Happy New Year!!

2010 is a big year in Michigan!!

We will elect our next governor and senate seats will be contested.  Triangle Foundation hopes that the winners will support a Michigan that is fair and inclusive for all of our families.  

While legislative seats are not the only issue that impacts inclusion, a fair and inclusive Michigan will certainly move us toward a better economic environment.  

Currently, in the U.S., the most important court case to date is happening in California and it will have far-reaching implications.  The case, Perry vs. Schwarzenegger, is expected to become a landmark that eventually will be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Personally, I have always believed in my soul that my government owes it to me, to let me be just as I am, a lesbian.  Everytime I read those words in the Declaration of Independence, it lets me know I'm not the only one who feels a right to be FREE.....

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Do Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender people in the US have the right to be self-evident?  Keep watch on California ... they are deciding that for us.

 Click here to read about the plaintiff's attorney on this case.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/us/12prop8.html?hp

Even so, there are many LGBT issues to examine if you live in Michigan.  The list is long:

·         Hate crime statistics are on the rise

·         State constitutional ban on same gender marriage

·         The Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA)

·         No health care benefits for our families who work for state entities

·         Municipalities with no discrimination protection

·         Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

·         No state hate crime protection

·         No protection from bullies and harassment at schools

·         Immigration issues for couples and families

·         Lack of hospital visitation rights

How can we begin to address these problems?  Triangle Foundation believes that Michigan needs a strategic plan that involves everyone who wants to be a part of the solution.  

Our strategic planning process is coming.  We need you to be a part of the plan.  In this process, we may ask you to provide information through surveys, participate in town hall meetings to give input, or be part of the local “t” party to educate your community.

Most importantly, we need you to participate. 

Remember, “We can’t do it without you.”

Alicia J. Skillman, Esq.

Executive Director