Whereas, In recent years, progress has led to the righting of many of these wrongs; since the Stonewall uprising in New York City more than 30 years ago, the GLBT rights movement has united the GLBT community, their families and friends, and all those committed to justice and equality in a crusade to ban discrimination and to protect GLBT individuals from prejudice and persecution; and,

Whereas, Today, more openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals serve in senior posts throughout state government than during any other administration; and

Whereas, Many challenges still exist, and as we have learned from recent tragedies, prejudice against GLBT individuals can still erupt into acts of hatred and violence, which is why recognition and support of the work being done by our GLBT community based organizations is critical as we work toward acceptance, safety and equality every day; and,

Whereas, With each passing year, Michigan continues to strive towards greater diversity and openness in support of each persons identity; our State is realizing that GLBT individuals must no longer be "strangers among friends,'' as the civil rights pioneer David Mixner once noted, rather, we recognize these Michigan citizens for what they are: our colleagues and neighbors, daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, friends and partners; and,

Whereas, This June, recognizing the joys and sorrows that the GLBT movement has witnessed and the work that remains to be done, we observe Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month and celebrate the progress we have made and will continue to make in creating a society more inclusive and accepting of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people; together we will continue to break down the walls of fear and prejudice and work to build a bridge to understanding and tolerance; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June, 2003, as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. I encourage all citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities which celebrate our diversity and recognize the GLBT Americans whose many and varied contributions have enriched our lives in this state and in the nation.