LGBT Artists Exhibiting at Ann Arbor Art Fair
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is known by many as one of the premier art festivals in the nation, and it has become a Midwest tradition that draws nearly half a million attendees over four [...]
Exclusive: Kennedy, Markey Seek to Ban Anti-LGBT Panic Defense in Court
The use of a panic defense to justify anti-LGBT violence in federal court will come to an end if new legislation introduced this week by a pair of Massachusetts Democrats becomes law. The bill, introduced [...]
Independent Seeks Ballot Access for AG Race
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Graveline is trying to get on the ballot as an independent candidate for state attorney general. But he has a serious burden to overcome first: he has to collect 30,000 [...]
Michigan Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination: Interview with Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell
Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination is a bipartisan coalition of municipal leaders dedicated to securing inclusive non-discrimination protections for all at every level of government. Openly gay Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell is part of the program, [...]
I.D.entity Accepted
On May 2 Kalamazoo County rolled out its new ID program after more than year of hard work and packed community meetings. Designed for people who are able to prove their identity but lack the documents to obtain a driver’s license or state ID, the Kalamazoo County ID’s stated purpose is, “To recognize all Kalamazoo County residents and enable them to connect with public safety, civic and community services.”
Meet Manny Killa: Q&A with HTJ 2018 Visiting Entertainer
He’s the newest sensation from porn site BlackBoyAddictionz.com. At 24 years old, 6' 4" tall and equipped a trim, muscular physique he is known simply as Manny Killa. He is also one of the entertainers set to visit during LGBT Detroit's Hotter Than July festivities. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Manny admits to losing his virginity when he was only 14 years old.
LGBT Detroit’s Hotter Than July 2018 Schedule
Starting on July 24, LGBT Detroit will be celebrating Hotter Than July, an annual event that helps provide people in the LGBTQ community with both entertaining and educational experiences in an inclusive space. This year [...]
Study Documents Millennials’ Views on LGBT Issues
Millennials are America’s largest, most diverse generation and an important potential voting bloc. So, now more than ever, it's important to understand their thoughts on issues that impact all Americans. A new survey created by GenForward called "Millennials Views on LGBT Issues: Race, Identity and Experience" asks questions on these topics and more.
Ozone House to Commemorate 50th Anniversary
Tickets will go on sale in July for a Sept. 29 celebration by those at Ozone House, an Ann Arbor-based shelter that helps get youth off the streets and into a safe space. That celebration [...]
SAGE Metro Detroit, Affirmations Host Dual Fundraiser
On Wednesday, Aug. 22, the Affirmations LGBTQ community center will host a dual fundraiser for itself and SAGE Metro Detroit — an advocacy organization for LGBT Elders. At the event, SAGE Metro Detroit Executive Director [...]
Tracy Hall: I Am Who I Am
“When Women Run, Women Win” - Theme of Tracy Hall’s re-election kickoff event
Michigan Expands List of Conditions Medical Pot Can Treat
LANSING (AP) — Michigan regulators have significantly expanded the list of conditions approved for treatment by medical marijuana. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on Monday added 11 medical conditions deemed debilitating by the [...]
Trump Replaces High Court’s Swing Vote with Conservative
BY CATHERINE LUCEY, ZEKE MILLER, MARK SHERMAN WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump chose Brett Kavanaugh, a solidly conservative, politically connected judge, for the Supreme Court, setting up a ferocious confirmation battle with Democrats as he [...]
Tab Hunter Dies at 86
Tab Hunter, the 1950s’ teen heartthrob who would later become a prominent figure in the gay community, died Sunday night. He was 86. Allan Glaser, his partner for more than three decades, told the Hollywood Reporter that [...]
Trump Nominates Brett Kavanaugh to Supreme Court
President Trump on Monday nominated Brett Kavanaugh to succeed retiring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kavanaugh, 53, has been a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit since [...]
Healing Words
Poetry for the Purpose of Community Engagement […]
British Government to Ban Conversion Therapy
The British government on Tuesday announced it will ban so-called conversion therapy in the U.K. The ban is among the 75 recommendations to promote equality and fight discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity [...]
