The LGBTQ+ Hub Challenging West Michigan's Conservative Image
Intersectionality and a commitment to joy at the heart of Executive Director Jazz McKinney’s mission
As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeps through state capitals across the Midwest and the Trump administration issues a growing list of anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders, one organization in Michigan's second-largest city has transformed itself from a small community center into a vital regional hub of resistance and support.
The Grand Rapids Pride Center (GRPC), nestled in the heart of a city known more for its historically conservative roots than its progressive values, has emerged as what Executive Director Jazz McKinney calls "a beacon of resilience, support and empowerment" for West Michigan's LGBTQ+ community.
"Right now, as the 2-SLGBTQ+ community faces increasing political and social challenges, resources like the Grand Rapids Pride Center are more critical than ever," McKinney tells Pride Source. Most of McKinney’s time is spent in the busy community center where support groups gather in meeting rooms, volunteers coordinate outreach efforts and people of all ages and backgrounds find refuge in the center's welcoming spaces.
The center's evolution reflects the growing needs of Michigan's LGBTQ+ community. While Detroit and Ann Arbor have long been considered the state's primary LGBTQ+ cultural hubs, Grand Rapids has quietly built a vibrant queer community of its own. This development is particularly significant given the region's traditionally conservative political landscape.
"It's a vibrant, resilient and deeply connected network of individuals who uplift and support one another in the face of both progress and challenges," McKinney explains, describing how the local LGBTQ+ community has carved out its space in West Michigan. "What makes it truly special is its commitment to fostering inclusivity, advocacy and celebration in a city that has historically been more conservative. One of its greatest strengths is its sense of solidarity — whether through grassroots activism, local organizations or community-driven events, people come together to create meaningful change."
The center's services have expanded dramatically in response to recent political challenges. Beyond traditional support groups and social gatherings, GRPC now offers comprehensive assistance with increasingly urgent needs. "There's a high demand for legal and advocacy resources, particularly for trans and gender expansive individuals navigating name and gender marker changes," McKinney notes, "as well as those facing discrimination in housing, healthcare and employment."
This expansion of services comes at a crucial time for Michigan's LGBTQ+ community. While the state has made progress with increased legal protections, local communities still grapple with discrimination and barriers to access. The center's Therapy Assistance Program has become particularly vital, McKinney notes, a service that connects community members with affirming mental health professionals who understand their unique experiences in the current political climate. “For young people in particular, having a place where they can find mentorship, guidance and hope for the future is invaluable,” they add.
For McKinney, a Two-Spirit individual, leading the center through these challenging times carries deep personal significance. "I have a deep belief in my responsibility to the next seven generations," they explain, sharing the philosophy that drives their work. "This is not my world I am living in — I am simply borrowing it from my children and grandchildren."
McKinney focuses on the diversity of West Michigan's LGBTQ+ community when making decisions about programming and resource allocation. "Our community's intersectionality is a defining feature," they say. "It includes people from all backgrounds, with strong leadership and participation from BIPOC, trans and gender expansive, and disabled individuals."
“What truly sets Grand Rapids’ LGBTQ+ community apart is its unwavering commitment to not just existing but thriving,” McKinney says — even in the face of political and social challenges. “The people here continue to fight for a future where everyone is seen, valued and celebrated. It’s a community built on love, resilience and the determination to create a better, more inclusive world.”
Despite the challenges of leading such a vital organization during turbulent times, McKinney maintains their focus on both the community's needs and their own well-being. "I remind myself that I cannot pour from an empty cup," they say. "I lean on my community, take moments to rest, celebrate even the smallest victories and find joy in the people I'm fighting for."
The center's daily impact is evident in the steady stream of community members who find their way through its doors. "Every day, I see the impact of the Grand Rapids Pride Center firsthand," McKinney reflects. "What drives me to keep doing this work, despite the personal toll, is the unwavering belief that my community deserves safety, dignity and joy — seeing the relief in someone's eyes when they find a safe space, the empowerment of individuals who discover their voice and the resilience of those who keep pushing forward despite adversity."
The center's role has become particularly crucial as conservative movements gain momentum across West Michigan, though recent events suggest growing pushback against anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives. In Jamestown Township, voters decisively restored funding to the Patmos Library, 20 miles south of Grand Rapids, in November 2023, after previous attempts to defund it over LGBTQ-themed books had succeeded. The library, which faced closure by fall 2024, won its millage vote with 63% support — a clear rebuke to conservative efforts to remove LGBTQ+ materials from public spaces.ut Still, the situation has been a reminder that barefaced opposition to the community persists, and in some circles, is on the rise.
The center's work takes on added significance as similar battles play out across the region — and now, nationally, under the Trump administration. In neighboring Ottawa County, recent political shifts have dramatically illustrated the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities in the region. In 2023, conservative activists with Ottawa Impact gained control of the county commission, promptly dissolved the county's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office and changed the county motto from "Where You Belong" to "Where Freedom Rings." The group's influence has extended beyond county government, affecting everything from library funding to school board decisions.
Against this backdrop of increasing regional pressure, the center has become more than just a local resource — it's a model for how LGBTQ+ organizations can thrive and serve their communities, even in traditionally conservative regions. The center's success in Grand Rapids demonstrates that with dedicated leadership and community support, LGBTQ+ spaces can not only survive but flourish in unexpected places.
Looking ahead, McKinney and their team continue to expand the center's reach and impact. McKinney sees their work as increasingly vital as the community faces an era of anti-LGBTQ+ political and social backlash not felt for decades. "Community connection is extremely important for helping to combat isolation,” McKinney notes. “People [need to know] they are not alone.”
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