When I began blogging, I dedicated many posts to the letters to the editor to demonstrate that civil minded people were speaking out on LGBTQ issues. This pretty much requires me to search the papers daily with LGBTQ keywords (typically, gay and homosexual -- the fact that stories about lesbisn WITHOUT the word gay is for another day). 

Something I've noticed of late is that the newish feature of commenting in PG letters often brings up LGBTQ comments and most of them are positive.  This is an interesting twist in online discourse.  I myself rarely if ever comment online at the PG simply because I spend so much time commenting on my blog and Facebook, but I do read the comments. 

Check it out for yourself.  Click here http://www.post-gazette.com/forum/letters/ and follow the link to Open Letters.  I mean you can't spend ALL morning on Facebook, right?

From the Philly Gay News ...

A Pennsylvania lawmaker is gathering legislative support for a bill that would make civil unions for same-sex couples a reality in the Keystone State.

The measure, the first of its kind in the Pennsylvania legislature, is being spearheaded by Pennsylvania Rep. Mark Cohen (D-202nd Dist.).

Cohen said he?s so far secured cosponsorships from 24 lawmakers and another 10 are considering signing on. He expects to officially introduce the bill by April 14.

Cohen said that while he supports full-marriage equality for same-sex couples, he believes the more logical approach would be to first have the state adopt a civil-union law.

Representative Cohen is also the primary sponsor of HB 1393, the Medical Marijuana Bill.

Interesting turn of events. Marriage amendment quashed.  Marriage legislation alive in PA Senate.  I wasn't anticipating this and, frankly, it worries me.  While I certainly want progress on multiple equality issues, I worry that this dilutes resources we need to pass HB 300.  Cohen is a cosponsor of that legislation as well. 

Thoughts?

The Post-Gazette has a lovely description of a (somewhat) authentic Hungarian wedding which took place in Duquesne over the weekend at the Hungarian Reformed Church.  The bride's brother is a member of the LGBT community who recently relocated out of state.  Here's the interesting part:

Church leaders said they are hoping that groups not ordinarily associated with ethnic churches, such as the gay and lesbian community and non-Hungarians, will give them a try.

"We accept everybody the way they are," said Father Posta.

The congregation plans to celebrate its anniversary with a dinner on June 27 at the Westwood Golf Club in West Mifflin, including a performance by the William Penn Magyar Folk Dancers.

For more information about the church or the anniversary celebration, call 412-466-2300.