Garlin Gilchrist

LANSING — On Sunday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II issued a proclamation marking June as Pride Month in Michigan, honoring the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, contributions and ongoing fight for equality.

“Pride Month is about celebrating identity, uplifting community, and standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Michiganders,” said Whitmer. “We’ve made historic progress together, established the first-ever statewide LGBTQ+ commission, expanded protections under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and banned conversion therapy for minors. But we know there’s more work to do. I will always stand up for LGBTQ+ Michiganders and fight to make Michigan a state where everyone can live with dignity and pride.”

“In every corner of our state, LGBTQ+ Michiganders are contributing to the strength and spirit of our communities,” said Gilchrist. “We must continue to uplift their voices, protect their rights, and ensure that Michigan is a safe and welcoming place for all. This month, we celebrate their courage and continue to stand tall alongside them in the fight for equality and justice.”

“This Pride Month takes our community back to its roots — fighting for recognition, dignity and equality,” said state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “As we face renewed attacks from reckless people in power, we are reminded that Pride Month started not as a celebration but as a liberation from bigotry. In Michigan, we have cemented our gains in law and the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act protects the LGBTQ community from discrimination in housing, employment, health care and education. We will not be rolling back this progress. We will continue to show up, speak out, and stand together, so that all Michiganders know they are free to live their lives authentically.”

“Pride in Michigan is about more than just celebration — it’s about showing up as our full selves, no matter where we are,” said Brandon Shamoun, M.Ed. LGBTQ+ Commission of Michigan Administrative Chair. “It’s about living our truth through, in every corner of the state, from small towns to big cities. Pride here means honoring those who came before us, those who fought so we could be seen, and continuing that fight for those still finding their voice. It’s about resilience, joy, and community – about lifting each other up and holding space for every identity, every story. In Michigan, Pride means knowing that who we are matters. That love is love, and that we belong – not just during Pride Month, but every single day of the year.”