Community Corner

Bike Ride Across Michigan to Raise Awareness for Marriage Equality

A group of Michigan LGBT community centers recently announced an upcoming bike ride that aims to raise awareness and funding for marriage equality.

The Shore to Shore Equality Ride will take place Sept. 4-7 starting in Ferndale and ending in Saugatuck, hosted by Michigan’s LGBT Community Centers Network.

The route also includes stops in Ann Arbor, Concord and Kalamazoo, according to a press release from Affirmations in Ferndale - one of the participating LGBT centers.

'Michigan is the Mississippi of the civil rights movement when it comes to equality for all'

According to Affirmations, Michigan's state constitution currently bans civil unions and domestic partnerships, joint adoption by same-sex couples is not permitted and it is still legal to fire LGBT people based on their sexual orientation.

LGBT advocates in Michigan are considering a ballot push to repeal the state’s constitutional ban on marriage equality in 2016, the press release states.

"All around the country we see states supporting equality. Where gay people can adopt and where it will be against the law to fire folks. But not here," Dave Garcia, Executive Director of Affirmations, said in the release. "As people read and get to know more and more about our state, they realize what we have been saying for a long time, and that is that Michigan is the Mississippi of the civil rights movement when it comes to equality for all, and it needs to change."

Those interested in participating in the ride can register as an individual or as a member of any team associated with the community center of choice. Riders will stop each night at a tented campsite for food, facilities and entertainment.

“Your support and commitment to this event is pivotal; not only to the success of the event but the success of marriage equality in the state of Michigan," Garcia said.

How to get involved


Riders of all fitness levels are welcome to get involved. Several training rides are being offered to help prepare for the ride, and support is also available for nutrition, training and fundraising goals, according to the release.

Registration fees range from $25-$100 and suggested fundraising from $250-$1000.

For more information, contact Event Coordinator Andi Greer at AGreer@GoAffirmations.org, 248-677-7215 or visit equalityride.dojiggy.com.


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