Aretha Franklin
Zach Witness Is Headlining Ferndale Pride, and He's Done Playing It Straight
Zach Witness is a musician, producer and audio engineer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, like Erykah Badu and André 3000 — [...]Read more about Zach Witness Is Headlining Ferndale Pride, and He's Done Playing It Straight
Alise King on Performing Pride and Finding Her Voice as a Queer Black Woman
Before the first note lands, Alise King is already doing something arguably even harder than singing — she’s reading the room. A Detroit vocalist rooted in [...]Read more about Alise King on Performing Pride and Finding Her Voice as a Queer Black Woman
Gay Tidings We Bring: Palmer Woods Home Tour and Soirée Celebrates Queer Legacy in Style
Palmer Woods: The LGBTQ+ Roots Behind Detroit’s Architectural Gem
5 Michigan Moments from the 2024 DNC We’re Still Talking About
The 2024 Democratic National Convention, held Aug. 19-22 in Chicago, was one for the history books. Not only was the event a national introduction to a [...]Read more about 5 Michigan Moments from the 2024 DNC We’re Still Talking About
Michigan LGBTQ+ Choruses Sing to the Rafters at National GALA Choruses Fest
The GALA Choruses Festival, held July 10-14 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is something to sing about, and not just because six Michigan-based choruses were in [...]Read more about Michigan LGBTQ+ Choruses Sing to the Rafters at National GALA Choruses Fest
Muna and the Power of Queer Representation at Pitchfork Music Festival
I saw the indie pop band Muna perform live for the first time on my 22nd birthday. I had been a fan for years, and they were opening for Phoebe Bridgers at The [...]Read more about Muna and the Power of Queer Representation at Pitchfork Music Festival
How Mariah Carey’s Spectacularly Diva-Drenched Show in Detroit Was the Energy We Need Heading into 2024
On the first day of December, as it should be every year, Mariah Carey gave one of the most Mariah Carey shows I’ve ever seen in front of a sold-out crowd at [...]Read more about How Mariah Carey’s Spectacularly Diva-Drenched Show in Detroit Was the Energy We Need Heading into 2024
This Gay Author’s Book on ‘Why Mariah Carey Matters’ Speaks to the Power of Pop Star Idolization
A book about Mariah is also about a love that sometimes we only find in the music.
Photographer Charzette Torrence, Dead at 59, Helped Shape the Visual Image of Black Queerness in Detroit
Whether she was photographing national LGBTQ+ figures like Ellen DeGeneres or people in her local Michigan community, Charzette Torrence used her unique eye to [...]Read more about Photographer Charzette Torrence, Dead at 59, Helped Shape the Visual Image of Black Queerness in Detroit
How Groundbreaking Grammy Nominee Mykal Kilgore Has Helped Change R&B For Black Queer Artists
It’s an age-old tale. Mykal Kilgore, a pastor’s kid who was raised in the church, is also, of course, a singer. And a groundbreaking one, at that: Kilgore is [...]Read more about How Groundbreaking Grammy Nominee Mykal Kilgore Has Helped Change R&B For Black Queer Artists
5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: Catch a Catwalk Catfight, See a Gay Music Icon, Get Hotter Than July
Congratulations! Now that we’re into July, you’ve reached the halfway point 0f a year that has already felt like a decade. It’s tough out there, in so many [...]Read more about 5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: Catch a Catwalk Catfight, See a Gay Music Icon, Get Hotter Than July
50 Facts, 50 Years Later: What You Should Know About Christopher Street Detroit ‘72
This summer marks a milestone anniversary, yet most people don’t realize there’s an anniversary to mark.A half century ago, Michiganders who united in a bond of [...]Read more about 50 Facts, 50 Years Later: What You Should Know About Christopher Street Detroit ‘72
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
Not Even Intense Rain at a Phoebe Bridgers Detroit Show Could Dampen Queer Spirits
Phoebe Bridgers, the bisexual breakout singer-songwriter whose 2020 album, Punisher, earned her four Grammy nominations, was almost rained out at her Tuesday [...]Read more about Not Even Intense Rain at a Phoebe Bridgers Detroit Show Could Dampen Queer Spirits
