BY BTL STAFF
As the founding member of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, Equality Michigan is committed through their Victims Services Program, to providing support and advocacy services for LGBTQ, SGL (Same Gender Loving), and HIV-affected people experiencing various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, hate violence, harassment and discrimination.
Jeynce Poindexter
Jeynce Poindexter is a proud transgender woman of color who helps works as a transgender specialist and is the first official transgender advocate for the organization.
Since joining the EQMI team, Poindexter has "worked diligently to be a voice and presence in and of the LGBT community, while also lending her advocacy and efforts to her clients, whom she prefers to call survivors," according to the EQMI website. As an advocate, she helps people in need find housing, fight discrimination, navigate the tricky legal and health systems, and fulfills other immediate needs. Her open caseload includes survivors of racial injustice, domestic violence, sexual assault, partner-on-partner violence, HIV/AIDS prevention, and countless others.
Her advocacy work serves people not only in the Detroit area, but all over the state of Michigan. Poindexter hosts the Department of Victim Services pop-up office hours in Grand Rapids every other week, extending her reach to more people in need.
Beyond Advocating for Survivors
When Poindexter is not taking care of clients, she is educating herself and others. She has completed countless trainings to broaden her skills as an advocate. Through the DVS, Poindexter also hosts trainings and workshops for local businesses, schools, and other organizations to increase their understanding of the LGBT community and to educate them on inclusion and diversity.
Poindexter is also active in the community beyond her day job. She is a proud founding board member of the Trans Sistas of Color Project and a member of the National LGBTQ Taskforce. She can be found throughout the state speaking at community events.
Read more about Poindexter online. Contact her with any questions via email at [email protected].
Genny Maze
Geneva "Genny" Maze has been a strong advocate for all people her entire life. When the opportunity arose to advocate for her own community through EQMI, Maze hopped on board. Maze is the lead victim advocate, working alongside a team that is dedicated to community outreach, education, and equality. "We are victim-focused," she said. "Our first goal is to reach out to any survivor who may need support."
Mobilizing Statewide
From the moment she started her work at EQMI, Maze has worked tirelessly to help the DVS fulfill its mission of serving LGBTQ people statewide. After visiting Traverse City and seeing firsthand the need for advocacy, education, and better resources in the area, Maze moved full speed ahead to set up a pop-up office and understand how EQMI can better fill the gaps in the area.
In addition to keeping up with a demanding caseload from the Detroit office, Maze has been connecting with other agencies and resources in Traverse City so that EQMI will be well-equipped in Northern Michigan. Traverse City mayor and equal rights activist Jim Carruthers caught wind of the pop-up office and met with the DVS team to discuss the needs of the LGBTQ community in Traverse City.
Read more about Maze online. Contact her with any questions via email at [email protected].
Office Hours and Locations
Poindexter and Maze are looking forward to meeting and working with the Grand Rapids and Traverse City communities in addition to their work in Detroit. Check out the EQMI calendar online to keep up with office hours and more.
Detroit
Equality Michigan Office
19641 W. Seven Mile Rd.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grand Rapids
Pride Center
343 Atlas Ave. SE
Hours: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 2-7 p.m.
Traverse City
Imagine Health
121 S. Garfield Ave. Suite A
Hours: 4th Monday of every month, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
