FERNDALE, Mich. (AP) — Prominent members of Michigan’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community are joining forces for a 100-day hunger strike to raise awareness and promote equal rights.

David Garcia, executive director of Affirmations in Ferndale, tells MLive.com the hunger strike hosted by the group is aimed at educating their “straight allies about the extreme anti-equality environment” in Michigan.

Garcia will begin the hunger strike Monday by going without food for 24 hours. Leaders from seven other Michigan centers — representing LGBT communities in Kalamazoo, Benton Harbor, Detroit, Midland, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor — will take 24-hour food-free shifts at Affirmations.

During the hunger strike, leaders will be visible from a large window facing Nine Mile in downtown Ferndale

The campaign also will target specific legislators and anti-equality legislation.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)