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.
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.
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.
Last week the 2018 Michigan Rehabilitation Services Champions Award ceremony recognized champions of disability employment. Gov. Rick Snyder proclaimed October to be Investing in Abilities Month in an effort to encourage employers to hire qualified people with disabilities while focusing on their abilities and increasing the public’s awareness of the contributions and skills of Michigan workers with disabilities.
The Greater Seattle Business Association represents over 1,300 businesses, corporate and nonprofit members who are LGBTQ and allied and since 1991 has hosted its Scholarship Fund. Since its inception, the fund has raised $3 million [...]
Faith Leaders will Mobilize Michigan Religious Community Ahead of Election Day […]
Longtime Between The Lines columnist and contributor Charles Alexander was recently recognized by the Hannan Center as one of their 70 over Seventy: The Next Chapter Awards honorees. Alexander was presented with the award at [...]
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.
They say that everyone has at least one book in them. However, it’s in the getting it out and on paper where complications sometime arise. Jennifer Miracle-Best, the author of the soon-to-be-released book "Divinely Queer: My Journey to Spirituality through Sexuality" is all too familiar with that process. She is gearing up to sign copies of the book at a launch party at Metropolitan Community Church-Detroit in Clawson on Friday, Oct. 19.
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.
Inclusive Justice will present a day-long conference called Faith, LGBT Inclusion & Human Rights on Friday, Oct. 19. Inclusive Justice is a statewide, faith-based coalition inclusive of all traditions that affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every human being as a matter of spiritual conviction, and its conference will take from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit in Clawson.
Anyone 21 years old and over is welcome to Canton's Village Theater's presentation of "Monster Mash" - An Adult Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 20. At 7:30 guests can expect Top 40 Billboard hits and Halloween [...]
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.
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. [...]
WASHINGTON — Last week the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBTQ advocacy organization, responded to the defeat of the Aderholt Amendment, which the House Appropriations Committee added to the FY 2019 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill in July.
Dinner, music, hand-crafted cocktails and an art auction will come together on Friday, Oct. 12, in honor of Julie Reyes Taubman at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. Taubman, who died earlier this year, was the co-founder of MOCAD and organized various art projects, fundraisers and the museum's first board.
LANSING, Mich. – Increases in cases of sexually transmitted diseases that were previously on the decline has the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urging regular testing among sexually active individuals.
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.
Are you a high school student or recent graduate who is interested in sharing your personal experiences related to discrimination in Michigan schools? The Michigan Civil Rights Commission wants to hear from you. MCRC will [...]
In midst of her campaign to represent Oakland County's 39th House District, Michigan House of Representatives candidate Jennifer Suidan was told drop out of her race by state party officials after being accused of embezzling over $100,000.
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 [...]
A gay corrections officer has sued the State of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Corrections for employment discrimination. The case was filed in federal court on March 16 by Rasor Law Firm attorneys Jim Rasor and Andrew Laurila on behalf of the plaintiff Ashley Menchaca.
On Saturday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. Bill Mathis, author of "Face Your Fears," a novel that deals with disability, the LGBTQ community and family, will be at the Common Language Bookstore. "'Face Your Fears' uniquely challenges traditional perceptions of normalcy when it comes to disabled persons' interests, desires and sexual orientations," say event organizers. "He will be introduced by Michigan Educator Roberta (Ronni) Moore O’Toole, a licensed professional counselor, certified social worker and retired school guidance counselor."
EAST LANSING — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Ron Suskind will speak at Wharton Center as part of Michigan State University's World View Lecture Series on Monday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the [...]
Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka said on Tuesday, Sept. 25 that the defendant, Nikki Joly has been charged in connection with an Aug. 10, 2017 house fire. Joly has been charged with first degree arson [...]
LGBTQ-Friendly Businesses Protest the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Updated Monday, Oct. 1: The Detroit News reported that Founders Brewing Co. is not leaving the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce over their endorsement [...]
