Affirmations Shares Heart of the Work Award Winners
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 5, 2025)
Ferndale, MI – At a time when the LGBTQ+ community faces judgement, fear, hate, and harassment, Affirmations community center in Ferndale continues to be a safe space for the queer community and allies to come together. The recent Aff Five Heart of the Work Awards embodied that spirit by recognizing those who make a difference. As Executive Director Tracy Hall said, “This is a space of joy and recognition.”
Hall shared that “more than 30 groups run year round,” and “each one creates a safe space.” The Breakout Group of the Year started with the idea of celebrating and lifting up black voices. The B.O.L.D. group – meaning Black, Open, Loving and Defiant – “aims to provide emotional support, resource sharing, advocacy, and skill-building for adults within the Black LGBTQIA+ community.” Several founding members took the stage to accept the award.
A group with a much longer history was presented with the Collective Spirit Award. Tom Murphy and Beth Singer accepted the award on behalf of the Senior Koffee Klatch group. “Aging is an honor in our community,” said the presenter, and the leaders run the group with “the humor, wit, and steadiness of school teachers.” Adding “it’s important to hold space for one another across differences and generations.”
But it isn’t just people providing community support at Affirmations. A support dog named Pudding was called to the stage along with handler Kim Hale. Pudding is there for petting and cheerful licks when volunteering at the center, as well as providing a draw at events like the upcoming Santa Paws Photo Booth and Pup Cup Bar on Dec. 6.
The 2025 Youth Advisory Council is also making their mark. A team of eight teens was recognized for their efforts, including the organization of the Youth Pride Prom, and their planning of a year end event which will be announced shortly.
Motor City Bears were recognized for their spirit of “love, solidarity, and strength.” When a community member was run down in an act of hate, Motor City Bears raised money for their hospital care. They’re also known for their annual car wash fundraiser.
Baddie Brooks is a musician who uses their work to support the LGBTQ+ community. She headlined Ferndale Pride and performed at festivals across the state, using the power of music and the boldness of fashion to bring positive attention to the community, and raising money for good causes like Affirmations. She was presented with the Michigan LGBTQ+ Philanthropy Award.
The Aff-Bassador Award was given to Nick Lupiloff, who leads a women’s discussion group and co-chairs the Aff-Bassador committee, introduced as being a “living, breathing embodiment of Affirmations.”
Sidetrack Book Store was honored as a Local Queer Business.
Emme Zanotti Senior Director of Movement Building & Political Affairs for Equality Michigan was honored with the Community Leadership and Impact Award, with the presenter saying that Zanotti’s “voice carries clarity and conviction.”
Volunteer of the Year went to Dr. Gabriel who has been facilitating a youth drop in program for the past year. And the Staff Award went to Director of Programs Cate Spinney. “Affirmations means everything to me, and I feel privileged every single day to work here and be part of this community working to build a better future,” Spinney said.
The event was also the opportunity to reveal a new mural inside the center. Done mostly in purple, the mural pays homage to famous places in Metro Detroit for the queer community, including GiGi’s and Soho. The mural was done by Kelly Golden, and the theme is that “our stories matter.”
Director Hall thanked everyone for coming, and shared that “On days when I question my why, and my why feels too foggy, it is all of you who inspire me to be here,” she said.
Affirmations is located at 290 W. 9 Mile Road in Downtown Ferndale. Learn more at www.goaffirmations.org
