An open letter to Mayor George Heartwell of Grand Rapids.

I personally have been blessed, aside from the benefit of the city’s non-discrimination ordinance, with overwhelming support, acceptance, and graciousness from my community. I transitioned at work in a Christian non-profit in Grand Rapids, and there is really no company of any size or place in the world where my transition could have gone better than here. But we’re not all this lucky. Many LGBT people do struggle with housing or employment, and are pushed to choose between being authentic and true to themselves, and being able to live, love, and work in Michigan. Many highly talented LGBT people leave Michigan for this very reason – and I know many of these stories personally as well as many more who consider leaving the state every day.

See more over on our blog at The Network!