Equality Michigan

Equality is on the line in Meridian!

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:00:27 -0400

You might know that Meridian Township is considering passing a local ordinance that would protect people from being fired just because they are gay or transgender. Great news! But now who will be protected is coming into it’s up to us to make sure that transgender people are included in the ordinance. It is super important that EVERYONE—including transgender people— are protected employment discrimination in Meridian. You can help by attending tomorrow’s brief meeting!

We need you at this meeting.

Tuesday June 18 - 6pm
Municipal Complex
5151 Marsh Road
Okemos, MI 48864

Thank you for taking this seriously.
It’s so important we show our support tomorrow night!

Message brought to you from Unity Michigan, a project of Equality Michigan, the ACLU of Michigan, Affirmations, KICK, the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Ruth Ellis Center. More about the meeting on Facebook: facebook.com/dontchangeyourself

Will you be collecting signatures online for the gay marriage bill?

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:42:29 -0400

Indeed we are!

http://eqmi.us/micm513

Just in time for this week’s possible Supreme Court...

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:13:15 -0400

Just in time for this week’s possible Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality - show your support for marriage equality! Change your social media avatars to red to stand in solidarity!
www.RespectEquality.org

An Indiegogo campaign has been created to raise funds for a...

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:48:00 -0400

An Indiegogo campaign has been created to raise funds for a documentary about Jeffrey Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery was the founding executive director of Triangle Foundation - which later merged with Michigan Equality to form Equality Michigan.

Support this effort by pledging to the Indiegogo campaign:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/nofear4queer—2

Marriage equality sponsor named Motor City Pride Parade Grand Marshall

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 21:43:00 -0400

Michigan Senator Rebekah Warren will lead Detroit’s largest LGBT Pride Parade this Sunday in Downtown Detroit

Just a week after proposing marriage equality legislation, Michigan Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Washtenaw) has been named Grand Marshall of the Motor City Pride Parade. This year’s parade marks the 26th anniversary of the first LGBT Pride March held in Detroit.

The annual parade celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities will be held this Sunday, June 9, beginning at 11:00 am. Participants will march down Griswold, starting north of Lafayette to the Pride Festival being held at Hart Plaza.

Senator Warren last week introduced Senate Joint Resolution W, which if passed by a 2/3 majority of the Michigan Senate, would put it on the ballot allowing Michigan voters to repeal a constitutional amendment banning legal recognition of LGBT relationships. The constitutional amendment was passed in 2004, and its repeal is today supported by a majority of Michigan voters.

“Equality Michigan is proud that Motor City Pride will be honoring Senator Warren’s latest effort to support LGBT equality. Her track record is a wonderful example of a leader who prioritizes the type of economic and social gains that will get Michigan back on track,” said Emily Dievendorf, managing director of Equality Michigan.

Dave Wait, chair of Motor City Pride, commented “Motor City Pride has selected a Grand Marshall this year who exemplifies the courage and commitment to equality our elected officials need to make Michigan a place we can all be proud to call home. Senator Warren’s support of marriage equality is something Equality Michigan and Motor City Pride are thrilled to be showcasing in this Sunday’s parade as a milestone in our march toward equality.”

Motor City Pride is a project of Equality Michigan and wishes to thank our sponsors that help make the event possible.

Sponsors:

Five-15
Fifth Third Bank
Necto Night Club
Great Lakes Distributing
Chrysler GALA
Ford Globe
GM Plus
UAW Ford
Motor City Casino
World Pride

Media Partners:

Between the Lines
AMP Radio
Hott Magazine
Metra Magazine
Flame

Whole Foods Market
Three Olives
Gigi’s
BCBS Michigan
Fountain Bistro
Senate Theater
Plante Moran PLLC
Stiletto’s
Skybar

More info: www.motorcitypride.org

National Report on Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities Released

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 18:40:00 -0400

Multi-Year trends in anti-LGBTQ hate violence and homicides continue

To download the full report: http://eqmi.us/ncavp12

Overall rates of reports of anti-LGBTQ violence remain steady in 2012 with 2,016 incidents reported
25 homicides of LGBTQ people documented – the 4th highest yearly total ever recorded
Transgender women, people of color, and gay men face the most severe violence
LGBTQ people report substantial police misconduct when engaging with the police

NATIONAL—The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), in a national audio press conference today, released its annual report documenting the high level of hate violence experienced by LGBTQ and HIV-affected persons in the United States in 2012. The report, Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2012, is the most comprehensive report on this violence in the United States. It draws on data collected from 15 anti-violence programs in 16 states (with one organization reporting about two states) across the country. States reporting were: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Vermont.

