The Hotter Than July Annual Gathering for LGBT Issues is co-presented by dynamic legislative advocacy organizations and programs: LGBT Michigan, Promote The Vote, Michigan United, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Pride Decides.

“We’re thrilled to present this year’s event,” says A. Nzere Kwabena. “Our community has made a meaningful impact both locally and nationally. These efforts have laid the groundwork for the next generation of LGBT+ individuals to build upon and continue growing. The committee has worked diligently to create a gathering where our community and allies can come together to share in education, inspiration, and fellowship.”

The Hotter Than July Annual Gathering for LGBT Issues, established in 1996, is an all-day conference. Its focus is to identify solutions to LGBT+ concerns. Held every Friday of each Hotter Than July, previous workshops have included discussions on same sex marriage, gender-specific issues, legal matters, and the concerns of older adults.

“This year, the Hotter Than July Annual Gathering for LGBT Issues aims to focus on two current concerns: our political activism and our health and well-being,” says A. Nzere Kwabena, executive director of LGBT Detroit.

The Mayoral Candidate Forum, presented in the morning, hosts candidates seeking the office of mayor of The City of Detroit. At press time, the Saunteel Jenkins Campaign and the Mary Sheffield Campaign have confirmed attendance. The discussion is facilitated by Roland Leggett from Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

The State of the Movement, facilitated by Wesley Watson from Michigan League of Conservation Voters, is a panel discussion that concentrates on the current state of affairs for LGBT+ persons statewide. Panelists include Chase Cantrell, City Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero, and Candidate for City Council Denzel McCambell.

This is a free event and all are welcome. To date, patronage for Hotter Than July 30th Anniversary is as follows: Gilead Sciences, Promote The Vote, Community Health Awareness Group, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, ViiV Healthcare, Corktown Health, Digital Detroit Media, Pandora’s Boxx, University of Michigan Detroit Center, Vivent Health + Unified, Be Well Medical Center, Black Bear Brotherhood of Detroit, Billionaire Boys Club, Detroit Sound Conservancy, Equality Michigan, Stoyan Francis and Dr. Cleo Brown, One Church Detroit.