If you’re eager to meet transgender individuals in Detroit then buckle up as the city is packed with inclusive spaces.
Whether you’re trans yourself or cisgender just looking to show some love and support, we’ve got your back.
In this article, we’ll talk about the best spots to meet TGs in the Motor City.
From hip community centers to groovy bars and online groups – we’ll cover all the ways to connect with trans men and women.
In the end, we’ll also talk about the general attitude of locals towards trans people and answer some common questions.
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Detroit
1. Bars and Clubs
There are LGBT+ spots scattered across Detroit but you’ll find the most in Ferndale as it’s the unofficial gayborhood of the city.
And it’s worth mentioning that a lot of these venues are referred to as “gay clubs” but they usually have a mixed crowd, including trans folks.
So let’s a list of bars and clubs that are the most popular among trans individuals.
Adam’s Apple Bar – We’d say this is the unofficial T bar of Detroit. You’ll be almost certain to find trans folks here regardless of the day or time you visit. But Saturday nights, in particular, have a lot of trans girls.
Gigi’s – One of the liveliest bars in the city with a heavy queer/trans crowd and the best drag shows. Though on some nights, it feels a bit cliquey.
Five15 – More of a mixed bag with a cisgender, queer and trans crowd all combined to enjoy performances of some of the best drag queens in the city.
Menjo’s – An iconic nightlife spot that’s also becoming a party hub for trans individuals. But I suggest visiting here during the weekends because weekdays are slow with mostly queer folks.
Soho Bar – Staple bar for the queer community but you can also meet trans people here especially during their drag bingo nights.
If you still have any doubts about whether they welcome trans people or not, then Soho’s co-owner Luis will clear them in this video…
2. Community Centers & Organizations
Detroit has several LGBT+ community centers and organizations where it is easy to socialize with trans people. I’ve included all of them in the list below.
Affirmations – The longest running LGBT+ community center in Detroit and the 10th largest in the country.
They frequently host support groups along with meet & greets for trans/queer folks and allies.
Ruth Elis Center – An organization that focuses on providing support and shelter to LGBTQ+ youth, including transgender individuals.
They often host workshops and events like drag bingo nights which they post about on Facebook and Instagram.
Gender Identity Network Alliance – This organization also has grassroots in Detroit, and their primary focus is to provide support to trans and gender nonconforming individuals.
They often post info about trans-focused events on their Facebook page.
3. Trans Dating Sites
Detroit has an active online dating scene and you can meet trans people on most apps like OkCupid and Tinder.
The only reason this option isn’t at the top is because a lot of trans people these apps are pretty stealthy.
They won’t write that they’re transgender to avoid chasers – which definitely makes sense.
So finding a trans partner through these apps may take some trial and error.
On the other hand, if you just want to have a casual relationship then you can hop on to TSDates, which has plenty of trans men and women.
4. Social Media Communities
There are a variety of trans-focused social media groups and pages in Detroit.
I’ll start by talking about They Beach. It’s the Facebook group for public LGBT+ beach space in Belle Isle, Detroit. It has over 1,000 members with a lot of local trans people.
Another group is TGMI Detroit Chapter which supports transgender communities in the Detroit Metro area.
The group is great for making new connections and getting updates about trans-focused gatherings in the city.
Moving on, there’s a Facebook page by the name of TG Detroit which is pretty active and they seem to often host trans-centered meetups.
Similarly, Stand With Trans that regularly hosts support meetings for trans men and women.
Last is Trans Michigan, another Facebook group, which is public and has a lot of trans people socializing and sharing their stories. But some of them might not be from Detroit.
5. Other LGBT+ Spaces
Detroit is packed with LGBT+ spaces that you can find all across the city.
I’ll start with Dyno, a trans friendly climbing gym. They host LGBT+ meetup nights worth keeping an eye on.
Another spot that’s really underrated is Planet Ant. It’s an LGBT+ friendly arts theater and can really be a great spot to find trans men and women to date.
You can also check out Como’s, it’s an LGBT+ friendly restaurant that makes great pizzas! They host lesbian-themed nights on Wednesdays and Sundays so this should give you an idea of their inclusivity.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Detroit
Detroit as a whole is a great city for trans individuals. The only complaint I have is that the community here is pretty small.
It’s not that you won’t find transgender people here, but sometimes, it might be hard, especially if you don’t know where to look.
But you don’t have to worry about that because we’ve included most of the spots where you can possibly meet trans in the city.
Other than that, there’s nothing to worry about really. The city has little to no discrimination and the locals are also pretty chill all across Detroit.
But the further you move away from the city, the more conservative worst it gets so yeah, that’s something to keep in mind.
Common Questions for Transgender in Detroit
What is the best area for trans people in Detroit?
There are many LGBT+ areas in Detroit but Ferndale easily comes at the top. It’s the gayborhood of the city and has several bars and clubs that are trans friendly.
Where to meet trans women in Detroit?
It depends on your preference, if you’re social then we’d suggest visiting Adam’s Apple Bar, especially on a Saturday night as it’s full of trans women.
If you prefer a quieter approach then try support groups hosted by one of the many community centers.
When is the Detroit Pride Parade?
The Detroit Pride Parade is annually hosted on the first or second Sunday of June. It’s usually held at the Hart Plaza.
It attracts a diverse crowd and normally has hundreds to thousands of trans people in attendance.
