Where Are They Now? Catching Up with Sean Kosofsky, Former Policy and Political Director at Michigan's Triangle Foundation
Our "Where Are They Now?" series will get you up-to-date on the lives of LGBTQ+ community advocates who have contributed to Michigan with years of tireless activism before embarking on new chapters, whether in retirement or pursuit of fresh opportunities elsewhere. In this space, we'll trace the paths of these trailblazers as they navigate life beyond the limelight, offering insights into their current endeavors, passions and the legacies they continue to shape. Join us as we celebrate their resilience, achievements and the lasting impact they've left on Michigan's LGBTQ+ community.
This time around, Sean Kosofsky is the focus. Kosofsky served as policy and political director for Michigan’s Triangle Foundation from 1996 to 2008 and his journey is rooted in social justice and activism, from his career in Michigan to his life today in New York.
From an early age, Kosofsky found himself impassioned by helping others — an interest stemming from a desire to bring joy into the lives of those he interacted with. But as he grew through his work, his own identity and the causes he focused on became more intertwined. Eventually, Kosofsky became a key voice in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, anti-bullying and reproductive rights at a statewide and national scale. But like many, his story of political engagement and self-understanding began in high school.
How would you describe your connection to activism in Michigan?
I started as an activist in high school, working for the environment. I was also active with the Young Democrats and worked on Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign.
Then, after high school, it became my job. I came out of the closet my senior year because of the Affirmations youth group, which may have saved my life. I never left that group and, eventually, they started paying me. Then, in 1996, I was offered a role at Triangle Foundation [now Equality Michigan]. I eventually became the main political and policy voice for Michigan's LGBTQ+ movement. I was involved in many ballot measures, political advocacy, the ACLU and many causes while in Michigan. It's where I cut my teeth.
What has your path looked like since moving on from Triangle Foundation?
I worked at Triangle Foundation before the merger with Equality Michigan. I left Michigan in the summer of 2008 and accepted my first executive director position running NARAL (now Reproductive Freedom for All) North Carolina. I was the only man in the country running a NARAL affiliate at the time, and we had a lot of success in those years. Then I was tapped to run a progressive coalition filled with organizations focused on policy and election turnout, called Blueprint North Carolina (The North Carolina equivalent of Michigan Voices). I was there for four years and was asked to be the co-chair of the statewide ballot measure campaign to defeat the ban on gay marriage in 2012. I also served on the Planned Parenthood statewide political board. Later, I ran a polling organization but then, in 2014, I moved to New York City to be the first executive director for the Tyler Clementi Foundation, where we focused on bullying prevention nationwide.
I moved to San Francisco — for love — in 2017 and started my own consulting practice, now called The Nonprofit Fixer. In 2018, I was tapped to run a national climate change think tank called the Climate Advocacy Lab and was excited to be there when the historic Inflation Reduction Act was passed. It was the largest climate package ever passed by a government body.
Since 2023, I have been solely focused on my consulting work, which focuses on fundraising, board development and executive director training and coaching. I got married in 2019 and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm officiated the wedding in Napa. My husband and I are executive producers of "America You Kill Me," which is the story of Jeff Montgomery and the Triangle Foundation, which we helped get a New York City premiere in June.
What are some of your proudest moments related to your non-profit work?
I helped get Gov. Granholm to pass two executive orders protecting LGBTQ+ state employees and helped introduce all the legislation that is now finally passing under Gov. Whitmer.
Pride PAC, which I ran, held the first fundraiser for U.S. Senator Gary Peters when he first ran for Congress. We did that with Gerry Bannister. We sued the City of Detroit and shut down sting operations for years and made them repeal the law they were using to harass gay men. We then used that to get the Michigan State Police to stop sting operations while Granholm was governor.
I am proud that while at NARAL we passed the first comprehensive sex-education law in the South. While at Tyler Clementi Foundation, we introduced federal anti-cyber harassment legislation and worked to stop revenge porn. I also helped create the LGBTQ+ Pride Festival in Raleigh, which is now an annual event.
How does your own identity impact your desire to help others?
All my life work is driven by the experience of the closet and of being queer. I suffered in silence as a teen and don't want anyone else to suffer in silence. It's why I work on abortion, civil rights, queer politics, partisan politics and climate. It all comes down to my own experience and that I want others to have freedom, dignity, joy and prosperity.
What spurred the creation of The Nonprofit Fixer?
To be honest, I was between jobs and just wanted some money coming in. Over time, it kept growing, and it gave me an outlet to learn something new… business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. It started as a side hustle and now is a thriving business.
Where are you now?
I live in City Hall Park in downtown Manhattan with my husband and dog.
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