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View Article  The Gay Chat: Here's How It Went

This is really long, but read to the end for the outcomes.  First, here are the Steel-City endorsements and here are those of the Gertrude Stein Club.

Tonight Ledcat and I scurried home to let the dogs out and head over to Shadyside for an historic meeting -- the first ever LGBT forum sponsored by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee which gave the community an opportunity to speak with endorsed candidates about our issues.

About a dozen endorsed and a few not-so-endorsed candidates turned out and created an interesting mix of mostly white, middle aged heterosexual candidates seeking the LGBT vote.  To be fair, the audience was mostly white, middle aged homosexual voters. 

I personally want to applaud the candidates who turned out tonight.  Being there made a statement about their recognition of the LGBT community even if their responses were not always what we wanted to hear.  My biggest criticism is for those who didn't turn out and those who didn't send a surrogate.  I don't have to bother asking where you are on LGBT issues if you don't even show up for the conversation. 

My second biggest criticism is for the LGBT community.  The crowd was about 40 deep including several heterosexuals.  I was probably the 2nd or 3rd youngest person there and I'm 36.  Where are all the young queer activists -- how on earth could they pass up this chance to ask the questions that are so relevant to their futures?  Kudos to Tom Sokolowski for speaking out loud and proud (and in a fabu pair of eyeglasses) but how long can those who forged their activist street cred during the 80s continue to carry us on their backs?  This was a missed opportunity for anyone who deems themselves a gay activist and shame on them.

My third biggest criticism goes back to the candidates who did attend.  Most of them didn't do their homework.  As Tom point out, they would NEVER have shown up at an event for other minority communities without knowing the issues and the data.  This was disrespectful to our community.  Better to be honest about your lack of awareness than to try and fool us, but there's no excuse for not being prepared.  You accepted the invitation to attend a forum; get on the Internet and at least familiarize yourself with our concerns.  To walk in not being aware of domestic partnership benefits is inexcusable. 

That being said .... here are my impressions of those who attended.

First the moderator.  Hugh McGough from the City Solicitor's office did a nice job and was very well prepared on a range of issues. 

Michael Lamb, City Controller:  Wow. I had no idea how freakin good this guy is and has been for many years.  I admit that I just knew him as the progressive guy who wasn't Bill Peduto.  I should have made it my business to know more and for that I am sorry.  He has a solid history of work on AIDS funding, the legislation to extend civil rights protections to the LGBT community and clearly knows the issues.  Wouldn't it be awesome one day to have Lamb as Chief Executive and Peduto as Mayor?  Sigh.  A girl can dream.

Bill Mullen, County Sheriff: Lives in a land of delusion where there are no problems between law enforcement and the rights of the LGBT community.  He served on the Pittsburgh Police Force for a gazillion years and ended up as Deputy Chief but was never aware of issues.  No comments on the need for sensitivity training for the sheriffs.  Actually no comments at all about LGBT issues, just responses to direct questions.  He did say he wouldn't oppose negotiating with the Sheriff's union about domestic partner benefits.  He seemed distinctly uncomfortable and had no actual LGBT platform other than a need to secure votes for a tight race.  But at least he showed up.

Matt Arena, County Council District 13:  Spoke a lot about diversity and not discriminating against people on the basis of religion, ethnicity or "other things."  I'm not sure he actually said the word gay out loud.  At first, said he would consider extending civil protections and non-discrimination language countywide, but couldn't make a promise.  Later Jon Robison from the Gertrude Stein Club asked him to make the pledge to support and he publicly said he would support it.

Rich Fitzgerald, County Council District 11:  One of the most thoughtful candidates present, he directly answered each and every question from the crowd relating even tangentially to the county.  He stated he has no problems extending civil protections countywide, but acknowledged that winning the necessary votes from other council members would be a challenge.  In response to Tony Silvestre's question about issues of human service delivery and health disparities, Fitzgerald offered to set up a meeting with LGBT leaders, himself and Marc Cherna, Director of the Department of Human Services to discuss those concerns. 

