LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist have proclaimed October 2025 “Transgender Empowerment Month” in Michigan, citing growing numbers of LGBTQ+ residents and expanded legal protections.
The Oct. 1st proclamation highlights state estimates of roughly “311,400 LGBTQ+ adults, 32,900 of whom identify as transgender.” It also notes that “3,950 youth” ages 13 to 17 identify as transgender, asserting that these residents “contribute to the fabric of our society” and live “in every corner of our state.”
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Whitmer’s office framed the designation as a continuation of Michigan’s progressive civil-rights legacy, referencing the 1972 East Lansing non-discrimination ordinance and the 2023 expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to cover sexual orientation and gender identity.
The proclamation even goes so far as to link gender identity to economic growth, claiming “Michigan’s economic vitality depends upon welcoming people of diverse backgrounds, ending discrimination, and attracting and retaining top talent from around the world.”
On X however, residents blasted the move as tone-deaf and politically driven. “When will we be done with catering to mentally ill people?” one commenter asked. Another wrote, “We are top in the nation for joblessness, insurance, and energy rates. We are bottom in the nation for education. But yes, please come home from your world travels to declare this.”
Others questioned the governor’s priorities entirely: “Shouldn’t she ask us first? I doubt most Michiganders would prioritize this in their lives.”
Moreover, many questioned the symbolism of Whitmer’s move. October, they pointed out, has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985—“when the first organized national campaign was launched in the United States as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries.”
“To me, October is Vaccine Injury Awareness Month,” another user added, frustrated that Whitmer continues to spotlight gender politics instead.