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].
Forever Faithful Project Designed To Build Welcoming Congregations In Detroit Area Churches
DETROIT – It's definitely possible — marriage equality might become the law of the land in a matter of weeks. But many Metro Detroit churches still strongly oppose this and refuse to offer a welcoming environment for gays and lesbians. "The Freedom [...]
Interfaith Discussion Focuses On Anti-Gay Marriage Myths
Panelists at the Interfaith Marriage Discussion included Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg from Congregation Shir Tikvah, Central Woodward Christian Church Senior Pastor Bob Cornwall and Kit and George Belvitch from Fortunate Families. (BTL photo: Jason A. [...]
Divas Galore: Latrice Royale To Bring Pride To Chene Park
She is large and in charge, chunky yet funky. Yes, the one and only Latrice "Mother Fucking" Royale is coming to town. The drag diva – and "RuPaul's Drag Race" favorite – will be hosting the King & Queens Ball at Chene Park on June 6. The ball, [...]
LGBT Detroit Leadership Academy Presents Seventh Graduating Class
LGBT Detroit Leadership Academys Spring 2015 graduating class consists of DeVon Weatherspoon, Stoyan Francis, Ahya Taylor and Anthony Hibbler (not pictured). BTL photo: Jason A. Michael DETROIT – It's the place where young leaders are born and [...]
Transgender Student Wins Right To Walk With Chosen Name
? BELLEVILLE — A transgender teenager recently won the right to be presented with his diploma in his chosen name rather than his birth name. Sebastian Newell, who attends Belleville High School, was initially told that while he could walk with the [...]
Transgender Student Wins Right To Walk With Chosen Name
BELLEVILLE – A transgender teenager recently won the right to be presented with his diploma in his chosen name rather than his birth name. Sebastian Newell, who attends Belleville High School, was initially told that while he could walk with the [...]
KICK Changes Name To LGBT Detroit
DETROIT – What's in a name? When Curtis Lipscomb decided to start publishing a magazine in 1994, he searched for just the right one. This led him to ask his friend Todd Smith, a professor of African American history, for his opinion. "He simply [...]
Local LGBT-Supportive Catholic Group Conducts Survey On Marriage, Sexuality
Pope Francis. DETROIT — Two years ago, Pope Francis called for a two-year consultation on the family. As part of that consultation, an extraordinary Synod of Bishops met last October and an ordinary Synod of Bishops will meet this fall at the [...]
A Different Kind Of Catholic Church
The ministerial staff of the Community of Christ the Good Shepherd. Photo by Rafael Pacheco FERNDALE — The Catholic church is not exactly known for tolerance. But Community of Christ the Good Shepherd is not the typical Catholic church. "We're [...]
Affirmations Welcomes New Executive Director
FERNDALE – Newly appointed Affirmations Executive Director Darrious Hilmon sat down with Between The Lines recently for a little "getting to know you" session and shared a bit about the philosophies he's gleaned over the past two decades while [...]
Rev. Ric Beattie Takes The Helm Of Unity Royal Oak
Rev. Ric Beattie ROYAL OAK — Rev. Ric Beattie, who turns 60 this year, grew up in Lake Orion, Michigan at a time when the area was still semi-rural. By the age of 12 or 13, Beattie knew he was different from other boys his age. "I liked boys a [...]
Pam Benetti
Pam Benetti does not remember her childhood with any great fondness. As a little girl in a little boy's body, Benetti realized when she started school that something was seriously wrong. "From kindergarten onward I knew that I was not the same as [...]