Detroit Comes Out

Detroit Comes Out: A Walking Tour Celebrating Detroit's Gay History

Decades before rainbow flags blanketed the nearby suburb of Ferndale, the gay community in metropolitan Detroit began its courageous journey out of the closet and into the public eye in the late 1930s at a trailblazing business located on a prominent corner in Downtown Detroit.

Join City Tour Detroit on this fascinating three-hour walking tour through the heart of Detroit’s LGBTQ+ history led by local historian Michael Boettcher and uncover the hidden stories and forgotten landmarks that played pivotal roles in the fight for equality and acceptance.

What to Expect

On this walking tour which provides historic context to the Gay Pride Movement, you’ll:

Visit the places where the LGBTQ+ community gathered, socialized, and supported one another in a time when acceptance was scarce.

Explore the streets and parks that served as important cruising areas and venues for protests, where LGBTQ+ Detroiters made their voices heard.

Meet colorful figures such as the charismatic “Prophet Jones,” aka “Messiah in Mink,” a local religious leader of national fame whose sexuality was an “open secret,” and the legendary jazz and blues singer Bessie Smith, whose songs about Detroit’s “buffet flats” captured the spirit of the time.

Discover the captivating story of Johnnie Ray, the music legend mentioned in the hit song "C'mon Eileen” and dubbed the “Father of Rock and Roll” by Tony Bennett. Ray’s electrifying performances and emotional singing style made him a household name, but it was the sensational headlines of his arrests in Detroit that shook the music industry and brought to light the vibrant and often hidden gay scene of the time.

Learn about several major figures from Detroit’s past who were undoubtedly gay but didn’t live in a time where they could publicly express their true identities.

Why You Should Join

This tour is more than just a walk through the city; it’s a tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed today. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and challenges faced by early LGBTQ+ Detroiters and their resilience in the face of adversity. While learning about this oft neglected history, you can acknowledge and celebrate the progress that has been made, from the clandestine bars of the 1930s to the vibrant and open community we see today and draw inspiration from the past to continue the fight for equality and acceptance in our own lives and communities.

Join Us

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history. Come investigate where LGBTQ+ Detroiters first began fighting the battles that have given way to the freedom to live and love authentically today.

Book your spot on the “Detroit Comes Out” tour now and be a part of this special Pride Month celebration.

Host or Publisher City Tour Detroit