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Change in Leadership

November 11, 2020/0 Comments/by Jazz McKinney

Dear Grand Rapids Pride Center Community, It is with appreciation, yet sadness, that we announce Thomas Pierce has stepped down from his role as Executive Director of Grand Rapids […]

GRPC ADDRESSES RACIAL INJUSTICE

June 4, 2020/0 Comments/by Thomas Pierce

As Grand Rapids’ LGBTQ+ community center, the Grand Rapids Pride Center has dedicated itself to creating an inclusive community for queer folk and recognize that queerness intersects across diverse dimensions. […]

Wellness In The Time Of Corona

April 27, 2020/1 Comment/by Leslie Boker

The Ring Theory of Venting suggests that a person experiencing trauma or hard times should vent to and lean on their immediate supporters or caregivers, and those supports then vent […]

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The Grand Rapids Pride Center aims to be at the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ individuals.

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Dec 15

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Dec 15

While for some 2-SLGBTQ+ people seasonal celebrations mean joy, family, and togetherness, for many others it can mean a time of stress, difficulty, and even sadness, anxiety, and/or depression...especially if one feels that they have to hide who they are for their psychological and physical safety.
This year due to the pandemic, it is even more important to work to combat these stressors and isolation from not being able to be with friends or family. Here at GRPC, we know how important having support, even virtually, can be to help relieve some of the isolation and loneliness.
Because of this we are offering again, on Friday, December 25, 2020, we will be offering an “Open” Support Group for anyone that is 18+ years old. We will open up our zoom so that anyone who wants to connect with people can just hop on zoom anytime from 5p – 8p. You are allowed to eat, drink (21+), play card games, make jokes, or just hop on for 5 minutes to say hi and meet new people.
This group will be open to all 2-SLGBTQ+ folks and allies so please come join us on Friday!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2595694373

[Image: A very light blue and yellow background of a sky with the words "Open Support Group, December 25, 2020, 5:00 - 8:00pm"]

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Dec 14

Check out what programs and services we are offering this week, week of 12/14!

Email info@grpride.org for access to groups.

[Image: Blue banner with black letters that reads "What's Happening This Week!" List of events: LGBTQ+ Youth Group - Wednesday, Dec. 16th 7-9pm, Women's Social Group - Thursday, Dec. 17th 7:30-8:30pm, En Femme Social Group - Friday, Dec. 18th 7-9pm, Honoring and Flowing with Grief (only for TGNC folks at this time) Saturday, Dec. 19th 5-8pm]

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Dec 11

This year has proved to be a challenging one for all in our community. As the Board of Directors and Pride Center began the work to make the Center the most welcoming place for all in our community we knew this would mean major changes from how we have historically functioned.

Over the past 8 months we have taken an inventory of what is important to the Center and what our community needs. This has translated to change of staff, departure of board members, and the onboarding of new board members ready to do the work our Center is here to do for the community. You can find the list of current board and staff members at grpride.org/about.

As we continue to grow and improve we know we cannot do everything right, that is why we rely on members of our community to help us progress forward. If you are interested in the work we are doing please visit our website at grpride.org, check out our Community Accountability Plan, or reach out to info@grpride.org.

We know the work we have begun will never be complete, but ever growing, and that is why we ask all in our community to work with us as we go on this journey. We believe that when we are able to center and meet the needs of the most marginalized and/or the most vulnerable people we ultimately serve the needs of everyone in our community. This means that everyone will benefit when the most harmed are no longer being harmed and are instead being cared for.

Even with some recent push back, we will continue to work to uplift those around us who have historically been silenced and left invisible. We celebrate the accomplishments of all in the community who have forced change, especially the 2-SLGBTQ+ folk whose work has historically gone without proper celebration and acknowledgement.

Sincerely,

Devin Rittenhouse, President
Anne M. Hertl, Vice President
Charissa Huang, Treasurer
Lucy Dyer-Joswick, Secretary
Chief Ewing
Regina Salmi
Cat Thornton
Eric Zuniga
Jazz McKinney, Interim Center Director

[Image: a black and white picture featuring a darker skinned man with the words "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr."]

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Dec 8

A friendly reminder to apply for or renew your health insurance by December 15th!

[image: Gray background with white, pink, and blue snowflakes. Text reads; ACA Deadline December 15th! Make sure you have health insurance in 2021! Apply or renew at healthcare.gov or access free help with Cherry Health's Enrollment Department 866-299-1339.]

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Dec 7

Check out what programs and services we are offering this week, week of 12/7!

Email info@grpride.org for access to groups.

