Gayest Spring Break Ever!

Many college students across the country go on Spring Break around midterms to prepare themselves for the rest of the semester.  Some of these students take an alternative approach to this vacation and spend the week learning and serving various communities.  Triangle Foundation was selected by multiple universities for Alternative Spring Break (ASB).  Students traveled from Boston, Miami, and even our own Ann Arbor to learn about LGBT activism and help spread the word about true equality and what everyone can do to make that happen.

Click Here to read an article in Between the Lines about the group from Boston University!

The following is a personal statement made from one of the most recent Spring Break students.  His name is Hernando and he is a current student at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida.

Detroit, MI (March 19, 2009) - Triangle Foundation, Michigan’s leading LGBT civil rights organization, proudly announces three new additions to its Board of Trustees.  

Joining the Board will be Paula Merideth of Detroit, Rachel Lutz of Bloomfield Hills, and Joy Geng of Dearborn, who is also a founding member of the organization.  “We are honored that they will be joining us,” says Denise Brogan-Kator, newly elected Board of Trustees Chair.  “These community members have had a long commitment to progress in Michigan and advocacy within the LGBT communities.”

"Our invitation to these individuals to join the Board came out of our desire to infuse the Board with new ideas, new energy, and diverse talents,” said Brogan-Kator.  “We are actively seeking qualified people to serve on the Board who will further the mission and vision of our organization and who have an understanding of the current environment of the LGBT movement and the challenges we face."

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Alicia and the entire staff." said Joy Geng, entering Board Member at Triangle Foundation. "They are young, passionate, and hard working.  It’s just as exciting now as it was when Triangle first began."

Protecting Yourself from Pick-Up Crimes
By Melissa Pope, Director of Victim Services

With the tragic murder of William Boss, we are reminded how dangerous this world can be for the LGBT community.  We are grateful in this case that at least the perpetrator has been caught and will, hopefully, be brought to justice.  The assailant is currently undergoing a psychiatric evaluation and is due back in court in April.  We will be monitoring this trial and will share with you what we learn as the trial progresses.

The circumstances surrounding William’s murder indicate that this may have been a pick-up crime.  In pick-up crimes, the victim is chosen because they are vulnerable.  In some cases, that means that the perpetrator thinks it will be easy to persuade the victim to go to a secluded location to rob, beat, sexually assault or kill the victim.  In other cases, the victim may be chosen because they are not out or not out in all aspects of their life.  The assailant thinks that the victim won’t report the crime. It is paramount that you know some ways to keep yourself safe whether you are interacting with partners out in the community or online.

LANSING, MI – MARCH 12, 2009 – Triangle Foundation commends the Michigan Department of Corrections for adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the non-discrimination policy of its “Humane Treatment and Living Conditions for Prisoners” Policy Directive.

The addition to the policy, which states that prisoners “shall not be discriminated against based on race, religion, ethnic background, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or gender identity,” provides an important protection for LGBT prisoners. Specifically, the policy affords all prisoners the same rights to protection from mental or physical abuse regardless of “personal prejudices.” As an organization that advocates for victims of anti-LGBT hate violence, discrimination and harassment, Triangle Foundation views this as a step forward for equality and safety in the prison community.

“Triangle Foundation extends its gratitude to Director Patricia Caruso and her staff for their leadership in bringing LGBT issues to light within the Department of Corrections,” stated Bernadette Brown, Triangle’s Director of Policy.  “We look forward to continuing our work with the Department and with Director Caruso.”

It is the mission of Triangle Foundation to promote equality and to secure freedom from violence, intimidation and discrimination for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons throughout Michigan.