Jan Stevenson
LGBT float wows Blossom Festival
ST. JOSEPH – Despite threats of attack and violence, the Blossom Day Parade in St. Joseph May 5 went off without a hitch, and the for the first time an openly LGBT group participated with a fabulous float of their own. The YWCA Out and Affirmation [...]
Michigan to be 'about flat' from Ryan White funding
DETROIT – Although local HIV/ADIS service providers have yet to digest the total impact on funding levels for Michigan as a result of the Part B funding under the revised Ryan White CARE Act, it appears that funding levels will be about flat. "Our [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]