February 2002 – In a historic move, the United Way of Southeastern Michigan bestows Affirmations with a $50,000 grant. CEO Leslie Thompson promises to use the funds for health services, especially for youth and seniors. Many believed it to be the first time UWSEM had ever donated to an LGBT organization.
March 2002 – For the first time ever, representatives from Detroit gay bars are invited to participate in the city's Saint Patrick's Day Parade.
April 2002 – Michigan domestic violence laws are amended to include language about same-sex couples.
April 2002 – Ruth Ellis Center purchases a duplex in Detroit to provide temporary housing for up to 12 LGBT youth.
May 2002 – The LGBT community enjoys the first Affirmations Family Pride Day at the Detroit Zoo with a picnic, children's activities and raffles.
May 2002 – The Detroit City Council agrees to pay $170,000 in a lawsuit filed against the city for series of 2001 Rouge Park stings, during which many seemingly innocent gay men were targeted for arrest. The ACLU represented the Triangle Foundation and six men who were arrested for allegedly being "annoying persons."
July 2002 – The Ruth Ellis Center receives a $100,000 grant from the Michigan State Housing Development authority intended to help renovate and develop their Detroit duplex into a transitional living center for LGBT youth.
August 2002 – The first annual Wilde Awards are held at Detroit's Gem Theatre. JET Theater's run of "The Laramie Project" takes top honors for the night, garnering three awards.
August 2002 – The Coalition for Adoption Rights Equality forms, aiming to legalize second parent adoption in Michigan. The move follows the banning of the practice by Judge Archie Brown of Washtenaw County on June 4. "Our goal is to establish our identity and educate the community on second parent adoption. It's about our kids," said Bev Davidson, founder and executive director of CARE.
Nov. 5, 2002 – Birmingham City Commission appoints the city's first openly gay mayor, Seth Chafetz. Chafetz previously served on the City Commission since 1999.
December 2002 – Wayne County creates an "entrapment" policy, which holds that individuals arrested for indecent exposure will not be charged if the arresting officer's conduct is designed to make the accused believe that sexual acts are invited and consensual. The policy is created in response to Rouge Park stings in 2001 which result in the arrest of hundreds of gay men and, eventually, a lawsuit costing the city of Detroit $170,000.
