Programs & Services

YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS

We offer a variety of programming for LGBTQIA+ youth from birth through adolescence. Click on the programs listed below to learn more about each offering!

For more information about our Youth Programs, please visit the Youth Programs Instagram or contact our Youth Programs Team at youthprograms@outfrontkzoo.org.

  • BIG PRIDE is a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan for youth (ages 6 through 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.

  • CONNECTIONS offers an opportunity for youth ages 12 through 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

  • PROUD FAMILIES offers an affirming and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ families with youth ages zero through 12 to get together for some fun! Meets on the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 to noon at OutFront Kalamazoo, unless otherwise specified.

    Parents/caregivers must remain on-site with their littles at all times for this program.

ADULT PROGRAMS

We offer several affinity groups for a variety of identity-specific groups. All programs for adults are for ages 18 and up unless otherwise specified. Click on the programs listed below to learn more about each offering!

For more information about our adult programs, contact our Programs Manager, Ava, at ava@outfrontkzoo.org.

  • AROACE SPECTRUM COMMUNITY (AASC) is a group for individuals ages 18 and up 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 peer-led group for Black LGBTQIA+ individuals ages 18 and up focused on positive news, resource sharing, and community support.

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

    Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/VfZSpkwZ

  • EMERGENCE is an affinity space for LGBTQIA+ young adults ages 18 through 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 ages 18 and up 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 belonging, 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 third 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

  • QUEER WOMEN’S COMMUNITY (QWC) is a peer-directed group for LGBTQIA+ women and woman-aligned individuals ages 18 and up 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 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

    To learn more, visit our Facebook group.

  • Join us for QUEER YOGA every first and third Sunday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo! Immerse yourself in a space that is by Queer folks, for Queer folks. Your instructor will guide you through beginner-friendly yoga postures, breath work, and active rest. All skill levels are welcome! Please bring your own mat.

    This service is offered in partnership with Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis and is for ages 18 and up. This is a donation-based class, with all proceeds benefitting OutFront Kalamazoo. Registration is required.

  • SEASONS is a social networking program for LGBTQIA+ folks ages 50 and up. Come together at OutFront Kalamazoo on the second Wednesday of each month from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and the fourth Sunday of each month from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to socialize and connect around a common theme, topic, or activity.

  • TRANSCEND is a trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive support group for ages 18 and up. 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 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.

SOCIAL PROGRAMS & ALLIANCES

For more information about any of our social programs or alliances, contact our Programs Manager, Ava, at ava@outfrontkzoo.org.

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

    Click here to view a list of participating groups.

  • FIRST THURSDAY is a monthly social program working to connect LGBTQIA+ folks ages 21 and up* and support local LGBTQIA+-owned and affirming 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.

    Click here if you are interested in sponsoring First Thursday!

    *Many venues we utilize for this event require a 21 and up age limit. Age requirement may be lowered according to venue policies.

  • KNIT HAPPENS is a knitting and crocheting group for LGBTQIA+ people ages 18 and up. Join us at OutFront Kalamazoo on the second Saturday of each month from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for a provided project (all materials included), or bring your own project to work on. All skill levels are welcome!

  • Note: This program is paused for the summer. We look forward to bringing it back in the fall!

    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 ages 18 and up 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 a partnership with OutLoud Sports Southwest Michigan, a chapter of the nation’s original Queer+ recreational sports leagues, founded in 2007 and proudly representing over 85,000 LGBTQIA+ & allied athletes across the U.S. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience or identity. Whether you are a professional athlete, casual gamer, or wallflower, you will find a home with us. Make friends. Find your inner child. Get active. Play!

    Spring 2026: LGBTQIA+ and Allies Kickball. Everyone age 21 and up is welcome, regardless of experience or identity. Free play events will happen on 5/7 and 5/21, and our 6-week Thursday night league begins 6/4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register now at https://outloudsouthwestmichigan.leagueapps.com/leagues

  • Join OutFront Kalamazoo and Ms. Kalamazoo Pride 2025, Jade Harmony, for our monthly QUEER CRAFT NIGHT! Chat and work on your creative projects using the provided materials or bring your own. Provided activities will include drawing, collage, sewing, painting, origami, and more. This program is open to those ages 14 and up takes place on the second Monday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

  • Create a character, roll some dice, and tell stories together! This series of standalone “one shot” tabletop RPG sessions is for LGBTQIA+ “gaymers” and allies of all ages and experience levels. We’ll play games of all genres: superheroes, giant mechs, high fantasy, cozy adventures, and more!

