Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

In honor of the Day of Trans Visibility, here are 64 stories from neighbors who live in Pittsburgh, Erie, Johnstown, Greensburg, New Castle, Bradford and beyond. These stories have been curated from the #AMPLIFY archive which has 290 stories total to date.

Some are in their early 20s while others are closer to 60. Some transitioned early in life while others are still taking their first steps to embracing their identity in public. Some live quiet, private lives and others are very public. All of those experiences are authentic. All of them took the time to share their stories so you (yes, YOU) can listen and learn.

This snapshot of the lived experiences of 64 trans neighbors in their own voices is one way for you to meet your transgender neighbors. I hope you will some time to browse their Q&A’s and absorb some of the wisdom they’ve shared with all of us. They share opportunities for you to learn more, to get more involved, to do better.

And we’d love to include your story as we move forward. Click here to fill out the Q&A. It takes about 30 minutes of your time. You can control what name you use and make the decision about using a photo. Contributors should identify as LGBTQ, be 18+, and have ties to Western Pennsylvania.

These Q&A’s are not in any particular order, but you can find the full chronological archive on this website.(Note, I’m aware there is a formatting issue and I am working to resolve it asap – sue)

1. alexis, 29, talks compensation & community for marginalized lgbtq neighbors
2. Rashod Is An Unapologetic Trans Man of Color
3. Donna Met a Female Impersonator Who Made a Lasting Impression
4. Katie-Anne Speaks As Two Spirited Bi Gendered Resident of Johnstown
5. Twist Shares Their Life as Neuroqueer
6. CJ Describes Living Stealth As A Trans Man
7. Patrouious Describes His Fears & Frustrations as a Trans Man in McKean County
8. Sivynn Acknowledges That Some People Just Don’t Pay Attention to His Transition
9. Brandon Believes Pittsburgh Should Have Better Trans Health Resources
10. Jesse Believes in the Power of [Trans]cendence
11. Jessi is a Trans Lesbian Who Asks Questions
12. Kitty Is Out and Open as a Bisexual Trans Woman in Erie County
13. Alex is a Black Trans Man Who Doesn’t Apologize For His Existence
14. Jesse Talks About Living as a Trans Woman in a Culture of Fear
15. Kaley is Trans, Queer and a Fan of Gender Outlaws
16. Roman Knows to the Depths of His Soul That He Is a Man #AMPLIFY
17. Niki Talks About Living as a Gender Queer Trans Woman in Pittsburgh
18. Jazmine, 46, Has Advice for LGB Allies to the Trans Community
19. Moira Describes the Toll of Gatekeeping on the Trans Community
20. Elliot is Bi, Trans and Wishes Westmoreland County Was Talking More About Queer Youth
21. Corvus Regrets the Lack of Sober, Radical, Queer, and Disability Friendly Community in Pgh
22. Cavanaugh, 25, Talks About Genderflux Identity and the Value of Self-Care
23. Alyssa is First Generation Cuban American, Trans, Gender Nonconforming and from Beaver County
24. Sabrina, 50, Found New Friends When She Came Out as Trans
25. Alissa, 34, is Just Another Girl in the Crowd in Lawrence County
26. Austin, 30, is a Straight Trans Man from Washington County
27. Tylor, 30, is a Pansexual Trans Man Who Wants Better for Young People
28. Bobby, 50, Queer Trans Guy, White Anti-Racism Activist
29. Wes, 44: Queer Trans Man, Parent Wants You To Know That He Exists
30. Patricia, 41, Does Not Feel Safe as a Trans Woman in Her Urban Pgh Suburb
31. Avery is a Bisexual, Latino Tran Man in Cambria County
32. Delilah, 31, Finds Trans Community on Twitter
33. Caitlyn 51, Lives Her Authentic Self as a Trans Woman in Erie
34. ‘Your Story Can Heal’ Says Rain, 26
35. Samantha, 44, Wants Better Health Choices for the Trans Community
36. Ciora, 27, Says Trans People Have the Strength of Two Souls
37. Lavi, 29, is Trans Queer Bi and Wants Your Respect & Support
38. Vi, 24, Is Very Concerned About Trans Health Issues in Pittsburgh
39. Alexia, 40, is Bisexual, Transgender, and Loves Pittsburgh
40. Jez, 50, Came Out As Trans in 1985 in Rural Washington County
41. Bobbi Jo, 63, is a Transgender Lesbian in Indiana County
42. Mindy, 42, Lives Semi-Open as Trans in Rural Elk County
43. Dylan, 28, is a Queer, Autistic Transgender Man
44. Joel, 35, is Gay, a Trans Guy, Polyamorous, Christian, Parent, & Husband
45. Scott, 53, is a Gay Man Exploring Transition & Identity Anew
46. Seth, 21, Came Out as Bi and Trans Via Power Point
47. Tyler, 18, is a Pansexual Trans Man in Erie
48. Caiolin, 56, is Just Another Woman Who Happens To Be Trans
49. Dawn, 33, Describes Life as a Trans Woman in Westmoreland County
50. Ravenna, 37, Pansexual Trans Woman Living in the Allegheny County Suburbs
51. Vanessa, 31, Describes Her Transition & Life as Pansexual in Washington County
52. Lav, 29, a Queer Trans Gender Non Binary Mermaid Witch Warrior
53. Rae, 48, is a Pansexual Trans Woman Living in Allegheny County
54. Madison, 40, is a Pansexual, Trans Woman Who Loves Pittsburgh
55. Brian, 32, is Trans, Nonbinary, and Queer in Westmoreland County
56. Marissa, 22, is a Trans Woman in Washington County
57. Kat, 33, Shares Her Story as a Trans Woman to Find Some Peace
58. Jay, 27, Discusses Challenges of Being a Straight Trans Man
59. Allie, 51, Talks Living as a Trans Woman in Washington County #AMPLIFY
60. Ian, 27, is a Gay Trans Man Resisting Gender Expectations
61. Maxwell, 22, is a Queer Trans Man from McKean County
62. Joslyn, 22, is a Trans Female Concerned About LGBTQ Mental Health Supports
63. Sarah, 38, Talks Transitioning in Her Rural Pennsylvania Community
64. Maria, 37, is a Queer Trans Latinx Challenging Us To Be Better Trans Allies

We appreciate each person who took the time to share their stories. It important that the experiences and truths of trans identity be preserved in the voices of trans neighbors, especially since TDOR honors the lives and deaths of those who no longer can speak for themselves. We must rely on their social media footprint, their friends and family to help us understand their lives.

The bravery and realness of the lives of our 52 contributors is a testament to how we resist the violence & erasure that robs so many of the opportunity to share their stories. The question now is how will *you* be part of the resistance?

Support the #AMPLIFY project with a donation today.