Hello, I am a young married gay woman who has recently taken public stands on opposing the federal government's over reaching attempts through indivisible on the lakeshore, and other protest groups. I organized the Muskegon Human rights rally that had 1600 people attend, and founded with my coorganizers the People's March Project, a group responsible for numerous bridge protests, small rallies and student lead protests over the last month. I say this not to boast, though I am proud of my accomplishments in the last few months, but to show that I have a personal stake in this city and in this political game, however small it may still be. I understand the target I am asking to be placed, not only on myself, but on this city. 

I creating this because I would like Muskegon to follow Baltimore and other citys in becoming a sanctuary city for the lgbtqia+ and women's health. With Baltimore's adopted resolution, file # 24-0223R, it protects gender affirming care. Boston, Chicago and other cities have also done similar things, and many whole states have either done similar already or begun to. As a city that boasts a diverse city commission, a openly gay mayor, and a loud and proud pride event, I am calling on this city to protect the community as it is actively targeted by the federal government and it threatened to be erased. I ask that Muskegon lead the way in the state by protecting gender affirming care, same sex marriage, non binary identification, the right to abortions and women's right to make decisions about their bodies. We must be proactive in a time like this, we cannot wait until something happens to try to catch up. By doing this and taking a stand we show as Michiganders that we will uphold our reputation and stand up to bigotry in our government. This will state that if the federal government tries to erase us, Muskegon will not comply and will continue to provide the care and compassion to its people. Show the people of this city and the state that we stand with our communities, and hopefully the rest of the state will follow. You have the power to do something to help stop the spread of hate in this country, you have the power to actually make a change. The community supports standing our ground.