case management, advocacy, support groups, counseling & testing and prevention outreach to youths (13-24) with HIV/AIDS. Call 313-924-9486.

Kalamazoo Gay/Lesbian Resource Center offers groups for LGBT youths and adults. Call 888-377-7271, email [email protected] or visit http://www.kglrc.org.

Lansing Association for Human Rights offers a variety of social and support activities; coming out group, gender non-conformists, bowling and more. Call the hotline at 517-332-3200 or visit http://lahronline.org.

Ruth Ellis Drop In Center serves LGBTQ youth 13-24, and those at risk of homelessness. Meals, support, HIV/AIDS testing, movies, daily programs.
Mon. – Fri. 4 – 8:30 p.m.; Sat. 1 – 8:30 p.m. 16501 Woodward, just one block south of McNichols. Call 313-867-6936 or visit http://www.ruthelliscenter.com.

Washtenaw Rainbow Action Project (WRAP)
325 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor, MI 48107; http://www.wrap-up.org
WRAP hosts a number of social & support groups, incl. Huron Valley Bears and Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Support Groups

The Womyn’s Circle is a facilitated and confidential support group for mid-Michigan lesbians and their families. First and third Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. at the YWCA of Bay County, 3405 Midland Rd. Call 989-686-4800.

CoDa, group for co-dependents, meets Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 8 p.m. The Shine of St. Joseph, Bagley and South Blvd. in Pontiac. Call Harold 248-855-3929.

Asians & Friends is a social support group for gay/bisexual Asian men and their friends.ÊFor more information about monthly social events contact Andrew at 248-545-1435 ext. 114 or [email protected].

Couples Connect Network is a friendly group for couples of all sexual orientations, sizes, genders, races, religions, economic and educational levels, cultures, and physical abilities. Contact Latrice Jackson 248-544-6411 or [email protected].

Downriver Rainbow LBGT group meets 1st Sundays; Grace Hall, 15650 Reeck Rd., Southgate, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Ages 19-100. E-mail [email protected]

Downriver Detroit Transgender Group meets Thursdays 7 – 9 p.m. Changing room & social time, 6-7 p.m. This is a social and support group. Kendra Leigh or Sharon L. Van Nest, 313-381-4528 or 313-363-5319 or [email protected].

Drop-in support group for survivors of sexual assault meets Mondays from 5:30-7 p.m. (except holidays); Safe House Center, 4100 Clark Rd. in Ann Arbor. Contact Domestic Violence Project/SAFE House, 734-973-0242; Amy, ext. 289. A free and confidential program; bus tokens and child care provided.

CLUB 45 – Gay men age 45+ meet for conversation, networking and support Sundays at 5 p.m. at Angel’s Cafe in Ferndale. Contact Henry at 313-833-0863.

Karibu House sponsors Co-Gender Rap Sessions for LGBTs of color, 1st Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Northwest Activity Center, 18100 Meyers at Curtis in Detroit. Call 313-865-2170 x 3.

LGBT-friendly Church/Spiritual Services

Northside Presbyterian Church, 1679 Broadway Street, Ann Arbor. Meets 11 a.m. Sundays until mid-June and at 10 a.m. during the summer. Call 734-665-5503 or visit http://www.NorthsidePres.org.

That All May Freely Serve an LGBT fellowship group allied with the Presbyterian Church. Meets third Sundays, 5-8 p.m. at the Southfield Presbyterian Church. Informal worship, potluck, fellowship. Call 248-591-
2888.

Divine Peace MCC offers services 10 a.m. Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in Clarkston at 5311 Sunnyside. Dr. Rev. Deborah Dysert. Call 248-618-1186, email [email protected] or visit http://www.divinepeacemcc.org.

Praise Fellowship Christian Church meets for contempory worship Sundays 10 a.m. at 27617 John R. Rd., Madison Heights. We offer small group studies, social activities, Holy Unions, pastoral conseling & other opportunities to get involved. Call 586-201-7884 or visit http://www.praisefcc.org.

St. Mary’s Lesbian and Gay Outreach Ministry meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. at St Mary’s Student Parish on Thompson St in Ann Arbor. Too many gay Catholics suffer unnecessary guilt. This affirming group provides a safe space for discussion, healing and prayer. Contact Mark Thiesmeyer at [email protected].

WHOSOEVER Ministry, 1411 East Jefferson Downtown Detroit YWCA is a Word Teaching, Life Application Ministry for WHOSOEVER. Pastor Rev. Dr. Selma Massey, all are welcome Sundays at 11:00 a.m.

Northside Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor worships Sundays at 10 a.m. at 1679 Broadway St. Rev. Chuck Booker-Hirsch, Pastor. LGBTQ folks especially welcome! http://www.NorthsidePres.org or 734-663-5503.

Dignity Detroit offers services Sundays at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Marygrove College in Detroit; http://www.dignitydetroit.org; 313-278-4786.

EarthWalk Spiritual Community meets for worship second Sundays, 10:30 a.m. in Detroit. EarthWalk also offers workshops, sweatlodges and social events; http://www.earthwalk.org. Rev. Lorraine Weber.

Full Truth Fellowship of Christ Church holds monthly information workshops 2nd Saturdays at 10 a.m. Worship Sundays at 11:30 a.m. Full Truth Fellowship of Christ is located at 4458 Joy Rd., Detroit. Call 313-896-0233.

