Whereas, The goal of National Coming Out Day is to increase the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to educate and inform all Americans about the true diversity of this community; and,

Whereas, By celebrating this diversity and establishing a positive dialogue, we can foster an atmosphere of respect, understanding and goodwill; and,

Whereas, In order to promote good human relations, we must work toward the acceptance of differences in people, ideas, and opinions within a framework of mutual respect;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, hereby proclaim October 11, 2009, Coming Out Day in Michigan.  Respect for differences is a critical defining characteristic of any community and a free and open society.