General Findings

The 2012 report documents 2,016 incidents of anti-LGBTQ violence in 2012 (a slight 4% decrease from 2011), and highlights a number of disturbing multi-year trends of severe anti-LGBTQ violence. LGBTQ people of color were 1.82 times as likely to experience physical violence compared to white LGBTQ people, and gay men were 1.56 times as likely to require medical attention compared to other survivors reporting. The report also found that transgender people were 1.67 times as likely to experience threats and intimidation compared to LGBTQ non-transgender survivors and victims. “Though the recent spate of hate violence incidents in New York City has captured the media’s attention, this report demonstrates that severe acts of violence against gay men, transgender people and LGBTQ people of color are, unfortunately, not unique to Manhattan nor to the past month, but rather part of a troubling trend in the United States,” said Chai Jindasurat, NCAVP Coordinator at the New York City Anti- Violence Project.

Homicide rates remain disturbingly high

In 2012, NCAVP documented 25 anti-LGBTQ homicides in the United States. This continues a multi- year trend in high anti-LGBTQ homicide rates nationally (30 were reported in 2011, the highest ever) , and is the 4th highest yearly total ever recorded by NCAVP. Lisa Gilmore from Center on Halsted Anti- Violence Project in Chicago, Illinois cautions that the number of homicides may be even higher: “Over the last several years, not only have we seen consistently high rates of anti-LGBTQ homicides, but we also know there are many more homicides of LGBTQ people, especially transgender people and people of color, which go unreported. Twenty-five LGBTQ hate violence homicides is an alarming number – and we know it could just be the tip of the iceberg.”

The 2012 report found that 73.1% of all anti-LGBTQ homicide victims in 2012 were people of color. Of the 25 known homicide victims in 2012 whose race/ethnicity was disclosed, 54% were Black/African American, 15% Latin@, 12% White and 4% Native American.

The report also found that 53.8% of anti-LGBTQ homicide victims in 2012 were transgender women. This is a considerable increase from 2011 (40%) and continues a three-year trend toward disproportionate and severe violence experienced by transgender women.

“For a third year in a row, NCAVP’s findings reflect a disproportionate impact of severe and deadly violence on people of color,” said Maria Carolina Morales from Community United Against Violence in San Francisco, California. “This is also true for transgender women victims, all of whom were people of color, and continues a multi-year trend that transgender women of color are targeted for deadly violence.”

Reports of police violence and misconduct increased considerably

The 2012 report also documents a number of troubling findings related to the interaction of LGBTQ survivors of violence with police. Of survivors reporting violence to the police, 48% reported incidents of police misconduct, a considerable increase from 2011 (32%). Of those survivors who interacted with the police, 26.8% reported that the police attitudes were hostile, an 18% increase from 2011. Additionally, reports of police violence and misconduct mirrored the larger trend of the disproportionate targeting of people of color and transgender people. The report found that:

Transgender people were 3.32 times as likely to experience police violence compared to non- transgender people.
Transgender people of color were 2.46 times as likely to experience physical violence by the police compared to white non-transgender people.
Transgender women were 2.90 times as likely to experience police violence compared to overall people reporting violence.
Transgender women were 2.71 times as likely to experience physical violence by the police compared to overall people reporting violence.

“Around the country, NCAVP members are organizing and mobilizing to address the pervasive experiences of discriminatory policing that decrease trust, reporting and access to safety for LGBTQ safety,” said Ejeris Dixon, Deputy Director in charge of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “This year’s statistics are particularly alarming and shed light to the long-term experiences of LGBTQ communities.”

