Laurie Pohutsky
Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Primary as LGBTQ+ Candidates Make Historic Gains
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's closely watched U.S. Senate Democratic primary Tuesday with 49% of the vote, narrowly edging out moderate U.S. Rep. Haley [...]Read more about Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Primary as LGBTQ+ Candidates Make Historic Gains
Double Erasure: Why Bisexual and Pansexual Michiganders Are Still Missing From the Conversation
As a Ph.D. student studying how identity and stigma shape well-being, I keep coming back to a particular kind of stress — the kind that builds not from one [...]Read more about Double Erasure: Why Bisexual and Pansexual Michiganders Are Still Missing From the Conversation
2025 Election Recap: Pontiac Elects First Out LGBTQ+ Mayor While Detroit Council Strengthens Queer Representation
The 2025 election cycle has come to a close, and there has been a lot of noise around a few high-profile Democratic wins in New York City, Virginia and New [...]Read more about 2025 Election Recap: Pontiac Elects First Out LGBTQ+ Mayor While Detroit Council Strengthens Queer Representation
How to Be a Better Ally (Even If You’re Already a Good One)
Being an LGBTQ+ ally means more than just posting rainbow flags on social media or attending Pride events — though those gestures matter too. True allyship [...]Read more about How to Be a Better Ally (Even If You’re Already a Good One)
Supreme Court Upholds Trans Healthcare Ban as Michigan Leaders Vow Protection, Decry ‘Attack on Children’
Supreme Court Upholds Trans Healthcare Ban as Michigan Leaders Vow Protection, Decry 'Attack on Children'Rep. Pohutsky and Equality Michigan's [...]Read more about Supreme Court Upholds Trans Healthcare Ban as Michigan Leaders Vow Protection, Decry ‘Attack on Children’
Record Turnout Powers Michigan's Largest LGBTQ+ Capitol Day
More than 265 LGBTQ+ advocates and allies made their voices heard at the Michigan Capitol on May 14, turning out for Equality Michigan's largest Capitol [...]Read more about Record Turnout Powers Michigan's Largest LGBTQ+ Capitol Day
Skrmetti Supreme Court Case Could Reshape Trans Rights Nationwide — Including Michigan
Update: Since this article was published, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors in U.S. v. Skrmetti, [...]Read more about Skrmetti Supreme Court Case Could Reshape Trans Rights Nationwide — Including Michigan
Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Told a Protest Crowd She'd Undergone Voluntary Sterilization. Then, the Death Threats Began.
Michigan state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) said she’s received death threats after revealing during a rally last week that she underwent voluntary [...]Read more about Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Told a Protest Crowd She'd Undergone Voluntary Sterilization. Then, the Death Threats Began.
At Capitol Protest, Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Tells Crowd She Underwent Sterilization to Avoid Pregnancy During First Trump Term
Out bisexual Michigan state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) said Wednesday that she underwent surgery earlier this year to become voluntarily sterile out of [...]Read more about At Capitol Protest, Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Tells Crowd She Underwent Sterilization to Avoid Pregnancy During First Trump Term
'They Won't Put Us Back in the Closet': Michigan Leaders Respond to Trump’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Orders
In a devastating escalation of anti-LGBTQ+ policies, President Trump's Day One executive orders have shattered protections for LGBTQ+ Americans — [...]Read more about 'They Won't Put Us Back in the Closet': Michigan Leaders Respond to Trump’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Orders
‘Governor Buttigieg’ Has a Real Ring to It, Don't You Think?
A new year has arrived and it’s brought a most unwelcome guest to the party: new and improved political anxiety and uncertainty. We know what’s about to happen [...]Read more about ‘Governor Buttigieg’ Has a Real Ring to It, Don't You Think?
Protect Michigan's Pro-LGBTQ+ Legislature This November
Ahead of the 2024 general election, Pride Source asked community leaders to weigh in on the important issues facing the Michigan LGBTQ+ community. Michigan [...]Read more about Protect Michigan's Pro-LGBTQ+ Legislature This November
Whitmer Signs Law Banning Gay, Trans ‘Panic’ Defenses
On July 23, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill prohibiting LGBTQ+ “panic” legal defenses in Michigan. The law, which will go into effect later this [...]Read more about Whitmer Signs Law Banning Gay, Trans ‘Panic’ Defenses
Meet 10 LGBTQ+ Candidates Running for Office in Michigan
The old adage “representation matters” may not be more important anywhere than it is in government. People elected to state, local and federal positions hold a [...]Read more about Meet 10 LGBTQ+ Candidates Running for Office in Michigan
How the Recently Passed Michigan Family Protection Act Will Safeguard LGBTQ+ Parents and Families
Michigan Democrats have held a “trifecta” of power since late 2022 when the party flipped both chambers of the House and won the governorship and the attorney [...]Read more about How the Recently Passed Michigan Family Protection Act Will Safeguard LGBTQ+ Parents and Families
House Panel Considers Bills Making It Easier for Transgender Michiganders to Change Their Names
Members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies spoke about the additional costs and indignities a person goes through to change their name in Michigan during [...]Read more about House Panel Considers Bills Making It Easier for Transgender Michiganders to Change Their Names
Affirmations Reports Budget Shortfall (But All Is Well), Michigan Reps Working to Improve Name, Gender Marker Changes and More
At the Jan. 24 virtual annual meeting of Affirmations attendees learned the non-profit is in the red on its latest profit and loss statement — but fear not.
