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Subject
Ypsi Pride, Ypsilanti, LGBTQ+, Queer Oral History, community
In this interview longtime Ypsi residents Rachel Resin and Shoshanna Wechter share their experiences with Ypsi Pride. Wechter explains that she was at the first one in 2017, helped plan in 2018, and loves that Pride is in Depot Town because she lives there. Both Resin and Wechter share that they love the Ypsi community and how they can't walk outside without seeing someone they know.
In this interview longtime Ypsi resident Nicolette Lelli shares their experiences at Ypsi Pride, explaining that their first pride was in 2017, the same year they came out to their friends and family. Lelli discusses the fear they experienced as a queer person living in Florida, having to move back to Michigan, and the happiness she feels to be able to see rainbow flags everywhere.
In this interview Kassie Keil explores their experience with Ypsi Pride, sharing that the first one they attended was in 2021 when they moved to Ypsi. Keil explores their involvement in the Fun Girl Dance Company, explaining that it is a safe space that helps them explore their queerness through their art. They also discuss recently discovering that they are intersex, the journey of processing those feelings, and the community impact of events like Ypsi Pride.
In this interview longtime Ypsilanti resident Elize Jakobsen shares their experiences at Ypsi Pride, explaining that they were involved in the planning of the first Ypsi Pride and have been involved ever since. Jakobsen also details other events they have helped organize in Ypsi such as, the Festival of the Pollinator, and how they have felt comfortable at many other events around Ypsi as a queer person.
In this interview Ypsi native Sidney Murray Heed shares her experiences at Ypsi Pride, detailing that she worked on the planning board remotely while attending a theatre program at Dell'Arte International performing arts school in California. Heed explains how she has felt most comfortable in the circus community since she didn't always feel comfortable in queer spaces as a queer woman who was attracted to men. Heed also goes on to explore more spaces she is comfortable in, her involvement in the Church, favorite pride memories, and plans for future involvement in Ypsi Pride.
In this interview Ypsi native Roberto Frausto shares their experiences at Ypsi Pride, detailing that they first attended a few years ago when they were coming to terms with their identity. Frausto shares that they identify as two-spirit, and they did not find that label for themself until they were in their twenties. Frausto also explores the power of queer connection, their thoughts on drag, and their love for their hometown of Ypsilanti.
In this interview longtime Ypsi resident Amber Fellows explains her experiences with Ypsi Pride, sharing that she attended the first one in 2015 and helped book live entertainment. Fellows explains that Pride is needed, but she finds more solace in other parts of the community, noting that Ypsi is known for being a queer haven. She also shares her experiences with Motor City Pride, impacts of the pandemic on Pride, and reminicises on running a zine table called Fag Rag Zines.
In this interview Michael Faunce shares their experiences with Ypsi Pride, sharing that they attended one previously working the booth for their church, Blue Ocean. Faunce explains that the lead pastor is a lesbian so they feel very welcomed there, and in the larger Ypsi community in general. They explain that while Pride helps increase tolerance towards queer people they hope one day labels won't matter and people can just be accepted as they are.
In this interview longtime Ypsi resident Thomas Droste explains their experiences with Ypsi Pride, explaining that 2023 is the first time they've attended. Droste explores that this is the first year they fully considered themselves apart of the queer community, sharing that they love the drag shows and thinks that events like Ypsi pride show that Ypsi cares about all of its residents.
In this interview Ypsi native Kenneth Curtis shares their experiences with Ypsi Pride, the first of which they attended in 2017. Curtis's first Ypsi Pride inspired them to start a GSA [Gay-Straight Alliance] at their high school, and later opened the door for them to join the Ypsi Pride board in 2021. They explain the difficulties of throwing Pride during pandemic, the importance of community spaces, and the hopes that Ypsi Pride will continue to grow and improve.
In this interview an anonymous parent and their child share their experiences with Ypsi Pride. Anon shares how they have been coming to Ypsi Pride for many years, and explains that while their child, who is autistic, does not normally like big gatherings they love pride events. Anon also explains how they did not meet another queer person until they were an adult so they want to expose their child to the beauty that exists in the queer community.
In this interview longtime Ypsi resident Grey Grant shares their Ypsi Pride experiences detailing that they first attended in 2021 to reunite with an old friend. Grant also details that they've been lucky finding a large queer community and queer spaces, and that their first pride was in their hometown of Winston Salem, NC, in the early 2000s. Grant also shares the importance of community for millenials and Gen Z, the joy of seeing so many trans people in Ypsi, and being happy to be at pride.
