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Queer Things to Do: Attend a Space Party, Delight in Drag, See the Razor Braids

Sarah Bricker Hunt

Ready to break free from the normal routine and spice things up? Need a change of pace from scrolling through the endless stream of negative news? This list has you covered, from a space-themed Pride event to an all-female queer rock band concert to a sexy burlesque event. Get out and mix it up with some new, positive experiences. Celebrate the unique, enduring queer spirit that ties the LGBTQ+ community together.

1. Have an Out-of-This-World Good Time at Planet Pride

Sometimes, you just have to embrace the weird and see where it takes you. Ferndale Pride’s Planet Pride event is one of those times. Set for March 25 at 215 West, the event will showcare drag performances by Miss Michigan Trans Gay World Mia Cole, Mr. Trans Michigan Michael Christian, Jewel Jubilee and Bentley James. The intergalactic-inspired event will also feature DJs Skyrah and Hemlock spinning tracks, local go-go dancers and special mixed drink and mocktail selections from Starcut Ciders and Short’s Brewing. Don’t miss the chance to put together an outer space ensemble — prizes will be awarded for the best looks. Ticket sales benefit Ferndale Pride.

Friday, March 25, 7 p.m.-2 a.m., 215 West (215 West Nine Mile Road, Ferndale). Tickets at bit.ly/41GkqSG.

2. Delight in a Star-Studded Drag Performance

Lately, the art of drag has been under attack by people who are under the mistaken impression that there’s something inherently wrong about beautiful, spirited people dressing up in character and putting on shows for delighted audiences. Well, those people are dumb, RuPaul is the Queen and the March 26th Fantastic Five of 14 show at SoundBoard, featuring Season 14 “RuPaul’s Drag Race” finalists Angeria, Bosco, Daya Betty, Lady Camden and Willow Pill, will have you forgetting the haters and loving on the ladies who work it the best.

March 26, 8 p.m., SoundBoard at MotorCity Casino Hotel (2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit). Ticket link at soundboarddetroit.com

3. Get in Some Scream Therapy at a Razor Braids Show

If it’s catharsis you’re after, the March 26 Razor Braids concert at The Parliament Room in Ferndale needs to find its way to your calendar. This queer, Brooklyn-based, all-female/non-binary rock band will have you channeling all your angry, angsty energy about <insert any number of global and national issues> into a head-banging, frenetic experience you won’t soon forget. Check out the band’s new album on bandcamp, “I Could Cry Right Now If You Wanted Me To,” and grab a ticket.

March 26, 7 p.m., The Parliament Room at Otus Supply (345 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale). Ticket link at razorbraids.com.

4. Attend a Thrift Store Gala and Burlesque Show

Yes, you read that right. The REO Town Thrift Store Gala and Burlesque Extravaganza, set for March 18, offers plenty of reasons to make the reasonable trek over to Lansing. Not only do event organizers encourage you to dress in your thriftiest finds, including gently used suits and ball gowns, but you’ll be in for an evening of magic, food, drink and burlesque entertainment from national performers like Sarah Jean Anderson, Eartha Kitten, Lilith Von Tal and Marina Casanova. Proceeds benefit the REO Town Commercial Association, an organization that has turned this once-downtrodden corner of Michigan’s capital city into a bustling hive of creative (and often queer) energy.

March 18, 8 p.m., 1033 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. Tickets at bit.ly/41Ud3ah.

5. Meet Queer Comic Artists

Oakland University’s Women and Gender Studies Film Festival, set for March 18, will focus on the recent PBS documentary, “No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics.” You’ll also have a chance to meet local historian Tim Retzloff and artist Isabel Clare Paul, who together created the comic “Come Out! In Detroit,” a retelling of the real events surrounding Michigan’s first Pride celebration. Oakland University alumnus Kel Neveu will discuss their queer-focused comic, “The Sacrifice’s Purpose,” as well.

March 18, 1 p.m., Oakland University, Human Health Building 1050 (433 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester). Learn more at bit.ly/3SUxrnR.

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