“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” 

Why does that framing always skip over what we survived? Or how we’re still holding it all together?

New research published in American Psychologist is asking exactly that.

The study out of Michigan State University, Affirming Racial and Gender Identity Supports Mental Health, found that for sexual and gender diverse people of color, affirming your identity, is a source of real psychological strength.

But the research also finds something more complicated. Growing through oppression, developing yourself through the experience of discrimination, builds resilience. 

And it also costs something. The researchers named that honestly. And that honesty is part of what makes this work different.

Dr. Aldo Barrita is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Michigan State University. 

Dr. Joshua Parmenter is an assistant professor at Arizona State University and licensed psychologist specializing in the mental health of LGBTQ+ and marginalized BIPOC communities.

Both joined The Metro to talk more about the study and its results. 

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Before the massive crowds and international acts that the Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit has grown to attract, electronic and dance music in the city was largely underground. In the 80s and 90s you had to catch names like Jeff Mills and Carl Craig in warehouses or after hour Detroit clubs. 

The late Ken Collier is considered to be Detroit’s “godfather of house” The DJ was known for his iconic sets at Club Heaven – a well known Black LGBTQ afterhours spot in the city.

At a time when people were ostracized for unconventional lifestyle, Collier’s work and many other regulars at Club Heaven made it a place where Black LGBTQ+ folks in Detroit could find support and guidance. 

Damon Percy came of age during that time. He is a member of the House of Charles at Club Heaven, a cultural historian, and a writer who has been working to preserve the club’s history. He is the archival producer for the upcoming film “Heaven in Detroit,” which is loosely based on his own experience there.

Damon Percy joined the program to talk about his experience. 

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