Ellen Shanna Knoppow
Brother Thomas Zerafa, Activist for LGBTQ+ and Numerous Progressive Causes, Dies at Age 71
This year, Brother Thomas R. Zerafa, activist and prolific volunteer for LGBTQ+ and numerous progressive causes, would have celebrated his 50thanniversary of coming out as gay. He informed me of this milestone in December and suggested Pride Source [...]
For Out Pleasant Ridge Mayor, the Road Ahead Is Linked to the Past
Since becoming mayor of Pleasant Ridge in 2021, Bret Scott has married twice, soon to be three times. More precisely, he’s officiated at two weddings. Though he’s single, it’s one of Scott’s favorite mayoral duties.“This [...]
Michigan’s Queer Librarians Speak Out on Book Bans, the Catholic-Led 'Hide the Pride' Campaign and Providing Comfort to LGBTQ+ Youth
Reciting prose from the pages of Penthouse magazine at a school board meeting is an unconventional way to make a point. But lately, caregivers and community members in Michigan are going to great lengths to express displeasure over queer content [...]
Super Ally' Tashawna Gill Is Building Bridges for LGBTQ+ Detroiters
When Tashawna Gill paused our interview to take a call from Lansing, it didn’t faze me. I knew Gill was simply conducting official business for LGBT Detroit Mobilization, where she’s served as field director since the 2022 election cycle. [...]
What’s at Stake for the LGBTQ+ Community When Extremists Dissolve the County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office?
Last year’s highly publicized grassroots movement to defund the Patmos Library in Jamestown Township was just the start of a larger conservative push in West Michigan.That effort, spearheaded by a group known as Jamestown Conservatives, focused [...]
When The Teacher Is a Dick: Protecting Your LGBTQ+ Kid From a Hostile School Environment
Supportive parent and caregivers of LGBTQ+ children often fear their kids will be bullied at school. But what if it’s not the classmates but school officials who are creating a hostile environment through policy-making and other behaviors?It happens, [...]
Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders Prioritize Their Wish Lists for the Incoming Democratic Legislature — With an Amended Civil Rights Act at the Top
The 2022 midterm elections are history, and LGBTQ+ Democrats in Michigan are rightfully celebrating some significant wins. The state boasts a newly redistricted, majority-blue leadership for the first time in 40 years, as well as a higher number of [...]
This Bisexual Dad Is the First LGBTQ+ Commissioner of Michigan Civil Rights Commission
Luke Londo said learning of his appointment to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission (MCRC) was the “second coolest” thing that happened to him that week. Becoming a dad was the first. And to be honest, he said, having applied for the [...]
This Michigan Think Tank’s First Openly LGBTQ+ Chair Is Practicing What He Preaches
A self-described “data nerd” with an interest in public policy, Chase Cantrell first learned of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRC) around 10 years ago. It’s a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank whose goal is to secure [...]
In Praise of Finding Comfort Within Queer Found Family After Club Q Tragedy
Just ahead of the 2018 midterms, I was attending a GOTV prep meeting for Mallory McMorrow’s first state Senate campaign when I received a text from my sister’s eldest. A college student, they asked if I was OK. Did I need to talk? Nothing [...]
This New Grosse Pointe School Board Trustee Wants Queer Kids to Know They Can Grow Up to Be Successful Adults
Although Grosse Pointe is shedding its reputation as a conservative bastion, it’s still notable voters in the Grosse Pointe Public School System (GPPSS) just elected their first LGBTQ+ school board trustee. Even the winner herself doubted her [...]
Queer Michigan School Board Trustees Speak Out: Representation, COVID-19 and Putting to Rest That Rumor About Litter Boxes
Susan Estep, a Saline Area Schools Board of Education trustee, says she’s passionate about her role as an elected official. But openly queer Estep possesses an unusual determination to carry out her official duties in the face of open threats [...]