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.

  • CONNECTIONS offers an opportunity for youth ages 12-17 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 (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.

  • PROUD FAMILIES 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 12-17. 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

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 Director of Programs & Outreach Michael Cleggs-Arnott at michael@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 group for individuals ages 18 and up 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 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 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 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.

  • 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 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at OutFront Kalamazoo.

    To learn more, visit our Facebook group.

  • 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 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 THURSDAY is a monthly social program working to connect LGBTQIA+ folks ages 18 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.

    Watch for listings on our calendar.

  • 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. 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 for ages 18 and up 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. The Kalamazoo Bicycle Club provides medical insurance for paid members should anything happen during the ride. To become a KBC member, visit https://www.kalamazoobicycleclub.org/members/.

  • 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 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.

SERVICES

We offer several community partnerships bringing a variety of services to our office. For more information about any of our services, contact Director of Programs & Outreach Michael Cleggs-Arnott at michael@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 ages 16 and up in all fields and career stages, including students.

    Drop-In, In-Person services are available at OutFront Kalamazoo on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

    Virtual Appointments are available on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sign-up for virtual appointments at https://forms.gle/icGdYc3Zgp9Pbue38.

  • 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!

  • In partnership with Cares Sexual Wellness Services, OutFront Kalamazoo hosts free HIV/STI testing on the third Tuesday of each month from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. No insurance or appointment is necessary.

  • 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/

  • 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 Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

  • Our quarterly OutCloset events offer clothing, shoes, and accessories at low-to-no cost to you, helping to increase access to gender-affirming clothing options.

    Keep an eye on our Calendar of Events for details about our next OutCloset event!

  • 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.