Michigan Equality and the Triangle Foundation, probably the two most influential gay rights organizations in the state of Michigan, announced this morning that they are merging the two groups.

While both groups have focused on equal rights for the LGBT community, they’ve generally gone about it in different ways. Michigan Equality was originally formed as a 501(c)(4) organization, which meant they could lobby the government, and their focus was primarily legislative.

Triangle Foundation, on the other hand, tended to focus more on educational, civic and legal matters. They often involved themselves in legal defense of individuals and victim services in general, as well as outreach programs.

In fact, Michigan Equality was formed in part by a group of Triangle board members who were frustrated by the pace of change in Michigan and wanted to push the legislative agenda and make changes in the law. But in recent years, Triangle has also gotten more involved in legislative work and Michigan Equality has gotten more involved in educational and civic engagement work, bringing them closer together in terms of their agendas.

In a press release, the boards of the two groups were positive about the impact the merger would have:

Although Michigan Equality and Triangle Foundation have separate histories, we have always shared one common objective: to fight for LGBT equality in Michigan. Together we are uniquely positioned to influence local and statewide policy, while also providing victim services, education and outreach as well as organizing community-building events. We remain dedicated to each and every one of these objectives now that we are operating as one.

Bringing Triangle Foundation and Michigan Equality together will result in a stronger, more effective organization better suited to meet the challenges we face in our state.