Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Name: Mariah

Age: 38

County of Residence:  Westmoreland, formerly Allegheny

Preferred Pronouns: Not sure

How do you describe your identity? Well I’m A White Female and I Don’t Really label myself I love who I love

Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? When I Came Out Fully I had support from my closest friends. I had a few challenges of thinking what people thought about me

How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? I just see myself as ME I really don’t do labels

Tell me about the first LGBTQ person whom you met. What impact did they have on your life? My Aunt

Past or present, favorite LGBTQ character or creator in television, film or literature? Please tell us why. Sean Haynes from the show Will and Grace

How do you stay informed about LGBTQ issues? Facebook, and websites

Describe your geographical community.  Neither

Describe your local or regional LGBTQ community. I really don’t have any neighbors that are part of LGBTQ

Have you ever experienced discrimination based on your identity? Specifically, in a job setting, when applying for housing or while in public. Not really

Are there issues impacting your LGBTQ neighbors that aren’t visible or part of the local dialogue? No I don’t

What would you like to see elected officials do to improve life for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians? More groups and places in Westmoreland County to go to for meeting others

Please share a lived experience, anecdote or fact about life as an LGBTQ person in your community. I hear different things in places in my neighborhood from supportive people to people who make fun other LGBTQ People and ones with hate

Beyond discrimination, what other barriers create challenges for your LGBTQ neighbors? Not being able to be open

What LGBTQ friendly resources are available for your neighbors? There isn’t any in my neighborhood

What is your greatest fear for the LGBTQ community in Western Pennsylvania? Not real sure

What is your greatest hope for the LGBTQ community in Western Pennsylvania? My hope is for more support

What can allies do to support your LGBTQ community? Make things easier

How can gay men and lesbians support the bisexual, transgender and queer members of our community?  They can’t

What motivated you to take part in this project? I always want to help others

Finally, what question should I have asked? Please also share your answer. Not sure

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.