Meet the Lesbian Screenwriter Who Wrote the 'Respect' Movie About Detroit's Own Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin's journey to self-discovery is seen through the lens of openly lesbian screenwriter Tracey Scott Wilson in "Respect," the biopic starring [...]Read more about Meet the Lesbian Screenwriter Who Wrote the 'Respect' Movie About Detroit's Own Aretha Franklin
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
Parting Glances: A CT Black History Remembrance
As an emerging gay teenager, I attended Cass Technical High School where I was fortunate to soon discover there were others like myself in the process of [...]Read more about Parting Glances: A CT Black History Remembrance
A Dream Come True: Markita Moore Returns to Cass Tech as Band Director, Seeks to Fundraise for Band
Some believe you can't go home again because if you try to return to a place you remember from the past it won't be the same as it once was. That might be [...]Read more about A Dream Come True: Markita Moore Returns to Cass Tech as Band Director, Seeks to Fundraise for Band
Love Him Little, Love Him Long: John Cameron Mitchell Heads to Ann Arbor With 'Hedwig' Stories, Songs
You very well may have uncovered a truer you thanks to John Cameron Mitchell. Maybe it happened while you were experiencing some kind of divine queer [...]Read more about Love Him Little, Love Him Long: John Cameron Mitchell Heads to Ann Arbor With 'Hedwig' Stories, Songs
The Unicorn Magic of Kristin Chenoweth: Icon Talks Gay Cruise Heaven & Not Stalking Dolly Parton
Kristin Chenoweth likes to say that if it can't be explained, it must be the unicorns. Why does she have so many gay fans? Well, you're only partially right if [...]Read more about The Unicorn Magic of Kristin Chenoweth: Icon Talks Gay Cruise Heaven & Not Stalking Dolly Parton
Edie Franklin's 40-Year Career Recognized as 'Living Legend' at Motown Honors April 14
Edie Franklin, a mainstay in Detroit's drag scene for years, is set to be officially recognized for her contributions with the Living Legend award at the [...]Read more about Edie Franklin's 40-Year Career Recognized as 'Living Legend' at Motown Honors April 14
Q&A: Dionne Warwick On Recently Learning About Auto-Tune, Her Friend Aretha & Not Judging Gay Fans
Dionne Warwick has laughs like no other. The memory-laden laugh for explaining, despite popular opinion, her friendship with Aretha Franklin; another for her [...]Read more about Q&A: Dionne Warwick On Recently Learning About Auto-Tune, Her Friend Aretha & Not Judging Gay Fans
Parting Glances: Black Gay Detroit Friends (Pt. 2)
The year I graduated as a commercial art major from Detroit's prestigious Cass Technical High School I did not attend my senior prom. As a gay male I had no [...]Read more about Parting Glances: Black Gay Detroit Friends (Pt. 2)
Prevalent' Exhibit Explores Deep Issues in America
Racism, gun violence and human rights violations; unless those are issues faced in their daily life, it's unlikely that the average American chooses to face [...]Read more about Prevalent' Exhibit Explores Deep Issues in America
Q&A: Cher on Knowing When She Was a Gay Icon, 'Hope' Gleaned from LGBT Community & 'Breadcrumbs' of Her Legacy
Cher is so low-key about being Cher that calling her is like calling your mom. "Hi," she purrs with signature simplicity when I phone her presidential suite [...]Read more about Q&A: Cher on Knowing When She Was a Gay Icon, 'Hope' Gleaned from LGBT Community & 'Breadcrumbs' of Her Legacy
Taylor Swift in Detroit: A Pop Queen Earns Her Crown
If Old Taylor Swift was dead, the massive animatronic cobra that slithered onto Detroit's Ford Field on Tuesday night was the 28-year-old music luminary's [...]Read more about Taylor Swift in Detroit: A Pop Queen Earns Her Crown
Hundreds Reminisce About Historical Detroit Gay Bar Scene
Menjos Entertainment Complex General Manager Tim McKee has reason to be proud of himself. The first in a three-part series of panel discussions, this one on [...]Read more about Hundreds Reminisce About Historical Detroit Gay Bar Scene
Q&A: Shania Twain on Being 'Inspired by the Spirit' of the LGBT Community, Equality (It's a 'No-Brainer') & the Unifying Power of 'I Feel Like a Woman!'
Contrary to popular belief, some things do impress Shania Twain. The country-pop icon and paragon of leopard print has great admiration for her LGBTQ fans, [...]Read more about Q&A: Shania Twain on Being 'Inspired by the Spirit' of the LGBT Community, Equality (It's a 'No-Brainer') & the Unifying Power of 'I Feel Like a Woman!'
