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New Triangle interim director sees opportunities

Capitol Correspondent

DETROIT – While a volunteer in the Peace Corps, Kate Runyon was stationed in Gambia. Once, during a sexuality-education session held by the Gambians, she asked if there were any homosexuals. The response was vehement denial.
But as she moved out into the villages, she discovered there were openly-tolerated homosexual relationships – as would be defined by western standards. And it opened Runyon's eyes.
"It was fascinating. Through that experience, I was able to see that there were other ways of being different than heterosexual norms, and they did not have names or ways to express it. It did not fall under specific labels," she said. "I had to do some deep searching to find a new way of looking at and understanding homosexuality. That has given me a way to articulate to people outside, what we think of as the amorphous LBGT community."
Runyon now is taking over as interim executive director of the Triangle Foundation. Her position with Michigan's civil rights, advocacy and anti-violence organization for LGBT people is set to last for one year.
The Ann Arbor native attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. "Wittenberg was a typical Midwestern liberal arts school – rolling hills and ivy covered buildings," she said with a laugh. While coming of age, Runyon lived in Milford and said she was very involved in church and youth movements. "As soon as I was able to drive, I was on my own," she said. "I have never had the mental divide between the suburban and rural areas."
Now 33, Runyon is filling the shoes of Jeffrey Montgomery, who has been executive director of Triangle Foundation since its founding 16 years ago. Under his guidance, the organization grew from an all-volunteer effort into a full-fledged, million-dollar organization with national ties and leadership roles. Runyon comes to the position having been the immediate past-program director of the American Friends Service Committee's LBGT Issues Program for Michigan.
She said Triangle has a long list of strengths, from its victim-advocacy program and Camping.OUT event for youth, to the policy work the organization has done in Lansing with elected officials.
And while she also sees room for improvement, she's focusing on the positive. "I see opportunities at Triangle to continue to deeply and genuinely engage the Michigan community in a broader way," Runyon said. "I see this being done in a way that is not a 'colonial' style, but in a way that is creating and deepening relationships with people across the state."
She used the example of the recently-opened Grand Rapids office of Triangle. There, she said, the office is growing and becoming a community resource based on the needs, guidance and community building of the west Michigan area.
"How can we do what we are doing better? We really want and value the integrity of our work. This is a chance to focus on our values," she said. "I am approachable, and I am glad to work in strong ways that are empowering and deeply collaborative in the community."
As part of that plan, Runyon said she sees herself more as a consultant than a director.
"I will be working with the staff, one-on-one, to draw out where we think we are heading," she said, "so that when we select a permanent executive director, they will be a dynamic fit for the organization."

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