4 Times Michigan Governor Candidate Jocelyn Benson Championed LGBTQ+ Rights
How the secretary of state has been a vocal ally
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who announced her candidacy for governor on Jan. 22 to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, has built a strong record of LGBTQ+ advocacy since taking office in 2019. From streamlining gender marker processes to playing a pivotal role in implementing the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act amendment that added LGBTQ+ protections into the state constitution, Benson's tenure has marked a significant shift in how Michigan's government serves its LGBTQ+ community.
Her actions have transformed the Secretary of State's office from a bureaucratic checkpoint into a model of inclusive governance, earning praise from civil rights organizations and setting new standards for state-level LGBTQ+ protections. Here’s a look at Benson's accomplishments for Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community so far:
Defending anti-discrimination protections
When Michigan moved to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Benson emerged as one of its most vocal champions in state government. She directed her department to review and update all internal policies to align with the expanded protections, ensuring that LGBTQ+ rights would be upheld in every interaction with the Secretary of State's office.
Adding "X" gender marker option to state ID
In a landmark move for gender inclusivity, Benson revolutionized Michigan's ID system in 2021. The policy change allows residents to select "X" as their gender marker on state-issued identification, acknowledging the existence and rights of non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals. This initiative positioned Michigan among only a few progressive states recognizing gender diversity in official documentation.
“I am proud to offer state identification that bolsters the safety and accurately reflects the identity of more Michigan residents," Benson said during the November 2021 policy implementation. "For years we have been working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and upgrading our own technology, to make this possible in order to ensure that government works for all people of Michigan."
Streamlining gender marker changes
In one of her first major initiatives after taking office, Benson dismantled bureaucratic barriers that had long frustrated transgender Michiganders. The 2019 policy revision eliminated outdated requirements for medical documentation, replacing them with a simple self-attestation form. This change aligned Michigan with modern standards for gender marker updates and demonstrated Benson's commitment to dignity in government services.
“One of my goals is to reduce barriers for marginalized communities to participate fully in our society. The transgender community has faced both marginalization and violence without proper identification,” Benson said at the time. “This change returns to a policy that was in place before the issue was politicized, and that was utilized by both a Republican and Democrat secretary of state.”
Pride Month recognition
Under Benson's leadership, the Secretary of State's office transformed its approach to Pride Month. Beyond symbolic gestures, she instituted comprehensive programming that included LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for staff, community outreach events and partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations.
“Today marks the first day of Pride Month! Let’s celebrate the LGBTQI+ community, the strides we have made in creating an inclusive Michigan, while committing to the fight for true equality everywhere. Love is love!" Benson posted to Instagram on the first day of Pride Month in 2024.
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