Community & support / Ferndale
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center
Michigan's largest LGBTQ+ community center, open since 1989: support groups, free testing, and youth and senior programs in downtown Ferndale.
01 / The story of this place
Make time for these
Affirmations has served the community since 1989 and today occupies a purpose-built home in downtown Ferndale. It runs support groups, affordable queer-affirming therapy, youth and senior programming, arts events and social clubs. The building also houses the Pittman-Puckett Gallery, a MiGen senior-center office and The Ringwald Theatre, and the center is a Ferndale Pride partner. Its Sports & Movement program covers queer yoga, a run club, tango and self-defense.
- Free HIV/STI testing clinics with health partners
- Teen Drop-In on Fridays for ages 14–18
- Monthly name and gender-marker change clinic
A closer look
Photos were taken at different times; images are resized and cropped on cards.
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Sources & fact check · Checked: 2026-09-25
An independently written bilingual guide. This collection is not an attendance-based ranking.
03 / Events
Events at this place
Published events automatically linked from our event guide. Times are local to the venue.
Nov 9, 2026, 6:00 PMYallah Talk!
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Yallah Talk!, a free hybrid community space for LGBTQ+ Arabs and Arab Americans on Monday, November 9, at 6 p.m., at Affirmations Rooms 204 and 205 in Ferndale. A dedicated safe space; registration required to join.
Nov 9, 2026, 7:00 PMQueer Yoga at Affirmations
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a queer-friendly, gender-affirming yoga class on Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m. on the Affirmations Sky Deck in Ferndale. It's beginner friendly and donation-based, with a ticket link on the event page.
Nov 11, 2026, 6:00 PMOpen the Cage: Dedicated Night to Incarcerated Queer & Trans Family
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts an education and advocacy night on Wednesday, November 11, at 6 p.m. at Affirmations in Ferndale, with storytellers and advocates speaking on mass incarceration in Michigan and birthday cards for incarcerated queer and trans people. Registration is required.
Nov 11, 2026, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Stonewall Run Club meets on Wednesday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m., starting outside Affirmations in Ferndale. Choose a 5K or 10K route; this week’s finish is behind Soho.
Nov 12, 2026, 6:30 PMBOLD (Black, Open, Loving, & Defiant): Black Queer Support Network
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts its Black queer support group on Thursday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. in Rooms 201 and 202 at Affirmations in Ferndale. It's for adults in the Black LGBTQIA+ community, and you join by submitting a registration form.
Nov 14, 2026, 3:00 PMTransParent
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts TransParent on Saturday, November 14, at 3 p.m. in Rooms 204–205 in Ferndale—a supportive space for parents and caregivers of gender-expansive kids. It’s free; registration is required.
Nov 14, 2026, 4:00 PM“Stitch, please!”: Fiber Arts Group
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts “Stitch, please!”, a fiber arts meetup, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m., in the Affirmations Board Room in Ferndale. Knit, crochet, stitch, and sew with an inclusive group that shares skills and projects. Free with registration.
Nov 17, 2026, 5:30 PMDungeons & Dragons – Teen Campaign
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a west marches–style D&D campaign for high school youth (ages 14–18) on Tuesday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m., at the Affirmations Intergenerational Community Room in Ferndale. It’s free with advance online registration.
Nov 18, 2026, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Stonewall Run Club’s community run is Wednesday, November 18, at 6:30 p.m., starting outside Affirmations in Ferndale. Choose 5K or 10K; this week finishes at Sidecar Slider Bar.
Nov 19, 2026, 6:00 PMTrans Men’s/Masc Lounge
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center and Stand With Trans host a support space for trans men and trans masc folks on Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m. at Affirmations Rooms 201 and 202 in Ferndale. A safe place to connect and find support, free with registration.
Nov 19, 2026, 6:00 PMBridging Generations: Craft Night (all ages)
MiGen Michigan LGBTQ+ Elders Network hosts Craft Night on Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m. at the Affirmations Intergenerational Community Room in Ferndale. LGBTQ+ folks of all ages can make art and talk across generations; supplies and conversation cards are provided. Free, registration on MiGen’s website.
