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Gerald Ford and the Gay?s
2006-12-30 04:29:03
I wasn’t planning on posting on the life of Gera ld Ford because I want this blog to focus on gay issues here in Michigan, but after reading this wonderful article over at Express Gay News, and seeing that he was from Michigan I felt I should. When asked by Price if gay couples should receive the same economic benefits as married couples, such as Social Security and tax deductions, Ford said, ?I don?t see why they shouldn?t. I think that?s a proper goal?I think they ought to be treated equally. Period.? May you rest in peace President Ford.
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Triangle Foundation to Open Office in Western Michigan
2006-12-29 04:28:02
press release from the Triangle Foundation . DETROIT ? Michigan ?s largest GLBT anti-violence and advocacy organization is about to get bigger. The Triangle Foundation will expand its organizing, education and coalition building efforts to western Michigan with the opening of a West ern Michigan Field Office in the Spring of 2007. The expansion is supported by a new grant from the Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Arcus Foundation. “Unfortunately, anti-gay bias and discrimination don’t end at the city limits of metro Detroit. Nor is it confined within the walls of our state’s Capitol. Anti-gay hate crimes, bias, harassment and discrimination are problems all over Michigan. With the help and generous support of our many individual donors around the state and the support of the Arcus Foundation, we are opening this office as our first step in meeting and fighting anti-GLBT actions where they happen - all over the state,” said Jeffrey Montgomery, Triangle Foundation...
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Be Back Soon
2006-12-26 04:26:02
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season. I will resume posting later this week, after Christmas.
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Lansing Councilwoman Kathie Dunbar
2006-12-23 04:24:01
Michigan Liberal has a nice write up on Lansing Council woman Kathie Dunbar. What makes Kathie Dunbar so fabulous isn’t just that she pushed this ordinance and got it passed, but that she has been at the forefront of local media on the issue, defending her ideas behind a Human Rights Ordinance, and what it truly means for Lansing, Michigan.
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Lansing Votes To Protect GLBT People
2006-12-19 10:20:02
Some exciting news from the Triangle Foundation: (Lansing -MI) - Tonight the Lansing City Council voted unanimously to pass a human rights ordinance that bans discrimination within the city, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Today, Michigan’s Capital City, became the 14th municipality in the state to outlaw discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people when the city council voted unanimously to support a human rights ordinance. The ordinance bans anti-gay discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations. It also includes local protections based on race, religion, sex, weight, and other characteristics. “Today is a great day for everyone who lives or works or even passes through, Lansing,” said Sean Kosofsky, Director of Policy for Triangle Foundation, Michigan’s leading civil rights organization for GLBT people and their allies. “The unanimous vote by city council, s...
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I was So Disappointed
2006-12-15 10:16:02
I was so disappointed today when I went Christmas shopping at the Somerset Collection. Every year (at least for the last 2 Christmas’) Abercrombie & Fitch has had a super hot guy, half naked of course greeting customers. I arrived anticipating their usual door eye candy, only to discover none. How sad. 2 years ago they had a yummy guy in just his boxers and a Santa hat, and last year it was a smokin hot shirtless boy.
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UPDATE: With religious questions addressed, Council will lik
2006-12-15 10:16:02
Lansing?s proposed human rights ordinance was sent to the City Council for approval today after it was amended to include language meant to satisfy concerns of the religious community. The Council will vote Monday night on the ordinance after the Committee of the Whole approved the ordinance, 5-0. Three members were absent: Carol Wood, Brian Jeffries and Randy Williams. The committee approved new language governing exemptions in the employment of gay people by churches and religious organizations. also of interest: Lansing Human Rights Ordinance on Hold
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Michigan Log Cabin Republicans
2006-12-15 04:15:02
The Michigan Log Cabin Republican s are hosting a Get to Know Log Cabin event! on Saturday, December 16th at 4 p.m. in West Bloomfield. Get to know the members, the officers, and a chance to learn about what you can do to help assure victory in 2008! Special guest speaker State Representative Lorence Wenke (R-63)! Rep. Wenke will be on hand to discuss the battle he has fought as the most outspoken elected Republican on gay issues. He will also be looking forward to hearing your feedback on what he can do to make the new legislature fair-minded. Come on out, enjoy some food, meet new friends, and learn what you can do to make a difference. For more information or to RSVP please visit here. For more information on State Representative, Lorence Wenke visit here.
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Same Sex Benefits and Ann Arbor Schools
2006-12-14 16:14:02
From the Associated Press: The Michigan Supreme Court again will hear arguments in a lawsuit challenging the Ann Arbor school district’s same-sex benefits policy. But the justices won’t focus on the constitutionality of providing health insurance and other benefits to workers’ gay partners. The case involves whether 17 taxpayers followed the proper procedure to stop Ann Arbor Public School s from offering benefits to gay couples.