MCC Detroit holds services at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at 2441 Pinecrest Ave. (corner of Drayton and Pinecrest) in Ferndale. Call 248-399-7741, email [email protected] or visit http://www.mccdetroit.com..

Tree of Life MCC has moved to the WRAP office for Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. We are a queer church. Call 734-449-4189, email [email protected] or visit www.geocities.com/tol-mcc.

Sunday Church services at 2:30 p.m. at Unity Fellowship Church Detroit, 20846 Reimanville Avenue in Ferndale. Rev. Darren McCarroll, Pastor, [email protected] All are welcome.

Volunteer Opportunities

New group! Come help plan Rainbow House, a Habitat for Humanity house to be built in Washtenaw County by the LGBT community during the spring of 2006. We meet every other Monday at 6:00 p.m. at the Aut Bar in Ann Arbor. Call 734-276-4911 or email Nicole [email protected] or Katie [email protected].

Lesbian A-Sisters improves the quality of life for lesbian and bisexual women who are differently-abled or have health issues, through assistance by volunteers from the LGBT and Allied community. Contact Monica Mills 248-545-1435 ext. 117 or [email protected]

Faith Action Network is looking for about 20 volunteers that are interested in getting involved in the Second Annual Together in Faith Conference. For more information about getting email your contact information to [email protected]. Include your professional skills.

First Step program – The Western Wayne County Project on Domestic and Sexual Violence is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities are available. Call 734-416-1111.

AIDS Partnership Michigan is looking for volunteers to assist with light reception duties and to answer calls made to the Michigan AIDS Hotline. If interested contact Chris Prince at 313-446-9800 or call 1-800-872-2437.

Youth

GIFT Teens ‘N’ Twenties is an affirming, faith-based group for LGBT youth in the West Michigan area. Meets the first and third Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. Call 616-774-0446, email [email protected] or visit http://www.gaysinfaithtogether.org. First United Methodist Church’s Youth Center, 227 East Fulton Street.

Riot Youth is a queer and queer-friendly youth led activist group focusing on discussion, education, support, and radical change in our community. Fridays 4-5:30 at the Neutral Zone, 637 N. Main, downtown Ann Arbor. At couches on first floor. Call Ben Farrell 734-277-4647.

Downriver Area Youth Outreach (D.A.Y.O.) Youth Group for LGBT teens meets 1st Saturdays at Grace Episcopal Church in Southgate from 1-4 p.m. Call 734-783-2950.

Sports & Social

Saturday Night Out is a new singles group for lesbian professionals 45 and over that will meet in Detroit. Call or email Darlene H. at 248-855-4999, [email protected], or Mary H at 248-892-0470.

The TransGender Michigan TG Social Group meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Pronto!, 608 S. Washington in Royal Oak. Call Rachel Crandall at 517-420-1544.

Affirmations’ Stitch In Project third Mondays from 6-9 p.m. at Affirmations in Ferndale. All LGBT adults welcome – bring your own materials and a dish to pass. $2 suggested donation. For more information contact Kimya Ayodele at 248-398-7105, ext. 24 or [email protected].

Motown Drivers, an LGBT golf league, is welcoming new members. The league plays Fridays at 5:15 p.m. at Rackham Golf Course at 10100 W. 10 Mile Rd. in Huntington Woods. For more information email Mike or Duane at [email protected] or [email protected] or visit http://www.motowndrivers.org.

Suits And The City: The ultimate after-work cocktail mixer for Lesbian & Gay professionals. Meets first Wednesdays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Business or business casual attire. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Live cocktail piano; cash bar. Park Lake Grill, 5900 Park Lake Rd., East Lansing. Visit http://www.suitsandthecity.com or email [email protected].

The LimeLight is a monthly event dedicated to all the arts, hosted by PuppetArt. Events take place on the last Saturdays of every month. For more information on each month’s event, contact Darren at 313-590-8767 or [email protected].

Lambda Music Network All levels and instruments, including voice, are welcome. The Network’s purposes are to enable musicians to network and form ensembles, both small and large, and to have at least one benefit concert per year for one of the fine organizations in our LGBT community. Contact Brandy Sinco at 930-0646 or [email protected].

Flint Women’s Rugby Club pre-season Thursday practices. Call 810-919-6883.

Motown Frontrunners meets to run, slow jog or walk, followed by meals and conversation Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Meets outside Pronto!, 608 Washington, Royal Oak. Call David at 248-542-3829.

Ann Arbor Queer Aquatics hosts a non-competitive swim Sundays. All abilities welcome. At Mack Pool 10-11:30 a.m. Call 734-663-0036.

Rainbow Pride; Flint’s GLBTA Bowling League Organizational meeting to take place on Aug. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at B’s Bowling Center. League will begin Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. $12/bowler weekly. Call 810-743-7570. International Gay Bowling Organization Member League.

Big Three Coffee Social; LGBT employees of Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler and their suppliers meet 1st Mondays; The Coffee Beanery, Ferndale. Email [email protected] or or[email protected].

Ann Arbor Front Runners and Walkers; all abilities are welcome. Contact [email protected] or call either Rick at 734-741-1763 or Stephen at 734-483-2524.

ONE voice chorus rehearses Tuesdays, 7-9 pm at Affirmations Sept.-May, all levels welcome. Todd at 734-480-4480 or Linda at 248-827-4196

The Out Loud Chorus rehearses at Ann Arbor’s Memorial Christian Church Mondays 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Call 734-973-6084 or visit http://www.aaoutloud.org.