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].
Casting Call Put Out for Trans Women of Color
The Trans Sistas of Color Project is holding an online casting call for trans women of color interested in being a part of an upcoming documentary and book project. TSOCP is looking for 35 trans women of color who are either Detroit natives or [...]
Detroit Minister to Give Benediction at Trump Inauguration
DETROIT – When reality TV star Donald Trump is sworn in Jan. 20 as the nation's 45th president, a high-profile Detroit minister will share the dais with him. Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, pastor of Great Faith Ministries International, a church that [...]
Gospel Singer Gay Bashes, Gets Dropped from 'The Ellen Show'
Kim Burrell and Pharrell "Happy" Williams. Ironically, the hoopla all surrounds a song called "I See a Victory." The song, from the film "Hidden Figures," was recorded by gospel singer Kim Burrell and Pharrell "Happy" Williams. The two were [...]
The Rising Cost of Hate Speech
By now, many of you have heard about the Kim Burrell scandal and her canceled appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." (And if you haven't, I wrote about it in this very issue and would be happy to fill you in if you visit INSERT LINK HERE). As [...]
Mike Neubecker named PFLAG regional director
BROWNSTOWN – Local community activist and PFLAG-Downriver co-founder Mike Neubecker was recently named regional director of PFLAG's Great Lakes Region, which includes Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Neubecker began serving his two-year term last month [...]
Obituary: David Walter Adamany (Sept. 23, 1936-Nov. 10, 2016)
Former Wayne State University President David Adamany died Nov. 10 following a brief illness. He was 80 years old. At Wayne, Adamany was the university's longest serving president. He led the university from 1982-1997 and oversaw over $300 million [...]
Bob the Drag Queen to star in 'A Drag Queen Christmas'
It's not a glamorous name, but it's one you're not likely to forget any time soon. So how did the 30-year-old performer born Christopher Caldwell become Bob the Drag Queen? "I really wish I had a great story behind it but I don't," said Bob, [...]
Pugh Hits Rock Bottom in Fall from Grace
DETROIT – Former City Council President Charles Pugh avoided a potentially damaging trial and possible life sentence Wednesday by accepting a deal. Pugh plead guilty to two counts of criminal sexual conduct in exchange for three counts of the more [...]
Millennials Missing from AIDS Walk Detroit
12345678ÔÑÑÔÑÖ ROYAL OAK – There was only the merest hint of fall in the air for this year's AIDS Walk Detroit. The annual event took place Sunday starting and ending at the Royal Oak Farmer's Market. Organizers estimate about 1,200 people [...]
Montgomery Remembered as a 'Pioneer' at Memorial Service
Jeffrey Montgomery's older brother James led the service on Saturday. BTL photo: Jason A. Michael DETROIT – He was not only an activist and advocate for LGBT rights, he was a larger-than-life personality and a hero to many. About 150 people came [...]
Equality Michigan Hires New Transgender Victims' Advocate
DETROIT – Jeynce Poindexter, known throughout metro Detroit's LGBT community as Jeynce Mizrahi, has been hired as Equality Michigan's first ever transgender victims' advocate. Poindexter comes to EQMI after being active in the LGBT community for [...]
Forum Foundation cruise raises over $1,000 for scholarship program
DETROIT – Nearly 100 people boarded the Diamond Belle on Aug. 19 and took the annual Forum Foundation cruise on the Detroit River. The cruise, which took about two hours, left from the dock at MacDougal Street and sailed up to the river to the [...]