The right to marry is not a requirement to marry

Over 100,000 same sex couples in the US agree. Starting in 2014, same sex couples were legally able to marry in Pennsylvania. Lots of people did. Not everyone did. When I share my story (domestic partnerships since 2006, married in 2021) – the first thing people say is “Why didn’t you get married right away?” […]

The Impact of Police Trauma on My Life

Here Come the Police Last night, a friend stopped by with some meals for me. I jumped in the car with her to avoid the torrent of rain. She was parked behind my house in an alley, but under a streetlight. We chatted about our days, caught up on assorted things. It was maybe 20 […]

Did Hill’s Department Store Blow Up Your Sky Every Fourth of July? Don’t Read This Post.

Fourth of July

In 2014, I wrote a blog post about the Fourth of July, focusing on things we saw in movies but didn’t experience in real life. The thing most people take away from that post is my reference to the annual firework displays hosted by Hill’s Department Stores around the region. Something about that simple experience […]

This is How Allegheny County Interprets Due Process Under the Pennsylvania Mental Health Law.

‘No Kings’ Means ‘Yes, Due Process’ Right? Local government in Allegheny County might not agree. I think it is important you know that Allegheny County and UPMC are denying they have certain due process obligations in the involuntary civil commitment process. Allegheny County government is denying that they have certain due process obligations. Scroll to […]

What one place does this South Park small business owner think ‘disgusting’ LGBTQ people belong?

Earlier in the week, I posted about the decisions by Mayor Ed Gainey and Mayoral candidate Corey O’Connor to not honor their commitment to complete our Political LGBTQ&A for next week’s election. My post was deleted from some spaces on Facebook and other platforms because it was creating negative energy for the campaigns. Today I […]

That Time When Mayoral Candidates Gainey, O’Connor Gave Interviews to Gay White Men. Full Stop.

Both candidates for Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh made time for interviews with white gay men, but not a disabled queer lesbian who connected with the campaigns in February. It is disrespectful and takes me AND my readers for granted. At least the O’Connor campaign had the good manners to own their mistakes and […]

LGBTQ News: School Districts Suing the State, Trans Day of Visibility, and Update on Legislation

In early March, we reported that two public school districts and several parents have sued Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs include two districts — South Side Area and Knoch, both in western Pennsylvania — and two Republican state lawmakers, Reps. Aaron Bernstine (Lawrence and Butler County) and Barbara Gleim (Cumberland County) as well as three parents and […]

There is a lot going on. It IS confusing. Don’t give up.

I know it is a lot. I can’t promise to be comprehensive, but I’m going to do my best to share information. Feel free to send me details via email pghlesbian @ Gmail or social media. Rally for 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 AND 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞! 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐦 at 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚 Fish Fry Day to Support Lauren […]

Hands Off! Pittsburgh Joins National Resistance To Trump and Musk on Saturday, April 5, 2023 in Downtown

Pittsburgh is one of hundreds of communities participating in the Hands Off! rallies this Saturday. Read on for more details and visit this site for details on nationwide efforts. My crew will be there handing out Protect Trans Kids stickers – look for our tote bags! Time Saturday, April 5 12:30 – 2pm EDT Location […]

I am one of 9+ million Americans deemed totally and permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration.

I am one of 9+ million Americans deemed totally and permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration. I was 40 years old at my date of disability. I am 54 years old. Today, I receive a monthly allotment of $1500 after I paid for mandatory Medicare. I had/have full health insurance coverage through my spouse. […]