Category: Activism

Activism

Giant Eagle Cashier Elizabeth Reminded Me That At Least Sometimes It Can Be Okay

November 29, 2016 by

We’ve been crouched in fear for over three weeks and with good reason as the hate and ugliness are fully unleashed on us. I’ve been struggling to use my tools, to find meaning and to figure out how the heck I’m going to survive for four years like this. Elizabeth’s work ethic reminds me that there are a lot of good people here in Pittsburgh who will continue to be good people, come what may. There are people who live their values and walk the walk every single day, regardless of whether we are an older black man who forgot a pin number or a middle aged white lesbian who picked up the item without a price tag.

Elizabeth made me realize that, at least sometimes, it might be okay.

Activism

#GIVINGTUESDAY at the AMPLIFY Project

November 29, 2016 by

Today is #GivingTuesday. We ask you to consider a donation to #AMPLIFY – we are trying to raise $600 to produce tee shirts. It is a modest goal to support a community project. We are about 15% there already! And this is our starting point – a pink crew neck shirt in sizes XS to […]

Activism

Microaggressions on the Rise in Pittsburgh?

November 27, 2016 by

So I’m going to document the microagressions on this blog. I’m going to make sure you, dear readers, have a glimpse into how the world has shifted for a white, middle aged, middle class, gis gender lesbian on a day to day level. Because it is everywhere, it always has been and I’ve usually been able to acknowledge, but move on most of the time.

But there are too many Confederate flags waving over the trucks and homes of friends of my friends. There are too many Catholic-lite folks who deny the racial divides in Pittsburgh while swigging a craft brew at their favorite food truck. There are too few women in elected office and too many kids not part of the ‘412’ culture. Too many good intentions making things worse while demanding validation for trying. It is the participation trophy demands in social justice work that are draining our resources and preventing us from lifting up the actual contributions from people of color, queer and trans folks, bisexual folks, disabled people, etc. We have too many sacred cows and not enough kleenex for the white tears of indignation and outrage.

ActivismTrans

Storytelling is Solidarity #NaBloPoMo #TDOR

November 20, 2016 by
Trans Day of Remembrance 2016

Today, we acknowledge and commemorate the lives of our trans siblings & neighbors who have lost their lives to violence this past year via the Trans Day of Remembrance #TDOR. Since early 2013, I have tried diligently to write one blog post for each person so I can use a proper photo, use their lived […]

ActivismBisexual

Final Arrangements for Dalia Sabae UPDATED

November 16, 2016 by
Dalia Sabae

These are the final arrangements for Dalia Sabae as organized by her family. She will be buried in Canonsburg. Memorial donations are suggested to the women’s shelter of your choice. To learn more about Dalia and why I am sharing, please read this post.  I have spoken with one of Dalia’s friends who lives in Pittsburgh. […]

Activism

Six Bloggers Walk Into an Art Gallery

November 16, 2016 by

Six bloggers walked into an art gallery to have a conversation … This was far more fun than I anticipated. I had forgotten quite a bit about some of the history of political blogging during the mid-2000’s. It was fascinating to revisit that time period and have a chance to look through the eyes of […]

ActivismBlogiversary

Panel Discussion on History of Political Blogging in #Burghosphere

November 13, 2016 by

2016 is the tenth anniversary of the phrase ‘Burghosphere’ which was coined to capture the unique vibe of Pittsburgh’s blogging network. To honor this important moment, we are bringing back the band by inviting some of the political bloggers from that era to have a conversation about the history (& future) of blogging. We also […]

ActivismBisexualIn Memoriam

Her Name Was Dalia Sabae

November 11, 2016 by
Dalia Sabae

Her name was Dalia Elhefny Sabae. She was 28 years old. She was born in Egypt, spent some time living in Moscow and has lived in the United States. According to her Facebook and LinkedIN pages, Dalia was fluent in three languages – American English · Français ·Arabic and proficient in three others – Hebrew, Spanish and Russian. Arabic was her native language. She was also bisexual, interested in both men and women.

Dalia was a dancer. She had been an instructor and worked various jobs as she pursued her education. She earned a pharmacy degree in 2011 and was working on a master’s program through Washington & Jefferson College near her home. Dalia was a pharmacy intern at the time of her death.

Activism

Butler City Council Postpones Vote on Nondiscrimination Ordinance

October 30, 2016 by
Butler County Queer

The anticipated vote on a municipal nondiscrimination ordinance in the City of Butler was postponed to give advocates more time to work on language.  PFLAG Butler has put together a comprehensive explanation of the ordinance here.  The Mayor of Butler, Tom Donaldson, opposed the ordinance and wants a vote now rather than later, calling the […]

Activism

Butler City Council to Vote on NonDiscrimination on Thursday

October 23, 2016 by

This week, City Council in Butler, Pennsylvania will vote on an ordinance to create municipal level protections for residents based on protected classes (gender, race, religion, etc) including sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. For months, members of PFLAG Butler have been working tirelessly to educate members of council and the larger community about […]