Drag, Dance and Defiant Joy: Ferndale Pride 2025 in Full Color — Photos Inside!
Pride season kick-off event brought an inspiring message of belonging
Ferndale Pride marked its 15th year on May 31 with a celebration that transformed the entire city into a vibrant showcase of LGBTQ+ community and culture. Many consider Ferndale the queerest city in all of Michigan, and the city's enthusiastic partnership with Pride organizers was evident throughout the day as the community came alive with festivities.
The day kicked off with fresh energy at the 2025 Newcomer Drag Show on the Planavon Stage at noon, right after the opening ceremony. The showcase put emerging performers center stage, giving baby queens and kings the spotlight they deserved.
"The newcomers show is super special this year," Michael Christian, founder of Motor City Drag Kings, told Pride Source last month. "My co-producer and MCDK co-founder, Teddy, and I worked really hard to find entertainers who are up-and-coming hosts and title holders. We wanted to give them this bigger platform and audience. The hope is their love for their art will be inspired to continue in this competitive space of our community."
"All of the stages were very busy all day long," said Julia Music, Ferndale Pride executive director. "The crowd energy was very contagious and you could tell that the performers were feeding off of it. We are so lucky to have so much talent in Michigan."
This year's event featured two full stages of entertainment. The Planavon Performance Stage, hosted by emcee Bentley James, showcased headliner Baddie Brooks, Miss Trans Michigan 2025. The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter delivered a set that resonated deeply with the crowd, creating an atmosphere of mutual support and celebration. Over on the Woodward Dance Stage, attendees lived out their queer fantasy of going directly from brunch to the dance floor.
"Words can't begin to describe how surreal it was to perform as the 2025 headliner for Ferndale Pride," Brooks told Pride Source. "The audience was very receptive, engaged and encouraging. I truly felt a sense of belonging from my community."
Throughout the fest, Ferndale Pride organizers fostered an atmosphere of defiantly diverse representation. In addition to Brooks, DJs Stacey Hotwaxx Hale and Rimarkable also took the stage — all women headliners in what Music described as a "triple headliner situation," a first for the event.
"We are proud that our host Blanca Sapphire is the first openly nonbinary host of any stage in Michigan," Music also noted. "And even more proud to be one of two larger Prides in the United States with all drag programming organized by trans men at Motor City Drag Kings."
Beyond the main stages, organizers ensured there was something for everyone. Families enjoyed Readings With Royalty in the children's area, while water bottle fill-up stations helped attendees stay cool throughout the day. Sensory-sensitive and quiet spaces provided opportunities for people to rest and recharge.
Brooks noted the powerful sense of unity visible throughout the event. "I noticed people of various backgrounds coming together to celebrate this momentous occasion. I would do it again in a heartbeat."
For the performer, sharing her artistry with the community held special significance. "Sharing my music with my community feels incredibly special because I never thought that I'd be able to do this," she reflected, adding that "it is my dream to expand my Reclamation Tour on an international level."
Photos: 8thirty_photography (Baddie Brooks photo), Andrew Potter (all others)
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