The Importance of Supporting Black LGBTQ+ Voters
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. Lucius D. Miles, communication coordinator at Progress Michigan, writes about the importance — and power — of Black LGBTQ+ voters in this election year. Find other community perspectives here.
As the election cycle is coming to a quick close, it is crucial for voters of the entire LGBTQ+ community to acknowledge the unique position of Black members of the LGBTQ+ community within the political landscape, especially Black transgender, nonbinary fem-presenting and masculine-presenting lesbians.
These individuals are often at the intersection of systemic racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia. Their representation and safety are critical in electoral outcomes, making their votes and the votes of their allies a powerful mechanism for truly protecting the most vulnerable within our community. Ensuring that Black LGBTQ+ voters are supported and their voices are heard is essential not only for their personal safety but also for protecting the broader community from adverse legislative and judicial decisions.
The U.S. Supreme Court, state legislatures and even local elected officials wield considerable power over the everyday lives of marginalized communities. Policies that target gender identity, reproductive rights and anti-discrimination protections are often decided by a small number of votes, underscoring the significance of every ballot cast. For Black trans and nonbinary individuals, the stakes are particularly high. Laws restricting gender-affirming care, bathroom access and the ability to safely participate in public life are being proposed and enacted at an alarming rate. This environment of hostility is compounded by acts of violence and discrimination, which these communities face at higher rates than any other demographic.
Black transgender women, in particular, are disproportionately impacted by both state and federal policy shifts. This demographic has one of the highest rates of violent victimization, according to numerous studies. The Human Rights Campaign has tracked record levels of fatal violence against trans and nonbinary people, most of whom are Black women. Elected officials who promote or support anti-trans legislation exacerbate this already dire situation, further marginalizing Black trans and nonbinary Americans. This makes voting a matter of life or death for many, as the wrong representation can directly impact safety and access to vital resources.
While federal elections receive significant attention, it is often state legislatures and state supreme courts, such as Michigan’s, that have the most immediate and direct impact on marginalized groups. Local representatives shape laws that regulate education, healthcare and public safety, often enacting restrictions or protections that can vary widely from one state to another. In Michigan, recent legislative sessions have seen intense debates over LGBTQ+ rights and protections. With a closely divided Michigan State House and a Michigan Supreme Court that has played a critical role in upholding civil rights, voting down the ballot is just as important as voting for federal representatives.
The Michigan Supreme Court, for example, has made landmark decisions impacting LGBTQ+ residents’ rights, from housing discrimination cases to affirming representation in the court system. Ensuring that pro-equality candidates are elected to these positions is crucial to safeguarding the legal rights of Black trans and nonbinary Michiganders. Similarly, state house races determine which bills are passed or blocked, including those related to health care access, hate crime enhancements and educational policies that affect LGBTQ+ youth.
Voting is a vital tool for holding power to account, but it is not just about showing up at the polls. Building coalitions that center the voices of the most marginalized, such as Black trans and nonbinary fem-presenting people, is essential for creating lasting change. Their safety is not just a matter of policy; it’s a reflection of Michiganders commitment to human rights and dignity. Allies can show solidarity by educating themselves on the candidates' platforms, mobilizing their communities to vote, and pushing for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of Black LGBTQ+ individuals.
In the upcoming elections, the stakes could not be higher. Black trans and nonbinary fem-presenting Americans deserve to live without fear of targeted violence and discriminatory policies. Protecting their rights means voting for candidates at every level; from the U.S. President to the local school board, who are committed to inclusivity, equity and justice.
When we vote alongside and for the most vulnerable, we ensure a safer, more equitable society for everyone.
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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