Urge Stronger Protections for LGBTQ+ Rights Beyond Proclamations

While I appreciate the proclamation declaring October 2025 as Transgender Empowerment Month in Michigan, I believe we need more substantial action to protect the rights of transgender and other LGBTQ+ individuals in our state. Proclamations are a good start, but they don't provide the tangible protections our community desperately needs. The expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act in 2023 was a significant step forward, extending protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, we must build upon this progress with concrete measures to safeguard our LGBTQ+ community, particularly our vulnerable youth. The statistics are alarming: transgender and nonbinary youth in Michigan face disproportionately high rates of suicide consideration. This crisis demands immediate and decisive action beyond symbolic gestures. We need comprehensive policies that address the root causes of discrimination and provide real support systems for LGBTQ+ individuals. I urge you to introduce and support legislation that goes beyond proclamations. We need laws that explicitly protect LGBTQ+ individuals from workplace discrimination, ensure equal access to healthcare, and prohibit conversion therapy. Additionally, we must allocate funding for LGBTQ+-specific mental health services and support programs in schools to address the critical needs of our youth. As we approach National Coming Out Day on October 11, 2025, let's make Michigan a true leader in LGBTQ+ rights. Our state has made progress, but we can't stop at proclamations. We need robust, enforceable protections that make a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ Michiganders. I ask you to champion these causes and work tirelessly to create a Michigan where every resident, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live freely and without fear of persecution.