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Life Under Trump Was Not Better and I Promise You It Will Be Even Worse If He Wins
As Nov. 5 approaches, I, for one, am dreading the election and at the same time yearning for it to be over. The result is that I am suspended in a purgatory of [...]Read more about Life Under Trump Was Not Better and I Promise You It Will Be Even Worse If He Wins
The Owners of Opal Grove Games Didn't Feel Welcome in Many Spaces. So They Made Their Own.
The feeling of acceptance is intentional when you step into Detroit’s Opal Grove Games, nostalgically nestled in the basement below 27th Letter Books. Walking [...]Read more about The Owners of Opal Grove Games Didn't Feel Welcome in Many Spaces. So They Made Their Own.
Queer Folk®: Coming Soon to a Coffee Shop — or Ceasefire Action — Near You
Somewhere near the intersection of artistry and activism sits local musician Amrit Kohli’s Queer Folk®, Inc., an incubator for progressive queer artists and [...]Read more about Queer Folk®: Coming Soon to a Coffee Shop — or Ceasefire Action — Near You
Libs of Tiktok Fuels Threats Against Schools Nationwide, Endangering Children
HOLD DO NOT PUBLISHThis morning I got a text from my son’s school district that one of the elementary schools in the district was closed due to a bomb threat. [...]Read more about Libs of Tiktok Fuels Threats Against Schools Nationwide, Endangering Children
How Christian Cooper Spread His Wings After Racial Discrimination From a ‘Karen’ Put Him in the Spotlight
The red-winged blackbird has officially returned to southern Michigan — its trill can be heard starting in mid-to-late February and into mid-March, a harbinger [...]Read more about How Christian Cooper Spread His Wings After Racial Discrimination From a ‘Karen’ Put Him in the Spotlight
6 Picture-Book Biographies of Black LGBTQ+ Americans
In honor of Black History Month — but best read all year round — here are some of my favorite recent children’s biographies of famous Black LGBTQ+ [...]Read more about 6 Picture-Book Biographies of Black LGBTQ+ Americans
West Virginia to Transgender People: Your Existence Is a Crime
I am writing this on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day that those who want to advance civil rights might typically spend doing some kind of community service, [...]Read more about West Virginia to Transgender People: Your Existence Is a Crime
Black Trans Activist Raquel Willis on Why Stories Like Hers Need to Be Heard
When Raquel Willis took the stage at the National Women’s March in Washington, D.C. the day after Trump's inauguration in January 2017, with beaming [...]Read more about Black Trans Activist Raquel Willis on Why Stories Like Hers Need to Be Heard
Pink’s Other Brave Summer Act: Modern Pro-Queer Protest Singer
I watched in gasping awe on Aug. 16 as Pink spun through the cool Detroit air, a soaring trapeze artist with a soaring voice to match. Take, for instance, the [...]Read more about Pink’s Other Brave Summer Act: Modern Pro-Queer Protest Singer
Fox News Fires Tucker Carlson As If Nothing Is Even Sacred Anymore
It’s almost 4 in the morning and I can’t sleep. A fun part of getting older. And so I’m up reading about white nationalist Tucker Carlson being fired from Fox [...]Read more about Fox News Fires Tucker Carlson As If Nothing Is Even Sacred Anymore
Desmond Richardson, the First Black Male Principal Dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, Speaks Boldly Through Dance
As the first Black male principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, Desmond Richardson has been making waves in the dance world for decades. His own [...]Read more about Desmond Richardson, the First Black Male Principal Dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, Speaks Boldly Through Dance
Proud Boys Misunderstand What 'Slay, Queen' Means, Bring Guns to Drag Event
You know what the scariest thing about drag queen story hour is? The part where hooded men wearing body armor show up with assault rifles.That’s what happened [...]Read more about Proud Boys Misunderstand What 'Slay, Queen' Means, Bring Guns to Drag Event
For the First Time Ever, This Tiny Town in Michigan Will Have a Pride Festival
Allegan, Michigan is quintessential small-town America. There’s a main street and restaurants serving happy diners along the Kalamazoo River. It’s a place where [...]Read more about For the First Time Ever, This Tiny Town in Michigan Will Have a Pride Festival
Forget Dog Whistles, Republicans Communicate Their Hate Using Bullhorns and Air Raid Sirens
Are you tired of being told how bad things are? Are you sick of being bombarded with terrible news all of the time? Do you wish that you could read about [...]Read more about Forget Dog Whistles, Republicans Communicate Their Hate Using Bullhorns and Air Raid Sirens
7 Must-See Programs and Films Honoring Black History Month
Black History Month — the shortest month of the year, sadly — is quickly coming to a close once again. But before the month is over, take some time to check out [...]Read more about 7 Must-See Programs and Films Honoring Black History Month
How a Dedicated Dancer Is Transforming RAD Fest Into a Must-Attend Queer Festival
“I want this festival to speak up for those who don’t get to speak up very often, especially in dance,” Rachel Miller, Regional Alternative Dance (RAD) Fest [...]Read more about How a Dedicated Dancer Is Transforming RAD Fest Into a Must-Attend Queer Festival
How Sabin, Detroit Drag Royalty and Motor City Pride's Veteran Host, Learned to Fly Again
Never underestimate the power of a hug. It just might save your life. Tyler T. Cooper, best known as Detroit's beautiful, bald and bold drag queen Sabin, knows [...]Read more about How Sabin, Detroit Drag Royalty and Motor City Pride's Veteran Host, Learned to Fly Again
Lindsey Graham Stans For Chick-fil-A Because Values
Y'all, people are being very mean to Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) on the internet. Again. I mean, what does this guy have to do to get some [...]Read more about Lindsey Graham Stans For Chick-fil-A Because Values
Pride in July: Gifts and Goodies That Give Back
Pride-inspired products are popping up everywhere these days, with businesses big and small competing for our mighty pink dollars. But how can you tell which [...]Read more about Pride in July: Gifts and Goodies That Give Back
Pride Month Is Over. Now Get on Your Knees. But Only If You're Into That.
