Stand Together for Trans Day of Remembrace, Attend Pridegiving, Sing Boldly at Uplift Karaoke

Kelli Dunham

Published: November 7, 2025 | Last Updated: November 7, 2025

November can be a complicated month for queer folks: equal parts reflection, celebration and carb-loading. Between International Transgender Day of Remembrance and a calendar full of gratitude-themed gatherings, it’s a time to honor our losses while also making space for joy, chosen family and maybe a little karaoke-fueled catharsis. Whether you’re looking to light a candle, share a meal or just sing your heart out without judgment (OK, maybe a little judgment), Southeast Michigan has plenty to offer.

1. Stand Together for Trans Day of Remembrance

International Transgender Day of Remembrance, held annually on Nov. 20, honors the memory of trans and gender-diverse people lost to violence and neglect. Across Michigan, communities will gather to grieve, remember and renew their commitment to a safer, more loving world. You can find local vigils and services in places like Ferndale, Ann Arbor and Livingston County, many offering both in-person and virtual participation. For these TDOR commemorations, bring your grief, your candles and your determination to continue showing up for one another.

Queer Families of Livingston: bit.ly/tdorqflivco
Candlelight Vigil At Affirmations Ferndale: bit.ly/tdorferndale
UM Spectrum Center: bit.ly/UMtdor
PFLAG Great Lakes: bit.ly/tdorpflaggreatlakes

2. Celebrate Community Over a Shared Table

Head north to Owosso (just 30 miles north of Lansing) for a warm, queer twist on Thanksgiving: Pridegiving, a potluck where gratitude meets glam. Expect home-cooked (or store-bought — no shame) dishes, friendly faces and space to celebrate the beautiful diversity of our LGBTQ+ community. Please note the organizers specifically mention "come by yourself," so don't think this is a situation where you need a crew to roll on in!

Plus, there will be craft stations for kids and teens, because we all know that glitter and glue are the real community-binding agents.

Nov. 23, 4–6 p.m., Ollie’s Coffee & Café (606 Cass St., Owosso), bit.ly/pridegiving.

3. Dance with Chosen Family

While it's true that the night before Thanksgiving is our community's official “see your ex at the bar” holiday at Menjo’s and 215 West, it’s more about dance floors than drama. Menjo’s is turning its entire complex into a 10-hour sanctuary of sound with multiple stages and DJs, while 215 West hosts Thots & Prayers, a popular LGBTQ+ dance party. You can dance away family stress and see all the folks who are back visiting their parents. Might be a whole new dating pool!

Nov. 26, 10 p.m., Sanctuary at Menjo's, (928 W. McNichols Road, Detroit), bit.ly/menjotgiving.

Nov. 26, 8 p.m., 215 West (215 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale), bit.ly/thotstgiving.

4. Sing Boldly at Uplift Karaoke

If pulsing dance music and crowded clubs aren’t your thing, but you still want to partake in the Thanksgiving Eve festivities, consider a pilgrimage to Uplift for their Wednesday karaoke.

Whether you’re channeling your inner Stevie Nicks or rounding up all your friends for a heartfelt rendition of “Closer to Fine” (is there any other rendition?), you’ll find an encouraging crowd ready to clap, cheer and sing along. It’s the perfect midweek outlet before turkey, traffic and tense dinner-table debates.

Nov. 26, 9 p.m., Uplift (210 S. 1st St., Suite 100 N., Ann Arbor), upliftannarbor.com.

5. Thank Your Queer Champions

This week, try a small act of queer gratitude: Write a thank-you note to someone in your community who made your life a little easier, brighter or maybe even just possible this year. Think of a barista who remembers your name, the trans elder who paved the way, the friend who keeps texting to check in.

Gratitude isn’t a feeling; it’s a practice that strengthens connection and resilience. Plus, it’s cheaper than therapy and feels way better than doomscrolling.