Crystal A. Proxmire
In The Welcoming Business
Kevin Hogan of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion Faith Alliance describes himself as a "lightening rod" when he leads discussions with congregations learning about how to be more welcoming of LGBT people. "Church work is like [...]
South Lyon Teacher Sue Johnson Suspended Over Showing "Same Love" Video
South Lyon Centennial Middle School teacher Sue Johnson was suspended for three days last Wednesday after presenting a YouTube clip of the hip hop song "Same Love" by Macklemore, which discusses struggles faced by gay individuals. During her eighth [...]
Tackling AIDS In Detroit: Patrick Yankee
Detroit Department of Health and Wellness, the director of the HIV/AIDS program, Patrick Yankee. BTL photo: Crystal Proxmire. DETROIT – Sitting in an office that once housed tuberculosis and mental patients in the Herman Kiefer Health Complex that [...]
Suspended South Lyon Teacher Talks 'Controversial' Video; School Responds
South Lyon Centennial Middle School teacher Sue Johnson was suspended for three days last Wednesday after presenting a YouTube clip of the hip-hop song "Same Love" by underground rapper Macklemore, which discusses struggles faced by gay [...]
The Postives and The Negatives: Home HIV Test Now Available
As a doctor, it can be hard telling a patient they are HIV positive. When a person goes in for an HIV test at a clinic, like the Be Well Clinic in Berkley, they meet with a trained consultant who will help prepare them for the news. But still, for [...]
Transgender Detroit Transitions into GNA
Michelle Fox-Phillips, founding member of Transgender Detroit, now Gender-identity Network Alliance. BTL photo: Crystal Proxmire The Gender-identity Network Alliance (GNA, pronounced GINA) was announced on Nov. 17 with a party at Affirmations [...]
Shower of Stoles Shines Light On Religious Discrimination
BTL photo: Crystal Proxmire. Draped throughout the Pittman-Puckett Art Gallery and Community Room of Affirmations, dozens of colorful and personalized stoles reflect just a small portion of the LGBT people who have either left the church or who [...]
Eat the Rainbow: KICK Expo Strives to Heal Detroit from Within
Dr Akua Woolbright of Whole Foods discusses healthy food choices. BTL photos: Crystal Proxmire DETROIT – Hannan House in Detroit was full of healthy ideas for the Healing Detroit from within Health and Wellness Expo presented by KICK. The free [...]
100 Days and Still Hungry
Affirmations Executive Director Dave Garcia congratulated and thanked Deb Holbrook who covered six shifts during the 100 day Hungry 4 Equality strike. Photo courtesy of Johnny Jenkins FERNDALE – Troy Mayor Janice Daniels is out of the [...]
Transgender Day of Remembrance Events
Cameron Breither moved to Ann Arbor from North Carolina because he knew it would be a place he could safely transition. Photo: Spectrum Center. ANN ARBOR – Since Transgender Day of Remembrance began in 1998, students at the University of Michigan [...]
Royal Oak Moves Forward With Draft Human Rights Ordinance
Royal Oak resident Lindsay Hoffman addresses the Royal Oak City Commission Nov. 19. The city voted 7-0 to move forward with having the city attorney report back on broadening the human rights ordinance to welcome LGBT people. BTL photo: Crystal [...]
Election Victories Celebrated, Equal Rights In Sight
A large, happy, relieved and celebratory crowd gathered at Affirmations Nov. 6 to watch the returns. They toasted Obama's win together. Photo courtesy of Johnny Jenkins FERNDALE – With Maine, Maryland, and Washington having passed gay marriage, and [...]