The Legitimacy of the Rape Debate (Trigger Warning)

It is hard to know where to begin with the wretched “legitimate rape” comment from Todd Akin, Senate candidate from Missouri. “It seems to me, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare,” Akin told KTVI-TV. “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. […]

Taxed For Being LGBTQ

Instead of pontificating on chicken sandwiches (and missing the point), I’d love to see our elected allies focusing on issues over which they have actual control.  Like taxes. Here are some ways in which LGBTQ families are penalized by taxes Our domestic partner benefits are considered ‘income” and subject to municipal, state and federal taxes, […]

The Truth Behind The Designation of The Family Research Council as a Hate Organization

The Truth Behind The Designation of The Family Research Council as a Hate Organization

The shooting and wounding of a guard at the Family Research Council building in D.C. was a tragic violent episode. While the true circumstances behind the shooting, it appears the perpetrator was displeased with some aspect of the FRC agenda. Regardless of motive, it was a tragic decision and thank goodness the victim was not […]

What Have the Papers Been Up To Of Late?

What Have the Papers Been Up To Of Late?

Let’s see what’s been happening with local print media coverage of LGBTQ issues Ally Audrey Glickman has a terrific Letter to the Editor in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette I must comment that we need to get past being mired in social and civil rights matters while the economy, ecology and democracy need attention The Post-Gazette missed […]

Overreaction – Western PA Dems and Jim Roddey

Overreaction – Western PA Dems and Jim Roddey

Allegheny County GOP Chair and former County Chief Executive Jim Roddey made a horrible decision earlier in the week. He told a joke that mocked people with developmental and intellectual disabilities as part of taking a swipe at Obama supporters. It was offensive, mean-spirited and just plain ugly. It was also out of character for […]

Stuff You Should Read …

Stuff You Should Read …

A few links for you to check out! The GLCC’s Chair, Lyndsey Sickler, has a great commentary in today’s Post-Gazette about the GLCC and collaboration. Knowing our neighbors and working together towards the common good is how we can create the diversity we need for our communities to flourish. We view collaborations with other organizations […]

Chick-Fil-A Donates (More) Money to Anti-LGBTQ Organizations

Equality Matter has the story. In 2010, in spite of intense denials that they were anti-gay Chick-Fil-A’s foundation donated $2 million to anti-LGBTQ organizations. Including known hate groups.  Hmmm. Marriage & Family Foundation: $1,188,380 Fellowship Of Christian Athletes: $480,000 National Christian Foundation: $247,500 New Mexico Christian Foundation: $54,000  Exodus International: $1,000 Family Research Council: $1,000 […]

Luzerne County, PA Establishes Mandatory Domestic Partner Registry for Employees

This bit from Think Progress struck me as odd. County in northeast Pennsylvania has instituted a new policy requiring the same-sex domestic partners of county employees to identify themselves, even though they will still not be permitted to collect benefits. The reason for the policy is to ensure that anti-nepotism prohibitions and restrictions are applied to domestic […]

Breaking: PA School District Approves Domestic Partner Benefits for Employees

Breaking: PA School District Approves Domestic Partner Benefits for Employees

In an era of intense scrutiny of the public school systems in Pennsylvania, it is heartening to see that the belt tightening necessitated by the Corbett Administration’s gutting of public education funding does not stop school districts from treating their employees fairly.  This press release from Equality PA proves that the tide is in favor […]

Remarks by the President at the LGBT Pride Month Reception

Remarks by the President at the LGBT Pride Month Reception

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release June 15, 2012 Remarks by the President at the LGBT Pride Month Reception East Room 5:16 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, hello, hello!  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you so much.  Well, thank you very much. Well, welcome to the White House, […]