Milan Nicole, a survivor of hate violence and police violence who now works as the Youth Organizer at BreakOUT! in New Orleans, Louisiana, stated: “LGBTQ people experience violence at the hands of the police every day. Transgender people need access to housing, education, jobs and other assistance because without it, they are forced into non-traditional forms of employment like sex work and targeted by police. It’s all connected.”

NCAVP’s report makes it unequivocally clear that more must be done to stop this hate violence. “NCAVP’s report findings are a wakeup call that LGBTQ and HIV-affected people are facing extremely high levels of violence that need to be addressed as a priority in the United States,” said Chai Jindasurat. “We call on policymakers, advocates, and community members to be a part of the solutions that NCAVP recommends in the 2012 report.”

The report’s specific policy recommendations include:

End law enforcement violence against LGBTQ and HIV-affected people through holding police officers accountable for homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic violence, prohibiting profiling based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and training law enforcement on LGBTQ communities experiences of violence.
End the root causes of anti-LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence through addressing anti-LGBTQ and HIV-affected institutional, cultural, and interpersonal discrimination.
Decrease risk of severe violence and homicide through ending poverty and homelessness in LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities, through things like access to jobs programs, housing and safe schools.
Collect data and expand research on LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities’ experiences of violence on a local, state and federal level.
Increase funding for LGBTQ and HIV-affected anti-violence support and prevention programs.

National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individuals who create systemic and social change. We strive to increase power, safety and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education and technical assistance. NCAVP is coordinated by the New York City Anti-Violence Project.

Equality Michigan is a founding member of the NCAVP. Equality Michigan has worked passionately for over 20 years to achieve full equality and respect for all people in Michigan regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. For more information, visit www.equalitymi.org.

Michigan State Senators Unveil Marriage Equality Bills!

Wed, 29 May 2013 19:41:52 -0400

Because your love matters, and your family deserves more, I think you should know this immediately. Just a few hours ago, State Senators proposed marriage equality legislation here in Michigan. Your work and support continues to pay off - we are getting closer and closer to huge victories!

Help us keep this momentum going!

Three of the bills in the package proposed earlier today specifically address same-gender relationship recognition in Michigan. An additional resolution calls on the federal government to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which restricts the federal government’s recognition of same-gender marriages.

As you know, at Equality Michigan we are dedicated to working with elected officials on reversing the harm caused to LGBT families by such discriminatory laws.

Show your dedication by supporting Equality Michigan

Michigan State Senators Warren, Johnson, Whitmer and Smith understand that a growing number of voters demand an end to the second-class treatment that LGBT families receive from our government. With these four pieces of legislation, Michigan’s Senate Democratic elected officials have begun a conversation LGBT people have spent years preparing for and lifetimes suffering from the absence of.

Earlier this month, we saw that 56% of Michigan voters support legal recognition of loving and committed LGBT couples. An increase of more than 10% over last year with most of that growth coming from Republicans and Independents. Now is the time for all sides to come together and discuss how Michigan can harness the economic and social gains other states are benefiting from as they end their government’s harmful policies towards LGBT families.

This can only happen if we all step up and put our time, talent, and resources into this effort. Consider signing up as a volunteer and please join me in making a monthly donation to support Equality Michigan’s work. With your help and support, I know that even better news is on the horizon.

In solidarity,

Emily Dievendorf
Managing Director

PS. I hope to see you all as we celebrate this wonderful news at Motor City Pride in Hart Plaza the weekend of June 8-9!

Hertel and Swope Call on Municipalities to Recognize Property Rights for Same-Sex Couples

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:26:45 -0400

Ingham County Register of Deeds Curtis Hertel Jr. and Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope are spearheading an effort to ensure equal property rights protections for same-sex couples in Michigan. Swope filed his marriage certificate and affidavit this afternoon in Hertel’s office, seeking to give same-sex couples the same protections that traditional couples have in the event of a tragedy. Both are calling on the courts to recognize these documents in the name of fairness.

“There is no excuse not to provide the same protections for same-sex couples as straight couples,” said Curtis Hertel Jr., Ingham County Register of Deeds. “After a tragedy, the last thing a partner in a relationship should have to worry about is losing the home they’ve shared with their loved one for years. It’s shameful, and it’s time to take action.”

