OutPro Forum: Understanding Intersectionality
An important piece of understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is recognizing the significance of intersectionality. Join OutPro for a facilitated workshop by Grand Valley State University DEI leaders to help better understand the interconnected nature of identities, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community.
OutPro promotes a welcoming culture for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the West Michigan business community and offers opportunities for education and networking with an emphasis on policy impact, assisting businesses, and creating a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend OutPro events. You do not need to identify as LGBTQIA+ to participate.
OutPro Forum: Best Practices for Employee Resource Groups
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can greatly enhance the engagement of your employees, create a sense of belonging, and drive key community outreach initiatives that exceed your diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals. Hear from a panel of leaders who will share best practices and how to create an ERG program that truly makes an impact on employees and your organization.
Whether you’re brand new to the concept of ERGs or if your organization has had them established for years, this discussion will provide insights for establishing a successful ERG initiative that will last, no matter your organization’s size or journey. The conversation will be relevant to anyone who has a vested interest in belonging, including DEI professionals, HR professionals, ERG leaders and participants, and individuals seeking to make an impact in their organization.
OutPro promotes a welcoming culture for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the West Michigan business community and offers opportunities for education and networking with an emphasis on policy impact, assisting businesses, and creating a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend OutPro events. You do not need to identify as LGBTQIA+ to participate.
OutPro Celebration
OutPro promotes a welcoming culture for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the West Michigan business community and offers opportunities for education and networking with an emphasis on policy impact, assisting businesses, and creating a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 21 and join us for the first OutPro event of 2024, The Art of Being Out! 🎨
This year’s celebration will include:
- Coming out stories from OutPro Council members
- Live music and performances
- Pop-up shop featuring apparel from local queer-owned businesses
- Hors d’oeuvres and beverages
Featured Performers
- Anderson Da Silva & Sarah Marley | Dance Performance
- Brianne Hubbard-Ross (She/Her) | Spoken Word Artist
- Courtney Failer (She/Her) | Vocal Performance
- OutPro Council Members | Coming Out Stories
All are welcome and encouraged to attend OutPro events. You do not need to identify as LGBTQIA+ to participate. Business casual attire is encouraged, but not required.
OutPro Empower Toolkit
Get Educated
Learn about different issues in the LGBTQIA+ community with these educational resources.
- Gender Pronouns
- Flag Colors
- General Terminology
- Michigan’s LGBTQIA+ Policy Tally
- Impact of Stigma & Discrimination Against LGBTQIA+ in Michigan
- Gays in Faith Together (GIFT)
- LGBTQIA+ Liason
- Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium
- The Grand Rapids Trans Foundation
- LGBTQIA+ Senior Citizen Resources
- GLAAD Resources
- Guide to Gender Inclusive Language
- Fair Housing Coalition of West Michigan
Make Your Voice Heard
Make your voice heard by the public officials that represent your community. Learn about the laws that protect you and your rights.
- Contact Your State Government Officials
- Contact your Local Government Officials
Michigan Specific Laws
- Matt Epling Safe School Law (2011)
- Requires all schools to have an anti-bullying policy.
- Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (1976)
- Prohibits discrimination based on numerous identity qualifiers, including sex, in housing, employment, and education.
- In 2024, legislation will go into effect expanding this act to include protections for LGBTQ individuals.
Federal Laws
- Title IX
- Prohibits discrimination based on sex for any federally funded educational activity or program
- Prohibits gender-based harassment, sex stereotyping, or sexual harassment (this includes prohibiting discrimination or harassment for people who do not conform to stereotypical ideas of femininity or masculinity)
- Title VII
- In June 2020, the Supreme Court ruled (Bostock v. Clayton County) that the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which bans employment discrimination based on sex, also protects people from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity because those identities are inextricably linked to sex.
- 2021 Presidential Executive Order
- President Biden’s order seeks to apply the Title VII decision more broadly, thereby expanding the interpretation to protect against discrimination in any federal program (including housing, education, and health care).
Make It Your Business
These resources are for businesses who want to be allies and create an inclusive work environment.
- Model Transgender Policy
- Restroom Practices Guide
- Trainings and Workshops
- Employee Advocacy Resources
- Out & Equal
- Inclusive Workplaces Policy
- Inclusive Workplaces Policy II
Take Action
Resources to get involved and make a difference in your community
- Support LGBTQIA+ local businesses
- Support Organizations Making a Difference
OutPro Forum: Beyond the Politics
In March of 2023, Michigan expanded the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for gender identity and expression. How does this historic amendment affect business owners, employees, clients, and companywide policies and practices? And what new opportunities do these protections create?
Join OutPro as we facilitate a discussion about how the amendment creates new opportunities for fostering belonging, civility, and inclusivity. Subject matter experts from the legal, housing, and healthcare sectors will share what the changes to the law mean for businesses, employees, and clients. You’ll also get the chance to ask questions, network, and learn alongside others.
As a bonus, enjoy light bites from LGBTQIA+ certified business, 3 Gatos Brewery, and mocktails from LGBTQIA+ bar, General Wood Shop.
Free parking is provided at GRPS University.
OutPro Forum: Money Talks
In a world where money talks, listening might just be the key to success. OutPro is excited to host a panel discussion of local business leaders who will offer strategies to create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ business owners, employees, and customers. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with others and share your own perspective over lunch.
