KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – OutFront Kalamazoo, one of Michigan’s largest LGBTQ+ community centers, announced Wednesday that it will host an event next month to rally the community around LGBTQ+ equity.
The Rally for Equality will be held on September 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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,” Executive Director of OutFront Kalamazoo Amy Hunter said in a statement. “It is time to gather together, to re-energize, reunite and raise our voices to demand change.”
Officials say the Rally for Equality will focus attention on the inequities faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Southwest Michigan.
Confirmed speakers at the rally include the following –
- Michigan State Senator Sean McCann,
- Michigan State Representatives Julie Rogers and Christine Morse,
- Kalamazoo County Commissioner Monteze Morales,
- Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson,
- Kalamazoo Vice Mayor Patrese Griffin,
- YWCA Kalamazoo CEO Dr. Grace Lubwama,
- Kalamazoo Community Foundation CEO Carrie Pickett-Erway,
- CARES Executive Director Kelly Doyle, 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,” Hunter added. “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, are joining with OutFront Kalamazoo in support of this event.
The current list of partner organizations supporting the Rally for Equality can be found at outfrontkzoo.org/rallyforequality.
Comments