"Pride month is over," Christian evangelist Franklin Graham declared on Facebook. You hear that, everybody? Those rainbow flags should all be taken down and [...]Read more about Pride Month Is Over. Now Get on Your Knees. But Only If You're Into That.
Grimm Decision Is Anything But. The Fight For LGBTQ+ Rights Continues.
Congratulations to Gavin Grimm. If you don't know that name, you should, especially if you give a damn about transgender rights and the attack on trans kids in [...]Read more about Grimm Decision Is Anything But. The Fight For LGBTQ+ Rights Continues.
Happy Pride Month! Now Go Choke on a Rainbow, Tony Perkins
Aside from women daring to make their own reproductive decisions, there's nothing right-wing conservatives hate more than Pride Month. The "rainbow deluge" the [...]Read more about Happy Pride Month! Now Go Choke on a Rainbow, Tony Perkins
Hats Off to Hate: Owner Burns Down Hat Shop to Own the Libs
I remember it like it was yesterday: Trump supporters flying flags that said, "Fuck your feelings," wearing "Suck it up, Buttercup" T-shirts and making fun of [...]Read more about Hats Off to Hate: Owner Burns Down Hat Shop to Own the Libs
Angelica Ross Has a Simple Reason for Why We Celebrate Trans Women During Women's History Month
For Angelica Ross, her short time on "Pose" wasn't an end — it was a beginning. After famously portraying Candy Ferocity on the FX series, which depicts New [...]Read more about Angelica Ross Has a Simple Reason for Why We Celebrate Trans Women During Women's History Month
Crys Matthews Calls On Black Lives Matter Allies to Join Her Army of Lovers
On Jan. 6 when the United States Capitol was being attacked by terrorists, Crys Matthews, who calls D.C. home, was in the recording studio in Bethesda, [...]Read more about Crys Matthews Calls On Black Lives Matter Allies to Join Her Army of Lovers
Creep of the Week: Republican Party
Hello! It's 2021 and everything is fine now! Ha, ha, just kidding. The dumpster fire rages on. Some things in 2021 are delightful, like that guy who made the [...]Read more about Creep of the Week: Republican Party
Detroit Police LGBTQ Council to Host Jan. 26 Community Conversation
Meet the Council Cpl. Dani Woods and the newly formed Detroit Police Department LGBTQ Community Council have ambitious goals. Yet the council has already [...]Read more about Detroit Police LGBTQ Council to Host Jan. 26 Community Conversation
LGBTQ Groups Condemn Capitol siege, Back Trump Removal From Office
LGBTQ rights groups on Wednesday were quick to condemn the siege of the U.S. Capitol. "Today's violence is revolting and nothing short of insurrection, a coup [...]Read more about LGBTQ Groups Condemn Capitol siege, Back Trump Removal From Office
Victory in Georgia
A look at the numbers in Tuesday's U.S. Senate races in Georgia indicate that Democrats have won control of the Senate – a development with enormous favorable [...]Read more about Victory in Georgia
Lady Ace Boogie isn't Quitting Music, she's Taking Things to the 'Next Level'
Lady Ace Boogie has been a fixture in Michigan's hip-hop scene for years now, but for the longtime musician, 2020 has been a year of significant change. In [...]Read more about Lady Ace Boogie isn't Quitting Music, she's Taking Things to the 'Next Level'
Downtown D.C. Storefronts Boarded up Ahead of Election Day
A growing number of businesses in downtown D.C. have boarded up their windows in anticipation of potential unrest after Election Day. The Washington Blade on [...]Read more about Downtown D.C. Storefronts Boarded up Ahead of Election Day
Creep of the Week: Donald Trump
On Monday, Oct. 27, Donald Trump swore in his third Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett under the cloak of night. And like many things that necessitate [...]Read more about Creep of the Week: Donald Trump
Election Q&A: Oakland County Prosecutor Candidate Karen McDonald
As the November election draws nearer, Americans won't be voting just for a presidential candidate, both state and national candidates will be voted upon, too. [...]Read more about Election Q&A: Oakland County Prosecutor Candidate Karen McDonald
For Joe Biden, Push Relentlessly Until Nov. 3
By The National LGBT Newspaper Guild, BTL Member Among the many compelling reasons to make sure that Donald Trump and Mike Pence are not reelected on Nov. 3, [...]Read more about For Joe Biden, Push Relentlessly Until Nov. 3
