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Big News! Our Book Ban Prevention Guide is out now! Developed by our Policy Squad, this Guide is phase 1 of the larger Representation Matters! initiative and will be used as a tool during phase 2 when community members are advocating for inclusion at school and library board meetings. 

Books and media that represent the community at large can help to prevent bullying, provide understanding, and gives LGBTQ+ people, or kids of LGBTQ+ parents, relatable characters.

This guide applies the movie rating system to some of the most frequently banned LGBTQ+ books, allowing for an open dialogue on how ALL books must be reviewed for age-appropriate content, while also outlining how if a book does not contain violence, language, sex, nudity, or drugs, that the book should not be banned simply for containing LGBTQ+ characters. 

LGBTQ+ people are part of our communities, and our freedoms in this country should protect us from the restriction of age-appropriate content based on only one perspective at schools and libraries. While one parent may not want their kid to read a certain book (and can certainly implement that guideline for their family), removing these books from public shelves affects the rights of the parents who do want and need access to these books. Maintaining access to books on complex topics is vital to our American ideals, while one can certainly choose not to read books they don't like. 

The Policy Squad is volunteer-led and receives the support and guidance of CFM on topics such as the Name Change Guide, book ban prevention, inclusive places of worship, and voter education. 

To get involved with the volunteer-led Policy Squad and the next phases of this project, or any other passion-project, go to https://forms.gle/qZtSxTVDTGKrAKuD7

On Tuesday, a federal judge expanded her injunction on Trump's ban on gender markers reflecting gender identity to allow for anyone who was affected by the policy to apply for a new passport or update an existing passport. 

This means that while the legality of the Trump Administration's policy is battled in court, transgender Americans are still able to apply for passports with an X gender marker or to change the gender marker from their biological sex to one that matches their gender identity. As this is not a final decision on the overall case, the ACLU has recommended transgender individuals don't wait to apply.  Regardless of what the final outcome of the case is, all passports already issued will remain valid. We applaud this injunction and the temporary relief it will provide. Please reach out with further questions or help with navigating passport applications.  

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States released their opinion on United States v. Skrmetti, a case out of Tennessee that sought to overturn the state's ban on gender affirming healthcare for minors for being in violation of the Equal Protection Clause. While states have a right to make laws to protect the health and welfare of their people, they must not be done in a discriminatory way. The question on appeal was which legal test should apply -- rational basis (a lower standard) or heightened scrutiny (a higher standard). While sex is a protected class and thus requires a higher standard of review, the majority held that care was not being denied based on sex, but based on age and purpose of the treatment, while applying the law equally to all individuals, regardless of sex. Therefore, the rational basis test was used which has two parts: 1. The law must serve a legitimate purpose, and 2. The law is reasonably related to that purpose. Since the defendants outlined concerns regarding gender affirming healthcare on minors, and the law was related to that concern, the Court determined the law did not violate the Equal Protection Clause. The Court did not make a determination on the quality of the law as it relates to public policy, as they left this up to voters and who they elect. 

While we believe voters and their elected officials in Tennessee and similar states should amend the law to allow for medical professionals to adequately treat their transgender patients, we also believe the Court applied the incorrect legal test. 

CFM aligns more closely with Justice Sotomayor's dissenting opinion, which outlines how the law is discriminatory based on sex, as under the law a biological male minor is able to receive hormone treatment to look more like how society expects a boy to look, but a biological female is not able to receive hormone treatment to look more like a boy, and vice versa. Therefore, the law is not applied equally based on sex and desired gender presentation, and therefore the higher standard of review should have been used. Whether or not this law or a similar law would pass that standard of review is up to a future Court to determine. Even under this current decision, we believe there may be opportunity to state a claim under different law, as laws such as this prohibit what is often life-saving care for a whole demographic of people. 

In the meantime, it's important to note:

• Michigan law does not prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, and your protections in Michigan still exist. This could change if an anti-LGBTQ+ majority legislature or Governor is elected in the future. 

• The Supreme Court's Bostock decision remains in effect, providing LGBTQ+ people protection in the workplace. 

• For those who live in states with laws such as the Tennessee law, know that there are many ways to provide gender affirmation while we fight back, including calling people by their chosen name and pronouns, providing gender-affirming clothes, hair, makeup, and other products, and ensuring transgender youth are connected with LGBTQ+ affirming mental health providers as they navigate puberty and other challenges. 

• A vast majority of transgender children do not seek to medically transition. Further, patients already have protections from doctors who provide treatments that harmed their patients. A blanket-ban on care is just discriminatory and doesn't make children safer. Children who qualify for these treatments but cannot receive them face high rates of depression and suicide. This law seeking to protect children puts them at extreme risk. 

While many are willing to have tough policy conversations around what gender-affirming care should look like for minors, we know these laws are passed under the guise of medicine or protecting youth from medical transitions while still developing, because the vast majority of the people voting for these politicians who pass these laws are not turning around and then supporting LGBTQ+ youth in other non-medical ways, such as tearing down outdated gender stereotypes like who can have long hair, who can wear a dress, who can put on makeup, or what name they choose to call themselves. In fact, it's usually the same people looking to restrict what books we have in libraries, and who we can marry. It's not pragmatic policy, it's just hate in disguise. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

We are pleased to announce the release of our 2024 Annual Report, highlighting our efforts over the past year as well as taking a brief look at our financial position. We recently celebrated our third anniversary at the annual Dandelion Dinner & Awards. It was wonderful to gather as a community to take a look back over the past year, as well as a look ahead. Additionally, we were able to celebrate members of our community who have been advocates for our community. Like a community garden, it takes the efforts of volunteers, donors, staff, and partner organizations to nurture a bountiful crop that best serves our neighbors. 

A few highlights of the 2024 annual report include:

• The launch of all remaining programs outlined in our Stategic Plan, well ahead of schedule.

• Recruitment and training began for our Dandelion Homes program. 

• While many organizations cease operations or accumulate massive within their first three years, we hit the three-year mark with zero debt and are prepared to scale-up all of our programs in 2025 and beyond. 

The full report can be viewed here. 

We want to thank the community for your support over the past year. We look forward to the work ahead, and cultivating change with all of you. Thank you. 

Our Executive Director had the privilege of drafting advocacy letters to federal and state officials on behalf of the Michigan HIV/AIDS Council, as well as drafting the official statement of the council, on the topic of protecting HIV/AIDS funding and programs. 

The federal letter, sent to the White House, the Department of Health, the CDC, select members of Congress and our two Senators, advocated against current and proposed cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and Medicaid -- which provides treatment to many lower income Americans. 

The state letter -- sent to the Governor, the Department of Health, and select members of the legislature, advocated for the importance of these programs, and to work diligently to attempt to cover funding shortfalls if the state should see cuts from the federal government. 

The public statement updated MHAC's followers and partners on what we are doing, as well as the status of programs and funding. 

