LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s GLBT community is no longer in the closet at the state Capitol now that Gov. Jennifer Granholm has opened the door.

Granholm is the first governor to use her executive powers to support the state’s GLBT residents.

During Michigan Pride Festival on June 14 in Lansing, three of Granholm’s openly gay staff members read her proclamation declaring June Gay Pride Month in Michigan.

“It is awesome and it’s about time,” Sarah Mieras, spokesperson for Michigan Pride, told The Detroit News.

But whether that will translate into legislation the gay community has lobbied for since the late 1990s remains to be seen. Key state lawmakers say it won’t happen any time soon.

“This Legislature will not stand for that sort of thing,” said Sen. Alan Cropsey (R-Dewitt). “This Legislature is very much in favor of the traditional family and is not going to be going out promoting (that) lifestyle.”

“In the end, it’s about fairness to all and equal justice,” said Bishop, who headed a committee four years ago that considered one piece of legislation that backed the GLBT community.

But gay groups remain optimistic. Members say Granholm’s tone will influence moderate lawmakers to vote in favor of gay-friendly legislation.

“We have a better chance than ever before because there is not a roadblock at the legislative office,” said Sean Kosofsky, policy director at the Triangle Foundation, the state’s largest gay advocacy organization.

Granholm’s staff includes five gay men and women, and she has indicated she supports a number of gay issues, such as extending health benefits to the domestic partners of gays, similar to spouses in marriages.