Violence Against LGBTQ People

Photos from LGBTQ Rally in Lawrenceville

I’m still working on my write-up of the rally itself – I hope to have some constructive, next-step news early this week. In the meantime, you can take a look at the photo I took at the rally. Click on this photo to go to the entire album.

Every Day Heroes

This segment on 60 Minutes really took my breath away. A “Schindler’s List” story out of Saigon involving a Citibank Executive.   He was no CIA operative with “extrication” experience. He wasn’t a native resident with a rich wife. This is pretty amazing – not that his risk was any less or greater than in […]

Malala Renders Jon Stewart Speechless (Me Too)

This sixteen year old young woman inspires me. I wish I had a quarter of her compassion and commitment to peace. The Daily Show Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook  

Rally Against Hate Violence Tonight in Pittsburgh

I’ll have a wrapup  tomorrow,  but if you can – please come out tonight to show your support for all victims of hate based crimes and violence. Stand together. Time:  6 PM Location: 51st Street at Butler Street, Lawrenceville Why:  Open-mic so anyone can talk about their experience and feelings. This is a peaceful gathering […]

Pgh Gay Men Assaulted in Alleged Gay Bashing Incident

Two local men, Ben Stoviak and his boyfriend Aaron , reported that they were physically assaulted by three unknown men around 2 AM Sunday morning. Stoviak posted this on his Facebook page: Last night, a group of men attacked me and my boyfriend on Butler Street in Lawrenceville. After yelling, from across the street, “Faggot!” […]

“I hid all the Barilla noodles. ..you’re welcome gay friends.”

 Via @DavonMagwood on Instagram

How Government Closure Impacts LGBTQ Community

A few thoughts on how shutting down the federal government could impact the LGBTQ community directly.   1. The Women Infants and Children program is suspended. With more than 20% of lesbian headed families relying on food stamps, these cuts will be immediate and severe to many of those families. It also delays processing of […]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Series on Mental Illness

This week, the Post-Gazette is running a series by the excellent Joe Smydo about the impact of the closure of Mayview State Hospital on people living with mental illness in this region. A special five-part series Sunday, Sept. 22: Overview and portrait of former Mayview State Hospital patients. Monday, Sept. 23: Community hospitals struggle with […]