As the world continues to learn more about coronavirus and its spread, it's vital to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. However, it's also important to make sure that the information being distributed is from credible sources. To that end, Between The Lines has compiled, [...]
Poll: 70 Percent of U.S. Voters Willing to Vote for Gay Male President
With Pete Buttigieg continuing to show strong numbers in the Democratic presidential primary, a new poll has found 70 percent of voters would be open to voting for a gay man as U.S. president. However, [...]
2018 Michigan Midterm LGBTQ Analysis: State Supreme Court
The current makeup of the seven-member court is five Republicans and two Democrats. Two Republicans were up for re-election Tuesday: Kurtis Wilder, who was appointed to the Court in 2017 by Gov. Rick Snyder; and Elizabeth Clement, who was also appointed in 2017 by Snyder. Wilder lost his seat to Democrat Megan Cavanagh. The other Democrat in the running, Samuel Bagenstos, came in third place while candidates from the third parties of Libertarians and Natural law came in fifth and sixth respectively.
Detroit Bus Company Bussed Voters to Polls, Free
The Detroit Bus Company donated busses and organized volunteers to give free rides to the polls last Tuesday to anyone who needed one throughout Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. “Detroit hasn’t had great voter turnout [...]
Sinema Wins Senate Race in Arizona
It’s official. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, an out centrist bisexual Democrat, has defeated Donald Trump’s choice to replace retiring Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, Republican Rep. Martha McSally. It’s the first Democratic win in the red state since 1976. The [...]
Transgender Colo. House Candidate Declares Victory
A transgender woman on Saturday declared victory in her race for the Colorado House of Representatives. Media reports indicate Brianna Titone has nearly 400 more votes than her Republican opponent, Vicki Pyne, in the race to represent [...]
Gay Representation Bolstered in House Amid Dem Election Victories
The LGBT caucus in the upcoming Congress will get a sizable boost in the aftermath of victories of gay congressional candidates on Election Day. Three gay and lesbian non-incumbent candidates — Angie Craig in Minnesota, [...]
Democratic Guide to Election Night 2018
For those still recovering from the shock that Republican Donald Trump won the Electoral College — and, thus, the White House — in 2016, the prospect of watching midterm election reruns on Tuesday night might [...]
What’s at Stake for LGBT Americans on Election Day
As voters head to the polls on Nov. 6 for the 2018 mid-term elections, they will decide a number of races (and one ballot question) that will directly impact the LGBT community. Here is the [...]
HRC Releases Scorecard Congress, Measures Support of LGBTQ Equality
WASHINGTON— Last week the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ activism organization, released its Congressional Scorecard. The Scorecard measures support for LGBTQ equality in the 115th Congress — the current meeting of the legislative branch of [...]
Garnet Lewis Campaign Team Releases TV Ad
On Friday, Oct. 19, the campaign team behind Garnet Lewis for Michigan State Senate, District 26, released a TV advertisement called “Getting Things Done.” The lighthearted advertisement was written, directed, audio taped and cast entirely [...]
Michigan’s Progressive Voter Guide: What Voters Need to Know for Nov. 6
When searching for guidance about candidates who support progressive values, families, fairness, education, healthier children and a healthier planet, look no further than Michigan's 2018 Progressive Voter Guide. The guide aggregates endorsements from 10 state and national organizations dedicated to LGBTQ issues, women's rights, labor and the environment.
Dana Nessel Joined by Dr. Abdul El-Sayed at Dearborn Town Hall
Candidate for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel fielded questions on what she’ll do to fight hate crimes, tackle the opioid epidemic and safeguard abortion rights during a town hall in Dearborn on Friday, Hosted inside the Henry Ford Centennial Library Auditorium, Nessel was joined by State Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) and former candidate for Governor Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, both of whom vouched for her candidacy.
City Council Hopeful Bill Ostash Talks Rebirth of Saginaw’s Downtown
Saginaw City Council hopeful Bill Ostash likens the city’s blueprint to a donut. At its core, Ostash said Saginaw is lacking in terms of its development. Building up the city’s urban core is essential to creating a strong, vibrant community, he believes, and a top priority for him if elected to the Saginaw City Council this November.