Election Q&A: Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack Talks Reelection
As the November election draws nearer, Americans won't be voting just for a presidential candidate, both state and national candidates will be voted upon, too. [...]Read more about Election Q&A: Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack Talks Reelection
Biden Rallies LGBTQ Supporters, Denounces Trump at HRC Event
Joe Biden sought to rally LGBTQ supporters at a Human Rights Campaign virtual event Thursday night, renewing his commitment to support the community if he [...]Read more about Biden Rallies LGBTQ Supporters, Denounces Trump at HRC Event
LGBTQ Activists Participate in March on Washington Commemoration
LGBTQ activists joined tens of thousands of protesters at the Lincoln Memorial on Friday to demand the end of systemic racism and police brutality in one of [...]Read more about LGBTQ Activists Participate in March on Washington Commemoration
Lesbian Grand Rapids Judge Won't Return to Church After Being Denied Communion
Denied Communion, Part 2 When Between The Lines last spoke with Chief Judge Sara Smolenski in December, the 62-year-old resident of Grand Rapids had recently [...]Read more about Lesbian Grand Rapids Judge Won't Return to Church After Being Denied Communion
Billy Porter Talks Hollywood ('I Crashed the Party'), His Black Gay Experience & Upcoming Memoir
"Now that I have a massive platform, and now that the people want to listen to the Black sissy, I'm gonna talk," Billy Porter says, fired up, leaning into the [...]Read more about Billy Porter Talks Hollywood ('I Crashed the Party'), His Black Gay Experience & Upcoming Memoir
Q&A with 43rd District Judge Candidate Rudy Serra
As the Aug. 4 primaries get closer, voters will not only choose to vote Democrat or Republican but they'll cast their ballots for nonpartisan positions, too. [...]Read more about Q&A with 43rd District Judge Candidate Rudy Serra
Q&A with 43rd District Judge Candidate Dennis Whittie
As the Aug. 4 primaries get closer, voters will not only choose to vote Democrat or Republican but they'll cast their ballots for nonpartisan positions, too. [...]Read more about Q&A with 43rd District Judge Candidate Dennis Whittie
The Chicks' Natalie Maines Talks Queer Creators Behind Trio's Comeback LP, LGBTQ Activism & Advice For Lady A
Sitting somewhere with an abstract-art background obscuring her precise location, (Dixie) Chicks frontwoman Natalie Maines erupts into an explosive [...]Read more about The Chicks' Natalie Maines Talks Queer Creators Behind Trio's Comeback LP, LGBTQ Activism & Advice For Lady A
The State Department's Controversial Human Rights Advisory Commission Releases Draft of Long-Anticipated Report that Largely Omits LGBTQ Issues
The Commission on Unalienable Rights' 60-page report contains numerous references to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and religious freedom. The [...]Read more about The State Department's Controversial Human Rights Advisory Commission Releases Draft of Long-Anticipated Report that Largely Omits LGBTQ Issues
Activists Hold First-Ever Global Black Pride Event
Actor Billy Porter is among those who participated in the first-ever global Black Pride event that took place on July 10. Global Black Gay Men Connect [...]Read more about Activists Hold First-Ever Global Black Pride Event
Creep of the Week: Mark Chambers
I am thinking of changing the title of this column to "Dispatches from Hell," because I truly feel like every week is just another barrage of awful news [...]Read more about Creep of the Week: Mark Chambers
Criterion Films Celebrate Diversity in All Its Forms
'Paris Is Burning' In "Paris Is Burning," a strut is a defiant act, an exertion of suppressed power. In the mid-to-late 1980s, when the landmark documentary [...]Read more about Criterion Films Celebrate Diversity in All Its Forms
Global Pride Amplifies Black Voices During 24-Hour Virtual Event
Celebrities, politicians and activists on Saturday united with Global Pride 2020, a 24-hour virtual event created in light of widespread cancellations of Pride [...]Read more about Global Pride Amplifies Black Voices During 24-Hour Virtual Event
