Being in a new area or starting a new school year can be scary, especially for students not living on campus and unsure of the resources that may be available at the university or in Ann Arbor. The new school year offers a wide variety of new experiences, events, and ways to get involved for off campus students, and we have provided some information below for events and venues that are welcoming and inclusive of students who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community.
A key source of engagement and support is the university’s Spectrum Center. The center is committed to providing safe, welcoming events for students who identify as LGBTQIA+. In a community as large and diverse as the University of Michigan, we recognize the value and importance of everyone finding spaces and groups that feel safe, supportive and kind. Spectrum Center is offering many fun and engaging activities and events for members of our community, over the next few weeks:
QTBIPOC Kickback
Tuesday, September 26, 9:30-11:00 am
The Spectrum Center and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) join forces with an initiative to center Queer Transgender, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) during monthly gatherings dedicated to building community for QTBIPOC students of campus.
In a Bind? Let’s do it Safely!
Wednesday, September 27, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Are you interested in learning how to make your chest look flatter and feel affirmed in your gender? Then join Spectrum Center for an interactive workshop on September 27 at 4:30 p.m. for a safe binding with both chest compression and TransTape. In a community-style discussion, we will discuss safe binding tips, resources, and try-ons and you will also get some take-home resources.
Tucking into Fall
Wednesday, October 11, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Join us for a safe tucking tutorial with Dee Church, who is a trans-centered therapist who focuses on sexual well-being, trauma, and non-traditional relationships. In a community-style discussion, we will discuss safety and how to mitigate risks. You will be able to take home resources.
All of these events are centered around the LGBTQIA+ experience as well as offering resources to students around campus. Students are encouraged to bring friends and get to know other students within your community. The University of Michigan offers several opportunities to connect with other students within this community, but Ann Arbor also has a vast LGBTQIA+ community that offers events throughout the year!
If you’re interested in exploring the city and are looking for safe and enjoyable spaces to gather, then feel free to check out these options. North Star Lounge, a popular LGBTQIA+ venue in Ann Arbor, is holding several upcoming special events. The venue will host LGBTQ Night: Intergaylactic on September 19th, and Drag Bingo on September 26th. Club Necto is another popular venue close to campus, which regularly holds Pride Nights as well as performances from different Drag artists each week. This club has security to ensure the safety of its patrons and is welcoming to LGBTQIA+ identifying students who are 18 and up. You can also learn more about upcoming events in the Ann Arbor area at annarbor.org/events/lgbtq.