Updates
November 15, 2023 Update
Grand Rapids earns 100 score on Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index
The Surfus Foundation Press Release for Grand Rapids MEI 2023
February 17, 2023 Update
The Surfus Foundation releases updated LGBT Population of the United States estimate.
The Surfus Foundation estimates that the LGBT population of the United States has risen 10 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic. LGBT people now make up 8.8 percent of the U.S. population. This data is based on the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Phase 3.5-3.7), using 461,550 surveys and is nationally representative of 252,481,011 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. The prior LGBT population estimate was 7.93% (HPS Phase 3.2). The analysis was completed by Dr. Chris R. Surfus.
December 16, 2022 – Grand Rapids Municipal Equality Index Score Upgraded
This past summer, The Surfus Foundation launched its Grand 100 Campaign to make Grand Rapids the 5th city in Michigan to achieve a perfect 100 score on the Municipal Equality Index. The foundation has been working with the city in partnership to advance key policy priority areas for the LGBTQ+ community.
Key policy priorities for 2023:
• Ban Conversion Therapy at the local and state level
• Implement Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare Benefits for city workers
• Advocate for a City Contractor Nondiscrimination Policy update to protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination
Grand Rapids’ MEI score increased from 92 to 94. Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare Benefits could help achieve the 100-score goal. However, the 100 score is a baseline, and further progress is needed for economic development and human rights.
July 21, 2022 – Grand Rapids City Manager’s Office Update
Dr. Surfus received a call from the City Manager’s Office of Grand Rapids. The city’s Diversity and Inclusion department will work with The Surfus Foundation to implement the goals of the Grand 100 campaign.
July 12, 2022 – Dr. Chris Surfus addresses Grand Rapids City Commission
July 6, 2022 Update
Grand Rapids aims to become the 5th city in Michigan to achieve a 100 score on the Municipal Equality Index. The city currently has a score of 92 out of 100.
The Surfus Foundation has identified four key focus areas:
1. Advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusive public policy in Michigan
2. Adopt Transgender-Inclusive Employee Benefits in Grand Rapids
3. Publicly condemn Conversion Therapy and push for a statewide ban
4. Implement LGBTQ+ inclusive city services
Public Accommodations points (worth 3 points) can be earned by providing gender-neutral restrooms in all city buildings.
Pride Month Update
Grand Rapids, today we celebrate Pride. Tomorrow, we get to work.
The Surfus Foundation is advocating for:
• Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare Benefits for City of Grand Rapids employees
• Protection for youth from Conversion Therapy
• Proclamations condemning Conversion Therapy and urging state legislative action
• A network linking government and nonprofit LGBTQ+ services
Additionally, the Surfus Foundation is asking Kent County to adopt a county-wide Nondiscrimination Policy to protect the LGBTQ+ community in housing, employment, and public accommodations.