Specter’s Switch

Specter’s Switch

There's so much LGBTQ analysis of this news that my head is spinning.  People are celebrating, people are leery, people don't know what's going to happen.  Specter switched parties.  If Al Franken is seated, it gives the Democrats a filibuster proof majority (60).  Good stuff can happen.  Good stuff for LGBTQ persons might happen.  Specter […]

The AFA of PA responds to Iowa decision

The AFA of PA responds to Iowa decision

Ah, Diane Gramley is a wee bit upset that our midWestern cousins have determined that equality means true equality.  At least in terms of state approved marriage.  She's plays her strongest card to push for a marriage amendment in PA — Iowa overturning a DOMA law.  What she doesn't tell you is that, to my […]

Hawaiian Bill: Dead.

Hawaiian Bill:  Dead.

The Hawaiian Civil Unions bill died in committee. DISAPPOINTMENT:  A motion to pull the Hawaii civil unions bill from the deadlocked Senate Judiciary Committee failed this afternoon 18 to 6, effectively killing the measure. The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a 33-17 vote on February 12. Sen. Gary Hooser, who made the motion to pull the bill […]

Speaking of LGBTQ Advocacy

Speaking of LGBTQ Advocacy

Today, I had the pleasure of addressing a class of MSW students at the University of Pittsburgh.  The class focuses on policy and I used my work in the LGBTQ community to illustrate how advocacy can drive real social change.  It was an interesting experience.  Another speaker works for local government and a third is […]

Lesbian Superheros

Mombian publishes the 2009 Rainbow list of books for children and young adults. Abe Lincoln and marriage. But it's not because of Lincoln's sexual orientation or other “stuff” that February 12, Lincoln's birthday, has for 12 years now been the centerpiece of National Freedom to Marry Week. Lincoln's strongest connection to the freedom to marry […]

The Agenda: Civil Rights

The Agenda:  Civil Rights

From the updated White House website.  It sounds great.  Now let's see what kind of inclusive action unfolds. Support for the LGBT Community “While we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in 1969, we still have a lot of work to do. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by […]

Above the Fold: Prominent Pittsburgh Gay Owned Business Questioned by PG Investigators

Above the Fold: Prominent Pittsburgh Gay Owned Business Questioned by PG Investigators

UPDATE:  I'm deleting comments.  If you have an opinion, fine.  If you can prove wrongdoing, contact the MSM or email me privately.  Otherwise, stick with opinions not unsubstantiated accusations.  If you see something that needs deleted, email or call me — I'm trying to keep up with it. ********************************************************************************************************************* Even though I had a call […]

Big Queer Rally Set for Saturday, January 10 – Oakland

Big Queer Rally Set for Saturday, January 10 – Oakland

Here's the scoop … there's going to be a BIG QUEER RALLY on Saturday, January 10 from 2 – 4 PM at the Schenley Quad in Oakland (near the libraries).  This is a follow up event to the Join the Impact rally in early November which turned out nearly 500 people.  The focus of the […]

Comment from a communications expert

Comment from a communications expert

Some advice from a highly respected professional on the need for a timely response from the LGBTQ community to breaking news.  This regards the Rick Warren situation, but certainly applies to local, regional and statewide issues as well.  This sums up exactly what went wrong when the State Legislature announced a Pittsburgh based hearing on the […]

Sunday morning musings

Sunday morning musings

Now this is a nice way to wake up.  Yesterday, we had a really strange day including the purchase of our Charlie Brown Christmas Tree which was marked down to $10.00.  Typically, we get a nice big one, but this year feels different so we scaled back.  Even so, the tree is taller (just slightly) […]