Rudy Serra: A Pioneer in the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights
In 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm made history by appointing Rudy Serra to Michigan's 36th District Court, making him the state's first openly gay judge.
Serra's career has been marked by a decades-long fight against systematic police targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite being 70, he continues to practice law and take on cases, sounding the alarm about police stings that violate the constitutional rights of gay men.
The tactics may have evolved from public restrooms to dating apps like Grindr, but the issue remains urgent. As Serra notes, the work that consumed him in 1999 is still relevant today.
The work that consumed him in 1999 remains urgent in 2025.
Author's summary: Rudy Serra fights for LGBTQ+ rights.