The Mayor’s GLBT Advisory Council

The Mayor’s GLBT Advisory Council

I left tonight's meeting with some unanswered questions that I have submitted to his staff, so I'm going to give you a brief overview of the proceedings and save my analysis for a later date. There 25 people in attendance, plus two folks from the media (City Paper and Rustbelt Radio).  They are accepting nominations through […]

Steel City Stonewall Announces Membership Meeting

Steel City Stonewall Announces Membership Meeting

Here's an important upcoming meeting. Note that this is one day prior to the Mayor's mtg and an excellent opportunity to discuss nominations for the Advisory Council as well as any process issues.  A planned agenda item is recruitment for Steel City.  As I've said before, I think this is one of the most important […]

Mayor’s staff to meet with LGBT leaders to prepare for Advisory Council

Mayor’s staff to meet with LGBT leaders to prepare for Advisory Council

A representative from the Mayor's office will be meeting with representatives from various LGBT organizations and entities to discuss the composition of the new Advisory Council.  While the Mayor's planning team has reached out to Leadership Pittsburgh, LP will not be playing any part in the formation of the council.  That's regrettable as the process […]

County Council and Anti-Discrimination Legislation

County Council and Anti-Discrimination Legislation

Just received a call to action from the Steel-City Stonewall Democrats.  As you may recall, legislation has been introduced on the county level which would expand civil protections with regard to housing, employment and public accomodations to include the classes of sexual orientation and gender identity.  This is an important step for our region toward […]

PG Saturday Diary: A Proud Father, Gay African-American and future minister speaks

PG Saturday Diary:  A Proud Father, Gay African-American and future minister speaks

Be sure to read this piece from the Post-Gazette Saturday diary: In this miracle we call America, my own life is a testament to promises made, and kept. I studied and worked hard. I have a good job. I worked in Congress for a well-known senator as the Reagan revolution began, one of only a […]

Am I naive about the Wagner/Peduto pairing?

Am I naive about the Wagner/Peduto pairing?

This came across my desk about 14 times last week: Invitation Please join Councilman Bill Peduto &State Representative Chelsa Wagner for “The Life of the Party”Halloween Party feat. live music by The Old E AllstarsDJ Omar Abdul Friday, October 31 from 8 to 11 PM The Grand Hall at The Priory614 Pressley Street, Northside Cost […]

A little election fatigue

A little election fatigue

I feel a bit fatigued, to be honest with you.  Obviously, I'm tired of the ads and the 27 minutes of media coverage during a 30 minute program.  But I'm also getting tired of my political friends.  I get at least a dozen Facebook invitations to rally after get out the vote campaign after fundraiser.  […]

Deliberative poll on same-sex marriage

Deliberative poll on same-sex marriage

The Post-Gazette's “Next Page” featured a fascinating article on the implementation of deliberative polling around marriage issues.  My interpretation of this process is that it strives to create an informed voter, rather than create systemic changing dialogue grounded in consensus.  At the core of deliberative polling lies the belief that to develop an informed opinion […]

Voter Registration: October 6 is the deadline

Voter Registration:  October 6 is the deadline

Have you registered anyone to vote in this election?  A friend, a comrade, a work buddy, your godmother, the neighbor, the dog walker, the fence sitter, the guy on the corner, etc?  Here's the link to the PA Voter Information page.   http://www.votespa.com/   All you need to know.  Now, if you are looking for some guidance […]

Update from Steel City Stonewall

Update from Steel City Stonewall

Some news from our friends at Steel City.  Two ways for you to get involved. A movie night at Cattivo and a Bonfire.  How fun is that!  I haven't done a bonfire in years and years.  Ironically, I was moaning to Lance about the events all being in smoking venues.  Lo and behold, an actual […]