The First Time I Called 911

CN: Discussion of suicide Write about a defining moment in your life when you were forced to grow up in an instant (or a series of instants). My mother has always lived with depression and a host of other ailments, many resulting from a childhood bout of encephalitis that destroyed her short-term memory. She was […]

Alexandria is a Lesbian Artist Trying To Get Her Bearings #AMPLIFY

lesbian Pittsburgh

Name: Alexandria Age: 48 County of Residence:  Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: Female How do you describe your identity? I’m a compassionate person who is a white, female, lesbian artist. How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? All the way out Tell me about the first LGBTQ person whom you met. What impact did they have on […]

How Allies Can Erase LGBTQ People When Scheduling LGBTQ Events

Allies Pittsburgh

A recurring theme in the ‪#‎AMPLIFY‬ series is the lack of LGBTQ resources – funding, space, services, leadership opportunities, etc. We have lost a lot over the years, that’s true and we are still battling for the most basic rights., including visibility and dignity. Progress is rarely a linear progression, right? So it is especially frustrating to […]

Anonymous Grieves How Pgh’s Lesbian & Gay Community Treats Bisexuals #AMPLIFY

Bisexual Pittsburgh

Name: Anonymous Age: 45 County of Residence: Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: She, her. (Non-traditional female) How do you describe your identity? Non-traditional female, bisexual, polyamorous. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I realized that I was bi at 42, after two hetero divorces. I think a big part of that was, when […]

Erik Is a Cis White Working-Class Queer from Clearfield County

Allegheny Clearfield Gay

  Name: Erik Age: 45 County of Residence: Allegheny. I grew up in Clearfield County, and attended college in Crawford County. Preferred Pronouns: he/him How do you describe your identity? This is evolving – in the sense that years ago, I wouldn’t have attached “cis,” not knowing what that meant – but I’m comfortable identifying as a cis white working-class […]

#REELQ30 Preview: All About Evil from Writer/Director Peaches Christ

This movie screens in advance of the ReelQ Film Festival. It looks terrific. Reel Q is proud to present our 30th Anniversary fundraiser, featuring legendary SF filmmaker and host: Peaches Christ! Join us October 8, 2015 for an unforgettable evening of special performances by Peaches Christ, Vinsantos, Janet Granite and Bambi Deerest followed by a […]

Movie Review: Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List is a Terrible Will & Grace Retread

Naomi & Ely No Kiss List Review

Note – this is not part of the ReelQ Film Festival, but I promised I would review it so here you go. This was one of the worst LGBTQ flicks I’ve seen in recent years. Maybe I’m just too middle-aged, but this ho hum coming of age tale plays out like a fanfic backstory to […]

The Lack of Bisexual Resources in Pittsburgh #BiWeek

Bisexual Umbrella

  This is National Bisexual Visibility Week (#biweek) and not an especially positive reflection on Pittsburgh.  Our community does not have a single group or resource devoted to the bisexual community, nor do we have any openly bisexual individuals in leadership roles within the community. We have two very prominent community leaders who are bisexual […]

Introducing Darlene Love #Giveaway

Darlene Love Giveaway

Enter to win Introducing Darlene Love! the first new album in decades from the legendary vocalist DARLENE LOVE Featuring the Elvis Costello-penned single “Forbidden Nights” and other tracks written by Bruce Springsteen, Linda Perry, Joan Jett, Stevie Van Zandt & more! Available NOW: http://smarturl.it/DarleneLoveAlbum http://darleneloveworld.com http://facebook.com/darleneloveworld http://twitter.com/darlenelovesing http://instagram.com/darlenelovesings   ENTER TO WIN You must be […]

How To Organize a Birthday Project aka A Pop-Up Tote Bag Project

wishing well

On October 22, I will turn 45. I couldn’t be happier as I’ve mention before when describing aging. Our celebration will be pretty low-key – probably dinner at a good restaurant and a cake in my preferred flavor. I’m pretty sure Laura will gift me with some new winter jammies. Who can complain? But this […]