ANN ARBOR-
The Washtenaw Rainbow Action Project changed its name to the Jim Toy Community Center, in honor of renowned activist Jim Toy on Dec. 8.
Toy co-founded the first sexual orientation program office at any university in the world. That original Lesbian-Gay Male Programs Office at the University of Michigan still exists and is now named the Spectrum Center.
Toy is also credited with being the co-author of Ann Arbor's 1972 nondiscrimination policy in regards to sexual orientation and, in 1999, for gender identity and expression. He also helped U of M expand its nondiscriminatory bylaws.
"I'm so honored," says Toy, who's been secretary of the WRAP board for many years. "Yes, that's what everyone says when you get something named after you. But I really am. More than that, I'm humbled to have my name on a community center that is so important for the health and vibrancy of queer residents and their friends–and the community."
To match its new name, the center now has an almost entirely new board. Six new board members were elected Dec. 8, along with other elected officials. The center said the changes helped "repledge the organization to its mission as an energetic resource for the transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay, queer and ally local residents."
Washtenaw Rainbow Action Project renamed the Jim Toy Community Center
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