Michigan Department of Civil Rights’ Post

In celebration of Nonbinary Awareness Week, we’re revisiting some research that sheds light on the growing recognition of nonbinary identities. Did you know that over 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ youth identify as nonbinary? This highlights the importance of respecting pronouns and affirming these diverse identities. Dive into our blog to learn more about the dynamic nature of gender and how we can all be better allies to nonbinary folks. Read the full article here: https://loom.ly/DGdBwMY #NonbinaryAwarenessWeek #TheFutureIsNonbinary

Today is LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day. Research indicates more than 60% of LGBTQ+ people have experienced domestic, family and intimate partner violence. There is crossover in the drivers of violence against women and LGBTQ+ people. This includes rigid gender norms, cisnormativity and heteronormativity, which all underpin gender inequality. We stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities and work towards a future free of violence for everyone. For more information go to LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation Need help? Please reach out to 1800RESPECT Australia or QLife for confidential support and resources. #SeenAndBelieved [Alt: Purple and white text on a black background: #SeenAndBelieved, because everyone deserves the right to live a life free from violence and abuse. 28 May, LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day, DVAFoundation.org. A picture of the Rainbow Pride and Trans Pride ribbon. Surrounding the image, a boarder featuring the colours of the LGBT Pride flag and Trans Pride flag.]

Creating a sense of belonging for all of our people is a central tenet of our firm. This includes all of our transgender, nonbinary, gender-expansive and other LGBTQ+ colleagues. We stand with them. #TransDayofVisibility In the last five years, our lawyers have contributed more than 13,600 hours of pro bono services for LGBTQ+ causes on behalf of 70+ clients. Among many other matters, we have assisted in name change clinics, advocated for persecuted individuals seeking asylum and represented national organizations seeking to overturn bans on gender affirming care. Learn more about this groundbreaking work on Law360: https://bit.ly/3IYzSkY

In many countries, LGBTQ+ people face stigma and discrimination, which creates barriers to fully exercise their fundamental rights, including accessing life-saving healthcare services. We need to treat all people as we would like to be treated - with respect and dignity! I invite you to read this summary of activities that UNAIDS is launching tomorrow, on #IDAHOBIT, to leverage the voices and work of LGBTQ+ people around the world. A way to showcase their resilience and the strong advocacy efforts for policy change for better healthcare facilities and to protect their rights : https://lnkd.in/epgaausf

'Hiding part of your identity has a massive impact on your mental health’ - John Shortell, Musicians' Union A new report highlights the experience of LGBTQ+ musicians in the UK’s orchestral landscape, revealing that discrimination is still all too common in such environments. We take a look in our April issue Analysis feature: https://trib.al/4JwJ7GY

📣 FROM THE BLOG: Project 2025 says some marriages are better than others Project 2025 promotes a theocratic vision of marriage, prioritizing "heterosexual, intact" unions and advocating against LGBTQ+ equity and single motherhood. This initiative underscores the Heritage Foundation's push for a "biblically based" definition of family, which excludes diverse family structures and reinforces traditional gender roles. Instead, let's support all families, regardless of their structure. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ej3bAucj

GLAAD’s 2024 Accelerating Acceptance Study arrives at a monumental inflection point for the LGBTQ community and for our entire country. While #acceptance for #LGBTQ people remains at supermajority levels, the data this year also sounds substantial alarms about threats to this progress and to freedoms valued by every American. The same extremist lawmakers, judges and media sources targeting abortion access, contraception, free and fair elections, and free speech, are using the same strategies of fear and disinformation to undermine LGBTQ people and our equality. Fortunately, the data also points to proven ways to keep expanding and accelerating acceptance. Our study shows that more non-LGBTQ people have been inspired to speak up for LGBTQ #equality as a result of accurate news coverage, and voters have shown up in election after election to reject extremist candidates and their anti-trans campaigns. GLAAD’s Accelerating Acceptance Study should continue to inspire and empower all of us to rise up and speak out for everyone’s freedom to be themselves. Our #safety, our collective success, and the future of our democracy depend on it. Check out GLAAD’s 2024 Accelerating Acceptance Study here ⤵ https://lnkd.in/g4NujX2M

Today is LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day, a crucial time to recognise and address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in abusive relationships. Domestic violence affects everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It's essential that we create inclusive and supportive environments where survivors feel safe to seek help. Let's raise awareness, support survivors, and advocate for comprehensive resources that address the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a future free from violence and discrimination. #LGBTQ #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SupportSurvivors #InclusiveSupport

Today, 17 May, marks International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (#IDAHOTB). This year’s theme, “No one left behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for all” is a call for unity in light of the 75th Anniversary celebrating the formation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Although the declaration promotes “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”, many LGBTQ+ people around the world still live in a world with injustice, fear and discrimination. We can all raise awareness of IDAHOTB within our work place, departments, to colleagues, patients and visitors. Being an ally, challenging/reporting discrimination, looking at ways we incorporate our THRIVE values in the work we do and thinking of how we engage with everyone can make a real difference. We are proud to share that the LGBTQ + and Allies Staff Network and the Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are here to support our staff experiencing discrimination. #EQW2024

Pride isn’t just about having a parade, it’s about the transformation of shame In our latest insight article by Neil John Cunningham, we explore why being proud is essential for LGBTQ+ individuals and how Pride parades have evolved from small gatherings, often attended by hate groups, to symbols of progress and acceptance. We discuss the internal and external challenges faced by the community and how Pride helps transform shame into joy. Discover the importance of visibility, the role of supportive communities, and the power of embracing one's true self. Read more about these insights and personal experiences in our latest article. 🔗 Link to the article in the comments