Arnie Klein, Court of Common Pleas:  I liked his sincerity.  He made a good case for the importance of experience on the bench and his commitment to be fair.  I noticed that he really seemed to be paying attention to the questions, the dialogue and the issues.  That impressed me.  He's good on gay adoption (and seemingly foster care).

Mike McCarthy, Court of Common Pleas:  Best quote of the evening "If I weren't here, I wouldn't deserve your vote."  Very down to earth and seemingly good on LGBT issues.  Again, very good on gay adoption and gay parenting.  Something about this guy really struck me and he's a white middle class heterosexual man.  So I guess I can be open minded :-)

Jack McVay, Court of Common Pleas:  This guy must be impressive because he's snagged just about every endorsement possible.  He talked being fair, supportive of gay adoption and looked for opportunities as a judge to be proactive.

Len Bodack, City Council District 7:  I have to give this guy props for having cohones.  He showed up at an LGBT forum and admitted he's not in favor of gay marriage because of his religion (Catholic).  I think it was Tom that made the comment that Len did everything but show us his baptismal certificate to demonstrate how Catholic he was.  Then he left early. 

Sherry Hazuda, School Board District 6:  She spoke about GLSEN as a "wonderful organization" and said she's in favor of using GLSEN to help kids get through school mentally healthy.  She is in favor of domestic partnership benefits for school employees.  Seemed very enthusiastic and interested in learning.

Stephanie Tecza, School Board District 12:  She was direct with regard to LGBT issues "It is all new to me."  Has no problem with domestic partner benefits. 

Doug Shields, City Council District 5:  After a very awkward interlude with the moderator about speaking for his endorsed office versus the other office for which he was not endorsed (Controller), Doug made a nice speech about his long history of civil rights work.  What I didn't hear were any new proposals to move the city forward with regard to LGBT civil rights and that disappoints coming from someone who is a strong ally. 

Then there were the surrogates.  Again, at least the campaigns sent some folks.

Dan Onorato:  Said Dan favors extending nondiscrimination protections.  In his Steel-City questionnaire, Onorato said he's in favor of domestic partnership benefits if the budget allows.  When he was called on that, the surrogate got a bit snotty and defensive.  Did he really expect a crowd filled with domestic partners and tax payers were going to just let that fly?  I asked a follow up question and he looked none too pleased. 

Luke Ravenstahl:  Ok, this was weird.  The guy he sent was nice enough, but showed up in jeans and a half tucked shirt -- and not in a good way.  He commented that Luke courts the bar owners vote.  He had no new policies or ideas to speak of.  I went up to the guy later and asked if Luke would be at PrideFest -- according to the organizers, he is supposed to be.  The surrogate had no idea but said he would pass the suggestion along.  Why would you send a surrogate who wouldn't know your plans to attend the largest LGBT gathering in the region?  Who was this guy? I have to admit I advised him that Yarone should tone down the gay panic comments if he wants real support from anyone who doesn't own a bar. 

Judge Debra Todd, Supreme Court:  This is the woman who wrote an opinion on the Superior Court dissenting from the decision against same sex adoption.  Her dissent paved the way for the Supreme Court to overturn that decision and rule in favor of same sex adoption.  That's good for me.

Wrenna Watson , Common Pleas:  The strangest surrogate testimony "She's very sweet." especially coming from someone who took pride in being the first woman in her position.  No man running for office would ever want to be described as sweet.  She also praised her for being orderly.  It was more like an endorsement for Miss Congeniality than anything else.  Very strange. 

Outcomes to note:

Rich Fitzgerald:  committed to schedule a sit down with Marc Cherna to discuss LGBT issues.  committed to work on extending civil rights protections to the county and working with progressive Republicans to make it happen.

Michael Lamb:  committed to training school principles on LGBT student issues. committed to keeping domestic partner benefits for city employees impacted by any further mergers of city and county offices.

