Jim Toy Community Center
Get Help (Or Be The Help) This Holiday Season
The holidays can feel heavy when you're queer. Maybe you're heading home to family members who don't get it, or avoiding home altogether. Maybe [...]Read more about Get Help (Or Be The Help) This Holiday Season
Fear and Defiance as Michigan Health Systems End Gender-Affirming Care
At the intersection of Fuller Road and Medical Center Drive outside the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, a wave of chants criticizing the health [...]Read more about Fear and Defiance as Michigan Health Systems End Gender-Affirming Care
Why Is Ann Arbor Pride in August? The Answer Might Surprise You
When Jadein Black books headliners for Ann Arbor Pride, she's not just thinking about who will draw the biggest crowds. As both a full-time teacher and the [...]Read more about Why Is Ann Arbor Pride in August? The Answer Might Surprise You
Finding Your People: An Insider’s Guide to Queer Community in Washtenaw County
When Maria Skrzynski moved to Ypsilanti in 2014, she knew almost no one. Today, as a content strategist for Destination Ann Arbor and a deeply connected member [...]Read more about Finding Your People: An Insider’s Guide to Queer Community in Washtenaw County
Catch a Rising Band, Read a Queer Book, and Talk Mortality Over Coffee
The trees are blooming, the pollen is swirling, and Michigan's queer events calendar is fully activated. Whether you’re sneezing through your seasonal [...]Read more about Catch a Rising Band, Read a Queer Book, and Talk Mortality Over Coffee
With Uplift, a New LGBTQ+ Anchor Returns to Ann Arbor at Just the Right Time
Before moving to Ann Arbor for grad school, I worked as an urban planner, where the concept of a “community anchor” was central to my work. In urban planning, a [...]Read more about With Uplift, a New LGBTQ+ Anchor Returns to Ann Arbor at Just the Right Time
Don't Overlook Progressive Judge Candidates Like Kerene Moore on Your 2024 Election Ballot: These Key Figures Are Critical for LGBTQ+ Rights
Ahead of the 2024 general election, Pride Source asked community leaders to weigh in on the important issues facing the Michigan LGBTQ+ community. Keith Orr, [...]Read more about Don't Overlook Progressive Judge Candidates Like Kerene Moore on Your 2024 Election Ballot: These Key Figures Are Critical for LGBTQ+ Rights
Walk in the (Fabulous) Shoes of Local Queer Trailblazers
Fun, meaningful — and free — fall travel doesn’t have to mean trekking far from home. The Ann Arbor District Library invites you to walk in the shoes of the [...]Read more about Walk in the (Fabulous) Shoes of Local Queer Trailblazers
Meet 10 LGBTQ+ Candidates Running for Office in Michigan
The old adage “representation matters” may not be more important anywhere than it is in government. People elected to state, local and federal positions hold a [...]Read more about Meet 10 LGBTQ+ Candidates Running for Office in Michigan
Play Bingo with Latrice Royale, Sing Christmas Carols with PRISM, Join the Roller Derby
You did it! Another sometimes tumultuous, whirlwind year is in the books, and here you are, triumphant and not at all tired or ready for one of those long [...]Read more about Play Bingo with Latrice Royale, Sing Christmas Carols with PRISM, Join the Roller Derby
How to Give Back to Local LGBTQ+ Non-Profits on Giving Tuesday and Beyond
The annual arrival of Giving Tuesday is a welcome time of year for non-profits that rely on donations and other acts of giving to drive their charitable [...]Read more about How to Give Back to Local LGBTQ+ Non-Profits on Giving Tuesday and Beyond
Ann Arbor Pride Prepares for Debut on Main Street, Keeps Spirit of Jim Toy Alive
Ann Arbor Pride, set for Aug. 5 along Main Street, is getting back to its roots as one of the preeminent festivals focused on the local LGBTQ+ community. [...]Read more about Ann Arbor Pride Prepares for Debut on Main Street, Keeps Spirit of Jim Toy Alive
Queer Things to Do: Shop at a Detroit Craft Fair, Revisit Queer History at the Movies, Participate in #GivingTuesday
Before you bust out those leftovers to embark on that annual quest for the world’s best Thanksgiving sandwich, take a break and make plans to ease into the next [...]Read more about Queer Things to Do: Shop at a Detroit Craft Fair, Revisit Queer History at the Movies, Participate in #GivingTuesday
Ann Arbor Pride: Through the Years
Ann Arbor Pride is back! The first in-person event after a 2-year pandemic-induced virtual hiatus is set for Sept. 11 at Wheeler Park from 12-5 p.m. The event [...]Read more about Ann Arbor Pride: Through the Years
Michigan LGBTQ+ Community Center Network Issues Joint Statement Condemning Russian Attack on Ukraine
The Michigan LGBTQ+ Community Center Network has issued a statement condemning Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The Network, which consists of 13 LGBTQ+ [...]Read more about Michigan LGBTQ+ Community Center Network Issues Joint Statement Condemning Russian Attack on Ukraine
