Update on Highland Park Reservoir Ducklings – Why Is The Water Level So Low?

Last week, I blogged about a situation in the Highland Park Reservoir – ducklings were dying and their bodies left floating in the water. We have a positive update, but lots of questions. First, the good news. Another set of hatchlings (5 in total) seem to be doing well so far. Mama duck is scooting […]

Ten Clothing Donation Tips for the #AMPLIFY @GWSWPA Collection Event

We are hosting a collection of items to be donated to Goodwill – we receive a $.10/pound of usable donations. So you can pass along your extra stuff to a great LGBTQ friendly organization AND help fund our work. This will be a series of posts leading up to that collection with tips and suggestions, […]

The Tragedy of Dakota James and Overlooking Other Violent Epidemics

This post began as a Facebook post as I reflected on the outpouring of skepticism around the autopsy findings in the death of Dakota James. The autopsy declared his death an accidental drowning, suggesting he fell into the water on his own. His family rejects that finding and insists that there must be more of an […]

More Info on How to Donate Items to the Children of Kala Thomas #SayHerName

You have generously helped Kala’s family reach 10% of their crowdfund goal to meet the needs of her four children in 24 hours. Kala had two sets of twins. The eldest are 8 years old and the babies are 3 months old. Please consider a modest donation to ensure that the family does not have […]

August, 46, Feels Separate as a Black Gay Man #AMPLIFY

Name: August Age: 46 County of Residence:  Allegheny, formerly Dauphin Pronouns: He How do you describe your identity? Homosexual. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I was by myself and my brother has been my biggest support. As for the LGBT community on a whole, it has proven to be […]

Please Support the Four Children of Kala Thomas #SayHerName

I blogged yesterday about the devastating murder of a 25 year-old local mother of four, Kala Thomas. She leaves behind two sets of twins, 8 years old and 3 months old. Her family has established two sources for donations to support the children. If you can donate, please do so. The children lost their mother. […]

Response From PWSA: Highland Park Ducklings

Ducklings Highland Park

The Highland Park Reservoir is a regulated drinking water source managed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. PWSA shares your concern about the ducklings and their inability to exit the reservoir. We’re exploring solutions that would help them get out of the water and over the wall of the reservoir to exit safely. Please […]

Her Name Was Kala Thomas

She was 25 years old and lived in the Garfield neighborhood in Pittsburgh’s East End. Her name was Kala Thomas. She was a mother to two sets of twins, according to WPXI. According to her Facebook page, one set are school aged and the youngest are just three months old. Oh, those sweet babies. Kala […]

UPDATED: Dozens of Ducklings Have Died in Highland Park Reservoir, Access Ramp Needed to Save Remaining Few

Content Note: photo of the bodies of the dead ducklings As of 2:45 PM, I’ve not heard back from Mayor Peduto’s spokespersons, or really anyone except a staffer for Councilor O’Connor who said he was sharing my information with the Parks Director. Whom I told him is out of the office, as is Councilor O’Connor. […]

Tanha, 36, is a Queer, Bisexual Woman in Erie #AMPLIFY

Name: Tanha Age: 36 County of Residence: Erie Pronouns: She, her How do you describe your identity? I am a queer, bisexual woman. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I first came out to friends. Thankfully they were very supportive. My husband was amazing, but that’s no surprise. He’s my […]