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].
Pre-Expo Workshop Focuses on Status of LGBT Rights Post-Marriage Equality
DETROIT – The seventh annual Ultimate LGBT Wedding & Anniversary Expo, which took place Sunday at the MotorCity Hotel Casino, kicked off this year with "LGBT Rights in the Trump Era – What Lies Ahead," a workshop that drew about 30 attendees. [...]
Gentlemen's Consignment Offers Quality Menswear at Affordable Prices
Kelly Pepper, owner of Gentlemen's Consignment in Royal Oak, poses in his well-appointed store. BTL photo Jason A. Michael ROYAL OAK – Kelly Pepper used to be a large man. "Then about eight years ago I had gastric bypass surgery and lost 145 [...]
Identities Affirmed with Gender-Bending Wedding Apparel
When Birdie Buckley-Ball was planning to walk down the aisle with her wife Megan, she never even considered wearing a dress. But a dearth of clothing tailored to women with Buckley-Ball's taste, as well as butch women, transgender men, and gender [...]
Local Community Speaks Out on Gavin Grimm Transgender Case
They were supposed to take the case up March 28. But on March 6, the Supreme Court decided to remand the case of Gavin Grimm, the Virginia teenager who sued for the right to use the restroom that matched his gender identity at his high school, back [...]
Local Leaders Host Title IX Panel Discussion
John Austin, former president of the State Board of Education, speaks at March 1 panel discussion on the status of Title IX in the wake of the Trump administration rescinding guidance to schools on transgender issues. Joining him are Board of [...]
How to Find the Right Officiant for Your Wedding
It's one of the hardest decisions couples planning to tie the knot have to make: Who should officiate the ceremony? Some attend church regularly and have faith leaders who for them are an obvious choice. But for many more couples, finding just the [...]
Michigan LGBT ComedyFest Returns to Dearborn
The Michigan LGBT ComedyFest returns to the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn for its 21st installment March 4 at 8 p.m. Formerly a production of Equality Michigan, the ComedyFest is now under the Motor City Pride umbrella – MCP [...]
Holistic Health Fair to Look at the Needs of Youth of Color Ages 13-29
DETROIT – The Horizons Project will present a holistic health conference for youth of color ages 13-29 on Feb. 25. The fair, "Healthy Me, Stigma Free," aims to pair youth up with the health services they may need at the University of Michigan [...]
Give Yourself the Wedding Gift of Premarital Counseling
There are so many things to consider as you prepare for that walk down the aisle. Flowers, rings, cake flavors – these are just the tip of the iceberg. But lurking beneath the surface may be something bigger that needs addressing. Should you add [...]
HTJ Art Show Puts Call Out for Local Artists
DETROIT – Though it's still five months away, Geno Harris, the coordinator for this year's HTJ Fine Arts Reception, has put the call out for local artists interested in participating in the event. A location for the show has not yet been announced, [...]
LGBT Detroit Appoints new HTJ Project Coordinator
LGBT Detroit Executive Director Curtis Lipscomb (left) introduced Charlie Dickerson as the new project coordinator for Hotter Than July. BTL photo: Jason A. Michael DETROIT – At their regular monthly planning meeting, on Jan. 25, LGBT Detroit [...]
Baptist Pastor Comes Under Fire for Officiating Same-Sex Wedding
It's not all that uncommon a story. Pastor leads a largely non-LGBT congregation. Pastor follows his heart and performs a same-sex wedding. Pastor then watches the backlash as he begins to lose members of his congregation in droves. But let's go [...]