Jay Kaplan
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When Allyship Looks Different: 9 People Showing Up for the LGBTQ+ Community
Allyship doesn't always look the way we expect. It's not always the loudest voice in the room, or the most predictable place. Sometimes it's an [...]Read more about When Allyship Looks Different: 9 People Showing Up for the LGBTQ+ Community
LGBTQ+ Senior Housing Takes Center Stage at a Free Summit This Weekend
When University of Michigan researcher Beth Glover Reed led a housing survey for the HOMES Coalition in 2024, the findings were sobering. Ninety percent of [...]Read more about LGBTQ+ Senior Housing Takes Center Stage at a Free Summit This Weekend
This Year, Everything Is on the Ballot
Pride Month is here. Along with celebrating our authentic selves, I think of June as a time to celebrate how far we have come — and how far we still need to [...]Read more about This Year, Everything Is on the Ballot
Chris Azzopardi Has Spent 20 Years Asking the Right Questions — For Our Readers, For All of Us
On any given week, Chris Azzopardi might be on the phone with Cher in the morning and, by afternoon, editing a story about a queer teen in rural Michigan who [...]Read more about Chris Azzopardi Has Spent 20 Years Asking the Right Questions — For Our Readers, For All of Us
Deadnamed and Done With It, This Former Megachurch Pastor Is Focused on Your Power Bill
The Wayne County Clerk made it official May 12: Joanna Whaley is on the August primary ballot, and no amount of legal maneuvering from a fellow Democrat is [...]Read more about Deadnamed and Done With It, This Former Megachurch Pastor Is Focused on Your Power Bill
Downriver Dem Files Complaint Against Primary Opponent, a Trans Woman, Over Her Name on the Ballot
A Democrat running for Michigan’s 2nd House District in November has filed a campaign complaint against one of his primary opponents, a transgender woman, [...]Read more about Downriver Dem Files Complaint Against Primary Opponent, a Trans Woman, Over Her Name on the Ballot
How Trans Kids Became Political Targets
Opponents of LGBTQ+ rights began shifting their focus away from marriage equality after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges [...]Read more about How Trans Kids Became Political Targets
How The Ringwald's 'Somewhere' Echoes 1959 Displacement in an Era of ICE Raids
In 1959, a thriving Puerto Rican neighborhood in New York City's San Juan Hill faced demolition to make way for Lincoln Center. The residents were given no [...]Read more about How The Ringwald's 'Somewhere' Echoes 1959 Displacement in an Era of ICE Raids
22 Pride Source Stories from 2025 We Can't Stop Thinking About
From a biochemist-turned-activist organizing rallies in nine state capitals to a rural Upper Peninsula salon owner facing vandalism for welcoming trans youth, [...]Read more about 22 Pride Source Stories from 2025 We Can't Stop Thinking About
Supreme Court Chooses Cruelty Over Evidence in Transgender Passport Case
Like so many others, I was heartbroken by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that allows the Trump administration to enforce its executive order denying [...]Read more about Supreme Court Chooses Cruelty Over Evidence in Transgender Passport Case
Supreme Court Lifts Block on Trump Anti-Trans Passport Policy While Lawsuit Continues
The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 6 cleared the way for the Trump administration to enforce a passport policy that forces trans, nonbinary and intersex Americans [...]Read more about Supreme Court Lifts Block on Trump Anti-Trans Passport Policy While Lawsuit Continues
After 25 Years, Rudy Serra, Michigan's First Gay Judge, Is Still Fighting the Same Battle
When Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed Rudy Serra to Michigan's 36th District Court in 2007, she made history by naming him the state's first openly [...]Read more about After 25 Years, Rudy Serra, Michigan's First Gay Judge, Is Still Fighting the Same Battle
Ringwald Theatre's 'Silver Foxes' Delivers 'Golden Girls' Vibes — with a Queer, Palm Springs Twist
