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].
Stand With Trans Tells Youth 'Express Yourself'
Upon founding Stand With Trans in 2015, Roz Keith said hosting a successful conference each year was one of her visions right from the beginning. "Because I wanted a place for youth to come and meet other trans youth and to learn some new skills [...]
Trans Sistas of Color Project Locked Out By Local Ministry
Jeynce Mizrahi Poindexter and Brenda S. White show off their awards at the first ever Trans Sistas of Color Project "Building a Dream House" brunch. BTL Photo: Jason A. Michael The Trans Sistas of Color Project's first-ever "Building a Dream House" [...]
It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood for AIDS Walk Detroit
Summer proved it has yet to sing its final note as the 26th annual AIDS Walk Detroit took place Sunday under a cloudless sky with temperatures hovering at just below 80 degrees. Walkers expecting crisper weather had to take off their jackets and [...]
Queer, Black Womanist Bares Her Soul in 'Reflections of a Survivor'
Writing saved C. Imani Williams' life, and now her writing might help save someone else. Writing saved C. Imani Williams' life, and now her writing might help save someone else. As a survivor, Williams is using her voice to share her story of love [...]
Love Is Love at the Village Chapel
The Village Chapel in Fowlerville dates back to 1891. It was built as the home of St. Agnes Catholic Church at the corner of Church and Maple Streets. But its time in its original structure was to be short lived. In May of 1909 a violent tornado [...]
Artist, Teacher Makes Black Faces Valid in Art
Tylonn J. Sawyer, a figurative artist, creates powerful images on canvas. They depict the struggles of humanity and the fragility of human nature, and they come from a distinct point of view. "My style has evolved but my work is really always [...]
Meet Burlesque Performer Kitten Von Mitten
Kitten Von Mitten began as a pinup model in 2013 before venturing into the world of burlesque where she has been expanding and building her craft and experience as a performer with the Detroit School of Burlesque. She is a former member, performer [...]
Comprehensive Community Center to Open in Lansing
Rev. Phiwa Langeni Rev. Phiwa Langeni has a vision – to create an LGBT resource and community center in the Lansing area that offers a spiritual component including a church that meets onsite. "I believe that humanity, humans, is made to be whole [...]
Divine Peace MCC Welcomes New Interim Pastor
As the granddaughter of a Baptist preacher, Rev. Carolyn Mobley-Bowie made the decision at the age of 10 to be a follower of Jesus, but for a lesbian in a traditional Baptist community, that meant having to live a double life. Her journey began in [...]
Transtastic Night to Remember raises funds for Ruth Ellis Center, Motor City Sisters
I'sha Schultz, development associate for the Ruth Ellis Center, Sr. Gin-ja Lox of the Motor City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and community activist Char Davenport. BTL photo: Jason A. Michael The Motor City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence held a [...]
A New Rainbow in the Sky
She was the LGBT community's very own Mahalia Jackson. Rev. Delores Berry was a traveling evangelist who crisscrossed the country – and indeed the world – singing her special brand of liberation gospel and letting the rainbow children of the world [...]
Ferndale Mayor to Run Unopposed Again
Dave Coulter's political career dates back some 15 years. Coulter was elected as an openly gay man to the Oakland County Commission in 2002, defeating a 20-year incumbent by 86 votes. He would go on to serve four terms on the commission and serve, [...]