Queer Things to Do in Michigan: Play Dolly Parton Trivia, Jump Into Old-School Aerobics, Find LGBTQ+ Sobriety Support
Look out, 2023. We’re here, we’re queer (or queer adjacent) and we’re ready for whatever you’ve got in store for us. Even if you’re not the resolution-setting type, a new year can mean a new outlook. It’s the perfect chance to do a little self-reflection and maybe some redirection. Turn your energies to a new physical pursuit like an old-school aerobics class (from home!), get out of the house and attend a Dolly Parton trivia night or, if you struggle with addiction, find some LGBTQ-centered sobriety support. Take all the “me time” you need this year.
1. Roll Off the Couch and Into An Old-School Aerobics Class
You could join the throngs of hopeful 2023 resolution-makers flooding into gyms and yoga studios across the country or you could roll off the couch like a rock star and start moving that beautiful carcass without the need to scrape the windshield or even find real pants. The choice is yours, but if the latter sounds like a better match for your actual lifestyle, don’t miss the Good Morning Workout! with Erica Nix, beaming to a laptop or smart TV near you every Saturday at 10 a.m.
Nix is on a mission to make working out fun again. “This class is more raw, more colorful and more ridiculous than any class you will ever experience,” reads a promo for the class. Attendees are invited to wear vintage aerobics wear, with one caveat: “No pressure, because [Nix] prefers to be the best dressed.” The class is specifically designed to be queer, trans and nonbinary inclusive.
Saturdays, 10 a.m., workoutwithericanix.com
2. Think You Know Dolly? Prove It!
In times of uncertainty, what would Dolly do? Apart from being fabulously, unflappably positive about our collective future, she’d surely win the Dolly Parton trivia contest and drag show at B. Nektar Meadery in Ferndale on Jan. 13.
Dolly might not make a personal appearance at this fun event — by the way, there will be prizes — but you can do her name proud by showing off your encyclopedic knowledge of the country queen, from “Steel Magnolias” to collabs with her honorary niece, Miley Cyrus. Proceeds will benefit Ferndale Pride, which is hosting a series of events ahead of the big festival in June. Event Director Julia Music says, “We welcome the community to join us at our events and see all of the unique places Ferndale has to offer.”
Friday, Jan. 13, 8 p.m. B. Nektar Meadery, 1511 Jarvis, Ferndale. Big hair, cowboy boots and sequins optional but highly recommended. ferndalepride.com
3. Warm Up with a Last Minute Lesbian Staycation
Are you a local lesbian in need of some post-holiday stress relief? Carpe Diem Weekend, sponsored by the Litty Committee Detroit, is your chance to relax, reset and refocus in a safe, positive space. The event takes place Jan. 14-16 at the Leo Collection Hotel in Lincoln Park and includes premium cash bars at events including a lingerie party, a “Baddie Brunch” and a late-night pool party, all limited to attendees only. Room reservations are required to take part in the weekend’s festivities.
Jan. 14-16 at Leo Collection Detroit, 1805 John A Papalas Dr., Lincoln Park. Learn more and reserve tickets at t.ly/MUmT.
4. Plan Your 2023 Broadway in Detroit Schedule
Did you know you can catch a Broadway show right here in Detroit? Save your pennies and enjoy the same glam experience you’d get in NYC. It’s not too early to reserve seats for the 2023 line-up, which includes “Beetlejuice,” “Jagged Little Pill,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Book of Mormon.” Broadway in Detroit has also announced its 2023-24 Subscription Series, including shows like “SIX,” “Wicked,” “Company” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” — if you’re a theater lover, this can be an economical way to get your fix!
5. Find Addiction Recovery Support
Recovery from addiction is never easy, and it can be especially difficult to stay focused on sobriety on the heels of the holiday season. It may be an ideal time to check out one of the area’s local recovery group meetings created specifically for LGBTQ+ folks focused on sobriety. Here are a few to consider:
- Lives Lived Right (An LGBT Meeting of Narcotics Anonymous), Sundays at 5 p.m., 27700 Gratiot Ave., Roseville. liveritestructuredcorp.com.
- Affirmations offers several options, including virtual and in-person meetings focused on alcoholism, crystal meth recovery, narcotics addiction, harm reduction and more, 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. goaffirmations.org/support-and-discussion-groups.
- St. Luke Episcopal holds a weekly Diversity Wednesday Alcoholics Anonymous meeting alongside a separate Al-Anon meeting for families and loved ones at 8 p.m., 540 W. Lewiston Ave., Ferndale. t.ly/d-Q1
Check out the website gayandsober.org to find a full list of virtual and in-person recovery support meetings in Michigan and beyond (including alcohol, meth and narcotics addiction support). There is a community of support out there — you don’t have to face 2023 alone.
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