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By Nancy English
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Michigan,
Lansing (Cable Muse Network) -- Approximately 200 people attended Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights at Edgewood United
Church of Christ on Sunday, September 14th. Participants defied the torrential rain from Hurricane Ike to show support for
their LGBT neighbors, friends and family members and educate themselves on the issues.
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The event brought together Michigan State University and Lansing Community College students, long-time LGBT
activists, straight allies, people of faith and newcomers to the Lansing community. The congregation watched the television
series episode of 30 Days, “Straight Man in a Gay World”. The audience reacted to the screening with laughter
to hissing (at Ryan’s dark moments). In the end Ryan, a right-wing Christian conservative from Oxford, MI said that
he would be proud to serve in the armed services with a gay man or lesbian.  The event brought together Michigan State University and Lansing Community College students, long-time LGBT
activists, straight allies, people of faith and newcomers to the Lansing community. The congregation watched the television
series episode of 30 Days, “Straight Man in a Gay World”. The audience reacted to the screening with laughter
to hissing (at Ryan’s dark moments). In the end Ryan, a right-wing Christian conservative from Oxford, MI said that
he would be proud to serve in the armed services with a gay man or lesbian. The meeting held discussions about straight allies, social justice and how to get people more involved in
working for LGBT equality. Straight Ally panel members Ed Smith, Pamela Zeller-Drake, Scott Harris, Kaye McDuffie, East Lansing
City Councilmember Nathan Triplett and moderator Rev. Kari Nicewander spoke on how everyone can work for social justice (in
minor and major ways), and how important that work is to the community. Rev.
Kari Nicewander led a candlelight ceremony to conclude the Lansing’s Seven Straight Nights event. The observance remembered
and honored LGBT people today and those lost in the struggle for their rights.
Participants
and support in Lansing Michigan’s Seven Nights event also included the LGBT Community Coalition of Michigan, Penny Gardner
and the LAHR Board, Scott Harris and his family (Straight Ally Host Family for this year’s 7SN), national organizations
Soulforce and Atticus Circle, and volunteers from Edgewood.
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