Matt Arena:  committed to support extending civil rights protections to the county if the legislation is introduced.

 

Here's who didn't show up or send a surrogate:

Darlene Harris - City Council District 1

Jeffrey Koch - City Council District 3

Ricky Burgess - City Council District 9

William Isler - School Board District 4

Mark Brentley - School Board District 8

Oscar Petite - District Judge

Seamus McCaffery - Supreme Court

John Milton Younge - Superior Court

Ron Folino - Superior Court

Mark Flaherty - County Controller

Stephen Zappala - District Attorney

John Weinstein - County Treasurer

John DeFazio - County Council at Large

John Palmiere - County Council District 6

Nick Futules - County Council District 7

Bob Macey - County Council District 9

Bill Robinson - County Council District 10

Jim Ellenboren - County Council District 12

Susan Evashavik - District Judge

Eugene Riazzi - District Judge

Richard Olasz Jr - District Judge

Pat Capolupo - District Judge

Beth Scagline-Mills - District Judge

Anthony Saveikis - District Judge

Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

View Article  Gay Endorsement Party -- TODAy 3-6 PM

From the Steel-City Stonewall Democrats ...

Questionnaires detailing candidate positions on GLBT issues from: 

Dan Onorato, Rick Swartz, Mike Dawida, Michael Lamb, Tony Pekora, Doug Shields, Willis Berry, C. Darnell Jones II, Seamus McCaffery, Debra Todd, Christine Donohue, Ann E. Lazarus, James Murray Lynn, Cathleen Bubash, Arnie Klien, Mike McCarthy, Jack McVay, Wrenna Watson, Bruce Kraus, Len Bodack, Patrick Dowd, Ricky Burgess, Leah Kirkland, Eric Smith, Matt Arena & Brenda Frasier

ARE NOW POSTED ON www.steel-city.org

The Steel-City Stonewall Democrats Endorsement Party will be this Sunday, April 29, from 3 to 6 PM at the home of Tara Reynolds in ShadySide (732 Summerlea St)

Most of the candidates will be at the Endorsment Party to discuss their positions with members and non-members alike.

At anytime during the meeting members in good standing can cast a vote for the candidates they want the chapter to endorse...

Please review the completed questionnaires that have been posted so far... more may be added as they come in...  Printed copies will be available at the party.

The party is free for members in goodstanding...  $50.00 is requested from non-member which can be credited towards future membership.

Food, Beer, and Wine will be served to mellow the afternoon

We all hope to see all of you there...  To RSVP email lance@steel-city.org  or call 412-728-5262

View Article  Gay news from across the land ...

The absurd ...a father is suing an Arkansas library because his sons "stumbled across" the Whole Lesbian Sex Book which disturbed them greatly.  I believe the quote is that they had two sleepless nights at his house.  Hmm ...

The ridiculous ...Rudy Guiliani does a big and very public flipflop on civil unions.  In case you weren't keeping track, he was for them before he was against them.  Pam's House Blend has the audiotape of Rudy discussing his "for them" stance back in 2003.  When he wasn't running for President and courting the fundies.

The good ...New York's Governor has filed a bill to legalize gay marriage.

The joyful ...

CONCORD, N.H. -- The Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, says he and his partner of 18 years will be among the couples taking advantage of New Hampshire's soon-to-be-signed civil unions law.

I'm not even going to spoil the joy of their announcement by contemplating how Bishop Duncan and Archbishop Akinola must be spinning in their sanctuaries ...

Speaking of Nigeria ...a lesbian who married four women (as in took them as her wives, not performed the ceremony) has gone in hiding because she's facing imprisonment. 

The ugly ...Poland.  Censured by the EU for promoting homophobia, the Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski is speaking out in favor of repressive school based legislation that would make homosexual propaganda illegal.  Here's the best part courtesy of Europe's gay news service:

"Nobody is limiting gay rights in Poland," Mr Kaczynski said.

"However, if we're talking about not having homosexual propaganda in Polish schools, I fully agree with those who feel this way.