It's important to note that while the Trump Administration temporarily removed HIV data from the CDC website, a court ordered them to reinstate this vital public health information. While some universities have begun to see federal grants on HIV/AIDS research gutted, right now previously approved congressional funding is still in place for treatment, care and Medicaid. However, as congress returns to deliberate on the budget, we are deeply concerned over proposed cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention and care, as well as proposed cuts to Medicaid. While some have reported that federal HIV programs have already been cut, so far, the Trump Administration has indicated they will move these programs from the CDC to other parts of the Department of Health. We will keep you updated as things evolve. The history of America shows what happens when an epidemic is mishandled, and it's in the interest of all communities to protect against the spread of HIV. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

It has become increasingly difficult to find titles to these statements since President Trump took office, with words like further, additional, and continued becoming so common a reader such as yourself may not be able to tell the statements apart. 

Rather than attempt to write individual statements on each action, you may have noticed we've been grouping them together whenever possible. Say what you want about the former Administration, but during Biden's tenure we didn't wake up every morning wondering what new attack our community would be confronted with. Let our record of statements then versus now serve as a reminder of the progress we were making compared to the state of our politics now. 

While our civil liberties are threatened here at home, the international community has taken note by adding the United States to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist. 

During this same period, President Trump shared a photo of a pink triangle in response to an article discussing transgender people being banned from the military. For those who are unaware, the pink triangle was used in Nazi Germany, as a way to identify members of the LGBTQ+ community during their persecution and murder in the concentration camps, comparable to the Star of David the Nazi's made Jewish people wear during the Holocaust. 

In the same week, a Republican Committee Chair called transgender congressmember Sarah McBride, "Mr. McBride" and promptly adjourned the meeting rather than apologize when another member of congress confronted the disrespect.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is considering hearing a case that seeks to overturn conversion therapy bans. Harmful and debunked "therapies" are not the right of parents to subject their children to, nor should licensed professionals be able to provide these dangerous services.

Here in Michigan, the Republican House of Representatives voted for a resolution to urge the Michigan High School Athletic Association to ban trans women from playing on women's sports teams, which would violate our state's nondiscrimination law. 

In summary, we have a lot of work to do. Join us as a volunteer and as a donor. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Democrats defeated an anti-trans bill in the United States Senate.

While the Trump Administration is still attempting to withhold funding to states who respect gender identity in school sports through Executive Orders and departmental policy, this is currently being fought in court. Meanwhile, this win in Congress helps to prevent further barriers to the transgender community. 

It is our view that the transgender community by and large has always been open to discussion on fairness in sports, and how to navigate this complex issue. However, the Republican platform seeks to erase transgender people entirely, rather than work together to uplift transgender athletes while also ensuring equity for all other players through dialogue, collaboration and problem solving in how biology affects athletics. 

It’s important to note that this bill could have subjected athletes to invasive medical examinations to prove their biological sex. Additionally, what team would an intersex person (a person born with characteristics from both biological sexes) have to play on? Or how about biological women who play on women’s sports teams but have the muscular density and build traditional of a biological man? It is clear the Republican party is just using biological competitiveness as a guise for being anti-LGBTQ+. 

Further, bill sponsor Senator Tuberville (R-Alabama), advocated for the bill with blatant lies, stating that entire teams are made up of trans athletes. In our state, the Michigan High School Athletic Association reports there are two trans athletes playing on teams that align with their gender identity. Two. Out of over 271,000. 

We thank the Senate Democrats for standing up for the LGBTQ+ community in the face of relentless attacks. 

We hope the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress and in state legislatures can refocus their energy on issues that Americans actually care about, rather than fan the flames of culture wars simply because a small portion of the population expresses their gender differently than cultural norms, and/or identifies outside of historical gender roles and expectations.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

State Representative Schriver has a history of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric on his social media accounts. We are not surprised that he is preparing to unveil a House resolution encouraging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, more commonly known as the "gay marriage decision."

While we respect Mr. Schriver’s right to not enter into a gay marriage, we wish he could understand and respect our right to enter into a marriage with another consenting adult, with all the same rights of people who love differently than us. 

This rhetoric is not only a dangerous attack on rights, it’s incredibly clear that Mr. Schriver does not understand the legal system or judicial review.

The U.S. Supreme Court can only hear cases and cannot review a prior decision simply because a State House asks them to through a resolution. 

It is not shocking that a person who doesn’t understand basic rights like marriage equality also does not understand how our court system works. This ignorance has no place in our law-making bodies. 

While the resolution doesn’t legally do anything, it does send a dark message -- that our community does not deserve decency and equality under the law. We rebuke this pending action, and we ask you to put the pressure on any State House member that votes in favor of this resolution. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Over the last several weeks, we have watched as agencies and departments have begun implementing anti-LGBTQ+ orders in response to President Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ Executive Orders. In turn, states and organizations have started to review their own federally-funded programs to determine the impact these orders will have on them. We expect this to continue in the weeks and months ahead, and we encourage states and organizations to find new ways to fund vital programs that may see cuts under the Trump Administration. To make matters more complicated, many of these actions have been blocked, at least temporarily, by courts. Therefore, rather than outline every individual order, policy, or impacted program, we want to assure you that CFM is fighting back, but also to remind LGBTQ+ Michiganders that they have protections under state civil rights law. 

While every anti-LGBTQ+ action is concerning to us, we are also incredibly concerned with various actions we view as an attack on our democratic system. The White House released an image of President Trump wearing a crown, with the caption "Long Live the King," on the same day he called the President of Ukraine a "dictator." Several days prior, the Vice President questioned the power of judicial review, and virtually everyone is aware that the Trump Administration is attempting to dismantle departments and pause funding that was authorized by Congress, undermining Congress's ability to carry out their power. Additionally, Trump terminated the Inspectors General, became the head of the Kennedy Center -- which oversees art and culture -- and instructed the Department of Justice to investigate FBI agents who had previously investigated him. While each policy decision gives rise to concern, CFM does not feel these other actions are receiving enough attention. We can overcome political disagreements, reverse poor policy, elect new leaders, and fight for equality in court. However, those avenues for fighting back against poor policy requires our democratic systems to function, and we are incredibly concerned with the rapid concentration of power within the Executive Branch. 

Therefore, we ask you to direct your passion and concern into productivity. Please consider supporting our work through a donation, or through volunteering. The time to act is now!

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Within our January 21st statement, we expressed our disappointment when President Trump rescinded Former President Biden's Executive Order that had explicitly allowed for transgender people to serve in the military, putting the ability for trans people to continue to serve at risk. This week, President Trump signed an Executive Order banning trans people from being able to serve in the military, continuing his crusade against equality and dignity.  When we discriminate against qualified individuals willing to serve our country, our nation is less safe. 

