'Sapphic Social' event aims to create safe space for queer women in metro Detroit

In the 1970s and '80s, Detroit had over 50 gay bars and spaces for LGBTQ+ residents to be their authentic selves. Today, there are only about 10 — and of those 10, very few have dedicated time and space to honor queer women.

Women are nearly twice as likely to identify as LGBTQ compared to their counterparts, and according to a 2021 study by UCLA, they make up about 55% of metro Detroit’s queer population.

So what can be done to create a space for queer and LGBTQ women in and around Detroit? Detroiter Randi Watson has one solution: An exclusive social event for queer women only. 

The Sapphic Social event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at Florian East Lagers & Ales, 9350 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck.

Watson joined The Metro to share more about the event and why she says queer women in Detroit deserve a space to themselves.

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