‘Grist From The Mill’ trilogy explores steel mill storytelling

This weekend, Off the wall Theater debuts the first piece from a new trilogy by Lissa Brennan. GRIST FROM THE MILL is a trilogy of works of storytelling inspired by fairy tales and folk music, specifically Irish murder ballads which spoke of ugly events with considered beauty. The steel mills of Southwestern Pennsylvania go beyond […]

How a Fishing Boat Sinking in North Carolina Resonates with Pittsburgh. Please read.

Papa's Girl sinks

There are four reasons you should donate to this crowdfund. I grew up in a steelworkers family and understood from early on that it was a dangerous, difficult job. We weren’t allowed to touch my father’s work clothes, not to keep them from being mussed but to keep us from being exposed to the chemicals. […]

My family has had decades to break their silences.

“Do you feel comfortable sharing family stories about living people?” is a question I am frequently asked, particularly when I’ve just published a post about my trauma work.  I never feel comfortable or good about revisiting trauma infused stories, but not because I might upset someone in my family. The only exception is the other […]

Two Year Anniversary of My Hysterectomy

lesbian hysterectomy

It’s been two years since I had a hysterectomy and I still occasionally find a tampon or pad stuffed away in an old purse or the pocket of a rarely worn coat. I have donated most of my unused items, but the occasional surfacing of one that I overlooked always makes me pause. I spent […]

Our Blog Named Finalist in GLAAD Media Awards for Third Consecutive Year

GLAAD Media Awards

This genuinely caught me off guard in a good way; we were again nominated as a finalist in the GLAAD media awards in the Outstanding Blog category. You may recall we were also a finalist in 2018, then won the category in 2019. A third consecutive nomination is humbling and energizing as we head into […]

Podcast Review: Marie Antoinette and Laura Ingalls Wilder #HistoryChicksBinge

Laura Ingalls Wilder Marie Antoinette

I’ve kicked off my planned podcast binge for 2020 by listening to the first two episodes from The History Chicks, a podcast launched in 2011. Episode One: Marie Antoinette Podcast date: January 30, 2011 Time period of subject’s life: 2 November 1755 – 16 October 1793 Length of podcast: 66 minutes The first episode sets […]

My 2020 History Chicks Podcast Binge

The History Chicks

I picked a new binge project for 2020 – listening to all of the ‘History Chicks’ podcasts episodes. This is for multiple purposes. First, it is obviously educational and enriching. Second, I’ve been tasked by my therapist to incorporate a new distraction tool into my daily life. Listening to a podcast in the car is […]

Rachel Lange, 42, took a few steps out of their gender closet #AMPLIFYupdates

Queer genderqueer Pittsburgh

At the request of our contributors, we are creating space for people to submit updates to the #AMPLIFY LGBTQ project. We know that for some folks, life has changed so we are offering an opportunity to post an update to earlier responses. We will NOT be modifying that content, but we will create a link […]

Theresa Kail-Smith Named Pgh City Council President

After genuinely worrying about the potential to put a Christian pastor with a disturbing history into the role of President of Pittsburgh City Council, I am truly relieved even buoyed to share that they unanimously chose Theresa Kail-Smith From WESA Pittsburgh City Council unanimously voted to make District 2 Councilor Theresa Kail-Smith Council President on […]

Enter to win a ‘LIKE A BOSS’ prize pack including an autographed poster!

Like a Boss Movie Poster

Enter now for your chance to win a LIKE A BOSS prize pack including an autographed poster! Best friends Mia and Mel (Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne) are living their best lives running their own cosmetics company they’ve built from the ground up. Unfortunately, they’re in over their heads financially, and the prospect of a big buyout […]