Under Michigan’s current law, if a couple is not married and one partner dies, the other partner is not legally entitled to bereavement leave from work or to automatically inherit a shared home, assets or personal items in the absence of a will. Advocates for marriage equality want Michigan to correct that injustice and lead the nation when it comes to equal rights for same-sex partners. Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope wants protections for him and his partner, and the home they’ve lived in for years.

“My husband and I were legally married in Canada 9 years ago, and we should have the same rights as everybody else,” said Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk. “It’s sad to think that even though we have shared a life together for 15 years, we’re still not recognized in the eyes of the law and have no property rights according to current regulations. We’re demanding change.”

Equality Michigan has been working tirelessly by advocating for the rights of same-sex couples and an end to discrimination in Michigan.

“The state of Michigan has no right to define the boundaries of love or property rights when it comes to same-sex couples,” said Emily Dievendorf of Equality Michigan. “It’s time we stop discriminating against same-sex partners, and expand protections to couples regardless of their sexual orientation. These reforms are long overdue, and now is the time for change.”

Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum echoes the call for equality and property rights for same-sex couples, and hopes the courts recognize these documents.

“I encourage property rights protections for ALL Michigan residents regardless of their sexual orientation,” Byrum said. “Requiring married same-sex couples to jump through additional legal hoops in order to have the same rights as straight married couples is unacceptable.”

Equality Michigan is OUT This Pride Season!

Tue, 28 May 2013 15:07:00 -0400

Equality Michigan invites you to stop by our booth as we travel across the state promoting our work at local Pride events. There’s a good chance we will be participating in a Pride right in your neighborhood, so be sure to come over and say hello. You will also have a chance to win prizes by telling us why you respect equality. We will even have supplies on hand so you can put your creativity to work! Interested in volunteering for Equality Michigan at Pride? Contact our field office: field@equalitymi.org

Motor City Pride
June 8-9
Hart Plaza, Detroit
http://www.motorcitypride.com

Kalamazoo Pride
June 14-16
Arcadia Creek Festival Area
http://kglrc.org/pride/

West Michigan Pride
June 15-16
Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids
http://www.grlgbt.org/west-michigan-pride-2013/pride-festival-2013/

Tri-City Pride
June 22
Ojibway Island Park Saginaw
http://www.tricitylgbtpride.com/

Holland Area Pride
June 29
Centennial Park, Park Theatre
http://www.hollandareapride.com

Flint Gay Pride In The Park
June 29
Riverbank Park and Univ. of Michigan Pavilion Rink
https://www.facebook.com/FLINTGAYPRIDE

Hotter Than July
July 27-28
Detroit, mainly Palmer Park
http://www.hotterthanjuly.org

Michigan Pride
August 24
Lansing
http://www.michiganpride.org/

Boy Scouts of America Takes Important Step Towards Equality

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:24:13 -0400

Equality Michigan encourages the Boy Scouts of America to complete the path to equality

DETROIT – Earlier today, the Boy Scouts of America ended their antiquated ban on gay youth scouts, but maintained a prohibition on same-gender loving adult leaders. The compromise came after a survey of 1,400 voting adult members showed 60% support within the organization for changing the scouting policy to be more inclusive.

Equality Michigan, Michigan’s statewide anti-violence and advocacy organization, supports victims of anti-LGBT related discrimination, violence, and harassment throughout Michigan. The group has been helping youth and adults harmed by the Boy Scouts ban on LGBT participants for several years.

Statement by Gregory Varnum and Emily Dievendorf, Equality Michigan

“As a former Boy Scout, I know personally the amazing benefits youth-serving organizations like the Boy Scouts of America offer young people, and I appreciate the organization’s latest attempt to live up to their own virtues by accepting gay scouts. However, as a gay man, I am distressed by the notion that once these young people turn 18, they are no longer welcome. My mother was our den leader, and not only did she do an amazing job, but her leadership and interest in my scouting brought us closer. It is offensive and just plain wrong to suggest that if she loved women instead of men, she would have been any less qualified to lead and mentor scouts. I have dedicated much of my life to helping young people, and yet an organization that helped instill that sense of service in me continues to violate their own scout laws and rejects who I am today. Their actions today are a good first step, but they must do more before they can again be trusted to mentor and lead today’s youth,” said Gregory Varnum, Equality Michigan.

