#HateWontWin Coalition Celebrates Big Equality Wins in Michigan

The newly elected pro-equality majority dominates Lansing

MICHIGAN – Voters across Michigan yesterday turned out in record numbers to cast their vote for the future of the state. The consensus is clear: Michiganders are ready for a progressive, pro-equality state government.

The change in control of the Michigan Senate and House follows the efforts of #HateWontWin, Michigan’s statewide coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations and allies, the first of its kind in the United States. #HateWontWin efforts to turn out equality voters included a statewide canvass that made over 110,000 knocks, made over 115,000 phone calls, texted more than 58,000 people and collected over 46,000 pledges to vote. The coalition also coordinated a robust digital campaign that put LGBTQ+ equality as an issue at the top of mind for voters.

#HateWontWin originally formed in response to rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in Michigan. Coalition leaders noted that hatred against the LGBTQ+ community was used as a divisive political tactic this election cycle, but that hate did not carry its proponents to victory:

“Those that bet on demoralizing the LGBTQ+ community, especially the debate around transgender rights, lost as love triumphed over hate at the polls. The aggressive efforts to target LGBTQ+ people through a wave of hostile rhetoric and policy proposals failed across Michigan. Michiganders have rejected the anti-LGBTQ+ bombast spewed to them from extremists, and stood up against hate and voted for progress and equality.” – Erin Knott, Executive Director of Equality Michigan

“Clearly the attacks on the Michigan queer community have proven to be a losing strategy. Last night, hate lost. By working together across the state, our coalition has successfully defended our basic human rights. While much work remains to be done, we will continue to work together to protect, defend, and empower Michigan’s queer community.” – Antonio Dave Garcia, Executive Director of Affirmations

Attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, while on the rise in Michigan, do not have a track record of success. And this election is further proof that when equality voters participate, they can make a difference in election results. Both chambers now have a majority of lawmakers who believe in fairness and equality, and the #HateWontWin coalition is confident that the pro-equality majority will advocate for policies that work for all Michiganders, including the LGBTQ+ community. A record setting 7 LGBTQ+ candidates won their seat in the Michigan Legislature, the largest LGBTQ+ caucus the state has ever had.

One key district where #HateWontWin field work was focused was in the 35th Michigan Senate District. “Congratulations to Kristen McDonald Rivet on her victory. Kristen is a champion for equality and will advocate for our community in the Michigan Legislature, as well as protect our reproductive freedoms. Winning this district is a clear step toward a more progressive Michigan, with a state senator-elect who will represent all Michiganders, including LGBTQ+ constituents.” -Amritha Venkataraman, Michigan State Director of Human Rights Campaign

The success of this first-time coalition work in Michigan is certain to serve as a model for similar work in other states. While celebrating the wins, the #HateWontWin coalition also recognizes a need for further investment in the work. Several narrow progressive losses in key geographies in Michigan signal that additional funding for equality-focused field work would have led to additional victories.

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#HateWontWin Coalition partners include: Equality Michigan, Human Rights Campaign, Affirmations Community Center, Great Lakes Bay Pride, HIV Aids Alliance of Michigan, Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network, OutFront Kalamazoo, Prism Detroit, Ruth Ellis Center, Sage Metro Detroit, Stand with Trans, Stonewall Sports, OutCenter, LGBT Detroit, Michigan Education Association, West Michigan Progress PAC