President Trump then signed an Executive Order instructing federal agencies to stop financially supporting gender affirming care for those 19 and under. First and foremost, we are shocked that this order doesn't just apply to those who are minors, but to legal adults who are 18. We are also worried that this order could be used to stop federal support of counseling, and other forms of non-medical transitioning. It's important to note that medical transitioning including hormone blockers and surgery are uncommon in minors, as there is scientific data suggesting that medical transitioning individuals prior to and during puberty could have adverse effects. However, an all-out ban circumvents a doctor's expertise in regard to a patient's individual situation. Major medical associations around the U.S. and world support gender-affirming care as a science-based best-practice. Chosen Family of Michigan has always preferred non-medical transitioning for minors, as we know there are many other ways to affirm transgender youth while their bodies are actively developing, including gender affirming haircuts, makeup, clothes, pronouns, packing underwear and more. We believe this Executive Order not only undermines medical expertise but also misrepresents to the American people that transgender youth are being pressured into medical transitioning, further fanning the flames of a culture war. Further, it distracts people from issues that most Americans actually care about, while further degrading our community simply because we do not love or identify within the traditional confines of what is expected for binary gender roles.  It is clear this order was not truly to protect developing bodies from potentially adverse effects, as this is just one additional piece in his hate-filled puzzle of removing the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans and our ability to live, love, and express ourselves in a way that best suits how we feel. 

President Trump proceeded to sign another order that aims to cut federal funding to K-12 schools that have certain curriculum related to gender and race, while also instructing the Department of Justice to go after teachers who support trans students by using preferred names and pronouns. While we expect this order to face legal headwinds, especially in States like Michigan that have protections for LGBTQ+ students, we are deeply concerned with how the federal government is seeking to control curriculum matters through the "power of the purse", when curriculum is a state issue as schools are state run. 

In Michigan, the Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives has introduced legislation seeking to ban trans students in sports, and to prevent them from using bathrooms aligned with their gender identity, in violation of our state's civil rights law. Although this is unlikely to proceed due to having a pro-equity State Senate and Governor, it's important for Michiganders to understand what types of things could become law if we ever were to lose pro-equity people in the Senate or as Governor. 

It is easy to become overwhelmed and confused with the onslaught of Executive Orders coming from the Trump Administration. Let us take this moment to remind you that we cannot check-out or stand down, and LGBTQ+ advocacy is now more important than ever. However, advocacy takes resources. While social media has become America's town square to shout opinions, impacting change takes more than a status update or a shared article. Even with all of these attacks against us, and energy from our community to fight back, Chosen Family of Michigan has not received any new donations since President Trump took office, we have not had any new volunteers join our cause, nor has any organization stepped up to sponsor our upcoming events. If you are reading this, we need your financial support. If you are unable to give financially, then contact us for volunteer options. Doing nothing is simply not an option. It's easy to be angry, and easy to want things to be different. Your role as donor and as a volunteer is vital to protecting our community and advancing our ideals. We cannot do this work if we don't have the support of our community. While pro-equity people are certainly not responsible for these hateful orders, refusing to fight back by not voting, not donating, and not volunteering is complacency. The LGBTQ+ community, our democracy, and freedom, liberty, law and order all require effort and collaboration. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

In the midst of disappointing anti-LGBTQ+ actions at the federal level, Chosen Family of Michigan applauds progress in Michigan as Governor Whitmer signed HB 5400 and 5401 into law. 

These Acts expand decades-old hate crime laws to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity, providing more legal tools to protect the LGBTQ+ community from harm.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family of Michigan continues to monitor anti-LGBTQ+ actions coming through Executive Order by President Trump. 

First, it is being widely misreported that the President has rescinded the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (1972), which strengthened the 1964 Civil Rights Act by adding additional workplace protections for protected classes. An act, which was a bill passed by Congress and signed into law by a former President, cannot be rescinded by a President in an Executive Order. In fact, Donald Trump actually rescinded a prior Executive Order from President Lyndon Johnson called Equal Employment Opportunity (1965) that provided for non-discrimination within the federal government and within the federal contracting process. Although the Act and the Order have similar names, they do not have the same scope. While we are still saddened by this news, the LGBTQ+ community is still protected from discrimination in the workplace based on the Supreme Court “Bostock v. Clayton County” decision in 2020, and under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Additional protected classes are covered by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, although unfortunately President Trump instructed federal departments to not extend sex-based discrimination in that act to sexual orientation and gender identity through a separate order we reported on in our last statement. 

President Trump then banned LGBTQ+ Pride flags from being flown at U.S. Embassy's.

President Trump has spent his first 48 hours fanning the flames of a culture war, taking the focus off of issues that matter to most Americans and instead focusing on causing harm to diverse communities and degrading them. 

While we respect the right of news outlets and social media influencers to stay vigilant and post on issues that matter to them, many of these actions are legally complex, and misreporting on these issues can contribute to heightened alarm, and misinform people on their rights, while also providing companies false license to discriminate. CFM will continue to provide updates and fight through misinformation by careful analysis and utilizing restraint.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Within hours of taking office, President Trump chose to target LGBTQ+ Americans by rescinding Former President Biden's Executive Order 13988 -- which required federal agencies to extend existing nondiscrimination protections protecting sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Had the Equality Act passed and added sexual orientation and gender identity to the federal civil rights act, President Trump's ability to undue these rights would have had limited affect. We hope that one day with the right political make-up, the Equality Act will become the law of the land. While we fear for those across the country, we rest assured knowing in Michigan our state civil rights act still protects people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. 

President Trump also rescinded the Biden-era order that allowed transgender people to serve in the military, discontinued diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the Executive Branch, instructed the Attorney General on how to apply the Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, thus limiting the gender identity and sexual orientation protections outlined by the Court. President Trump also took action to place incarcerated transgender people in prisons in accordance with their sex-assigned-at-birth and not in alignment with their gender identity, while also cutting off funding for access to hormone treatment while incarcerated -- among other things. He further ended the Secretary of State policy allowing for inclusive gender markers on passports, and instructed federal departments to remove documents and reports, including Confronting Anti-LGBTQI+ Harassment in Schools: A Resource for Students and Families, and Supporting Intersex Students: A Resource for Students, Families and Educators, among many others. LGBTQ+ content was also promptly removed from the White House website, while he is also prohibiting federal agencies from providing grant funding to organizations providing diversity, equity and inclusion services, like Chosen Family of Michigan.

Ultimately, these decisions ignore the expertise of medical professionals, uphold traditional binary gender norms and expectations, and degrades the LGBTQ+ community, all while putting the focus on an issue that does not negatively affect non-LGBTQ+ Americans, and doesn't positively improve anyone's life, meanwhile circumventing the Supreme Court and affecting the Attorney General's independence. It does, however, provide safe harbor for bullies while putting our community at risk of harm. Chosen Family of Michigan never attempts to alter the closely held beliefs of those who disagree with us, nor do we attempt to force them to live their lives in the same way that we might. We do, however, fight for decency, respect, understanding and opportunity. These orders are contrary to that, and we will continue to fight back. 

