Jan Stevenson
MI woman arrested on Equality Ride
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA – A Michigan woman was among four young adults arrested April 2 for walking onto the campus of Covenant College to engage students in dialogue. Part of the 2007 Soulforce Equality Ride, they came to speak with students at the [...]
Show me the money
(Editor's note: Jan Stevenson is the former executive director of Affirmations and she served on the capital campaign committee from 2001 to 2002.) FERNDALE – In a few weeks Affirmations will move into the largest LGBT community center project in [...]
InterPride meets in Michigan
DEARBORN – Pride organizers from all over the middle section of the United States gathered to learn, network, exchange ideas and enjoy each others company at the International InterPride Region 3 &4 conference March 9-11. Detroit's Triangle [...]
Twice Blessed bridged lesbian, Jewish identities
WEST BLOOMFIELD – "You cant' be a lesbian; you're Jewish!" was a lifetime mantra heard by many of the participants of the Twice Blessed Speakers Series kickoff event Jan. 23. Chuckles and knowing sighs bubbled up from the audience of over 80 [...]
Trans victims not forgotten
FERNDALE – A somber yet determined group of LGBT people and their supporters met at Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit in Ferndale on Nov. 17 for the Day of Remembrance Ceremony, an annual ritual to honor the memories of trans persons who [...]
Gay-friendly Paramount Bank opens in Ferndale
Caption: LGBT leaders celebrate Paramount's new bank branch in Ferndale, including (from left) Craig Covey, openly gay Ferndale city councilman; Leslie Thompson, executive director of Affirmations; Grace McClelland, executive director of Ruth Ellis [...]
Granholm opens mansion, administration to LGBTs
LANSING – Governor Jennifer Granholm and her staff hosted an afternoon tea gathering of about 100 LGBT leaders and activists at the Governor's mansion on April 19. This was the first time a sitting Michigan governor invited a group of LGBT people to [...]
Gay in the NFL
Esera Tuaolo struck fear into the hearts of every opposing National Football League quarterback. As one of the best defensive nose tackles in the NFL, it was his job to attack the quarterbacks, and he was excellent at his job. Looking at him, it is [...]
First baby of 2006 - it's a boy!
ANN ARBOR – Kristie Centilli gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Gavin Alexander, at 2:55 a.m. on New Year's Day. Although six weeks early, he weighed in at a respectable 5 lbs., 12 oz. and was 18" tall. His proud new parents, Centilli and Susie [...]
Ford back in gear with LGBTs
WASHINGTON – A tense two weeks came to a happy resolution when Ford unequivocally stated its support for the LGBT community in words and actions, distancing themselves from the extremist right-wing group that had threatened to boycott the company. [...]
Mid-Michigan dons its gay apparel
SAGINAW – Holiday cheer and active bidding mixed to make a beautiful event to benefit Perceptions, the mid-Michigan LGBT community group. About 130 people joined the festivities at the Montague B&B near downtown Saginaw Dec. 16. The event [...]
Built Ford Tough?
DEARBORN – The perception that Ford Motor Company acquiesced to anti-gay demands from the American Family Association has ignited a firestorm from LGBT people both within the auto industry and across the country. On Nov. 30, WardsAuto.com reported [...]