The Hair Diva': Making Her Beauty Mark at Salon Kinki
Lexie "the Hair Diva" Washington. BTL Photo: Andrew Potter Lexie Washington came to life in her mother's closet as a young person. "She didn't really like the [...]Read more about The Hair Diva': Making Her Beauty Mark at Salon Kinki
Q&A: Patti LaBelle on Why She's Still Not a Diva, the Shady GIFs of Her You Share ('I'm Honored'), Having No Beefs (Just 'Dislikes') & Trump's Trans Ban ('Ain't That a Witch')
Photo: W&W Is there a singer more real than Patti LaBelle? The 73-year-old legend of song (and shade) is a firehose of strong-minded opinions, and in an age [...]Read more about Q&A: Patti LaBelle on Why She's Still Not a Diva, the Shady GIFs of Her You Share ('I'm Honored'), Having No Beefs (Just 'Dislikes') & Trump's Trans Ban ('Ain't That a Witch')
Hear Me Out: Mary J. Blige, Betty Who
Mary J. Blige, 'Strength of a Woman' Fear not, weary gays, the rock that is Mary J. Blige is here to save the day with new muses – see: drama – for her [...]Read more about Hear Me Out: Mary J. Blige, Betty Who
Parting Glances: Detroit's Black History Month Celeb
When Detroit-born, Cass Tech graduate Bernard Johnson died, age 60 in 1997, the New York Times carried a quarter-page obit celebrating his life as "a [...]Read more about Parting Glances: Detroit's Black History Month Celeb
Parting Glances: My Black History CT Remembrance
When Detroit-born, Cass Tech graduate Bernard Johnson died, age 60 in 1997, the New York Times carried a quarter-page obit celebrating his life as "a [...]Read more about Parting Glances: My Black History CT Remembrance
Out of Character: Alex Newell Q&A on Being Asked If He's Trans Post 'Glee,' Stealing Church Solos & Red Lobster
Photo: Brian Ziff Maybe Alex Newell's star-making moment – the "Dreamgirls" showstopper "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," which the 23-year-old gloriously [...]Read more about Out of Character: Alex Newell Q&A on Being Asked If He's Trans Post 'Glee,' Stealing Church Solos & Red Lobster
American Idol' Alum And Detroit Native To Sing At World AIDS Day Detroit
World AIDS Day Detroit Benefit Concert 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1 Tickets: $30-85 Garden Theater, 3929 Woodward Ave., [...]Read more about American Idol' Alum And Detroit Native To Sing At World AIDS Day Detroit
Mason Street Warehouse Nominated For Two Wilde Awards
SAUGATUCK, Michigan — Mason Street Warehouse (400 Culver St.) has received two Wilde Award nominations for the 2014 Mason Street Warehouse (MSW) production of [...]Read more about Mason Street Warehouse Nominated For Two Wilde Awards
Little Bigger Than A Metronome Minute'
When Detroit-born, Cass Tech graduate Bernard Johnson died of pneumonia in January 1997 at age 60, the New York Times carried a quarter-page obit celebrating [...]Read more about Little Bigger Than A Metronome Minute'
Q&A: Rising Pop Queen Kiesza On Her Big Gay Following: 'They Supported Me First'
Even before making the streets of New York City her own private dance floor for "Hideaway," Kiesza was courting the queers. The lead single off the [...]Read more about Q&A: Rising Pop Queen Kiesza On Her Big Gay Following: 'They Supported Me First'
Decade Of Changes Buzzes Through Music Revue
By Sue Merrell "Beehive," which runs through Aug. 31, closes the season at Mason Street Warehouse. Photo: MSW "Beehive" at Mason Street Warehouse is buzzing [...]Read more about Decade Of Changes Buzzes Through Music Revue
Parting Glances: JHVH's Door Bell Trade
It's hard to say if it's a good thing or an alarming thing, a plus or a minus for the city of Detroit, but there are 90,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in town for a [...]Read more about Parting Glances: JHVH's Door Bell Trade
Patti LaBelle On 'Little Heifers Who Can't Sing,' Why She's Not A Diva
Patti LaBelle can say anything she damn well pleases. First of all, she's Patti LaBelle - legend, icon, trailblazer, Hall of Famer, the Godmother of Soul. [...]Read more about Patti LaBelle On 'Little Heifers Who Can't Sing,' Why She's Not A Diva
Queens For Christmas
By Jerome Stuart Nichols Photo: Tony Lowe At its heart, Christmastime is all about giving, but usually, it's the high kicks, gifts and cookies that get the [...]Read more about Queens For Christmas
Merry Clayton & Darlene Love: The Gay Interview
When Merry Clayton recalls the song most dear to her, "After All This Time" – one of many Carole King-written tunes on Clayton's self-titled 1971 solo album – [...]Read more about Merry Clayton & Darlene Love: The Gay Interview
Big Love For Lianne
Photo: Alex Lake Remember Alicia Keys before she became a big enough name to revive the BlackBerry brand and hold her own in a Jay-Z collaboration? Back in [...]Read more about Big Love For Lianne
INTERVIEW: Jordin Sparks: 'Whitney Loved Her Gays'
Whitney Houston's starring role – the last before her tragic death earlier this year – isn't the only reason "Sparkle" has gay written all over it: there's [...]Read more about INTERVIEW: Jordin Sparks: 'Whitney Loved Her Gays'
Pizza Partners
Chicago-style pizza lovers no longer have to drive 300 miles for a slice of deep dish pie. On Nine Mile, just west of Woodward in Ferndale, is MiChigo Pizza, [...]Read more about Pizza Partners
Remembering a BHM star!
Parting Glances When Detroit-born, Cass Tech graduate Bernard Johnson died, age 60 in 1997, the New York Times carried a quarter-page obit celebrating his [...]Read more about Remembering a BHM star!