Never forget the power you have in sharing your lived experiences as a way to change hearts and minds. We need our community to be brave, and we need to our allies to stand with us. When one group's rights are restricted, it calls into the question the legal basis for the rights of all of us. Our democracy is stronger when all of us are uplifted and able to present ourselves in a way that is authentic to each of us, without fear of discrimination or harm. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family is disheartened but not surprised by several anti-LGBTQ+ actions taken at the federal level. 

The Republican-led House of Representatives instituted a policy barring transgender people from using the bathrooms that align with their gender identity in the chamber and hall of the United States House of Representatives. This policy degrades transgender people and is off focus from issues that impact everyday Americans. 

This same body then passed H.R. 28, which seeks to implement a nationwide ban on transgender girls participating in school sports. This bill now heads to the Senate, where CFM joins in the fight with hundreds of organizations across the country in opposition to this bill. 

We are also saddened by a recent court decision that blocked the Biden Administration's attempts to expand Title IX to explicitly protect trans students. As an important reminder, transgender students are still protected in Michigan under our state civil rights act. 

CFM will keep watch on several anti-equality measures the incoming administration is planning to launch against the LGBTQ+ community, and we will keep you updated with vital information. It's important to note with the barrage of misinformation combined with heightened alarm, that paying attention to what sources you are receiving news from, and not simply reading headlines or social media posts, is needed to avoid further confusion and chaos as things unfold in coming days and weeks. CFM will always strive to remain level-headed, goal-oriented, and solution-focused.  

As you can read in our previous statement, our state has made progress in improving the name change and birth certificate process for transgender people, but efforts to prevent book bans and to codify current Secretary of State policy for inclusive gender markers on state IDs, did not make it to a full vote prior to the end of the session. We will continue to fight for progress in our state and within organizations, while we fight back against harmful policy at the federal level. As always, please reach out to us for assistance. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family applauds the progress that has been made in our state as Governor Whitmer signs HB 5300 and 5303 into law. These bills provide for a more seamless and equitable legal name change process. We look forward to updating our Name Change Guide once the law takes effect later this year. 

Unfortunately, HB 6034 and 6035, which were introduced late in the session and would assist in preventing book bans, passed in the House but did not come up for a vote in the Michigan Senate prior to the end of the legislative session. However, Chosen Family of Michigan is preparing to launch our own book ban prevention initiative, entitled “Representation Matters!” very soon. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family of Michigan expresses our support for bills pending in the Michigan House, which have been sent to committee for review. These bills, if approved, would make it more difficult for LGBTQ+ books to be removed from public libraries, as well as adjust the book removal process, including preventing complaints on materials coming from people who do not live within the library’s district. 

CFM is currently preparing to launch our book ban prevention initiative. Although we are hopeful this bill will get passed during this lame-duck session, we will be active in educating communities, uplifting the voices of pro-equity community members, and fighting for inclusive libraries, including public, school and university, regardless. 

Representation Matters. Period. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family of Michigan joins with the fight against HR 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. 

In name, it sounds great to be against terrorism. However, this bill would allow the Secretary of the Treasury, who is appointed by the President and serves within the Cabinet, to revoke the tax-exempt status of any nonprofit they deem as “terrorism supporting.” The organization has 90 days to submit evidence to the Secretary that they are not supporting terrorism, but the Secretary determines whether or not the evidence is satisfactory. Further, the Secretary does not need to provide any evidence or explanation. The language of the bill is vague, and organizations like CFM are incredibly worried that anti-LGBTQ+ administrations could use this to target nonprofit groups for political reasons. This bill in its current form violates the due process rights of nonprofit organizations. 

The other portion of the bill would postpone tax-filing deadlines for Americans and their spouses who are wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad. While we fully support this portion of the bill, the Senate has already passed this, and the House simply needs to pass the Senate version. 

In order to receive tax-exempt status, nonprofits must fall under one of many pre-approved IRS categories. Once approved, the nonprofit can lose their tax-exempt status if their work is not within the scope of what they received their tax-exempt status for. These mechanisms, in addition to other laws that prevent Americans and American-based organizations from supporting terrorism, already protect our national security, when properly enforced.

This bill is not only unnecessary but could be used as a political tool to target domestic dissent with its vague language and expansive powers granted to the Executive branch, without the need to show evidence, provide reasoning, or due process. 

We urge Congress to firmly reject this bill.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

We are pleased to provide an update on Public Act 87 of 2024, which was previously House Bill 4718. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Whitmer, banning the “gay panic defense.” Long used in many states, we know that fearing gay people is not an excuse to commit a crime, but we know it has been used time and time again as a defense. Notably, a similar defense was used in the State of Wyoming in the late 1990's as a defense for the individuals who attacked Matthew Shepard and left him to die. 

Unfortunately, but perhaps not shockingly, many members voted against this progress. We must support pro-equity candidates up and down the ballot this November. 

This progress falls directly into CFM’s vision of “A Michigan that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through equity, understanding & opportunity.”  We applaud it.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

We are pleased to announce the release of our 2023 Annual Report, highlighting our efforts over the past year as well as taking a brief look at our financial position. This year, we celebrated our anniversary on May 15th at the 2nd Annual Dandelion Dinner & Awards. It was wonderful to gather as a community to take a look back over the past year, as well as a look ahead. Additionally, we were able to celebrate members of our community who have been advocates for our community. 

A few highlights of the annual report include:

• The publishing of our Name Change Guide, developed as one of our Policy Squad Initiatives, with linked court forms, guiding members of the LGBTQ+ community through each step of the process.

• The completion of our Strategic Plan, a mission-driven document that outlines our priorities in the years ahead.

• Finishing our second year in a row net-positive and debt-free, putting us in a position for growth!

The full report can be viewed here. 

We want to thank the community for your support over the past year - whether it was through a donation, attending an event, or contributing volunteer hours. Like a community garden, it takes all of us to plant, grow, and make something beautiful to benefit our community and create positive change.

We are pleased to provide an update on several new and proposed changes to the law at both the state and the federal level, in support of LGBTQ+ people. 

In Michigan, our pro-equality legislature and Governor Whitmer‘s Administration has worked on:

• Passing the Michigan Family Protection Act, adjusting our surrogacy laws and making the creation of families more equitable. 

• HB 4718, which is headed to the Michigan Senate. If passed, this would repeal the “gay panic defense,” as fearing LGBTQ+ people is not a justification to commit a crime. 

At the federal level, President Biden‘s Administration has: 

•  Created new LGBTQ+ protections for youth in the education system, ensuring equitable access to bathrooms, school dances, and in writing their stories. 

• Restored healthcare protections for LGBTQ+ people that were previously reduced under the Trump administration. These new rules help to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in healthcare settings.  