Picture it: Palm Springs, present day. Three older gay men rescue their best friend from a homophobic assisted living facility, befriend his younger boyfriend [...]Read more about Ringwald Theatre's 'Silver Foxes' Delivers 'Golden Girls' Vibes — with a Queer, Palm Springs Twist
How Detroit’s Julisa Abad Became a National Voice For Trans Justice
When a transgender person is murdered in the Detroit Metro area, trans advocate and Wayne County Prosecutor's Office employee Julisa Abad is often among [...]Read more about How Detroit’s Julisa Abad Became a National Voice For Trans Justice
Staying Safe on Queer Dating Apps: What to Know When Law Enforcement Enters the Chat
In light of a controversial Michigan case now under appeal — where a gay man was convicted after engaging with a decoy profile on Grindr — the alarm has been [...]Read more about Staying Safe on Queer Dating Apps: What to Know When Law Enforcement Enters the Chat
Supreme Court Upholds Trans Healthcare Ban as Michigan Leaders Vow Protection, Decry ‘Attack on Children’
Supreme Court Upholds Trans Healthcare Ban as Michigan Leaders Vow Protection, Decry 'Attack on Children'Rep. Pohutsky and Equality Michigan's [...]Read more about Supreme Court Upholds Trans Healthcare Ban as Michigan Leaders Vow Protection, Decry ‘Attack on Children’
The Sacred Work of Jeynce Poindexter: A Detroit Ballroom Mother's Mission to Transform Trans Lives Through Advocacy and Love
On a late April morning, Jeynce Poindexter sits in Detroit Metro Airport waiting for her flight to Fort Lauderdale. Tomorrow is her birthday, but this [...]Read more about The Sacred Work of Jeynce Poindexter: A Detroit Ballroom Mother's Mission to Transform Trans Lives Through Advocacy and Love
In a Time of Erasure, We Must Protect Queer Media: A Pride Letter from the Editorial Director
Twice that day, the tears came unbidden. I sat quietly off to the side, reading prompts as activists and organizers within Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community — [...]Read more about In a Time of Erasure, We Must Protect Queer Media: A Pride Letter from the Editorial Director
Michigan Universities Split on Trump DEI Order as LGBTQ+ Students Face Pressures
While Michigan State joins a Big Ten resistance coalition defending diversity programs, the University of Michigan's president, Santa Ono, is heading for [...]Read more about Michigan Universities Split on Trump DEI Order as LGBTQ+ Students Face Pressures
Attend Community Events for Transgender Day of Visibility
Get set to commemorate International Transgender Day of Visibility, founded by Michigander Rachel Crandall Crocker. On March 28, Five15 in Royal Oak will [...]Read more about Attend Community Events for Transgender Day of Visibility
These 8 Michigan Democrats Face Backlash After Supporting Anti-Transgender Sports Resolution
A controversial resolution urging restrictions on transgender student athletes in Michigan has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in the state — [...]Read more about These 8 Michigan Democrats Face Backlash After Supporting Anti-Transgender Sports Resolution
GOP Lawmakers Urge Michigan High School Athletic Association to Ban Trans Girls From Female Teams
Republican lawmakers in Michigan this week called on the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to adopt policies that comply with President Donald [...]Read more about GOP Lawmakers Urge Michigan High School Athletic Association to Ban Trans Girls From Female Teams
Trans Rights, Healthcare and IDs: Key Takeaways from Emergency Town Hall Hosted By LGBTQ+ Advocates
More than 900 attendees joined a virtual town hall Feb. 5 to learn how recent presidential executive orders and Michigan legislative moves could impact the [...]Read more about Trans Rights, Healthcare and IDs: Key Takeaways from Emergency Town Hall Hosted By LGBTQ+ Advocates
Finding Joy in the Fight: Jay Kaplan's Decades of LGBTQ+ Advocacy in Michigan
In the darkest days of Michigan's LGBTQ+ history, when marriage equality seemed impossible and discrimination protections were a distant dream, Jay Kaplan [...]Read more about Finding Joy in the Fight: Jay Kaplan's Decades of LGBTQ+ Advocacy in Michigan
