June 2024 • Volume 2, No. 1

By Christine A. Yared

Members of the LGBTQ+ Bar Section are hard at work advocating for a more inclusive justice system and society. In my prior report, I discussed the plight of a gay school teacher here in Michigan who experienced substantial harassment before losing his job and his life. It is clear that the hate-filled harassment, discrimination, and vengeance directed against Gerry Crane could have been diminished had enough people, especially those living or working in the school district, zealously and consistently spoken up for him. It might have literally saved his life.

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By Catherine Jacobs

Estate plans encompass various facets such as considering and preparing for incapacity, asset management, asset transfer, and selecting guardians for minor children in the event of your absence. The estate planning documents will memorialize and safeguard the client’s goals and objectives. The 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriages in all 50 states, effectively leveled the playing field in estate planning for all married couples, regardless of whether they are same-sex, LGBTQ+, or heterosexual couples.

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By Jay Kaplan

Recently we have seen several legal challenges against school districts for supporting transgender students. Some of these cases are brought by the parents of transgender students, alleging that the school district failed to notify them regarding their child’s gender identity, and did not obtain their permission to address their child in accordance with the child’s preferred name and pronouns. Recently such a legal challenge was brought against the Rockford School District, by Dan and Jennifer Mead, alleging that the District concealed their child’s gender identity from them, and used names and pronouns without their permission.

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By Andrea G. Fogelsinger

Across the country, many transgender and non-binary individuals are living their true identity but suffer dysmorphia and intense emotional turmoil every time they have to look at and utilize their identification documents. Think about how often you are asked for ID when purchasing goods, picking up medications, access to certain events or locations, and travel to name a few. IDs are necessary for numerous situations presenting countless situations for transgender and non-binary individuals to struggle with the disconnect between their true identity and their legal identity.

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A comic written by Katie Stanley

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Peter M. Kulas-Dominguez, Co-Chair
S. Kerene Moore, Co-Chair
John Casupang
Andrea Fogelsinger
Kendall Perry
Angie Martell (honorary member)
Chris Yared (honorary member)

All Articles

Constitutional Law
Court Rules
Employment Law
Ethics / Cultural Competency
Family Law
Healthcare
Transgender

Here’s a helpful link to an LGTBQ+ Legislative Tracker for Michigan, provided by Equality Michigan.