More than 275 LGBTQ+ advocates, allies, parents, students, veterans, and community members from across Michigan gathered in Lansing on May 13 for Equality Michigan Action Network’s 4th Annual LGBTQ+ Capitol Day, officially making it the largest LGTBQ+ Capitol Day in Michigan history.
Attendees traveled from every corner of the state to participate, including advocates who made the eight-hour drive from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to ensure that Yooper LGBTQ+ voices were represented at the Capitol.
Together, participants engaged in 53 meetings with legislators to discuss protecting and advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Michigan, with a particular focus on defending transgender youth and access to healthcare amid escalating political attacks in Michigan and nationwide.
“This event continues to grow because people understand what’s at stake,” said Erin Knott, executive director of Equality Michigan Action Network. “Our communities are showing up and demanding a Michigan where LGBTQ+ people can live safely and openly.”
The day featured a keynote address from Rep. Emily Dievendorf, whose remarks underscored the threats that LGBTQ+ people are up against as well as the importance of bold advocacy and visible LGBTQ+ leadership in Michigan politics.
Attendees also heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission of Michigan during a panel conversation featuring leaders including Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, Poppy Hernandez, Anthony Williams, and Jay Kaplan, who discussed the challenges and opportunities facing LGTBQ+ Michiganders in the current political climate.
Throughout the day, advocates shared deeply personal stories about why showing up at the Capitol matters.
“I am trans and the healthcare decisions that these lawmakers make affect me directly.” – Jack
“There are a lot of vets out there who belong to the LGBTQ+ community who are not receiving services that they deserve. I think it’s up to our legislature to take a look at this issue and ensure that the needs of all of our vets in Michigan are met.” — Roberta
“I grew up in a macho environment, I was a firefighter and in the military. Then, my daughter came out as gay and then trans. Now I’m a strong advocate because I see what my daughter is up against. All the bigotry, hate, crap that is said — makes me so angry and I’m also guilty of doing that. So now I’m fighting hard to make sure my daughter is represented properly in this world.” – Patrick
“This is my first Capitol Day. My partner is a trans man who came out 2 years ago. I think it’s important to protect gender affirming care as a basic healthcare right. I saw my partner flourish under gender affirming healthcare. It helps them not only be confident in themselves but also how they interact with the world.” – Skye
“Capitol Day is important because I don’t want trans youth to go through what I went through as an adolescent. I grew up in a house and town where diversity wasn’t to be talked about. We’re just people and we just want to live peacefully.” – Cameron
As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation continue to rise across the country, Equality Michigan Action Network says the record-breaking turnout sends a clear message: LGBTQ+ Michiganders and their allies are organized, engaged, and ready to fight for a future where everyone belongs.
We plan to continue expanding Capitol Day and year-round advocacy efforts to ensure that LGBTQ+ voices are heard in every corner of the state.
One of your biggest enemies are bigots, people who are anti science, Christian Nationalists ,right wing politicians ,Christian Biblical literalists and anti feminists who want to throw the country back to the 19th century . They must be stopped at the ballot box , the church pews and collection baskets and with an enlightened solid education .