Jim Toy
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
Michigan's LGBTQ+ Pioneers Take Center Stage In PBS Detroit Special — Watch the Video Here!
LGBTQ+ History Month has been observed each October since 1994, when Missouri high school history teacher Rodney Wilson proposed the idea. Wilson chose October [...]Read more about Michigan's LGBTQ+ Pioneers Take Center Stage In PBS Detroit Special — Watch the Video Here!
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
When Backlash Triggered Pushback: A History of LGBTQ+ Resilience in Michigan
What LGBTQ+ Michiganders — and all Americans — are living through in 2025 with the bombardment of attacks on our community is, in many ways, all too familiar. [...]Read more about When Backlash Triggered Pushback: A History of LGBTQ+ Resilience in Michigan
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
How the Road to Federal Marriage Equality Ran Through Michigan
When Keith Orr first introduced Martin Contreras as his husband at the neighborhood gay bar they owned together during Sunday brunch in March 2014, he paused [...]Read more about How the Road to Federal Marriage Equality Ran Through Michigan
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
April 26, 2007: Father Figure
With all the hate and violence and repression, one of the most important safe spaces is in the arms of family.
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
When Our Queer Safe Spaces No Longer Exist, Where Do We Go When Tragedy Strikes?
Sunday morning, we woke up to another massacre targeting members of the queer community. Our sense of community causes our pain. We mourn the loss, not because [...]Read more about When Our Queer Safe Spaces No Longer Exist, Where Do We Go When Tragedy Strikes?
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
Fiery Speeches From Religious, Political and Community Leaders Dominate Rally to Protect Democracy
Though morning rains may have scared some away, the sun was shining directly on the Michigan Capitol Wednesday afternoon for the Protecting Democracy: Rally for [...]Read more about Fiery Speeches From Religious, Political and Community Leaders Dominate Rally to Protect Democracy
Still Blazing Trails for Queer People, Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit Turns 50
In April of 2000, I traveled to our nation’s capital as a cub reporter for this publication to cover the Millennium March on Washington. I had been on the job [...]Read more about Still Blazing Trails for Queer People, Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit Turns 50
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
50 Facts, 50 Years Later: What You Should Know About Christopher Street Detroit ‘72
This summer marks a milestone anniversary, yet most people don’t realize there’s an anniversary to mark.A half century ago, Michiganders who united in a bond of [...]Read more about 50 Facts, 50 Years Later: What You Should Know About Christopher Street Detroit ‘72
A Welcoming Home to Detroit’s LGBTQ+ Community For Decades, Woodward Bar & Grill Destroyed by 3-Alarm Fire
It’s the end of an era. The Woodward Bar & Grill, Detroit’s oldest gay bar, caught fire yesterday morning around 10:30 a.m. and burned down in a 3-alarm [...]Read more about A Welcoming Home to Detroit’s LGBTQ+ Community For Decades, Woodward Bar & Grill Destroyed by 3-Alarm Fire
UM's Spectrum Center 50 Years Later: Some LGBTQ+ Students Never Stepped Inside. It Still Changed Their Lives.
As a first-year student at the University of Michigan (UM) in the late '70s, Martin Contreras struggled with his attraction to men.“Didn't have a name [...]Read more about UM's Spectrum Center 50 Years Later: Some LGBTQ+ Students Never Stepped Inside. It Still Changed Their Lives.
5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: Make Lil Nas X Concert Plans, Celebrate Agender Pride Day
Ah, May. With Winter (finally) in the rearview, it’s time to bust out of hibernation and get with the getting on. Here’s a wide range of ideas, including a few [...]Read more about 5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: Make Lil Nas X Concert Plans, Celebrate Agender Pride Day
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
Jim Toy Advocated on Behalf of Gay U-M Sexual Abuse Survivors in 1979. Now Those Survivors Are Speaking Out.
Robert Anderson, the former University of Michigan Health Services director and, later, senior physician for the athletic department, who sexually abused [...]Read more about Jim Toy Advocated on Behalf of Gay U-M Sexual Abuse Survivors in 1979. Now Those Survivors Are Speaking Out.
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
Remembering Aut Bar: How the Iconic Ann Arbor Bar Brought a Community of LGBTQ+ People Together
Twenty two years ago, Ann Arbor resident Debra Miller came out at age 44 after a long marriage. The first LGBTQ+ space she went to was the Aut Bar. "When I [...]Read more about Remembering Aut Bar: How the Iconic Ann Arbor Bar Brought a Community of LGBTQ+ People Together
Watch University of Michigan Marching Band Spell Out Its LGBTQ+ Support
The University of Michigan Marching Band had a gay – LGBTQ+, rather – ol' time at last Saturday's game. During the homecoming halftime show, the band paid [...]Read more about Watch University of Michigan Marching Band Spell Out Its LGBTQ+ Support
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)
Jim Toy Just Received His Honorary Doctorate from U-M. Here's What the Pioneering LGBTQ+ Activist Told Us.
Fifty years ago this fall, pioneering activist Jim Toy co-founded, with Cyndi Gair, the Human Sexuality Office at the University of Michigan. Now designated [...]Read more about Jim Toy Just Received His Honorary Doctorate from U-M. Here's What the Pioneering LGBTQ+ Activist Told Us.
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
Affirmations Updates Public on Programs, Finances and the Future
FERNDALE — When Dave Garcia came back to his old job as Executive Director of Affirmations community center after five years working for the nation's largest [...]Read more about Affirmations Updates Public on Programs, Finances and the Future
Ann Arbor's Aut Bar Announces Closure
The Aut Bar in Ann Arbor has become the latest victim of the novel coronavirus. In a statement, the BarStar Group, which purchased the restaurant and bar just [...]Read more about Ann Arbor's Aut Bar Announces Closure
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?'
New Coalition Seeks to Amend ELCRA Via Citizen Initiative
New Campaign A citizen-led campaign is underway that seeks to initiate legislation that would expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and ban discrimination [...]Read more about New Coalition Seeks to Amend ELCRA Via Citizen Initiative