    TABLETOP GAYMING meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

    ***Interested in GMing? Email Xiaoyi at xiaoyi@outfrontkzoo.org.

  • 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? Connect to the Transcend Discord server.

SERVICES

We offer several community partnerships bringing a variety of services to our office. For more information about any of our services, contact our Services Manager, Connar, at connar@outfrontkzoo.org.

  • Provided in partnership with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, our COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS are at OutFront Kalamazoo every Monday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. to assist with things such as food insecurity, applying for health insurance, getting a government phone, finding clothing, and more.

    They provide information and referrals to local organizations and can assist you in getting connected with things such as:

    • Health Insurance

    • Employment Support

    • Housing Support

    • Child & Family Needs

    • Mental Health Resources

    • Applying for Benefits

    • Clothing

    • Food

    • General Advocacy

    • Health Care

    • Health/Wellness

    • And Much More!

    DISCLAIMER: In compliance with state and federal regulations, some forms of assistance may not be available to all ages. Call our office at 269-349-4234 if you have a question about a specific service.

  • OutFront Kalamazoo is fortunate to be one of over 60 locations nationwide that serve as home to one of the DAVID BOHNETT CYBER CENTERS - a resource for LGBTQIA+ communities to access computer equipment and the Internet.

    Our computer station is available during drop-in hours for individuals to use to access the internet for no charge to check their e-mail, do research, conduct job searches, work on their resume, complete homework and more.

    David Bohnett is a philanthropist and technology entrepreneur committed to effecting positive change through community building and social activism.  Through his foundation, the David Bohnett Foundation, he has provided funding, state-of-the-art technology and technical support to hundreds of organizations.

  • ***Please note that HIV testing events have been temporarily paused for the summer. This service is expected to return in September. Visit https://caresswm.org/ to learn more about testing services available in the meantime.***

    In partnership with Cares Sexual Wellness Services, OutFront Kalamazoo hosts FREE HIV TESTING on the third Monday of each month from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. No insurance or appointment is necessary.

    DISCLAIMER: In compliance with state and federal regulations, HIV testing is available to those ages 13 and up. Those who do not meet these age requirements may still receive testing with parent/guardian permission.

  • ***Please note that this service is temporarily paused while we find a new volunteer consultant. Interested in the position? Email ava@outfrontkzoo.org! ***

    Our CAREER CONSULTANTS provide help with resumes, CVs, cover letters, and applications to schools, scholarships, and jobs. They are available to community members age 16 and up in all fields and career stages, including students.

    Drop-in, in-person services are available at OutFront Kalamazoo on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

  • Offered in partnership with Centrica Grief Support, our LGBTQIA+ Grief Circle is a grief group for members of the LGBTQIA+ community ages 18 and up impacted by all forms of loss including estrangement, ended relationships, and death. This group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

    Registration is required. Please reserve your spot here: https://centricacare.org/outfront-grief-circle/

  • The THOMAS H. SEILER LGBTQIA+ RESOURCE LIBRARY collects, preserves and provides free access to materials that promote knowledge and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities.

    The purpose of the library is to provide a safe, accessible, and 100% free educational resource to the entire community. The library contains materials that both inform and entertain. The collection consists primarily of books, with a limited selection of CDs and DVDs also available. Materials for children, teens, and adults are available.

    The library is named in honor of Thomas H. Seiler, Emeritus Professor of English and Medieval Studies at Western Michigan University and former OutFront Kalamazoo Board President and CEO.

    The library is open during all drop-in hours. Books may be checked out by anyone, free of charge - no library card required! All checkouts are confidential.

  • Our MENTAL HEALTH NAVIGATOR is ready to help you navigate the healthcare system and overcome barriers to accessing mental health services. Our Mental Health Navigator is prepared to:

    • Provide a listening ear

    • Identify needs

    • Brainstorm short- and long-term goals

    • Offer connections to services and resources

    These services are offered on a walk-in basis at OutFront Kalamazoo every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    DISCLAIMER: In compliance with state and federal regulations, this service is available to those ages 16 and up. Those under age 16 may receive this service with parent/guardian permission.

  • Our OUTCLOSET affirming clothing closet offers clothing, shoes, and accessories at low-to-no cost to you, helping to increase access to gender-affirming clothing options.

    This is a continuous service that is available during all drop-in hours.

  • PRIDE RECOVERY is open to all LGBTQIA+ individuals ages 18 and up affected by substance abuse in this weekly twelve-step recovery program.

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