Lansing City Council Unanimously Declares City an LGBTQ+ Welcoming Community

Trans advocates celebrate resolution protecting gender-affirming care and condemning hate

Published: October 15, 2025 | Last Updated: October 15, 2025

Amid growing public concerns about LGBTQ+ safety, Lansing will become an LGBTQ+ Welcoming City after a unanimous vote by city council members at their Oct. 13 meeting. The resolution condemns all acts of violence targeted against the LGBTQ+ community and affirms the right of everyone to live freely and safely in the city.

"Be it finally resolved, that the Lansing City Council declares Lansing an LGBTQ+ Welcoming City, where every person's identity and sexual orientation are supported and embraced, and where acts of hate or harassment have no place in our community," the resolution states.

The "LGBTQ+ Welcoming City" designation signifies that Lansing formally condemns discriminatory acts of violence against the community and commits to protecting access to gender-affirming care. The resolution also ensures that any threats, harassment, discrimination or acts of intimidation by city employees or organizations receiving city funds will result in appropriate disciplinary or corrective action.

Trans advocates widely called for this resolution after violent incidents considered hate crimes, such as the Sept. 24 incident when members and attendees of The Avenue Cafe, a bar and restaurant on Michigan Avenue, received a threat of violence, according to the establishment's Facebook statement.

"Any threats, harassment, discrimination, or acts of intimidation by City employees or by organizations receiving City funds will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken," the resolution states.

Lyra Opalikhin, an MSU student and Lansing resident, stated during public comments that, in recent weeks, there have been threats made against the LGBTQ+ community in the city. Opalikhin, as part of Lansing Advocates for Trans Safety, has been asking the city to publicly stand with the trans community and affirm its commitment to the safety and expression of all LGBTQ+ people. They also propose establishing an LGBTQ+ council to amplify queer voices and ensure ongoing representation, as well as expanding support for queer-owned businesses that are now facing threats and discrimination.

"Lansing has been my home for four years, and I care deeply about this beautiful city. However, while living here, I've since become scared. Scared due to the continuous hate and threats thrown toward marginalized communities, including the trans community," she said at the last Lansing city council meeting.

On Oct. 13, advocates, including those from The Lansing Advocates for Trans Safety, discussed the intensification of hostilities against the community and emphasized the importance of considering this resolution.

"We shouldn't have to wait until we are afraid to see the city take action to keep us safe. But I am optimistic. I do think the resolution is a good first step," Opalikhin told city officials.

Councilman Brian T. Jackson congratulated the LGBTQ+ community and attendees for continuing to insist on having a safer city for everyone, while also noting that the achievement of passing the resolution is thanks to the public.

Mayor Andy Schor thanked the council after the vote for passing the resolution. He also mentioned that the measure will support those seeking access to gender-affirming care safely and without consequences. The resolution also states that Lansing will not block, investigate, prosecute or detain any person seeking or providing gender-affirming care.

"The Lansing City Council supports the right of transgender and gender-diverse individuals to access gender-affirming care safely and without interference, and encourages the Administration to issue an executive order safeguarding access to such care, including prohibiting the use of City resources to block, investigate, prosecute, or detain any person seeking or providing gender-affirming treatment," the resolution states.

In August, Michigan's statewide hospital networks declared that they would stop providing medically necessary gender-affirming health care services — such as prescribing puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones — for patients under age 19. University of Michigan Health and its Michigan Medicine brand argued the decision was made due to an ongoing federal "criminal and civil investigation into gender-affirming care for minors."