Nov 19, 2026, 6:45 PMWriting Group
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a virtual Writing Group on Thursday, November 19, at 6:45 p.m., from Affirmations in Ferndale. Share works-in-progress, swap ideas, and get inspired — free to join with registration.
Nov 20, 2026, 7:00 PMWhat Will I Become? – Trans Day of Remembrance Film Screening
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center marks Trans Day of Remembrance with a screening of the documentary What Will I Become? on Friday, November 20, at 7 p.m. at the Affirmations Gallery in Ferndale. It's free and open to all ages.
Nov 23, 2026, 6:00 PMYallah Talk!
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts this hybrid community group on Monday, November 23, at 6 p.m. at Affirmations Rooms 204 and 205 in Ferndale for LGBTQ+ Arabs and Arab Americans across Metro Detroit. It’s a safe space to connect and build strength together; free with registration.
Nov 25, 2026, 6:00 PMMonthly Midweek Meetup
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts its Monthly Midweek Meetup on Wednesday, November 25, at 6 p.m. at Como’s Restaurant in Ferndale. Food is provided, and episodes/shows/games start at 6:30.
Nov 25, 2026, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts the Stonewall Run Club on Wednesday, November 25, at 6:30 p.m., starting at Affirmations in Ferndale. Choose a 5K or 10K; this even week finishes at Soho.
Dec 1, 2026, 5:30 PMDungeons & Dragons – Teen Campaign
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a West Marches–style Dungeons & Dragons campaign for high schoolers (ages 14–18) on Tuesday, December 1, at 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Affirmations Intergenerational Community Room in Ferndale. Free with advance online registration; first-time users create an account.
Dec 2, 2026, 6:30 PMWhole New Worlds: A Queer Fantasy Book Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center’s queer fantasy book club meets Wednesday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Affirmations Board Room in Ferndale. It’s a welcoming space with structure for newcomers and devoted fantasy readers alike. Free with registration.
Dec 2, 2026, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Stonewall Run Club heads out for a 5K or 10K on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m., starting outside Affirmations in Ferndale. LGBTQ+-friendly crew, with finishes at Soho or Sidecar Slider Bar depending on the week.
Dec 3, 2026, 6:00 PMTrans Men’s/Masc Lounge
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center and Stand With Trans host a support space for trans men and trans masc folks on Thursday, December 3, at 6 p.m. at Affirmations (Rooms 201–202) in Ferndale. Free with registration.
Dec 3, 2026, 6:45 PMWriting Group
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts an online writing group on Thursday, December 3, at 6:45 p.m., organized from Ferndale. Swap ideas, share works-in-progress, and get inspired. It’s free with registration.
Dec 5, 2026, 12:00 PMMOVE Series: Self-Defense
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a self-defense session on Saturday, December 5, at 12 p.m. at Affirmations in Ferndale. It’s part of the MOVE Series.
Dec 9, 2026, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a community run on Wednesday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m., starting at Affirmations in Ferndale. Choose 5K or 10K; on even weeks the finish is at Soho — easy miles with a queer‑friendly crew.
Dec 12, 2026, 3:00 PMTransParent
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts TransParent on Saturday, December 12, at 3 p.m. in Rooms 204 and 205 at Affirmations in Ferndale. A compassionate, affirming space for parents and caregivers of gender‑expansive kids; free with registration.
Dec 12, 2026, 4:00 PM“Stitch, please!”: Fiber Arts Group
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts “Stitch, please!” on Saturday, December 12, at 4 p.m. in the Affirmations Board Room in Ferndale. Knit, crochet, stitch, and sew in an inclusive space. Free with registration.
Dec 14, 2026, 6:00 PMYallah Talk!
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Yallah Talk! on Monday, December 14, at 6 p.m. in Rooms 204–205 at Affirmations in Ferndale. It’s a free hybrid space for LGBTQ+ Arabs and Arab Americans to share stories, swap resources, and support each other. Registration required.
Dec 14, 2026, 7:00 PMQueer Yoga at Affirmations
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a queer-friendly, gender-affirming yoga class on Monday, December 14, at 7 p.m. on the Affirmations Sky Deck in Ferndale. Beginners are welcome, and it's donation-based.
