Michigan Equality hosts event in GR to introduce new Executive Director

Last night about 50 people gathered in Grand Rapids to meet the new Executive Director of the statewide organization Equality Michigan.

Earlier this week Equality Michigan announced that Denise Brogan-Kator was named the new Executive Director and she and other staff have been visiting communities across the state to let them know the of organization’s future plans and find out what communities need to fight for greater equality for the LGBTQ rights.

In a media release from Equality Michigan, Brogan-Kator states:

“I am excited about the opportunity to move equality forward with our talented team, and humbled by the support I’ve received. My focus is to end legal workplace and housing discrimination in Michigan by bringing our antiquated state nondiscrimination law in line with those states, which understand that equality for all is central to being competitive. I know what it is like to lose a job after you’ve performed well; I know what it is like to hear homophobic and transphobic slurs; I know what it’s like to nearly lose my children in the legal system; I know what it’s like to feel unsafe walking with my partner – all for no reason other than who I am.”

After making a few comments to the audience we had a chance to speak with Denise on camera about the work of Equality Michigan, her assessment of where West Michigan is on LGBTQ issues, the Holland vote and the significance of her new appointment as a trans woman.