Photo by Troy Petenbrink
Thirty-five years ago, Kathy Kozachenko was elected to the Ann Arbor City Council, becoming the first openly gay elected official in the US. It was a historic moment for the nation but for the residents of Ann Arbor, Michigan - it was just business as usual.
Today, Matt and Rene Greff are a perfect example of Ann Arbor's progressive nature. Owners of Arbor Brewing Co., a brewpub in downtown Ann Arbor, and Corner Brewery, a microbrewery in neighboring Ypsilanti, the straight couple has never thought twice about being advocates for gay rights. Visitors to their establishments are greeted by rainbow flag stickers prominently displayed to let all patrons know that their businesses are welcoming.
Ann Arbor has a population of about 115,000 people, which includes about 30,000 students from the University of Michigan. According to the 2000 US Census, Ann Arbor has an above average percentage of gay and lesbian same-sex partnerships.
The city's gay and straight communities (much like the residential and university communities) mingle seamlessly. The integration is to a point that for an outsider it might be hard to identify the city as gay-friendly. However, make no mistake, Ann Arbor and the neighboring cities of Chelsea and Ypsilanti are welcoming destinations for gay travelers, offering small town hospitality with big city amenities.
Do/See
University of Michigan Museum of Art
Common Language Bookstore
Artisan Market/Farmer's Market
SculptureWalk - Chelsea
Art Fairs (the third full week of July, running from Wednesday through Saturday)
Play
\aut\ BAR
Necto (Pride night every Friday)
The Elbow Room - Ypsilanti (the last Tuesday of each month)
Eat
\aut\ BAR
Zingerman's Roadhouse
Vinology
Eve
Sidetrack Bar & Grill - Ypsilanti
The Common Grill - Chelsea
Visitor Info
Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
City of Chelsea
Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Getting There
Ann Arbor is located about 30 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (a major hub for Delta and discount carrier Spirit airlines), the largest airport in the state of Michigan and one of the busiest in the nation. The city also has an Amtrak station that is serviced by the Wolverine line.
![\aut] BAR is a combination restaurant, bar and nightlife hangout. Its Sunday brunch is one of the most popular destinations for the entire Ann Arbor community - gay and straight.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/hash/8b/8b/8b8b1c6107ff58c07a04b16c10702bc0.jpg "\aut] BAR is a combination restaurant, bar and nightlife hangout. Its Sunday brunch is one of the most popular destinations for the entire Ann Arbor community - gay and straight.")
Comments
Ann Arbor? Who would've thunk it?! Thanks, Troy. You do a great job! Great photos too!
Haha, I hail from Ann Arbor originally and I love the gay community there. I live in Chelsea now and I've never heard it called gay friendly before, so it's nice to see my home towns being appreciated. =]
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!