Workshops, movies and dances, oh my! Your guide to celebrating National Coming Out Day.
Thu, Oct. 9
Let's Talk About It: A Coming Out Panel, 12 p.m. Hear members of the UMHS community share their stories of coming out as LGBT at home, in the workplace, as patients or other moving stories. 1H203 University Hospital, Ann Arbor. [email protected]
Coming Out Day Discussion & Celebration, 2 p.m. Celebrate everyone's right to come out of the closet by joining us after the panel for refreshments, games, stories, and a chance to share your own story. University of Michigan- Flint, Michigan Room B, Flint. http://www.umflint.edu
Sat, Oct. 11
HomeCOMING OUT Picnic, 9 a.m. A homecoming tailgate party hosted by the Wayne State University GLBTA Student Union. Free. Matthaei Athletic Complex – parking lot 50, 5101 John C. Lodge, Detroit. 313-618-9340.
"For The Bible Tells Me So," 7 p.m. A showing of a documentary about the issue of Christianity and homosexuality. Shown as part of National Coming Out Day. Free. St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 335 Washington, Chelsea. http://www.stbarnabaschelsea.org
"The Laramie Project," 7 p.m. A moving play about the death of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who, in 1998, was savagely beaten and left to die. Donations will be accepted to benefit Affirmations and the Matthew Shepard foundation. Birmingham Unitarian Church, 38651 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. 248-647-2380.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Buying for Equality, 2 p.m. Learn which businesses are the most LGBT supportive, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Presented by the Genessee County PFLAG. Support groups are at 2 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church of Flint, 2474 S. Ballenger Hwy, Flint. http://www.pflagflint.org
"For the Bible Tells Me So," 6 p.m. Mary Lou Wallner is featured in the film and will speak after the film. Advocacy training program to supplement the movie the following evening. Free. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2474 S. Ballenger Hwy., Flint. http://www.pflagflint.org
Candlelit Vigil, 9 p.m. To honor University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, who was murdered because of his sexual orientation. An evening of reflection, history and remembrance in the movement to erase hate. Central Campus Diag, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. http://www.spectrumcenter.umich.edu
Monday, Oct. 13
Diverse and Out: Identity Dialogues, 6:30 p.m. Coming out as LGBT and Deaf is facilitated by Ron Dans of the University of Detroit Mercy and Sheri Gerndard of DEAF CAN. Coming Out as LGBT and African American is facilitated by Curtis Lipscomb of AIDS Partnership Michigan. Coming Out as LGBT and Kinky is facilitated by Craig Anderson and Bryan Parker of ICON Detroit. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. http://www.goaffirmations.org
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Friends and Family Reception, 4 p.m. Screening of "For The Bible Tells me So," featuring an appearance by Mary Lou Wallner. There will also be organization booths, support and discussion booths and a reception. Free. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. http://www.goaffirmations.org
U-M Gay and Lesbian Alumni Society Welcome, 5 p.m. An informal re-launch reception and information gathering to further the future of the Gay and Lesbian Alumni Society. Founders Room at the Alumni Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. [email protected]
LGBT Advocacy Training, 6 p.m. LGBT Advocacy Training program supplements the viewing of the film "For The Bible Tells Me So." Discuss the film, homosexuality & the Bible, and learn how to become an advocate for the LGBT community. Unitarian Universalist Church , 2474 S. Ballenger Hwy., Flint. http://www.pflagflint.org
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Diverse and Out: Identity Dialogues, 6:30 p.m. Coming Out as LGBT and Arab American is facilitated by Christiano Ramazzotti of the LGBT Association of Middle Eastern Americans and Al Gamea. Coming Out as LGBT and a Person with a Disability (facilitator pending). Coming Out as LGBT and Native American is facilitated by Steph Turner of Oakland University. Coming Out as LGBT and HIV Positive is facilitated by Rick Herring of Higher Ground. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. http://www.goaffirmations.org
Candidate Forums, 7 p.m. Taking place at five venues throughout the state, including Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Detroit, Ferndale and Lansing. These forums are free to the public and provide a chance to learn where local politicians stand on LGBT issues. The Network, 343 Atlas Ave., Grand Rapids. ACLU of Michigan, 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Niowave, 1012 N. Walnut, Lansing. Kalamazoo Community College, Arcadia Campus, 202 N. Rose, Kalamazoo.
Thursday, Oct. 16
Perceptions Saginaw Valley General Meeting, 7 p.m. In honor of National Coming Out Day, a panel of people will share their coming out stories and experiences. Refreshments served. All are welcome. St John's Episcopal Church, 123 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw. 989-891-1429. http://www.PerceptionsSV.org
Post Secret Gallery Opening, 7 p.m. Featuring postcards sent in to Affirmations divulging people's greatest secrets. Exhibit will be open throughout the month of October. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. http://www.goaffirmations.org
Diverse and Out: Identity Dialogues, 6:30 p.m. Coming Out as LGBT and Spiritual will be facilitated by Martin Kurylowicz, M.Div., M.S. Coming Out as LGBT and Latino/a will be facilitated by Adriana Garza of La Comunidad and Midwest AIDS Prevention Project and Ray Magdaleno of Detroit Latin@z and Detroit Department of Community Health. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. http://www.goaffirmations.org
Friday, Oct. 17
Homocoming, 7:30 p.m. Presented by "Affirmations High School." A chance to dance and have a great time. Tickets: $5, available from YEP staff or at the door. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. http://www.goaffirmations.org
Saturday, Oct. 18
Come OUT and Play, 8 p.m. Affirmations will be turned into a casino with Texas Hold 'Em, Blackjack, Roulette and Craps. $35 for admission and 500 in chips. $75 for VIP admission, 1,500 in chips, recognitin in the game guide and a special gift. Cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. 21 and older only. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. http://www.goaffirmations.org
Friday, Oct. 24
Kate Clinton, 7 p.m. The comedienne comes to Affirmations as part of her Hilarity Clinton Tour. Afterglow party held at Woodward Avenue Brewery. Tickets: $25 for general admission, $50 for VIP. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. http://www.goaffirmations.org
