Forum to tackle LGBTQ+ issues in mayor's race
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Mayoral candidates are invited to discuss issues impacting queer and transgender residents Friday as part of Detroit's historic Black LGBTQ+ pride event, Hotter Than July.
Why it matters: LGBTQ+ advocates want to assure the next mayor has "a clear understanding" of the community's needs here in Detroit, says Roland Leggett, the forum's moderator.
State of play: The conversation will cover social justice, LGBTQ+ issues and environmental issues like pollution and affordable utilities. It's co-hosted by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and nonprofit LGBT Detroit.
- As of early Thursday afternoon, the only confirmed candidate attending was former nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins.
- It's part of Hotter Than July's daylong Annual Gathering for LGBT+ Issues at the U of M Detroit Center.
If you go: The free event starts with an 8:30am breakfast, then the forum around 9:30am.
- It also includes a "State of the Movement" conversation with City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero and others.
What they're saying: LGBT Detroit executive director A. Nzere Kwabena tells Axios he's hoping to hear discussion about the national climate for LGBTQ+ rights and how the mayor of Michigan's biggest city can advocate for LGBTQ+ protections at the state level.
Between the lines: Leggett, the conservation league's election protection manager, says Mayor Mike Duggan worked to ensure Detroit earned a maximum score on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index, which measures cities' law and policy inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people.
- "We want to see that continued partnership with whoever the new mayor is going to be," Leggett says.