Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed 13 members to the newly-created LGBTQ+ Commission in Michigan. Two of those members are from the Upper Peninsula, including one Alger County resident.

Dr. Renee McLaughlin, of Chatham, is the National Medical Director at CIGNA Healthcare. She previously served as the founding member of the Chattanooga LGBT Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Adrian College, a master’s degree of science in biology from Wayne State University, a degree in medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, and an LGBT Leadership certificate from Stanford University. McLaughlin also served as a former major of the United States reserve active duty. She is appointed to represent medical professionals who regularly provide care to the LGBTQ+ community for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.

“It is an honor to have been selected as a member of Michigan’s inaugural LGBTQ+ commission. I look forward to helping to make Michigan a place that LGBTQ plus people can be comfortable calling home, and, in particular, addressing the needs and concerns of healthcare providers who support this population. Of course, I am also excited to represent the upper peninsula along with my colleague Al Gray from Marquette,” McLaughlin said in an emailed statement.

Also from the Upper Peninsula is Al Gray of Marquette. They also serve as a program coordinator for Trace Holistic Inc in Marquette, Michigan. Gray is also a volunteer co-facilitator with the Upper Peninsula’s Stand with Trans Teen support group. They hold a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and sociology and a Master of Social Work from Northern Michigan University. They are being appointed to represent rural communities for a term commencing November 30, 2023, and expiring on November 29, 2027.