Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Name: KK

Age: 35

County of Residence: Allegheny

Preferred Pronouns: She

How do you describe your identity? I am a Caucasian lesbian

How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? 100% Anyone who knows me knows I’m gay.

Tell me about the first LGBTQ person whom you met. What impact did they have on your life? The first person I met was a woman full of life and happiness. She held my hand as I came out and showed me that I was not alone and I could be happy.

Past or present, favorite LGBTQ character or creator in television, film or literature? Please tell us why. Ellen Degeneres, because she is so giving, and full of happiness. And she tries to spread that to everyone she encounters.

How do you stay informed about LGBTQ issues? News I read on facebook mostly

Describe your geographical community.  I grew up in a very small town in Michigan but I now live pretty close to downtown Pittsburgh.

Describe your local or regional LGBTQ community. I am not to involved with the community. I just recently started meeting people here (I am from another state) I believe that this city is very friendly. Growing up in a very small town you don’t get that AT ALL.

Have you ever experienced discrimination based on your identity? Specifically, in a job setting, when applying for housing or while in public. The only discrimination I have encountered was from an employee of mine. She has repeatedly reported me to upper management saying that I am racist. I work in a very diverse setting and hire a very diverse staff. (also have dated outside of my race a few times) However she is one that believes the LGBT community will all burn can hell if we don’t change our ways

Are there issues impacting your LGBTQ neighbors that aren’t visible or part of the local dialogue? I don’t believe so

What would you like to see elected officials do to improve life for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians? Continue to help us obtain 100% equal rights

Please share a lived experience, anecdote or fact about life as an LGBTQ person in your community. I don’t have many stories from here. But I can tell you that small-town members of the LGBT community are bullied daily, and treated as if they are lepers

Beyond discrimination, what other barriers create challenges for your LGBTQ neighbors? Not aware of any

What LGBTQ friendly resources are available for your neighbors? Not sure

What is your greatest fear for the LGBTQ community in Western Pennsylvania? None I think we are moving quickly in the right direction.

What is your greatest hope for the LGBTQ community in Western Pennsylvania? To have 100% equal rights to a point where we no longer have to be “an issue”

What motivated you to take part in this project? Just like to help

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 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. 

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. 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.