Crack Up For Change, Flirt Fearlessly, Support Small Town-Sparkle and Plan Proactively
It's August, so we're bound by law (the Law of Glitter if not actually the State of Michigan) to remind you how many steaming hot queers will be at these amazing events!
There's comedy that’s actually protest, motorcycling that’s actually connection and youth Pride that’s actually everything we ever wanted as queer kids. Plus, we’ve got a final nudge for you to take queer health seriously.
1. Crack Up for Change
The celebrated Here to Pee Tour Comedy Tour is finally coming to Michigan, and the tour's hilarious and enthusiastic producer Ren Q Dawe is tickled pink. And blue.
Dawe told Pride Source "we are so excited for our Detroit stop — a place with such a long history of protest, resistance and legendary crowds. Which is exactly the kind of energy we’re bringing with Here to Pee, to raise funds, raise hell and hopefully raise a few eyebrows in a city we know already knows how to laugh."
Expect a 75–90 minute show bringing together genderqueer artists with bold, brash and bathroom bill–busting comedy.
Aug. 15, 7 p.m., Greenwich Time Pub (130 Cadillac Square, Detroit). Tickets at bit.ly/heretopeedetroit.
2. Support Small-Town Sparkle
Vermontville Youth Pride is back for the fourth year, and Christine Terpening (president of I’ll Be Your Rock, the hosting organization) explains why it's not your average Pride: "Our focus is on queer kids and teens while also being a space for all LGBTQ+ and ally adults to come enjoy and celebrate queer youth,” she explains. “We are giving kids the love and admiration of community that many of us wish we had when we were growing up. Every child should come from a community that loves them, supports them and celebrates them."
Entertainment includes Vermontville rocker Ford Faynor and rising country songwriter Madeleine Kelson — plus vendors, a queer car show, games and giveaways for kids, including one free meal ticket for every kid under 19. I’ll Be Your Rock board member Cassey Tien, educator, teacher of the year and popular TikTok creator, will emcee the event.
Aug. 16, 12-7 p.m, Vermontville Community Center (108 N. Main St., Vermontville). Information at bit.ly/VYpride.
3. Rev with Riders
If you’ve ever dreamed of a queer motorcycle ride through the gorgeous Grand Traverse region, this is your sign to pack the saddlebags and make a plan to hit the road for exactly that.
The final Queer Moto Ride of the season, hosted by Up North Pride and led by Brendan O’Donnell, brings riders together at Bryant Park and follows a group route through the gorgeous local region with at least one social stop before looping back to the start.
“I have always wanted to foster and experience the social pleasure of motorcycling here,” said O’Donnell. “The emphasis is on the ride but also creating space for folks to get to know each other.”
Helmet hair, optional. Joy, guaranteed.
Aug. 29, 6 p.m., Bryant Park (1101 Peninsula Dr., Traverse City), bit.ly/upnorthmoto.
4. Flirt Fearlessly
At Vesper’s Experiments in Speed Dating: Queer Night, gender doesn’t matter, trans and nonbinary folks are affirmed, and you’ll meet everyone. Conversations range from scripted to strange to silent, with a vibe that’s playful, not performative.
Like the interactions, the snacks and drinks are full of options — though it’s a wine bar, you’ll find nonalcoholic wine, soda, tea, Casamara Club drinks and cheese plates. Whether you leave with love, friendship or just a good story, it’s a win.
Aug. 10, 5 p.m., Vespers Book and Wine (5001 Grand River Ave., Detroit). Learn more at bit.ly/queerspeeddating.
5. Protect Yourself with a Proactive Plan
Look, queer and trans folks in Michigan are dealing with a lot. But one thing we can do right now is start planning for how we take physical care of ourselves and each other, especially with more political chaos looming.
Is your doctor queer-friendly? Do you have an emergency contact who gets it? Got a plan for getting a Pap test without crying? Set aside an hour this week to make a Health To-Do list. Do one thing on it.
Then text a friend and help them do the same. Future you (and all your queer parts) will thank you.
Your place, your time, your body, your joy. (But also: It's just one tiny thing. Do it this week.)
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