Get to know pingk
our mission
At the Haus of Pingk, we are dedicated to empowering the Queer community of Detroit by creating vibrant, inclusive spaces where everyone is celebrated. Our mission is to not only host unforgettable events but to also give back to our community through our Party with a Purpose campaign; By raising donations for the Ruth Ellis Center, we support an organization that uplifts LGBTQ+ youth in our city, continuing the legacy of Ruth Ellis’s vital contributions.
Our vision extends beyond the dance floor—we aim to make Detroit a destination for Queer persons everywhere, fostering a strong, connected community where all are welcome. Through creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusivity and community, the Haus of Pingk is raising the Queer community to new heights, one event at a time.
What we do
​The Haus of Pingk is a Queer production company dedicated to creating vibrant and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in Detroit. Launched in March 2024, the Haus of Pingk hosts themed dance parties on a monthly rotation, bringing together music, artists, and performance in a celebration of Queer culture. With a lineup that includes go-go dancers, drag artists, and soon-to-include aerialists and other forms of performing art, the Haus of Pingk offers an eclectic mix of entertainment that’s both bold and community-focused.
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We’re not just throwing parties—we’re crafting vibrant, themed events that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Each month, our venue becomes a playground for the senses, inspired by everything from history’s most opulent eras to the wildest pop culture fantasies.
We believe in the power of self-expression and the magic that happens when people come together to dance, laugh, and create. Our events are where you can be outrageously you, whether you’re dressed in glamorous costumes, dancing the night away, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. We’re here to push boundaries, celebrate diversity, and make every moment a story worth telling.
Ruth Ellis x Pingk
About the Ruth Ellis Center
The Ruth Ellis Center, located in the heart of Detroit, stands as a beacon of hope and support for LGBTQ+ youth. Founded in honor of Ruth Ellis, a pioneering figure in the LGBTQ+ community, the Center is one of the few organizations in the United States dedicated to providing essential services for homeless, runaway, and at-risk LGBTQ+ young people. The Center offers a range of services, including safe housing, trauma-informed care, education, and advocacy, all aimed at helping youth build a brighter, more secure future.
At the core of the Ruth Ellis Center’s mission is a commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those who are abandoned or marginalized by their families and communities. The Center also plays a vital role in promoting HIV and AIDS awareness and education, recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive health services to a population that is disproportionately affected by these issues. Through its programs, the Ruth Ellis Center empowers young people to live authentic lives and fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Why We Support the Ruth Ellis Center
At the Haus of Pingk, we believe in the power of community and the importance of lifting up those who need it most. Many of us have seen firsthand the impact of marginalization on LGBTQ+ youth—whether through the stories of houses that served as sanctuaries for abandoned youth, or through the ongoing need for education and awareness around HIV and AIDS. The Ruth Ellis Center’s work resonates deeply with our mission to create inclusive, supportive spaces where everyone can thrive. By making the Ruth Ellis Center a benefactor of our events, we aim to contribute to a legacy of love, support, and empowerment for the Queer community in Detroit and beyond.
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Follow the donate link below if you would like to make a contribution to the Ruth Ellis Center and the future of LGBTQIA+ Community in Detroit.
our logo
The pink triangle, originally a symbol of persecution during the Holocaust, was used by the Nazis to identify and shame gay men in concentration camps. After the war, the pink triangle remained a painful reminder of this dark period. However, in the 1970s, the Queer community began reclaiming the symbol as an act of defiance and empowerment. This reclamation transformed the pink triangle from a mark of shame into a powerful emblem of resilience, pride, and solidarity in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. It now serves as a reminder of the community's strength in overcoming oppression and continues to be a significant symbol in Queer activism.
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In the 1970s, 80s, and early 90s, as the Queer community in New York reclaimed the pink triangle as a symbol of resilience, the city's underground ballroom scene was emerging as a vital refuge for young LGBTQ+ individuals, many of whom had been abandoned by their families due to their sexuality or gender identity. The Houses of New York, led by influential "Mothers" and "Fathers," became chosen families for these youth, offering shelter, support, and a sense of belonging. Much like the pink triangle’s transformation from a symbol of persecution to one of empowerment, these Houses turned the pain of rejection into a powerful community of love, creativity, and survival. The Houses not only provided safety but also fostered a vibrant culture that celebrated Queer identity, creating a lasting legacy that continues to inspire the LGBTQ+ community today.​
The decision to use a pink triangular roof in the Haus of Pingk logo is deeply symbolic, connecting the rich history of the Queer community’s resilience with the mission of our organization. The pink triangle, once a symbol of oppression, was reclaimed as an emblem of pride and defiance, much like how the Houses of New York turned the pain of abandonment into communities of love and support. By incorporating a pink triangle into our logo, we honor this legacy of transformation and empowerment. It represents our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive space for the Queer community, much like the Houses did, while also standing as a proud symbol of our history, strength, and unity.
Who we are
Justin Shaffer (He/Him), born in 1988 and raised in the heart of Michigan, has called Detroit home since 2009. With a background in architecture and interior design, Justin’s passion for innovation drives his creativity—if he can’t find it, he’ll build it. Andre Mason (He/Him), born in 1991 in the vibrant city of Gary, Indiana, brought his unique energy to Detroit in 2020. Years of visual planning have sharpened Andre’s great eye for style and design, and his love for dance fuels his desire to create something more for the community.
Together, Justin and Andre share a deep love for design, creativity, dance, and a good time, which sparked the idea that they could create something truly special for their community. After a few months of regular bar nights and seeing the potential for something more vibrant and inclusive, they thought, "We could do this!" With years of customer service, design, and management experience, they were ready to work for themselves, but it was also important that they were also making an impact on the regrowth of Detroit and its LGBTQIA+ community and its future.
In 2024, Justin and Andre co-founded Haus of Pingk with a bold vision: to elevate Detroit’s Queer community with high-production, unforgettable events along with Detroit's ever-evolving music scene. Married in 2022, they embrace the titles of Mother Mason and Father Shaffer as they work passionately to build a Haus that’s not just about epic parties, but about fostering progress, unity, and a true sense of belonging for everyone.