Bounce into Burlesque, Frolic in the Ferns, Connect with Community, Dance with Dykes
We're here! We're queer! We're weary!
It's nearly the official end of Pride Month, so it's somewhat inevitable that some of the glitter has worn off, right? Unless you're using dollar-store glitter, which is basically industrial metal shard remnants and not something I particularly recommend.
But whether you're wishing there were a few Zzzs in the middle of LGBTQ+ or you're just now getting your second queer wind, there are events from wild burlesque shows to mild bar nights to fit your energy level and remaining wardrobe.
1. Bounce into Burlesque
Local burlesque celeb Lilith Von Tal is bringing the high-glam, high-glitter "Queer Coded: A Celebration of Queer Visibility" back for its third year. Part of Lilith's Big Ol' Golden show series, "Queer Coded" features the work of top-tier local burlesque and variety show artists at the celebrated Planet Ant Theatre. Bring your singles (or 20s? I'm sure no one would complain) for tipping or upgrade to VIP tickets for stage-side seating and a commemorative keepsake.
June 27, 8 p.m., Planet Ant-Ant Hall Stage (2320 Caniff St., Hamtramck), bit.ly/queercodedburlesque.
2. Frolic in the Ferns
If your Pride style is less techno-club and more forest rave, Fern Fest is calling your name, so get your tickets now! This six-day, five-night music festival is specifically curated to drive connection and foster community for women, nonbinary people, trans folks and those who live on the spectrum of the feminine spirit.
At Fern Fest, you'll find everything from communal meals to stargazing to quiet queer cuddles under the canopy. It's the perfect getaway for anyone who wants to experience a community that's loud, soft, sweaty or sparkly — or all of the above.
Community scholarships are still available if cost is a barrier, and while this is rustic camping, their website offers comprehensive prep guides. Who said glitter and bug spray can't co-exist?
July 22-27, exact location provided upon registration, michiganfernfest.com
3. Dance with dykes
Need an excuse to break out your most sappho-centric wardrobe? Well, dig out that "Cat Ladies Come in All Genders" T-shirt and join the fun at July's Dyke Night at Ann Arbor’s North Star Lounge. Connect and make eye contact over sweaty cocktails and even sweatier dance floors — Dyke Night is a trans and nonbinary inclusive space! Miss it this month? No worries. Dyke Night happens every second Thursday.
July 10, 7 p.m., North Star Lounge (301 North 5th Ave., Ann Arbor), nstarlounge.com/events/julydykenight.
4. Connect with Community
Have you checked out Affirmations' monthly calendar lately? You could think of Ferndale’s LGBTQ+ community center — the largest LGBTQ+ community center in Michigan — as a queer community-making buffet: There's a little something for everyone and plenty to try out. Looking to chat with other parents of queer kids? Want a space for creative expression? Curious about trans and nonbinary support groups, social clubs or workshops for young folks? Need help with food insecurity? Seeking STI support, recovery groups of all types or harm reduction supplies?
Whether you’re 16, 26, 46, 86, 106 or (well, you get the idea…), Affirmations is where new friendships, chosen families and brilliant ideas are born. It's also where you can catch Ringwald Theatre shows, the MiGen community center for older LGBTQ+ community members and weekly services from Metropolitan Community Church - Detroit.
Ongoing, Affirmations (290 W Nine Mile Road, Ferndale), goaffirmations.org/events.
5. Help Trans Folks Directly
Between relentless political attacks and exhausting paperwork, accessing gender-affirming care continues to be way harder than it should be. But you can help by donating directly to a trans health fund like the Trans Empowerment Project Fund or Point of Pride.
Better yet, find a local individual mutual aid effort to support. These efforts are especially crucial for folks who don't have tons of social media followers; lack of social capital shouldn't be a barrier to getting needed medical care. Even $10 helps someone get HRT, a binder or lifesaving surgery prep.
Want to do even more? Ask your employer if their insurance covers gender-affirming care. And advocate if it doesn't. If you're a person who needs this kind of support to get care, please ask for it. It can be scary, but people do want to help — and your life is worth fighting for!
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