The mission of the Michigan Project for Informed Public Policy is to help achieve equality for those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) and to reduce the stigma and discrimination that can negatively impact the mental and physical health of many LGBT individuals and their allies.

 MPIPP works to achieve this mission by:  (1) providing science-based information to help make data-driven public policy decisions, and (2) to increase the public’s understanding of the negative impact of stigma and discrimination against LGBT people.

Research cited

Prejudice-based stigma and discrimination have been shown to negatively impact mental health of LGBT citizens, resulting in higher rates of depression, anxiety, and attempted suicide.  These mental health stressors and associated trauma also have a cumulative effect on physical well-being, similar to other stress-related disorders (such as higher rates of heart disease or addictions). 

The research provided by MPIPP addresses social justice issues such as school bullying, workplace discrimination, violence and hate crimes, and the harassment of LGBT people in our communities. 

The research cited by MPIPP has been peer-reviewed and considered valid by those in the larger mental health community. The polls we cite use generally accepted polling techniques.  MPIPP makes this research available for use by policy makers at the state and local level.  In addition, MPIPP makes this information available to the general public and to various organizations.  The MPIPP website (www.mpipp.org) also serves as a clearinghouse for research-based information on LGBT issues.

KNOW US PROJECT^™

MPIPP also has developed a research-based educational program, the KNOW US PROJECT™ (KUP).  KUP uses mental health providers as facilitators and support to LGBT people who want to engage in the kind of intergroup contact that reduces prejudice.  In the KUP workshops, participants learn to evaluate whether they are ready to act in this way, how to identify people to speak with, and how to reduce the listener’s anxiety in personal conversations about LGBT issues and to use words and body language that will make a conversation more effective.  They also learn to address negative feelings they may experience during and after the intergroup contact and learn to cope with those feelings through self-care, stress management and professional help if needed.

Our partners

MPIPP works in collaboration with many partners to achieve our mission.  Examples include the American Psychological Association, the Rockway Institute at Alliant University, Unity Michigan, the Michigan Roundtable, Michigan LGBT resource centers, and other state and local organizations, and several state and national professional associations. Through its affiliation with these partners, MPIPP is able to bring a coordinated focus to these mental health issues. In addition to our organizational partners, MPIPP has a network of more than 150 volunteers including social scientists and mental health professionals from every geographic area of Michigan.

Funding

MPIPP’s work is funded primarily by a grant from the Arcus Foundation. Personal donations are also accepted.