Programs

SUPPORT FOR ADULTS 18+

All programs and services for adults are currently taking place in person at the OutFront office, Unless otherwise specified. For more information, contact Michael at michael@outfrontkzoo.org.

  • PROUD FAMILIES is a peer support group for parents or guardians of LGBTQIA+ youth, so they may find support, build community, and address the challenges they face while raising LGBTQIA+ children.

    To learn more, our Facebook group.

  • PRIDE RECOVERY is a weekly 12-step peer support group meeting for LGBTQIA+ individuals to help one another in addiction recovery.

    This group meets on Sundays from 11 am -noon.

    Check out our program calendar for the day and time.

  • QUEER WOMEN’S COMMUNITY (QWC) is a peer-directed group for lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and questioning women. This group offers a space for queer women to explore and discuss the topics that matter most to us.

    Queer Women’s Community aims to build authentic and lasting bonds through this shared experience. This group is especially for women in Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas. Join this group to meet new people, learn about events, and stay in touch!

    OutFront Kalamazoo created a group called Queer Women's Community (QWC) to advocate, support and build a community for LGBTQIA+ women. OutFront Kalamazoo's mission is to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.

    To learn more, visit our Facebook group.

  • QUEER MEN’S COMMUNITY is a peer-directed group for gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and questioning men. This group offers space for queer men to explore and discuss the topics that matter most to us. Queer Men’s Community aims to build authentic and lasting bonds throughout this shared experience.

    Some topics of discussion may include community belongingness, sex and dating, relationships and intimacy, health, gay history, current events and pop culture, identity in the workplace, religion and spirituality, homophobia, oppression, and body image.

    Click here to join our Facebook group

  • TRANSCEND is a peer support group for transgender and gender non-conforming / gender-fluid individuals, 18+ and older. The group provides a safe space to talk with one another about experiences, struggles and challenges.

    This group meets the 2nd Wed from 6:30-8 pm and 4th Sunday from 4:00-6:00 pm of each month.

    To learn more, visit our Facebook group.

  • TRANSLATION is a support group for cis partners (18+) of transgender and nonbinary individuals. As a group, Translation strives to provide a safe and supporting environment for partners of transgender and nonbinary people. Translation will provide support, mentoring, resources, education, advocacy, and group social interaction. Meetings will take place the 3rd Sunday of the month from 4-6 pm.

    This group is a safe, confidential place for people to express needs, victories, concerns, and life experiences. The word translation defined means the process of translating text or words from one language to another -- or moving something from one place to another. This definition connects heavily to the importance of communication, transformation, growth of knowledge, and understanding -- and often this work is shared with others to deepen understanding. FB group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/555487826425691/

  • Transforming Parents is a peer-led group for parents of trans and gender-expansive people of all ages to build community and support one another on their parenting journeys. Meetings will be on the second Sunday of the month from 3-5 pm

SUPPORT FOR YOUTH

All programs and services for youth, ages 12-18, are currently being offered in person. Please note that BIG PRIDE is open to children ages 6-16. Those that are age 18 must be high school students in order to attend. For more information, or if you have questions contact connections@outfrontkzoo.org

  • Connections offers an opportunity to meet and share with other gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, pansexual or allied youth. A safe environment where your individuality and suggestions are respected and you can discuss anything in confidence. A place for friendship, support, acceptance, education, and access to accurate information and potential resources.

    Watch for listings on our calendar.

  • Big Pride is a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan for youth (age 6 to 16) who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning. LGBTQIA+ mentors (Bigs) are matched with LGBTQIA+ youth (Littles) to help guide and support them through their teen years.

    Youths must have parent/guardian support to participate in the program. Regular information sessions are scheduled separately for youth and parents/guardians interested in finding out more about the program and how to apply to be a Big or a Little.

    Watch for listings on our calendar for the next training/orientation sessions.

  • Host Homes is designed to address the housing needs of LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 13-18) experiencing homelessness. OutFront provides case management care and helps connect youth with caring adults who are able to provide safe housing and support.

    For more information, visit our Host Homes Page, email Dell, or call 269.349.4234

  • This private server gives LGBTQIA+ youth a space to hang out, build friendships, provide support for one another, and share the things that make them laugh. This server is monitored daily by Outfront Kalamazoo staff and volunteers.

    Emergency Contact / Discord Request Form

SOCIAL PROGRAMS & ALLIANCES

Watch for program listings on our Program Calendar. For more information, contact Michael Cleggs-Arnott at michael@outfrontkzoo.org.

  • First Thursdays is a monthly social program working to connect folks in the LGBTQIA+ community and support local LGBTQIA+-friendly businesses. Join us from 6-9 on the first Thursday. Locations vary and will be posted in advance.

    Watch for listings on our calendar.

  • The Faith Alliance is a gathering of concerned faith community leaders seeking full inclusion of, and justice for, the LGBTQIA+ community. Faith Alliance welcomes all those from faith communities interested in supporting the mission of OutFront Kalamazoo. We are a mixture of clergy and lay leaders from congregations that welcome and affirm LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families. Our mission is education, of ourselves and the community at large.

    Watch for listings on our calendar.

  • Calling all knitting and crocheting enthusiasts! Knit Happens is a knitting and crocheting group for LGBTQIA+ people 18+ over. Join us on the second Saturday of each month from 1-2:30 pm to create something with Jude (he/him) or bring your own project. Materials will be provided; however, group members are encouraged to bring their own. All skill levels are welcome!

  • Join OutFront Kalamazoo and Gazelle Sports for our Walk/Run every second Thursday of the month. Walkers & runners of all experiences are welcome to join. Our routes are designed as a 6-mile out-n-back. You may turn around at any point based on your comfort and/or experience. Afterward, the group meets at a local restaurant to drink, eat, and socialize.

  • Join Kalamazoo Bicycle Club and OutFront Kalamazoo for an LGBTQIA & Allies weekly ride that runs from April through October. Participants should arrive AT LEAST 15 minutes early for introductions, preparations, and safety talk. Rollout is promptly at 10:00 am. This will be a no-drop ride, with the slowest rider setting our pace. All abilities are welcome. Helmets are required. Our first ride will be at the Celery Flats trailhead on Garden Lane. Please contact Jenna with any questions at Jenna.marie.k74@gmail.com or through the event posting to be added to the messenger group.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Click the shaded dates for program details.

For a full list of upcoming programs, meetings and events, click here.