Purpose, Mission, and Vision

Our Purpose

Fair Michigan was formed as a result of a direct need in Michigan. While marriage for same-sex couples was legalized in 2015, there was and still remains much work to be done to ensure that all women and LGBTQ+ people enjoy adequate legal protection and lives free of discrimination.

We have formed a broad coalition of attorneys, former prosecutors, law enforcement officials, community leaders, and charitable and educational organizations who are educating, organizing, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and women .

Fair Michigan began by organizing in Wayne County; we have since spread our efforts to multiple counties, working with LGBTQ+ people across the state. Our legal services division, through our Fair Michigan Justice Project, ensures that crimes against LGBTQ+ persons are investigated and prosecuted, while addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ crime victims and witnesses. Our Name Change Project helps transgender persons obtain legal names and identification documents which reflect their actual gender. We also assist LGBTQ+ community members in need with access to housing, health care, financial assistance, and trauma recovery. Further, we provide cultural competency training to law enforcement, businesses, and community organizations to raise awareness about the issues facing LGBTQ+ persons.

Therefore, our purpose as an organization is to resolutely use all methods and approaches at our disposal to promote the full measure of civil rights and legal protections for women and the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan society.

“…Grassroots efforts like those being pushed by Michigan attorney Dana Nessel and Fair Michigan are a necessary part of our movement’s process.”
Kerry Eleveld, The Advocate

Mission

Fair Michigan seeks to secure equal protection under the law based on gender, gender identity, sex, and sexual orientation.

Vision

Our vision is to create a Michigan where the presence and contributions of everyone are welcome and celebrated regardless of their gender, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation; where intolerance is challenged and defeated; where justice prevails and where the civil rights of all people are valued and respected.