News and Events

#PeopleWhoThink hosts first “Mocktail” event

We are proud to invite you to #PeopleWhoThink’s first “Mocktail” event! We’ll be serving our signature persimmon punch and deliciously catered appetizers, along with fabulous desserts from the CC Drizz Co. #PeopleWhoThink is a structured dialogue for socially conscious individuals. The YWCA, in collaboration with KGLRC and the Office of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay & Transgender Student Services of Western Michigan University, will be hosting an event to create awareness of Sexual Assault in regards to the LGBTQ community. Highlighting a resilient struggle for individuals who identify within the underserved population, in regards to lack of services, support, gender equity, and unhealthy relationships.

​In addition to dialogue and networking, there will be a panel with representation from different community organizations, from the collegiate level to Planned Parenthood. We would love for you to join us in our efforts in intentionally creating awareness of our initiatives and services, and how you and/or your organization can become inclusive and aware.

Childcare will be provided at the event. Registration is required for childcare!

Click here to register for the event:
https://docs.google.com/a/ywcakalamazoo.org/forms/d/14v3YzbPY_pgYzd4LvDu2ZVaT4SqCGDeNopVUUY1NHYU/edit?usp=forms_home&ths=true

Save the Date for Kalamazoo Pride 2016

Kalamazoo Pride 2016 will excite the Arcadia Creek Festival Site on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11. Please visit the Pride page for details as they are announced. kglrc.org/pride

Metro will host our March 3rd Mixer

Join us this Thursday, March 3rd, from 6-9pm at Metro for our monthly mixer and the kickoff to Kalamazoo Pride 2016 - which will be just 100 days away! Angie Jackson, the elixir fixer, will be there. We’ll also have karaoke, snacks, merchandise for sale and 2-day passes to Kalamazoo Pride 2016. Help us start the countdown!

Metro is located at 411 North Westnedge Avenue.

 

Bilbo’s will host our January 7th Mixer

Join us on Thursday, January 7th, from 6-9pm for the First Thursdays LGBTQ Mixer at the Kalamazoo location of Bilbo’s, at 3307 Stadium Drive.

 

 

Webster’s will host our December 3rd Mixer

Join us on Thursday, December 3rd, from 6-9pm for the First Thursdays LGBTQ Mixer at Webster’s Prime - located downtown Kalamazoo, inside the Radisson, on the second level.

Hosted by St. Julian Winery, there will be wine tasting and opportunities to purchase bottles. Self-parking in the ramp on Rose Street and valet parking are available - both are handicap accessible and complimentary when validated by the host. See you there!

November 5th Mixer is at Old Dog Tavern

Join us on Thursday November 5th, from 6-9pm for the First Thursdays LGBTQ Mixer in the back room at Old Dog Tavern! With an aire for all things eclectic, odd and quirky, Old Dog is located at 402 East Michigan Avenue in the historic Star Paper Co. building.

StoryCorps OutLoud Initiative

We all have a story to tell. StoryCorps recognizes the profound historical importance of capturing the stories of the LGBTQ community and the urgent need for this work to happen now. The StoryCorps OutLoud Initiative will be coming to Kalamazoo in partnership with WMUK and the KGLRC, November 5-7, 2015. If you would like to sign up for an interview recording time, you will be able to fill out an application beginning October 1. For more information, contact Jay.

October 1st Mixer is at Shakespeare’s

Join us on Thursday October 1st, from 6-9pm for the First Thursdays LGBTQ Mixer, upstairs at Shakespeare’s! 44 taps, pool tables, darts, some of the best nachos in town, and great company. What’s not to love? See you there.

Love Who You ART Winner: Amber Browning

Open House will feature winner’s artwork

Please join us for our annual Open House on Friday, October 2nd, from 5 to 8 pm to see the winning artwork from our June Art Hop “Love Who You ART” event. The winning piece, with 27 votes, was “Proud to Love Michigan,” a hand-drawn collage by Amber Browning. The picture, along with other artwork by Amber, will be displayed in the lobby of the Resource Center for the month of October.

About Amber Browning

Amber Browning

Amber Browning

Amber is a 29-year-old southwest Michigan native and Kalamazoo resident. Currently, she is a senior at WMU majoring in Biomedical Science with a minor in Chemistry and she is the mother of KPS 5th grader, Skyler Browning. Amber’s plans for the future include launching RabidPeach Art Company, pursuing a career as a Medical Technologist post-graduation, and continuing to be a loving and supportive mother.

“Proud to Love Michigan” – By Amber Browning
This collage is a hand-drawn, Prismacolor pencil drawing featuring numerous pop culture items, eight total outlines of the state of Michigan, the letters spelling out LOVE in each corner, with a beautiful rainbow and Petoskey stone heart in the center with the big and little dippers guiding the beauty of the northern lights in the Upper Peninsula jutting out of its points on the top, bottom, left and right, and much more.

Art  by Amber Browning

Art by Amber Browning

I originally did this piece as a final project for a class at Western Michigan University called Human Flourishing and Happiness, taught by Dr. Dini Metro-Roland. The assignment was to pick from three themes and I chose to show my vision of “flourishing” in this vibrant design. I see my personal flourishing largely revolving around being an artist, and I was inspired to use my passion after reading about Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of “flow.” “Proud to Love Michigan” is a direct reflection of my personal love for Michigan and also of the pride that I have in my community and university.

See if you can find the skulls and the disco ball “Death Star” (one of my mash-ups). Other characters are related to video games, like the Destiny logo, and Mario Brothers box, star, and sun, with the Zelda triforce. Also look for: Archer, Bubbles from Trailer Park Boys, Snoopy and Woodstock, Batman and the Joker, Harley Quinn, Grumpy Cat, Nyan Cat, Nibbler from Futurama, stormtrooper helmet, wonder woman logo, WMU emblem, Bell’s bells, DNA helix, a magnifying glass looking into a neuron, Bird of Paradise flower, eye of Sauron, a jellyfish, and a peacock feather.

Central City Taphouse will host our September 3rd Mixer

Join us on September 3rd, from 6-9pm for the First Thursdays LGBTQ Mixer! This month we will be gathering at Central City Taphouse, located at 359 South Kalamazoo Mall, inside the Epic Center building. There is free parking on the street along the Kalamazoo Mall – Central City’s parking ramp #2 is also located behind the Epic Center and is accessible from both the north and the south.

Central City features 20 beers on tap and over 75 bottles, with both local and international pub food. They also offer great vegetarian and gluten free options (including gluten free draft selections). We will be gathered in the front room. See you there!

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