We’ve identified communities where you will be safe and welcome and where your vote will be a game-changer at the ballot box.
Say Yes to Michigan!
Lansing
Living in Lansing, particularly in areas like Old Town and Colonial Village, offers a diverse and engaging urban experience with distinct community flavors. Old Town is known for its vibrant, artsy atmosphere, boasting historic brick buildings, unique boutiques, art galleries, live music venues, and popular restaurants, making it a hub for creative energy and walkable charm. Colonial Village, on the other hand, presents a more residential, family-friendly feel with tree-lined streets, a mix of historic homes, and a strong neighborhood association, providing a quieter, community-oriented living experience while still being conveniently close to downtown. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Lansing is a welcoming and inclusive city, home to community resources like the Lansing Association for Human Rights (LAHR), visible LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, and a general atmosphere of acceptance, allowing for a comfortable and integrated living experience.
Cool Fact: In earlier decades, when being openly LGBTQ+ was often criminalized, Lansing had a vibrant network of "underground" gay bars and clubs that served as vital community hubs. Places like Stober's in the 1970s were recognized even in national queer travel guides as must-visit destinations, highlighting the city's early, though hidden, queer life.
Some Lansing Stats:
Urban ● $$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable
Sterling Heights
Living in Sterling Heights offers a quintessential suburban experience in Macomb County, characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, ample shopping centers, numerous parks and recreational facilities, and a strong sense of community with a diverse population. The city is known for its relatively affordable housing, good public schools, and a focus on family life, providing a comfortable and convenient environment for many, though some residents express a desire for more unique retail and nightlife options and better public transportation. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Sterling Heights presents a mixed but evolving landscape; while it may not have the explicit LGBTQ+ venues or "gayborhoods" found in more urban or liberal parts of Metro Detroit, the city has demonstrated efforts towards inclusivity, including an official LGBTQ+ Liaison within city management and the police department, and actively hosts a Sterling Heights Pride Night during events like the Farmers Market.Cool Fact: Palm Springs was a discreet haven for LGBTQ+ Hollywood stars during the strict studio system era, allowing them a degree of freedom and privacy away from the prying eyes of the public and studio moral clauses. In fact, the architecture advanced this convention with many homes having high walls and private gardens. Cary Grant was a resident, as was Liberace during its gay heyday.
Cool Fact: Some local artists in Sterling Heights took it upon themselves to paint hidden “unicorn murals” around the city, symbolizing uniqueness and acceptance. These quirky, colorful murals are scattered on less-expected walls like the back alleys of shopping centers or near suburban parks — little surprises for LGBTQ+ folks and allies exploring the town.
Some Sterling Heights Stats:
Suburb ● $$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 minutes
East Lansing
Living in East Lansing, Michigan, offers a distinctly vibrant and youthful atmosphere, largely defined by its identity as a quintessential college town centered around Michigan State University. The Downtown area thrives with an energetic mix of student life and local businesses, featuring diverse restaurants, unique shops, lively bars, and cultural venues, creating a dynamic urban core. Just to the southeast, the Southeast Marble neighborhood provides a more peaceful, family-friendly residential experience with tree-lined streets, a mix of well-maintained homes, and strong community engagement, appealing to those seeking a quieter haven close to both the university and downtown amenities. For LGBTQ+ individuals, East Lansing is an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive city, recognized for its pioneering anti-discrimination ordinances dating back to 1972, Michigan State University's extensive LGBTQ+ support and resources, and a visible, active queer community that fosters a comfortable and affirming living experience.
Cool Fact: On March 7, 1972, East Lansing became the first municipality in the United States to enact a nondiscrimination ordinance that included protections based on sexual orientation. This landmark decision was influenced by activism from the Michigan State University Gay Liberation Movement (GLM), which had formed earlier that year.
Some East Lansing Stats:
Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable
Warren
Warren offers a distinct suburban experience as the largest city in Macomb County, blending a focus on family life with access to significant industrial and commercial hubs, including the General Motors Technical Center. Residents benefit from relatively affordable housing and a wide array of shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities, though the city is largely car-dependent and its vast, sprawling nature means a cohesive "downtown" feel is less prominent than in some other cities. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Warren's inclusivity can be a mixed experience; while state-level protections are strong, and regional resources like Macomb County Pride and Affirmations (in nearby Ferndale) offer vital support and community, the city historically has been more conservative. In 2024 it scored an 83 (out of 100) on the Municipal Equality Index rankings (compared to Lansing at 100 and East Lansing at 99).
Cool Fact: Rachel Crandall Crocker, the Executive Director and co-founder of Transgender Michigan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of transgender individuals in the state, lives in Warren. In 2024, Rachel Crandall Crocker was honored at a Transgender Day of Visibility event in Warren, where she received the Guiding Light Award from Be the Transformational Change and Miss International Queen USA, as well as a special proclamation from the Mayor of Warren, Lori Stone.
Some Warren Stats:
Urban ● $$ ● Schools: C ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 minutes