[Image: Blue banner with black letters that reads "What's Happening This Week!" List of events: LGBTQ+ Young Adult Group - Tuesday, Dec. 8th 6-8pm, LGBTQ+ Youth Group - Wednesday, Dec. 9th 7-9pm, Men's Social Group - Thursday, Dec. 10th 7-8:30pm, Women's Social Group - Thursday, Dec. 10th 7:30-8:30pm, Close Knit! Queers, Conversations & Crochet - Friday, Dec. 11th 6-7:30pm, En Femme Social Group - Friday, Dec. 11th 7-9pm, Own Your Gender/TGNC Social/Support Group - Saturday, Dec. 12th 7-9pm, Stand w/ Trans Youth Group - Sunday, Dec. 13th 4-5:30pm]

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Dec 4

Although grief is a universal human experience, our walks with grief are unique and informed by our identities. The seasonal celebrations and/or holiday season can be a particularly difficult time for anyone in the 2-SLGBTQ+ population, but especially so for our TGNC family.

While we were planning and organizing for this event, we received the news of the death of one of our trans community members. This news adds an additional layer to our individual and collective grief right now, and we want to honor and respect that and the memory of our beloved community member. Many of us have also been touched by COVID, lost other loved ones this year due to non-COVID illness and accidents, and we want to acknowledge that this has been an especially violent year for our trans siblings, particularly trans BIPOC. This event will support participants through whatever, and whoever, you may be grieving.

Please join us on Sat. Dec. 19th from 5 - 8pm as we are led by Rachael from @midwifeforcollectiveliberation in a supported experience specifically for TGNC folks.

To learn more about Rachael and what this event entails please visit http://ow.ly/Ieg450CCkiZ

**This event is free to attend, but is only for TGNC folks at this time**

Please email info@grpride.org to get the link to the event.

[Image: White background over a picture of mountains with the words "Saturday December 19th 5 - 8pm. Honoring and Flowing with Grief: A supported somatic experience for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) folks"]

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Nov 30

Check out what programs and services we are offering this week, week of 11/30!

Email info@grpride.org for access to groups.

[Image: Teal banner with black letters that reads "What's Happening This Week!" List of events: LGBTQ+ Youth Group - Wednesday, Dec. 2nd 7-9pm, Womyn's Social Group - Thursday, Dec. 3rd 7-8:30pm, En Femme Social Group - Friday, Dec. 4th 7-9pm]

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Nov 26

As you start your day today, let us remember the history behind the creation of what we now call the “Thanksgiving holiday”. While many people will gather, whether virtually or in person, to have a day of celebration and joy, the reality is that this is truly a day of mourning and sadness for many Indigenous people. We want to challenge everyone to take some time today and everyday moving forward, to push boundaries for social justice and take positive steps towards learning more about our local Indigenous people and cultures.

We also understand that this day has evolved into a holiday that revolves around spending quality time with family, and we want to acknowledge and hold space for our 2-SLGBTQ family, especially our Native and Two-Spirit siblings, that will have a hard time with those family gatherings or even those facing isolation from supportive friends and family due to the current pandemic.

To learn more here are some links to start your research:

http://ow.ly/NSux50CvjLa

http://ow.ly/d8IZ50CvjLb

http://ow.ly/JZhd50CvjL8

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Nov 24

Check out what programs and services we are offering this week, week of 11/23!

Email info@grpride.org for access to groups.

[Image: Teal banner with black letters that reads "What's Happening This Week!" List of events: LGBTQ+ Young Adult Group - Tuesday, Nov. 24th 6-8pm, LGBTQ+ Youth Group - Wednesday, Nov. 25th 7-9pm, Own Your Gender/TGNC Social/Support Group - Wednesday, Nov. 25th 7-9pm, Holiday Open Support Group - Thursday, Nov. 26th 5-8pm, Own Your Gender/TGNC Social/Support Group - Saturday, Nov. 28th 7-9pm]

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Nov 20

Transgender Day of Remembrance is a time to honor our Trans siblings lives who were lost too soon due to anti-trans violence. The Grand Rapids Pride Center stands with the Trans community and Trans lives. This year, we will honor Trans lives lost to violence in 2020 by a virtual vigil.

To take part in the vigil, please light a candle in your own home and spend some time honoring, mourning, and reflecting on those Trans lives we lost this year to anti-transgender violence. If you feel comfortable doing so, please post a picture of your candle/memorial and any personal reflections with the hashtags #TransSolidarity and #TDOR2020

The TGNC Committee has decided to cancel it’s “walk-through” vigil due to rising COVID hospitalizations in Michigan.

https://www.facebook.com/events/200501964853699/?active_tab=discussion

[Image: Pink, white, and blue banner that reads “Transgender Day of Remembrance Nov 20” with white candles and flames that are blue, white, and pink on a Navy background.]

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Nov 16

Check out what programs and services we are offering this week, week of 11/16!

Email info@grpride.org for access to groups.

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Nov 11

It is with appreciation, yet sadness, that we announce Thomas Pierce has stepped down from his role as Executive Director of Grand Rapids Pride Center on October 12, 2020.

