Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II have officially designated June as Pride Month in Michigan, honoring the significant contributions, rich history, and enduring resilience of the state’s LGBTQ+ community. Governor Whitmer signed the proclamation at Good Judy’s Market & Juice Bar, an LGBTQ+ owned business in Grand Rapids, marking the start of the month-long celebration.
"Every Michigander deserves the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify," said Governor Whitmer. She highlighted the administration's efforts, including expanding protections under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, preventing state funds from being used for conversion therapy, and establishing the first-ever statewide LGBTQ+ commission. "As we celebrate Pride Month, we must keep working hard to protect our gay and trans neighbors from bigotry and hate. In Michigan, we will always fight for your freedom to live with pride."
Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist echoed this sentiment, stating, "Pride Month is a time for us to uplift Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community and honor their contributions to our state. We are committed to making sure that every Michigander can live authentically, love with dignity, and be who they want to be." Community leaders also voiced their support, with Ken Johnson, Mayor of Muskegon, recognizing the struggles and contributions of LGBTQIA neighbors, and Erin Knott, Executive Director of Equality Michigan, emphasizing that "progress is never inevitable. It is built by people who choose courage, compassion, and inclusion."
Tracy Hall, Executive Director of Affirmations, described Pride as "an act of resistance, a courageous insistence on our right to live openly, safely, and with joy." Raúl Hernández-Guzmán, chair of the LGBTQ+ Commission of Michigan, celebrated the community's resilience and collective strength. Kevin Terrell Heard, President & Executive Director of the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce, announced the upcoming rebrand to the Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce, inviting state leaders to support LGBTQ+ businesses to foster an inclusive and prosperous Michigan.
The administration's actions to support the LGBTQ+ community include strengthening non-discrimination protections in state employment, banning conversion therapy for minors, vetoing anti-trans budget language, and making it easier for Michiganders to change names or gender designations on official documents. These efforts underscore a continued commitment to ensuring safety, value, and affirmation for all LGBTQ+ individuals in the state.