Gov. Gretchen Whitmer high -fives a young spectator during the Motor City Pride parade on Sunday in Detroit. Whitmer signed an executive order establishing Michigan’s first LGBTQ+ Commission. (Courtesy photo)

By Journal Staff

DETROIT– Sunday, at the Motor City Pride parade, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order establishing Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Commission.

The commission will address issues facing Michigan’s LGTBQ+ community, according to a release.

Among the issues that the panel will consider are health, safety, and economic opportunity for LGBTQ+ residents.

“As we celebrate Pride, we must continue taking action to ensure that everyone has the freedom to be who they are in Michigan,” Whitmer said. “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.”

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II said LGBTQ+ residents should be considered during pride month and throughout the year.We must work together to make Michigan a welcoming beacon of opportunity where everyone can succeed and be themselves, no matter who they are,” Gilchrist said. “This first-ever statewide LGBTQ+ Commission will work to end discrimination and inequality against LGBTQ+ Michiganders and attract members of the LGBTQ+ community to Michigan by ensuring our state is a safe place for everyone to thrive. Our vision for Michigan is expansive enough for everyone, and Governor Whitmer and I will continue using every tool in our toolbox to build a Michigan where everyone can envision a bright future for themselves.”

The LGBTQ+ Commission will advise the governor and the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on policy matters impacting Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community and its members, including eradicating and preventing discrimination against the community and its members and addressing other forms of inequality, the governor’s press release states.

The Commission will examine ways to improve the health, safety and well-being of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community as well as promoting LGBTQ+ culture, history, and economic contributions to Michigan through coordinated efforts and advocacy across state government.

The Commission will also look at ways to attract potential residents from the LGBTQ+ community by ensuring that Michigan is a safe place where its members and their families can thrive.

The governor will appoint individuals that represent the interests of a diverse range of communities and perspectives.

Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, said the commission is a way to include sometimes marginalized groups into government.

“This is what representative government looks and acts like. 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,” Moss said. “This commission will enable LGBTQ+ Michiganders to raise concerns, share ideas, and establish goals to continue making Michigan a welcoming state for all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”