Benton Harbor, Michigan – On Tuesday, May 1 at 6:00 p.m., Jay Kaplan of the ACLU of Michigan, in partnership with the OutCenter, will hold a free community forum at Benton Harbor's Phoenix Coffeeshop.
"The forum is an outstanding opportunity for allies and LGBTQ+ community members to gather and talk about the issues we are facing in our area right now," said OutCenter Board Chair Marci Weber.
Presenter Jay Kaplan said that, "As the ACLU of Michigan's LGBT Project serves members of the LGBT community throughout the State of Michigan, it's important that we visit communities throughout Michigan to provide an update on legal and policy issues, as well as hear from constituents regarding both their concerns and needs, in order to ensure that we are addressing them."
"The forum will also give us suggestions on the hard questions we should be asking those that wish to represent us in government," Weber said.
Discussion will be around the state of LGBTQ+ rights in Michigan, including employment and housing discrimination, religious exemption acts, insurance and healthcare for transgender people and legal challenges facing LGBTQ+ families, such as adoption. There will be plenty of opportunity for community input, questions and concerns, as well.
"I am looking very much forward to meeting with LGBT community members and allies affiliated with the OutCenter and am hoping to have both the opportunity to inform as well as have a productive dialogue with the community," said Kaplan.
The Phoenix Coffeeshop is located at 124 Water St. in Benton Harbor. The venue will aslo provide coffee and food available for purchase throughout the evening.
ACLU of Michigan to Hold LGBTQ Community Forum in Benton Harbor
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