In years past, there have been some gay nominees including folks from the Gay & Lesbian Community Center and GLENDA among others as well as some fabulous gay friendly nominees. 

Last year, however, there were no eye catching queers on the list.  I ran the list past several local queers who didn't recognize a single name.  Maybe we are out of touch?  (Not at all suggesting this was intentional -- I suspect there just weren't enough gay nominations flooding the PUMP offices).

Now I know there are some FAB-U-LOUS homosexuals here in Pittsburgh doing all sorts of great things  .... in the arts, business, non-profit sector, sports, and so forth.

This is an opportunity to put a gay face on what's happening here in Pittsburgh.  We *are* making the community better for everyone, gay and straight alike.  So grab your pen and nominate your favorite queer under 40 (yes, you can nominate yourself).  Let's make sure PUMP knows all about the great accomplishments the young LGBT adults are, well, accomplishing here in Pittsburgh.   

Why should we let the heteros get all the fun?  Plus, there's a photo shoot in Pittsburgh Magazine (I wore my LGBT for Kerry button) as well as a swanky party.  That's a cool kind of advocacy.

In all seriousness, this is a good opportunity to put a positive face on our community.