Ferndale Pride Donates $11,000 to Local Charities (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 1, 2016) Ferndale, MI – Ferndale’s annual celebration of love and diversity for the LGBTQ community – Ferndale Pride – is not just an event that brings people together. It’s an event that raises money for local charities. And this year $11,000 was given…
Ferndale Elks Honor City Employees, Senior and Citizen of the Year (Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 11, 2016) Ferndale, MI – The Ferndale Elks know the value that city employees bring to the community, so each year they honor one from each department – nominated by their supervisor – as well as an outstanding senior and…
Holly Lanes Hosting LGBT and Friends Night to Connect Around Equality Oct. 19 (Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 17, 20160 Holly, MI – Following last Tuesday’s decision by the Village of Holly Council not to adopt a human rights ordinance that would have given LGBT people the same civil rights at other marginalized groups, the folks…
Village of Holly Votes 6-1 Against Human Rights Ordinance (Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 12, 2016) Holly, MI – The Village of Holly voted 6-1 against adopting a human rights ordinance that would have prohibited discrimination against LGBT people. Several members of the public spoke against the ordinance. “There’s a natural, inherent conflict because we’re trying…
Holly to Vote Tuesday on Human Rights Ordinance (Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 10, 2016) Holly, MI – The Village of Holly Council is expected to vote Tuesday on adopting a human rights ordinance that would include sexual orientation and gender identity and expression to the list of classes that are protected under the law against…
People of Faith Organizing Around LGBT Equality – Conference Sept. 17 (Event Page) Brighton, MI – You are invited to attend our conference and training to build a statewide faith network dedicated to justice and the full inclusion of transgender, lesbian, bisexual and gay people in our congregations and society-at-large. Don’t miss it! St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 200…
Village of Lake Orion Moves Forward with Human Rights Ordinance (Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 22, 2016) Lake Orion, MI – “It’s really time for the village to make another kind of decision – that discrimination is not okay and diversity is welcome in our community.” Attorney Ken Mogill’s words summed up the discussion that preceded…
Villages of Lake Orion and Holly Considering Non-Discrimination Ordinances (Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 17, 2016) Holly, MI – At least two Oakland County municipalities are considering whether to adopt LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances, also known as human rights ordinances. The ordinances would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of things that cannot be…
We Got This #1: Cheryl Salinas-Tucker, Owner of Rouge Makeup and Nail Studio in Ferndale (Crystal A. Proxmire, July 1, 2016) Ferndale, MI – Women from around the world gathered in Washington DC on June 14 for the United States of Women Summit. The event featured a series of speakers celebrating the successes of women…
Rainbow Run Celebrates Diversity in Ferndale (C. Proxmire, June 16, 20160 Ferndale, MI – The Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Rainbow Run on June 5, with over 500 runners and walkers winding through the streets of Ferndale while sponsors at color stations sprayed them with powdered paint. The event is a celebration…
Guest View: The Role of Righteousness in Orlando Shooting and Others (Kathleen LaTosch, June 15, 2016) “We’ve reached no definitive judgment on the precise motivations of the killer.” “It’s a hate crime and an act of terror.” “We need tougher gun laws.” “We need more help for the mentally ill.” We are here again. Another…
Artists Showcase Their Work in Downtown Ferndale Art Walk and Roll (Crystal A. Proxmire, May 7, 2016) Ferndale, MI – Thursday evening guests to Downtown Ferndale saw more than the sunny weather, eclectic shops and unique restaurants. Thanks to the Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission there was a bonus amount of art, including live demonstrations.…
Ferndale Celebrates Good Neighbors (Crystal A. Proxmire, April 20, 2016) Ferndale, MI – When Alyssa Atkinson was presented with her Good Neighbor = Strong Community Award, the presented talked about one Atkinson’s strongest traits, her vulnerability. “Being a volunteer means two things, one is showing up, showing up and putting yourself out there,” said Councilperson…
Ferndale School Board to Vote on LGBTQ-Supportive Resolutions (Ferndale Public Schools, April 17, 2016) Ferndale, MI – On Monday, April 18th, 2016, the Ferndale Schools Board of Education will vote on two resolutions in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) rights. The first resolution will be in support of the State of…
Royal Oak Bans Travel to NC in Wake of Anti-LGBTQ Legislation (Crystal A. Proxmire, April 12, 2016) ROYAL OAK, MI – Across the country municipalities and corporations have been making pledges not to travel to the state of North Carolina, and the City of Royal Oak is among them. On Monday the City Commission unanimously…
FDA Changes Policy on Gay Men Donating Blood (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 30, 3015) Washington, DC – The FDA announced on Dec. 21 that men who had sex with men (MSM) would be allowed to donate blood as long as they had not had sexual contact in over a year. Previously there was a lifetime…
Trial Proceeds against Officer Who Reportedly Revealed Informant’s ID with Fatal Consequence (Goodman and Hurwitz, Dec. 15, 2015) Madison Heights, MI – Note: This story comes from the blog of Goodman and Hurwitz, the firm representing Hilliard’s family. We are running it as is because it does a good job explaining the issues involved in…
Affirmations, State’s Largest LGBT Center, Ends Helpline Program (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 10, 2015) Ferndale, MI – Where can LGBT people, and those seeking information about LGBT issues, turn when they need someone to talk to about the unique problems faced by being in the queer community? For the last 27 years, that answer has…
LGBT Community Considers 2016 Ballot Initiative (video) (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 8, 2015) Ann Arbor, MI – In Michigan it is illegal to discriminate against people based on factors such as race, religion, age and disability. However, discrimination continues against people in the LGBT community because it is legal to do so. In Michigan people…
Race in Community Project Asks: What Does Diversity in Ferndale Mean? (Guest View by Kathleen LaTosch, Dec. 1, 2015) Ferndale, MI – Everyone says diversity is good for us. Business leaders expound upon the economic benefits of having a diverse workforce – the creativity, the increased problem-solving ability. Liberals say it’s “the right thing to…