CFM applauds these developments and encourages leaders at both the state and federal level to continue fighting for LGBTQ+ people. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Soon after our March 12th statement on the death of Nex Benedict, the autopsy was released, showing the cause of death as suicide. We mourn this tragic death, and our hearts go out to all LGBTQ+ students in Oklahoma and across our country who face bullying for how they identify, present themselves, and love. Policies in states like Oklahoma brand LGBTQ+ people as “less than“ and as a problem that needs to be solved. LGBTQ+ students exist in schools everywhere and deserve to be represented in curriculum and literature to help build understanding and to reduce bullying. We don‘t want to "make your straight kids gay," we want our LGBTQ+ kids to live.  We hope the current investigation holds all applicable parties accountable. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

It‘s been over a month and we still don‘t know the cause of death of Nex Bennedict, a 16-year-old LGBTQ+ student from Oklahoma. What we do know is that Nex was bullied for the way they dressed, and that this led to a fight in a school bathroom the day before their death. CFM is saddened by the facts of this case, but we aren‘t surprised. Oklahoma has led the nation in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. For those who argue that LGBTQ+ content and conversations should be kept out of schools, let this tragedy serve as an example for why LGBTQ+ people require representation in schools. We know a major cause of bullying is due to a lack of understanding for differences, and that education is vital in breaking down these misunderstandings. LGBTQ+ students exist in schools, and therefore their classmates are not too young to learn about their fellow students. Seeking to erase these topics from schools threatens the safety of LGBTQ+ students. Chosen Family of Michigan is currently fighting back against LGBTQ+ book bans and other anti-gay legislation that targets schools through our Representation Matters! initiative. You can support this initiative through the Wish List on our Linktree. We mourn the loss of Nex and will continue to fight for LGBTQ+ students in Michigan and across the country. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family of Michigan stands in support of House Bills 5300-5303, which seek to improve the Legal Name Change process and other updates that will benefit the LGBTQ+ community. 

HB 5300 will make the Legal Name Change process more seamless. The Legal Name Change process is currently costly and burdensome, even requiring the person seeking the name change to publish a Notice of Hearing in the local paper, potentially outing members of the transgender community. Publication in a local newspaper is not a requirement in many other types of court proceedings, and this bill seeks to eliminate this requirement, in addition to other burdens. 

HB 5303 will eliminate the requirement that transgender people need to have sex reassignment surgery in order to establish grounds for the change of the sex designation on a birth certificate while also adding a non-binary sex option. 

HB 5301 and 5302 codifies current Secretary of State policies that allow gender marker changes on State IDs and driver's licenses, as well as providing a non-binary gender marker option.

In 2023, CFM‘s Policy Squad published a name-change guide, serving as a tool to assist the transgender community in navigating the current burdensome system of the name change process. We are excited about this bill package, and encourage it to be passed into law swiftly. 

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Friends, 

In the wake of two recent United States Supreme Court Rulings that affect the work of diversity, equity & inclusion of marginalized communities, Chosen Family of Michigan feels that it is important to address this in a more comprehensive way than our traditional written official statements. I want to first thank our Policy Squad for their assistance in helping us to review these cases. 

Our vision is centered on uplifting marginalized communities into equity, understanding and opportunity. 

In Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, the conservative majority ruled in favor of the plaintiff, stating that race cannot be a factor considered in college admissions. Race has been used as one factor to assist colleges in creating a more diverse college environment. After this ruling, many news providers questioned the overall standing of diversity, equity & inclusion programs at colleges. As DEI education & consulting is one of Chosen Family's major programs, we wanted to directly address this. First, this case was narrowly focused on race. Although future court decisions might address whether or not other protected demographics- such as sexual orientation or gender identity- can be used in admissions processes, as of right now, these other groups weren't directly affected by this decision.  Additionally, this decision affects one tool in the DEI toolbelt, there are many other tools that can and should continue to be utilized. Educating staff on pronouns or intersectionality to create more inclusive campus environments, or curbing the increase in tuition rates to assist colleges in being more accessible to lower-income communities- whom many of which are also marginalized, addressing inequitable policies, or creating more partnerships with inner city highschools to help create a bridge to higher education, are all programs that can continue. It also doesn't prevent students from using things like race in their admissions essays and for colleges to consider it as a factor if it directly ties to other life experiences-an example being if it's part of why they took on a leadership role in a place the student volunteers at. Uplifting marginalized communities isn't about granting "special privileges," it's about recognizing the reality that marginalized communities face many more barriers to entry & sometimes need a leg-up (not a hand-out) in order to achieve their dreams & contribute their gifts and talents to our communities. 

In 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, the conservative majority again decided in favor of the plaintiff. In this case, a website designer did not want to design a custom wedding website for a theoretical LGBTQ+ couple, citing her religious beliefs. It's important to make clear that this case should be viewed as incredibly narrow, only applying to custom, original services. However, we have already seen businesses attempt to use this ruling to discriminate against customers in other types of businesses, including at a hair salon in Traverse City who wants to deny services to transgender customers.

Although I believe the website designer filed this case out bigotry, many on both sides of the isle can probably relate to the idea that we would want to avoid having to create customizable messages for causes we don't support. For example, if I were a cake decorator, I would not want to create a cake for a Nazi Party celebration. However, political opinions, or an individual's behaviors & choices, are simply that- choices, and are changeable. This differs from denying services to protected demographics and unchangeable characteristics- like who you love, or what color your skin is. Regardless, in this narrow decision, the website designer would still theoretically have to provide a basic, non-customized website to a gay couple. This decision should not provide license for businesses to discriminate in all types of service. 

Professionally, both my business education & background in business has always taught me that not embracing the reality of diversity and serving all of those in a public marketplace economy is bad for business. Chosen Family of Michigan will continue to work to educate businesses and communities on the importance of DEI in the workplace. 

Personally, as a person of faith, I believe my faith calls me to love others. My faith is not affected by the lifestyles of others & therefore I work to still serve those who might live their life differently than I would. 

In the midst of unprecedented attacks on LGBTQ+ rights around the country, we have seen incredible progress in our home state of Michigan. However, with every step in the direction of equity, those who have hate & bigotry in their hearts will fight back even harder in an effort to undo our progress. Now more than ever, organizations like Chosen Family are needed to continue fighting, to continue advocating, to continue educating, and to continue serving our community. We need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org. 

Thank you.

In 1983, in response to the HIV crisis, the FDA instituted a life-time blood donation ban on men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and women-who-have-sex-with-MSM (see our FAQ on this topic posted last July here). Gradually reduced from a lifetime ban to a 3-month deferral from MSM sexual contact, this was finally fully repealed earlier this year and replaced by a general risk assessment for all populations (see our statement about this here). Chosen Family of Michigan was pleased to do our part by petitioning for these changes last summer in partnership with the American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan at Pride events, and this summer we were able to return to Pride events to explain the updated guidelines!

What is the new eligibility criteria to donate?

