Matthew Shepard
1776-2026: The Moments That Defined Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Rights in America
This story was originally published by Uncloseted Media, an LGBTQ focused investigative news outlet.Editor's Note: This is the first of a two-part series [...]Read more about 1776-2026: The Moments That Defined Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Rights in America
Cathy Renna Has Been Shaping LGBTQ+ Media Narratives for Decades
Scan the news stories of the most consequential LGBTQ+ moments of the past three decades and the name Cathy Renna, a publicist who's been on the frontlines [...]Read more about Cathy Renna Has Been Shaping LGBTQ+ Media Narratives for Decades
Boys Don’t Dance? Watch Michael Novak Do It Anyway
Just before Michael Novak, the artistic director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, spoke at a late-March talk and screening of “Dancemaker,” the 1998 [...]Read more about Boys Don’t Dance? Watch Michael Novak Do It Anyway
7 Times Vice President Candidate Tim Walz Has Stood Up for the Queer Community
If it couldn’t be Michigan’s favorite gay dad Pete Buttigieg, it's still a relief that it's Minnesota’s governor, Tim Walz. Time and again, Gov. Walz [...]Read more about 7 Times Vice President Candidate Tim Walz Has Stood Up for the Queer Community
Judy Shepard to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Christopher Kane | Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media AssociationBeloved LGBTQ+ advocate Judy Shepard is among the 19 honorees who will [...]Read more about Judy Shepard to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
When the National Organization for Women Purged Lesbians
A look back at how only 'feminine feminists' were welcome into the movement.
Jenny Jones, Murder and Tabloid TV
"Lots of gay boys have crushes on straight boys. It’s happened to us all. But Amedure took it a step further."
Jason Aldean Is Singing About the Weaponization of Silence in Small-Town America, Even if He Doesn't Know It
I grew up in a small town in rural Southern Ohio, and like so many of the people we interview here at Pride Source, I often feel I escaped from something I [...]Read more about Jason Aldean Is Singing About the Weaponization of Silence in Small-Town America, Even if He Doesn't Know It
That Night I Posed with Billy Porter
I like to think I’ve always been ahead of the times. Contemporary. Progressive. In the know. And I certainly was when it comes to the multi-talented star of FX [...]Read more about That Night I Posed with Billy Porter
This New Film About Triangle Foundation Co-Founder Jeffrey Montgomery Examines His Complicated Legacy
“America, You Kill Me,” a new documentary about Michigan LGBTQ+ activist Jeffrey Montgomery, is making its long-awaited world premiere as part of this year’s [...]Read more about This New Film About Triangle Foundation Co-Founder Jeffrey Montgomery Examines His Complicated Legacy
Openly Bisexual MI State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Takes to Twitter For 'Serious Talk' on Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
Openly bisexual Michigan State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D – Livonia) spoke out against Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill in a series of tweets on [...]Read more about Openly Bisexual MI State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky Takes to Twitter For 'Serious Talk' on Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
Coming Out Colton' Bares Not All But A Lot. And What's Up With That Ridiculous Montage?
When former star of "The Bachelor" and pro football player Colton Underwood came out on a "Good Morning America" interview in April 2021, there was one [...]Read more about Coming Out Colton' Bares Not All But A Lot. And What's Up With That Ridiculous Montage?
5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now: Taylor Mac, Queer Yoga and More!
Art, fitness… God? Get a taste of all the above when you cap off Pride Month with these events. After all, some introspection, mimosas and a good workout — [...]Read more about 5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now: Taylor Mac, Queer Yoga and More!
