Hotter Than July

It’s time for Detroit’s creative scene to shine.✨

Hotter Than July: Art & Film Festival is back July 24 (6–9 PM) at LGBT Detroit—bringing together artists, filmmakers, and storytellers who don’t just create… they shift culture.

Rooted in this year’s theme, “You Are, We Are Hotter Than July,” we’re standing firm in Our Art. Our Stories. Our Way.

Led by Damon “Magic” Percy (Author, Film Producer, Poet), Chris INPAQ Sutton (Film Director, Cinematographer, Storyteller), and Joseph Hunter (Content Creator, Filmmaker), this space is built to center Black LGBTQ+ creatives—on their terms.

This year’s festival will highlight artists working across multiple mediums, including:

- Canvas and visual art
- Filmmaking
- Photography
- Poetry

From film and photography capturing our truth, to visual art on canvas shaping our imagination, to poetry giving language to our lives—this is where Detroit’s creativity lives, breathes, and takes center stage.

Not watered down. Not explained. Just felt.

Submissions open until June 7 at 11 PM EST

Pull up or submit: hotterthanjuly.org

Become the next star of Hotter Than July ✨

Ready to Take the Stage at Hotter Than July?

From the dance floor to the picnic, the stage to the streets—Hotter Than July has been amplifying Black LGBTQ+ Detroit for decades through celebration, resistance, and radical joy. Now it’s your turn.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR PERFORMERS

Singers • Rappers • Dancers • Drag Performers

Bring your talent. Bring your voice. Bring the energy.
Be part of the legacy—and help us turn the heat all the way up.

Become the next HTJ Star at hotterthanjuly.org

🔥 How Are You Hotter Than July?

From the dance floor to the picnic, the stage to the streets—Hotter Than July has been bringing Black LGBTQ+ Detroit together for decades in celebration, resistance, and radical joy.

Now we want to see your HTJ moments.

Photos. Videos. Stories. Memories.

Help us archive the legacy of the community that built Hotter Than July and continues to keep the fire burning.

📸 Submit your HTJ memories:
hotterthanjuly.org

🔥 YOU ARE. WE ARE. HOTTER THAN JULY 🔥

Save the Date: Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26, 2026 | Detroit, MI

After a historic 30th anniversary, Hotter Than July returns with four powerful days of Black LGBTQ+ pride, culture, and connection in the heart of the city. Led by LGBT Detroit, HTJ remains a community-rooted, multi-agency collaboration advancing visibility, wellness, and equity—for us, by us.

From the Candlelight Vigil and civic dialogue to art, film, and the iconic Palmer Park Picnic, HTJ 2026 celebrates our resilience, our joy, and our future. This is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming and a movement. You are the pride. We are Hotter Than July.

Stay updated on the latest Hotter Than July announcements at hotterthanjuly.org.

How hot was it? It was Hotter Than July — the 30th anniversary of pride! Since 1995, this powerful gathering has evolved into a vibrant social justice rally spotlighting culture, spirituality, and education. As we gear up for the 31st year in 2026, your voice matters. Help shape the future of Black LGBT+ Pride in Detroit — Take the Hotter Than July Program Survey no later than Sunday, August 31 at hotterthanjuly.org Let’s keep the legacy burning bright.

Thank you for 30 Years Of Black LGBT+ Pride - 🔥

🔥 The Black Pride heat doesn’t stop 🔥
Join us for the official Hotter Than July Saturday After Party — HOT LIKE FIRE, presented by Black Bear Brotherhood.

Tonight | 10 PM – 2 AM
Arcenciel
14925 Livernois Ave
Detroit MI

Detroit, let’s make it Hot Like Fire

How hot is it? It's Hotter Than July 30th Anniversary! I am extremely proud of the movement's commitment to family, fun, food and folly for 30 years. Join the hosts DJ Romeo Milliown, Cierra Malone, and Legendary Icon Cassidy at the Hotter Than July Palmer Park Picnic. The Gilead Soundstage ignites at 12:00 noon!

🔥TONIGHT🔥

We’re giving you body, and Friday night heat with the official Hotter Than July opening party - All The Kings Men. Celebrate Black Pride, LGBT+ Pride with some of the sexiest adult dancers, VIP vibes, and non-stop party energy. We’re turning up for the 10th year anniversary of the iconic DJ Romeo, with host Innocence Rodeo Milliown. It’s a night you don’t want to miss. It all goes down tonight at Pandora’s Boxx, starting at 10 p.m.

For more info on all the official Hotter Than July events, visit hotterthanjuly.org