On Day 227, I Turn 50 Years Old

I wrote this in 2018 My therapist told me that I may just have to endure my birthday each year, that I may not ever find the peace and comfort I’d like to have. It is too deeply connected to my own experiences of chronic trauma. It is not just depression or anxiety. It is […]

Do You Have a Thanksgiving Plan?

Coronavirus is roaring back. Last week, the US averaged 53,000 new infections per day. This week, that’s up to 59,000. According to the New York Times, experts forecast hitting 75,687 new infections per day in the near future. That’s the highest rate in the US from back in July. It could go higher in the […]

On Day 225, I Feel Weary

It has been awhile since I touched base about my mental health. Overall, I’ve been steadily getting more stable since my bout of symptoms in the summer. I still have the residual effects of lithium poisoning, including unexpected twitches of my arms and legs. My p doc lowered my dose and reintroduced another mood stabilizer […]

How to Request Toys for Tots in Western Pennsylvania in 2020 – UPDATED

Toys for Tots Pennsylvania

This is our annual (8+ year) round-up of Toys for Tots programs in Western Pennsylvania for 2020. I’ve done my best to sort through the available information and provide you what you may need to know. PLEASE click through to the applicable link to doublecheck the details. I will update as information becomes available. Some […]

Honored to Win Best Lesbian Activist, Best Blogger in the 2020 LGBTQIA Pittsburgh’s BEST Awards Sponsored by People’s Pride

Pittsburgh LGBT Awards

I am honored to share the news that we have been honored in two categories by the first LGBTQIA Pittsburgh’s Best Awards sponsored by the People’s Pride and SisTers Pgh. People’s Pride PGH – Breaking The Cistem Presents LGBTQIA Pittsburgh’s BEST: Award Ceremony. This ceremony will honor the work of our LGBTQIA communities and forebears […]

We are Donating Our Halloween Trick-or-Treat Candy to Local LGBTQIA Youth

Where to Donate Halloween Candy in Pittsburgh

We love Trick-or-Treat. We have a cute set of bowls plus a teal pumpkin. We order our candy several weeks ahead of time, including the pieces we will inevitably eat ourselves. If the weather is nice, we sit on our stoop. Otherwise, I sit on the sofa watching out for Trick-or-Treaters and we take turns […]

UPDATED: Trans Woman Sara Blackwood Killed in Indianapolis on National Coming Out Day 2020

  An Indianapolis trans woman named Sara Blackwood is the latest victim of gun violence in the United States. She was shot to death walking home from work on National Coming Out Day, October 11 around 10 PM. From Fox 59 in Indianapolis According to police, the shooting occurred in the 2500 block of E. […]

Facemask Q&A with HauteButch Founder & Designer Karen Roberts

Karen Haute Butch

The fear, oppression, and sheer frustration that comes along with having a fierce sense of style and living in a society stuck in out-dated mindsets where women should embrace feminine “appropriateness” is what keeps HauteButch thriving even on our darkest days. One important part of the Pittsburgh MasQUe ProjecT is highlighting safe and affirming places […]

From 60 Minutes: Doctors say they would prefer people wear masks to holding out hope for a vaccine

Sunday evening, 60 Minutes took a deep dive into the COVID-19 vaccine research. It was interesting, but what caught my eye was a question Scott Pelley posed to one of the researchers on camera and others off-camers:  “Would you rather have a mask or a vaccine?” The answer: mask. Masks save lives now. Pelley goes […]

Election Q&A with Long-Time Volunteer Laura Horowitz

I’m compiling information on this most unusual of elections from a variety of sources. This is a Q&A with Laura Horowitz who has been doing GOTV and candidate work for many years. The goal of a vote plan is to encourage an individual to envision themselves voting and identify any potential barriers they might have […]