THE PREMIER L G B T Q + BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
3
Vol.
WESTERN MI
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS RESTAURANT GUIDE EVENTS SCHEDULE BAR GUIDE LGBTQ+ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS BUSINESS DIRECTORY ABOUT 04 06 08 16 17 20
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.
4
ABOUT
RESTAURANT GUIDE
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 in a former service station features 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 Bar and Restaurant
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
Tables surround the animated kitchen at this trendy choice for rustic European fare & curated wines.
236 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI
San Chez A Tapas Bistro
Breezy tapas spot for Mediterranean & Spanish flavors with an upbeat ambiance, plus cooking classes.
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 in an industrial-chic environs with oil-drum lighting & outdoor seating.
2434 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 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
6
EVENTS SCHEDULE
take flight, while the sky above Lake Bellaire comes alive with color.
For more info visit: tinyurl.com/mv6dwzxk
AUG 27
MI DRAG BRUNCH
AT THE OLD GOAT
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: tinyurl.com/eshrdynf
SEPTEMBER
SEP 10
MI DRAG BRUNCH
AT ONE BOURBON
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:
Bell Linden is a writer who mainly writes fiction but she decided to take the jump and write about her experiences being bisexual and biracial. Although she feels like it should be easy because it is her life she is coming to terms how it feels to not be enough or always wanting more. For more info visit: queertk.org/blank-4
OCT 24-25
MEAN GIRLS
Direct from Broadway, MEAN GIRLS is the hilarious hit musical from an awardwinning creative team, including book writer TINA FEY (“30 Rock”), composer JEFF RICHMOND (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist NELL BENJAMIN (Legally Blonde) and original director and choreographer CASEY NICHOLAW (The Book of Mormon).
For more info visit: tinyurl.com/5xm2ph37
NOVEMBER
NOV 7-12
8
(. . .continued on page 14)
EVENTS SCHEDULE
the globe. Throughout the weekend, musical entertainment will also be at the Festival in The Vineyard, Beer City Station, RendezBREW Café and on the outdoor Patio off Hemingway Hall. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/bdh4uasa
DECEMBER
DEC 1-23
CHRISTKINDL MARKET 2023
CHRISTKINDL MARKT AT THE DOWNTOWN MARKET is a Christmas Village lined with 30+ artisan gift and food vendors, live holiday entertainment, and festive family fun. Inspired by traditional European Markets, this winter wonderland is filled with unique Christmas experiences illuminated with international flair.
For more info visit: tinyurl.com/4f7sbrk6
DEC 8-10
THE NUTCRACKER
Join the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy and
JAN 21
FRENCH FANTASY
Experience orchestral magic as the Traverse Symphony Orchestra presents cellist Julian Schwarz in a thrilling performance of Franck’s Symphony, Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, and Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun–three landmarks of French music.
Debussy took a hazy French poem as inspiration to produce a brilliant small-scale/big-idea orchestral work. Star cellist Julian Schwarz is back to dazzle us with Saint-Saens Concerto No 1, one of the most popular works for cello, performed regularly since its 1972 premiere. Franck wrote only one symphony, but it’s a true masterpiece–a sense of the divine with huge French cathedral-like sounds. For more info visit: traversesymphony. org/concert/french-fantasy
JAN 30-31
COME FROM AWAY
14
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 icetopped bar & frosted taps.
640 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
The SugarBowl Bar & Grille
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
16
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
A not-for-profit, charitable organization serving the LGBTQ+ and allied community in southwest Michigan. We are a diverse, inclusive and connected group of tireless advocates, loyal allies,
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
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
17
20 BUSINESS DIRECTORY ANTI-AGING Advancing Lives LLC ........... Front Cover, 3 BOAT CLUB Freedom Boat Club of West Michigan.................................... 9 JEWELER Pfaff Jewelers .......................................... 5 NON PROFIT Red Cross .................... 1, Back Inside Cover NUTRITION
