Ciora, 27, Says Trans People Have the Strength of Two Souls #AMPLIFY

Pittsburgh Trans Woman

Name: Ciora Thomas

Age: 27

County of Residence: Allegheny

Preferred Pronouns:  she/her/hers

How do you describe your identity? I’m a Bi Transwomn.

Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? My coming out experience wasn’t really a coming out more so i got caught by my step father and my family then turned on me. I found support in downtown Pittsburgh and the GLCC when it was in Squirrel Hill ran by Lyndsey Sickler. I faced many challenges the main being a homeless trans teenager.

Dean Sees Queer Struggles as Stories of Strength #AMPLIFY

Gay Asexual Polyamorous Pittsburgh

Name: Dean

Age: 31

County of Residence: Allegheny

Preferred Pronouns: Male, He, Gay.

How do you describe your identity? Gay male with asexual tendencies in a polyamourus relationship

Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? Coming out was a matter of lie, deny or try. I was outed by a female friend that had a crush on me in 8th grade. She decided to tell the only out gay male in our class / school – which led to everyone soon bringing the question up to me & family members. At the time I was seeing a fellow classmate on the wrestling team. He denied and I chose to try and not lie.

How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? After experiencing much in the strictly male “gay world” I now prefer to be associated with a queer community than just men. There has been more open arms, plus understanding amongst a community made up of all genders + sexualities & identifications. Not just one orientation alienating my personal views.

Brian, 29, Wants the LGBTQ Community to Address Social Isolation #AMPLIFY

Pittsburgh Gay Man

Name: Brian Age: 29 County of Residence:  Allegheny, Grew up for the most part in and around Burlington, Vermont. I moved to North Carolina for undergrad and called Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill home for 8 years before moving to Pittsburgh in 2013. Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His How do you describe your identity? I’m a white, cisgender, gay Duke fan. Go, […]

Brian, 35, ‘It’s okay to be whatever you want’ #AMPLIFY

As part of our role as the Official Social Media Sponsor of the ReelQ LGBTQ Film Festival, we are featuring a few Q&A’s with those involved. Today, we are delighted to share the AMPLIFY contribution from Brian who is hosting a fundraiser for the organization on Saturday evening. Be sure to check out Brian’s cultural […]

Municipal ID Program Could Benefit LGBTQ Community in Pittsburgh

A proposed initiative would make municipal ID cards, known as Bridge ID, available to Pittsburgh residents. This could afford LGBTQ residents some unique opportunities. The IDs are particularly useful to connect individuals with services and supports. A report released last week describes the benefits and systems necessary to implement a city wide ID program. From […]

Eileen, 52, Reflects on the Awakening of Her LGBTQ Community #AMPLIFY

Pittsburgh Gay

Name: Eileen Age: 52 County of Residence: Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: Female How do you describe your identity? I am an simply put, just ME. I truly despise all the labels that are being thrown around today in the LGBTQ world to describe people. I believe that the people thinking they have to have a need to label themselves is just […]

#AMPLIFY Zine Issue 2 Now Seeking Sponsors for June/Pride Edition

Pittsburgh Pride Sponsorships

UPDATE – just an FYI that we are dedicating Issue #3 to the bisexual and pansexual community. It will be released in September for Bi Visibility Week. The overwhelming success of Issue #1 has put an entirely new spin on our plans for the second issue which will also double as the event program for […]

Pride Night at PNC Park Returns in 2016

This made me smile – the Pirates have brought back Pride Night at PNC Park. This year’s festivities will take place on Tuesday, June 7 at 7:05 when the Pirates take on the New York Mets. The Pirates have teamed up with Persad Center, the region’s oldest LGBTQ organization, that will receive a portion of […]

Ben, 29, is Proud to be a Queer Pittsburgher #AMPLIFY

Gay Pittsburgh

Name: Ben Stoviak Age: 29 County of Residence: Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: He/They How do you describe your identity? Queer, gay, male-bodied; I like to think of myself as a lover above these things, though, and like to remind people that I’m many more things than this—I’m a teacher, professional, creative, son, brother, adventurer, and friend. Please describe your coming out […]