In a Nov. 14 press release, Affirmations announced that it has suspended its search for a replacement executive director and laid off three employees: Development Director Katie Koch, Education and Training Manager Becca Budde and [...]
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Democrat Jocelyn Benson won out against her Republican oponent Mary Treder Lang in her second bid for Secretary of State — running for the first time in 2010 against Ruth Johnson. [...]
With results announced just after 2 a.m. via a tweet from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, Sen. Jeremy Moss made history as the first openly gay person to be elected to the 11th state Senate [...]
Leading by tens of thousands of votes, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer won the race over Republican Bill Schuette by a nearly 10 percentage point lead. Addressing her constituents at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, [...]
After overcoming a battle with drug addiction and an HIV-positive diagnoses, musician Brennan Villines jumped into the national spotlight with a showstopping performance on Fox's "The Four." Villines imprinted upon viewers not only his musical [...]
Shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, to the cheers of "Go Gretchen go!" Gretchen Whitmer's gubernatorial campaign bus rolled up in front the ONE Campaign Office in Farmington Hills. As a part of [...]
For the LGBTQ community, Jennifer V. Kurland's race for governor is one to watch not only because of its progressive platform but especially because of her running mate: Charin H. Davenport. Beyond being a vocal [...]
Although her legal battle began in 2013, Aimee Stephens is still fighting for the right not to be fired simply for being transgender. A former employee of R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, she announced to her team members that she would be transitioning from male to female and lost her job as a result. Now, even though the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the funeral home's actions are a form of sex discrimination, Stephens stands at the brink of a review by the Supreme Court of the United States — potentially reversing the ruling in her favor. Despite this reality, the ACLU has chosen to recognize Stephens for her landmark case at their Nov. 9 Annual Dinner, among four other honorees.
Last month the Human Rights Campaign recognized Michigan as high above the national average in its annual Municipal Equality Index. The state earned 73 out of 100 possible points — 15 points higher than the national average of 58. HRC is a national LGBTQ activism organization and releases its Index in an effort to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the LGBTQ-inclusiveness of laws, policies, benefits and services across 506 U.S. cities. These cities are chosen in an effort to fairly represent some of the largest communities of LGBTQ people across the nation.
With just under two weeks to go before Michigan's midterm elections on Nov. 6, LGBTQ voters are gearing up to cast their ballots for candidates who pledge to support the community. BTL caught up with [...]
Whether belting out a classic like "House of the Rising Sun," putting her own spin on Radiohead's "Creep" or performing a standing ovation-worthy "Wicked" duet with stars like Lea Michele, Ada Vox is bringing it. [...]
On Wednesday, Oct. 10, the Department of Homeland Security published a new regulatory proposal that will make it much more difficult for immigrants with documented status residing in the U.S. to remain in the country if they are using or likely to use programs like Medicaid Part D, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Section 8 housing vouchers and other forms of public assistance.
Even if it's the first time you're listening to Fortune Feimster's comedy, chances are it's going to feel like a chance meeting with a great friend; immediately comfortable. The kind of natural slide into a [...]
Currently working as Human Rights Campaign's Michigan State Director, Amritha Venkataraman's interest in all things politics started young. She said that as early as in high school she "was always that person talking about politics," [...]
When Ingham County voters head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 6, they'll find a usual list of candidates on their ballot everywhere except where it concerns the Williamston School Board. In that election, voters will find that four of the seven existing members have been targeted for recall: Board President Greg Talberg and Nancy Deal, whose terms would have expired in 2020; and Sarah Belanger and Chris Lewis, who would have been in office until 2022.
Founded 30 years ago by Dr. Robert Eichberg and LGBTQ activist Jean O'Leary, the first official National Coming Out Day was celebrated exactly one year after the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington. Its goal was simple: become visible. And, since its inception, LGBTQ people from across all identities and walks of life have chosen to take a stand on Oct. 11 and speak their truths.
On Friday, Oct. 5, Equality Michigan hosted its annual Fall Reception with hundreds in attendance. The event featured not only notable speakers like the night's keynote, Olympic bronze medalist Adam Rippon, but brand-new awards in recognition of standout members of the Detroit LGBTQ community. The event kicked off with a video message from Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who emphasized that much of the progress for the LGBTQ community "is possible because" of organizations like EQMI and its supportive allies.
Only a few months after the success of her pop song "Flowerbomb," Siena Liggins is back with the release of her second single, "Naked," out today — with a tailor-made campaign to promote body confidence, [...]
Especially since the issues were brought to the the fore like in cases Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission and Obergefell v. Hodges, Americans have started to consider the rights of the LGBTQ community in the mainstream.
Following with tradition, LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Michigan is slated to host their annual 2018 Fall Reception event on Friday, Oct. 5. It will feature not only a new Bridge Builder Award but 2018 Olympic [...]
It is known as a celebration of self and understanding, the Transgender Day of Empowerment is a day dedicated to encouraging members of the transgender community to both feel confident in who they are, and [...]
After two decades serving as the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, Kary L. Moss has headed many notable campaigns for the organization. Like her work against warrantless wiretapping by the [...]
Last week, a federal district court ruled that a challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan against the state of Michigan could go forward. The challenge addressed the state's allowance of governmentally-contracted faith-based [...]
Fans of Flint's Sloan Museum likely know it best for its regional exhibits. Visitors can see everything from classic cars, to hundreds of unique-to-Michigan artifacts, and now they are invited to participate in a 'Night at the Musuem'-style party. In the theme of "All That Glitters," guests will get to enjoy a themed celebration while raising funds for the organization.