Circuit Court Judge Candidate to Voters: ‘Flip Over the Ballot’
Jake Cunningham, candidate for Circuit Court Judge in Oakland County, has an important message for those voting this November: "Flip over the ballot." “A lot of people don’t realize there are judicial candidates,” Cunningham told [...]
LGBTQ People in Medicine
Cultivating the Next Generation of LGBTQ-Inclusive Physicians […]
Attorneys Who Argued Gay Rights Cases Reflect on Kennedy Legacy
U.S. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy is stepping down from the U.S. Supreme Court after writing four milestone cases in favor of gay rights over the course of his 30 years on the bench. The Washington Blade [...]
Mexico’s President-Elect Cites LGBT Community in Victory Speech
By Grace Perry Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Sunday became Mexico’s first leftist president in decades, winning in a landslide victory with more than 50 percent of the vote. López Obrador — commonly known by [...]
Is Marriage in Danger with Kennedy Gone from Supreme Court?
After announcing his retirement following 30 years on the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy leaves a profound legacy in favor of gay rights — but questions linger over whether his legacy is [...]
LGBT Activists Join Protests Against Trump Immigration Policy
LGBT rights advocates across the country on Saturday took part in protests against President Trump’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy. Human Rights Campaign Foundation Director of Faith Outreach and Training Lisbeth Meléndez Rivera, National Center for [...]
1,000 Brave Heat to Protest Immigration Policy
LANSING — Despite a heat warning for the city, an estimated crowd of 1,000 people gathered at the front steps of the Michigan Capitol on the afternoon of Saturday, June 30, to protest President Donald [...]
Protestors Brave Bad Weather to Rally for Immigrant Solidarity
Friday, June 22, was a bit miserable because of a persistent, freezing cold rain, but that wasn’t enough to keep dogged protesters away from an Immigrant Solidarity Rally. The event took place on the Bagley Pedestrian Bridge. Brianna Dee Kingsley, organizer of the event and activist working with Metro Detroit Political Action Network, explained why she felt moved to make this gesture.
AARP National LGBT Liaison Reports on LGBT Aging at SAGE Conference
One doesn’t always think of the acronyms AARP and LGBT as having anything in common. But, if AARP’s National LGBT Liaison Nii-Quartelai Quartey has his way, the public will come to know that they do. [...]
Adam Rippon Joins Equality Michigan to Advocate for LGBTQ Equality
DETROIT – On Thursday, June 21, Equality Michigan (EQMI) announced that Olympic Bronze Medalist and outspoken voice of the LGBTQ community, Adam Rippon, will be joining the organization on Oct. 5, 2018, as the keynote speaker for their annual Fall Reception, Building Bridges.
LGBT Detroit’s Hotter Than July 2018 Schedule
Starting on July 24, LGBT Detroit will be celebrating Hotter Than July, an annual event that helps provide people in the LGBTQ community with both entertaining and educational experiences in an inclusive space. This year will be the 23rd ever Hotter Than July event, lasting through July 29. Look below for a full schedule of this year's events:
Justice Kennedy Announces Plans to Step Down from Supreme Court
U.S. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy — the author of major U.S. Supreme Court rulings in favor of gay rights — has announced plans to step down from the bench. Major media outlets reported Kennedy — [...]
Supreme Court Sends Back ‘Religious Freedom’ Case From Anti-Gay Florist
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced that it has sent back for review to Washington State a lawsuit filed by an anti-gay florist seeking a First Amendment right to refuse service to same-sex weddings. [...]
Follow The Rainbow: City of Lansing Surprises Pridegoers with Announcement of Permanent Rainbow Crosswalks
LANSING — Lansing’s new Mayor Andy Schor was in rare form as he served as Michigan Pride’s Grand Marshall Saturday. He rejected a ride in a convertible, opting instead to join a bevy of supporters and his family walking the route wearing rainbow tie-dye T-shirts emblazoned with his name and new title.
