Oakland County’s vision is to be a healthy, safe, and thriving place where everyone is valued, quality of life is high and economic opportunity abounds. The 1970 Christopher Street Liberation Day event, which marked the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, is considered the first Pride celebration.
LGBTQ+ Resources
Whether you are a person who identifies as LGBTQ+ or a family member/ friend, the following organizations connect communities and provide support.
Oakland County
Affirmations Ferndale
Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center has been the hub for southeast Michigan LGBTQ+ communities and their allies for 30 years. The organization provides a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and cultures can learn, grow, socialize, and access the support they need!
Ruth Ellis Center
The Ruth Ellis Center, in Highland Park, offers integrated primary health services, behavioral health services, and residential care facilities for insured and uninsured LGBTQ youth and young adults.
Stand with Trans
Stand with Trans, in Farmington, provides resources and support for transgender/GNC/gender non-conforming youth and families. Resources include support groups, social events, empowerment workshops, skill-building, community education, and phone support via Ally Moms for transgender youth and parents/caregivers.
Michigan
Equality Michigan
Equality Michigan, in Kalamazoo, is Michigan’s statewide LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization. Formerly the Triangle Foundation, EQMI has been Michigan’s premier LGBTQ+ anti-violence and political advocacy organization for more than 25 years.
LGBT National Help Center
The LGBT National Help Center services the LGBTQ+ community by offering free and confidential support through peer support, a national hotline, a senior hotline and youth chatrooms:
- LGBT National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
- LGBT National Youth Talk line: (800) 246-7743
- LGBT National Senior Hotline: (888) 234-7243
MiGen, the Michigan LGBTQ+ Elders Network
MiGen, the Michigan LGBTQ+ Elders Network, is the state’s only community-based organization for LGBTQ+ adults over the age of 45. MiGen, provides a wide range of community-based support, including housing and homelessness, healthcare coordination, public benefits assistance, social programming, and state-wide training and education for organizations.
Transgender Michigan
Transgender Michigan’s primary mission is to provide advocacy, support and education for the transgender and gender non-conforming communities. There are six chapters:
- Central Michigan | Lansing, Bay City, Jackson
- North Michigan | Traverse City
- Southeast Michigan | Detroit, Dearborn Heights, Westland, Port Huron, Adrian, Warren, Lenawee County,
- Southwest Michigan | Trans Michiana, Holland, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo & Battle Creek
- Upper Peninsula | Gogebic County, Saulte Ste. Marie, Iron Mountain
- Outreach Chapters | Veterans, Rural Areas, Prisons, Older Adults, Youth, Allies & More
More community resources, such as food and housing assistance, are available on Oakland County’s website.
Do you know of any other Pride events in the area? Email socialmedia@oakgov.com or comment below.
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