Dec 15, 2026, 5:30 PMDungeons & Dragons – Teen Campaign
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center runs a West Marches–style Dungeons & Dragons campaign for high school youth (ages 14–18) on Tuesday, December 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Affirmations Intergenerational Community Room in Ferndale. Free with advance registration.
Dec 16, 2026, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Stonewall Run Club heads out Wednesday, December 16, at 6:30 p.m. from Affirmations in Ferndale. Choose 5K or 10K; this week finishes at Sidecar Slider Bar.
Dec 17, 2026, 6:00 PMTrans Men’s/Masc Lounge
Affirmations and Stand With Trans host a community support space for trans men and trans masc folks on Thursday, December 17, at 6 p.m. in Rooms 201 and 202 at Affirmations in Ferndale. Free, safe space to connect—registration required.
Dec 17, 2026, 6:00 PMBridging Generations: Open Mic Night (All Ages)
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts an all-ages open mic on Thursday, December 17, at 6 p.m. at Affirmations Gallery in Ferndale, in partnership with MiGen. Sign-ups happen on site, first come first served.
Dec 17, 2026, 6:45 PMWriting Group (virtual)
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a virtual Writing Group on Thursday, December 17, 2026, at 6:45 p.m., organized from Ferndale. Connect with fellow writers, share works-in-progress, and spark ideas. It’s free; submit the registration form to join.
Dec 23, 2026, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Stonewall Run Club’s group run is Wednesday, December 23, at 6:30 p.m., starting outside Affirmations in Ferndale. Choose 5K or 10K; even weeks finish at Soho, odd weeks at Sidecar Slider Bar; weather call goes out at 11 a.m.
Dec 28, 2026, 6:00 PMYallah Talk!
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Yallah Talk!, a free hybrid community space for LGBTQ+ Arabs and Arab Americans, on Monday, December 28, at 6 p.m. in Rooms 204 & 205 at Affirmations in Ferndale. Safe space to connect and share; advance registration required.
Dec 30, 2026, 6:00 PMMonthly Midweek Meetup
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Monthly Midweek Meetup is Wednesday, December 30, at 6 p.m. at Como’s Restaurant in Ferndale. Food is provided, and episodes/shows/games kick off at 6:30.
Dec 30, 2026, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center’s run club heads out Wednesday, December 30, at 6:30 p.m. from Affirmations in Ferndale. Choose a 5K or 10K route, with a finish at Soho or Sidecar Slider Bar depending on the week—friendly vibes on familiar streets.
Jan 5, 2027, 5:30 PMDungeons & Dragons – Teen Campaign
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center runs a D&D campaign for high schoolers ages 14-18 on Tuesday, January 5, at 5:30 p.m. in the Intergenerational Community Room in Ferndale. You play a hero in an adventure-filled world, it's free, and you need to register.
Jan 6, 2027, 6:30 PMWhole New Worlds: A Queer Fantasy Book Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center's queer fantasy book club meets Wednesday, January 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the Affirmations Board Room in Ferndale. It's free, and you join by filling out a registration form.
Jan 6, 2027, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center's run club sets off on Wednesday, January 6, at 6:30 p.m. from Affirmations on Nine Mile Road in Ferndale. Pick a 5k or 10k route and finish at a local bar.
Jan 7, 2027, 6:00 PMTrans Men's/Masc Lounge
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center and Stand With Trans host a lounge for trans men and trans masc folks on Thursday, January 7, at 6 p.m. at Affirmations in Ferndale. It's a safe space for support and community, free with registration.
Jan 7, 2027, 6:45 PMWriting Group
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center in Ferndale hosts a virtual writing group on Thursday, January 7, at 6:45 p.m. Swap ideas with fellow writers; it's free, and you register to join.
Jan 9, 2027, 3:00 PMTransParent
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts TransParent, a group meetup, on Saturday, January 9, at 3 p.m. in Rooms 204 and 205 at Affirmations in Ferndale. It's for parents and caregivers of gender-expansive kids, it's free, and you need to register.
