Attend a Halloween Ball, Find Opportunities At a Transgender Job Fair, Embrace Beauty With En Femme Social Group
We're just a few days away from the general election on Nov. 5, and you know what that means — we’ve officially reached the point where everyone wants this to be over already. Recently, I read a headline about members of the Trump family going to a Taylor Swift concert despite his opposition to the singer and couldn’t help but think, “How is this real life?” As we brace for the chaos of the final days of election season, filter out the noise with a film screening or a Chappell Roan-themed party.
1. Attend a Halloween Ball with Alyssa Edwards
A Halloween Drag ball is fun enough, but one hosted by Alyssa Edwards is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. For those who somehow are unaware of this queen’s talent, Edwards is a multi-season “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star and, as of this week, the “Global All Stars” winner. The queen even had her own Netflix show, “Dancing Queen,” which highlights the drama of her dance career.
With DJ Rockstar Aaron setting the mood and opportunities to meet Edwards and Michigan drag legend Aphrodite rounding out the night, the Ghouls and Dolls Halloween Ball is sure to be a blast.
Oct. 31, 8 p.m., Magic Stick (4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit). Snag tickets at bit.ly/4fcDaPE.
2. Watch 'The World According to Allee Willis' at the DIA
The late gay Detroit artist and songwriter Allee Willis takes center stage in a new film screening at the Detroit Institute of Art's Detroit Film Theatre. Explored through a collage of recordings detailing Willis, her family and career, “The World According to Allee Willis” depicts the queer creative’s multifaceted mind. The film examines Willis’ rise to great heights as she wrote iconic songs such as “September,” “Boogie Wonderland” and the “Friends” theme song, all the while underscoring these moments with her battle to understand herself and where she fit into the gender and sexual norms of her time.
This inspiring documentary is only showing at the DIA for a limited time, so get tickets now.
Nov. 16 and 17, showtimes vary, Detroit Film Theatre (5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit). Purchase tickets at dia.org/events/world-according-allee-willis.
3. Find New Opportunities at a Transgender Job Fair
It’s hard enough to score a job, but factor in an identity that’s under attack and hard suddenly becomes next to impossible. Transgender Michigan’s job fair will feature employers, workshops, speakers and exhibits to even the playing field for transgender individuals.
Transgender Michigan Director of Operations Susan Crocker said that the fair provides a safe space and connects job seekers to individuals interested in bringing on specifically trans voices. “Many trans people are fearful of applying for work due to discrimination, but this job fair bypasses this by having employers who want trans applicants,” Crocker said. This is the only transgender job fair in Michigan, so polish up those résumés.
Nov. 14, 1-4 p.m., Affirmations Community Center (290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale). Find out more at transgendermichigan.org/trans-job-fair.
4. Embrace Beauty with En Femme Social Group
Grand Rapids Pride Center believes that by exploring both your masculine and feminine traits, you can live a more fulfilling and joyful life. That’s the thinking that spurred the creation of En Femme Social Group, a crossdresser support group that aims to break down the assumptions about the artform through a welcoming environment and an open exchange of personal stories.
Through the education of fellow crossdressers and their families, En Femme Social Group hopes to move attendees toward acceptance and create a safer world for crossdressers, trans women and gender nonconforming individuals as a whole. Celebrate your individuality with the group every first and third Friday of the month.
Nov. 1, 6-9 p.m., Grand Rapids Pride Center (343 Atlas Ave., Grand Rapids). Further details at grpride.org/pride-events/calendar.
5. Let Loose at Party Iconic’s 'Hot To Go' Event
The Chappell Roan party of your dreams is coming to Detroit. Featuring music from Chappell Roan, Renée Rapp, MUNA and Lady Gaga, Party Iconic’s "Hot To Go" event is bound to make you feel like you’re dancing at the Pink Pony Club. The organization promises to provide a safe and inclusive space — as Roan sings, “where boys and girls can all be queens every single day.”
Communications Manager Sam Bay said the event provides an opportunity for expression. “Whether your kink is karma or you’re a Midwest princess, this night is all about embracing your truest self while dancing to the best femme sapphic pop hits. We'll be taking the stage at Saint Andrews Hall in Detroit on Saturday, November 2 — grab your tickets now because this party is H-O-T-T-O-G-O!”
Nov. 2, 8 p.m., Saint Andrew's Hall (431 E. Congress St., Detroit). Check it out at livemu.sc/3YaUVYQ.