Emily Dievendorf, managing director of Equality Michigan, commented that “Equality Michigan is troubled that members of our own family, like Gregory, who has dedicated his professional life to serving and empowering others, continue to be denied the opportunity to guide our youth toward conscientious citizenship with the Boy Scouts of America. Millions of people in the US, including numerous religious institutions such as The Episcopal Church, National Jewish Committee on Scouting, and The Mormon Church all support lifting the ban on gay scouts. Today the Boy Scouts took an important step towards joining modern America, and our community is ready to walk alongside them as they take the next step by lifting the ban on gay and lesbian parents.”

Support Equality Michigan’s work with parents and youth harmed by the Boy Scouts of America’s ban on LGBT adults.

I Support Civil Marriage Equality in...

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:58:06 -0400

I Support Civil Marriage Equality in Michigan!

http://eqmi.us/micm513

Support for LGBT Workplace Protections and Marriage Equality Surges Ahead in Michigan!

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:53:00 -0400

The results are in! Your support and work has emboldened more people to come out in support of equality, and now we have the record numbers to prove it!

A new poll shows increased and majority support from Michigan Republicans, Democrats and Independents for core LGBT rights issues.

There are two easy steps you can take RIGHT NOW to build on this momentum and bring us closer to the finish line!

The poll of registered voters in Michigan by the Glengariff Group shows increased support for ten key legal rights as they pertain to LGBT people in Michigan. The proposed amendment to Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act that would prohibit employment discrimination against LGBT people has support across the board, with an average of 75.5% supporting, including 56% of strong Republican voters.

Support for civil marriage equality increased 12.5% from last year to 56.8%, including 54% support for the reversal of Michigan’s 2004 constitutional marriage equality ban and legalizing same-gender relationship recognition. That is great news for our plan for a possible return to the ballot in 2016.

Your signature on this petition will show support for civil marriage equality in Michigan and add you to our list of equality champions. Our champions will be contacted for signature on the petition to put marriage equality on the ballot when Michigan’s marriage campaign debuts!

This poll confirms Equality Michigan’s assertion that fundamental fairness is not a partisan issue and Michigan voters are ready for real change in the treatment of LGBT people in Michigan. As more and more people become aware of the LGBT people in their lives and the evidence continues to mount that LGBT equality is good for Michigan’s economy, people are becoming bolder in their stance that the second-class treatment of LGBT people has been tolerated in Michigan for far too long.

We need your continued support to keep this new momentum going and harness the broad support our community is receiving. A monthly contribution of $10 goes a long way towards helping us educate voters and raise those numbers even higher, joining our Equality Council with a donation of $50 or $100 a month solidifies your role as a fierce advocate helping us cross more finish lines.

Also remember to sign our petition and share the link with your friends: http://eqmi.us/micm513

In solidarity,

Emily Dievendorf
Managing Director, Equality Michigan

PS. The survey was paid for by the Glengariff Group and was conducted over May 8-10, 2013, it has a margin of error of +/-4.0% with 95% level of confidence. The questions, methodology, and results of the poll are available for download: http://eqmi.us/513lgbt

Today, Give OUT and Support Equality!

Thu, 09 May 2013 08:02:16 -0400

Today, thousands of people like you are going to show their support for their favorite LGBT nonprofit during Give OUT Day.

Equality Michigan is excited to be participating in this national effort!

Less than 5% of the LGBT community gives to an LGBT cause, according to research from the Horizons Foundation and Movement Advancement Project. Give OUT Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the need to support LGBT organizations and elevate the level of LGBT philanthropy in Michigan.

You can make a monthly donation to support our work advancing equality and serving victims of crime right on our website!

Spread the fun! (Don’t we deserve a little fun?) Tell your friends and family why you think they should help us with their donation. Be our champion, and help us see it to the top! We cannot thank you enough for the difference your generosity will make!

In solidarity,
- Your Team at Equality Michigan

PS. Don’t forget to spread the love and support your favorite national and local LGBT organizations as well! Visit our website for a list of LGBT organizations across Michigan.

