Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Name: Jus Hadiya

Age: 44

County of Residence: Allegheny

Preferred Pronouns: ms

How do you describe your identity?  female

How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? Open with ones sexuality.

Tell me about the first LGBTQ person whom you met. What impact did they have on your life? It’s been a while…good vibes

Past or present, favorite LGBTQ character or creator in television, film or literature? Please tell us why. L word

How do you stay informed about LGBTQ issues? Facebook

Describe your geographical community. Mon Valley

Describe your local or regional LGBTQ community. Good

Have you ever experienced discrimination based on your identity? Specifically, in a job setting, when applying for housing or while in public.  No. 

Are there issues impacting your LGBTQ neighbors that aren’t visible or part of the local dialogue?  Idk

What would you like to see elected officials do to improve life for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians? Out of town trips and educate

Please share a lived experience, anecdote or fact about life as an LGBTQ person in your community. Na 

Beyond discrimination, what other barriers create challenges for your LGBTQ neighbors? Na

What LGBTQ friendly resources are available for your neighbors? ?

What is your greatest fear for the LGBTQ community in Western Pennsylvania? Discrimination

What is your greatest hope for the LGBTQ community in Western Pennsylvania? Party in peace…n spread education

What motivated you to take part in this project? Curiosity

Finally, what question should I have asked? Please also share your answer. Na. 

Read the entire AMPLIFY LGBTQ Q&A archive.

AMPLIFY LGBTQ is a new occasional series of blog posts designed to give a “signal boost” to the voices of our LGBTQ neighbors throughout Western Pennsylvania. We are using a Q&A format and will minimize editing their responses. The questions, however, may change as we ask each participant to tell us what we’ve missed asking. It is one of the vibrant elements of a blog format – evolution & growth. 

Our intent is to highlight the voices of marginalized members of our community who are not always invited to the table or whose voices are not heard (because “we” are not listening?) Obviously, my choice of questions does shape the conversation, but beyond that – these are glimpses in to the lived experiences of LGBTQ people in Western Pennsylvania as told in their own voices. If you would like to participate, please email me pghlesbian at gmail or visit the online Q&A.

You can read the other Q&A responses here.  AMPLIFY! LGBTQ is a project of Most Wanted Fine Art and Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents.