Go on a Queer Bike Ride, Express Yourself Through Writing, Unwind Over a Board Game, Attend an August Pride Fest

Cruise: Detroit participants. Photo: Jeremey Isaacson

Published: August 5, 2024 | Last Updated: August 5, 2024

Are you feeling like you just fell out of a coconut tree? Does the context that you exist in happen to be dazed and feature a throbbing headache? No one can blame you. Over the last couple of weeks, amongst brat edits and shattered fundraising records, Kamala Harris has launched her campaign for the presidency with enthusiasm. However, after a series of political events, each more stunning than the last, it’s hard to not feel a bit overwhelmed. If you’re looking to find a moment to recollect yourself to better prepare for the ever-important election coming in November, then you’re in the right place. Express your emotions through music, pedal your cares away with Cruise: Detroit or just relax and sink into a queer board game night.

1. Go For a LGBTQ+ Bike Ride with Cruise: Detroit

When fun music is blaring and the sights of Detroit are surrounding you, it’s easy to forget that you’re actually doing cardio. Cruise: Detroit is a queer cycling group that plans rides in and around the Detroit area. Cruise: Detroit assures that no disrespectful or hateful behavior is tolerated and that they maintain a safe space through active support. Admin Justin Fenwick told Pride Source that their rides are accessible for all. “We are a bi-monthly-ish queer meander on bikes,” Fenwick said. “Cruise rides at an accessible speed 10-12 mph and travel distances range from 10-15 miles with stops made during rides.” There’s one planned ride remaining for August, coming up soon.

Aug. 11, 1 p.m., Meeting at Drifter Coffee (770 Woodward Heights, Ferndale) and riding to Hazel Park Pride. Learn more at bit.ly/3SwwjaY

2. Express Yourself with Write Hear 4 Queer

Being queer is an experience unique to each individual — everyone has their own story. So why not try expressing it through writing in a queer-friendly space? Through writing exercises, prompts and optional sharing, Lansing-based Write Hear 4 Queer promises to provide an open space for writers of all levels and orientations. Write Hear 4 Queer assures that events like these aren’t just a way to flex your creative muscles, but are also an active part of “creating community.” Meet new people within your area and unleash the soul of a poet that every queer person has lingering inside!

Aug. 11, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Salus Center (408 S Washington Square, Lansing). More details at bit.ly/3SzsK3H

3. Unwind at a Queer Game Night

Nestled in the heart of Detroit is Opal Grove Games, a game company focused on making games accessible to anyone. Every third Friday of the month, Opal Grove hosts Queer Game Night, proving their founding philosophy through action. Owner and Organizer Ben Lippi told Pride Source that their goal with the project is to support the community that supports them. “We started doing Queer Game Night earlier this year as a way to build community,” they said. “Queer folks are under a lot of stress and a lot of our connection to other queer folks is often through the lens of support. That's definitely important, but we wanted to do what we can to provide an opportunity for queer joy too.”

Aug. 16, 6 p.m., Opal Grove Games (3546 Michigan Ave., Detroit). Learn more at opalgrovegames.com/pages/queer-game-night

4. Rock Out with Unicorn Uprising Studios

Detroit-based Unicorn Uprising Studios promises to offer “music education for us, by us.” The organization is currently offering free beginner guitar lessons to disabled and LGBTQ+ people, with instructors available to travel to you. Unicorn’s goal is to create a safe environment that fosters music learning that translates into increased visibility of disabled and LGBTQ+ musicians. If you’re interested in pursuing music or have an interest in volunteering to teach yourself, then look no further.

Dates and locations varying based on scheduling needs. Sign up at bit.ly/4d5G6gs

5. Attend Michigan Pride Events Over The Next Few Weeks

Rachel Crandall Crocker and other organizers at a Trangender Pride in the Park event. Courtesy photo

There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Pride across the state of Michigan in August— whether it be standing with your trans siblings or showing up for queer youth. Check out the details:

Sunday, Aug. 11