Chris Azzopardi
Will Ferrell’s Trans Friend Harper Steele on Finding Support: 'We All Need a Will'
The influence of softhearted straight male allies for the LGBTQ+ community is gaining momentum in the era of Tim Walz. We can now count universally beloved comic actor Will Ferrell among those heterosexual men who, confident in their own identities, [...]
Longtime University of Michigan Friends Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Just Became EGOT Winners
Two musical-theater composers are putting Michigan on the map in a major way, thanks to a recent impressive achievement — earning EGOT status. Last night, during the Creative Arts Emmys, Benj Pasek and his creative partner Justin Paul, who have [...]
On the Tour Bus with Chappell Roan: Everything the Superstar Told Us About Drag, Making Straight Boys Dance and Being Part of Pop Music's 'Alliance of Queer Girlies'
When we connected in late September 2023 from her tour bus, some of Chappell Roan’s first words were, “Hopefully this Zoom works.” You might call that iconic if Roan were the star she is now, when fame turns every sound bite into a [...]
Colton Underwood Embraces Daddyhood: Former 'Bachelor' Star on Showing Conservatives That He Deserves a Family, Too
You knew him first as the first gay “Bachelor.” Many years later, in 2021, you got to know him much better when “Coming Out Colton” aired on Netflix. And while you don’t know Colton Underwood as a daddy yet, you will [...]
These Parents — One of Whom Came Out as Trans — Remain Committed to Putting Family First
It’s a love story that starts as many do: in middle school, where sweethearts Judy and Julianna Wilson first met. It’s also a love story that has dramatically evolved since those early days nearly three decades ago.Much has changed for [...]
I Was Invited to the White House for Pride. Here's Everything I Saw and Everyone I Spoke With.
One sentiment shared among some LGBTQ+ people at the White House on June 26 for its Pride picnic: My younger self wouldn’t believe I’d one day be here. To include Pride Source and Between The Lines, an invitation that came directly from [...]
‘I Am Pride’: Tituss Burgess on Performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for Its Inaugural Pride Concert
When actor and singer Tituss Burgess takes the stage with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, it won’t just be the DSO’s first official Pride concert — it will also be the high tenor’s first-ever time in Detroit. Even Burgess, an [...]
Gov. Whitmer Honors Pride at Governor's Mansion with Michigan Leaders — and a Drag Queen! — in Attendance
On June 20 in Lansing, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hosted a momentous Pride celebration at the Governor's Mansion, bringing together legislators, activists and community leaders in a heartfelt display of support and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ [...]
How Hello Mr. Revolutionized Queer Storytelling — and Why It Wouldn’t Be What It Was Without Michigan
Before the current media landscape offered more explicit depictions of queer life outside of physical spaces like LGBTQ+ bars, you had Borders and you had zines, DIY publications offering non-conventional formats and more indie spirit than [...]
How Orville Peck and Sarah McLachlan Honored Pride Month at Their Michigan Concerts
This year's Pride celebrations extended beyond the stages set up on Nine Mile in Ferndale and within Hart Plaza. Drawing substantial queer audiences, two venues hosted two prominent artists who celebrated Pride in their own ways: a rising gay [...]
How Machine Dazzle Is Transforming Our Collective Michigan Garbage Into Queer Joy
The dildo sitting upright on the tabletop next to me looks like if it attacked me, I wouldn’t stand a chance. I don’t necessarily feel like I have to keep an eye on it, but I also can’t help it — it’s just that big. [...]
Her True Colors, Still Shining Through: Cyndi Lauper Talks Reflective New Era, Farewell Tour and Championing LGBTQ+ Causes
At 70, Cyndi Lauper’s special place in pop music history can be seen everywhere you look. Look around at abortion rights rallies and you’ll see “Girls Just Want to Have Fun(damental) Rights” signs held high. Look up at a gay [...]