Breakdown of 2018 Michigan Ballot Proposals
With Nov. 6 fast approaching, not only will voters be gearing up to vote on their chosen candidates, but they'll need to decide whether to vote "yes" or "no" on three ballot proposals that affect everyone in the state. In advance of the election, here is a list of each of the three proposals.
Pending Recall
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.
Megan Cavanagh for Mich. Supreme Court
Also, see our interview with other Michigan Supreme Court candidate Sam Bagenstos. Michigan Supreme Court candidate Megan Kathleen Cavanagh didn’t plan on a law career when she was a high school student in East Lansing. [...]
LGBTQ Ally Sam Bagenstos Vies for Seat on Mich. Supreme Court
Considered by some to be the most important race for the people, the campaign for justice of the Michigan Supreme Court can often be overlooked when the public is particularly focused on the gubernatorial and congressional races. This year, two of the court's seven seats are up for consideration and following the November election, 25-year strong civil rights attorney Sam Bagenstos is hoping to fill one of them.
LGBT Candidates Could Produce Rainbow Wave in November
With the 2018 congressional mid-terms fast approaching, a record number of LGBT candidates are seeking election to all levels of government ranging from federal office to state attorney general, many under a banner of challenging [...]
BBB Hosts Panel on ‘Cultural, Social, Sexual and Political Power in the Age of 45’
The Black Bear Brotherhood of Detroit, a local social group dedicated to black gay men of size, and the Onyx Great Lakes Chapter, a fraternal order for men of color, are co-hosting a panel discussion called Black Gay Men: Cultural, Social, Sexual & Political Power in the Age of #45.
Nessel Faces Tough AG Race
The contours of the race to replace Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette are starting to clarify. On the Democratic side, openly lesbian attorney Dana Nessel is the nominee, and on the GOP side it's Michigan Speaker of the House Tom Leonard. However, one blurred line remains: independent Chris Graveline.
Jason Morgan: ‘We Need More Out, Gay Elected Officials.”
From an early age, Washtenaw County Board Commissioner Jason Morgan was instilled with the idea that openly gay candidates could never successfully run for public office, let alone for a second term as he’s now doing unopposed.
Barney Frank Comes to Michigan in Support of Dana Nessel
The most prominent gay politician in the U.S., Barney Frank, will be the special guest at an LGBTQ fundraiser for Dana Nessel, Democratic candidate for attorney general, at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6 at the [...]
Energetic, Impressive Candidate Turnout at LGBTQ Democratic Caucus
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 [...]
Wade Rakes Runs for U of M Board of Regents
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, [...]
Sue Carter Runs for WSU Board of Governors
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 [...]
Big Wins, Some Losses for LGBTQ Community in 2018 Michigan Primary
Last Tuesday's election brought some great wins for the LGBTQ community, most notably for State Rep. (D) Jeremy Moss who won with over 50 percent of the popular vote (25,712 votes) according to Ballotpedia. "It’s [...]
Gubernatorial Candidate Gretchen Whitmer Talks LGBTQ Issues
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 — [...]
Gubernatorial Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Talks LGBTQ Issues
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 [...]
Gubernatorial Candidate Shri Thanedar Talks LGBTQ Issues
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 [...]
Emma González’s Summer of Activism
LOS ANGELES — Emma González is famous now. She’d rather be enjoying the summer before college hanging out with friends. But the Valentine’s Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, stole [...]
Candidates Make Case for LGBTQ Support at Black Gay Pride
It’s just days before the primary elections, and candidates running for office took one of the last remaining opportunities beforehand to talk to LGBTQ folks during the 23rd annual Hotter Than July celebration. The second [...]
Ricardo White Wants to Invest in District 6
State Rep. Candidate Talks Economic Development, What his Grandma Taught him About Politics and Why It’s Time for Him to Step Forward […]
Dean Nasreddine: On a Voting Mission
Dean Nasreddine is on a mission. The 24-year-old queer activist and NextGen Michigan field organizer is determined to ensure that every young adult in Michigan is registered to vote. And he’s planned a social gathering [...]
Tracy Hall: I Am Who I Am
“When Women Run, Women Win” - Theme of Tracy Hall’s re-election kickoff event
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 [...]