Kerene Moore, an Openly Gay Black Woman, Wants to Bring 'Better Representation' to Michigan Judicial System
Kerene Moore has never had a problem speaking up. Before her current position as judicial attorney in the Washtenaw County Circuit Court and before announcing [...]Read more about Kerene Moore, an Openly Gay Black Woman, Wants to Bring 'Better Representation' to Michigan Judicial System
A Community in Mourning: Michigan Politicians, LGBTQ+ Orgs Honor Jim Toy’s Activist Legacy
Jim Toy, LGBTQ+ rights pioneer who was believed to be the first openly gay man in Michigan, died New Year’s Day at age 91. He leaves behind an inimitable [...]Read more about A Community in Mourning: Michigan Politicians, LGBTQ+ Orgs Honor Jim Toy’s Activist Legacy
Gentlest But Most Unshakeable Campaigner' Jim Toy, Michigan LGBTQ+ Trailblazer and Icon, Dies at 91
On April 15, 1970, at a large demonstration held in Kennedy Square in downtown Detroit to protest the war in Vietnam, Jim Toy became perhaps the first person in [...]Read more about Gentlest But Most Unshakeable Campaigner' Jim Toy, Michigan LGBTQ+ Trailblazer and Icon, Dies at 91
2021 Ann Arbor Pride Unveils Lineup As It Seeks to Engage LGBTQ+ Community in New Ways
The organizers of Ann Arbor Pride (AAP) have released the entertainment lineup for this year's virtual celebration. AAP, which started in 1995 as OUTFest, [...]Read more about 2021 Ann Arbor Pride Unveils Lineup As It Seeks to Engage LGBTQ+ Community in New Ways
5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now: Madonna, Bathroom Breaks and More
As cooped up as we've been all year, it's easy to feel like you've watched everything your streaming services have to offer. And who knows? Maybe you've gotten [...]Read more about 5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now: Madonna, Bathroom Breaks and More
2021 Michigan Pride Guide (So Far)
Editor's Note: This list will be updated as more dates are finalized. Last updated June 15, 2021. Looking for 2022's guide? Right here. By now it's understood [...]Read more about 2021 Michigan Pride Guide (So Far)
Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders Receive Hate Letter, FBI Notified
At least seven LGBTQ+ leaders across Michigan received the same flyer sent by mail in mid-April. With the title "Prophecy: The Punishment of My Gay People," [...]Read more about Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders Receive Hate Letter, FBI Notified
Citizen Initiative to Add LGBTQ+ Protections to Michigan Law Backed by Business Community
LANSING — A large contingent of Michigan's business community has come out in favor of a ballot initiative that would ask voters to amend Michigan's [...]Read more about Citizen Initiative to Add LGBTQ+ Protections to Michigan Law Backed by Business Community
Jim Toy, First Openly Gay Man in Michigan, Turns 91 Today. It's Not too Late to Send Him a Birthday Card
Longtime activist Jim Toy turns 91 today. Known as the first openly gay man in Michigan, after coming out in 1970, Toy developed the first-ever campus center [...]Read more about Jim Toy, First Openly Gay Man in Michigan, Turns 91 Today. It's Not too Late to Send Him a Birthday Card
Reluctantly Apologetic Ann Arbor City Councilman Jeff Hayner Called Out After Use of Homophobic Slur
Ann Arbor City Councilman Jeff Hayner has come under fire for a homophobic quote he shared on social media. Hayner quoted writer Hunter S. Thompson's 1971 [...]Read more about Reluctantly Apologetic Ann Arbor City Councilman Jeff Hayner Called Out After Use of Homophobic Slur
We're Here, We're Accessible and We're Dedicated': Jim Toy Center President Talks 2021 Goals
The Jim Toy Community Center has gone through a lot of changes in recent weeks. Simultaneously came the news that it would be forced to close its doors because [...]Read more about We're Here, We're Accessible and We're Dedicated': Jim Toy Center President Talks 2021 Goals
Jim Toy Community Center Announces Closure of its Physical Office Space, Launches GoFundMe Campaign
ANN ARBOR — Today the Jim Toy Community Center announced plans to close its physical office space, located at 319 Braun Court, at the end of the month. The [...]Read more about Jim Toy Community Center Announces Closure of its Physical Office Space, Launches GoFundMe Campaign
Jadein Black and Boylesque Drag Present Virtual Drag Shows Weekly and Give Back to the Community
With bars and clubs across the state — and most of the nation — closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, the LGBTQ community's beloved drag performers and nightclub [...]Read more about Jadein Black and Boylesque Drag Present Virtual Drag Shows Weekly and Give Back to the Community
Feb LezRead: 'Cantoras' and 'Are You Listening?'
LezRead is a monthly book club hosted by the Jim Toy Community Center in Ann Arbor that is dedicated to connecting queer women over conversation and [...]Read more about Feb LezRead: 'Cantoras' and 'Are You Listening?'
