OutFront Kalamazoo Rally for Equality Highlights the Unfinished Work of LGBTQ+ Equity in State of Michigan

The LGBTQ+ community and allies gathered to raise visibility
and demonstrate the size, strength and diversity of the community and its allies.

KALAMAZOO, MI September 18, 2021 – OutFront Kalamazoo, one of Michigan’s largest LGBTQ+ community centers, held their first in person event since January of 2020 to rally the community around the unfinished work of LGBTQ+ equity. The Rally for Equality was held on September 18, 2021, from 11am to 2pm at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo.

“Over the past eighteen months, the health and economic crisis has raised awareness about existing inequalities and disparities experienced by the LGBTQ+ community in all areas of life: health, employment, education, housing and more,” said Amy Hunter, Executive Director of OutFront Kalamazoo. “It is time to gather together, to re-energize, reunite and raise our voices to demand change.”

The Rally for Equality focused attention on the inequities faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Southwest Michigan. The event featured several speakers who champion the fight for equality and stand against discriminatory policies in Michigan. Speakers included Michigan State Senator Sean McCann, Michigan State Representatives Julie Rogers, Kalamazoo County Commissioner Monteze Morales, Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson, YWCA Kalamazoo CEO Dr. Grace Lubwama, Kalamazoo Community Foundation CEO Carrie Pickett-Erway, C.A.R.E.S. Executive Director Kelly Doyle, KVCC Director of Diversity and Inclusion Trice Batson, and Western Michigan University’s LBGT Student Services Director Nate Nguyen.

“The Rally isn’t just an act of protest. It is an invitation to move past angry rhetoric and toward open, honest discussion about equity and justice,” said Hunter. “Progress toward equity and inclusion is made when we activate and engage the entire community in conversation about common values and common ground. We are here to talk about basic human values and needs: the ability to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, be safe in our communities, and take care of the ones we love.”

Local organizations, churches, and businesses such as CARES, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan, YWCA and others, joined OutFront Kalamazoo in support of this event. The current list of partner organizations that supported the Rally for Equality can be found at outfrontkzoo.org/rallyforequality.

OutFront Kalamazoo is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.

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