Jim Toy Community Center
About Jim Toy Community Center
For nearly three decades, the Jim Toy Community Center has been a beacon of hope and support for the LGBTQ+ and ally community throughout the Washtenaw County area, including Ann Arbor, MI. Named in honor of Jim Toy, Michigan's pioneering queer activist and the first publicly out man in the state, the center embodies a powerful legacy of advocacy, visibility, and social change. Jim Toy's 40-year commitment to creating safety and equality through speaking, teaching, writing, and organizing inspired the establishment of this unique community institution.
The Jim Toy Community Center operates from a vision of an inclusive world where people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity live together in equality, respect, and happiness. This mission-driven organization serves as a welcoming space for anyone seeking community, connection, and resources. Whether through social events that build friendships, educational programs that foster understanding, or advocacy work that drives systemic change, the center creates pathways for members to thrive authentically.
What sets the Jim Toy Community Center apart is its deep roots in the Ann Arbor community and its unwavering commitment to centering the voices and experiences of queer and transgender people. The organization welcomes all who support its values, creating a truly inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are honored. For over 25 years, it has remained a trusted sanctuary and organizing space for those seeking belonging, support, and solidarity within the broader LGBTQ+ movement in Michigan.