2020 Democratic and Republican National Convention LGBTQ Wrap-Up
Despite social distancing requirements created by the novel coronavirus pandemic, over the last two weeks, both the Democratic and Republican Parties adapted [...]Read more about 2020 Democratic and Republican National Convention LGBTQ Wrap-Up
Day 2 Democratic National Convention LGBTQ Overview
Tuesday night's Democratic National Convention launched with a video "keynote" in which 17 people — including three gay men — shared the time to explain why [...]Read more about Day 2 Democratic National Convention LGBTQ Overview
Gay For Laura Dern: Actress on What Her Gay Babysitter Taught Her, Telling LGBTQ Stories & 'Little Women' Queerness
#GayTwitter icon Laura Dern's queer cultural contributions – being the first to hug Ellen DeGeneres after she came out publicly, the Renata Klein memes, the [...]Read more about Gay For Laura Dern: Actress on What Her Gay Babysitter Taught Her, Telling LGBTQ Stories & 'Little Women' Queerness
CNN LGBTQ Town Hall Overview
The bar had been set pretty high for CNN's Oct. 10 town hall on LGBTQ issues for Democratic presidential candidates. It was the first national television [...]Read more about CNN LGBTQ Town Hall Overview
What's Hotter Than July? Being Black, Gay and Proud of Both Every Day
Summertime is Pride time! And I'm saying it loud: I'm black, gay and proud! From DC Black Pride in May to Atlanta Black Pride in August and all the Pride [...]Read more about What's Hotter Than July? Being Black, Gay and Proud of Both Every Day
Affirmations Spring Bash Commemorates 30 Years of Center History, Fresh Start Into New Decade
Hundreds of guests filled one of MGM Grand Detroit's largest ballrooms Saturday to commemorate the Affirmations Spring Bash. As planned, the annual event [...]Read more about Affirmations Spring Bash Commemorates 30 Years of Center History, Fresh Start Into New Decade
Affirmations to Celebrate 30th Anniversary at Spring Bash 2019
An annual spring fundraiser for the Affirmations LGBTQ community center, Spring Bash has long been a mainstay on the 501(C)(3)'s calendar. However, this year [...]Read more about Affirmations to Celebrate 30th Anniversary at Spring Bash 2019
Former Executive Director Returns to Affirmations
Antonio David Garcia, known as Dave by most, is back at the head of Affirmations in Ferndale, returning to the role of executive director on April 29 after a [...]Read more about Former Executive Director Returns to Affirmations
Creep of the Week: Randy Garber
Oh, hey, did you hear that in Kansas lawmakers are trying to establish the LGBTQ community as a religion? Or, more specifically, they're trying to argue that [...]Read more about Creep of the Week: Randy Garber
Matthew Shepard to be Interred at Washington National Cathedral
The ashes of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in one of the nation's most infamous anti-gay hate crimes in 1998, will be [...]Read more about Matthew Shepard to be Interred at Washington National Cathedral
LGBTQ Ally Sam Bagenstos Vies for Seat on Mich. Supreme Court
Also, see our interview with other Michigan Supreme Court candidate Megan Cavanagh. Considered by some to be the most important race for the people, the [...]Read more about LGBTQ Ally Sam Bagenstos Vies for Seat on Mich. Supreme Court
4 Performances of 'The Laramie Project' at The Ringwald Sept. 14–17
FERNDALE — In honor of Matthew Shepard, 20 years after his murder, The Ringwald presents a four-show engagement of "The Laramie Project," a landmark play by [...]Read more about 4 Performances of 'The Laramie Project' at The Ringwald Sept. 14–17
Exclusive: Kennedy, Markey Seek to Ban Anti-LGBT Panic Defense in Court
The use of a panic defense to justify anti-LGBT violence in federal court will come to an end if new legislation introduced this week by a pair of [...]Read more about Exclusive: Kennedy, Markey Seek to Ban Anti-LGBT Panic Defense in Court
Moms Who Love LGBTQ Kids Create "Mama Bears" Documentary
Thousands of conservative, Christian mothers of LGBTQ children meet up every day in the virtual world within secret support groups. Together, they help one [...]Read more about Moms Who Love LGBTQ Kids Create "Mama Bears" Documentary
Only Amnesia Can Explain New Democratic Support for Bush
After more than a year of President Trump, the administration of George W. Bush is looking better to many Democrats in retrospect — but that might be the [...]Read more about Only Amnesia Can Explain New Democratic Support for Bush
Biden Foundation Sets Up Advisory Councils for Women, LGBT Rights
Former Vice President Joseph Biden, among the potential Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election, announced on Monday the creation of two new [...]Read more about Biden Foundation Sets Up Advisory Councils for Women, LGBT Rights
Q&A with Mich. Democratic Attorney General Candidate Patrick Miles
Patrick Miles See the BTL introduction to this candidate's interview Tell me how you are going to play a major role in helping the LGBTQ community achieve full [...]Read more about Q&A with Mich. Democratic Attorney General Candidate Patrick Miles
Meet the Gay Couple at the Center of Masterpiece Cakeshop Case
BY CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE Charlie Craig and David Mullins are at the center of the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. (Photo courtesy of the ACLU) Charlie [...]Read more about Meet the Gay Couple at the Center of Masterpiece Cakeshop Case
New FBI Data Shows Increased Reported Incidents of Anti-LGBTQ Hate Crimes in 2016
BY BTL STAFF On Monday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released hate crime statistics for 2016. This information, released at the start of [...]Read more about New FBI Data Shows Increased Reported Incidents of Anti-LGBTQ Hate Crimes in 2016
Sen. Bieda, Prosecutor Renew Calls for Hate Crime Protections
BY BTL STAFF Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson and Sen. Steven Bieda (D-Warren) renew calls for hate crime protections in Michigan. Photo courtesy of [...]Read more about Sen. Bieda, Prosecutor Renew Calls for Hate Crime Protections
Why won't they STFU already?
By Jasmyne A. Cannick The following article is Chapter Four in Jasmyne Cannick's ongoing series "A White Gay's Guide to Dealing with the Black Community for [...]Read more about Why won't they STFU already?
Author dreams of 'beautiful continuum'
SHe/he Said "Evangelical Christians seem sincere in their desire to help build healthy, lasting marriages. Well, if that's their goal, encouraging gay men to [...]Read more about Author dreams of 'beautiful continuum'
NCAVP releases annual report on anti-LGBT violence, announces new training academy
DETROIT – On April 26 the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs released their 11th annual report on bias-related incidents targeting LGBTs in the U.S. [...]Read more about NCAVP releases annual report on anti-LGBT violence, announces new training academy
Walled Lake City Council Candidate Called Out for Hate Speech
Dan Lauffer Facebook photo A religious extremist running for city council in Walled Lake is creating controversy on the internet. Dan Lauffer, also known as [...]Read more about Walled Lake City Council Candidate Called Out for Hate Speech
Sessions Invokes Hate Crimes Law to Review Trans Murders
BY CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE In a little noticed development, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions earlier this year ordered federal prosecutors and the [...]Read more about Sessions Invokes Hate Crimes Law to Review Trans Murders
Sessions to Enforce Hate Crimes Law 'Aggressively' for Trans Murders
BY CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) has pledged to enforce the hate crimes law for transgender murders. Washington [...]Read more about Sessions to Enforce Hate Crimes Law 'Aggressively' for Trans Murders
Polis Could Make History with Colorado Gubernatorial Bid
BY CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) is running for governor of Colorado. Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key If Jared Polis [...]Read more about Polis Could Make History with Colorado Gubernatorial Bid
Rep. Maloney Introduces Data Collection Bill on Anti-LGBT Violence
BY CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) speaks at a press conference about the introduction of the LGBT Pride Act. Washington [...]Read more about Rep. Maloney Introduces Data Collection Bill on Anti-LGBT Violence
Melissa Etheridge Talks Donald Trump ('I Will Not Fear This'), Inspiration for Upcoming Songs, the Word 'Woke' & Weed 101
Photo: Myriam Santos "You keep doing what you're doing, you keep being out, you keep being beautiful," Melissa Etheridge tells me, as if to emphasize the [...]Read more about Melissa Etheridge Talks Donald Trump ('I Will Not Fear This'), Inspiration for Upcoming Songs, the Word 'Woke' & Weed 101
Perez Cites History of LGBT Support in Run for DNC Chair
By Chris Johnson, Washington Blade After high-level service in the Obama administration that included fighting for LGBT rights at both the Labor and Justice [...]Read more about Perez Cites History of LGBT Support in Run for DNC Chair
Criticized for Anti-LGBT, Racist Views, Sessions Confirmed as AG
By Chris Johnson, the Washington Blade Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) at his Senate confirmation hearing. (Image courtesy C-Span) The U.S. Senate narrowly [...]Read more about Criticized for Anti-LGBT, Racist Views, Sessions Confirmed as AG
EQMI Call to Action: Contact Local Senators Today
BY BTL STAFF DETROIT – Equality Michigan is asking members of the community to join the organization in opposing two anti-LGBTQ nominees for cabinet [...]Read more about EQMI Call to Action: Contact Local Senators Today
No Second Confirmation Hearing for Betsy DeVos, Senate Committee Chair Says
BY BTL STAFF The Senate committee chairman on Monday rejected a formal request from Democrats for a second hearing to question west Michigan businesswoman and [...]Read more about No Second Confirmation Hearing for Betsy DeVos, Senate Committee Chair Says
Love and Pride' Responds to Attack By One Million Moms
BY BTL STAFF Updated Friday, Dec. 16 Love and Pride, an online business founded to promote education and better understanding of the LGBTQ community, [...]Read more about Love and Pride' Responds to Attack By One Million Moms