Do you respect equality?

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:08:00 -0400

By now, you have probably heard Edith’s story. Edith Windsor, an 83-year-old widow, was forced to pay $363,000 when her partner of 40 years died of multiple sclerosis. This “LGBT tax” was only levied on Edith by the federal government because her spouse was a woman. While her home state of New York recognized the couple’s marriage, thanks to the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” our federal government could not recognize her marriage. If Edith married a man, she would not have been charged $363,000 in taxes to gain a legal right to what remained of the life she built with her partner.

At Equality Michigan, we are all too aware of the reality that Edith’s story illustrates and we have witnessed that inequality under the law is not unique, and is not limited to states like New York. There are hundreds of LGBT families in Michigan being forced by their own government to pay extra for the “privilege” of being treated as second-class citizens. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens nationwide continue to fight for the basic rights, opportunities and access necessary to care for our partners and families. No one deserves to be punished for who they love, and our children do not deserve the instability of second-class treatment because of who their parents are. That is why I am asking for an investment from you in our work.

Equality Michigan is committed to ending second-class treatment of LGBT families.

We can and must improve our movement. Since taking on leadership of Equality Michigan as Managing Director earlier this month, I have been taking inventory. Over the coming months, I will be meeting with organizations and members across the state to discuss how our organizations can better work together to achieve the successes our communities have long strived for. Now is the time for each of us to decide what we are going to give to make these successes possible. Only united and at our best can we take major steps toward an LGBT-inclusive hate crime act, second parent adoption, protection from employment and housing discrimination, safer schools, fairness and adequate resources for HIV infected citizens and, yes - marriage equality.

I’m proud of the great work that Equality Michigan has done throughout our organization’s history. Our victim services department serves over 700 survivors of discrimination and violence annually with great compassion and tenacity. Our policy department has shown extremist legislators that the LGBT community can hold its own - fighting attempts to write discrimination into Michigan laws and making smart and savvy progress on pro-equality public policy at the state and federal levels. Our community organizing has made great strides in educating Michiganders about the lack of basic rights our LGBT citizens possess and how to organize the community to gain equality under the law. Despite a political climate that is hostile toward LGBT Michigan citizens we have continued to grow support for our cause and in turn momentum. We can only continue this work if people like you commit to funding our efforts.

Equality Michigan has refocused and refined its strategy to achieve equality under the law sooner than later with approaches that can win sustainable protections for our partners and families. I’m committed to bringing the values I integrated into my work as policy director the past three years into my new role as Managing Director. Support for our families and neighbors is just too important a task to function as islands, to reinvent the wheel, or to not act as complementary forces of change. It is impossible to miss the momentum building nationally and here in the Mitten State. Michigan citizens now poll consistently on the right side of history and in favor of equality. We cannot afford to let that energy and passion go untapped and undirected.

We will not achieve victory working in silos – collaboration is vital to our success

Equality Michigan’s roadmap to equality is outlined in our new “Respect for Equality” campaigns. The three campaigns are two-year initiatives designed to advance LGBT issues that have an impact on the daily lives of LGBT people and our allies. Issues like second-parent adoption, ending the “LGBT tax” paid by Edith Windsor, making LGBT employment and housing discrimination in Michigan illegal, and making our local communities safe places for LGBT people to walk down the streets. We are committed to doing this collaboratively and by engaging our straight, corporate, and progressive allies on both sides of the political aisle. We need your donations to engage on this important work.

Our “Respect Marriage and Families” campaign will aim to bring marriage equality back to Michigan’s ballot in 2016. To achieve victory at the ballot, there are many things our community must achieve first, including ending workplace discrimination in Michigan. Getting married on Saturday will feel less magical if you’re legally fired from your job on Monday because your employer disapproves of your relationship. Under my leadership, with the expertise and hard work of Equality Michigan’s amazing team, Equality Michigan will be an invaluable force in achieving relationship recognition without neglecting the policy priorities we have invested years of negotiation shaping and advancing.

Only with your help can we take marriage equality to the Michigan ballot in 2016!

