New LGBTQ+ organization

In time for LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a new LGBTQ+ organization has been launched in West Michigan, primarily serving the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo regions. Chosen Family of Michigan is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing advocacy and support services to the LGBTQ community. 

Established by two former Directors of a local LGBTQ+ organization, they ventured out on their own and created Chosen Family of Michigan to build on the programs they are passionate about. 

Board President, Rickie Kreuzer, who has a background in management and LGBTQ+ policy, is excited to continue this important work with the team at Chosen Family and to reach their vision of "a Michigan that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through equity, understanding & opportunity."

Program offerings include Dandelion Homes, which pairs homeless LGBTQ+ youth with safe & affirming housing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion workshops for organizations to help promote acceptance and understanding, as well as various advocacy and policy initiatives, including a volunteer-led Policy Committee. 

The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges, often with a lack of family acceptance and support. For generations, the LGBTQ+ community often finds their own family through friends, queer services, accepting teachers, and more. The term “Chosen Family” is an important part of queer culture, and is why they chose this as their name.

There are several ways the community can help Chosen Family get started: 

By visiting www.chosenfamilyofmichigan.org and making a tax deductible donation to support their programming. They are currently in the midst of their launch fundraiser, Planting Seeds, and need your help to reach their start-up goal of $10,000.
Following them on social media, all of which is linked on our website. 
Subscribing to their monthly newsletter by visiting their website and submitting your email address at the bottom of the webpage. 
Volunteering! Contact them through their website!
By spreading the word! Chosen Family is excited to grow their  “chosen family” and need your help to do so!

Chosen Family of Michigan is excited to partner with communities to uplift the LGBTQ+ community through equity, understanding, and opportunity. They thank their partners, alliances, coalitions, and community supporters for helping them get started. 


Fact Sheet:

It’s estimated that 10% of the population is LGBTQ+, yet 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+.
Right now, the LGBTQ+ population is not protected under federal or state civil rights law. 
Approx. 700 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation have been introduced across the country since 2018. (https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/nearly-240-anti-lgbtq-bills-filed-2022-far-targeting-trans-people-rcna20418)
Nearly 1/3 of LGBTQ+ youth have at least one suicide attempt in the prior year compared to 6 percent of straight, cisgender youth. (CDC)