Lansing, Michigan – Michigan is marking June as Pride Month, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II issuing a proclamation that honors the history, strength, and contributions of LGBTQ+ residents across the state.
Whitmer signed the proclamation in Grand Rapids at Good Judy’s Market & Juice Bar, an LGBTQ+ owned business, as Michigan opened a month dedicated to visibility, dignity, and community pride.
The setting added a local touch to the statewide message, placing the celebration inside a small business that reflects the people and stories Pride Month is meant to recognize.
“Every Michigander deserves the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify,” said Governor Whitmer.
“Pride Month is about celebrating and standing in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community. I’m proud of the work we’ve done, 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.”
The proclamation comes after several actions by the Whitmer administration aimed at strengthening protections for LGBTQ+ Michiganders. Those efforts include expanding anti-discrimination protections in state employment for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, as well as extending similar expectations to employees of businesses working with the state.
Michigan has also moved to protect minors from conversion therapy. Whitmer signed an executive directive barring the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services from using funds for conversion therapy on minors, and the state later banned conversion therapy for minors. The administration also vetoed anti-trans budget language tied to gender-affirming care.
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Other measures include the creation of Michigan’s first statewide LGBTQ+ commission, the outlawing of the “gay or transgender panic defense” in court, and changes to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to reaffirm and expand protections so people cannot be fired from their jobs or evicted from their homes because of who they love or how they identify.
Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist said Pride Month is also a time to recognize the role LGBTQ+ residents play in Michigan’s future.
“Pride Month is a time for us to uplift Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community and honor their contributions to our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. “We are committed to making sure that every Michigander can live authentically, love with dignity, and be who they want to be. This month, and every month, we will continue to celebrate our LGBTQ+ neighbors, stand tall in the face of hatred, and work towards a more equal Michigan.”
The state has also made it easier for residents to change their names or gender designation on official documents, renamed Downtown Lansing’s Lewis Cass Building as the Elliot-Larsen Building, and previously flew the Pride Flag on a State of Michigan building in 2019.