Keweenaw Queers
About Us
Keweenaw Queers became the name of a collective of dedicated individuals interested in creating more queer friendly spaces and events in the Keweenaw area in 2023. Keweenaw Pridefest is their first and annual June event.
Our small group began informally meeting in March 2023 with interest in a Houghton area pride event open to and for the general public. At the time, we were looking to create community by hosting our own local pride event to gather and celebrate with others. The grass-roots and word-of-mouth approach lead to high interest in the first Pridefest in the Keweenaw!
Since 2023, our group has added more events and gatherings throughout the year leading up to Keweenaw Pridefest including Open Mic Nights, Trivia Nights, Local Hikes, and more. Giving back and outreach are important facets to our group through events like the Trans Day of Remembrance and YOOP! Fest.
Given the turnout and community support of the 2023 and 2024 Keweenaw Pridefests, we are setting our eyes on 2025 and looking to contribute other LGBTQIA+, queer, and inclusive events.
“Queer”
We want to recognize the term Queer has been long standing slur, particularly as a derogatory term for Gay men. Referring to slurs as “Reclaimed” is messy. Many people rightfully so see the term “Queer” as an insult.
Recently, “Queer” has become a catch all term, especially preferred by people who do not fit societies preconceptions of fitting into “LGBTQIA+”. We self identify as queer, references to us using the term on social media, news, and generally is encouraged because it is how we self identify. If a person dose not feel comfortable identifying with “queer” they should not feel obligated to as participation in our events and organization
Keweenaw Queers is a 501c3 organization. Disclosures can be found here.