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Governor establishes LGBTQ+ Commission in MI

LANSING, MI— Two Upper Peninsula residents have been named to the first-ever statewide LGBTQ+ Commission.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says it was created to ensure that Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community is represented at all levels of government, including its executive branch. The commission aims to address rights and inequalities facing the community.

Dr. Renee McLaughlin, of Chatham, is the National Medical Director at CIGNA Healthcare. She is appointed to represent medical professionals who regularly provide care to the LGBTQ+ community.

Al Gray, of Marquette, is a limited licensed master social worker at Suunta Integrative Health. They also serve as a program coordinator for Trace Holistic in Marquette. Gray is also a co-facilitator with the Stand with Trans teen support group. They are being appointed to represent rural communities.

Both will serve through November 29th, 2027.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.