Attend Affirmations' 35th Anniversary Gala, Celebrate Art, Find Tech Work, Go to a Cabaret
Need a break from the political whirlwind? From thinking about whatever bizarre, obviously false claims Trump keeps making about people eating the pets of Springfield? We get it. What emerged during the epic face-off between Trump and Harris was a reminder as to what's at stake during this election — everything. And while getting out to vote is crucial, November is a ways away. Take in some show tunes and celebrate a milestone year for our community center, you can take a moment to recharge and return with fresh energy, ready to tackle what's next.
1. Celebrate at Affirmations Studio 35 Gala
In order to properly honor 35 years of service to the community, Affirmations, Ferndale’s LGBTQ+ community center, is going all out with a gala. With the Detroit skyline as the backdrop, attendees will reflect upon the legacy and future of the organization in style.
“This year's gala is especially significant as we are celebrating a milestone of 35 years,” Senior Marketing Manager Marisol Dorantes said. “Studio 35 Gala will be unlike any of our past events. We chose a theme and activations that prioritized celebration, camp and the commemoration of memories.”
Studio 35 will feature a strolling dinner, a caricaturist, a photo booth and a dance floor. Be sure to mark your calendars for an opportunity “to celebrate our wins and joyfully connect with our community.”
Sept. 28, 7 p.m.- 12 a.m., Iridescence & Amnesia at Motor City Casino (2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit). More details can be found at goaffirmations.org/affirmations-gala.
2. Support LGBTQ+ Artists
With the Funky Ferndale Art Fair, complexity and experimentation are the basis of the whole operation. Yes, the event is an art show, but it also encourages, well, funkiness, as artists are judged by how distinct and boundary-pushing their pieces are. Funky Ferndale Art Fair runs from Sept. 20-22, hours vary by day, West of Woodward on Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Learn more at funkyferndaleartfair.com.
If all this art talk has you inspired to flex your own art muscles, look no further than SCRAP Creative Reuse’s Queer Crafternoon. The organization focuses on allowing you to create freely without the guilt of waste. SCRAP utilizes upcycling to provide manufactured items and materials that you can repurpose into something new. "I started Queer Crafternoon with the goal of creating a low-barrier, relaxed space where community and creativity could combine," said Education Coordinator Jonathan Brant. Queer Crafternoon is on Sept. 29, 3-5 p.m. at SCRAP Creative Reuse (4567 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor). Save your spot at bit.ly/3XFMdTu.
3. Connect with Queer Techies
Entering the tech industry is a feat easier said than done. Factor in being an out member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a difficult task just became even harder. But fear not, with 50,000 members in cities across the globe, Out In Tech aims to empower LGBTQ+ people within the industry by ensuring they’re seen and heard.
Out In Tech’s Detroit chapter is hosting “Get Hired: Job Search Tech Talks” on Sept. 24. The event will provide insight on what goes into a good interview, how LGBTQ+ folks can use tech to their advantage when finding jobs and how to increase confidence overall. Take back power and blow through barriers by connecting with a network of LGBTQ+ techies.
Sept. 24, 6-7 p.m., 118 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Register at bit.ly/47qr0Qo.
4. Own the Night with ‘Once Upon A Show Tune!’
Show tunes are in the blood of every gay and on Thursday nights, Ann Arbor’s North Star Lounge brings that to life. Performer Jay Kaplan said that the upcoming “Once Upon A Showtune!” event showcases a star-studded lineup of performers.
“Our cabaret show in Ann Arbor is part of an almost 20-year collaboration with my dear friend Jeffrey Willets, who had the idea of us putting together programs of show tunes,” Kaplan said. “We are joined by accompanist Nick Fredericks and percussionist Jesse Gibbs at the North Star Lounge for an evening of songs from Broadway musicals.”
On Sept. 26, pull up a chair, snag some of Michigan’s best vegan cuisine and settle in to experience “why these songs are meaningful to us in our lives."
Sept. 26, 7-10 p.m., North Star Lounge (301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor). More information can be found at nstarlounge.com/events/onceuponashowtune.
5. Get into Halloween Early
Calling all spooky season fans! The time has come to test your horror movie knowledge, and where better than in a space with drag queens and fellow members of the queer community? So before Royal Oak institution Five15 hosts the "Halloween, Horror Movie and Hocus Pocus" drag trivia night on Oct. 2, study up on your Final Girls, monster movies and slasher icons. Veteran Five 15 drag performer Sabin will emcee, and you know she'll get you into the Halloween spirit.
Or if trivia isn’t your style, check out the return of “Sip, Swish, and Stroke,” a drag painting event on Oct. 12 where queen Kooki Plaider will teach you the step-by-step process of bringing the Sanderson sisters back to life... at least on canvas.
Oct. 2, 7 p.m., Five15 (600 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak). Snag your seat at five15.net/reservations/event/4584.
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