Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

Blog for Equality 2010 - Stop the Discrimination, Join the Blog Swarm

Sue — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:33:00 -0500

This is now a sticky post to remain at the top of the blog until Blog for Equality Day is Over. Read below for more current posts

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Back in 2008, 14 Pittsburgh blogs participated in our first Blog for Equality event to speak out against the attempt by the Pennsylvania Senate to amend our constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman, the so-called "Marriage Protection" Amendment. The "blog swarm" as it is sometimes described was successful, albeit not singlehandedly responsible for the failure of that legislation to make it out of committee.

Still, you might like to revist what the 14 bloggers had to say in 2008.

Fast forward two years. The Senate is once again discussing this issue and we anticipate a vote in the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. More details from the ACLU of PA:

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Senate Bill 707 next Tuesday, March 16, at 11:30am. As you know, SB 707 is the latest incarnation of a state constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage.

Like many controversial, close votes, this could go either way.

It's not hyperbole to say that we have a chance to make history. We have never won an up-or-down vote on the marriage amendment. We've beaten this in the past by winning procedural maneuvers. But now we have that chance. Let's make the most of it.

So I am announcing Blog for Equality Pittsburgh 2010. I ask my comrade bloggers throughout the region (and the Commonwealth) to dedicate one post on Monday, March 15, 2010 to the topic of this amendment.

We have an official Blog for Equality Pittsburgh 2010 button for you to add to your post (h/t 2pj Maria)

html is:

If you'll send me a link, I'll update this page with a permanent archive of bloggers speaking out against embedding discrimination into our Constitution. The swarm is open to any and all bloggers so please spread the word. You don't have to be gay to disapprove of discrimination and you certainly don't have to have a politial blog to participate in a day of action. We have an unprecedented opportunity to vote NO on discrimination and allow the State Senate to move forward on the critical issues all of our families face.

More later on how you can help make sure this amendment is not voted out of committee.

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Participating blogs

Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

2 Mums and a Boy

A Spork in the Drawer

Lucy & Ethel Have a Baby

Adam and Steve

2 Political Junkies - Maria

2 Political Junkies - David

Infinonymous

Jason Cable's GLBT Podcast and Blog

Froth Slosh B'Gosh

The Pennsylvania Progressive

Ms. Mon's Salon

No Longer the World's Slowest Blog

The Dallas Voice is covering the vote.

We have a shout out from Pam's House Blend via twitter ....

Local blogger Thomas Waters has been writing about this topic all month and has this post up with general information on the legislation.

On the other hand ... The National Organization for Marriage has a post up, too.

Life Goes On: Blog for Equality 2010

Sue — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0400

I don't think there's much I can add on the "Marriage Protection" amendment that I haven't covered in the past 4+ years. You have the contact information. We need you to call today. Today is the day.

Sunday, I woke up at 7:30 AM, let out the dogs, put on the coffee and grabbed the newspaper. We got ready for our day in our very mundane ways ... showers, searches for matching socks, feedings of various pets, etc. We had breakfast.

We went to the grocery store. Nothing says weekend chore like Giant Eagle on a Sunday afternoon. We fuss over how to load the groceries and who gets to push the cart. We haggle over items that aren't on the list. We have a check-out routine and determine whose turn it is to get the fuelperks. We lug the groceries to the car and drive home.

Unload. I put things away while she clears space in the fridge. One of us runs the disposal while the other takes the trash outside. Someone tosses in a load of laundry. Litter boxes get scooped. Laundry is changed. The dog bedding is examined for contraband cat toys.

Dinner is started. We chat back and forth. The Siamese cat changes hands repeatedly to prevent disaster. More laundry. Final round of trash to the curb. Dinner. Dishes. More animal feedings.

Oh, we folded towels, too. And we read the newspaper and watched 60 Minutes.

Why can't we just have our domestic little life and not be demonized and dehumanized by the Pennsylvania Constitution? Is that really so much to ask?

I wonder how many fuelperks it would take to earn civil rights?

Liberty City Endorsement

Sue — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:37:00 -0400

The Liberty City Democratic Club endorsement is just around the corner

2010 Primary Candidate Nights

Candidates for the 2010 Primary are invited to address our membership at the following meetings:

Thursday March 18th - US Congress, State Representatives

Monday March 22nd - Governor, Lt. Governor, State Senate, US Senate

Contact Matthew Woodcock, Chair of the Endorsement Committee here regarding attendance.

Meetings will be held at the William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Social Hour begins 6:00 pm, Meeting begins promptly at 6:30.

Candidate questionnaires for the statewide races will be on the Liberty City website so you'll be able to compare with the Steel-City Questionnaires prior to the local endorsement should you wish.

Pgh Blog for Equality 2010 - Tomorrow

Sue — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:06:00 -0400

Reminder to log in tomorrow to see what the blogosphere has to say about the PA "Marriage Amendment." I do not know how many blogs are participating, but I hope we can count on your support. Please consider updating your Facebook status or Twitter status and it would be great if you change your Facebook and/or Twitter profile pic to use our image on Monday.

Need some motivation? Darryl Metcalfe is running for Lt. Governor.

I'm still mulling over my post.

Here's the logo.

ACDC Call to Action on Health Care Reform

Sue — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:58:00 -0500

I received this via an email list.

Call to Action: We Need Your Help

With the House of Representatives expected to vote on health insurance

reform as early as next week, the Allegheny County Democratic Party and

Organizing for America (OFA) are stepping up our efforts as we head into the

"Final March for Reform."

OFA is hosting "Final March for Reform" events across Allegheny County,

ranging from phone banks to letter writing parities and Congressional office

visits. Click here http://my.barackobama.com/PACalltoAction to sign up to

attend an event.

Our opponents are already planning to spend millions more on their campaign

to kill reform. We must fight back and show our members of Congress that

Pennsylvanians support health insurance reform-and that we will be there to

back them up when they support reform. Can you donate an hour to two this

weekend to fight back?

President Obama's plan for health insurance reform will put an end to the

outrageous rate hikes crippling Pennsylvanians and prohibit their worst

abuses like denying care based on a pre-existing condition. At the same

time, the President's plan makes health insurance more affordable by

providing middle-class families with the largest health care tax cut in

history.

This is a critical moment for reform and everything we have worked for over

the past year is on the line. Join me on the "Final March for Reform" by

signing up today to attend an event.

http://my.barackobama.com/PACalltoAction

Very Truly Yours,

Jim Burn, Chair,

Allegheny CountyDemocratic Committee

sdf

Janet Edwards on DC Catholic Diocese decision regarding family benefits

Sue — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:53:00 -0500

Pittsburgh's own Reverend Janet Edwards examines the decision of former Pittsburgher, now D.C.'s Archbishop Donad Wuerl to eliminate family benefits (including health care) for Catholic Charities. This came in response to the legalization of marriage equality in D.C. As we wrote last month, Reverend Edwards is now a regular contributor to the Washington Post blog, on Faith.

Jesus' example has inspired Christians through the ages to reach out to the hungry and needy, the orphan and the widow, including the long mission of Catholic Charities in the Washington Archdiocese. This service has been life-giving and a witness to the love of Christ for all.

And so it grieves me to see Archbishop Wuerl and the Catholic Charities choose to deny help to those in need because they have judged certain parents unworthy of adoption, and certain employees' spouses unworthy of health care and other benefits.

As Christians who strive to follow Jesus' example, we are called to minister to the weak and to rejoice when the longsuffering find relief -- including the stalwart LGBT couples who have waited so long to get married. We all know Jesus loved a good wedding feast.

I hadn't really thought about the Catholic Church being called to minister to LGBTQ families and individuals as part of their long history of social service outreach. Typically, when one thinks of ministering to the LGBTQ community, one thinks of "pray away the gay" or the very dedicated LGBTQ community of faith. I have struggled to understand why otherwise sane gay people remain wedded to their Catholic culture. Perhaps Janet is right and the ministers on the front lines grasp this in a way that Archbishop Wuerl has chosen to reject?

I suggest you keep up with Reverend Edwards' column as she continues to frame LGBTQ issues within the American cultures of faith.

Can Daryl Metcalfe get any wingnuttier?

Sue — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:10:00 -0500

As you recall, Metcalfe is running for Lt. