Martin Luther King
Catching Up with Kathy Kozachenko, the Ann Arbor Trailblazer Who Became America's First Openly Lesbian Elected Official
Ann Arbor made history in 1974 when Kathy Kozachenko became the first openly lesbian candidate elected to any city council in the United States. Now living in [...]Read more about Catching Up with Kathy Kozachenko, the Ann Arbor Trailblazer Who Became America's First Openly Lesbian Elected Official
Michigan Must Act Before Marriage Rights Disappear
I was in the courtroom in 2015 when the Supreme Court formally recognized a constitutional right to same-sex marriage in Obergefell. At the time, I was a law [...]Read more about Michigan Must Act Before Marriage Rights Disappear
Uniting with Trans People: Why Solidarity Is Essential for the Whole LGBTQ+ Community
When straight people see the acronym LGBTQ+, they tend to think of the varied people falling under its broad umbrella as a monolith — a cohesive group of folks [...]Read more about Uniting with Trans People: Why Solidarity Is Essential for the Whole LGBTQ+ Community
Our Trust (and Our Hearts) Are Broken. Where Do We Go From Here?
Well, we have our answer. It is clear that in 2024, protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ community members was not top of mind for most American voters. In fact, [...]Read more about Our Trust (and Our Hearts) Are Broken. Where Do We Go From Here?
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
Would Martin Luther King, Jr. Have Become an LGBTQ+ Advocate? His Daughter Yolanda King Thought So.
Preserving and recording Black history has always been important to me. In fact, back in 1999, it was a series I did on Black History Month for Wayne State [...]Read more about Would Martin Luther King, Jr. Have Become an LGBTQ+ Advocate? His Daughter Yolanda King Thought So.
July 1, 1999: Crimes Are Very Similar: Murder Suspect Convicted of Killing Gay Man Exactly 20 Years Ago
Speaking to McCormick’s nephew, I learned how carefully the man who had marched with the likes of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jesse Jackson had
Hamtramck City Council Removes Two Commission Members for Flying Pride Flag
Hamtramck, that hotbed of homophobia, is back in the news again.The city council, which consists only of six Muslim men, recently removed two members of the [...]Read more about Hamtramck City Council Removes Two Commission Members for Flying Pride Flag
The Year of Opal
It is with humility, pride and a bit of awe that I celebrate my 24th year with Between The Lines and Pride Source this month. The traditional theme for a 24th [...]Read more about The Year of Opal
Homeschool Movement Saves Kids From 'Woke' Schools by Teaching Them to Be Nazis
It’s 4:00 in the morning and I have to admit, I would much rather be sleeping than writing this column. But sometimes sleep is elusive. Too often, for me, which [...]Read more about Homeschool Movement Saves Kids From 'Woke' Schools by Teaching Them to Be Nazis
Yes, Women Are Affected By the Loss of Roe. But So Are Trans People.
I am sure you don’t need me to tell you this: in a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which established constitutional protections for [...]Read more about Yes, Women Are Affected By the Loss of Roe. But So Are Trans People.
As Masc Lesbian As She Wants to Be: How Detroit Let Siena Liggins Unleash Her Queer Superpowers
Everyone thinks they know Siena Liggins. Originally from Saginaw but currently living in Atlanta — the 27-year-old artist has lived all over, really, including [...]Read more about As Masc Lesbian As She Wants to Be: How Detroit Let Siena Liggins Unleash Her Queer Superpowers
Creep of the Week: Trump Supporters
By the time you read this, Joe Biden will be the President and the worst president in U.S. history will be history. Truly hope the door hits Trump in the ass [...]Read more about Creep of the Week: Trump Supporters
Billy and Miss Nancy: Selma Sweets
Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1965 historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, for African American voter rights changed the South forever. (Or, did it?) Few [...]Read more about Billy and Miss Nancy: Selma Sweets
Flint Institute of Arts Celebrates MLK Day With Free Museum Admission, Virtual Celebration Options
While the novel coronavirus pandemic has made it much harder to celebrate and acknowledge holidays, this year the Flint Institute of Arts is making the [...]Read more about Flint Institute of Arts Celebrates MLK Day With Free Museum Admission, Virtual Celebration Options
Biden, Harris Inauguration Events Mostly Virtual
The Presidential Inaugural Committee for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is calling on the LGBTQ community to participate in [...]Read more about Biden, Harris Inauguration Events Mostly Virtual
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
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
LGBTQ Rights Supporters Remember Civil Rights Icon John Lewis
LGBTQ rights supporters are mourning the less of Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a civil rights icon who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and died late Friday [...]Read more about LGBTQ Rights Supporters Remember Civil Rights Icon John Lewis
Detroit to Host Drive-By Census Kick-Off
DETROIT — The extent to which Detroit can quickly recover from the novel coronavirus pandemic directly depends on how many Detroiters fill out their 2020 [...]Read more about Detroit to Host Drive-By Census Kick-Off
Judge William McConico: 'Social Engineer for Justice'
A Landmark Decision "There's a special obligation that you have as a black attorney. You have a special obligation to fight for civil rights. You have a [...]Read more about Judge William McConico: 'Social Engineer for Justice'
MSU Offers 2 Free Performances Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
EAST LANSING – Michigan State University College of Music's annual "Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest" concert celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin [...]Read more about MSU Offers 2 Free Performances Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday
The MLK Jr. Service Day began in 2017 as a way to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a 'day on' instead of 'day off' and inspire members of [...]Read more about Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday
Parting Glances: Two Kings and a Presidential 'Queen'
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1965 historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, for African-American voter rights changed the South forever. (Or, did it?) Few [...]Read more about Parting Glances: Two Kings and a Presidential 'Queen'
Parting Glances: JFK: Troubling days gone by
Back in the mid-'80s a group of gay friends gathered monthly for dinner and sharing at Detroit's historic venue, the Scarab Club. We called ourselves "The [...]Read more about Parting Glances: JFK: Troubling days gone by
Queer-Friendly Halloween Celebrations
There's no Halloween like a Halloween with drag queens, burlesque shows and friendly LGBTQ company. With the season kicking into high gear this weekend, our [...]Read more about Queer-Friendly Halloween Celebrations
MCC-Detroit's Stringfellow Reflects on Legacy of Queer Spirituality
1968 was indeed a year that had a profound impact upon this country – the assassinations of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, protests of the [...]Read more about MCC-Detroit's Stringfellow Reflects on Legacy of Queer Spirituality
Michigan Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination
As BTL continues the Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination series, we hear from Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver who pledged his oath as the first openly-gay mayor [...]Read more about Michigan Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination
Mombian: Two New Picture Books Tell Story of Rainbow Flag
Pride season is here, and so are two new picture books that tell the story of the rainbow flag and the individuals who both inspired and created it. "Rob [...]Read more about Mombian: Two New Picture Books Tell Story of Rainbow Flag
Tammy Baldwin Under Vicious Attack in Re-Election Bid
"I had a lovely visit to Northern California. It's sunny and it was a welcome weekend away from the mess that is Washington, D.C. right now," says out [...]Read more about Tammy Baldwin Under Vicious Attack in Re-Election Bid
When There Were Seven
What We Learned About the Seven Candidates Vying to Be the Next Governor NEWS ANALYSIS Come Jan. 1 there will be a new governor, but for now, there are seven [...]Read more about When There Were Seven
Creep of the Week: Donald Trump
Donald Trump I was in a coffee shop and the song "Safe and Sound" by Capital Cities started playing. I've heard it many times and while it's good, I've never [...]Read more about Creep of the Week: Donald Trump
Heidelberg Project Brings Arts Education to Detroit Schools
DETROIT —The Heidelberg Project and four Detroit public schools are piloting a first-of-its-kind program that will use art to empower and inspire students to [...]Read more about Heidelberg Project Brings Arts Education to Detroit Schools
2018 LGBTQ-Friendly Easter Worship Schedule
1.) Divine Peace MCC 1400 Scott Lake Road, Waterford Township dpmcc.net/248-332-1186 Palm Sunday 9:30 a.m. Good Friday 7 p.m. Easter Sunday Breakfast 9 to [...]Read more about 2018 LGBTQ-Friendly Easter Worship Schedule
Me, The Other, a documentary featuring Washtenaw County college students, returns to Ann Arbor March 7th
Me, The Other, a locally produced documentary that tells the story of 12 students attending college in Washtenaw County, is returning to the Michigan Theater [...]Read more about Me, The Other, a documentary featuring Washtenaw County college students, returns to Ann Arbor March 7th
Creep of the Week: Brian Brown
When I was a kid I knew of Bermuda only from songs, specifically "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys ("Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama") and "Bermuda Triangle" by [...]Read more about Creep of the Week: Brian Brown
Jobs, Peace & Justice is Theme of 2018 Detroit MLK Day
When the civil rights movement began in the mid-1950s, Martin Luther King Jr. likely could not have imagined the scope of the social progress achieved today, [...]Read more about Jobs, Peace & Justice is Theme of 2018 Detroit MLK Day
University of Baltimore Graduates Protest DeVos
BY BRANDON SODERBERG BALTIMORE — About 30 people gathered outside of the Modell Lyric Opera House on Monday in protest of U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy [...]Read more about University of Baltimore Graduates Protest DeVos
Detroiter Writes First Book, Tackles 'Things Unsaid'
Detroiter Shyne Nelson has written his first book. "Things Unsaid" is a collection of poetry, essays and short stories. "I wanted to write a book my whole [...]Read more about Detroiter Writes First Book, Tackles 'Things Unsaid'
OutCenter Celebrates Black History Month with Brother Outsider Film Screening
Benton Harbor, MI – The OutCenter of Benton Harbor announced that it will be screening the film Brother Outsider at the Citadel Oak Room, February 24, in [...]Read more about OutCenter Celebrates Black History Month with Brother Outsider Film Screening
Morris Dees speaks at U of M about hate groups
ANN ARBOR – Morris Dees, civil rights attorney and founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, spoke about hate groups at the University of Michigan on Feb. [...]Read more about Morris Dees speaks at U of M about hate groups
Mpowerment Detroit develops fine young men
By Imani Williams DETROIT – Tucked away in a loft located in Detroit's Greektown is a social service agency that empowers young gay and bisexual men to take [...]Read more about Mpowerment Detroit develops fine young men
All the colors of the rainbow
When Coretta Scott King died Jan. 31 the world lost a critical voice in the fight for equality, and the LGBT community lost an important ally. In remarks King [...]Read more about All the colors of the rainbow
Y Include the T?
By Sean Kosofsky All Politics is Loco One of the most commonly asked questions from members of the GLBT community is, "Why do we include the trans community [...]Read more about Y Include the T?
Curtain Calls
Review: 'The Stillness Between Breaths' Sisters revisit wonders and regrets in world premiere at Performance Network Where were you on Nov. 22, 1963? April [...]Read more about Curtain Calls
Is LGBT Support for Broad Social-Justice Issues a New Thing?
BY JOHN KNOEBEL, LGBT HISTORY PROJECT Are American LGBT activists becoming more engaged in wider "social-justice" issues than they have been in many years? I [...]Read more about Is LGBT Support for Broad Social-Justice Issues a New Thing?
Civil-Rights Icon Congressman John Lewis on LGBT Equality, Social Justice
BY JEN COLLETTA, LGBT HISTORY PROJECT President Obama presenting Lewis with the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom. When President Barack Obama linked Selma, [...]Read more about Civil-Rights Icon Congressman John Lewis on LGBT Equality, Social Justice
