David Custer Shares Story of Bullying, Honesty at Great Lakes Bay Pride Fundraiser

Custer, a former TV news anchor, was the keynote speaker at the annual Together in Pride dinner event.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

David Custer, the honorary chair of the annual Together in Pride fundraiser for Great Lakes Bay Pride, delivered an impassioned keynote speech at the event held at the Midland Country Club on March 18, 2026. Custer shared his personal journey from being a bullied child growing up in rural Michigan to becoming an Emmy-winning news anchor, and later, the plaintiff in a lawsuit against the TV station that fired him. Custer's speech highlighted the importance of honesty, integrity, and supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

Why it matters

Custer's story resonates with many in the LGBTQ+ community who have faced bullying and discrimination. His willingness to share his personal experiences and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights underscores the ongoing need for greater acceptance and support. The annual Together in Pride fundraiser is a crucial event for the Great Lakes Bay Pride organization, which serves the LGBTQ+ community in several Michigan counties.

The details

In his keynote address, Custer described the bullying he faced as a gay youth, including being taunted on the bus ride home from school and feeling the need to hide his sexual orientation. Despite his success as a news anchor, Custer later found himself at the center of a lawsuit against the TV station that fired him, which he ultimately won. Custer's speech emphasized the importance of honesty, integrity, and supporting LGBTQ+ youth, and he received a standing ovation from the audience of about 200 people.

  • The annual Together in Pride fundraiser for Great Lakes Bay Pride took place on March 18, 2026.
  • Custer served as the honorary chair of the event.

The players

David Custer

A former Emmy-winning news anchor who shared his personal story of bullying and discrimination as a gay youth, and later became the plaintiff in a successful lawsuit against the TV station that fired him.

Great Lakes Bay Pride

A nonprofit organization that serves the LGBTQ+ community in Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, and Bay counties in Michigan. The organization hosted the annual Together in Pride fundraiser event.

Scott Ellis

The Executive Director of Great Lakes Bay Pride, who spoke at the event about the organization's successes and challenges.

Lee Ann Keller

The outgoing Board President of Great Lakes Bay Pride, who expressed gratitude for the organization's financial health and the work of Executive Director Scott Ellis.

Betty J. Madison

A drag performer who is the reigning Miss Great Lakes Bay Pride 2025 and served as the emcee for the event's live auction and raffle ticket drawings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I believe deeply that the truth matters.”

— David Custer

“Courage spreads. Real love always wins.”

— David Custer

“In good times and bad, we need community. We won't slip quietly into the shadows. We'll move forward together in pride.”

— Scott Ellis, Great Lakes Bay Pride Executive Director

“I hope you all know how lucky we are to have Scott in that role. Scott does a tremendous amount of advocacy at the state and local levels.”

— Lee Ann Keller, Outgoing Great Lakes Bay Pride Board President

What’s next

Great Lakes Bay Pride plans to continue its advocacy work and community-building efforts in the Great Lakes Bay region.

The takeaway

David Custer's powerful story of overcoming bullying and discrimination as a gay youth, and his subsequent legal battle with the TV station that fired him, underscores the ongoing need for greater acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The annual Together in Pride fundraiser is a crucial event for the Great Lakes Bay Pride organization, which remains committed to serving and empowering LGBTQ+ individuals in Michigan.