Whether you are a queer-owned business, are looking to make your company more inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community, or are an employee or consumer with a vested interest in equity, you’ll gain insight on the challenges, experiences, and innovations that local businesses are taking on, both big and small.
Your voice will be heard, because your money talks.
OutPro Celebration
Create Great Connections: OutPro Celebration
The Art of Being Out
Join us for the first OutPro event of the year to celebrate The Art of Being Out.
What to expect:
• Coming out stories from OutPro Council members
• Art and poetry from local LGBTQIA+ artists featured throughout the venue
• Live music and performances
• Hors d’oeuvres and beverages
• New connections in a safe, inclusive, and fun atmosphere
OutPro promotes a welcoming culture for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the West Michigan business community and offers opportunities for education and networking with an emphasis on policy impact, assisting businesses, and creating a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend OutPro events. You do not need to identify as LGBTQIA+ to participate.
Register now to join us Thursday, March 23 at the Rutledge!
Online registration is now closed.
Walk-in registration will be available at the door.
8 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month in Grand Rapids
Pride month is here! For the entire month of June, we’re celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride, uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, and supporting the diverse members within our community.
This month-long celebration brings parades and festivals to cities of all shapes and sizes, and Grand Rapids is no exception. Since the historical Gay Liberation Movement that started in New York City on June 28, 1969, the month of June has become an annual celebration of the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community across the country.
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or are just starting to learn more, here are 8 ways you can celebrate Pride Month right here in Grand Rapids!
1. Attend events throughout June
The Grand Rapids Pride Festival is the crown jewel of Pride Month celebrations. On Saturday, June 18 from 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Calder Plaza welcomes the largest one-day festival Grand Rapids has to offer. This year’s theme, TOGETHER AGAIN, celebrates the revival of Grand Rapids Pride following the COVID-19 pandemic. With live music, drag performances, comedy, spoken word performances, street fair vendors, food trucks, and more, Grand Rapids Pride is back and better than ever!
Other events are taking place across the city to celebrate Pride Month all month long. The Grand Rapids Pride Center hosts regular social and support group meetings. Check out their events on their calendar, here.
2. Support local LGBTQIA+ owned and affirming businesses
LGBTQIA+ owned and ally-owned businesses are sprinkled all across Grand Rapids. Find entertainment at the Happy Cat Café, shop downtown with Oh Hello Branding, or grab food and drinks at The Mitten Brewing. Additionally, explore Fisk Solutions for a variety of mental health resources and individual counseling, or discover your next summer adventure in the inclusive environment at Camp Blodgett.
For assistance with your business, 8THIRTYFOUR provides marketing and communications support for all of your branding, public relations, and digital media needs.
Finally, get involved and give back to the community with Arbor Circle, a non-profit that provides a variety of social services such as mental health care, foster care, and housing support in Grand Rapids.
3. Read about the purpose and history behind Pride Month
The first Pride Month was celebrated in 1970 to commemorate the famous Stonewall Uprising that occurred a year prior. Because of the events that occurred on June 28, 1969 and the resilience of the community, we now celebrate each June to remember the historic Gay Rights Movement celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride across the U.S.
Read more about the history of Pride Month and the Stonewall Uprising here.
4. Make sure your workplace is inclusive towards LGBTQIA+ individuals
This article by The Out Alliance lists best practices for creating inclusive workplace for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Read through some statistics behind LGBTQIA+ representation in the workplace and find suggestions on how to be more welcoming to LGBTQIA+ employees here.
This list of resources by The Safe Zone Project provides websites, reading materials, handouts, videos, and more. Utilize their resources to educate your team on LGBTQIA+ inclusion and provide resources to your LGBTQIA+ employees.
5. Refresh your terminology
One of the easiest ways to help LGBTQIA+ individuals feel included is to make sure you’re using the correct terms. Check out this easy guide to gender-inclusive language here.
6. Learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community and how to make your voice heard
The Grand Rapids Chamber’s OutPro council developed the Empower Toolkit: a resource for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to turn to for educational resources and strategies for effective advocacy. Read here.
7. Support local LGBTQIA+ causes by volunteering or donating
The Grand Rapids Pride Festival is still looking for volunteers! Sign up here. Can’t make the festival? The Grand Rapids Pride Center accepts volunteers and donations year-round.
The Grand Rapids Trans Foundation is dedicated to helping the Grand Rapids Trans community transcend barriers and build equality.
Out On The Lakeshore is an organization dedicated to providing support to the LGBTQIA+ community from Grand Rapids to Holland.
The Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Health Care Consortium connects health care organizations and community members to ensure inclusive care practices for all.
The AYA Youth Collective supports youth and young adults facing homelessness and instability, particularly at-risk youth in the LGBTQIA+ community.
8. Keep celebrating after Pride Month ends
Most importantly, don’t forget to continue supporting the LGBTQIA+ community after June ends. While Pride Month is a great opportunity to show some extra love to our LGBTQIA+ friends and colleagues, it shouldn’t stop when the calendar changes to July. Continue uplifting LGBTQIA+ causes and voices, instill inclusive practices in your organization, and make your voice heard!
