Michigan

GLBT Michiganders and their allies from across the state will rally in Lansing on the Capitol steps ahead of Gov. Rick Snyder's "State of the State" address. Their message: Gay Families Matter. Protesters want to express their disapproval of the governor's support for a law that profoundly impacts their quality of life - Snyder signed a bill that blocks employer health care coverage for unmarried partners of state employees. Members of LGBT community groups from across the state will speak out against discriminatory legislation in Michigan.

A lesbian mom named Amy took some time during a Troy, Michigan council meeting to introduce Mayor Janice Daniels to her family. Daniels, you may recall, recently found herself at the center of a protest calling for her resignation over a Facebook update stating that “I think I am going to throw away my I Love New York carrying bag now that queers can get married there.” Amy was joined by her wife and their two daughters.

Riot Youth is an Ann Arbor-based group that supports and advocates for queer teens. Four years ago the group surveyed students in Ann Arbor schools about bullying and sexual orientation. Using the results of that survey, and drawing on their own experiences, the teens wrote a play about bullying that they perform in schools across the state. One performer explains, "When you turn around and you can see the adults' faces, they're really tuned in and they're really listening.

More than 100 law students left Hill Auditorium before homophobic Senator Rob Portman took the podium to speak at the University's Senior Day. About 60 percent of the graduates wore rainbow buttons or ribbons on their gowns or rainbow tassels on their caps. Portman is criticized by fair-minded students for his voting record.

Under Michigan’s current adoption laws, only a single person or a married couple can adopt. Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor [pictured] proposed Bill 4249 to expand those rights to same-sex couples and others. Second-parent laws in the state allow a married step-parent to adopt a biological child of his or her current spouse.

Jay McDowell - a high school teacher in Michigan - was suspended without pay after he removed two students from his class for making anti-gay comments. Dozens of people packed a school board meeting in Howell, to express their support for McDowell, and they included 14-year-old Graeme Taylor.

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox fired assistant state attorney general Andrew Shirvell (pictured) who stands accused of harassing the student assembly president at the University of Michigan - who happens to be gay. Shirvell started his own troubles by posting a blog he wrote characterizing the U of M student leader Chris Armstrong as a "privileged pervert", "racist", and a "liar" who promoted a "radical homosexual agenda".