Out of the Margins: Voices from 1279
In 2021, Eastern Michigan University Archives lecturer Matt Jones began documenting the story of Ypsilanti’s Human Rights Ordinance #1279 in an effort to explore the ways in which local queer activism has evolved multi-generationally in Ypsilanti. Even though Ypsilanti is now hailed by many as a hub of diversity and inclusion, in 1997 it was a highly-segregated community whose existing city charter contained little protection for marginalized groups. This would all start to change in February of 1997 when an LGBT student organization known as Tri-Pride wanted to print raffle tickets for a Halt the Hate vigil, but were denied service by a local print shop.
Word of this exchange spread throughout town, and a movement for a better nondiscrimination ordinance kicked off. From there, a years-long battle over basic human rights ensued, and the ordinance was passed, challenged, and successfully defended. Although the movement was fueled by LGBTQ activists, this was about more than just LGBTQ rights—it was about protecting the human rights of all Ypsilantians. Organized groups like Citizens for Community and Ypsilanti Campaign for Equality are neighbors, teachers, babysitters, mayors, students, bartenders and clergy members, each with their own story. Out Of The Margins explores the emotional and professional effects of grassroots activism on activists themselves, illuminates the impact a movement like this has on entire communities, and strives to encourage and uplift future generations looking to make lasting impacts themselves.
Special Thanks To:
Gary Clark, Brian Steimel, Myrna Yeakle, Joan Sheard, Ayron Smith-Douglas, Lisa Marshall Bashert, Beth Bashert, Cheryl Farmer, Charles Duty, Ray Mullins, Dawn Richberg, Bonnie Dawn Clark, Donna Regan Southwick, Brandt Waldenmyer, Brian Baum, John Barr, Kathy Palmer, Eric Monat, John Gawlas, Lisa Zuber, Jan Wright, Terry McDonald, Donna Benke, Kris Pride, Paul Heaton, Kathleen Russell, Jim Toy, Trudy Swanson, and Pam Cuthbert.
Additional Thanks:
Alexis Braun Marks, Amber Davis, Brooke Boyst, Nancy Bryk, Caryn Charter, Jill Hunsberger, The Bentley Historical Library, Ypsilanti District Library, Ann Arbor District Library, Ypsilanti Historical Center, Rhonda Longworth, Linda Pritchard, Women in Philanthropy—EMU Chapter, Mary Larkin, Kayj Garrison, Ann Arbor American Friends Service Committee, Mary Fraser, Kat Hacanyan, Connor Ashley, Amanda Edmonds, Korey Morris, Katherine St. Amand, Zachary Goins, Cassandra Mitchell, Monica Fly-Wilson, Parents Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Standard Printing+Design Co., Tri-Pride, Eastern Michigan University School of Social Work, EMU Preservation Studies Program, and Ypsi Pride.
Huge thanks to Historic Preservation graduate student Kat Hacanyan, who turned this project from a messy set of transcripts to archival documents. During the course of her involvement, Kat spoke about the ordinance at Ypsilanti’s Bicentennial celebration, conducted more related interviews, kept close contact with all participants, and generally kept her head even while the world was spinning around all of us in 2021, 2022, and beyond.