For nearly a quarter of a century, ArtWorks Detroit has served as one of the city's most prominent art auction fundraisers. And this year is proving no different. Hosted by Matrix Human services, the auction [...]
Whether it was the result of fate or serendipity won't ever be clear, but it was a fortunate thing for Ben Sharkey that he knocked over a pile of his roommate's CDs as he cleaned [...]
Fame, for better or worse, almost always comes with a platform, and in the case of Margaret Cho, it's been one that promotes acceptance. Ever since she first graced the comedy stages of her native [...]
Confidence, biting wit and the performance chops to back it up, at only 21 years old Aquaria set a very high bar when she claimed the title of Season 10 winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race." [...]
In an instant, a snap judgment can change everything; a negative one, even more so. In the case of Kiri Stewart, an openly transgender woman, an angry reaction could mean bodily harm. So, for her, hypervigilance is often a necessity. That's why when she went to Flagstar bank to apply for a mortgage, she steeled herself for the worst.
On Saturday, Aug. 25, thousands gathered at East Lansing's Kellogg Hotel & Conference and Breslin Centers to vote at the Michigan Democratic Party's Nominating Convention. Before casting their ballots, however, many delegates attended caucuses throughout [...]
BTL has also endorsed another LGBTQ candidate for WSU Board of Regents. Find out more here. Running for a spot on the University of Michigan's Board of Regents was a natural step for Wade Rakes, [...]
BTL has also endorsed another LGBTQ candidate for U of M Board of Regents. Find out more here. Editor's Note: This article was updated on Thursday, Sept. 13 to clarify a statement about Carter's sexual harassment [...]
Sarah Shook had the makings of an artist from an early age. By 9 years old it wasn't uncommon to see her writing songs, poems and short stories that would become the precursors to the [...]
Since the 1970s, modern nonprofit organizations have become a regularity in the national landscape. In fact, in 2016 they numbered at over 1.5 million, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics. In Michigan alone, over 40,000 such organizations were reported to exist in that same year by the Independent Sector nonprofit organization. And with such a vast variety of organizations working for all kinds of causes it can be difficult for leaders with differing levels of departmental experience to work together cohesively.
By this time next week, Michiganders will have already voted in the Aug. 7 primaries. However, in anticipation of that vote, Between The Lines reached out to each of the three Democratic gubernatorial candidates — [...]
By this time next week, Michiganders will have already voted in the Aug. 7 primaries. However, in anticipation of that vote, Between The Lines reached out to each of the three Democratic gubernatorial candidates — Gretchen [...]
By this time next week, Michiganders will have already voted in the Aug. 7 primaries. However, in anticipation of that vote, Between The Lines reached out to each of the three Democratic gubernatorial candidates — Gretchen [...]
A collection of some of Detroit's most prominent LGBTQ artists' work, the Hotter Than July Fine Arts Exhibition was held on Thursday, July 26. Curated by self-taught artist Geno Harris, its chosen art will stay [...]
Dress off. Hair down. "Flowerbomb." Like many sexual experiences, there's a slow but powerful build, and it takes Siena Liggins' brand-new song a full minute to drop. But at that point, it's still far from over. As [...]
On Monday, July 23, contestants dressed in their fairy princess best to compete for the crown in the 10th annual Miss Woodward Pageant at the Woodward Bar & Grill in Detroit. [...]
Pair a signature red tie, distinct blond coif and unmistakable orange hue and you get Trumpy Cat. That's the main character of actor and activist George Takei's newest creation: House of Cats. In partnership with [...]
A recurring theme in Jax Anderson's life has been religion. Specifically, it's been the church. And from a very young age, it was where she found solace, hope, family and discovered her musical ability. Today, [...]
On Friday, June 15, Birmingham residents likely heard the chant, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Schuette, Pence have got to go!" That was just one of many rallying calls that protestors shouted as they marched up [...]
Amie Klujian and Christina Wiesmore-Roberts When friends Amie Klujian and Christina Wiesmore-Roberts met up for drinks at a Chicago bar in 2003 they had the same thought, 'Wow, all the boys around [...]
Thomas McCarter knows how to throw a party. In fact, he's become something of a local legend when it comes to his gatherings and it's not unusual to see his home filled with dozens of [...]
BIRMINGHAM — On Friday, June 15, protestors from a variety of organizations gathered in protest of Vice President Mike Pence's Michigan visit in support of Attorney General Bill Schuette. Among some of the attendees were [...]
For those in the center and west sides of the state who missed the pride gatherings in Metro Detroit, they're in luck. This weekend, both Lansing and Grand Rapids will be hosting their own versions of pride. Here is BTL's breakdown of events for the two event for those who are interested in going.
"It became really clear that what we were dealing with was just a small percentage that the vast majority of LGBT people have had to endure and struggle with their whole life." - Sandy Feldman [...]
For the past decade, musically-inclined LGBTQ and ally Detroiters have slowly been catching on to Sing Out Detroit, the city's inclusionary group choir. In honor of the group's growth and longevity, they will be hosting their "Encore!" performance on Saturday, June 16, at Ferndale High School.
On a warm, partly cloudy Saturday in Ferndale, thousands of people donned their best rainbow gear and gathered on W 9 Mile road to show their Ferndale pride June 2. But, instead of a casual [...]
