Warren hosts city’s first Pride celebration

WARREN — Hundreds of people were in attendance at Warren’s first pride celebration on the front lawn of City Hall on June 29.

“I have lived in the state of Michigan now for a long 55 years. If you would have ever told me that I would be attending Warren Pride, I never would have believed it,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I am so thrilled to be here today. I am honored to be at the very first Warren Pride. And it just tells you that no matter where you live in the state of Michigan you deserve to be respected, represented, accepted and loved.”

Nessel remarked of the strides made in LGBTQIA+ rights in the last decade.

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (one’s sexual or gender identity), intersex, and asexual/aromantic/agender.  The plus sign represents the expanding and new understanding of different parts of varied and diverse gender and sexual identities.

“Just 10 years ago, LGBTQ people had zero rights here in Michigan. That means no rights to marriage, or adoption, or employment, education, housing, public accommodations,” Nessel said. “We didn’t have any of those things. Now in 2024, we have all of those rights here in Michigan.”

Nessel encouraged those in attendance to vote on the local, state and federal levels.

“We are going to vote for pro-equality candidates all the way up and all the way down the ballot so that we don’t lose any of these precious rights that we have worked so very hard to secure,” Nessel said.

Rachel Crandall Crocker said she was fired from her job in 19997 when she started transitioning from male to female.

“I was sad. I was hurt. I wasn’t able to tell my clients or my coworkers,” Crocker said. “I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to take back my pride.”

She started Transgender Michigan, where she serves as the executive director and a psychotherapist helping others through their gender transitioning.

“We offer all kinds of services. We are the statewide transgender organization,” Crocker said.

In addition, she is the creator of the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

“Which is all over the world, even in Africa. It’s even in Russia, very quietly,” Crocker said.

Crocker was introduced as an icon in the transgender movement. When she started her speech, she said, “I want to let you know, I have Tourette’s Syndrome so I may talk a little differently.”

Transgender Michigan has a help line and according to Crocker, it was the first transgender help line in the country.

“I answer it (the help line) most of the time. Even though I stutter,” said Crocker. “It’s OK. I really want to emphasize, you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. I stutter; however, I created an international movement.”

Crocker was born male and said she knew she was a girl since she was 5. When she told her parents, she described their reaction as “very bad.” As a result, she concealed her sexual identity for another 25 years.

“However, I’m out now and I’m happy. I am living a life I thought I could never lead, and I want to help you do that, too,” Crocker said.

“If you want to make a difference, vote, please vote,” Crocker said. “Vote for the party that best protects your rights.”

Theresa Hastert is an associate professor at Wayne State University’s Department of Oncology and does population studies on disparities research at Karmanos Cancer Institute. She said, “Pride is an opportunity to promote visibility in improving the access to services and the quality of services for the people who receive them.”

Hastert stressed the importance of incorporating a different family structure which includes the chosen families, partners and families of origin; estate planning and legal issues that may not be obvious; and ensuring gay patients are comfortable talking to their straight doctors about sex.

She said, “We need to make sure we are providing quality health care to trans (cancer) survivors, some of whom found a breast cancer when they went in for chest reconstruction surgery.

“So now, they are being treated for a cancer for an identity they don’t identify with and were ready to celebrate their new body that they do identify with,” Hastert said.

The event was attended by members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as those who support them.

“Everyone should be proud to be themselves and not be afraid of hate and nonacceptance,” said Jessica Williams.

“I think it’s an important step for people that live around here and make them feel welcomed,” said Abigail Minor.

The event included a full day of musical entertainment, a magician, a drag show, parade, vendor booths and more.

Warren’s Pride celebration was organized by Monica Papasian and Ryan Kelley. The two received a proclamation from Mayor Lori Stone, who said, “Today our city is bursting with color, joy, and the spirit of inclusivity as we come together to celebrate. The festival is not just a celebration, it is a declaration of our communities unwavering support for equality and acceptance.”