The Metro: A Place Called Heaven event honors the legacy of Detroit’s Black queer history

Chris “Inpaq” Sutton and Kwaku Osei-Bonsu talked about Detroit’s Black queer community and explored the need for safe spaces ahead of their LOVE@Nite event.

LOVE Building

Photo of the LOVE Building.

When people don’t feel welcomed in a space, they create their own. In 1984, a third space came to life on 7 Mile and Woodward, that was Club Heaven. Decades later, the legacy of the community continues to thrive.

This month, in celebration of Pride, The Love Building is hosting a LOVE@Nite session called “A Place Called Heaven.” 

The gathering will center Black queer life through storytelling, music, and community connections, and a look back at more than 30 years of history.

Chris “Inpaq” Sutton is the director of the film Heaven In Detroit and he’s the broadcast studio manager for LGBT Detroit
Kwaku Osei-Bonsu is a project manager at The Love Building

The Metro spoke with Chris “Inpaq” Sutton, director of the film “Heaven In Detroit” and broadcast studio manager for LGBT Detroit, alongside Kwaku Osei-Bonsu, project manager at the LOVE Building. 

They talked about the impact of Detroit’s Black queer community, explored the need for safe physical spaces, and how their partnerships honors those who live their truths.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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Author

  • Tia Graham is a reporter and Weekend Edition Host for 101.9 WDET. She graduated from Michigan State University where she had the unique privilege of covering former President Barack Obama and his trip to Lansing in 2014.