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Jackson Pride Center
Pride Newsletter September 2026
| | | Pride Family Picnic - August 2026 | | |
A giant thank-you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us in August! Our Pride Family Picnic was a huge success thanks to our incredible volunteers, CCC Catering, the Jackson Area Career Center, our dedicated board, and generous sponsors. We extend a special thanks to the City of Jackson for providing access to the park, setting up picnic tables, and donating an accessible restroom and handwashing station. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this momentum with help from our newest board members and re-formed committees. We remain committed to creating inclusive spaces, hosting accessible local events, and bringing vital resources directly to Jackson County. Thank you for standing with us as we build a stronger, more connected community together!
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Keeping Our Community Covered:
Navigating Upcoming Medicaid Changes Together
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Healthcare access is at the very core of health equity, and for many in Jackson County, Medicaid serves as a vital lifeline. It allows our community members to access essential primary care, mental health support, prescription medications, and specialized services, including HIV prevention and gender-affirming care. However, navigating public benefits can be daunting, and upcoming state policy updates mean we need to work together to keep everyone covered.
Starting January 1, 2027, federal and state guidelines will introduce more frequent eligibility reviews and new work requirements for Medicaid recipients. Historically, folks rarely lose coverage because they no longer qualify; they lose it due to missed notices, outdated contact details, or overly complex paperwork. Within the LGBTQ+ community—where individuals already face higher financial barriers, increased mental health needs, and challenges finding affirming care—losing coverage can be devastating.
In line with our updated mission, “To strengthen connection within our diverse community through advocacy, grassroots support, and collective action”, Jackson Pride is committed to making sure no one in our neighborhood gets left behind.
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We are joining forces with local healthcare partners like the Center for Family Health to share information and connect you directly to outreach workers and caseworkers who can assist with enrollment.
What You Can Do Right Now
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Update Your Information: Log into your MI Bridges account to ensure your primary mailing address, phone number, and email address are completely up to date.
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Check Your Mail Regularly: Keep a close eye out for official notices or renewal packets from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
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Reach Out for Support: If you receive a confusing form or need help navigating your renewal, connect with a Community Health Worker at the Center for Family Health or reach out to us directly on our website.
By staying proactive and looking out for one another, we can protect our community’s health and ensure everyone has the support they need to thrive.
| | | A Heartfelt Thank You: Reflecting on Moonlight | | |
A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us on August 16th for our special screening of Moonlight. We are deeply grateful to AARP of Michigan for sponsoring the event and the Michigan Theater of Jackson for hosting us. Together, you helped us cultivate a warm, intentional space where representation, community, and meaningful conversation could thrive. As Jackson Pride continues moving forward, events like this remind us why our work matters. Following the showing, our Board Chair, Gage Gillard, collected a few reflections that captured the evening’s impact: “Pride is more than celebration. It’s creating spaces where people can see themselves reflected, feel safe being vulnerable, and know they belong.”, “Stories like Moonlight matter because representation doesn’t just tell us who we are; sometimes, it reminds us that we’re not alone.”, “Tonight reminded me that queer stories deserve to be told in all their complexity; not just the joy, but the tenderness, struggle, longing, and love.” In a community where resources are tight but heart is abundant, gathering to share our stories keeps us grounded and connected. Thank you for showing up for one another and for supporting Jackson Pride.
| | Be Proud: Wear Your Pride Out Loud! | |
- Wearing the Jackson Pride logo is more than just sporting local gear—it is an unmistakable statement of solidarity, visibility, and hometown pride.
- Every shirt purchased represents a direct grassroots investment in local programming, outreach, and advocacy.
- Whether you purchase a shirt, share this campaign with your neighbors, or add a small contribution at checkout, your support provides the stability we need to keep serving Jackson County for the long haul.
- Wear your pride out loud and stand with us in building a stronger, more connected community!
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Help Build Pridefest 2027🌈: Join Our Programming Committee!
We are re-forming our Programming Committee to start planning, organizing, and doing the groundwork to make Pridefest 2027 our best celebration yet!
What We Ask of Committee Volunteers:
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Monthly Virtual Meeting: Commit to one Zoom meeting per month.
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Independent or Group Work: Contribute roughly 5 hours each month toward planning logistics, outreach, and event design.
Whether you can offer your time, creative ideas, or local connections, every bit of help strengthens our community connection.
If you are ready to help shape Pridefest 2027, please reach out to us at info@jacksonpridecenter.org to get involved.
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU ABOUT JACKSON PRIDE!
Your feedback is essential for fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community for everyone.
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Jackson Pride is looking at how we can best serve, support, and bring together the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. Your feedback will help us understand what people want to see from Jackson Pride and how we can build a stronger, more welcoming community.
This survey takes approximately 3–5 minutes to complete. Responses will help guide future Jackson Pride events, programs, and activities.
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