Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Sunday at Motor City Pride establishing Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Commission, which is tasked with addressing health, safety and economic opportunity issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.
“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,” Whitmer said. “While other states are engaged in the business of bigotry, Michigan is standing up for the LGBTQ+ community.”
The commission will advise the governor and the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on methods of “eradicating and preventing discrimination” and “promoting LGBTQ+ culture, history and economic contributions to Michigan through coordinated efforts and advocacy across state government.”
(L-R) Attorney General Dana Nessel, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist at 2023 Motor City Pride | Whitmer office photo
Drag queens perform during Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. (Andrew Roth/)
Drag queens perform during Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. (Andrew Roth/)
Attendees at Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. More than 50,000 people attend the festival every year. (Andrew Roth/)
Drag queen Sabin performs during Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. (Andrew Roth/)
Drag queen Sabin performs during Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. (Andrew Roth/)
Attendees at Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. More than 50,000 people attend the festival every year. (Andrew Roth/)
Attendees at Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. More than 50,000 people attend the festival every year. (Andrew Roth/)
Attendees at Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. More than 50,000 people attend the festival every year. (Andrew Roth/)
Attendees at Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. More than 50,000 people attend the festival every year. (Andrew Roth/)
Attendees at Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. More than 50,000 people attend the festival every year. (Andrew Roth/)
Attendees at Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. More than 50,000 people attend the festival every year. (Andrew Roth/)
Attendees at Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. More than 50,000 people attend the festival every year. (Andrew Roth/)
Attendees at Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. More than 50,000 people attend the festival every year. (Andrew Roth/)
Drag queen Sabin performs during Motor City Pride on June 10, 2023. (Andrew Roth/)
“After years of state leaders ignoring LGBTQ+ pride, suppressing our rights and policy needs, and raining on our parades, the rainbows are out and shining bright in Michigan now,” said Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “From finally achieving a decades-long fight of securing basic rights for LGBTQ+ residents, to formally and emphatically recognizing and embracing Pride Month, to establishing this new commission that gives us not just a seat at the table — but our own table — in state government, our policies are at last becoming as vibrant as our people.”
The commission will also examine ways of attracting future residents form the LGBTQ+ community.
“The governor’s executive order creating the LGBTQ+ Commission is a win for economic development,” said Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park). “Inclusivity ignites innovation, and Michigan’s success hinges on attracting, embracing, and empowering the best and the brightest talent.”
Whitmer was joined at the bill signing by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Motor City Pride attracts more than 50,000 people per year in Detroit and features a parade, musical and drag performances, vendor booths and more.
authored by Andrew Roth
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