The Overshadowed LGBT Fight for ‘Normality’
For decades, the American Psychological Association (APA) labeled homosexuality a mental illness, thereby justifying the criminalization of homosexuality and permitting discriminatory practices against gay men and lesbians by government agencies, businesses, schools and churches repulsed [...]
Community Enjoys Free Barbecue Courtesy of Wrigley’s Pharmacy
Hundreds of community members came together at Glory Supermarket in Highland Park on Friday, June 22 for a neighborhood summer barbecue hosted by Wrigley's Pharmacy. The afternoon family-friendly event included free food and drink, music, [...]
Flint Eastwood’s ‘Real Love’ Defies Religious Homophobia
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, [...]
Gina Ortiz Jones Could be LGBT Face of 2018 Dem Victories
Change could come to Washington after the congressional mid-term elections in November, and the bid of Gina Ortiz Jones to represent Texas’ 23rd congressional district certainly represents that possibility. Jones, who recently emerged a victor [...]
Cicilline: No Policies ‘In Place’ for Detained LGBT Immigrant Children
Editor’s note: President Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order that stops the separation of immigrant children from their parents. The White House has yet to say how it will reunite them. U.S. Rep. David [...]
Planned Parenthood of Michigan Takes Stand Against Title X Gag Rule
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 [...]
Mayor Dobies Declares June LGBT Pride Month in City of Jackson
Jackson - Mayor Derek Dobies announced a proclamation earlier this month declaring June the city’s first LGBT Pride Month and made other announcements to advance the city’s outreach to the LGBT community. The move matches Jackson with national LGBT Pride Month, which has been marked by presidential proclamation since 2009.
Grand Rapids Pride Celebrates 30 Years with En Vogue, Betty Who
Thousands attended Grand Rapids Pride this weekend in celebration of its 30th anniversary, a significant mark of progress within the conservative-leaning community as evidenced by a lone protestor standing guard at the event’s entrance.
Flint Hosts 8th Annual Pride Festival June 23
LGBTQ and allied Flint Residents are gearing up for a day in the sun on Saturday, June 23, for the eighth annual Flint Pride. The festival will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. in [...]
Back Lot Bash Co-Founder Moves to Metro Detroit Area
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 [...]
Creating Change Detroit Has First Meeting for 2019 Event
The first meeting of the Creating Change 2019 Host Committee took place Monday, June 11, in the outdoor courtyard of LGBT Detroit. The four co-chairs of the Host Committee were introduced to the crowd of [...]
Regular WIG Drag Shows Take Midtown
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 [...]
The Jewish Fund Supports Brother 2 Brother Program to End AIDS
DETROIT — The LGBT Detroit End AIDS program expanded in June with the newly-developed and funded social group Brother 2 Brother, largely because of support from The Jewish Fund. The goal of Brother 2 Brother [...]
Grand Rapids Pride Celebrates 30 Years with En Vogue, Betty Who
Thousands attended Grand Rapids Pride this weekend in celebration of its 30th anniversary, a significant mark of progress within the conservative-leaning community as evidenced by a lone protestor standing guard at the event’s entrance. Shielded [...]
Trump Admin Adopts Obama-Era Goals in Fighting HIV/AIDS
The Trump administration has gained a reputation for repudiation of policies enacted during the Obama years, but has adopted the plan of the Obama White House in combatting the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
US Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council
The U.S. on Tuesday announced it has withdrawn from the U.N. Human Rights Council. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley told reporters during a press conference at the State Department that Cuba, Venezuela, China, [...]
Jex Judd Talks Evolution of Gender Politics
Candidate Rachel Hood Hired Michigan’s First Openly Queer Non-Binary Campaign Manager […]
Three LGBTI Activists Killed in Mexico
Three well-known LGBTI rights advocates in the Mexican state of Guerrero were killed over the weekend. Authorities on Sunday found the bodies of Rubén Estrada, Roberto Vega and Carlos Uriel López in Taxco, a city [...]
Brother of Parkland Shooter Launches Anti-Bullying Group
The younger brother of the 19-year old youth charged with killing 17 people in the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Fla., has announced the formation of a national anti-bullying organization that he says will be supported [...]