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].
Motor City Sisters: 'We Are the Nuns of Our Community'
The Motor City Sisters spreading their love and joy in Palmer Park during this year's Hotter Than July. BTL Photo: Jason A. Michael They describe themselves as an order of 21st century nuns dedicated to the promulgation of universal joy and the [...]
Organizers Say 22nd Annual HTJ was the Hottest Yet
Photo courtesy of Trigger Finger Visuals How hot was Hotter Than July? This year, it was 80-plus degrees and sunny with no rain. The weather is important, according to Curtis Lipscomb, executive director of LGBT Detroit, because "it impacts the [...]
Ann Arbor Spiritual Center Welcomes New Director
Meet Lauren Tatarsky, 30, the new senior minister of the Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth in Ann Arbor since June. "We're an inclusive space and safe haven for spiritual seekers who come from many different backgrounds," said Tatarsky of the [...]
Dani Woods Presents Keynote Speech at HTJ Opening Ceremony
12345678ÔÑÑÔÑÖAround 60 people came out to Palmer Park in Detroit on Tuesday for the Hotter Than July opening ceremony and candlelight vigil. Music was played by a drum circle featuring longtime community activist Dr. Kofi Adoma, a prayer was [...]
Grownmance' Novel Inspired by Male Survivors of Abuse
By day she is Dr. Staci Hirsch, residential director for the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park. But by night, she is A.G. Davis, writer and official biographer of "The Roswell Discrepancy: A Human Romance in Three Parts." This series of stories [...]
Grant Money Helps EQMI Continue Fighting Hate Crimes
Equality Michigan's Department of Victim Services: Jeynce Poindexter, Serena Johnson and Genny Maze. BTL Photo: Jason Michael Equality Michigan is halfway through a short term grant designed to provide additional resources to its Victim Services [...]
Billionaire Boys Club Turns 30
In 1987, a group of black, gay men decided to form an upscale social club that has come to be known as the Billionaire Boys Club. Robert Tate, a founding member, said Byron Combs was responsible for the idea following a friendly gathering for a [...]
Meet the LGBT Activist Running for Detroit City Council
Nguvu Tsare's name means "defend your power" in Swahili and in a sense, that's what he wants to do for the residents of Detroit. "My name really represents my life," he said. "That's what my life has been about. Fighting for power for my people and [...]
Rico Pruitt Dishes on Becoming a Porn Star
Rico Pruitt is new on the adult entertainment scene and is making quite an impression. His debut scene on BlackBoyAddictionz.com broke records in March with the most downloads on the six-year-old website. Pruitt's internet fame began while starring [...]
Lady Parts Justice League: Vagical Mystery Tour Comes to Ferndale
Comedian and The Daily Show co-creator, Lizz Winstead. Photo courtesy of Mindy Tucker Comedian and The Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead and her Lady Parts Justice League is bringing the Vagical Mystery Tour – a 16-city national tour – to Ferndale [...]
Lansing Bartender Represents the Midwest in Cocktail Apprentice Program
From a young age, Melissa "Inky" Kim has always been fascinated with processes and mixtures. "I began playing behind the bar and pairing drinks for family gatherings once I was old enough to see over it," said Kim, whose grandparents founded Main [...]
Ypsilanti Peer to Peer Program Keeps Youth Informed, Safe
Statistics have shown that youth ages 13-29 have the highest HIV infection rate in Washtenaw County. In response, a group of young people ages 13-16 in Ypsilanti started a peer mentoring program, Prevent & Prevail, to offer an open exchange of [...]