This looks like big fun.  I've always wanted to learn how to ballroom dance.  Getting dressed up and attending the Lambda Ball was a big thrill for me.  I love when people design these things for same sex couples so that folks can be comfortable.  I'd posit that a mixed-couple session should be the way to go, but it can be hard enough to learn a new skill and be self-conscious about that without adding in the "why are those two women dancing together?" vibe.  Plus, it really gets old explaining who is the man in the relationship. 

However, the fact that this company recognizes a niche market promises well for the future of mixed orientation ballroom dancing events in Pittsburgh.  And that, my friends, is a good sign.

   

SAME-SEX

BALLROOM DANCING LESSONS

2 courses to choose from each week ? mix/match or come to both!

Jan 24 ? 4 p.m. Foxtrot and Swing, 5 p.m. Tango and Cha Cha Cha Jan 31 ? 4 p.m. Tango and Cha Cha Cha, 5 p.m. Waltz and Rumba (Valentine!s Day) Feb 14 ? 4 p.m. Waltz and Rumba, 5 p.m. Hustle and Bachatta Feb 21 ? 4 p.m. Hustle and Bachatta, 5 p.m. Salsa and Merengue Feb 28 ? 4 p.m. All Dance Review, 5 p.m. All Dance Review

- Plenty of On-site Parking

- Air-conditioned and Heated

- Safe and Clean Environment

- No Partner switching

- BYOB

- No Experience Needed

Walk-ins welcome at $15 each course

6-session course for only $60 a person ($10 a lesson) BONUS - 12-session course for only $95 a person ($8 a lesson)

Private Lessons Available! Call 412-656-3667 to Pre-register TODAY!

Valentine!s Day is right around the corner!

6617 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15206 www.absoluteballroompgh.com

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Absolute Ballroom and Dance Center of Pittsburgh "It's all about the Dancing!"

location: 6617 Hamilton Road, Pittsburgh, PA web site: www.absoluteballroompgh.com

phone: 412-441-1461

fax: 412-441-1463

 

Check out the Post Gazette's new community forum.  There are some bugs in the program, but it does make the paper more interactive.  More reading to fit into my day.  Sigh.

Check it out:  http://community.post-gazette.com/

Ray McGogney of Shaler sees right through the culture wars.  His letter to the editor in the Post-Gazette shatters the right-wing argument that the County Anti-Discrimination legislation is going to limit the religious freedom of anyone. 

The anti-discrimination bill before County Council ("Discrimination Bill Draws Large Crowd," Jan. 16) has nothing to do with personal beliefs on homosexuality, gay marriage, morality or religion. Unfortunately, many people opposed to the bill have made these the issues.

The man who claimed that homosexuality is a "lifestyle that is condemned by God" can still cling to his belief with the passage of the bill. The bill is about discrimination and will not force any church or person to change views.

You may disagree with the beliefs or lifestyles of atheists, blacks, Muslims or many other minorities, but they should not be denied jobs or housing. The same applies to gays. Pittsburgh currently extends these protections to gender orientations and expressions. The county bill would do the same. It is time to stop using discrimination as a club to beat down minorities with whom we disagree.

This bill is about regulating (and preventing) discrimination, not personal beliefs.  Amen, Ray.  Thank you for writing.

Meanwhile, Paula Martinac of Park Place (near Regent Square) takes issue with the Post-Gazette coverage of the hearing for this ordinance. 

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette or Fox News? Hard to tell in your "news story" of the proposed Allegheny County anti-discrimination bill

<snip>

As a journalist, I am sick of seeing articles like this touted as "balanced" reporting, when in fact they are deeply biased. I'm surprised the Post-Gazette didn't open its coverage of Barack Obama's historic inauguration with the opinion of the grand wizard of the KKK.

Harsh words, but the PG really did drop the ball on this article.  There was no balance, although Paula is mistaken in that Reverend Janet Edwards does count as a LGBTQ activist; she identifies as an openly bisexual woman which is pretty awesome considering the entrenched biphobia in our community.  No one could reasonably challenge Janet's lesbian street cred even though she is married to a man.  What a great role model she is for all of us. 

I was glad to see someone commenting on the ordiance and someone else picking up on the media coverage.  Media coverage feeds public perception.  It is one thing for the editor's to support the legislation, but when their reporter leaves the impression that most people attending the meeting (or the one's who "sacrificed" to be there) oppose the ordinance, they misrepresent public opinion.  That's unacceptable.  Kudos to Paula for picking up on that nuance.