Name: Community Q&A: LGBTQ+ Rights in Michigan — Real Talk, Real Answers
Start: 2026-02-11T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-11T19:30:00-05:00
Location: Southgate Veterans Memorial Library

$Community Q&A: LGBTQ+ Rights in Michigan \u2014 Real Talk, Real Answers$

Our community has questions — and we’re bringing together two of Michigan’s leading voices in LGBTQ+ rights to help answer them.
Join us for a special Community Q&A featuring Emme Zanotti @EqualityMichigan and Jay Kaplan @ACLUofMichigan. This event offers a welcoming, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people, families, and allies to learn more about the rights, protections, and challenges affecting our community today.
At a time when many are seeking clarity, support, and trustworthy information, this conversation provides the opportunity to hear directly from experts who have spent years advocating for equality, expanding protections, and supporting LGBTQ+ Michiganders.
About Our Speakers
• Emme Zanotti (she/her), Equality Michigan
Emme is a long‑time advocate whose work spans community support, statewide initiatives, and coalition‑building across Michigan. As a transgender woman and experienced organizer, she brings both lived experience and deep knowledge of the issues impacting LGBTQ+ people today.
• Jay Kaplan (he/him), ACLU of Michigan
Jay has served as the staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Project since 2001. His work has helped shape major legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, including cases involving family recognition, workplace discrimination, and access to accurate identity documents.
Format
Panel conversation + open audience Q&A
We are honored to welcome these two respected leaders to Downriver for an evening of learning, connection, and community conversation. Whether you come with questions or simply want to listen, you’re welcome to join us as we work together to better understand the rights and protections that shape our lives.
Community Guidelines
We aim to create a welcoming, respectful environment for everyone. Please help us maintain a space where all attendees feel comfortable listening, learning, and asking questions. We ask that all participation remain courteous, inclusive, and focused on the educational purpose of this event.
Note
This event is educational and nonpartisan. The views shared by the speakers are their own and do not represent endorsements by PRIDE in Downriver.
This program/meeting is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Southgate Library.