April Osentoski, Running for Michigan State House of Representatives, District 98
2024 Election Pride Source Candidate Survey Response
The 2024 Pride Source Media Voters Guide Candidate Survey sought the responses from Michigan candidates running for office in the Nov. 5 election. We asked candidates to respond to key issues impacting the Michigan LGBTQ+ community and about their visions for the future. Visit vote411.org to learn more about the candidates and issues on your ballot.
Candidate: April Osentoski
Running for Michigan State House of Representatives, District 98
Incumbent? No. Previously served on the Ubly village council.
Campaign Contact Info
(989) 450-2155
[email protected]
Facebook: AprilOsentoski
Instagram: Vote4April
Twitter/X: None. Will NOT have a X account
Candidate background
Education:
Graduated Bad Axe High School. Attended Great Lakes Junior College
Professional experience:
Service industry worker for many years- becoming an Executive Chef at an assisted living facility before taking time away from career to pursue running for office.
What is your affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community?
Ally.
Tell us about your top priorities and how you plan to achieve those goals.
In my district we need affordable housing, better access to healthcare and mental health services. We also need to improve the quality of education and opportunities in our district.
Making sure the communities are aware of funding opportunities and advocating for them is one of the best ways to help.
Keeping in mind the needs of ALL people not marginalizing anyone is how I will make my decisions in office
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Because I genuinely give a shit. I care what happens to the people in my community. Even the ones that the rest of the world forgets.
How do you plan to represent and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ community members?
I will not vote for anything that endangers healthcare necessary for those in transition. I will not vote for something that makes anyone “less than” I will not allow the community members to be targeted. I will make sure that “family” is an inclusive term that each individual can decide for themselves what that family looks like.
State your position on transgender rights and how your office would work to protect this vulnerable population — particularly Black trans women, who are overrepresented in stats related to violence, the judicial system, homelessness, substance abuse and other serious issues.
Advocating for their rights to exist as a person is top priority. Encouraging them to come forward and report violence against them. Offering safe housing and substance use treatment options when necessary. It’s hard enough to be trans, but when you are part of a community that still has a good population of anti gay people, it must make it extra emotionally exhausting.
Homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults is a persistent issue in Michigan. How would your office make a positive impact for young LGBTQ+ people facing housing insecurity?
We need to have some sort of dorm like housing programs for those that have been tossed away by their families. We need to make sure no one feels alone.
State your position on abortion and other issues related to women’s reproductive health.
My body my choice. No ones business but me and my doctor. Point blank period.
How do you feel about drag queens?
I love them. I was a part of the first ever Pride event in our county, providing sound for the drag show. I have worked with them on numerous occasions and have attended many shows with my husband, daughters, and friends.
On Marriage Equality: After the overturning of Roe v Wade, many question if the U.S. Supreme Court will revisit their 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Would you support any legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
No. We aren’t going to undermine anyone.
On K-12 School Curriculum: States such as Florida have passed legislation preventing teachers, counselors and coaches from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with their students, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" bills. Other states have passed legislation requiring LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 curricula, often determined by the local school district to determine how to effectively integrate learning materials throughout.
Michigan currently has neither a ban nor a requirement. Would you support legislation requiring Michigan schools to teach about LGBTQ+ people and identities in history and social sciences? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
Yes, I think we need to teach this, but in a way that doesn’t make their sexual orientation their entire identity.
How would your office help people struggling financially?
Any way possible. We are all out here struggling.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Visit vote411.org and michiganvoting.org to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot and to make a voting plan.
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