Dazed Magazine Releases Documentary, “Vogue, Detroit”

A 2014 ranking named Michigan one of the worst states for LGBT citizens. The Mitten surprisingly – or perhaps unsurprisingly, considering a number of measures in recent years that limit LBGT civil rights – was in the same company as traditionally conservative, Bible Belt states.

Slowly, we’re starting to see new optimism. Detroit serves as the backdrop for Dazed Magazine’s short documentary "Vogue, Detroit," which uncovers the voguing subculture, and how it impacts young, queer lives in Detroit.

Aside from a quick rundown on voguing, the style of dance birthed by gay men of color imitating the poses in fashion magazines, the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park is featured in the film, emphasizing the social service agency as a space of acceptance that welcomes LGBT youth with residential instability.

There’s been much attention on the issue of acceptance in the Detroit area in recent years. We here at BLAC delved into LGBT acceptance in Black churches in a 2014 article that featured churches in Detroit that openly accept gays – and those that don’t.