Don't Overlook Progressive Judge Candidates Like Kerene Moore on Your 2024 Election Ballot: These Key Figures Are Critical for LGBTQ+ Rights
Community voices: Michigan LGBTQ+ leaders weigh in
Ahead of the 2024 general election, Pride Source asked community leaders to weigh in on the important issues facing the Michigan LGBTQ+ community. Keith Orr, former owner/operator of the ⧵aut⧵ BAR and Common Language Bookstore, writes about why downticket races are critical for maintaining LGBTQ+ progress and striving for more in Michigan, especially crucial judgeships. Find other community perspectives here.
Progressive judges are critical to maintaining our civil rights. Without them, gay sex might still be criminalized and marriage equality non-existent. We've seen the damage a slate of conservative judges can inflict at the Supreme Court. In Michigan, where judges are elected directly, it's crucial that we elect Kimberly Thomas and retain Kyra Harris Bolden on the Michigan Supreme Court.
On a more personal and local note, I strongly endorse Kerene Moore for the 15th District Judge position in Ann Arbor.
Kerene Moore has a long history of serving underserved communities. She began her career as a legal services attorney, providing assistance to Washtenaw County's poorest residents. She has served as an attorney for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and currently directs the Conviction Integrity Unit in the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office, reviewing and remedying wrongful convictions. She has also served as a referee in Juvenile Court.
In my many years at the center of Ann Arbor's LGBTQ+ community, I've witnessed Kerene's commitment to legal representation for LGBTQ+ individuals. She works with the Outlaws, a group of LGBTQ+ students at the University of Michigan Law School. Kerene and the Outlaws held regular sessions at the Jim Toy Community Center, providing pro bono assistance to community members with legal issues. These sessions gave law students real-world experience while offering invaluable help to the LGBTQ+ community.
Recognizing the specific needs of transgender citizens, Kerene provides regular Name Change workshops and personal attention, again pro bono, to assist in the legal name change process.
This election season, we often hear that our democracy and rights are on the line. Indeed, it's important to vote for candidates like Kamala Harris and Elissa Slotkin, and to encourage our friends, families and associates to do the same. However, we must also ensure our courts remain strong.
Kerene's commitment to progressive action and equal justice make her an ideal candidate for the District Court. I will enthusiastically cast my ballot for Kerene and urge you to do the same.
Visit vote411.org and michiganvoting.org to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot and to make a voting plan.