Dear Friend,??

This year, we have taken action together to make Michigan a safe, welcoming place where everyone can be themselves and pursue their full potential. Here in Michigan, we stand up for people?s freedoms. Your freedom to make your own decisions about your own body. Your freedom to go to school or work without worrying about a mass shooting. And your freedom to be who you are and love who you love.

This issue is personal for me, and I will fight like hell to bring more diverse voices into the decision-making process so we can build a brighter future for every Michigander. While other states are engaged in the business of bigotry, Michigan is standing up for the LGBTQ+ community.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

LGBTQ+ Commission

Last Sunday at Motor City Pride, I signed an executive order to establish the first-ever Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission, focused on protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Michigan?s LGBTQ+ community; promoting LGBTQ+ culture, history, and economic contributions to Michigan; and looking for ways to attract potential future Michigan residents who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

If you are interested in applying for the LGBTQ+ Commission, please visit michigan.gov/appointments. I look forward to appointing individuals that represent the interests of a diverse range of communities and perspectives. The Commission may include:

1) One educator or a current member of a school board

2) One medical professional who regularly provides care directly to members of the LGBTQ+ community

3) One tribal member

4) One member of the transgender community

5) Two members who represent LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, one of which must be a community center

6) One member who lives in a rural community

7) One member from the private sector

8) One member who is a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a child (under eighteen years old) who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community

9) One member between eighteen and twenty-five years old who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community

10) One member who is a social worker or mental health professional who regularly provides direct services to members of the LGBTQ+ community

11) One member who represents a religious institution that welcomes members of the LGBTQ+ community; and

12) One member who is a first responder

Together, we are building a more welcoming Michigan where anyone can thrive. Where we take pride in our communities and create opportunities everywhere. Where no matter who you love or how you identify, you can make it in Michigan.?

Protecting LGBTQ+ Michiganders? Rights

This spring, we took a huge step forward for freedom. I, alongside members of the legislature, passed the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Amendment which expands and reaffirms legal protections for LGBTQ+ Michiganders. Amending Elliott-Larsen will help ensure Michiganders can?t be fired from their job or evicted from their home based on who they love or how they identify.

This is about doing the right thing, and it is just good economics. Bigotry is bad for business, and ensuring these protections will build on our reputation as a beacon of opportunity where anyone can succeed. Let us build on this progress and continue our work to create a more equitable and prosperous Michigan.

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