LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to thes tate’s first-of-its-kind LGBTQ+ Commission.
Back in June, Whitmer made history by creating the LGBTQ+ Commission to ensure that Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community is represented at all levels of government, including its executive branch.
Elaborating on its rich history of championing equality, Michigan took another step toward inclusivity with the first-ever appointments to the newly established commission.
“As we face a National State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans, Michigan has been a beacon of hope for equality under Governor Whitmer’s leadership,” said Dakota Torolski, Michigan State Director, Human Rights Campaign. “From including explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protecting youth from the harmful practice of ‘conversion therapy’ Michigan is leading by example. Implementing the first-ever statewide LGBTQ+ commission is yet another stride toward making Michigan a more welcoming and prosperous place for all.”
“We are thrilled to learn of the diverse individuals who make up Michigan’s historic LGBTQ+ Commission, which includes necessary perspectives from young people and mental health expert voices,” said Gabby Doyle (she/her), Advocacy Campaign Manager at The Trevor Project. “This group will play a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ Michiganders at an equally critical time. Even as we end a record-breaking year for anti-LGBTQ policies across the country – and anticipate another challenging year ahead – we remain hopeful about the impact this commission will have toward creating a safe, supportive state for all who call Michigan home.”
Jay Kaplan, staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Project, applauded Whitmer’s appointments.
“Our state has made significant progress on LGBTQ+ civil rights through both policies and laws, but much work remains,” Kaplan said. “We are seeing unprecedented attacks on LGBTQ+ youth through book bans, Pride flag removal, anti-trans bathroom policies, and the prohibition on preferred pronouns and LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculums. We believe that the Governor’s Commission will play an important role in combatting this backlash and proactively moving LGBTQ+ rights forward.
Among those appointed:
- Brandon Shamoun, of Detroit, is the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Involvement, Activities and Organizations at Wayne State University. He is appointed to represent educators for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Dr. Renee McLaughlin, of Chatham, is the National Medical Director at CIGNA Healthcare was appointed to represent medical professionals who regularly provide care to the LGBTQ+ community for a term commencing Nov. 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Lacey Mandoka, of Rosebush, is a Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal member who currently works at Elijah Elk Cultural Center as a leadership intern. They are appointed to represent a tribal community for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Audra Wilson, of Saginaw, is a Clinical Workflow Specialist at Great Lakes Bay Health Center. She is appointed to represent the transgender community, for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Erin Knott, of Kalamazoo, is the Executive Director at Equality Michigan, a state-wide non-profit that educates and supports the LGBTQ+ community on the laws, policies, and regulations that are vital for support and safety. She is appointed to represent LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Anthony Williams, of Birmingham, is the Chief Executive Officer at Corktown Health, a non-profit LGBTQ-focused medical home. He is appointed to represent LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations in the form of a community center for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Al Gray, of Marquette, is a LLMSW at Suunta Integrative Health. They are being appointed to represent rural communities for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Diane Kreger, of Ann Arbor, is a psychotherapist who works in private practice with the Arbor Wellness Center. She is appointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Angela Gabridge, of Grosse Pointe Park, is the Executive Director of MiGen – Michigan LGBTQ+ Elders Network. She is appointed to represent parents, guardians, or caregivers of a child who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Kevin Nguyen, of Ypsilanti, is a Master of Policy and Political Social Work student at the University of Michigan. He is appointed to represent 18-25-year-olds in the LGBTQ+ community for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Dr. Tonya Griffith, of Grosse Pointe Woods, works as a clinical trauma therapist at Limitless Possibilities Counseling Services, a private practice she owns in Harper Woods. She is appointed for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Bishop Bonnie A. Perry, of Detroit, is a Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, which oversees seventy-two churches, over 100 clergy, and more than 17,000 lay people. She is appointed to represent religious institutions that welcome the LGBTQ+ community for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
- Danielle (Dani) Woods, of Detroit, is a 24-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department. She is appointed to represent first responders for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.
Raúl Hernández Guzmán has been selected as the first administrator for the LGBTQ+ Commission. Guzmán is a passionate advocate for Inclusive Access to Education, Equitable Employment Opportunities, Community Building and Social Impact.
Guzmán holds a professional Strategic Human Resources Leadership certificate from Cornell University, a Master of Management from Aquinas College, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and International Business from Grand Valley State University.