What You Need to Know About Michigan’s Surrogacy Laws — and Why These State Reps Are Working to Change Them
Becoming a parent as a member of the queer community is often a challenging, expensive process. In Michigan, it can be downright criminal. Right now, [...]Read more about What You Need to Know About Michigan’s Surrogacy Laws — and Why These State Reps Are Working to Change Them
Why Do All My GOP State Reps Support the Trans/Gay Panic Defense?
Before I write about the trans/gay panic defense and how U.S. states are gradually passing laws against its use in court, and before I write about how [...]Read more about Why Do All My GOP State Reps Support the Trans/Gay Panic Defense?
How the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute Training Provides Openly Queer Candidates With the Tools to Lead
Diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are considered assets on the campaign trail.
Michigan LGBTQ+ Advocates Working to Dismantle ‘Gay Panic’ Criminal Defense
In a move that Michigan LGBTQ+ advocates say is long overdue, the Democrat-led Michigan legislature is moving forward on HB 4718, a bill that would eliminate [...]Read more about Michigan LGBTQ+ Advocates Working to Dismantle ‘Gay Panic’ Criminal Defense
New State Budget Includes Unprecedented $10 Million Grant to Address LGBTQ+ Health Disparities
For the first time ever, the recently passed and signed 2023-2024 state budget will include an investment to address LGBTQ+ health disparities
Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders Prioritize Their Wish Lists for the Incoming Democratic Legislature — With an Amended Civil Rights Act at the Top
The 2022 midterm elections are history, and LGBTQ+ Democrats in Michigan are rightfully celebrating some significant wins. The state boasts a newly [...]Read more about Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders Prioritize Their Wish Lists for the Incoming Democratic Legislature — With an Amended Civil Rights Act at the Top
Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders In Attendance to Celebrate Respect for Marriage Act Bill Signing at White House
When President Biden signed the historic Respect For Marriage Act into law on Dec. 13, leaders from key Michigan civil rights organizations were in attendance [...]Read more about Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders In Attendance to Celebrate Respect for Marriage Act Bill Signing at White House
A Democratic Majority in Michigan: What Every LGBTQ+ Person Should Know About the 2022 Midterm Election
The predicted Nov. 8 “Red Wave” that became a “Blue Tsunami” in Michigan brought some hopeful results, with the legislative future in Lansing essentially [...]Read more about A Democratic Majority in Michigan: What Every LGBTQ+ Person Should Know About the 2022 Midterm Election
Fiery Speeches From Religious, Political and Community Leaders Dominate Rally to Protect Democracy
Though morning rains may have scared some away, the sun was shining directly on the Michigan Capitol Wednesday afternoon for the Protecting Democracy: Rally for [...]Read more about Fiery Speeches From Religious, Political and Community Leaders Dominate Rally to Protect Democracy
Openly Bisexual MI State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Takes to Twitter For 'Serious Talk' on Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
Openly bisexual Michigan State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D – Livonia) spoke out against Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill in a series of tweets on [...]Read more about Openly Bisexual MI State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Takes to Twitter For 'Serious Talk' on Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
Bills in State House and Senate Aim to Strike 'Gay Panic' Defense from Michigan Law
Identical bills were proposed in the Michigan State House and Senate this week that would make it illegal for defendants of an alleged crime against an LGBTQ+ [...]Read more about Bills in State House and Senate Aim to Strike 'Gay Panic' Defense from Michigan Law
Election 2022: Early Predictions for LGBTQ+ Voters in Michigan
In the world of politics, it's always election season. That said, with the 2021 elections now in the rearview mirror, it's time to gear up for 2022. Pride [...]Read more about Election 2022: Early Predictions for LGBTQ+ Voters in Michigan
Gov. Whitmer, Lt. Gov. GilchristMark JuneasPrideMonth, Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders Weigh In
LANSING — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist issued a proclamation marking June as Pride Month to recognize the accomplishments of [...]Read more about Gov. Whitmer, Lt. Gov. GilchristMark JuneasPrideMonth, Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders Weigh In
Hazel Park City Council Introduces LGBTQ+Inclusive Human Rights Ordinance
HAZEL PARK – The Hazel Park City Council tonight introduced Ordinance 01-21, a Human Rights Ordinance that would prohibit discrimination in employment, [...]Read more about Hazel Park City Council Introduces LGBTQ+Inclusive Human Rights Ordinance
Fallout Over Lee Chatfield's Hiring Leads to New Non-Discrimination Policy for Southwest Michigan First
In an unexpected move that followed the Feb. 11 hiring of former House Speaker Lee Chatfield as CEO of economic development nonprofit Southwest Michigan [...]Read more about Fallout Over Lee Chatfield's Hiring Leads to New Non-Discrimination Policy for Southwest Michigan First
Ongoing Election 2020 Results
Editor's note: This article will be continuously updated with the latest election results. As the results from the Tuesday, Nov. 3, presidential election [...]Read more about Ongoing Election 2020 Results
Election Q&A: 19th District House Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Talks Reelection
As the November election draws nearer, Americans won't be voting just for a presidential candidate, both state and national candidates will be voted upon, too. [...]Read more about Election Q&A: 19th District House Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Talks Reelection
Growing Calls for Resignation of Michigan Civil Rights Director
Public controversy has surrounded Michigan Department of Civil Rights Executive Director Agustin Arbulu since early August when documents were released [...]Read more about Growing Calls for Resignation of Michigan Civil Rights Director
Introduced Michigan House Bill Would Ban Flying of LGBTQ Pride Flag From State Buildings
A bill introduced in the Michigan House would ban the flying of the Pride flag – or any flag other than the Michigan or U.S. flags – from being flown from [...]Read more about Introduced Michigan House Bill Would Ban Flying of LGBTQ Pride Flag From State Buildings
