Capital Region Pride

Here in Greater Lansing we strive to be a safe and welcoming destination for ALL. The region is home to many LGBTQIA+ events each year, including the Family Pride Picnic, township pride events, Lansing Pride taking place in Old Town and Michigan Pride with a rally at the State Capitol Building in Lansing.

Notably, East Lansing was the first municipality in the country to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in hiring practices in 1972. The region is also home to many LGBTQIA+ friendly shopping districts and businesses, and many churches in Greater Lansing welcome and affirm LGBTQIA+ individuals.

East Lansing Named Best Town in Michigan for LGBTQIA+ families

Situated due east of the state capital and home to Michigan State University, East Lansing holds the distinction of having earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's 2014 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which considers factors like LGBTQIA+-friendly policies, laws and services. In 1972, it became the first municipality in the country to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in hiring practices.

MSU One of the LGBTQIA+ Friendliest Universities/Colleges

MSU was dubbed one of the LGBTQIA+ friendliest because it was the first university/college to have an alliance of queer and ally students organization in the entire state of Michigan. The Alliance of Queer and Ally Students began in the early 1970s, the first Dubbed Michigan State Gay Liberation Movement.

Joey Amato in front of the Capitol with the pride flag

Pride Journey

Joey Amato, publisher of Pride Journeys, shares his experience visiting Michigan's Capital Region, calling it a "standout destination in the Midwest."

Read more about Joey's visit and why he applauds "Lansing's distinctive and welcoming character."

Upcoming LGBTQIA+ Pride Events

LGBTQIA+ Friendly/Owned Businesses

A Novel Concept

We are a woman-owned independent bookstore in downtown Lansing, Michigan. We offer a curated selection of new and used books, host…

Bobcat Bonnie's Lansing

It is our mission at Bobcat Bonnie's to provide fresh, value-oriented food with high-quality, inviting service in a fun, unique…

Capital City Market

Capital City Market is your brand new neighborhood grocery store focused on bringing fresh, affordable, and local products to…

City Pulse

City Pulse is a free weekly distributed every Wednesday in over 550 locations throughout Greater Lansing, combining Lansing news…

Copper Moon - An Event Space by W.E.D

Because We Care. W.E.D has provided award-winning services in the wedding and event industry for over twenty years. We wanted to…

Creekside Gathering Place

Creekside Gathering Place offers a soul-nurturing place of retreat for business meetings, weddings, creative workshops, and…

Ixion Ensemble Theatre

Ixion is proud to be part of the Capital area's wide array of theatre options with a mission to build and strengthen community…

Middle Village

The Shops at Middle Village is your one-stop shop in Downtown Lansing for all things local. When you visit The Shops at Middle…

People's Kitchen

We do our best to use the most honest ingredients from around here. We buy local when it makes sense, which is often. We try to…

Phillips Cider Bar & Market

Lansing's Cider Bar, with 11 ciders on tap, plus bottles, howlers & growlers to go. We offer small plates, savory and sweet treats…

Old Town General Store

The Old Town General Store focuses on Michigan-made specialty foods and beverages, as well as Michigan-themed gifts, books, and…

Stage One at Sycamore Creek Eastwood

Never before in Lansing has a 100-200 seat affordable stage been made available to community theater groups, artists, and groups…

The Exchange of Lansing

Downtown Lansing's newest LGBTQIA+ bar featuring food from Veg Head. 21+ with cover charge nightly. Check out Facebook for special…

Tiny Bit of Wood

Tiny Bit of Wood, located in downtown Lansing, is a first-generation woodworking school. Environmentally conscious wood art and…

Veg Head

Veg Head is a plant-based restaurant located in the downtown capital city of Lansing, Michigan, at 208 S. Washington Sq. We offer…

Organizations and Resources

Suits and the City

Suits and the City's mission is to promote the interests of LGBTQIA+ persons in the Mid-Michigan area through education and advocacy and increase the visibility and integration of LGBTQIA+ persons in the broader community through networking events.

Meetups are the first Wednesday of the month. Learn more at Suits and the City.

Salus Center

Founded in 2017, Salus Center serves Lansing’s LGBTQIA+ communities as a gathering space and information hub. This includes support groups, events and workshops all geared toward the goal of creating community, camaraderie and safe spaces. For more information, visit Salus Center.

PFLAG Greater Lansing

Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ people and their families. Learn more at PFLAG Greater Lansing.

MSU Gender and Sexuality Campus Center

The MSU Gender and Sexuality Campus Center is a student-centered campus resource that works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQIA+ members of the Michigan State University community. For more information, visit The Gender Sexuality Campus Center.

LanSingout Gay Men's Chorus

Formerly the Greater Lansing Gay Men's Chorus. LanSINGout is a non-for-profit community chorus organized to provide opportunities for LGBTQIA+ persons and their allies to sing and display their talents together. Learn more at LanSINGout.

Lansing Area Aids Network

For more information, visit Lansing Area Aids Network.

The Alliance of Queer and Ally Students

A student organization for LGBTQIA+ and straight-ally students of Michigan State University. With beginnings dated in the early 1970’s, it is one of the oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender groups in Michigan and originally called the Michigan State Gay Liberation Movement (GLM). Visit MSU Alliance for more information.

Rehab.com LGBTQIA+ Resources for Addiction and Mental Health

Rehab.com has designed addiction support resources specifically for those in the LGBTQIA+ communities to provide inclusive and welcoming support. The guide includes a directory of crisis hotlines and contact information, LGBTQIA+ focused sobriety support groups, and family and friends support articles. Visit Rehab.com for more information.

Do you have additional information, events, or resources you would like us to share? Please contact us.

Choose Lansing^TM will champion the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. We will celebrate our region’s rich heritage and community. We will strive to foster an authentic, universally accessible, and welcoming destination for all.