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FerndalePride Source Staff2018-01-23T16:12:05-05:00
Neighborhood
Ferndale
Ferndale is well-known as the most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood in greater Detroit, with many LGBTQ organizations, businesses and residents. Ferndale is home to Affirmations LGBTQ Community Center, the Michigan AIDS Coalition and numerous other LGBTQ and progressive non-profit groups.Located just north of Detroit, between 8 and 10 Mile Roads along the Woodward corridor, Ferndale is easily accessible from major highways.
According to the latest census Ferndale is second only to tiny neighbor Pleasant Ridge for percentage of households with same-sex couples. (In fact, Pleasant Ridge ranks among the top ten nationally.) Ferndale’s current mayor, David Coulter, and former mayor, Craig Covey, are openly gay men. The city has numerous LGBT-owned shops, restaurants bars and theaters and many more LGBTQ-friendly establishments.
“In the beginning of the ’80s Ferndale was a blank slate,” said former Mayor Covey. “The downtown was empty. You could roll a bowling ball down the middle of 9 Mile and not hit anything.” Home values were declining; the storefronts downtown were almost entirely empty except for a few adult bookstores, nail salons, wig shops and a strip club.
The Ringwald theater on Woodward is the Detroit area’s LGBTQ-identified theater troop. Restaurants such as Rosie O’Grady’s, Assaggi, Local, The Emery and Woodward Ave. Brewery, Axle Brewery, Zeke’s BBQ and others often host fundraisers and events for LGBTQ groups. Soho Bar is a great place for LGBTQ people to relax and meet for a drink.
Ferndale’s downtown area is charmingly walkable, and you are sure to run into friendly local residents on their way to dinner, a shop or a show. Note the many rainbow flags flying in front of homes and businesses through the town.
The local government worked hard to attract forward-thinking people to stimulate the economy in this historically blue collar town. It worked! The town is flourishing and new people and ideas are welcomed.
Auto/Dealer
Address:
21359 Woodward Ave.
Ferndale 48220
Ferndale 48220
Notes:
Family Owned and Operated for over 20 Years.
City: Ferndale
State: MI
Country: USA
Martial Arts
Address:
247 W. Nine Mile Rd.
Ferndale 48220
Ferndale 48220
Notes:
Traditional Karate - develop physically, mentally and spiritually. Try FILIPINO STICK FIGHTING or our practical Self Defense programs. All ages, sizes and physical abilities are welcome. Located in downtown Ferndale.
City: Ferndale
State: MI
Country: USA
Optometrists
Address:
236 W. Nine Mile Rd.
Ferndale 48220
Ferndale 48220
Notes:
Friendly, professional eye care services since 1949. Thorough vision and health evaluations. Designer frames at discount prices - sunglasses - sports frames - contact lenses - eye laser surgery consultation. Most insurances accepted.
City: Ferndale
State: MI
Country: USA
Sports
Address:
P.O. Box 20215
Ferndale 48220
Ferndale 48220
Notes:
The Metro Detroit Gay and Lesbian Softball League is celebrating offers different skill levels for all ball players, whether you are a starter or you tried out for the Detroit Tigers. Visit our website at www.mdsl.org to learn more about the league and get involved today.
City: Ferndale
State: MI
Country: USA
Theaters
Address:
290 W Nine Mile Rd
Ferndale 48220
Ferndale 48220
Notes:
The Ringwald produces work that will blur the lines between race, income, religion, and sexuality. Seasons to include productions focusing primarily on newer works, previously un-produced scripts, and fresh interpretations of seasoned classics.
City: Ferndale
State: MI
Country: USA
Transgender Groups/Services
Address:
Ferndale
Notes:
Creating positive social change supporting all forms of gender identity and expression through charitable, educational, and service works. Established 2005.
City: Ferndale
State: MI
Country: USA
