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].
He Once Fought for Chocolate Milk. Now Dave Wait Leads the Biggest Pride Event in Michigan.
Dave Wait has always been an activist at heart. In eighth grade, Wait organized a sit-in at school when the cafeteria refused to serve chocolate milk. The group of disgruntled students got hauled down to the principal’s office, where they were [...]
Michigan AG Dana Nessel Praises Gov. Whitmer for LGBTQ+ Equality Work During Historical Visit to Ferndale Pride
The 49th governor of Michigan, Gretchen “Big Gretch” Whitmer, made her first-ever appearance at Ferndale Pride Saturday morning. She welcomed everyone at the opening ceremony and then, like the other candidates up for a second term this [...]
Michigan Health Experts on Why Claiming That Monkeypox Is a 'Gay Disease' Could ‘Cause More Harm in the End’
While anyone can get monkeypox, the mainstream media — and some very right of mainstream media — have been reporting that the disease is showing up in larger than average numbers in gay men. This news, local HIV/AIDS advocates say, needs [...]
Orion Story, the First Michigan Contestant to Compete on 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' Opens Up Before Headlining Kalamazoo Pride
We saw her only briefly on Season 14 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” but Orion Story, who will headline Kalamazoo Pride on Saturday, June 4, made quite an impression. Self-described as “what would happen if you took Barbarella and [...]
From Drag Queens and Kings to Femme Bands and Female Rappers: The Complete Ferndale Pride Lineup
Back in June where it belongs, this year’s Ferndale Pride, set for June 4, is sure to be a fun and fantastic opportunity to come out loud and proud. With a wide range of entertainment options, including music of all genres and both drag [...]
These LGBTQ+ Teens in Michigan Created This Pride Shirt to Represent Their Queer Chosen Family
The youth group at Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center in Ferndale has, for the second year in a row, designed a T-shirt for sale. All proceeds from the tee, priced at $35-40, goes back into the youth group.Justin Bettcher, Affirmation’s [...]
From Jody Watley to Mac Diesel: 7 Motor City Pride 2022 Acts You Won't Want to Miss
With so many acts to choose from all weekend across four entertainment stages, there’s something for everyone at Motor City Pride, from June 11-12. Add these seven not-to-be-missed performances to your short list.Jody Watley7:30 p.m. Saturday, [...]
Leaving a Legacy: Urvashi Vaid’s Lasting Impact on Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Community
The Michigan LGBTQ+ philanthropy community is in mourning following news that longtime LGBTQ+ activist and philanthropist Urvashi Vaid died at age 63 earlier this month.Vaid was a superstar in the movement for LGBTQ+ equality long before [...]
How HGTV Stars Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas Are Showing What It Means to Be a True Detroiter on 'Bargain Block'
Personal and professional partners Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas are flippers with heart. They do it to the delight of TV viewers across the country on their hit HGTV show “Bargain Block,” which returns for a second season on June 8.But [...]
Local Queer History Through an Artistic Lens: Mighty Real/Queer Detroit Exhibition Coming to a Space Near You
Greater Detroit is about to become awash in queer art — including rare pieces from as far back as the '40s.Seventeen galleries, organizations, businesses and public spaces across the metro Detroit area will join together to present Mighty [...]
A Cis Woman and a Trans Man Will Hold Miss and Mister Hotter Than July 2022 Titles For First Time Ever
LGBT Detroit, organizers of Hotter Than July (HTJ), the world’s second oldest Black LGBTQ+ Pride, have announced the crowning of 2022 Mister and Miss Hotter Than July.For the first time ever, a cis woman, Tieanna Burton, will be named Miss HTJ and a [...]
Michigan Native Responds to Attack on LGBTQ+ Content By Publishing Yet Another Book For Queer Youth
As bitter, homophobic parents across the country continue to attack books with LGBTQ+ content to get them banned from school libraries and classrooms, author Robbie Couch feels his mission is reaffirmed. The Michigan native is the author of two queer [...]