Mark Trans Day of Visibility, Organize in Lansing, Peep Hot Daddies in Ferndale, Join the Queerdos Group
Late March in Michigan means one day you’re scraping ice off the windshield, the next you’re craving iced coffee and scouting outdoor seating to enjoy it. The queer calendar can feel a lot like that: equal parts reflection, celebration, organizing and, occasionally, watching a group of charismatic grown folks compete for the title of Hot Daddy. Here are five ways to find joy in the chaos.
1. Celebrate Trans Visibility
The Ann Arbor District Library is marking Trans Day of Visibility with a conversation featuring Detroit-based artist Bakpak Durden. Durden’s work blends Baroque and Afro-Surrealist influences to create oil paintings and large-scale murals that depict subjects in transitional states, emphasizing connection with surrounding communities. Who, then, would be more perfect for an evening focused on trans visibility and storytelling?
March 31, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Downtown Ann Arbor District Library, Lower Level Program Room (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor). bit.ly/tdorAA.
2. Reclaim Pride and Build Community in Lansing
If you’ve been feeling that mix of determination and “OK, but what do we actually do right now?” this gathering in Lansing is designed exactly for that moment. Reclaiming MI Pride is bringing people together for an evening of conversation, connection and organizing in response to the increasing political attacks on LGBTQ+ communities. Expect light appetizers, a drink ticket and a room full of people who believe community is still our strongest strategy.
March 26, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Midtown Brewing Co. (402 S. Washington Square, Lansing). bit.ly/reclaimprideMI.
3. Salute Peak Daddy Energy in Ferndale
Ferndale Pride’s Hot Daddies contest returns for another year of dancing, cheering and joyful daddiness. Contestants — all 35 or older in keeping with classic daddy tradition — can be of any gender and potential contestants can sign up all the way to 48 hours in advance or when they've reached 15 contestants. Ferndale Pride Event Director Julia Music thanked Carbliss for sponsoring the event, promising DJ Darryl G and Brando DJ will deliver “a night of dancing magic” while the daddies work the room for donations.
March 20, 9–11:30 p.m., 215 West (215 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale). bit.ly/hotdaddies26.
4. Hang Out With Queer Book Nerds at Queerdos
Queerdos, the Royal Oak Public Library's monthly literary and social club, is a low-key space where librarian Gillian Goldblatt pairs optional creative activities with conversation about books, graphic novels and whatever media people are loving lately.
Goldblatt told Pride Source, "Several people who come every month have said that Queerdos is their downtime when things are stressful in life, which is so wonderful because that's the goal. I want everyone to feel like this is a space they belong in and are welcome to come and relax."
April 6, 6:30–7:45 p.m., Royal Oak Public Library, Friends Auditorium (222 E. Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak). bit.ly/queerdosroyaloak.
5. Read This Trans Day of Visibility Zine
Not every meaningful action requires leaving the house or finding parking. The Ann Arbor District Library’s annual Trans Day of Visibility zine (part of their Trans Day of Visibility activities, see above) is a small but powerful reminder that queer and trans people continue to make art, tell stories and support one another even in difficult times. The zine features submissions from trans and nonbinary creators and their allies celebrating visibility, community and survival. You can request a free physical copy to be mailed to you or download the digital version from the library catalog. Make some tea, read a few pages and remember: Visibility also happens quietly, one story at a time.
Find places to pick up the 2026 zine, download it or have it sent to you at bit.ly/tdorAA.
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