Gay Organizations

Gay Organizations

Ann Arbor has one of the most active gay movements in the country, and is one of the few places that has a law prohibiting discrimination because of sexual preference. Although the enforcement of the law is less than adequate, due primarily to straight society's fear of homosexuality, a few investigations and prosecutions do take place. A recent case by the city will take a local business to court for firing a gay person.

Because of the strength of the gay movement, a number of organizations exist for gay people. The best place to call for information about gay activities, for counseling (where you're guaranteed of not being called "sick"), or for general information about gayness, there is the Gay Hotline. Both men and women are there to answer any questions, and help people who have been afraid to come out.

The University, under pressure, finally appointed two half-time human sexuality advocates, a man and a woman. Their offices are also open for questions, counseling and complaints about the U of M. (Complaints about discrimination outside the University should be referred to the Human Rights Department. Also, to make sure that you aren't ignored, you can contact Council member Kathy Kozachenko, the first overt lesbian to be elected to public office.)

Two organizations have meetings to plan activities, do political and educational work, and just for gay people to get together socially. Gay Liberation Front holds regular meetings in the Michigan Union, and the predominant membership is male.

The other organization is GAWK (Gay Awareness Women's Kollective). Although this group stopped meeting over the summer, if there is enough revived interest in the fall, it is likely to exist again.