Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order at the Motor City Pride parade Sunday, establishing the first ever statewide LGBTQ Commission.
The group will focus on economic, health and safety issues that affect the LGBTQ community. It will also work to promote LGBTQ culture and history in Michigan.
The Commision comes just after the Human Rights Campaign, a nationwide LGBTQ Civil Rights Organization, announced a state of emergency for the queer and trans community following more than 75 anti-LGBTQ bills that were signed into law this year.
Tom Brubaker is the President of Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in the Great Lakes Bay Region. He said the announcement makes the LGBTQ community feel safe in Michigan, especially as anti-LGBTQ legislation and conversations continue in the nation.
“By Govenor Whitmer’s declaration of this commission, I think she’s ensuring our safety and our comfort living here as full citizens,” Brubaker said.
Brubaker said the new effort shows the commitment the State of Michigan has to protecting the LGBTQ community.
“It assures us that we have leaders here who really do support and advocate for the LGBTQ community,” he said.