Don't Miss United We Slay This Weekend Across Metro Detroit
Historic four-day Pride celebration and Golden O'Hara-Polo tribute features "Drag Race" stars, dance parties and more
Preparations for what might just be Metro Detroit's most ambitious LGBTQ+ celebration are in full swing, and there's still time to join the party. United We Slay runs Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, bringing together 11 venues across the region for an unprecedented weekend of community, performance and Pride.
Born from the final vision of the late Golden O'Hara-Polo — a beloved transgender drag performer and community advocate who died in April at age 29 — the four-day celebration of LGBTQ+ artistry, resilience and unity was created to honor the past, empower the present and unify the future of the community. In a time of division, organizers say the event creates space for healing and transformation through performance, visibility and collective joy.
O'Hara-Polo was known for transforming routine drag shows into magical experiences through her genuine connections with audiences and fellow performers. She came out as transgender in early 2024, writing on Instagram, "Life is short, don't love for anyone else but yourself. You deserve everything that you desire in this world." Her final performance was at Five15 during a Transform fundraiser benefiting the Michigan ACLU, a cause she championed throughout her career.
The festival spans venues from Detroit to Royal Oak with Royal Oak's Pronto and Five15 serving as anchor locations, powered by collaboration with Metro Detroit's most beloved LGBTQ+ venues. What started as O'Hara-Polo's vision has become a powerful celebration of queer resilience and unity.
This weekend's can't-miss events include "RuPaul's Drag Race" All Stars performer Olivia Lux taking the stage Saturday, June 28, at 7 p.m. Known for her high-voltage performances and killer looks, Lux brings fierce energy and an unforgettable vibe to the Royal Oak venue. The evening continues with "Slay the Night" featuring international DJ Dan Slater at 10 p.m.
Sunday brings another Drag Race favorite, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, for a 2 p.m. show hosted by legendary Miss Nicki Stevens. The All Stars standout performer offers fans an up-close and personal experience in what organizers call "The Ultimate Drag Race Experience."
The weekend also features tea events including "Therapy Tea" and "Next in Line: The Royal Tea," along with "The Village" and "Queens of the Block" programming spanning both days.
All proceeds support the ACLU of Michigan's civil liberties work, continuing O'Hara-Polo's passionate advocacy for the cause that defined much of her community work.
Find more information at facebook.com/five15royaloak.
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