Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality

LGBT Rally in Lansing on Wed Jan. 18th!

Bill Jefferson — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:08:20 +0000

Gay Michiganders are Under Attack!

Recently, Michigan lawmakers passed a law banning public employers from offering domestic partnership benefits, which Governor Snyder then signed into law.

This is not ok and it’s time we fight back! Join your local LGBT community center on the capitol steps in Lansing on Wednesday, January 18, at 12:00 Noon. Let Michigan lawmakers know that gay families matter and deserve to be treated equally!

For more information, contact the local community center nearest you:

Check out the FACEBOOK EVENT & PrideSource Article!

Kalamazoo Residents Protest in Bronson Park

Bill Jefferson — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:49:07 +0000

KALAMAZOO — Members of the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, KAFE, and the surrounding area holding rainbow-colored cloths in a show of unity, gathered in Kalamazoo on Sunday 1/8/12 to protest a new state law that limits access to domestic partner benefits for government employees.

A state law signed last month blocks the offering of taxpayer-paid health insurance to domestic partners living with some public employees. It mostly affects local governments and public schools and applies to health insurance and other benefits for unmarried partners of the employees, same sex or not.

Many of those who took part in Sunday’s demonstration, spearheaded by the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center, said gay and transgendered citizens are unfairly singled out by the law.

”They start with taking away benefits rights, but what’s next?” said Sarah Hoisington, 24. “This is the catalyst for something bigger.” READ MORE

Join KAFE at “Talk Back To Rick” Rally 1/8/12 @2pm in Bronson Park!

Bill Jefferson — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:16:37 +0000

JOIN US ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8TH AT 2:00 PM AT BRONSON PARK DOWNTOWN KALAMAZOO.

Michigan voters elected Rick Snyder because he had a plan to fix our state’s economy. He was going to help keep the best and the brightest here and position Michigan as an economic leader. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the Governor has made compromises we find disappointing and when someone lets you down, you tell them.

Join us in telling Governor Snyder that revoking the healthcare benefits of hardworking LGBTA state employees hurts Michigan families. We expected this type of blatant ill-will from the few who are so blinded by prejudice that they can’t see our shared human experience. We didn’t think our Governor, a self proclaimed nerd, as one of those people.

Join us at: http://talkbacktorick.com/ sign our petition and view our Facebook page here!

Bronson Park is located in Downtown Kalamazoo.

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Kalamazoo Commission Opposes HB 4770, 4771, & 5039

Bill Jefferson — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:07:03 +0000

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – In Lansing, there’s a bill making the rounds that would take away rights approved by local voters.

House Bill 5039 would make it illegal for local governments to specifically protect gays and lesbians from discrimination. That essentially would void non-discrimination ordinances on the books in several cities across Michigan, including Kalamazoo.

On Monday night, in front of a packed house, the Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously passed a resolution to oppose that bill. The passage of that resolution brought forth an explosion of applause, now the hope is that Lansing will pay attention to Kalamazoo and other cities that are displeased with House Bill 5039.

KAFE Opposes HB-5039 by Rep. Tom McMillin

Bill Jefferson — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 19:46:10 +0000

The Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality recently issued the below statement to all KAFE endorsed City Commissioners advocating the City of Kalamazoo to pass a similar resolution as East Lansing opposing the recent legislation by Rep. McMillin (HB 5039).

To read more about the East Lansing Resolution, please click HERE.

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To: Equality Michigan Pride PAC endorsed candidates
From: Amy Hunter, President, Equality Michigan Pride PAC
Date: 10/26/11

Re: Local resolutions opposing HB 5039

Dear Equality Michigan Pride PAC endorsed candidates,

I am writing first, to send you encouragement and support in the final days of your campaigns. We have a plan to continue promoting your endorsement to our supporters.

I am also writing with regard to an urgent legislative issue. Recently, Rep. McMillin introduced a piece of legislation (HB 5039) that would prevent any unit of government from providing nondiscrimination protections which are based on characteristics not currently outlined in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Effectively, this means that gay and transgender people will lose what limited protections exist in the few municipalities or government bodies that currently prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in Michigan.

We were thrilled that one of your 2011 Equality Michigan Pride PAC endorsed colleagues, Hon. Nathan Triplett of East Lansing, spearheaded a resolution in East Lansing putting the city on record as opposing HB 5039. Recently, the city of Lansing passed a similar resolution opposing HB 5039.

We are now asking that you take a similar action and ask your city to pass a resolution opposing HB 5039.

Enclosed, I’ve attached a copy of HB 5039, a copy of the resolution that passed in East Lansing, a sample resolution for your use, and some of the recent media coverage regarding those actions. As you can see, taking action creates the potential for positive media coverage on an issue that over 65% of Michiganders agree with you on.

Sincerely,
Amy Hunter
President

Don’t Change Yourself, Change The Law!

Bill Jefferson — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:55:15 +0000

Here in Michigan, If your boss thinks you are gay you could actually lose your job. We know that sounds impossible, but in Michigan it’s the law. Civil rights laws protect us from many forms of discrimination — based on your race, gender, religion, age, sex, weight or marital status — but not if you are gay or transgender.

Please tell Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger that we shouldn’t have to change ourselves, he should change the law.

We need as many people as possible to send him this important message.

That’s why a coalition of civil rights organizations and everyday Michiganders are coming together to launch a campaign to change the law. We need to protect all Michigan jobs by ending discrimination, of any kind.

Thanks,
KAFE and the Unity Michigan Coalition

KAFE Endorsements for 2011 City Commission

Bill Jefferson — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 21:39:45 +0000

The Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality (KAFE) has endorsed 5 local candidates in Kalamazoo who will help protect our Friends, families and freedom. To help ensure a pro equality majority, we have committed hundreds of volunteer hours, walking side-by-side with our endorsed candidates. With the help of KAFE, each of these candidates will continue to build important relationships with our community–and also help support fellow candidates to work on the issues that matter most to Kalamazoo LGBT residents.

Stephanie Bell Bob Cinabro Don Cooney Bobby Hopewell Nicholas Wikar

Many of our candidates are involved in tough races and need all the help we can give them. Please share this message with friends and family members and encourage them to join us in securing a bright future for equality! As always, be sure to check out our events page for KAFE supported events and volunteer activities.

Support Equality in Kalamazoo on Oct 11th!

Bill Jefferson — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:06:38 +0000

Join Equality Michigan Pride Pac and KAFE Oct. 11th 5:01 – 7:00pm

Please join Equality Michigan Pride PAC and KAFE – Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality – for an event to support pro-equality candidates this November. Come celebrate National Coming out Day with EqMI PAC and KAFE!

*October 11, 2011 5:01-7:00pm, * Metro Nightclub *411 N Westnedge, Kalamazoo MI 49007

With hosts: Amy Hunter, David Feaster, Jonathan Richardson, Jon Hoadley, and Kelly Doyle

Doors open at 5:01pm. Brief program starts at 6:15pm.

Tickets $25, Host $100

Appetizers provided with cash bar available.

RSVP by ordering your tickets Here. Questions? Please email info@eqmipridepac.com Also, check out the Facebook Event Page.

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About Equality Michigan Pride PAC: Equality Michigan Pride PAC is dedicated to the notion that all Michigan citizens deserve to be treated fairly, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. By identifying and supporting candidates for elected office at all levels of government, Equality Michigan Pride PAC helps strong voices for equality be heard above the noise. Visit our homepage by clicking here