Equality Michigan also recognizes that our lives are about much more than just relationship recognition. Which is why our “Respect MI Workers” campaign not only works with our partner organizations in the Unity Michigan Coalition to end legal workplace discrimination, but also goes a step further, working with corporate partners around Michigan to develop and expand employment benefits to LGBT employees to match those received by their non-LGBT co-workers.

LGBT people deserve to be judged by our job performance and not our personal lives

Finally, you should not have to look over your shoulder when you walk down the streets of Michigan holding your partner’s hand. “Respect Safer Communities” is a campaign from our policy and victim services departments that will engage local law enforcement and lawmakers on strategies for reducing the violence and harassment of LGBT people and individuals living with HIV.

Together we can put an end to the violent abuse and harassment of LGBT people

With your continued support, Equality Michigan is confident we can make 2013 a transformative one for Michiganders as well. But we cannot do it without your support. How much is equality for you, your family, and your friends worth? Donating $20 a month, the cost of one coffee a week, will help us educate Michigan voters on LGBT equality. A donation of $150 enables our victim services staff to serve another victim of crime. Joining our Equality Council by pledging to donate $1000 will help Equality Michigan empower local activists to engage on advancing marriage equality in Michigan.

Help us do for you what we do best. Invest in Equality Michigan as your connecting point, your core, in Michigan’s equality movement and be a part of the change we know we can bring our community and our world.

In solidarity,

Emily Dievendorf
Managing Director

PS. Please join me in donating to Equality Michigan in support of our efforts to end the second-class treatment of the LGBT and HIV/AIDS communities.

"Earlier today the Michigan Supreme Court voted 7-0 not to hear the appeal of Attorney General Bill..."

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400

“

Earlier today the Michigan Supreme Court voted 7-0 not to hear the appeal of Attorney General Bill Scheutte in a case that could have threatened domestic partner rights for state employees. Equality Michigan is pleased that the Michigan Supreme Court has recognized what millions of Michiganders already know - the time has come to end the second-class treatment of LGBT families in Michigan. Denying children of same-sex couples access to healthcare is a cruel effort by anti-LGBT leaders to instill a set of values which stand in opposition to the will of the people. Additionally, the court’s affirmation of the authority and autonomy held by the Michigan Civil Service Commission is a promising example of upholding the laws and systems put in place to increase equality among those living in Michigan.

- Emily Dievendorf
Managing Director, Equality Michigan

”

Transgender Day of Empowerment

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:46:00 -0400

Equality Michigan was proud to participate in this past weekend’s Transgender Day of Empowerment, held at Affirmations in Ferndale. The event was an effort to not only raise awareness and educate our communities on transgender issues, but to also to empower attendees to take action to advance transgender equality in Michigan. Workshops, presentations, information tables, and giveaways filled the day for the folks in attendance. Our own Managing Director, Emily Dievendorf, participated as a panelist in a discussion on educating, organizing, and mobilizing advocates for transgender equality across Michigan.

As our Director of Victim Services, I know all too well the many challenges that transgender people in Michigan continue to face. I am proud of Equality Michigan’s commitment to advocating and serving the entire LGBT community - not just the “L” and “G” communities. We look forward to working with the advocates who attended this exciting event in the months and years to come.

Yvonne Siferd
Director of Victim Services, Equality Michigan

Give OUT Day 2013 - Why Do You Respect Equality?

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:00:00 -0400

On May 9^th, 2013, thousands of people like you are going to show their support for their favorite LGBT nonprofit during Give OUT Day.

Equality Michigan is excited to be participating in this national effort but we need your help now!

In addition to asking your friends to support their favorite LGBT organizations on May 9th - we want to hear why supporting equality is important to you!

Kicking off for Give OUT Day and continuing through the summer - we want your stories, videos, pictures, poems, rants, blog posts, mashed potato sculptures…or whatever creative way you choose to express why the equality of LGBT Michiganders deserves respect! All submissions will be judged and the winners will win a fab prize worthy of smacking a rainbow to! Send your submissions to: respect@equalitymi.org

Can’t wait until May 9th? You can make a donation to support our work advancing equality and serving victims of crime right from our website: support.equalitymi.org

Spread the fun! (Don’t we deserve a little fun?) Tell your friends and family why you think they should help us with their donation. Be our champion, and help us see it to the top! We can’t wait to celebrate the difference your generosity will make on May 9^th, 2013!

