21st Palmer Park Picnic

Hotter Than July, founded in 1995, is a week long of community events organized by Southeast Michigan LGBTQ and allies.  Hotter Than July enriches the quality of life for all lesbian, gay, bi and transgender persons, youth and family. Highlights of Hotter Than July include The Candlelight Vigil, Annual Gathering for LGBT Issues, Palmer Park Picnic, Sunday Worship Service and the Sunday Brunch.

For 21 years Hotter Than July-Palmer Park Picnic has been a beacon for bringing diverse communities together. We have done this through education, music, love and the freedom to express. The Picnic increases visibility and encourages health and wellness, empowerment and identity. Lastly, Hotter Than July-Palmer Park Picnic provides an opportunity to collaborate on issues, develop strong partnerships, and ensure longevity.

Hotter Than July Goals are:

• Highlighting established coalitions of progressive organizations and businesses dedicated to improving the quality of life for Michigan residents. 
• Encouraging community-based groups, businesses, grass-roots institutions and individuals to use Hotter Than July as a tool to strengthen financial, marketing/promotional and programmatic needs. Also, 
• Advocate and promote for the wellness and empowerment of LGBT communities of color.

Once Hotter Than July-Palmer Park Picnic receives the funds we will contract rental sound equipment for live entertainment. 

We will also locate and hire 2 local event host(ess) and 2 local DJ’s. 

Before Hotter Than July existed there were not many spaces for the black LGBT community of Detroit to express themselves outside of a club. Once the founders of Hotter Than July formed this unique week long of events, Palmer Park Picnic became the flagship program for this week. 21 years later, we have been intentionally keeping the community involved in planning, bringing the resources needed for a better quality of life, and surrounding this event with love, respect, and fun.