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Ex-Gay Watch
2006-12-13 16:14:01
This isn’t directly Michigan related, but I think it is important for everyone to see. h/t Ex-Gay Watch

Lansing Human Rights Ordinance on Hold
2006-12-13 16:14:01
The Lansing State Journal is reporting that the Catholic Church has asked the religious institution exemption in the Lansing Human Right s Ordinance be extended to all “members of their faith”. The Lansing City Council had been set to vote on the measure tonight. It now likely will wait at least a week so it can address those concerns, which deal primarily with religious exemptions. The ordinance would, among other things, prohibit harassment and discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity and student status. It still would be permissible for a religious organization to restrict employment opportunities based on those factors for officers, religious instructors and clergy. But some Diocese of Lansing leaders want those rights extended to all members of their faith, Councilwoman Kathie Dunbar said. “I respect their request and welcome them sharing their concerns, as I have with all members of the religious community,” said Dunbar, wh...
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Michigan Appeals Court Grants ACLU Victory in Gay Second Par
2006-12-13 16:14:01
From the Triangle Foundation: IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2006 CONTACT: Jay Kaplan, ACLU of Michigan LGBT Staff Attorney: 313.578.6812 Detroit — The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan applauded a Michigan Court of Appeals majority decision today to uphold second parent adoptions within same-sex relationships, a process that allows unmarried couples, including lesbian and gay couples, to establish a legal relationship with the couples? children. ?This is an outstanding victory for Michigan children and a welcome acknowledgment of hundreds of gay and lesbian parents,? said Jay Kaplan, ACLU of Michigan, LGBT Staff Attorney. ?Gay and lesbian families in Michigan can now feel secure in the permanence of the adoptions and know that courts cannot separate parents from their children without legal just cause.? The Appeals Court upheld an Ingham County Circuit Court?s decision affirming the permanency of second parent adoptions in Michigan. The ACLU of Michigan repre...
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Transgender Rights and Lansing
2006-12-10 04:11:06
The Lansing City Pulse reports that Trans gender rights will most likely be the primary battle with the Lansing Human Right s Ordinance. The Council is expected to soon pass an ordinance that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Once it passes, the AFA, which led the push to constitutionally ban gay marriage in Michigan two years ago, plans to initiate a petition drive to put the issue on the ballot. A similar effort to overturn a Lansing gay rights ordinance was successful 10 years ago, and anti-LGBT-rights activists think they can do it again.
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Merry Christmas
2006-12-10 04:11:06

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Michigan needs to regain leadership on gay issues
2006-12-05 04:08:01
Dep Price of the Detroit News: Since the birth of the modern-day gay rights movement in 1969, various states have taken turns in showing the way toward fully embracing those of us who’re gay. It’s time for Mich igan to begin moving toward rejoining the leaders.
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From The Triangle Foundation
2006-12-03 16:06:02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2006 Contact: Stephanie Newman 313-537-3323 x 103 Just4Us Continues Holiday Tradition ? Tria ngle, Other Organizations to Benefit FERNDALE ? Many people would like to remember a gift for their favorite non-profit organization during the holiday season, but don?t have time to call around and find out what the organizations need. Never fear ? Just4Us is here with ?The Giving Tree? to make remembering the metro Detroit area?s GLBT organizations that much easier. ?We are a gay lesbian community based store and we give back to the community every year. This is just an opportunity for our customers to also give back to the community? said Just4Us owner Kevin Rogers. This year the Triangle Foundation , the Ruth Ellis Center, the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project and Metropolitan Community Church will benefit from the annual giving drive. Just4Us has sponsored the program for three years. Participating organizations have given Just 4Us a...
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World AIDs Day December 1
2006-12-02 16:06:03
World AIDs day is December 1. Lets all do our part to stop the spread of AIDs.
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Lansing Human Rights Ordinance
2006-12-02 16:06:03
From Equality Michigan THANK YOU AND PLEASE BE WITH US AGAIN ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 11TH! Thank you for sending e-mails, making phone calls and writing letters to the Lansing City Council in support of the Human Right s Ordinance. The opposition has been inundating the council with their e-mails and messages so it is very important that our voice is heard! For those of you who have not made contact, please do so; our e-mail, phone call and letter writing campaign is not over. The Lansing Association for Human Rights and Michigan Equality will not stop fighting for this ordinance until it is voted in. Thank you to those of you who were able to join us at Lansing City Hall on Monday, November 20th for the public hearing. Please join us again when the Lansing City Council votes on the Human Rights Ordinance, Monday December 11, 2006. Again, in order to get a seat in the council chamber you should be at City Hall no later than 6:30 p.m. We were able to pack the chamber with our support...
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Democrats Chance to Step Up on LGBT Issues
2006-12-02 16:06:03
Will the Demo crats grow a pair and set the agenda, or will they do what they always do, and let the Republicans? Sean Kosofsky, of the Triangle Foundation has written a very interesting article for Between the Lines.
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New Direction
2006-12-02 16:06:03
It has been awhile since I have posted anything to my blog. I have been contemplating changing the focus of this blog. Over the next week or so, I will be redesigning (somewhat) my blog, and taking it in a new direction centering on gay issues here in the state of Michigan. I believe this is an important step, as well as an important topic that I feel is very under covered in the blogosphere. Thanks for your understanding.
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Net Neutrality
2006-09-01 20:45:03
If you can: Internet freedom is under attack by the nation’s largest phone and cable companies. Corporations like AT&T and Comcast are strong-arming Congress to vote down Net Neutrality — the principle that preserves a free and open Internet — when senators return to Washington in the fall. The vote is likely to be close, and we need Sen. Debbie Stabenow on our side. She has not yet declared her position on Net Neutrality, but we can help make up her mind. Help us send a message to Senator Stabenow. Next week in Detroit, members of the SavetheInternet.com Coalition are delivering thousands of petition signatures from Michigan residents to Senator Stabenow’s office. Here are the details: WHAT: Petition delivery to Senator Stabenow WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006, Noon WHERE: Outside Senator Stabenow’s office, 243 W.Congress, Detroit Can you help deliver the petitions asking Senator Stabenow to protect Net Neutrality? Click here to RSVP. Let u...
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Stepped Up Security at the Mighty Mac
2006-08-20 20:39:02
The Coast Gaurd is stepping up security around the Mac kinac Bridge: Coast Guard officials say they have stepped up patrols around the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. Officials say they have credible evidence that three men arrested Friday were targeting the bridge in a terrorist plot.
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Dick Names A Running Mate
2006-08-20 20:39:02
ClickOnDetroit is reporting that Dick DeVos has just named his running mate, Oakland County Clerk, Ruth Johnson.
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Woodward Dream Cruise Is A Pain In The Ass
2006-08-20 20:39:02
I honestly hate the Wood ward Dream Cruise ! For those of you around the globe that are not familiar with the Woodward Dream Cruise: the Woodward Dream Cruise, the world?s largest one-day celebration of car culture, attracts more than 1 million visitors and more than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles. It practically brings the subburbs of Detroit to a halt, disrupting the lives and businesses of everyone who is within a 5 miles of Woodward Avenue. Not to mention all the white trash it brings with it - uggh. It is offically only the one day, Saturday, August 19, but it has started already, with Woodward being bogged down with tons of traffic.
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Republican On Our Side
2006-08-06 20:33:02
Patricia Godchaux is running against Joe Knollenberg in the 9th Congressional District Republic a n Primary August 8th. She is a “progressive” Republican who has been endorsed by such organizations as the Log Cabin Republicans and Pride PAC, as well as individuals such as the Triangle Foundation’s Executive Director, Jeffrey Montgomery and Director of Policy, Sean Kosofsky. Godchaux deserves our support. Knollenberg has issued the following attack ad showing how desperate he has become.
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A Good Start To Fundraising
2006-08-06 20:33:02
Sorry posting has been a little slow recently, but I have been extremely busy. I would like to report that my fundraising has hit $125. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far, especially the great people over at Rochen Host, where I host this blog. They are a great company!
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AIDS Walk Detroit September 17
2006-08-06 20:33:02
AIDS Walk Detroit is being held on Sept ember 17 this year, and I have decided to walk in it. I have several friends who have been stricken with this horrible disease, and I felt it was time I actually did what I could to help them out. If you would like to help out, please click here. I thank you, and so do my friends.
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Strangers Made Me Laugh
2006-08-06 20:33:02
Friday night, I went on a date with someone I really like, we have been seeing each other for a bit now. We went to dinner, and then to see Stra nge rs With Candy. I was going to post about this yesterday, until I read about the funeral of Sgt. Duane Dreasky, and out of respect, I wanted to leave my post concerning his funeral at the top for a day. We had a great time, I found the movie to be extremely funny, just as much as I do the show, but of course the best part was spending the time with him
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RIP Sgt. Duane Dreasky
2006-08-06 20:33:02
I wish I would have known sooner, but I have been a little out of the loop. But I would like to thank Kevin over at The Kevin and Patrick Blog for posting the info. I live in the Detroit area, and I wish I would have known ahead of time, because GOD knows I would have been to Sgt. Duane Dreasky’s funeral service. Please read the informative article at DebbieSchlussel.com. Thank You Sgt. Duane Dreasky, for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

Canvass for Candidates!
2006-08-06 20:33:02
Anyone want to help? The Log Cabin Republicans of Michigan, Michigan Equality, and Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality are joining together on Saturday, July 29, 2006, in the Kalamazoo area to canvass for pro-LGBT candidates. This marks our first joint effort to help elect fair-minded candidates to office! Won’t you join us? WHEN: Saturday, July 29, 2006, 10:00 AM WHERE: Specific location TBD, Kalamazoo, Michigan WHY: To get pro-LGBT candidates elected at the Primary! If you’ve never been canvassing before, it can be quite a lot of fun. Volunteers will be broken down into teams and be given specific areas to canvass. Walk lists, campaign material, and surveys will be provided. You’ll be following the walk list and speaking with potential primary voters to inform them about our candidates. If you’d like more information or would like to volunteer, please contact Gregory Wright at gwright@lcr-mi.org, no later than Friday, July 28, 2006.
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