Western MI - 2

LGBTQ+ Western Michigan

The west side of the state is well-represented by Grand Rapids and Saugatuck. Not surprisingly, major population centers like Grand Rapids tend to be the most progressive when it comes to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

The Advocate magazine ranked Grand Rapids 10th on its annual “Gayest Cities in America’’ list. This may surprise many who associate western Michigan with conservative values, but Grand Rapids has long been open and accepting to LGBTQ+ folks. Many come here for the many creative design opportunities that are presented by the city’s furniture industry.

Michigan’s oldest gay bar, The Apartment Lounge, is located here, and the city has outlawed discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation. Every year during the second weekend in June, the city hosts Grand Rapids Pride. LGBTQ+ families looking to relocate here should consider gayfriendly neighborhoods like Eastown and East Hills.

EVENTS SCHEDULE

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE VIGIL

Transcend, the program for Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming people will be hosting a Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil at People’s Church Sunday, November 20 from 5 -7 pm. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. For more info visit: bit.ly/3Gfkssj

DECEMBER

DEC 2-18

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

It is the summer of 1903, and everyone in the Smith family eagerly anticipates

AT STELLA’S LOUNGE

MI Drag Brunch is Michigan’s original drag brunch show!

Each seat includes; welcome beverage, meal, and a 2 hour interactive performance. For more info visit: bit.ly/3E7Juah

DEC 16-18

THE NUTCRACKER

Join the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy and her gallant Cavalier as they guide Clara through the Land of the Sweets. Along the way, meet menacing mice and brave soldiers in an epic Battle Scene, and join festive celebrations as Clara is mesmerized by a fantastic waltz with live accompaniment from the Grand Rapids Symphony to Tchaikovsky’s magical score. For more info visit: bit.ly/3hABMhf

EVENTS SCHEDULE

CATS

CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America!

For more info visit: millerauditorium.com/cats

MARCH

MAR 18-19

WIZARD OF OZ

Bring your entire family and venture down the yellow brick road to Oz with Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Wicked Witch of the West for Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company’s production of the classic tale, The Wizard of Oz!

Somewhere over the rainbow, the beloved four-legged friend, Toto might even show up, too, but beware of those pesky flying monkeys for this familyfriendly ballet! Though there’s no place

ever was” (New York Times). “Every so often a revival comes along that reminds you how indispensable great theater can be” (NY1).

For more info visit: broadwaygrandrapids.com/my-fair-lady

APR 21-23

BALLET + BROADWAY

There’s no business like show business! Ballet + Broadway, features three theatrically themed works, taking inspiration from “The Great White Way.” Remember Our Song, from Tony Award winner and Kennedy Center Award recipient Andy Blankenbuehler, choreographer of Hamilton, depicts the challenges of a love story a world apart, set during World War II featuring the big band music of the 1940s. Who Cares?, choreographed by George Balanchine, who also worked on Broadway, is an iconic work created originally for New York City Ballet, featuring famous tunes by George Gershwin such as “I’ve Got Rhythm” and “Embraceable You.” The final work, Jump Cut, is a

600 Kitchen and Bar

Restored early-1900s factory, offering boozy drinks & sourced fare.

600 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI

Butcher’s Union

Modern gastropub with a meat-heavy menu of globally inspired fare, 100+ whiskeys & draft beer.

438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI

Crow’s Nest

American breakfast & brunch specialist with a snug, informal 2nd-story setting. 816 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI

Donkey Taqueria

Happening Mexican joint with an extensive tequila menu.

665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI

HopCat

Woodwork-filled brew pub with a massive beer list & creative pub fare. 300 E Water St, Kalamazoo, MI

Hunan Gardens

Muralled walls & private booths adorn this option for traditional Sichuan recipes & Chinese beers. 5059 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI

Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar

Seafood in a dining room that boasts soaring ceilings & romantic lighting. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI

Linear Restaurant

Cool, industrial-style hot spot with outdoor seats for seasonal American cuisine & craft cocktails.

1001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI

MeXo Tequila & Mezcal

Modern takes on traditional Mexican cooking, plus tequila & mezcal, amid an arty, industrial vibe.

118 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI

Palio - Grand Rapids

Modern standby with a patio offering Tuscan pizzas, pastas & Italian entrees. 545 Michigan St NE #102 Grand Rapids, MI

Rockwell Republic Hip, high-ceilinged hangout serving American & Asian food & cocktails focusing on local ingredients. 45 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI

Rustica

Rustic European fare & curated wines. 236 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI

San Chez A Tapas Bistro

Breezy tapas spot for Mediterranean & Spanish flavors. 38 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI

Sundance Grill & Bar

Big breakfasts, Southwest fare, a margarita bar & other cocktails in a quiet atmosphere. 151 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI

The Chop House Grand Rapids

Plush chophouse with elegant gas lamps offers premium beef & wines, plus dessert & cigar bar. 190 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI

The Old Goat Gastropub fare & a full bar. 2434 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Theo & Stacy’s Downtown Greek specialties, American comfort food & all-day breakfast in a homey eatery with family roots. 234 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI

Zooroona Restaurant

Colorful spot featuring a menu of Middle Eastern dishes & teas, with global wine list & full bar. 1710 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI

BAR GUIDE

Club Vortex

Kalamazoo’s premier LGBTQAI+ nightclub with drag shows.

502 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI

Lotus Brew Coffee/ Dry Bar

Locally owned LGBTQ+ library cafe, offering a variety of local organic coffee, teas, & mocktails with the addition of the gay dry/ nonalcoholic bar.

781 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI

Maggie’s

Full selection of spirits, beer, wine, seltzers and more.

855 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI

Rumors Nightclub

Nightspot features dancing under a strobe, plus karaoke, DJs, male strippers & drag shows.

69 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI

Steel Cat Bar

Daily happy hour & various mule cocktails in laid-back digs with an ice-topped bar & frosted taps.

640 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI

Sugarbowl

A good old neighborhood bar with great service and friendly people. 904 Washington Ave, Kalamazoo, MI

The Apartment Lounge

Comfy, low-key gay bar with a longtime history offering theme nights & regular drink specials.

33 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI

The Diplomat Club

Gay-owned private sauna and adult store in Grand Rapids. 2324 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI

LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS

GIFT Grand Rapids

GIFT (Gays in Faith Together) is an organization that affirms LGBTQ+ people of faith. We provide support groups, education, and consultation for LGBTQ+ adults and allies throughout the area. giftgr.org

Grand Rapids Pride Center

Since 1988, the Grand Rapids Pride Center has empowered LGBTQ+ individuals through supportive services and awareness. grpride.org

OutFront Kalamazoo

OutFront Kalamazoo is a not-for-profit, charitable organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied community in southwest Michigan. We are a diverse, inclusive and connected group of tireless

Queer Theatre Kalamazoo

The plays produced in Kalamazoo are culturally rich and varied, produced ethically, and distributed freely. queertk.org

The National LGBTQ SocietyMichigan Chapter

The National LGBTQ Society - Michigan Chapter is a chapter of a federally recognized non-profit/public charity servicing the LGBTQ community around Michigan, with 2 main locations being Lowell and Grand Rapids. thenatlgbt.org