Queer Things To Do: Attend a Queer Comedy Show, Advocate for Homeless Youth, Support Your Local Library
Somehow, we’re three months into 2023. By now, you’ve either kept up with those New Year Resolutions or opted to chart a different course, free from the expectations of 2022 You. 2023 You is in luck in either case, because there’s a big world out there just waiting for whoever you are, wherever you are. This month, create beautiful music with strangers, check out a one-of-a-kind show featuring trans comedians, advocate for homeless, queer youth and support your local library.
1. Laugh It Up at a Queer Comedy Show
“Girl God is the most popular trans comedy group performing today, if not ever,” says the press release for Girl God’s ongoing tour, set to hit Detroit’s El Club March 16. Considering the duo, comprised of writers April Clark and Grace Freud (who has written for “Rick and Morty,” The Onion and other places you’ve heard of), has been selling out shows coast to coast and racking up the views online for their uncategorizable sketches, it’s hard to argue. Expect a funny, surreal, interactive performance with a big focus on the pair’s trans and queer perspectives.
March 16, 7 p.m., El Club (4114 Vernor Highway, Detroit). Tickets at GirlGodLive.com.
2. Dress Up, Support a Good LGBTQ+ Cause
Looking for a great excuse to have a memorable night out? The Together in Pride Gala, set for March 9 in Midland, hits all the right notes: cocktails, music, dancing, an auction and more. Not only can you dress to impress at this no-jeans event, but you’ll be supporting Great Lakes Bay Pride, a Midland-based organization that funds a laundry list of LGBTQ+ support services including peer groups, the Harmony Diversity Choir, networking events, Pride Month activities and advocacy work.
March 9, 5:30 p.m., Midland Country Club (1120 W. Saint Andrews Road, Midland). Ticket link at greatlakesbaypride.org.
3. Advocate for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth
Ozone House in Ypsilanti tackles the ongoing struggle too many LGBTQ+ youth face every day — housing insecurity. “Young people who are BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA2S+ are overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness, foster care, and in our juvenile justice system due to systemic racism,” said Megh Hollowell, Ozone House development associate. Together with the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH), the organization will hold a day of homelessness prevention advocacy at the state capitol in Lansing on March 15. The groups will call on elected officials to address the prevalence of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth among people experiencing homelessness, living in foster care and battling the juvenile justice system. “We are committed to eliminating these disparities and addressing the impacts these broken systems have on young people,” Hollowell added.
March 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Michigan State Capitol (100 North Capitol Ave., Lansing). Learn more at ozonehouse.org/events.
4. Let Your Heart Song Out
There’s a song in your heart (whether you know it or not) — here’s your chance to sing out in imperfect harmony with strangers and friends alike. The Choir! Choir! Choir! Singalong tour comes to The Ark in Ann Arbor March 5 and will have audience members harmonizing in honor of Beatles legend George Harrison’s 80th birthday. Along the way, you’ll be expertly guided by choral professionals who will create an unforgettable musical creation on the spot. Like magic, even inexperienced “choir members” will find they have played a role in creating something very special.
March 5, 7 p.m. at The Ark (316 S Main St., Ann Arbor). Ticket link at theark.org.
5. Support Your Local Library
Who knew librarians would emerge as the superheroes we didn’t even know we needed in a troubling era? It’s true. These defenders of free speech and inclusion have been out there all along, quietly upholding American values and helping people connect to the world around them in so many ways. It’s not just books — your local library likely offers a slew of free offerings like computer classes, crafting groups, lectures, gaming events, meeting space, research assistance and resources like tax forms, not to mention an essentially endless list of totally free things you can check out. In addition to books and DVDs, many libraries offer things like board games and puzzles. For example, the Ann Arbor District Library allows patrons to check out art prints, home tools, telescopes and more. So, look up your local library and support a community resource that has always had your back.
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