The language on the donor assessment prior to donation will be adjusted to ask the same sexual behavior questions for all populations to identify individual risk, rather than sexual orientation.

All prospective donors will be asked if they have had new or multiple sexual partners in the last 3 months. Those who answer yes will be asked if they also had anal sex during that time frame. Only those who answer yes to both questions will be asked to defer from donating for 3 months. 

• Those who answer "no" to having new or multiple sexual partners in the last three months will not be asked about anal sex. Anal sex does not result in deferral from blood donation if you have not had new or multiple sexual partners in the last three months. 

The use of HIV preventative medications such as PrEP will cause a deferral period to donate due to its potential to interfere with HIV testing. 

What does this all mean for LGBTQ+ people?

This change in FDA policy replaces a discriminatory policy that was not based in science and ultimately furthered the stigma that HIV is a "gay disease." Other demographics have had higher rates of HIV for a while now, and yet the MSM deferral remained. Testing blood for HIV has come a long way since 1983, but the fear-based policy stayed in place- until now. 

For decades, MSM were unable or deferred from donating even if they were in a long-term monogamous relationship- including married gay men who only had sex with each other. This new policy removes discriminatory language and replaces it with a policy that is based on riskier sexual behavior for everyone and not a ban simply on what gender you have sex with. 

We know further adjustments to this policy should be explored. PrEP medications are an important tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS but being on this medication results in a deferral- meaning many LGBTQ+ will still be unable to donate without restrictions. CFM will continue to advocate for the FDA to conduct more research to determine to what degree, if any, PrEP medications truly affect the screening of blood donations. 

Ultimately, this new policy helps remove stigma and restrictions based on sexual orientation, while being more closely aligned with science. In the midst of a blood shortage, we hope more LGBTQ+ donate blood. 

Many organizations that collect blood donations, such as the American Red Cross (who we partner with), are still awaiting their adjusted questionnaire forms to be approved by the FDA. Once approval is granted, these organizations will be able to begin collecting donations under the new guidelines. Stay updated on this by following us on social media!

Today, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4616 into law, banning mental health providers from providing "conversion therapy" to LGBTQ+ minors. We applaud this step to protect LGBTQ+ youth as Michigan joins 21 other states who ban this dangerous practice. Licensed medical professionals have a duty to uphold the public health & welfare & this practice violates their duty & ignores the science & research on this issue. There is more work to do, but CFM is pleased with the progress being made in our State to protect LGBTQ+ people, even in the face of an unprecedented number of attacks on our community around the nation.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family of Michigan is excited to announce that they have officially hired Rickie Kreuzer as their Executive Director. Kreuzer, who also serves as the Board President, has been the part-time Executive Director on a mostly volunteer basis since the founding of the organization in May of 2022. With a recently approved strategic plan, 2 fundraising galas completed, and an intensive summer grant-writing process, the Board of Directors is proud of the direction of the organization and is thankful for the support of the community that has allowed them to officially hire a paid Executive Director. While the Board focuses on governance & guiding the organization, the Executive Director will focus on day-to-day operations and programming as the organization continues to grow. 

“I am excited to continue serving our community in this expanded capacity. CFM has many exciting initiatives ahead and I look forward to partnering with the Board and our community partners to combat the attacks on our community and to uplift LGBTQ+ people into safety and opportunity.”

Kreuzer is degreed in Business Administration, and has worked in various LGBTQ+ advocacy & voter education/organizing positions in the past 5 years. He currently serves on the Michigan HIV/AIDS Council within the Department of Health & Human Services, as well as on the Policy & Advocacy Subcommittee. He also serves on the American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan’s DEI Committee. In 2022, Kreuzer was appointed by Governor Whitmer, with Senate consent, to the State Board of Nursing, where he additionally serves on the Education Subcommittee, the Rules Subcommittee, & the Disciplinary Subcommittee. 

Chosen Family of Michigan is an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, providing diversity, equity and inclusion workshops and consulting services, policy and advocacy programs including a volunteer-led Policy Squad, and a soon-to-be launched homeless youth initiative entitled “Dandelion Homes.” In the midst of unprecedented attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, the need to build understanding and respect in communities is needed now more than ever. To learn more or to support our programs with a tax-deductible contribution, go to www.chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Additionally, CFM has two additional openings on our Board of Directors. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at info@chosenfamilyofmichigan.org Individuals of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply!

We are excited to announce the release of our Name Change Guide! Although the same process is utilized for anyone looking to change their name, this Guide was developed as one our 2023 Policy Squad (formerly known as the Policy Committee) initiatives in order to help answer a frequently asked question from transgender members of our community- "Where do I begin?" The volunteer who took the lead on this initiative identifies as transgender & is navigating this name-change process herself! This guide not only provides step-by-step information, but also has a QR code that brings you to a landing page that has all of the relevant court forms linked for you to download & complete! You can find the guide & all of the court forms here.

Of course, we can only provide legal information, not legal advice. If you need legal counsel, we are happy to refer you to a gender-affirming attorney. Use the "Get In Touch" page for any referrals or further inquiries. 

The name-change process not only serves as an important part of gender affirmation for many transgender individuals- helping to reduce suicide rates- but also provides legal documents that match your chosen name which can help prevent discrimination, hate crimes, or unintentional outing caused by the mismatch between your chosen name & your legal documents. 

We know the name-change process itself could be improved. An example of this is that your name-change court date must be posted in your local paper, rather than just on the court website like many other types of cases. This type of direct outreach could "out" people in their own communities, leading to potential safety issues or harassment, which might prevent some transgender individuals from wanting to go through this process. Although CFM understands the importance of public hearings & posting dates, it is our belief that if posting the dates on the court website suffices for other types of cases, it should suffice for this type of case as well. Additionally, having to post this in your local newspaper comes with additional financial costs that other types of cases wouldn't have. 

Ultimately, we hope this guide helps you. If you need a more accessible version, please contact us & we can send a version that can be used by screen reading software. 

If you are interested in working on initiatives like this, please consider joining our Policy Squad. Other initiatives this year include LGBTQ+ book-ban prevention & gender-affirming healthcare. Meetings are monthly, via Google Meetings. Sign up here! 

Governor Whitmer signed an Executive Order on Sunday at Motor City Pride in Detroit establishing an LGBTQ+ Commission. This commission will advise the Executive Office & the Director of Labor & Economic Opportunity on issues involving health, safety, economic opportunity & talent retention for the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout 2023, we have seen the state take initiative on celebrating diversity, pass equitable laws & now has taken the additional step to work towards inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. As an organization that focuses on DEI, we applaud this step. It fits directly into our vision of "a Michigan that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through equity, understanding & opportunity."

Please help us continue to fight by making a tax- deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Yesterday, it was announced that several bills that would ban licensed medical professionals from providing conversion therapy to youth in Michigan were introduced in the State House & Senate. This is an important step forward to protect our youth from this dangerous form of abuse. Being LGBTQ+ is not a medical condition & therefore is not something that can be "cured." Studies have shown that youth who are subjected to conversion therapy are twice as likely to report attempting suicide. 

