January 2009 – The GM Foundation cuts its expected $50,000 grant to Affirmations, forcing the center to explore new options for funding. Similar cuts by Ford and Chrysler follow. "We need to look more to individuals and institutions that aren't so affected by the economy," -Affirmations Board President Nancy Katz.
February-March 2009 – Local LGBT activists and organizations experience a split in support over anti-bullying legislation. Some claim that a watered-down bill is the only chance at passing legislation; others insist on an enumerated bill or nothing.
Aug. 10, 2009 – Victims of a shooting at an LGBT center in Tel Aviv, Israel, are mourned at a ceremony in West Bloomfield at the Jewish Community Center. "We could not let this horrific incident go unnoticed in our metro Detroit community" – Gail Katz of the Jewish Gay Network of Michigan
Oct. 11, 2009 – Several hundred Michiganders participate in the March on Washington, D.C., which brought over 100,000 people from across the U.S. together to demand equality for LGBT citizens. "What we have now seems amazing to the 1960s, but it shows that we still have further to go." – Political activist Phil Volk
Nov. 3, 2009 – Kalamazoo voters overwhelmingly approve the city's anti-discrimination ordinance for LGBT citizens. The ordinance had been approved twice by the Kalamazoo City Commission, but was forced onto the ballot by staunch opposition.
Nov. 3, 2009 – Former Fox 2 television anchor Charles Pugh is elected as the first openly gay president of Detroit City Council.
Nov. 4, 2009 – MIchigan House Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) introduces legislation to reverse 2004's Proposal 2 and amend the Michigan constitution to allow same-sex marriage
