In a rural township sixty-three miles from Flint, Michigan, three queer candidates are challenging the status quo with their bold bids for township council positions. Eric Roberts, a political organizer, Finn Roberts, his husband, and Leslie Blackburn, a longtime environmental activist, are running for key roles, aiming to address the water crisis plaguing the area and bring accountability to local governance.
The trio is not just running on LGBTQ+ issues but on a platform that resonates with all residents. Clean water, environmental preservation, and increased transparency form the backbone of their campaign. As openly queer individuals, they are navigating additional hurdles, campaigning in a conservative region where their identities make them vulnerable to prejudice. Yet, the candidates are driven by the urgency of issues like water quality, which they feel has been neglected by the current administration.
For Eric and Finn Roberts, their run for office was sparked by frustration over ignored water concerns in local township meetings. Eric Roberts explains, “We have terrible water, and it felt like no one was willing to address it. We had to step up and push for real change.” The Roberts-Blackburn team recognizes that they bring more than just diverse voices to the table. They’re leading an inclusive and community-driven campaign that focuses on improving basic services, a necessity for all residents, not just LGBTQ+ members.
Challenging Prejudices, Building Community
Their openness about their queer identities adds both challenges and solidarity to their campaign. Leslie Blackburn, who has long been involved in environmental activism, joined forces with the Roberts couple, creating a united front of LGBTQ+ candidates. “It’s encouraging to run alongside others who understand the additional challenges we face in a tight-knit and conservative community,” says Blackburn. The collective effort signals a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in small-town politics, and while they receive support from residents, they still face undercurrents of discrimination.
Eric Roberts recalls being targeted with homophobic slurs in past public roles. Yet, he remains steadfast, noting the importance of solidarity from allies in the community. “We can’t do this alone,” he stresses, pointing out that discrimination is not just an LGBTQ+ problem—it’s a community issue that requires collective action.
Their campaign shows that LGBTQ+ representation goes beyond identity politics. By focusing on real issues like water quality and government accountability, they are proving that leadership is about serving the entire community. They’re sending a clear message to Lodi Township: being queer and being an effective leader are not mutually exclusive. Their efforts are creating a path for future LGBTQ+ leaders in the region.