The event featured remarks by Housing & Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. The White House Office of Public Engagement hosted the conference in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Ruth Ellis Center.
It was part of a series of conferences that will be held around the country that will be specifically focused on LGBT Americans. These LGBT conferences will provide grassroots leaders, community organizers, advocates, students, and interested citizens an opportunity to hear directly from administration officials.
The Detroit morning session included remarks by Donovan, Wayne State University Vice President Patrick Lindsey, Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh; a panel of senior Obama Administration officials; and a panel of national advocates, including Ruth Ellis Center Executive Director Laura Hughes, Green Chimneys Director of LGBTQ Youth Programs Theresa Nolan and Ali Forney Center Executive Director Carl Siciliano. Photo courtesy of Cathy Renna