Although some might claim this is as a "parent's rights" issue, it's really an issue around licensed medical professionals providing services that violate their responsibility to protect the public health & welfare & ultimately aren't rooted in best practices or science. It's harmful to LGBTQ+ children & should not be legal to provide. 

CFM applauds this step forward & hopes this legislation is swiftly passed. Several cities in Michigan have already banned this harmful practice, as well as 21 states & the District of Columbia. 

Please help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

We are pleased to announce the release of our 2022 Annual Report, highlighting our efforts over the past year as well as taking a brief look at our financial position. Planning for CFM began in April 2022, with the Articles of Incorporation approved by the State on May 17th, followed by an official launch on June 1st, 2022. This year, we celebrated our anniversary on May 17th at the 1st Annual Dandelion Dinner & Awards, which also happened to be the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia. It was wonderful to gather as a community on this special day to take a look back over the past year, as well as a look ahead. Additionally, we were able to celebrate members of our community who have been advocates for our community. 

A few highlights of the annual report include:

1. Our Planting Seeds launch fundraiser raised enough funding to cover all of our start-up costs. 

2. Partnering with the American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan to gather signatures to petition the FDA to rescind the MSM blood donation ban, which they did this month. 

3. Encouraging pro-equity State House & Senate members to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include explicit protections for sexual orientation & gender identity, which they did earlier this year. 

4. Despite start-up costs & only having a partial year to begin seeking funding, we ended the year net positive- a difficult task for any new organization or business. 

The full report can be viewed here. 

Most importantly, we want to thank the community for their support over the past year-whether it was through a donation, attending an event, donating volunteer hours, or hiring us for a DEI workshop. We hope we can count on your support as we continue to grow, together. 

Over the past year, CFM has been active in working with the American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan to petition the FDA to overturn the blood donation ban on men-who-have-sex-with men (MSM) & women-who-have-sex-with-MSM. We applaud the FDA decision to end this ban, instead replacing it with a general risk-assessment. Protecting the public health can be balanced with non-discrimination by recognizing that anyone engaged in non-monogamous sexual behavior is at higher risk of HIV & it is not exclusive to gay or bisexual men. The message the MSM ban always sent was one of discrimination & placed further stigma on gay & bisexual men. 

CFM recognizes that although this updated policy is progress, that many LGBTQ+ people will still have to wait 3 months after each sexual encounter to donate blood if they are on PrEP. It is clear further studies & further conversation needs to occur to determine whether PrEP medications truly impact the results when testing blood for HIV prior to a blood transfusion. In the meantime, this updated language will allow women-who-have-sex-with-MSM to donate blood without additional restrictions, as well as men who only have monogamous sex with their spouse. The refocus on sexual behavior instead of sexual orientation is an important step forward.  In the midst of recent blood shortages, we hope this change in policy will help to increase the blood supply & save lives.

Please help us continue to advocate for improvements by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family of Michigan celebrates the expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act being signed into law by Governor Whitmer. Expanding our state's civil rights law to explicitly include sexual orientation & gender identity/expression is long overdue. Although we still have work to do to enshrine protections in federal civil rights law, today's signing has brought us one step closer to CFM's vision of creating "a Michigan that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through equity, understanding & opportunity." We will continue the work of building acceptance & inclusion not just in law, but in the hearts & minds of our fellow Americans.

Please help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family of Michigan applauds Congress & President Biden for the passing & signing of the Respect for Marriage Act. With members of the Supreme Court signaling willingness to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, it was of utmost importance to protect gay marriage legislatively as well. Although this new law does not legalize gay marriage nationwide, it does repeal the Defense for Marriage Act. This means that if Obergefell v. Hodges was overturned, it would require the federal government to recognize marriages that were conducted in states where gay marriage is legal at the state level. We celebrate this progress for both gay & interracial marriages & will continue to advocate for states to legalize gay marriage legislatively to protect this right to equity in state law & not only through a federal court decision.

Please help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

The Department of Homeland Security has reissued a Domestic Terrorism Threat Advisory in part due to a recent uptick in violence against the LGBTQ+ community & other marginalized groups, as well as an attack on the husband of a member of Congress. This updated advisory replaces a previous advisory that expired on November 30th. We know this advisory has caused alarm within our community. We encourage local LGBTQ+ establishments to take the necessary precautions to keep our "safe spaces" truly safe & for individuals to take necessary precautions both online & in public. Chosen Family of Michigan is committed to working towards a world where the LGBTQ+ community is free to live authentically without fear of violence. 

Please help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family of Michigan is deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred at Club Q in Colorado Springs. For decades, gay clubs have served as "safe spaces" for the LGBTQ+ community where we could gather as a "chosen family." Too often, these spaces are targeted by individuals filled with hatred & bigotry. Although gun violence is an epidemic in this country, requiring solutions, we know the LGBTQ+ community faces disproportionately high rates of violence committed against us. Hate crimes are fueled by the political attacks on our community- from casting the community as a perversion & unsafe for kids leading to LGBTQ+ book & curriculum bans at libraries & schools, to threats to gay marriage & transgender rights. Instead of thoughts & prayers, we need your love & support, respect & understanding, safety & human rights. 

We mourn the loss of lives & the lives forever changed by injury & trauma. We admire the bravery of those who stood up to the gunman to prevent further suffering. We stand with you & won't stop fighting until our community can live authentically without fear of hatred & violence. 

Please help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Chosen Family of Michigan has been working with the American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan to advocate for the FDA to repeal the “blood ban” on men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and woman who have sex with MSM. 

What is the FDA Blood Ban?

The FDA Blood Ban restricts MSM and women who have sex with MSM from donating blood within 3 months of having sex. Although this used to be a lifetime ban and has gradually been reduced- most recently in 2020 due to the blood shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic- this ban still prohibits much of the LGBTQ+ community from donating blood. 

Why was the Blood Ban created?

The ban- which used to be a lifetime restriction- was created in the midst of the AIDS epidemic, which was wrongfully branded as a “gay disease.” Despite the LGBTQ+ community not having the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in many years as well as all donated blood being tested, the stigma remains and thus the ban remains too. 

What harm does the Blood Ban cause?

1. This ban feeds into the stigma around HIV/AIDS and wrongfully discriminates against the LGBTQ+ community. 

2. It creates a “blanket” ban against any sexually active MSM, with no exemptions even if the person is only having sex in a committed relationship or even if they are on PrEP, such as Truvada or Descovy. 

3. We are currently in a blood shortage. Restricting populations from donating blood prevents many people from helping to combat this shortage. It’s estimated that repealing this ban could result in an increase of blood donations by 2-4%, which could result in upwards of a million lives saved.

Is there a risk with blood donated by MSM?

