Michigan's Cool Cities: Detroit

Detroit is the largest city in the state and the 10th largest city in the U.S. The city has a long and storied history in movements for social change for civil rights, the right to organize unions and the rights of immigrants.
Internationally known for automobile manufacturing, the world headquarters of General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. and the North American headquarters of DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen are located in metro Detroit. All of these companies offer domestic partner benefits to the same-sex partners of their employees.
The 2000 U.S. Census reported that Detroit had the highest number of couples of any city in Michigan, with 1,745. U.S. Congressional District 13 had the second highest number of same-sex couples reported in the district represented by U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D).
In 1973, Detroit became the first major city in the country to pass a non-discrimination ordinance protecting gays and lesbians. Despite that initial success, Detroit remains one of the few major cities in the country that does not offer domestic partner benefits to its city employees.
The Detroit Pride Society, host of the annual Hotter Than July! Black Pride Celebration, is one of many active LGBT groups in Detroit. The Ruth Ellis Center has recently expanded their operations to provide more services and housing to LGBT youth. Detroit is also home to The Triangle Foundation, Michigan's political group, The American Civil Liberties Union LGBT Project, and Karibu House Community Center Project.
Between The Lines newspaper celebrates excellence in live theater and the arts at The Wilde Awards, held each September at the historic Gem Theatre. Detroit has more theater seats than any other city east of the Mississippi River, outside New York City, and the LGBT community is actively involved in Detroit's vibrant theater and arts community. Also, many bars and restaurants cater to Detroit's LGBT partygoers.
Detroit is truly an international city. The border between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario is the most active international border in the world. Detroit receives freighters from over 100 world ports.
Detroit was the host city for the 2006 Super Bowl and has been called the Sports Capital of the Nation. Detroit is also second in the nation in fishing rod sales and has the most registered bowlers in the U.S.