"Such propaganda should not be in schools; it definitely doesn't serve youth well.

"It's not in the interests of any society to increase the number of homosexuals, that's obvious."

Not limiting gay rights indeed. I'm planning my trip to Poland right now.

View Article  Luke to distance himself from rich old white guys? Not likely

Does this mean Luke and Yarone have to take down the "No Gurls Allowed" signs from their wing of the City-County Building?

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, speaking to the crowd, said he had not made many female appointments since taking office, citing two additions, but pledged to "diversifying" city government wherever possible.

"I want you to know we will work for equal pay," said the mayor, clutching one of the cardboard "Will Work for Equality" signs.

Well, we can all pack up and go home because Luke made a promise and we all know how good he is on ... well, telling the truth. 

Good lord, the boy-mayor has absolutely no intention of appointing anyone who isn't part of the good old boys network on his watch.  He might maybe perhaps appoint a socially conservative white woman who knows her place and can keep her mouth shut.  Maybe. 

This is the adminstration that fired BJ Leber.  Sure there's a handsome new puppet instead of an incapacitated old one, but the fact is that the power mongerers have not changed.

Do you think the Will Work for Equality sign burned in his sweaty clutch or left a Harry Potter scar on his palm? 

 

View Article  A Little Gay Round Up Makes Everyone Happy

New York Governor Elliot Spitzer plans to introduce legislation to legalize same sex marriage in New York.  What can we say other than -- yeah!

Here in Pittsburgh, Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church voted themselves off the island of mainstream Presbyterianity and into the conservative boat known as the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. But its not about the gays.

Although debates over gay ordination and gay marriage get the most attention in the divided denomination, the Rev. Wolling said those were not what spurred the decision to leave. He said he believes the denomination has turned from classical Trinitarian theology and from belief that Jesus is the divine son of God and sole savior of humanity.

Huh. 

Penn State has hired a new coach for the women's basketball team ... with the lyrical name of Coquese Washington.  I love her already.  And I'm not a basketball fan ...

Then there's the latest from the Vatican's halls of intolerance ...

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican's second-highest ranking doctrinal official on Monday forcefully branded homosexual marriage an evil and denounced abortion and euthanasia as forms of "terrorism with a human face."

Pam talks about the impending legalization of gay couples to adopt in Colorado.

View Article  Allegheny County Dems Invite the Gays Over For a Chat

Just received this announcement about an upcoming event sponsored by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee.  Hmmm ... here's my initial reaction.  First, while well intentioned, I think focusing on "issues of concern" puts a bit of a negative spin on the dialogue.  We aren't necessarily going to show up to whine.  Perhaps just GLBT Issues would have been more effective.

My issues of concern?  How about extending non-discrimination protections beyond city limits to the entire county?  Or providing full domestic partnership benefits?  Or putting some openly LGBT individuals in positions of influence, prominence and power -- enough with the wink, wink, nudge, nudge gay men ...

But its Friday night and while I have to spend most of tomorrow inside Century III Mall at an event, I'm signing off now to go enjoy my evening whilst I can. 

GLBT ISSUES OF CONCERN FORUM:

OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH ENDORSED DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL OFFICES

 

 

DATE:     Monday, April 30th

 

TIME:     6:30 PM ? 8:30 PM

 

WHERE:   Calvary Episcopal Church

          315 Shady Avenue at Walnut Street

          (Shadyside)Pittsburgh,PA 15206

 

FORMAT:   Interested community members will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns to candidates running for local, city and countwide offices. Discuss any and all issues of importance to you!

 

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED

 

 

Questions?  Please call:  412.321.2995

 

Sponsored by The Allegheny County Democratic Committee

 

View Article  Reason #117 I Need a U-Haul

In today's PG, Rich Lord takes a peek at the politics behind street paving.  It don't look good for many of self-enamored local favorites like Darlene Harris and her merry band of self-defined pavement analysts. 

But here's the doozy. 

