Amidst the colorful festivities of the Motor City Pride parade in Detroit, Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a groundbreaking executive order establishing the state’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Commission. This marks a significant stride in Michigan’s journey towards fostering an inclusive society.

With an emphasis on health, safety, and economic opportunity, the LGBTQ+ Commission aims to address the diverse issues faced by Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community. Governor Whitmer’s steadfast commitment to the cause is evident in her statement, “As we celebrate Pride, we must continue taking action to ensure that everyone has the freedom to be who they are in Michigan.” She emphasized the personal significance of this issue and vowed to persist in incorporating diverse perspectives into the decision-making process.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II mirrored Governor Whitmer’s sentiments, expressing the importance of working collaboratively to establish Michigan as a haven where everyone can succeed regardless of their identity.

The LGBTQ+ Commission has been mandated to advise the governor and the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on policy matters affecting Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community. The commission’s scope will encompass eradicating discrimination, promoting LGBTQ+ culture and history, and enhancing the well-being of the community. Moreover, it aims to attract future residents from the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that Michigan is a safe and thriving space for them and their families.

Governor Whitmer will appoint members representing a spectrum of communities and perspectives to ensure diversity within the commission.

The establishment of the commission has been met with an outpouring of support from legislators and advocates alike. Sen. Jeremy Moss expressed that this moment symbolizes recognition and government representation for the LGBTQ+ community. He commended the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in state governance and celebrated the policies that are progressively reflecting the community’s vibrancy.

Representative Laurie Pohutsky acknowledged the specific hurdles faced by LGBTQ+ Michiganders, such as health disparities and harassment, and commended the governor for addressing these issues.

Gwen Stembridge from The Trevor Project appreciated the public recognition and support from Michigan’s leaders, particularly in light of the nationwide surge in anti-LGBTQ legislation. She underscored the critical role the commission will play in formulating inclusive policies that cater to the needs of all LGBTQ+ Michiganders.

Representative Mike McFall pointed out that the establishment of the LGBTQ+ Commission is also a triumph for economic development. Inclusivity, he stressed, is the fuel that ignites innovation, and Michigan’s prosperity hinges on drawing and empowering the finest talent.

Governor Whitmer’s tenure has been marked by a series of actions to safeguard the LGBTQ+ community. She signed an executive directive in January 2019 to fortify protections against discrimination in state employment. Later that year, she advocated for the expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and became the first Michigan governor to fly the Pride Flag on a government building. Furthermore, in June 2021, she signed an executive directive prohibiting the use of state funds for conversion therapy on minors and recently signed a bipartisan bill to strengthen the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Governor Whitmer’s initiative in establishing the LGBTQ+ Commission encapsulates the essence of progressive democratic principles and egalitarianism. It paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable Michigan, reflecting the aspirations and needs of the LGBTQ+ community. The Commission stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the tenacity of those who have struggled for recognition and equal rights.

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