MSM haven’t had the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in years. Additionally, all blood donations are tested before being given to patients. Although you can test negative for HIV for the first 1-2 weeks, a 3 month ban relies on stigma, not science. If all people were expected to abstain from sex for 2 weeks in order to compensate for the window of time where you could test negative, this would make scientific sense, rather than a 3 month restriction on only a certain population. 

What can I do to help overturn this ban?

It’s important to note that this ban is an FDA policy, not a law that went through the legislative process. This means that this policy is the FDA’s responsibility to repeal. You can sign the petition to pressure the FDA to overturn this ban here. 

Today is great day for Michigan. In a 5-2 decision, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the word "sex" in existing state civil rights legislation includes sexual orientation, protecting the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination. This is a win for our community & a win for civil rights. Not only will this ruling provide needed protections, but it further establishes that LGBTQ+ people aren't less than & are deserving of rights, decency & respect. This is a historic day. To all of the LGBTQ+ young people: Know that you are worthy of love, opportunity, & protection & are equal under the law.

Despite this win, there is still more work to be done. We hope that the Michigan Legislature will still work to explicitly include gender identity & sexual orientation in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect us from the potential of an unfriendly court in the future who could attempt to overturn this ruling. We also hope that the Equality Act will be brought up for a vote & pass the U.S. Senate, to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination all across our nation, rather than the patchwork of state laws & rulings where LGBTQ+ rights can be different depending on what State or even zip-code we drive through. 

We celebrate today's ruling & look forward to the work ahead.

In the aftermath of the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas made threats to Obergefell v. Hodges- the Supreme Court decision that overturned gay marriage bans in many states, including Michigan. If the Supreme Court were to overturn this decision, the law would revert back to each State & in the case of Michigan, would ban marriage equality. Chosen Family of Michigan works to protect the right to marriage equality & is pleased that the U.S. House has passed The Respect for Marriage Act, which protects the right to same sex & interracial marriage. This bill will move to the U.S. Senate where it will need the full support of the Democratic Party as well as 10 Republican Senators to avoid the filibuster. With a vast majority of Americans supporting marriage equality, we hope that the U.S. Senate will protect this right. We are also pleased that both U.S. Senators from Michigan support this bill. 

Additionally, we are hopeful that this bill along with the Equality Act, will come up for a vote in the Senate before the end of this term. The Equality Act would protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination by adding them to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Equality Act was also passed by the House but has stalled in the Senate. We hope both of these bills stay at the forefront of the minds of U.S. Senators. Michigan residents can contact their Senators at the contact information provided below:

Senator Gary Peters: www.peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary 

Senator Debbie Stabenow: www.stabenow.senate.gov/contact 

Additionally, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is the state non-discrimination act that currently does not explicitly protect LGBTQ+ people. You can find your State Representatives & State Senators & encourage them to take action on this issue with the information provided below:

Find your State Representative: www.house.mi.gov/#findarepresentative 

Find your State Senator: www.senate.michigan.gov/ 

Lastly, many localities in Michigan have taken action to pass LGBTQ+ non-discrimination ordinances. If your locality has yet to take these actions, please reach out to us for additional support. 

Chosen Family of Michigan is deeply saddened by the overturn of Roe v. Wade & the impact this will have on people across our country, especially in regard to private medical decisions. Although we won't debate the closely held religious beliefs of individuals, CFM looks to the science as well as the advice of medical professionals. We know these decisions are often difficult & are usually made in challenging medical circumstances, which is why the right to make these decisions with a medical expert is a right that should never be challenged.

Gender & anatomically based rights are LGBTQ+ rights, which is why every person in our community should be concerned by this decision. We are also deeply disturbed by the comments made by Justice Clarence Thomas, outlining his desire that Obergefell v. Hodges be reviewed, which puts gay marriage at risk of being overturned. CFM will be proactive in protecting this right in the State of Michigan.

We are encouraged by the injunction on the Michigan law that bans abortion, temporarily allowing for abortion procedures while the law is debated in state court. We also are encouraged by the Michigan Attorney General's refusal to prosecute doctors & patients in regard to abortion. Additionally, we are hopeful that the Reproductive Freedom ballot initiative will be put to the voters of our state this November. It's going to take funding & engaged volunteers to protect the right to make private medical decisions & to protect LGBTQ+ rights.

Please help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

We are ecstatic to kick-off Pride Month and announce the official launch of Chosen Family of Michigan, an organization dedicated to serving & uplifting the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and homeless youth support services.

There are 3 main ways you can help us launch:

1. Visit our website and donate today via the "Donate Now" button. Our goal for our "Planting Seeds" fundraiser is $10,000. Every donation helps us to serve our community and fulfill our mission. Donations are tax deductible, and you will receive an automated receipt for your records 

2. At the bottom of every page on our website is a place to join our monthly newsletter. Please do so and stay updated on everything Chosen Family!

3. Share our posts and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We need the support of as many people as possible and spreading this news will be incredibly helpful.

Let's get started and plant these seeds!

Let's get to know each other. 

We are Chosen Family of Michigan. 

We provide advocacy and support services to the LGBTQ+ community throughout Michigan, with personnel in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. 

Founded in 2022 by Rickie Kreuzer (he/him/his) and Cristina Suárez-Ross (she/her/ella), Chosen Family is excited to get to work serving our community!

Executive Directors Kreuzer and Suárez-Ross were both previously Directors at a Kalamazoo-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit. Passionate about the work and creating a workplace that fosters growth, they partnered together to start their own organization, and thus Chosen Family was born. 

Director Kreuzer is degreed in Business Administration and worked in management for a Fortune 500 company before transitioning into advocacy work. He worked for several progressive political organizations, primarily working to "get out the vote" and advocate for LGBTQ+ causes. He identifies as gay, and grew up in Jenison, Michigan. He currently lives in Downtown Grand Rapids with his cat, Ember, and puppy, Snickerdoodle.

Director Suárez-Ross is Argentine American and has spent most of her life in the Kalamazoo area. She is degreed in Human Services with a focus in Youth Services and has spent most of her career working with children and providing support services, helping people get back on their feet and to grow as individuals. She is a mother to her child, Elijah, and lives with her cat and two dogs. 

The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges, often with a lack of family acceptance and support. For generations, the LGBTQ+ community often finds their own family through friends, queer services, accepting teachers, and more. Director Kreuzer and Director Suárez-Ross have both found love and acceptance this way, and thus the name "Chosen Family of Michigan" was selected to show exactly who we are- an organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive Michigan. We hope you can find a sense of community with us. 

We'd love to connect. Follow us on social media (links at bottom of webpage), use the "Get In Touch" page to email us, or Subscribe to our monthly newsletter (form is at the bottom of webpage). We look forward to getting to know you. 

We are here for you. We are advocating for you. We are ready to get to work. 

In Solidarity & Servitude, 

Chosen Family of Michigan