Affirmations’ 2024 Annual Report

Newsletter

October 2024

 

Happy Fall! As a Libra, I may be biased, but I’m overjoyed to be entering the best season of the year. Nothing can compete with sweater weather, Michigan fall colors, Halloween, cider mills, and a birthday to reflect on the past and look forward to what’s next.

Fall is also a season of reflection at Affirmations. We celebrated the center’s 35th anniversary, our 2025 budget is underway, and our advocacy work to protect our community’s rights is more important than ever. 

 

Our annual gala was a fantastic party and a resounding success– from which some of us are still recovering. The show of support has only made us more ambitious and excited about planning for 2025. If you couldn’t make it to Studio 35, consider making a gift in honor of our 35th anniversary today by clicking here (link).  Part of the joy shared amongst attendees was being able to honor those who have made significant contributions to Affirmations in the past year. This year’s awardees include:

 

David Duncan and Phoebe: Karen Dorgan Volunteer of The Year Award. 

The Ringwald Theatre: The Jan Stevenson Award. 

Antonio David Garcia: The Antonio David Garcia Community Hero Award. 

Faye Schuett & Linda Burnett: The Charles Moyer Philanthropy Award. 

Congresswoman Haley Stevens: The Lorna Utley Outstanding Ally Award 

 

 

While we celebrate our wins, we are also maintaining focus on the work that keeps our community protected and flourishing. Tuesday, November 5th is election day. It is vital to show up and out for our LGBTQ+ community. Free internet and computer usage at our cyber café, located on the main floor of our building, makes registering to vote accessible and easy. In Michigan, we have seen what happens when our community and its allies unify at the polls. Since November 2022, we have secured protections from discrimination in housing, employment, health insurance, schools, and public accommodations; We banned the practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ young people; We have Michigan’s first LGBTQ+ Commission that advises the governor and the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on policy matters impacting Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community. These are just a few of the pro-LGBTQ+ policy successes that resulted from working together and using our voice.  

 

It’s time to come together and make our voices heard. Do you have a voting plan? I have mine! If not, I invite you to visit Affirmations to register to vote or visit https://www.vote.org/state/michigan/ to make a voting plan today.

 

Affirmations will be celebrating Election Day on November 5th by offering treats in our cafe for all the community throughout the day. Show off your “I Voted” sticker, grab a goodie, and celebrate your right to have your voice heard!

 

I hope to see you there!

 

Cheryl Czach

Executive Director