Our Programs

YOUTH PROGRAMS

All programs for youth are currently taking place in person at the OutFront Kalamazoo office, unless otherwise specified. For more information about our Youth Programs, please visit the Youth Programs Instagram or contact our Youth Programs Team at youthprograms@outfrontkzoo.org.

  • CONNECTIONS offers an opportunity for youth ages 12-18 to meet and share with other gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, pansexual, or allied youth. This is 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.

    Those who are age 18 must be enrolled in high school to be able to attend.

    No sign up necessary. Stop in and join us every Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo!

    Connections Emergency Contact / Discord Request Form

  • 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.

  • PROUD FAMILIES is an affinity group for LGBTQIA+ families, including any and all families with LGBTQIA+ youth ages 0-12 and/or LGBTQIA+ caregivers.

    Proud Families Caregiver Group: Offers a supportive and educational space centered around the concept of “rainbow parenting.” Meets on the 1st Saturday of each month from 10:00 to noon at OutFront Kalamazoo. (Youth are welcome to attend, but are not the focus of these sessions.)

    Proud Families Playdate: Offers an affirming and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ families with youth ages 0-12 to get together for some fun! Meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:00 to noon at OutFront Kalamazoo, unless otherwise specified.

  • YOUTH TTRPG is a tabletop role-playing game group for ages 12-18. They play a variety of TTRPGs (tabletop role-playing games) in one to two session games. Dice and any other tools are provided, though you are welcome to bring your own!

    This group meets in-person at OutFront Kalamazoo from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month, and virtually via Discord from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month.

    Youth TTRPG Emergency Contact / Discord Request Form

ADULT PROGRAMS (18+)

All programs for adults are currently taking place in person at the OutFront Kalamazoo office, unless otherwise specified. For more information, contact Director of Programs & Outreach Michael Cleggs-Arnott at michael@outfrontkzoo.org.

  • AROACE SPECTRUM COMMUNITY (AASC) is a group for individuals ages 18+ who fall within the asexual and aromantic spectrum, along with those who are questioning.

    Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

  • BLACK QUEER & TRANS ALLIANCE (BQTA) is a group for individuals ages 18+ who identify within the Black transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive community.

    Meetings are held on the fourth Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

    Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/838643154611897

  • EMERGENCE is an affinity space for LGBTQIA+ young adults ages 18-24. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the OutFront Kalamazoo office.

    Those who join will also get access to our Discord server!

    Emergence Emergency Contact / Discord Request Form

  • OUTFRONT MEN’S COMMUNITY is a peer-directed group for LGBTQIA+ men to explore and discuss the topics that matter most to us. The OutFront 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.

    Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the OutFront Kalamazoo office, unless otherwise specified.

    Click here to join our Facebook group

  • PRIDE RECOVERY is open to all ages of those affected by substance abuse. Our intent is to offer LGBTQIA+ people a weekly twelve-step recovery meeting geared to all.

    Meetings take place every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to noon at OutFront Kalamazoo.

  • QUEER WOMEN’S COMMUNITY (QWC) is a peer-directed group for LGBTQIA+ 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!

    Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

    To learn more, visit our Facebook group.

  • TRANSCEND is an adult trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive support group. This group is peer-support-based and open-topic.

    Meetings are on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., as well as the fourth Sunday of the month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

    Please check out our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ofktranscend/

    Transcend Discord Request Form

  • 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 are held on the second Sunday of each month from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

  • TRANSLATION is a support group for cis partners (18+) of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals. As a group, Translation strives to provide a safe and supporting environment for partners of transgender and nonbinary people. Translation provides support, mentoring, resources, education, advocacy, and group social interaction.

    Meetings take place the third Sunday of the month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

    Join our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/555487826425691/

SOCIAL PROGRAMS & ALLIANCES

For more information about any of our social programs or alliances, contact Director of Programs & Outreach Michael Cleggs-Arnott at michael@outfrontkzoo.org.

  • The FAITH ALLIANCE is a group of congregations and religious institutions that fosters justice, inclusion, and healing at the intersection of faith and LGBTQAI+ identity.

    The Faith Alliance meets virtually on the third Thursday of each month from noon to 1:00 p.m.

  • FIRST THURSDAYS is a monthly social program working to connect folks in the LGBTQIA+ community and support local LGBTQIA+-friendly businesses. Join us from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. Locations vary and will be posted in advance.

    Watch for listings on our calendar.

  • KNIT HAPPENS is a knitting and crocheting group for LGBTQIA+ people 18+ over. Join us at OutFront Kalamazoo on the second Saturday of each month from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. 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!

  • LGBTQIA+ & ALLIES BIKE RIDE is a weekly ride that runs on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to noon, April through September. Rollout is promptly at 10:00 a.m. Participants should arrive 15-20 minutes early for introductions, preparations, and safety talk. This will be a no-drop ride, with the slowest rider setting our pace.

    All abilities are welcome! Helmets are required, headlights and taillights are encouraged. The ride will rotate 4 locations.

    This program is a partnership between the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club and OutFront Kalamazoo.

  • Our MONTHLY EUCHRE TOURNAMENT is held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Crafted Copper. This is an opportunity for anyone within the LGBTQIA+ community to socialize, connect, and have fun while sharing in a few rounds of this popular Midwestern card game.

    Entry is $10 per person, with the proceeds going to support programs at OutFront Kalamazoo. Winners will receive free OutFront Kalamazoo merchandise.

    This program is paused for the season; we hope to bring it back this fall!

  • TRANS HIKING CLUB is a social hiking group for transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals ages 18 and up. This group meets on the fourth Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as weather permits. Locations vary.

    Interested in carpooling? Email vixenyerock@gmail.com.

  • TTRPG: DUNGEONGS & DRAGONS, 5TH ED. is an 18+ tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) group. Our current TTRPG is Dungeons & Dragons, 5th ed. No need to bring anything but yourself! Dice and all other tools will be provided, though you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

    Meet us at OutFront Kalamazoo on the second Sunday of each month from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Each month, we are proud to host a local LGBTQIA+ artist at OutFront Kalamazoo. Our Artist of the Month program lifts up voices in our community who are too often left out or underrepresented.

Visit https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/artistofthemonth to learn more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Click the shaded dates for program details.

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