It’s a Wrap: Pride Source Stories That Shaped 2024
From a record-breaking Pride season to Brat Summer to a tumultuous election season that has left the community scrambling for solid ground, 2024 was one for the [...]Read more about It’s a Wrap: Pride Source Stories That Shaped 2024
These Michigan LGBTQ+ Orgs Will Have Your Back in 2025 After Trump's Inauguration
The dust has settled. Donald Trump will be coming back into power in January — an exhausting thing for many LGBTQ+ community members to wrap their heads around. [...]Read more about These Michigan LGBTQ+ Orgs Will Have Your Back in 2025 After Trump's Inauguration
Young Queer Michigan Voters Experience a Tumultuous Election on Michigan State’s Campus
Young voters have the power to decide elections. So, on the days leading up to the general election, Pride Source spoke to voters on Michigan State University’s [...]Read more about Young Queer Michigan Voters Experience a Tumultuous Election on Michigan State’s Campus
He Won: Michigan, National LGBTQ+ Leaders Discuss What a Trump Win Means and What Comes Next
In the early morning of Nov. 6, Donald Trump won re-election, after previously being defeated in his 2020 incumbent race. Following him in his return to the [...]Read more about He Won: Michigan, National LGBTQ+ Leaders Discuss What a Trump Win Means and What Comes Next
Why I Vote: Championing Equality and Justice in the 2024 Election
Ahead of the 2024 general election, Pride Source asked community leaders to weigh in on the important issues facing the Michigan LGBTQ+ community. Jay Kaplan, [...]Read more about Why I Vote: Championing Equality and Justice in the 2024 Election
Your Voice Matters: A Comprehensive Guide to Voting Rights and Resources for LGBTQ+ Individuals
As we head into the final days of election season and excitement builds, it’s easy to lose focus on all that’s at stake for LGBTQ+ voters. No matter your [...]Read more about Your Voice Matters: A Comprehensive Guide to Voting Rights and Resources for LGBTQ+ Individuals
When Your Parents Are Trumpers: Younger Queer Voters Face Family Rifts Over Political Beliefs
Having a house divided by maize and blue and green and white is one thing. But when the colors are red and blue, and the opinions differ on things like [...]Read more about When Your Parents Are Trumpers: Younger Queer Voters Face Family Rifts Over Political Beliefs
From Sunshine to Sanctuary State: How Michigan Became a Refuge for These Parents and Their Trans Kid
Over a decade after Ken and Amber Long relocated to Michigan from Florida with their two children in 2012, it feels like their move was meant to be. When their [...]Read more about From Sunshine to Sanctuary State: How Michigan Became a Refuge for These Parents and Their Trans Kid
'Brat Summer' Turns to Election Fall as Unique Political Tactics Target Gen Z Voters
A presidential campaign using Charli XCX and Chappell Roan to appeal to young voters might not have been on your 2024 bingo card. But then again, Vice President [...]Read more about 'Brat Summer' Turns to Election Fall as Unique Political Tactics Target Gen Z Voters
Attend Affirmations' 35th Anniversary Gala, Celebrate Art, Find Tech Work, Go to a Cabaret
Need a break from the political whirlwind? From thinking about whatever bizarre, obviously false claims Trump keeps making about people eating the pets of [...]Read more about Attend Affirmations' 35th Anniversary Gala, Celebrate Art, Find Tech Work, Go to a Cabaret
Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders Push Back After Former State GOP Chair Uses Gay Slur
When out gay Rep. Jason Morgan, vice chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, read what former co-chair of the Michigan GOP Meshawn Maddock posted about him on [...]Read more about Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders Push Back After Former State GOP Chair Uses Gay Slur
Black Trans Women Leaders Share Love, Strength at Detroit Conference
