OutFront Kalamazoo

OutFront Kalamazoo
To be ‘out front’ means to be honest. To be visible. To lead.Since 1987, OutFront Kalamazoo has worked to advance social justice, build coalitions, change hearts and open minds so that all people in southwest Michigan can live authentically and free from discrimination - regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.OutFront Kalamazoo provides a safe and welcoming environment with a wide range of programs and services. We offer a place to be seen and heard and an opportunity to join with others who desire to live unapologetically, #AlwaysOutFront.

Our Mission
To create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and expressions.

Our Vision
A region that celebrates diversity and embraces equality.

Our History
OutFront Kalamazoo was founded as the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center in 1987 as a non-profit, charitable organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied community of southwest Michigan. From humble beginnings with a Lesbian/Gay Resource Line and a simple two-page newsletter, the organization has grown thanks to our partners, donors, allies, volunteers and friends:

1992 - Our first Youth Group
1997 - Our first office in the CARES building
1999 - Our first full time staff member, Sharon Roepke
2005 - Our work was honored by the Triangle Foundation
2007 - Our first Kalamazoo Pride was held at Arcadia Creek Festival Place
2009 - ONE KALAMAZOO non-discrimination ordinance was passed
2017 - Our name was changed to OutFront Kalamazoo and we moved to our current location at 340 S. Rose Street.

We have big plans for this coming year! So help us by giving $500, $250, $100 or whatever you can to assist us in making our community one that loves who they are!