Feb. 14, 2003 – Affirmations kicks off their domestic partner registry program. The day serves as a call to action for same-sex couples in the state against Michigan's Defense of Marriage Act.
February 2003 – Nikki Nicholas, a transgender woman, was found dead in a Green Oak Township farm house, the victim of murder by gunshot.
April 2003 – The Ruth Ellis Center receives $1 million in federal funds to create a transitional living residence for LGBT teens.
April 9, 2003 – Gov. Jennifer Granholm makes the first pro-LGBT proclamation in Michigan history when she proclaims this day as the LGBT "Day of Silence" in Michigan schools.
June 2003 – Grace McClelland is hired as the first executive director of the Ruth Ellis Center
June 2003 – An Ontario court rules that the country's definition of marriage is unconstitutional and Toronto begins issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The move eventually leads to full marriage equality in Canada.
October 2003 – Sen. Alan Cropsey (R-DeWitt) introduces legislation to amend the Michigan constitution to ban same-sex marriage in the state. The move draws protests from around the state, including nearly 300 supporters of LGBT rights at the Lapeer County Courthouse.
Dec. 24, 2003 – Governor Jennifer Granholm extends discrimination protections to LGBT state employees.
