West Michigan Lesbian Alliance

06/03/2026

Pride Month is here, and we are stepping into it with purpose.

Pride is joy.
Pride is resistance.
Pride is remembrance.
Pride is community refusing to disappear.

For le***an women and nonbinary individuals aligned with the le***an community, Pride is also a reminder that our spaces matter. Our stories matter. Our leadership matters. Our safety, visibility, relationships, families, futures, and voices matter.

The West Michigan Le***an Alliance was created because le***an-centered community should not be rare. It should not be something we only find by accident, online, or once a year in June. We deserve spaces where we are seen fully, supported deeply, and connected intentionally.

This month, we honor the people who fought before us, the elders who carried our history, the activists who made space when there was none, and every person still searching for a place where they can breathe freely and belong.

WMLA is here to help build that place.

Not just for Pride Month.
Not just for one event.
Not just when it is easy.

We are building connection, visibility, advocacy, and lasting community across West Michigan, and we are so grateful for every person who is helping bring this vision to life.

To our community: you are not alone here.
You are not an afterthought here.
You are part of what we are building.

Happy Pride Month from the West Michigan Le***an Alliance.

Let’s keep showing up, speaking out, taking up space, and building something that lasts.

***anAlliance ***anCenteredCommunity ***anVisibility

06/03/2026

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18d9SQzNTH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

History unfolded in the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina as the Rev. Sarah K. Fisher was ordained and consecrated as its ninth bishop on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Fisher, who is married to the Rev. Mandy Brady, becomes the first openly le***an bishop to lead an Episcopal diocese in the American South.

During her selection process, Fisher emphasized unity. She reminded the community that they are “not unanimous in politics or even what brand of coffee to serve,” but are united in their desire “to see, know and serve the Risen Christ.” She also encouraged drawing near to those who differ from us and recognizing “the light of Christ within” others despite disagreements.

(Photo: Sarah Fisher)

05/29/2026

Help Shape the Future of WMLA

The West Michigan Le***an Alliance is developing programs, events, and resources for le***an women and nonbinary individuals who are aligned with the le***an community across West Michigan, and we want to hear directly from you.

Please take 2–5 minutes to complete our Community Needs Assessment survey. Your responses will help us better understand what our community needs, what spaces are missing, and how WMLA can build programming that is meaningful, supportive, and rooted in real community input.

Take the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9Sj_YsoVWQ5UtwlY6d4e2B2VqMbkvotHkTq44016OPP4CRA/viewform?usp=header

Your voice matters. Whether you’re looking for connection, support, advocacy, events, networking, or simply more le***an-centered community in West Michigan, this is your chance to help shape what comes next.

Please share this with others who may want to join the conversation. 🧡🤍💗

***anAlliance ***anCenteredCommunity ***anVisibility

Welcome to the West Michigan Le***an Alliance (WMLA) Needs Assessment! As a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are building this community with intention and care. To ensure our future programs truly serve le***an women and nonbinary individuals in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, we need to...

05/25/2026

Volunteer sign ups for the Holland Pride Festival are now live! Check out the available opportunities at the link below!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45ADAF2BA3F5CF8-63584239-holland #/

05/24/2026

Happy Memorial Day Weekend 🇺🇸

Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend. As we enjoy time with family, friends, and community, may we also take a moment to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service.

Be safe, take care of one another, and enjoy the weekend. ❤️🤍💙

05/20/2026

🔥 ONE WEEK 🔥 until we kick off Pride Month (a little early) with an Open Mic Night!

Join us at 6pm in the auditorium of Herrick Library (in the lower level) for a powerful evening hosted by Lexi Rosa Poet and featuring performances by local artists Derek and Gleason (and YOU, of course)! Sign up at the link below!

https://forms.gle/XB2L8tSHn4dkkp7S7

Interested in getting on the stage but don't have anything prepared? We still have a storytelling workshop at Herrick Library on Wednesday the 20th and a spoken word poetry workshop on Thursday the 21st at Out On The Lakeshore. All ages and experience levels are welcome!

Featured Artist Bios:
"Gleason is a Michigan poet, songwriter, and performer with a compelling story and powerful voice. Raised in a fundamentalist evangelical cult where their faith was often at odds with their spirit; Gleason’s art is a reclamation of the divinity of q***rness, an adventure in alchemy that seeks to find god in unexpected places. Their poetry has been featured by Curbside Splendor, Michigan Radio, Curve Magazine, and Diva Mag UK; and they have spoken and performed at TEDX events, Pride festivals, universities, corporate events, and poetry venues across the country."

"Derek Welch is what happens when a poet, a reverend, a q***r, a daydreamer, an herbalist, a storyteller, and a human all try to incarnate at the same time. Growing up in a religious community as a q***r youth, Derek was prompted to delve into his imagination for the sake of safety, understanding, and to preserve a sense of wonder. Using metaphoric imagery, Derek has documented his internal experience for years; honing the magic of the written and spoken word in a way that translates and imparts the piece of him that the world couldn't touch - in hopes that somehow it reminds you of yours."

05/18/2026