DETROIT – On Thursday, June 21, Equality Michigan (EQMI) announced that Olympic Bronze Medalist and outspoken voice of the LGBTQ community, Adam Rippon, will be joining the organization on Oct. 5, 2018, as the keynote speaker for their annual Fall Reception, Building Bridges.
"We all appreciate what having someone of Adam Rippon's stature means for EQMI," said Jim Murray, Equality Michigan's Chairman. "We're setting the table to change Elliot-Larsen and pleased that Adam will help us do that."
Before he even stepped on the ice at the 2018 Winter Olympics, American figure skater Adam Rippon made history as the first openly gay United States male athlete to qualify for the Winter Games. An outspoken voice and inspiration for the LGBTQ community, he became the first openly gay athlete to medal at the Winter Olympics.
Adam has gained international attention for his personality off the ice as well. Dubbed "one of the most entertaining athletes at the winter games," by Billboard, Adam has built a massive following with his sharp on-air candor, insightful comments about LGBTQ issues, and quick-witted social media posts.
"In a movement that is full of fierceness, Adam Rippon is a force to be reckoned with and we are thrilled to have his help here in Michigan," said Stephanie White, Equality Michigan's Executive Director. "His journey is much like that of our overall movement; learning to find our voice and asserting our right to be full members of this society. Our community can't wait to welcome 'America's Sweetheart' to Michigan."
Named "Building Bridges," Equality Michigan's event is the annual gathering of Michigan's LGBT community along with corporate and political leaders from across the political spectrum. Every year the organization presents awards to both long-time and up-and-coming leaders in the movement and the allies who are helping to bring about full equality under the law for lesbian, gay, bi and transgender Michiganders.
Adam Rippon will appear at the Oct. 5 event at the DTE Energy Headquarters in Downtown Detroit. Tickets and sponsorships may be purchased at equalitymi.org/reception.
Adam Rippon Joins Equality Michigan to Advocate for LGBTQ Equality
Read More
Michigan's Trans Migration Project Is Helping to Protect Trans People Just By Getting Them Somewhere Safe
A faith-based collective of partners across Michigan is shepherding out-of-state trans people to Michigan for the gender-affirming care and affirmation they [...]
Go Girl! Saugatuck Celebrates Women’s Weekend at Nation’s Largest Gay Resort
Women hearing the siren call of Lake Michigan may want to mark May 31-June 2 on their calendars. Those are the days that the largest gay resort in the country [...]
Michigan Democratic Party LGBT and Allies Caucus Holds Spring Meeting
One of the most often derided cliches of political journalism is to say “a lot is at stake in this election” but it is quite literally true this [...]
Why So Many Local Queer Folks Are Flocking to Mishpacha, Temple Beth Emeth’s Thriving LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
Ari Smith was a little worried when her rabbi called to ask her about something he was noticing in her part of the sanctuary during weekly services at Temple [...]
Why a Local Academic Is Fostering Queer Discussion and Community Through an Old-Fashioned Book Club
Queer books on public library shelves have come under fire across the country in recent years, but you wouldn’t know it at the Ypsilanti District Library [...]
Biden-Harris Campaign Launches LGBTQ+ Voter Initiative at Affirmations — How You Can Get Involved in the 2024 Election
The election season is officially heating up in Michigan, with a special focus on queer voters. On April 10, local and statewide community leaders and elected [...]
