BY BTL STAFF
DETROIT – Equality Michigan announced Nov. 18 the appointment of its new deputy director, L. Michael Gipson.
Gipson, M.S., is an award-winning writer and educator and is an arts, youth, LGBT rights and public health advocate. He joins Equality Michigan from his most recent position as executive director for the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts in Washington, D.C. and co-founder of Cleveland's Beyond Identities Community Center for LGBT youth of color.
"I couldn't be more excited to have Michael join our team," said Stephanie White, executive director of Equality Michigan. "He brings not only his leadership skills, but also his vast experience in development, excellence in writing, strong program design and a clear commitment to broad social justice. I am excited to partner with him to build the future of Equality Michigan."
Throughout his 21 years of public service in both government and nonprofits, Gipson has worked in various capacities as a grant writer, fund development specialist and organizational development consultant as well as a senior administrator on issues related to: HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ advocacy, racial and economic justice, creative entrepreneurship, adolescent and sexual reproductive health, and community development programming.
"This is such a key moment in the movement for LGBT rights in Michigan, I am so honored to be joining this dynamic team of committed social justice advocates," said Gipson. "It's a privilege to partner with this staff, our movement allies and the residents of my new home state to foster much needed change in the rights and lives of LGBTQ people, particularly those residing on the social and political margins."
As deputy director, Mr. Gipson will take on staff management, program oversight and evaluation and lead the development and communications efforts for Equality Michigan. A graduate of Goddard College and Full Sail University, Gipson holds a bachelor's in creative writing and a masters's in instructional design. The new deputy director also works as a senior writer and music editor at SoulTracks.com, an associate editor at Lambda Literary and as a Red Dirt Press author. A native of Chicago, he transitioned to Detroit in the winter of 2014. You can reach him at [email protected].