Gina Ortiz Jones Could be LGBTQ 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 [...]
Jex Judd Talks Evolution of Gender Politics
Candidate Rachel Hood Hired Michigan’s First Openly Queer Non-Binary Campaign Manager […]
Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan Hopes to Make 2018 Ballot
CHARLEVOIX, Mich. — The Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan, a statewide ballot initiative campaign, announced on May 16, that it has now collected beyond the required minimum number of signatures, 252,523, and is collecting a "cushion" it hopes will be in time for the November 2018 ballot. Campaign director LuAnne Kozma said "It's now up to the new volunteers and dedicated volunteers that have been with the campaign for a long time to collect a healthy 'cushion' of extra signatures. It's not too late to join the campaign."
Garnet Lewis: Trailblazer
“Honesty. Integrity. A Voice for You” garnetlewisforstatesenate.com When Between The Lines caught up with Garnet Lewis, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 26th State Senate District, she had just finished a campaign-related breakfast meeting at the Blue [...]
When There Were Seven
Come Jan. 1 there will be a new governor, but for now, there are seven competing for the position. And, with all seven people vying to occupy the office sitting on a simple stage in East Lansing May 10, one would expect a clash of ideas and a battle of wills. But, the four GOP and three Democratic candidates answered questions for the Michigan Press Association with relatively few bumps.
Robust LGBTQA Caucus Sets Records at MI Dem. Convention, Dinner
DETROIT — A treacherous ice storm and a 9 a.m. Sunday morning start time did not deter over 150 people from attending the LGTQ&A Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party meeting April 15 at Cobo [...]
Dem. AG Race: Dana Nessel Wins Nomination
Makes History as First Out Lesbian to Run for Michigan Attorney General Openly lesbian attorney general candidate Dana Nessel won the vote at the April 15 Michigan Democratic Party state endorsement convention at Detroit's Cobo Center. [...]
Dem. AG Race: #MeToo Fisticuffs Days Before Convention
Nassar Survivors Endorse Former U.S. Attorney Miles, Nessel Camp Swings Back LANSING — Rolling into the final hours of what has devolved into a contentious brawl between former U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles and civil rights [...]
MI Dem AG Race: Miles Campaign Still Quiet on Use of Republican Research
BTL EDITORIAL The campaign of Democratic Attorney General candidate Patrick Miles used Republican research to attack his Democratic opponent Dana Nessel. That’s a fact and we have the evidence to back it up. It's also [...]
MI Dem AG Race: Miles Uses GOP Dirt Against Opponent Nessel
NEWS ANALYSIS The Democratic candidate for Attorney General Patrick Miles used a Republican report that demonizes his Democratic opponent Dana Nessel. In distributing the research from the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) to media, Miles' [...]
Prominent LGBTQ Leader Endorses Pat Miles for Attorney General
DETROIT – Calling him steady, thoughtful and smart, Equality Michigan Executive Director Stephanie White officially endorsed Pat Miles and his run to become Michigan’s next Attorney General. "As an LGBT activist, I am proud to support [...]
Dem AG Candidate Pat Miles Says Nessel Violated Michigan Finance Campaign Act
Pat Miles. Pat Miles, Democratic candidate for Attorney General, filed an official complaint with the Secretary of State on Tuesday accusing his opponent Dana Nessel of "multiple and repeated violations of the Michigan [...]
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed Challenges Tradition as Gubernatorial Candidate
He’s an outsider with no formal elective office experience, but Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is the upstart candidate in the Democratic primary for governor. He is rattling the traditionalism of the party and its selection process, [...]
Stone Roads: Fight for Better Infrastructure
Brian Stone has announced his candidacy for Wayne County Commissioner in District 13. Members of the community who vote in the City of Dearborn or the City of Allen Park, are able to vote in [...]
Michigan State Senate Candidate Jeremy Moss calls February ‘Bad Month’ for LGBTQ Michiganders
February hasn't even ended, but anti-LGBTQ actions this month have prompted State Rep. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) to dub it "bad" for LGBTQ Michiganders. Moss is referring first to the appointment of Bishop Ira Combs Jr. of Jackson to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. The Commission has eight members appointed by the governor who investigate civil rights complaints and recommend new laws to him.