Here’s What We Need To Do About HB 300

From the  City Paper (excellent analysis btw):   But the bill might at least get a hearing — and that “is critically important,” Sims says. “We haven’t had people testifying before us about the impact of discrimination, saying, ‘You’re telling me I’ve lived and worked here my whole life, but I’m not treated equally?’” Metcalfe […]

Pgh City Paper Explores Local Impact of Russian LGBT Persecution

Pittsburgh has a historical and modern Russian population. During the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, many Russians – especially those who were Jewish – escaped the pogroms and ended up in Pittsburgh. Then again in the latter half of the 20th century, it is estimated that 4,000 Russians resettled […]

Disney Princesses for Equal Pay

What I Noticed at the GLCC Today

So I had a 10 AM mtg at the GLCC – Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ Community Center –  which meant that I passed youth waiting for the official opening at 12 PM. It was raining and humid and uncomfortable. The youth were politely standing to the side in the hallway, keeping the stairway clear. They were wearing rain […]

Why Pink Doesn’t Exist

Found this on the delightful website Brain Pickings … watch this fantastic explanation of how the color pink exists even though pink light doesn’t.

Update or Not

Update or Not

Lawyers have been consulted. The City remains mum. Wait til they hear our counteroffer. Ha.

Has the City of Pittsburgh Lost The Domestic Partner Registry?

What a ridiculous question. How can you lose a registry? So a few days ago, we were informed that we have less than 5 weeks to comply with an “employee dependent verification” audit conducted by a third party contracted through the City (City Council and the Mayor approved of this, unanimously.) These audits are used […]

For a Good Feeling …

Go to the GLCC on youth night with donations. You never met such a gracious group of young folks eager to help unload AND share with each other. Things to donate School supplies Hygeine products Snacks Socks, gloves, hats Board games Craft supplies It will definitely lift your spirits. And do good.

WESA 90.5 Discusses HB 300 and Non-Discrimination Laws

Earlier in the week, Essential Pittsburgh spoke with State Representative Dan Frankel about HB 300 which would amend the state non-discrimination law to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. 22 states currently have protections for individuals based upon their sexual orientation, including most of the states surrounding Pennsylvania. Frankel says this makes the […]

Book report: “True Selves” revisited

(I posted a version of this message in a forum maintained by Helen Boyd, author of “My Husband Betty” and “She’s Not the Man I Married.” Helen asked if she could share it on her blog, enGender. I said sure … as long as I could share it with you! —Trish) — When people are […]