52 Trans Stories from Western Pennsylvania Honor the Lost Voices on this #TDOR

November 20 is the Trans Day of Remembrance.  If you read our blog regularly, you know that we try very hard to honor the lives and acknowledge the deaths of our trans neighbors who have been lost to violence. We encourage you to participate in local TDOR events. This is the list of neighbors lost […]

Rachel, 24, Asks Where Are Our Out, Queer Women Role Models in Pittsburgh? #AMPLIFY

Pittsburgh Queer Woman

Name:  Rachel Age: 24 County of Residence:  Allegheny Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity? Gender identity: cis female, sexual orientation: queer, race: white. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face?  I sort of subconsciously knew I was queer from a young age. I remember being enamored with a […]

#VoteNo – City of Pgh Ballot Charter Measure Unfair, Lacks Good Governance

Let me at the very beginning of this post affirm that I think students in Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) deserve good coaches. I also think students at all higher education institutes deserve good faculty, both FT and adjunct.  I should also clarify that my partner is a 17 year employee of the City. So, last […]

Laura, 42, is a Bisexual Mom in Pittsburgh #AMPLIFY

Bisexual Woman in Pittsburgh

What motivated you to take part in this project? I didn’t want to give into the fear. Now more than ever, we need to be seen and heard. I remembered the movie ‘Milk’ (loved that movie!) and Sean Penn (as Harvey Milk) saying ‘Come out, come out, wherever you are!’ but now I can’t seem to verify that anywhere. But, the quote I can verify as Harvey Milk’s, that is just as relevant is..’Hope will never be silent’. Here’s to never losing hope.

Pittsburgh City Paper Explores Regional Drag Culture

Pittsburgh Drag Tween

You should go read the Pgh City Paper issue about the drag community, including interviews with our friends Kierra Darshell and Esai aka E! The Dragnificent.  There’s a lot more – an editorial, exploration of drag kings, and other interviews.

Pgh Art Car Founder & Artist Jason Sauer Talks About Anthony Bourdain & Pittsburgh Culture

Anthony Bourdain Pittsburgh Demolition Derby

There’s a bit of kerfuffle from some Pittsburghers about the Pittsburgh-centric episode of Anthony Bourdain’s Show ‘Parts Unknown.’  What particularly struck me about the backlash was the dismissal of the demolition derby and wrestling segments – these activities were deemed to be not representative of Pittsburgh due to their location outside of the City, the […]

The 20th Summit Against Racism Call For Proposals 2018

The Summit Against Racism, a multicultural initiative of the Black and White Reunion, is accepting workshop proposals for this year’s Summit, January 20, 2018. The theme of this year’s conference, chosen by volunteer organizers, is The Struggle Continues: Healing Trauma, Building Community, Inspiring Action. We need ideas and action to make Pittsburgh a better place for all! Please consider […]

Impact of the Closure of James St Gastropub and Speakeasy – My Opinion

Impact of the Closure of James St Gastropub and Speakeasy – My Opinion

Wednesday, James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy announced that they are closing permanently on November 11, 2017. You can read more details in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette piece. I’ve been reading a lot of responses on Facebook and beyond. I’m struck by the power of the clash between those who see this as a personal decision and those […]

Guest Blog Post: Bloomers Woman’s Space Broke Barriers in Pgh #LGBTHistoryMonth

Bloomers Pittsburgh

October is LGBT History Month. I’ve asked several people to share their thoughts on regional historical events that left an impression on them. Some contributors are LGBTQ, some are allies. All are people I think you will enjoy hearing from this month. If you would like to submit a guest post, please click here. Bloomers and […]

Meg, 28, is Nonbinary, Genderqueer, Polyamorous, and Pansexual #AMPLIFY

non binary, genderqueer, polyamorous, and pansexual.

Name:  Meg Age:  28 County of Residence:  Allegheny Pronouns: They/Them and She/Her How do you describe your identity?  Genderqueer, Pansexual Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I have always identified with bisexual, but at 27 I came out to family after entering the queer community more and […]