Thomas has graciously offered to help during this transition phase to ensure our continued success. We are pleased to announce that Jazz McKinney has accepted the position of Interim Center Director.

We appreciate the support of the LGBTQ+ community during this time. We started 2020 with momentum, but like many community organizations, we found ourselves suddenly halted by the pandemic in a moment when people needed us most.

We are grateful to Thomas, Jazz, Leslie and all of the volunteers who’ve helped keep programming at Grand Rapids Pride Center going. They are what turn community contributions into life changing action. We thank you for your patience as we evaluate, prepare and plan for our future leadership.

Please check out the full update at:
https://grpride.org/2020/11/change-in-leadership/

[Image: The wording "Time for Change" in front of a light green background. ]

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Nov 8

Intersex Day of Remembrance, also known as Intersex Solidarity Day, is an internationally observed civil awareness day designed to highlight issues faced by intersex people.

We stand with our Intersex siblings today and call for more education and a call to action to stop the continued violence, obfuscation and human rights abuses endured by the intersex community including the horrific practice of nonconsensual, medically unnecessary “gender normalizing” surgeries that intersex infants and minors are routinely subjected to.

[Image: Purple circular gear in front of a yellow background with text underneath that says "Change society, not the bodies of intersex children. Intersex Day of Solidarity."]

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Nov 4

Because of the sheer volume of voters who participated in this election - including hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ voters – counting the ballots is taking longer. Absentee ballots are still being counted and due to the pandemic, there are a limited number of poll workers which makes tallying the votes more challenging.

Compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, racial inequity, natural disasters, and a struggling economy, this election year has been like none in history as Americans try coping with problems many of them have never faced. Self-care is more important than ever:
• Continue to talk to each other and use available support systems. Share the tensions and emotions you are feeling instead of bottling them up.
• Limit your exposure to election news and politics each day.
• Set boundaries when it comes to having political conversations with family and friends.
• Practice self-care: healthy eating habits, getting enough sleep, exercising daily, etc.

[Image: A light green heart with a green ribbon with the wording "Self-care isn't selfish" in front of a pink background.]

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Nov 4

Because of the sheer volume of voters who participated in this election - including hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ voters – counting the ballots is taking longer. Absentee ballots are still being counted and due to the pandemic, there are a limited number of poll workers which makes tallying the votes more challenging.

Compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, racial inequity, natural disasters, and a struggling economy, this election year has been like none in history as Americans try coping with problems many of them have never faced. Self-care is more important than ever:
• Continue to talk to each other and use available support systems. Share the tensions and emotions you are feeling instead of bottling them up.
• Limit your exposure to election news and politics each day.
• Set boundaries when it comes to having political conversations with family and friends.
• Practice self-care: healthy eating habits, getting enough sleep, exercising daily, etc.

[Image: A light green heart with a green ribbon with the wording "Self-care isn't selfish" in front of a pink background.]

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Oct 30

NEXT WEEK TUESDAY IS ELECTION DAY! There’s a lot at stake for the LGBTQ+ community, so let's make sure we're represented well at the polls. #GetCentered #LGBTQVote

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Oct 26

Check out what programs and services we are offering this week, week of 10/26!

Email info@grpride.org for access to groups.

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Oct 19

Check out what programs and services we are offering this week, week of 10/19!

Email info@grpride.org for access to groups.

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Oct 16

In just three weeks America will hit the polls. Why should you vote? Because it sets a good example for future generations of LGBTQ+ youth. Get out there - you're a leader and a change maker!

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Oct 12

Today is Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to celebrate Native American culture and resilience. It is a day to honor all past, present, and future Native people across Turtle Island (United States).

We acknowledge the land that our Center resides is on the traditional Anishinaabe land of the Three Fires Confederacy, an alliance of the Potawatomi, Odawa, and Ojibwe cultures.

We want to wish everyone a Happy Indigenous Peoples Day and challenge you to take some time to learn and honor the history of the land that we reside.

Grand Rapids Pride Center | Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

The Grand Rapids Pride Center aims to be at the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ individuals.

Education & Training

Sensitivity Training
LGBTQ Glossary
Parent Resources
Request Training

Programs & Services

Support Groups
Victim Services
Calendar
View All >

EMAIL
info@grpride.org

REACH OUT
(616) 458-3511

LOCATION
343 Atlas Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

CENTER HOURS
MON – FRI 10A-4P
SAT & SUN CLOSED

EMAIL
info@grpride.org

REACH OUT
(616) 458-3511

LOCATION
343 Atlas Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

CENTER HOURS
MON – FRI 10A-4P

Education & Training

Sensitivity Training
LGBTQ Glossary
Parent Resources
Request Training

Programs & Services

Support Groups
Victim Services
Calendar
View All >