Alexa, 22, Talks About Acceptance as a Bisexual Woman #AMPLIFY

How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? I wouldn’t say I’m fully out but I’m working on it. If I’m talking to people and they ask if I’m seeing anyone I am nervous at first to say I have a girlfriend but I do and I am proud of myself after. I need to get past my concerns on what other people think of me. I need to work on what I think of me. We are “official” on social media and both our families know also.

Lavi, 29, is Trans Queer Bi and Wants Your Respect & Support #AMPLIFY

Name: Lavi

Age: 29

County of Residence: I grew up in Greene county. I moved to Allegheny County when i was 18. Ive lived in Pittsburgh the past 11 years

Preferred Pronouns: She, her

How do you describe your identity? trans queer bi white

Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I started coming out when I was about 15 I think. At that time I found support online. There was an online community of mostly other teenage trans kids we helped each other out with what we could.

I didn’t have support from my family and local community. I felt isolated and alone. I was. I tried to run away but it didn’t work.

I came out more finally when I turned 18 and moved to Pittsburgh. It was finally a time when I could start to be myself and figure out who I am.

I still had trouble finding support. I went to transpitt but felt a big generational gap. I learned a lot tho from Nancy. I always remember her.

Anonymous, 30, Wants More Visibility for the Pansexual Community #AMPLIFY

Name: Anonymous

Age: 30

County of Residence:  Washington, formerly Allegheny

Preferred Pronouns: Her, she, etc.

UPDATED! How To Sign Up for Toys for Tots in Western Pennsylvania – 2016 Edition

Toys for Tots Pennsylvania

Here’s my annual roundup of toy distribution resources for Western Pennsylvania. Many Toys for Tots enrollment deadlines are right around the corner while other sites have not yet posted. Please share this information with anyone you know who may need assistance with toys this holiday season.

I will update this post as more information becomes available.

Dean Sees Queer Struggles as Stories of Strength #AMPLIFY

Gay Asexual Polyamorous Pittsburgh

Name: Dean

Age: 31

County of Residence: Allegheny

Preferred Pronouns: Male, He, Gay.

How do you describe your identity? Gay male with asexual tendencies in a polyamourus relationship

Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? Coming out was a matter of lie, deny or try. I was outed by a female friend that had a crush on me in 8th grade. She decided to tell the only out gay male in our class / school – which led to everyone soon bringing the question up to me & family members. At the time I was seeing a fellow classmate on the wrestling team. He denied and I chose to try and not lie.

How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? After experiencing much in the strictly male “gay world” I now prefer to be associated with a queer community than just men. There has been more open arms, plus understanding amongst a community made up of all genders + sexualities & identifications. Not just one orientation alienating my personal views.

Morgan, 21, Hasn’t Met Other Openly Gay Suburban Couples #AMPLIFY

Lesbian Pittsburgh

Name:  Morgan Age: 21 County of Residence: Allegheny, Butler county for a couple months when I first moved to PA. I’m originally from a small town in Michigan. Preferred Pronouns: I’m a girl and a Morgan, but call me whatever you want. How do you describe your identity? I’m just me. I’m a lesbian but that’s not all I am. […]

Hayley, 46, Wants To Keep That Pride Feeling Year Round #AMPLIFY

Allegheny County Lesbian

Name: Hayley Age: 46 County of Residence: Allegheny, formerly Adams and Franklin counties Preferred Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity?  I am a white, lesbian, pescatarian, feminist woman. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I fell in love with a student in college. It was the typical “falling in love […]

Brian, 35, ‘It’s okay to be whatever you want’ #AMPLIFY

As part of our role as the Official Social Media Sponsor of the ReelQ LGBTQ Film Festival, we are featuring a few Q&A’s with those involved. Today, we are delighted to share the AMPLIFY contribution from Brian who is hosting a fundraiser for the organization on Saturday evening. Be sure to check out Brian’s cultural […]

Jim, 63, Reminds Us That Environmental Issues are Queer Issues #AMPLIFY

Gay Pittsburgh

Name:  Jim Age:  63 County of Residence:  Allegheny, formerly Venango, Philadelphia Preferred Pronouns: Just don’t call me Mrs. How do you describe your identity? Gutter trash who happened to meet the right people, have the right fate, and got to see the world as an out gay man. It’s been a blessing I tell you. Thank you Jesus. […]

Kitteh, 27, ‘The Door is Open, but I’m Still Sitting on The Floor of That Closet’ #AMPLIFY

AMPLIFY

Name:  Kitteh Miao Age:  27 County of Residence:  Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: They/them/their (I actually prefer nick names to gender IDs) How do you describe your identity? I am a queer person who ends up in the middle, by averaging out the extremes. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face?  It’s […]