Jason A. Michael
Jason A. Michael is a senior staff writer for Between The Lines and Pride Source Media Group. He has been writing for BTL since 1999. Jason is also an Essence bestselling author. He may be reached at [email protected].
Miss Trans Michigan 2023 Jamie Ashby Will Go On to Compete Nationally
The journey to becoming Miss Trans Michigan USA 2023 has been a long and winding road for Jamie Ashby. The 38-year-old HR professional from Holt, a small town just south of Lansing, has faced more than her fair share of challenges along the way. But [...]
Out Lesbian Detroit Police Corporal Dani Woods Named to Michigan Women's Hall of Fame
Corporal Danielle “Dani” Woods, a 20-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Detroit this week. In 2013, she was assigned to the Chief’s Neighborhood [...]
Late Show' Host Stephen Colbert Issued This Perfect 'Apology' to an Anti-Queer Tudor Dixon Supporter
The bigoted efforts of those attempting to ban books in Dearborn has garnered national attention.It happened last week when late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert expressed skepticism at a claim made by Michigan's anti-queer, anti-women Republican [...]
Cultural Strides Over Cruelty: Incoming HRC President Kelley Robinson Visits Detroit with Important Message
She hasn’t even taken office yet as the new president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and already Kelley Robinson, who’ll take the big chair Nov. 26, is on tour. She's been stumping to get out the progressive vote and stopped in [...]
Jeopardy!' Super Champ Amy Schneider Returns For Tournament Of Champions
“Jeopardy!” superstar and trans activist Amy Schneider is about to make her heavily anticipated return to the show in this year’s “Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions.” The tournament began this week, but Schneider, along [...]
Tale of Two Chambers: Dueling Endorsements for Dixon, Whitmer
In a move disappointing to Michigan progressives, the state’s Chamber of Commerce came out earlier this week in support of gubernatorial candidate Republican Tudor Dixon. The candidate has devoted much of her campaigning to anti-LGBTQ+ [...]
Sam Smalley Faced Down a Mob of Grown Men at an Anti-LGBTQ+ Rally in Dearborn. Here's Why He's Standing Strong.
It was not your typical anti-queer rally. There were hundreds — four, five, maybe six — packed in so closely together it was hard to count the number of angry, mostly Arab American men in the pavilion out front of the Centennial Library [...]
Remembering Leslie Jordan: Goodbye to One Southern Baptist Sissy From Another
Leslie Jordan and I had something in common. Unfortunately, I don’t much share his delightful wit, delicious Southern charm, undaunting cheerfulness or success in Hollywood. All things I admire and wish I’d had. But we did share a special [...]
This Trans Woman Ran a Bear Bar in Detroit For Four Years, But Now She's Ready to Move On
Yes, Jaye Marie Carolan is the trans woman who owns the bear bar.She bought the Hayloft Saloon four years ago, knew exactly what it was — a gay bar for men — and promised that wouldn't change. Now she's selling it."I’m not in a [...]
This Michigan Legislator Dreams of Putting Parents of Trans Kids in Prison for Life
A new bill introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives would make it illegal for parents and guardians to get gender-affirming care for minors. HB 6454 would make obtaining such care a felony, punishable by up to life in prison, under the [...]
How Angela Lansbury's Death Is a Reminder That Our Beloved Gay Icons Live On in Their Legacies
Dame Angela Lansbury has died. Just days shy of her 97th birthday, the legendary lady of stage, screen and television took her final bow Tuesday. The proud gay icon leaves behind a legacy of rich performances that will continue to entertain for [...]
Other Non-Binary Characters Empowered This Michigan Author to Write One of Their Own
Move over, Mrs. Robinson. There’s a new cougar in town. And she’s a lesbian.You can find her in Michigan resident Meryl Wilsner’s new novel “Mistakes Were Made,” available Tuesday, Oct. 11 from St. Martin’s [...]