By Jim Bloch
“I envision a city that is welcoming and affirming and that embraces all,” said Barbara Payton, a member of the Port Huron City Council and executive director of Blue Water Allies.
Payton accepted a proclamation from Mayor Anita Ashford proclaiming June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual+ and Pride Month.
Ashford presented Payton with the document at the regular meeting of the council, June 9.
Payton expressed her gratitude on “behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.”
“We live in a country founded on the principles that all people are created equal,” said Payton, as heard on the recording of the meeting posted on YouTube. “The recognition of Pride Month reflects our town’s effort to more fully realize this promise.”
The recognition comes against the background of the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle DEI – diversity, equality and inclusion – initiatives in the Federal government, private and public universities and the private sector generally. The president has cut federal funding to universities that have refused to comply with his orders. Companies such as Facebook and Meta have abandoned DEI programs to align themselves with the administration.
Opponents of these efforts, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, see Trump’s attacks on DEI as an effort to “dismantle civil rights gains made in recent decades.”
Payton talked about the local efforts to enshrine diversity.
“Our organization, Blue Water Allies, is the first LGBTQIA+ organization is the Thumb Region of Michigan,” Payton said. “As executive director of Blue Water Allies, I can say we are dedicated to creating a sense of belonging for all members of the community through our commitment to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion. We understand that by centering the needs of — and uplifting — the most vulnerable, we are becoming freed of oppressive systems and ways of thinking.”
The goal of Blue Water Allies is to create a city in which all residents can “thrive, grow and prosper,” Payton said.
Ashford read the proclamation aloud, noting that 373,000 individuals, including 61,000 young people, make up the LGBTQIA+ community in Michigan. The mayor recognized the “immeasurable contributions” of the community to the civic and cultural life of the city and state. Pride Month, Ashford said, helps to create a foundation of equality and dignity upon which all citizens may be respected and recognized for their contributions. She called on the city to become part of the social movement for a more inclusive future.
The audience gave both women rousing rounds of applause.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
