Michigan LGBT Community Centers Network

The Michigan LGBT Community Centers Network is a coalition of Michigan's LGBT community centers. Founded during a meeting of the founding community centers in 2012, the coalition includes eight of Michigan's LGBT community centers across the state and is facilitated by Affirmations.

The overall mission of the Community Center Network is to "improve the quality of life for Michigan's LGBT community and our allies by promoting equality, building capacity, and fostering new leaders across the state."

Membership
At the time of its Hungry 4 Equality project in fall of 2012, the Community Centers Network was comprised of:
 * Affirmations
 * Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center
 * OutCenter
 * KICK
 * Perceptions
 * The Network
 * Jim Toy Community Center
 * Detroit Latin@z

Gay Families Matter Rally
On January 18, 2012, leaders from the founding community centers encouraged participants to come to Lansing for a Gay Families Matter Rally. Over 175 people attended, using bullhorns and protest signs protesting legislator opposing LGBT equality. The primary concerns brought up during the protest were the removal of domestic partner benefits, "conscience clause" legislation that legalizes discrimination, and proposed legislation that would have removed cities' rights to make local nondiscrimination ordinances that over 20 municipalities in Michigan have in place. Perceptions brought a full 15 passenger van to lobby legislatures as a part of the event.

Hungry 4 Equality
During the 100 days leading up to the 2012 election, volunteers and LGBT community volunteers publicly demonstrating in 24-hour shifts in the front window space of Affirmations. In rotating shifts, protestors sat in a living-room set on a stage in Affirmation's large front windows. From 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. the next day, protestors went without food in a symbolic strike to raise awareness and educate the public. The protest was to bring attention to the inequality faced by LGBT citizens in Michigan. Opponents of LGBT rights in Michigan were highlighted through a large window display titled "Equality Rights Hall of Shame."

Programs
In addition to regular meetings of the member organizations, the Community Centers Network has also undertaken some political and public education activities.

Anti-Bullying Initiative
The Community Centers Network's Anti-Bullying Initiative works to help educate young people and parents on how to handle and prevent instances of bullying. A bully button implemented on Affirmation's website and help line service allow parents and young people to report incidents of bullying.