Jan Stevenson
Same-Sex Wedding Expo claims right for marriage rites
It's not legal to get married in Michigan, but that won't stop us. BTL is producing a same-sex wedding expo on Sunday, and we are inviting everyone to come join in the fun and show support for marriage equality. The politicians don't get it. Polls [...]
DPS poised to enact anti-bullying policy
Laura Hughes, executive director of the Ruth Ellis Center, asks the DPS board to add LGBTQ students to the anti-bullying policy. Brandon, 16, (middle) told the board he was sometimes afraid to go to school because of constant anti-gay bullying. [...]
Levin asks early release of DADT study
WASHINGTON DC – Countering speculation that U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) might agree to stripping the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" from the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, Levin's press office stated to BTL Nov. 22 that, as Chair of [...]
Skillman to leave Equality Michigan
DETROIT – Alicia Skillman, executive director of Equality Michigan for the past two years, resigned Nov. 22, effective Dec. 31. Former board chair Denise Brogan-Kator has taken the reins as the chief executive officer, and will lead the [...]
Between Ourselves: Chene Koppitz
Chene Koppitz is a doctoral student in Womens' Studies and Communication at the University of Michigan Dearborn. She is active in both the women's organizations and the GSA on campus. As a former staffer at the Triangle Foundation, Chene is a [...]
Republican sweep a challenge for LGBT equality
On Nov. 2, Republicans captured control of all three branches of Michigan state government, effectively securing their power over all state business for the next two years. An analysis of the election results in the state showed that more [...]
Obituary: Frank G. Martin
April 5, 1938 – Oct. 23, 2010 HUNTINGTON WOODS – Frank G. Martin, 72, spent 54 years living with and loving Al Vezza. For friends and LGBT community members, Frank and Al were role models, shining examples of how love and commitment bound two men [...]
Shirvell's attorney threatens to sue UofM
ANN ARBOR – I t appeared that tensions had eased. Chris Armstrong agreed to drop his request for a personal protection order against Andrew Shirvell, the assistant attorney general accused of stalking the openly gay student at the University of [...]
Gary Glenn's robocall lies, attacks lesbian candidate for state house
Over the weekend, Gary Glenn, the chairman of the Campaign for Michigan Families and long-time anti-LGBT activist, released a robocall attacking Toni Sessoms because she is a lesbian. Sessoms is the Democratic candidate in the race for the Michigan [...]
Gary Glenn's robocall attacks lesbian candidate for state house
MIDLAND – Over the weekend, Gary Glenn, the chairman of the Campaign for Michigan Families and long-time anti-LGBT activist, released a robocall attacking Toni Sessoms because she is a lesbian. She is the Democratic candidate in the race for the [...]
MotorCity Casino goes all-rainbow for gay bowlers
MIC co-chairs Bruce Van Dike and Mike Odom DETROIT – Who knew bowling could be so glamorous? The Motown Invitational Classic Bowling Tournament celebrated its 25th anniversary Oct. 8-10, capping off the three day event with a spectacular banquet [...]
LGBT Caucus proves influential at Dem Convention
DETROIT – "Michigan does not need a CEO – a Chief Executive Outsourcer," intoned Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Benero at the Michigan Democratic Convention's opening press conference Aug. 28 at Cobo Hall. Bernero's feisty style was [...]