OutFront Kalamazoo

Our Statement Regarding Conversion Therapy in Michigan

The Michigan Supreme Court has decided to stop enforcing the state's ban on conversion therapy. OutFront Kalamazoo is deeply disappointed in this decision and the harm it will cause LGBTQIA+ youth and families. If you or someone you know has been impacted by this change or needs help finding affirming mental health care, call or visit our office for support.

📲 Read the full statement here: https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/news/our-statement-regarding-conversion-therapy-in-michigan

IN CELEBRATION | Trans+ History Month

August is Trans+ History Month! Transgender, genderq***r, gender-expansive, and non-binary people have always existed and always will. This month invites us to celebrate the trans+ activists - especially trans+ women of color! - who have been at the center of all q***r liberation movements.

We will not let trans+ history be erased. Learn, celebrate, and share trans+ history this month and all year long!

Not sure where to start? Click here to learn more about bringing one of our DEI workshops to you: https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/workshops

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT | OFK Men's Community: Beach Party!

The OutFront Men’s Community invites you to Fort Custer for a beach party! Q***r and trans+ men (and friends!) ages 18 and up are invited to join us on Saturday, August 15 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Fort Custer Beach. Please bring your own towel, chair, drinks, and snacks.

🚗 Please note that cars entering the park need a State Park Pass ($15 for annual pass). There is an option to carpool with us from the OutFront parking lot! RSVP by Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 a.m. to be guaranteed a spot in the carpool, then meet us at OutFront before the carpool leaves at 3:30 p.m. Sign up now at: https://forms.gle/56GFJ58ZvVUTSPGd9

📆 Visit our Calendar of Events at https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/calendar-of-events to stay up-to-date on current and upcoming programs, services, and events at OutFront Kalamazoo.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT | Pancake Fundraiser @ Old Skool

Visit Old Skool Bar on Saturday, August 15 for a pancake breakfast fundraiser supporting OutFront Kalamazoo! For $11.99 per person, you’ll get pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, and fruit made to order. Additional drinks and beverages will be available for an additional cost, with all profits donated to support OutFront. What a delicious way to support our LGBTQIA+ community!

🌈 Please note that Proud Families (0-12) is CANCELLED this month in lieu of this fundraiser. All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event!

Friendly reminder from our friends at Equality Michigan!

Turn in your ballot on or before Election Day, Tuesday, August 4! Make sure your vote is counted by submitting your ballot at At a clerk’s office, an early voting site, or by drop box.

Don't forget! You can always go in on election day to submit your absentee ballot, or vote in person.

For more information visit: michigan.gov/sos/elections

BLACK PRIDE 2026 | Become a Sponsor

Make history by helping Kalamazoo's first Black Pride festival come to life! When you sponsor this event, you are putting your name front and center as someone who supports our q***r Black community. Make your commitment by August 17 (this Friday!!) to guarantee all tier benefits: https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/blackpridesponsors

⭐ Why Black Pride?: https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/whyblackpride

THIS WEEK @ OFK | Week of August 3, 2026

Join us at First Thursday, Tabletop Gayming, and more this week at OutFront Kalamazoo!

🌈 Community Health Services on Monday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
🌈 AroAce Spectrum Community on Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
🌈 Mental Health Navigation on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
🌈 LGBTQIA+ Grief Circle on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
🌈 Connections (12-18) on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
🌈 First Thursday at One Well Brewing on Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
🌈 Knit Happens on Saturday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
🌈 Tabletop Gayming on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
🌈 Pride Recovery on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to noon
🌈 Transforming Parents on Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

📲Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/signup to get a weekly calendar of events delivered to your inbox every Monday morning.

BLACK PRIDE 2026 | Tickets are LIVE!

Join us at Kalamazoo's FIRST Black Pride festival! We'll be at Bates Alley on Saturday, August 29 with vendors, entertainers, and more celebrating q***r Black joy.

Tickets are $8, with proceeds benefitting OutFront Kalamazoo and the Institute of Public Scholarship. Just like at Kzoo Pride, nobody will be turned away for inability to pay! Get your tickets now at https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/blackpride

⭐ Why Black Pride?: https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/whyblackpride
⭐ Become a Sponsor: https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/blackpridesponsors
⭐ Vendor Registration: https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/blackpridevendors
⭐ Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/blackpridevolunteers

HAPPENING TODAY | Haunters Against Hate: The Event

Haunters Against Hate: The Event starts TODAY! Join the LGBTQIA+, haunt and horror communities at the Radisson Plaza Hotel with celebrity guests, over 60 vendors, workshops, drag shows, special performances, cosplay and makeup competitions, and the annual Haunters Against Hate awards. Best of all, the proceeds of this event will be split between OutFront Kalamazoo and the Grand Rapids Pride Center, supporting LGBTQIA+ programs and resources across Southwest Michigan!

📲 Learn more at https://www.hahtheevent.com/

REGISTRATION OPEN | Blamping Wellness Retreat

Blamping is a luxurious wellness camping experience designed to reconnect Black and Brown communities with nature through comfort, culture, and care. Inspired by glamping, Blamping blends elevated outdoor living with intentional wellness offerings such as yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, and holistic workshops. More than just a retreat, Blamping reclaims outdoor space as a place of healing, rest, and joy—inviting guests to break down the stigma of camping while embracing the opportunity to collect, recover, and rejuvenate.

Join the Institute of Public Scholarship, Collect & Recover Wellness, and OutFront Kalamazoo at Pretty Lake Camp on Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16 for this year’s Blamping retreat. Registration is open now: https://www.theipsnow.org/blamping-wellness-retreat.html #/