A Perfect Day for Ferndale Pride

(Crystal Proxmire, June 12, 2022)

Ferndale, MI – Pieces of rainbow confetti shot up into a perfectly blue sky on Saturday, June 4 as the annual Ferndale pride festival kicked off in Downtown Ferndale.

Thousands of people came to progressive suburb just north of Detroit, wearing Rainbow outfits and messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was there to kick off the festival, telling the crowd “The greatest strength of our state is the people, every one of our people — no matter who you love, how you identify, how much money’s in your pocket — and as long as I’m governor we are going to fight for full rights and equality.”

Each end of the festival had a stage and room for dancing, with DJs from the community, drag queen performances, and an end of the night performance by Flint based artist Tunde Olaniran who sang messages about love and representation – and the importance of supporting local musicians with donations.

Nine mile itself was lined with booths from vendors and community organizations. While thousands come to Ferndale Pride to hang out, have fun, and meet people, it’s also a great opportunity to learn about organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ community.

Darryl Johnson of Detroit Community Health Connection was among those handing out information – and condoms. “We’re trying to end the HIV epidemic,” he said. In addition to free condoms, the organization offers PrEP treatment which prevents the spread of the virus. “The first week I was on the job someone got PrEP treatment and I thought about maybe I just saved a life. It feels good doing something that makes a difference like that.”

Other groups on hand included the ACLU of Michigan, Alzheimer’s Association, Dignity Detroit, Fems for Dems, Matrix Human Services, My Place Center for Wellness, Oakland Family Services, Transgender Michigan, and many more. Ferndale Pride has a list of vendors on their website for those interested in connecting.

New this year was “a Quiet Place,” A sensory tent at The end of the resource row where people could sit and take a break from the noise and the crowds. Sponsored by Hometown Restaurant Group, The space offered snacks as well as fidget toys for visitors to enjoy.

City Council person Raylon Leeks-May volunteered there half the day.

“I just feel good when I see some many people here in the downtown,” she said. “It’s so well-attended with the community coming together and celebrating. It has that diversity and that welcoming environment this is just how Ferndale is.”

Ferndale Pride raises money for local charities. This year the festival supports Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center, Ferndale Community Foundation, and Gender-Identity Network Alliance. Since 2011, Ferndale Pride has given over $300,000 back to community organizations. Sponsors for the event included Liv Cannabis Company, Ferndale Project, Motor City Casino, McMillan Behavioral Health and Addiction Services, Jim Shaffer and Associates Realtors, Ferndale Elks #1588, Candle Wick Shoppe and more.

Totals are not in yet for this year, but with packed streets leading into sunset, groups at the event reported much success. So much so that the FernCare free clinic beer tent sold out of beverages before 6pm.

Irenita Goedert is on the board of FernCare and was helping at the beer tent. “Ferndale Pride 2022 was one of the best celebrations. Attendees were very cheerful, families arrived early, the venders were spot on. Kudos to Ferndale Pride and their amazing leader Julia Music. A special thank you to Western Market for supporting FernCare and the community yearlong,” she said.