The Nancy Katz & Margo Dichtelmiller LGBTQ+ Project

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan is one of a handful of state ACLU affiliates with a project dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals who suffer discrimination based on their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Nancy Katz and Margo Dichtelmiller LGBTQ+ Project at the ACLU of Michigan is the only legal organization headquartered in Michigan and fighting for the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their families through strategic litigation, education, and public policy work. The Project provides legal information and referral services to individuals and community groups, brings test cases, and offers support to attorneys representing the LGBTQ+ community.

The goal of the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Project works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association. This means even-handed treatment by the government and law enforcement, protection from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, and legal recognition for LGBTQ+ couples and their families.

The Project brings "impact" lawsuits - cases designed to positively affect the lives of LGBTQ+ people. Project attorneys and policy staff also draft and advocate for laws and policies that will help achieve equality and fairness for LGBTQ+ people. Finally, the Project educates the public, legislators, policymakers, and opinion leaders through publications, position papers, articles, lectures, and media campaigns.