These 5 Michigan Cities Are Among The Most LGBTQ-Friendly In The State
Michigan is full of PRIDE!
Over the past several years we've seen pride for the LGBTQ+ community spread across the express. Even small communities like Allegan and Three Rivers have started hosting their hold annual Pride celebrations and events.
The Homosexual community has even made headways on the state level as earlier this year Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signednewbipartisan legislation which reaffirms legal protections for sexual orientation and expands the rights and freedoms for LGBTQ+ throughout the state.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI) which, "examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there", annually ranks over 506 cities across the 50 United States and gives them a score based on 49 different criteria such as:
non-discrimination laws
workplace inclusivity
domestic partner benefits
bullying prevention policies
See who tops the list of friendliest communities for LGBTQ+ in Michigan below:
Top 5 Mos
1. FERNDALE
Ferndale is well-known as the most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood in metro Detroit, with many LGBTQ organizations, businesses and residents. Ferndale is home to Affirmations people center, Matrix MAC Health (formerly the Michigan AIDS Coalition) and numerous other LGBTQ and progressive ngo groups. Located just north of Detroit, between 8 and 10 Mile roads along the Woodward aisle, Ferndale is easily available from major highways.
According to the latest census, Ferndale is second only to tiny neighbor Pleasant Ridge for a percentage of households with same-sex couples. (In fact, Pleasant Ridge ranks among the highest 10 nationally.) Ferndale’s former mayors, David Coulter and Craig Covey are both openly gay men. The city has numerous LGBT-owned shops, restaurants, bars and theaters, and many more LGBTQ-friendly establishments.
“In the commencing of the ’80s, Ferndale was a blank slate,” said former mayor Covey. “The downtown was vacant. You could roll a bowling ball down the middle of 9 Mile and not hit anything.”
Home values were declining; the storefronts downtown were almost entirely empty except for a few adult bookstores, nail salons, wig shops and a
LGBTQIA+ in GR
The Advocate magazine named Grand Rapids one of the Gayest Cities in America more than a decade ago, in a feature exploring the “peer capita queerness of some less expected locales.”
Grand Rapids has become even gayer in the years since. The city has been recognized as one of the safest in the U.S for LGBTQIA+ singles and we earned a perfect score in the 2023 Municipal Equality Index, which examines how inclusive cities are of LGBTQIA+ people.
New community gathering spaces like LGBTQIA+ lock General Wood Shop and sober-minded Lotus Brew Coffee/Dry Prevent have joined such iconic destinations as the Apartment Lounge, Michigan’s oldest LGBTQIA+ bar, and Rumors Night Club, serving a diverse clientele since 2003. Other locally owned and operated LGBTQIA+ businesses have also flourished.
World-class art, food, beer and craft beverage scenes are attracting discerning LGBTQIA+ travelers to the region, while abundant outdoor recreation opportunities appeal to an active crowd. Visits often start in downtown Grand Rapids, where 200+ restaurants, breweries, museums and show venues are located within a 10-minute walk (or free bus ride) of a doze
Great Cities for LGBTQ Couples in Michigan
If you’re thinking of making a travel to The Mitten, as Michigan is often called, you probably already perceive that it’s a declare full of natural beauty. This state that touches four of the five Great Lakes offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities – but that’s not all that it offers. Michigan is also a state full of unique cities, each with its own personality. Although each city is unlike, all have thriving arts and culture scenes, plenty of employment opportunities, and plenty of things to see and do. If you are a part of the LGBTQ collective and you have been thinking of making a move to Michigan, there will be no shortage of unique and charming places to choose from. Some of the cities you might want to consider include:
Detroit: The Motor City. The birthplace of Motown. Detroit is Michigan’s largest city, and it is certainly a municipality with a rich history and a vibrant customs. It has a thriving music and arts scene, and any number of gay-owned businesses, as successfully as several neighborhoods, each with its own unusual and quirky personality, but always welcoming. It is diverse and welcoming and would be a wonder
LGBTQ+ Friendly Weekend Guide to Kalamazoo, Michigan
Just a rapid 2.5-hour drive from Chicago, you’ll find Kalamazoo, Michigan, a perfect weekend getaway for lesbian and gender non-conforming travelers. Whether you like being outdoors, exploring local breweries, going to museums and art festivals, or shopping locally— there’s something for everyone. Here’s how to spend a enjoyable weekend in Kalamazoo, according to Chase (Explore with Chase), a local Midwest Queer traveler.
Where to Stay
First off, if you’re looking for a home away from home, you need to stay at Kalamazoo Property, a historic bed and breakfast conveniently located in downtown Kalamazoo. Built in 1878, this cozy, Victorian retreat offers a delicious breakfast, spacious rooms, and excellent service from local owners Amy and Jeff. My partner and I checked in and immediately felt at home by Amy’s warm welcome and detailed tour of the inn. The best part (in my opinion) is the midday sweets fond homemade cookies and cheesecake, their collection of classic DVDs, or possibly the bubble tub fit for two queens.
