How Ypsi Celebrates Pride

Location has a large impact on the community and environment for a school and its students. Here at Eastern, we’re lucky enough to be located in Ypsilanti, Michigan (or as we like to call it, Ypsi). The bond that I have witnessed between EMU and Ypsi is truly unmatched. Students feel welcomed into the community, and we are proud to call this city home. Ypsi matches the diverse community on-campus while providing extra support for students and members of the community. One thing that both EMU and Ypsi focus on is highlighting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

“I love that Eastern has an LGBT resource office, as well as other resources because it shows how devoted they are to all students here,” said CTG Jaden. “I’m personally a fan of the BBQueer event hosted in the first few weeks of school because it’s a great time to meet a lot of cool and amazing people.”

The LGBT Resource Center on campus plans different events for students including the month of OUTober, BBQueer, and Pride Prom while also offering student support resources. A closer look at the LGBT Resource Center and its events can be found here. Ypsilanti highlights LGBTQ+-owned and friendly local businesses, as well as a Pride Month-long celebration during June.

This year Ypsi’s pride month kicked off on Friday, June 4th, and features different events for each Friday evening in June. In addition to providing a welcoming space for the community, the events feature music and drag performances, vendor fairs, collective self-care, and family and youth nights. More information about Ypsi’s pride fest can be found here.

Pride month in Ypsi is just one example of why the community members feel so at home in the city. “I’ve never been as accepted until I came to Eastern and started living in Ypsilanti,” said CTG Austin. Many other students agree, citing the welcoming atmosphere to be one of the main reasons that they decided to attend EMU.

Pride is something that shouldn’t only be celebrated during the month of June. This is something that the EMU and Ypsi communities recognize and strive to highlight throughout the year. Events are held all year long to unite the LGBTQ+ community in the area, such as Queeraoke (Karaoke Nights), Trans Day of Remembrance, Lavender Graduation Celebrations, and many other “First Friday'' events each month.

Ypsi features many LGBQ+ friendly stores, restaurants, and other locally owned businesses. For example, at our Unicorn Feed & Supply’s “ Love is Love'' and The Rocket’s “Pride” sections are featured all year!

Like many students, I’m proud to be a part of the EMU and Ypsilanti community. I’m glad that I have been able to call this city home for the past three years, and I look forward to seeing it grow in the future.

LGBTQ+ Student Resources:

• LGBT Resource Center

• Spectrum Living Learning Community