November LezRead 'The Miseducation of Cameron Post' Nov. 17
Combining lesbians and avid readers into a single club, The Jim Toy Community Center's LezRead book club is specially designed for queer women. Meeting once [...]Read more about November LezRead 'The Miseducation of Cameron Post' Nov. 17
October LezRead: 'Mostly Dead Things'
Hosted by the Jim Toy Community Center, LezRead is a book club for queer women that meets on the fourth Sunday of each month. In the group's next meeting on [...]Read more about October LezRead: 'Mostly Dead Things'
Ann Arbor Pride 2019 Recap
Sunny weather accompanied Ann Arbor Pride 2019 on its four-day run starting Thursday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 4. The hundreds of attendees across the [...]Read more about Ann Arbor Pride 2019 Recap
Ann Arbor Pride Bingo Brunch Aug. 4 Featuring Jujubee
The love of food, music, drag and of course bingo will collide on Sunday, Aug. 4, during Ann Arbor Pride's Bingo Brunch at the Blue LLama Jazz Club. The event [...]Read more about Ann Arbor Pride Bingo Brunch Aug. 4 Featuring Jujubee
Ann Arbor Pride Co-Director Talks Community and Connection
Inspiration Born from Tragedy One year after Joe Schoch attended his first Ann Arbor Pride, formerly known as OUTFest, he knew he wanted to become actively [...]Read more about Ann Arbor Pride Co-Director Talks Community and Connection
Ann Arbor Pride Starts Aug. 3
Though Pride month may be winding down, Pride season has only just begun with dozens of Pride celebrations scheduled across the state this summer. Ann Arbor [...]Read more about Ann Arbor Pride Starts Aug. 3
May LezRead: 'Of Gryphons and Other Monsters,' by Shannon McGee
Held monthly at the Ann Arbor Jim Toy Community Center, LeRead is a lesbian-centered book club that focuses on bringing together women-loving-women from across [...]Read more about May LezRead: 'Of Gryphons and Other Monsters,' by Shannon McGee
Jim Toy Community Center to Host Equality on Tap
Held at Bill's Beer Garden, the Jim Toy Community Center is hosting a fundraising event, Equality On Tap, to raise awareness about the Center and its local [...]Read more about Jim Toy Community Center to Host Equality on Tap
Detroit Pistons Pride Night Draws Hundreds of LGBTQ and Ally Fans
More than 300 members of the LGBTQ community and its allies cheered on the Detroit Pistons as they defeated the Orlando Magic, 115-98, during Pride Night on [...]Read more about Detroit Pistons Pride Night Draws Hundreds of LGBTQ and Ally Fans
Jim Toy Birthday Bash
Known as the first publicly "out" man in Michigan, after coming out in 1970, Jim Toy developed the first ever campus center dedicated to supporting those in [...]Read more about Jim Toy Birthday Bash
Aut Bar Sold
Owners Martin Contreras and Keith Orr recently announced the sale of Aut Bar, the popular LGBT owned restaurant and bar in Ann Arbor's Braun Court. Aut Bar [...]Read more about Aut Bar Sold
Jim Toy Provides Name Change Clinic Feb. 16
Taking place in the basement conference room of the Washtenaw County Clerk's office, on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., experts at the Jim Toy [...]Read more about Jim Toy Provides Name Change Clinic Feb. 16
Travis Radina Jim Toy Community Center Board President
For more than a quarter of a century, Ann Arbor's Jim Toy Community Center has been a beacon of hope for the Southeast Michigan community. In 2018 the center [...]Read more about Travis Radina Jim Toy Community Center Board President
LezRead Book Club Fosters Friendship through Queer Literature
The Jim Toy Community Center's Lesbian Book Club LezRead provides more than just an opportunity to read and discuss queer literature. Over the past 16 years, [...]Read more about LezRead Book Club Fosters Friendship through Queer Literature
BTL to Host Final Farewell Party for Common Language Bookstore Dec. 15
After 27 years as a beacon for those in Ann Arbor's and Southeast Michigan's LGBTQ community, Common Language Bookstore will be forced to close its doors one [...]Read more about BTL to Host Final Farewell Party for Common Language Bookstore Dec. 15
Ann Arbor LezRead 'The Spanish Pearl' Dec. 8
A book club specifically intended for queer women, LezRead meets regularly at the Jim Toy Community Center in Ann Arbor to discuss books on the fourth Saturday [...]Read more about Ann Arbor LezRead 'The Spanish Pearl' Dec. 8
Common Language Bookstore to Close
They held out as long as they could. Keith Orr and Martin Contreras, owners of Common Language Bookstore in Ann Arbor, recently announced that they plan to [...]Read more about Common Language Bookstore to Close
Jim Toy Community Center September LezRead Features 'The Stone Sky'
Queer women looking for an LGBTQ-friendly book club can stop their search with the Jim Toy Community Center's LezRead group. Meeting every fourth Saturday of [...]Read more about Jim Toy Community Center September LezRead Features 'The Stone Sky'
