Seriously.

The GLCC is exploring a new program to provide safer sex educational tools and resources.  This arose from a recent presentation to a class of medical students where it became apparent that the students were not familiar with certain sex toys, suggesting that they would not be in a position to educate their patients.  Moreover, would they be unable to take an accurate sexual history if they aren't asking the right questions? 

Organizers have lined up a health nurse educator to offer a monthly session on safer sex practices, sex toys, etc.  They've found donors to provide condoms and printed materials.

They are having a wee bit of trouble identifying a funder to purchase sex toys.

That's where you come in.  You know you have some that are just "gathering dust" so to speak.  Or maybe something you never opened because it looked much easier to use in the catalogue.  Now is your chance to be part of the solution and help keep Pittsburgh's queer community healthy and safe. 

You can also donate a brand new toy directly or make a financial donation designated for the sex toy project here.

Imagine discussing that tax deduction with H&R Block?  :-)

Personally, I think this is a wonderful idea.  Ledcat and I sponsored a sex-toy party at the GLCC about 4 years ago with the fabulous Girls Night In (sigh) folks.  The turnout was huge and the evening was filled with lots of laughter and perplexed looks as Karen passed around her merchandise.  People were curious and they showed up to get some answers.

I hope this isn't too scandalous, but what a fabulous tribute to two advocates of a healthy Pittsburgh LGBTQ community to get the word out about this project within moments of learning of their passing.  Not only will this help educate local queers, but also promote better understanding in the health community as well.  That's a really good idea to get behind.  No pun intended (well, maybe just a little bit).

Today brought sad news to, well, me and many other individuals in the LGBTQ community.  First, came word that one of the godfathers of Pittsburgh's modern queer community had passed away at the age of 60.  Randy Forrester (I'll insert the obit when it is published tomorrow) has been hailed for man things:  founding Persad Center, running as the county's first openly gay candidate, putting an end to bar raids, and just generally stepping up and stepping out as a leader throughout the past 30+ years. 

Randy received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to our entire community.  All I have to offer is that when someone says "Jim and Randy," most people smile and know exactly who you mean.  That's a life well-lived, if far too short. 

Another sad note followed a few hours later.  Longtime lesbian health advocate and faculty member in the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, Dr. Deb Aaron passed away yesterday at the age of 51.  Deb was instrumental in completing a comprehensive needs assessment for the LGBTQ community, as well as a researcher with the ESTHER project -- she paid attention to health disparities for lesbians.  Her contributions to academia and the wellness of lesbians are too numerous for me to enumerate.

I had the privilege of serving on the board of the Gay & Lesbian Community Center with Deb for a few years.  We also spent one long evening selling soda and chips back in the early days of Celebrate the Night.  She was a lovely person, very classy and just amazingly smart.  She was also part of the "Dykes on Bikes" in the Pride Parade and a lot of fun. 

Deb will be laid to rest in her mother's hometown. A local memorial service is scheduled for June 13, 2008 at 1 PM.  Her family has two requests in lieu of flowers:

(1)   Pittsburgh Cancer Center's fund providing assistance to patients and families:
      UPMC Cancer Centers Patient Assistance Fund
      Development Department
      UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B
      5150 Centre Ave
      Pittsburgh, PA 15232

(2)   Support for graduate students in Health and Physical Education , University of Pittsburgh:

      Office of Development
      University of Pittsburgh
      School of Education
      5613 WWPH
      Pittsburgh, PA  15260

Checks should be made payable to:  University of Pittsburgh.  Indicate that donation is in memory of Deborah J. Aaron, PhD

God speed our dear friends.  Pittsburgh is a better place to be gay because of both of them.  As new generations of queer women and men step up and step out, their legacies will continue.  And I am sure their many beloved friends and family members will carry their memories for the rest of their days.