{"id":170197,"date":"2026-02-09T10:11:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T10:11:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/170197\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T10:11:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T10:11:27","slug":"affirmations-showcases-variety-of-lgbtq-support-groups-and-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/170197\/","title":{"rendered":"Affirmations Showcases Variety of LGBTQ+ Support Groups and Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Affirmations Showcases Variety of LGBTQ+ Support Groups and Programs<\/p>\n

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 8, 2026)<\/p>\n

Ferndale, MI \u2013 Affirmations is known as a safe space for all \u2013 with people of different ages, backgrounds, and personalities finding common ground in the walls of Michigan\u2019s largest LGBTQ+ community center. But just as the patrons are so varied, so too are the groups and services the center has to offer.\u00a0 On Jan 29 they took the time to showcase some of these opportunities at the Wigtacular Open House, with a wig-wearing theme.<\/p>\n

There are a variety of groups and programs at Affirmations, including Senior Koffee Klatch, Disability and Discussion Group, BOLD (Black, Open, Loving, & Defiant): Black Queer Support Network, Queer Yoga, Bixexual + Communtiy Support, Narcotics Anonymous, Coming Out Group, Yallah Talk, Brownbaggers AA and more.<\/p>\n

One key component of the work Affirmations does is supporting queer youth.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a Teen Drop-In Center on Fridays from 4-7 pm where teens can play games, make art, watch something, or just hang out in a casual, supportive environment. There\u2019s also a 10 week youth leadership and job readiness program called Lavender Leadership Academy for those aged 12-22 where participants learn about topics like resume writing, interview skills, teamwork, financial education, identity, and more to prepare them for future success.<\/p>\n

Programs like this are created with input from the Youth Advisory Council. Emi and Shae from the Youth Council were at the Jan 29 event. Emi shared that Affirmations created the council to be more youth led, and so youth could have a voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI give input behind the scenes,\u201d Emi said. \u201cI even helped conduct interviews for staff members.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to giving input, Youth Council members serve as mentors to younger visitors. \u201cI like being there, helping people be comfortable,\u201d Shae said. \u201cWe look at how to prioritize this space as a place to be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Emi Affirmations has led to more confidence and friendships. \u201cI started coming three years ago, just before I turned 18,\u201d Emi said. Growing up the only openly queer person they knew was once teacher. \u201cThat was my gateway to this. I was kind of a hermit. I had anxieties. Then I was given a link to youth prom and it jump-started this journey of community building and confidence building. It\u2019s been a chance to create my own community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Transgender and non-binary people also have a home at Affirmations, with a number of support services including mental healthcare, as well as support and social groups like TeaEnby which is a group for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals to find and be in community. Trans Men\u2019s\/Masc Lounge is a partnership between Affirmations and Stand with Trans to create a safe space for trans men and trans masc folk to build community. And the center also regularly holds name change and gender marker change clinics to help people through those processes.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s even a group for parents of transgender children. TransParent is a national organization dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers of gender-expansive children through community, education, and resources.\u00a0 Christina West started the SE Michigan Chapter last year, and Affirmations was the perfect place for the group to meet.<\/p>\n

Whether someone is an eager advocate, or simply has a lot of questions, TransParent provides a welcoming space for conversation, resources, and support.<\/p>\n

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West shared that the most common challenges for parents of transgender or non-binary youth are finding access to healthcare, and making sure that their child is respected and protected in school.<\/p>\n

In August the University of Michigan<\/a> stopped providing gender-affirming hormonal therapies to patients under 19 years old in response to Federal Government pressures.\u00a0 \u201cWhen U of M stopped having care for minors that hit our community hard,\u201d West said.\u00a0 \u201cThere were so many families who suddenly didn\u2019t know how they were going to get the hormones they needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

West and other parents worked together along with organizations like Affirmations and Equality Michigan to identify providers and compile those resources.<\/p>\n

Acceptance in school is another challenge, because districts have varying approaches to inclusivity.\u00a0 Some districts refuse to use preferred names and pronouns, and even look the other way when bullying happens.\u00a0 While others welcome transgender and non-binary kids with open arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen a child who is transgender is not being recognized as who they are, it is detrimental to their health. They are more susceptible to bullying, missing out on learning, and feelings of isolation and rejection,\u201d West said.\u00a0 \u201cTo me it\u2019s a form of bullying, and I don\u2019t think schools should do anything that is deliberately harmful to their students.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was actually a student\u2019s suicide that prompted West to launch a TransParent chapter.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t know the student personally, but it hit hard,\u201d West said.\u00a0 \u201cMy son supported me in doing this, and my family has been supportive in helping make this happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Blake Harvey was excited to learn about the TransParent group. Harvey is a transgender man with a transgender child, and he\u2019s a social work student who recently started interning with Affirmation\u2019s mental health services program.<\/p>\n

At the time of the event he\u2019d only been with Affirmations for three weeks.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m still learning all the things they do here.\u00a0 Some of their clinics are really cool.\u00a0 The unhoused clinic is such an important need right now.\u00a0 And the food pantry bridges the gap for people who are struggling. Food access is a core component of health.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m personally becoming a social worker because I want to work with LGBTQ+ youth in Macomb County,\u201d Harvey said.\u00a0 \u201cWhat would I want people to know about transgender people?\u00a0 That they\u2019re human being.\u00a0 They\u2019re just human beings.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t matter what my genitals are or who I sleep with.\u00a0 People deserve to be treated like human beings.\u201d<\/p>\n

While he\u2019s not experienced violence or discrimination, the fear is part of his life.\u00a0 \u201cI definitely try to fit in.\u00a0 I try not to make moves that draw attention to myself, or dress how I probably would if I were super open,\u201d West said.\u00a0 \u201cThe best way I can describe it, is I have this pride lanyard for my keys,\u201d Harvey said.\u00a0 \u201cI walk around here at Affirmations and I have not problem having my lanyard hanging out.\u00a0 It\u2019s no big deal.\u00a0 But if I\u2019m out shopping or something, I make sure to tuck it into my pocket because I just don\u2019t feel safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

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While meeting basic needs like shelter, food, safety, mental health, and community are core components of Affirmations, there are also groups that help people to forget about those challenges and have moments of freedom, creativity, and joy.<\/p>\n

Bella Borruso is a dance teacher who started what was originally called Rooted in Rhythm, a group for music and dancing.\u00a0 Now that group is branching out into tow: Rooted in Movement, and Rooted in Music.\u00a0 \u201cThe reason we started these groups to begin with was to use music for community and self-care,\u201d Borruso said.\u00a0 \u201cWe have impromptu ways to connect the mind and body.\u00a0 We have somatic movements to help you unplug and reflect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many styles of movement and music are explored in the groups, and people of all skill levels are welcome to participate.<\/p>\n

Affirmations is located at 290 W. 9 Mile in Downtown Ferndale.\u00a0 Learn more about their various programs, services, and groups at www.goaffirmations.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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