Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Along with working on the #ProtectTransKids projects, I’m also coordinating the local LGBTQ participation in the Netroots Nation conference later in the month.

This includes four key elements

• Creating a queer panel discussion on the Dobbs decision. It is Thursday at 2:30 PM and it called DOBBS AND ROE: QUEER, GENDER-EXPANSIVE VISIONS FOR ABORTION CARE. Panelists are La’Tasha Mayes, Cori Fraser, and Representative Malcolm Kenyatta. The facilitator is Jessica Semler. I am really looking forward to what they have to share. I’m also pleased we put a panel together on this topic without any white cisgender men.
• Coordinating the Netroots Connect LGBTQ Lounge – essentially a fusion of a typical tabling exhibit with a sofa and chairs and a chance to relax. We recruited four local folks – Alistair, Kitty, Ava, and Chris – to collect information from regional LGBTQ organizations. Vintage Pgh Mixer donated tote bags so we can show off the best parts of our community. Hopefully, your organization has responded to the request for materials – if not, I’ll be following up. The Lounge will feature a memorial honoring our fallen trans neighbors with a series of candles donated by local makers. And we are really hoping to secure a theater poster for “Anything’s Possible” by our own Billy Porter. Plus so much more.
• Connecting local folks with opportunities including scholarships and exhibition options.
• Supoorting the LGBTQ Caucus and helping to coordinate a LGBTQ reception (maybe)

So why am I doing all of this? Because it needs to be done. There’s a lot of potential from Netroots to connect and uplift local resources – to have important conversations we might otherwise avoid – for example, the realities of Two Pittsburghs. For months, I’ve been championing the notion that MSNBC send Jonathan Capehart to do a live remote. It is right in the center of biggest mid-term elections, it is a region that is wrestling with the legacy of racial injustice, the heart of labor organizing, and so much more. There’s labor to be done so why not me?

It is not too late to register.

If you come to the conference stop by our booth – we’ll be in the back near the gaming area.