Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission: Advocating for Change in the Queer Community

The Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission, established by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in June 2023, is a volunteer body comprising 15 members dedicated to advocating for the state's LGBTQ+ community. Despite lacking a budget and operating without pay, the commission has significantly influenced policy changes, including a historic $10 million investment in LGBTQ+ health disparities and the expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. The commission's work is grounded in community engagement, gathering stories and data to inform state policies.

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Raúl Hernández-Guzmán serves as the commission's administrative chair, emphasizing the importance of representing the LGBTQ+ community's voice to the state government. The commission includes diverse members such as Anthony Williams, CEO of Corktown Health; Erin Knott, executive director of Equality Michigan; and Dr. Renee McLaughlin, national medical director at CIGNA Healthcare. This diversity allows the commission to address various issues affecting different segments of the LGBTQ+ population, from healthcare to business.

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For the year 2026, the commission has outlined four primary priorities:

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1. Protections: Ensuring anti-discrimination policies are enforced to safeguard LGBTQ+ Michiganders.

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2. Health: Expanding access to culturally competent healthcare, including gender-affirming care.

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3. Education: Advocating for inclusive curricula in schools to create safe environments for LGBTQ+ students.

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4. Workforce Equity: Addressing discrimination in hiring and fostering pathways for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

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These priorities are pursued through community needs assessments and partnerships with local LGBTQ+ organizations.

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The commission actively engages with the community through listening sessions, such as the one held in August 2025 at Affirmations in Ferndale, which focused on the experiences of LGBTQ+ small business owners. These sessions are designed to gather insights on challenges faced by the community, allowing commissioners to relay this information to policymakers. Hernández-Guzmán noted, "The work of the commission is to be the voice of our LGBTQ+ community to the state government and vice versa."

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The commission's efforts have been recognized as transformative for Michigan's LGBTQ+ landscape. Angela Gabridge, executive director of MiGen, remarked on the unprecedented nature of the health disparities funding, stating, "This is the first time in Michigan the Department of Health and Human Services will have targeted resources at their disposal to invest specifically in improving health outcomes and social determinants of health for the LGBTQ+ community."

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While the commission has made significant strides, challenges remain. Critics argue that despite these advancements, systemic barriers still exist within healthcare and employment sectors that disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals. The commission's ability to influence policy is limited, as they cannot write legislation or mandate funding, which some community members feel hinders their effectiveness.

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The commission's public meetings for 2026 are scheduled to facilitate ongoing community engagement. These meetings will allow individuals to voice their concerns and experiences directly to the commission. Additionally, the commission will participate in Capitol Day on May 13, 2026, to advocate for LGBTQ+ issues with state legislators.

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• “Simply put, it's never happened before,” — Angela Gabridge, Executive Director, MiGen

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• “The work of the commission is to be the voice of our LGBTQ+ community to the state government and vice versa,” — Raúl Hernández-Guzmán, Administrative Chair

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• “Community members can get help by connecting with the commission and attending our events so their voices can be heard,” — Raúl Hernández-Guzmán, Administrative Chair

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