"I would argue that it's not political. I haven't seen the paving list yet," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. "Council members obviously lobby me for streets, and they obviously lobby others for streets as well. ... That, as far as I see it, will never change."

Does he have the capacity to think about these statements before they fall out of his mouth or do they just sort of slip out?  In what reality does council members lobbying the Mayor and others for street paving not equal politics?  Maybe the land where you can blow off your residents to party with Sienna Miller at a movie festival.  But given that I drive all over the city to go to work, buy groceries, go to restaurants, visit my 91 year old grandmother -- I'd like to think that the majority of our roads are in decent shape.  Not that since my ward woman lives on my street (and has for 53 years) our street is pristine. 

However, it is good to see Luke officially confirm that he has no intention of changing the politics as usual practices of City Hall.  At least we know.  Pay attention people because you are on Yarone.

View Article  Bill Peduto and I are just friends

I promised myself I wouldn't ramble on tonight, partly because what I have to say probably isn't original and partly because Thom Hartmann's latest book is beckoning to me from my night stand.  Was that just a name drop?  Because I totally meant it to be.  Ever since I read "What Would Jefferson Do?" and had flashbacks to college poli sci classes, I am in love with Thom Hartmann.  Men who think liberally are very appealing to the lesbian set. 

Anyway ... it all comes down to this.  Bill Peduto broke up with me when he pulled out of the mayoral primary race.  Our courtship was brief and intense and hopeful, but the mayoral-resident relationship just wasn't meant to be.  So now we are just back the typical cool-not-in-my-district-councilman and resident.  Essentially, he asked me if we could just be friends.

Like anyone who has been dumped, I did not take it well.  I was angry.  I was hurt and I was shocked at the unexpected turn of events.  And no, I didn't see it coming. If there were signs, I never saw them.  They were probably hidden by the giant billboards of Mayor Opie with his signature little swish (gay reference for you heterosexuals).  That or the tall weeds growing on the city owned property here on the Northside.  I didn't see them. 

And, no I didn't want to just be friends with Bill Peduto.  I thought he was the one! I moved all the way from West Mifflin to Manchester.  I left behind the political circus clowns of Jay Jabbour, Richard Olasz and Ken Ruffing for the greener pastures of Pittsburgh's city hall.  I gave up police who came when you called, neighbors who knew my name and lower taxes. OK, so I did all that for Ledcat, but still ... when I got here and surveyed the landscape amidst the billboards and refuse, Bill Peduto caught my eye.  Here was a guy a lesbian could learn to love.  And my standards were low ... I was happy with politicians who didn't get into fistfights or beat up their wives (or steal money).  I would have, could have settled for a Doug Shields (except he's a smoker).  But I got a Bill Peduto.

So no, I didn't want to accept that it was over.  Not for me to suck it up and move on with my dignity intact, but my emotions swallowed into a WASP vortex of stomach acid.  I vent.  And vent some more.  And then I think about it for awhile.

Then he does nice things that impact me and I realize being just friends is truly better than being nothing at all.  You need a few friends in this world.  Even those with the "what could have been" aura still lingering around like a plaintive ballad deep in your heart.  It is good to have friend that don't steal from you, don't mock breaking laws that impact your ability to breathe and don't make their mark in giant rubber boots. 

So, yes there are the "what could have been" friends.  But there are also the "what might yet be" friends ... sort of like that catchy little Vanessa Williams song "Just when I thought our chance had passed, you went and saved the best for last." 

The thing is that once you get dumped, its never the same.  You might reunite, but there's always that little scar from the breakup.  It can heal and make you stronger than ever.  Or it can fester a little bit and sort of poke at the trust in a reestablished relationship. 

Maybe Bill Peduto is the one.  Or maybe someone else will come along to help us turn the city around. 

But I'm not angry anymore.  If anyone needs to note that fact. 

I'm fine being just friends with Bill Peduto.  Fine indeed. 

Let's move forward (I couldn't resist).

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