Jan 9, 2027, 4:00 PM“Stitch, please!”: Fiber Arts Group
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center's fiber arts group, “Stitch, please!”, meets Saturday, January 9, at 4 p.m. in the Affirmations Board Room in Ferndale. Knitters, crocheters, stitchers and sewers get together, and it's free.
Jan 11, 2027, 6:00 PMYallah Talk!
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Yallah Talk!, a free group for LGBTQ+ Arabs and Arab Americans in Metro Detroit, on Monday, January 11, at 6 p.m. at Affirmations in Ferndale. Registration is required.
Jan 11, 2027, 7:00 PMQueer Yoga at Affirmations
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts queer-friendly, gender-affirming yoga on Monday, January 11, at 7 p.m. at the Affirmations Sky Deck in Ferndale. Beginners are welcome, and you give what you can, from $0 to $15.
Jan 13, 2027, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center's Stonewall Run Club sets off Wednesday, January 13, at 6:30 p.m. from Affirmations in Ferndale. Pick a 5K or 10K route and finish with a drink.
Jan 19, 2027, 5:30 PMDungeons & Dragons – Teen Campaign
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a D&D campaign for high schoolers ages 14-18 on Tuesday, January 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the Intergenerational Community Room in Ferndale. It's free, with advance registration.
Jan 20, 2027, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts its Stonewall Run Club on Wednesday, January 20, at 6:30 p.m., starting outside Affirmations in Ferndale. Pick the 5K or the 10K route, then finish at Soho or Sidecar Slider Bar.
Jan 21, 2027, 6:00 PMTrans Men's/Masc Lounge
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center and Stand With Trans host a lounge for trans men and trans masc folks on Thursday, January 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Affirmations in Ferndale. It's a safe space to find support and build community; free, with registration.
Jan 21, 2027, 6:45 PMWriting Group
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center in Ferndale hosts a virtual writing group on Thursday, January 21, at 6:45 p.m. It's free, and you join by filling out a registration form.
Jan 25, 2027, 6:00 PMYallah Talk!
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Yallah Talk!, a free meetup for LGBTQ+ Arabs and Arab Americans, on Monday, January 25, at 6 p.m. in Ferndale. Registration is required to join.
Jan 27, 2027, 6:00 PMMonthly Midweek Meetup
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts its monthly midweek meetup on Wednesday, January 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Como's Restaurant in Ferndale, a hangout for LGBTQ+ folks and allies.
Jan 27, 2027, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center's run club sets off Wednesday, January 27, at 6:30 p.m. outside Affirmations in Ferndale. Pick a 5K or 10K, then finish at Soho or Sidecar Slider Bar.
Feb 2, 2027, 5:30 PMDungeons & Dragons – Teen Campaign
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a D&D campaign for high schoolers ages 14-18 on Tuesday, February 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the Intergenerational Community Room in Ferndale. It's free, and you need to register in advance.
Feb 3, 2027, 6:30 PMWhole New Worlds: A Queer Fantasy Book Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a queer fantasy book club on Wednesday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the Affirmations Board Room in Ferndale. It's free and made for queer folks, with registration required.
Feb 3, 2027, 6:30 PMStonewall Run Club
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center's run club sets off from Affirmations in Ferndale on Wednesday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m. Pick the 5K or the 10K, then finish up with a drink.
Feb 4, 2027, 6:00 PMTrans Men's/Masc Lounge
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center and Stand With Trans host a support and community night for trans men and trans masc folks on Thursday, February 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Rooms 201 and 202 at Affirmations in Ferndale. It's free, with registration required.
Feb 4, 2027, 6:45 PMWriting Group
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center in Ferndale hosts a virtual writing group on Thursday, February 4, at 6:45 p.m. Swap ideas with fellow writers; it's free, with registration required.
Feb 8, 2027, 6:00 PMYallah Talk!
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Yallah Talk!, a group for LGBTQ+ Arabs and Arab Americans, on Monday, February 8, at 6 p.m. in Ferndale. It's free, and you register ahead.
Feb 8, 2027, 7:00 PMQueer Yoga at Affirmations
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a queer-friendly, gender-affirming yoga class on Monday, February 8, at 7 p.m. on the Affirmations Sky Deck in Ferndale. Beginners are welcome, and it's donation-based.
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