The vote was 8-6.  After a heated exchange, Allegheny County now has a Human Relations Commission and LGBTQ persons have protections.  It ain't perfect, but it is progress.  I am tired from tweeting the hearing and enjoying Chinese food afterward with a group of celebrants.  More tomorrow.   

The PG's Karamagi Rujumba took a well-placed stab at explaining the complicated Human Relations ordinance due for a vote tonight before the Allegheny County Council.  Best of all, he quotes a person of faith who isn't a bigot.  My apologies to the bigots out there who missed the opportunity to spew the hatred, but your […]

This is the best explanation I've heard from Kris Rust, former chair of the Steel City Stonewall Democrats: “Philadelphia model – The biggest improvement in terms of BGLT rights, as I see it, is not writing into law that religious organizations who receive funding are exempt from the ordinance.  Since the ordinance is silent on […]

… what happens Thursday morning if the ordinance doesn't pass (or gets tabled b/c of no show elected officials)?

UPDATE:  New information has been coming in from various sources.  Allegedly, Drozd and Macy are not going to vote for this.  Finnerty is a maybe (412) 350-6540 mfinnerty@alleghenycounty.us.  He represents District 4 (Crafton, Robinson, Bridgeville, McKees Rocks). Also, another member of County Council may be threatening not to show up which could derail a majority.  […]

Word on the street er, via cell phone and text is that YOUR hard work and persistance is paying off.  The calls are being noticed both by Chief Executive Dan Onorato and the assorted County Councilpersons.  In fact, some County Councilpersons are returning calls to their constituents which like never happens.  That must mean the […]

Woke up a bit early this morning and had a nice surprise.  Ian Price of Friendship took the time to write in with his thoughts on the impact of the Pittsburgh LGBTQ Pride March. In the spirit of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary, we stop and reflect on the great things Pittsburgh has achieved and on the […]

Dear Lord, I have no clue where to begin.  I've been so focused on the local scene that I've lost touch with what's happening on a federal level.  How about you?  I'm on a national LGBTQ blogging email list and the volume is mindblowing.  Sometimes I feel like I'm crouching in the corner trying to […]

This is a neat event.  The Lambda Foundation and the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh are cohosting their first ever LGBTQ Family (friendly) Picnic on Sunday, August 9, 2009.  Here's the details:   WHERE: NORTH PARK GOLD STAR GROVE   WHEN: SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2009 12:00 TO 6:00PM   FISHING CONTEST AND GAMES […]

I have spent the last 24 hours trying to mobilize folks to call County elected officials on Monday in the hopes that the Human Relations ordinance can be salvaged.  I've been texting, tweeting and talking non-stop for most of the day (ask Ledcat).  I feel like Scott Hanley during a WDUQ pledge drive.  I even […]