The 28 women who gathered in Detroit from across the country for Black Trans Circles (BTC) came to the leadership conference in early July for education [...]Read more about Black Trans Women Leaders Share Love, Strength at Detroit Conference
What You Need to Know About Project 2025 and How It Puts Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Wins at Risk
If it feels like you’re suddenly hearing about the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 agenda everywhere lately, it’s not just you. In fact, Google [...]Read more about What You Need to Know About Project 2025 and How It Puts Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Wins at Risk
Why the Upcoming Michigan Supreme Court Race Is Vital to the LGBTQ+ Community
If anyone doubts the importance of Michigan’s Supreme Court race this November, and the massive impact it can have on our state’s LGBTQ+ residents, I suggest [...]Read more about Why the Upcoming Michigan Supreme Court Race Is Vital to the LGBTQ+ Community
Michigan's Trans Migration Project Is Helping to Protect Trans People Just By Getting Them Somewhere Safe
A faith-based collective of partners across Michigan is shepherding out-of-state trans people to Michigan for the gender-affirming care and affirmation they [...]Read more about Michigan's Trans Migration Project Is Helping to Protect Trans People Just By Getting Them Somewhere Safe
Inside the Homes of Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders
Home. Is it a place or a feeling? For some people, “home” is just somewhere to lay your head. For others, home can be a safe haven — a respite from a larger [...]Read more about Inside the Homes of Michigan LGBTQ+ Leaders
'What Now?' How Michigan Is Stepping Up for Patients Left Behind as Ohio Bans Gender-Affirming Healthcare
In what feels like a scene from a horrifying Orwellian nightmare, thousands of transgender Americans lost their lifelines in January when a bill banning [...]Read more about 'What Now?' How Michigan Is Stepping Up for Patients Left Behind as Ohio Bans Gender-Affirming Healthcare
The AIDS Crisis Ended Before They Were Born, But the Disease Still Impacts the Way Gen Z Approaches Sex and Healthcare
On World AIDS day and beyond, reflecting on the state of HIV/AIDS and how perceptions and treatments have evolved over the past several decades.
Bigotry at Biggby? What You Need to Know About Lawsuit Focused on Biggby Owner Who Fired Three Queer Employees in One Day
Michigan’s expanded Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) will take center stage in an upcoming civil case brought by two queer employees fired in a single [...]Read more about Bigotry at Biggby? What You Need to Know About Lawsuit Focused on Biggby Owner Who Fired Three Queer Employees in One Day
Why LGBTQ+ Advocate Judy Lewis Has Dedicated Her Career to Helping Michigan's Older LGBTQ+ Community
This article is part of the News is Out “Out and Aging” series, made possible with support from AARP.Longtime queer community advocate and all-around rockstar [...]Read more about Why LGBTQ+ Advocate Judy Lewis Has Dedicated Her Career to Helping Michigan's Older LGBTQ+ Community
Good News From the Michigan Supreme Court for LGBTQ+ Parents
LGBTQ+ attorneys, their clients and allies across the state are cheering after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that unmarried parents will soon be able to seek [...]Read more about Good News From the Michigan Supreme Court for LGBTQ+ Parents
The Supreme Court Ruled in Favor of Anti-LGBTQ+ Website Creator. What Does It Mean for Michigan?
In a very sad ending to Pride Month, the Supreme Court ruled Friday, June 30 in favor of a Colorado web designer who, citing religious objections, refuses to [...]Read more about The Supreme Court Ruled in Favor of Anti-LGBTQ+ Website Creator. What Does It Mean for Michigan?
Identity Is More Than Just a Document, But Having the Right Documents Can Be a Matter of Life or Death
Imagine the stress and anxiety of finally deciding to live your life as your true authentic self, working up the courage to tell your family and friends who you [...]Read more about Identity Is More Than Just a Document, But Having the Right Documents Can Be a Matter of Life or Death