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 [...]
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.
At its 46th anniversary service on Sunday, Sept. 16, Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit debuted its new publication called "Ignite." The 24-page glossy magazine features information on all the events and new programing happening at the church through the end of the year, as well as some spiritually enlightening information and lessons. The publication was a dream 10 years in the making for assistant pastor Rev. Deb Cox.
Trangender Michigan will host their 8th annual Transgender Health Fair on Saturday, Sept. 29. The fair will take place at Affirmations from 1 to 4 p.m. and Dr. Patricia Schmidt of the Center for Transforming Health will be the featured speaker.
LANSING — Homes in Flint with either children, or seniors ages 60 and older may be eligible for water heater replacement through a grant program for low-income households. The Michigan Department of Health and Human [...]
EAST LANSING — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Ron Suskind will speak at Wharton Center as part of Michigan State University's World View Lecture Series on Monday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cobb Great hall.
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 [...]
In 2013, a small group of dedicated Michiganders gathered at a restaurant in the Upper Peninsula with a singular vision: The UP's first Pride festival. Today, U.P. Rainbow Pride is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and [...]
TNT Health Club, Detroit’s longest-running gay bathhouse, has recently shuttered its doors. Located at 13333 Eight Mile Road, TNT first opened in 1979 in the spot of a former Jewish schvitz bath. At that time, [...]
Trans Sistas of Color Project Detroit (TSCOPD) Founder and Executive Director Bre’ Campbell shocked many at the beginning of the summer when she announced in a post on Facebook that she had actually left Detroit and relocated to New Mexico more than six months ago. She made this announcement while expressing resentment toward a funder, who she did not name, that Campbell said had threatened to take back their money upon learning that Campbell was no longer living in Michigan.
View in this week's downloadable issue January - Let It Be Resolved: A proposed resolution intended to help stop anti-gay attacks in Ferndale was both presented and unanimously adopted by the Ferndale City Council. This [...]
The fourth annual Stand with Trans Youth Empowerment Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6. The workshop is open to gender expansive young children, trans youth ages 12 to 24 and parents and caregivers of trans youth. It will once again take place at the Orchard United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills. This year’s theme is "I Am."
They call themselves showboys. They are boys, men actually, who sing and dance. And, just as often, one can find them lip-syncing at gay bars or competing in male beauty pageants across the state and [...]
The opioid epidemic has devastated families across the nation, prompting Wayne State University to host an informative day on Tuesday, Sept. 18 from noon to 5:30 p.m. to educate others about the misuse, abuse and consequences of opioids.
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.
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.
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 [...]
1998 January - Let It Be Resolved: A proposed resolution intended to help stop anti-gay attacks in Ferndale was both presented and unanimously adopted by the Ferndale City Council. This is the first time that [...]
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.
Lynelle Osborne (left) and Monica Givens of Linden. BTL Photo: Andrew Cohen. Well, Facebook may be considered a bit passe by today’s social media standards, but as Monica Givens and Lynelle Osborne [...]
As BTL continues the Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination series, we hear from Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver who pledged his oath as the first openly-gay mayor in the city of Southfield on Nov. 16, 2015. Despite running a campaign distracted and disrupted by people writing "fag," "rapist," "sodomite," and "racist" on his campaign signs, Siver said at the time, "it is a testament to the people of this city that they saw through the hatred, bigotry, homophobia and dirty tricks and elected their first gay mayor."
Christ Church Cranbook, Michigan’s largest Episcopal church, will be getting a new associate rector – and he happens to be gay. From San Diego, his name is Rev. Chris Harris and he stepped into the post Sept. 1. Harris said he is relocating to Michigan to give his twin daughters a familial connection.
Local activist Ahya Simone has received a Kresge Artist Fellowship. While she is most known in the LGBT community for her work with the Trans Sistas of Color Project, Simone is a Detroit-based harpist, singer [...]