Update on Royal Oak anti-discrimination ordinance

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:45:00 -0400

I promised to keep you informed of the LGBT-inclusive anti-discrimination policy recently passed in Royal Oak. Your elected leadership in Royal Oak voted to protect you and your neighbors. They stood by fairness and equality for all citizens when the Royal Oak City Commission voted in favor of a policy to ban the firing of Royal Oak citizens based on arbitrary personal bias related to sexual orientation and gender. It was a proud day for Royal Oak and a great day for Michigan - but now extremists are trying to backtrack on progress.

As you may already know, after being passed by the Royal Oak City Commission, an anti-LGBT organization collected over 1200 signatures forcing the Commission to either repeal the measure or put it on the ballot.

Last night the Royal Oak City Commission voted unanimously to stand by their decision and send the recently passed Royal Oak Human Rights Ordinance to the voters in November. Royal Oak voters now have the opportunity to say loud and clear that harming neighbors and friends is not a Royal Oak value. Unfortunately, we have just a little over seven months to get a ballot campaign off the ground, into action and to WIN our own protection under the law.

Thanks to the tremendous work of our friends at Affirmations and other partners in the Unity Michigan Coalition we have a great foundation to build on.

We need your help NOW to collect volunteers and funding to build the campaign to make these efforts successful, and to keep LGBT people in Royal Oak out of harm’s way.

Here is something you can do right now: Sign up as a volunteer and indicate your interest in the Royal Oak campaign.

We will continue to keep you updated, and appreciate your continued support of our work!

Onward,

Emily Dievendorf

Statewide LGBT advocacy organization appoints new field organizer

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:23:00 -0400

Today Equality Michigan announced the appointment of Sommer Foster as the organization’s new field organizer. As the organization’s field organizer, Foster will coordinate the organization’s outreach efforts throughtout the state and support activists working for policy change.

Sommer Foster comes to Equality Michigan after working in constituent services and outreach for Congressman David Alan Curson. Foster has previously served as a campaign or field organizer for multiple candidates in federal, state, and local elections. An ally of the LGBT community, Foster graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and from Jackson Community College with an associate in arts. She is also serving on the Canton Township Library Board of Directors and is an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Center for Progressive Leadership.

Equality Michigan is Michigan’s only statewide anti-violence and advocacy organization specifically serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. The organization advocates for full equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. That work includes lobbying for policy change in Lansing, advancing local LGBT-inclusive ordinances, and serving over 700 victims of LGBT or HIV related harassment, discrimination, or violence. The field organizer will begin working immediately with the existing staff to advance local and statewide policy initiatives, and coordinate the organization’s volunteers.

“Sommer’s experience in field organizing makes her the ideal addition to the Equality Michigan staff. I am excited that she will be coming out of the gate running, and will no doubt have a profound impact on our marriage campaign and other components of our Respect for Equality public policy campaigns. The entire Equality Michigan family has welcomed Sommer to the staff with open arms, and we all look forward to working with her as she settles into our offices this week,” said Emily Dievendorf, managing director of Equality Michigan.

Support Equality Michigan’s field work around the state of Michigan.

Tell the Republicans It Is Time for Dave Agema To Go!

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:32:00 -0400

http://eqmi.us/agema

Dave Agema, a Republican leader from Michigan, has been almost going out of his way on Facebook and radio lately to showcase his own hatred and homophobia.

While “citing” research conducted by known white supremacist and Holocaust-denier Edward Fields - Agema stated numerous lies attacking the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Since then he has continued to embarrass himself with failed attempts to backtrack his remarks - which has only resulted in even more offensive remarks suggesting LGBT people need rehabilitation.

Join Equality Michigan and Democracy for America in standing up and saying enough is enough and it is time for Dave Agema to leave his leadership roles within the Republican Party.

Sign a petition telling Republican leaders that the time for Dave Agema’s departure from leadership is now long overdue!

http://eqmi.us/agema