John Kerr, soldier

Like many veterans, my grandfather remained intensely private about his military experiences. My childhood memories are limited to stories handed down from my father and the only fear I ever saw in John's eyes — when the fireworks exploded on the 4th of July. He would try, but always failed to remain outside. Even as a pool drenched six year […]

A little more on GetEqual and activism in PA

A little more on GetEqual and activism in PA

From Pam's House Blend, a guest post on the increasing presence of GetEqual in the LGBTQ advocacy/activist scene.  Distraught by recent delays, LGBT activists turn to civil disobedience to encourage the passage of the Employment Non Discrimination and repeal of “Don't Ask Don't Tell”.  Groups like GetEQUAL are making their voices known though direct actions like chaining […]

Bash Back – Latest Pittsburgh Actions

Bash Back, a radical transfolk/queer group, has had two recent actions in Pittsburgh.  One involved an evangelical church that promises to cure homosexuality.  The other involved our favorite bakery, Peace Love and Little Donuts. You recall a recent favorable review published in Cue Pittsburgh?  Here's the response from people who care about these things. In the […]

Pride!

Pride!

Gosh, I've been so caught up in DADT, work and wrestling with my bike that I haven't given very much attention to Pittsburgh PrideFest.  It is right around the corner.  This coming week, we'll see a political rally with Cleve Jones, the Dyke March and the GLENDA Diva's for Diversity. The official pride site. The official […]

The question about Adam Ravenstahl …

The question about Adam Ravenstahl …

will he have an office with a working phone?  Does ALCOSAN provide email addresses? The PG on the Peduto and Shields letter to various Ethics Boards.  Maria weighs in here.

Trib on DADT repeal – At least they quote PA Congressman Patrick Murphy

Trib on DADT repeal – At least they quote PA Congressman Patrick Murphy

The Trib …weighing in on Congressional vote to authorize DADT repeal.  During an all-day House debate on the bill approving more than $700 billion in spending for defense programs, Republicans repeated statements by military service chiefs that Congress should not act before the Pentagon completes a study on the impact of a repeal. Congress going […]

New York Times on impact of repealing DADT

New York Times on impact of repealing DADT

Always interesting to see which NYT pieces that PG picks up … Today they chose to look at the practical implementation of openly LGBTQ soldiers, especially morale. Opinions vary from shrugs (since its already happening) to concern about backlash and harassment to the ever-present rhetoric about destroying anti-gay, homophobic rights to hold those opinions (aka […]

DADT Repeal Pick a camp

DADT Repeal  Pick a camp

From Pam's House Blend. 1) The don't-know-enoughs: They only get information in drips and drabs, so they have no idea of the details of the votes or the compromise.  They believe it's repealed, the discharges stop ASAP; some are open to receiving more info to clarify their view. Others find a boatload of information just […]

Presidential Proclamation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, 2010

Presidential Proclamation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, 2010

Sue: Should be an interesting month for Pride/June this year.  THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release May 28, 2010 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2010 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION As Americans, it is our birthright that all people are created equal […]

House Votes to Authorize Repeal DADT; Western PA's Critz votes against repeal

House Votes to Authorize Repeal DADT; Western PA's Critz votes against repeal

Bear in mind that this vote does not repeal the ban on openly LGBT men and women serving in the military.  The policy is still in effect.  It does start the ball rolling, but it could realistically be several years until the ban is lifted.  It could also remain in place. So proceed with caution. […]