Statement on Anti-Equality Actions at the Federal Level

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

Updates on Inclusive Legislation in the State of Michigan

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

Statement in Support of LGBTQ+ Book Ban Prevention Bills

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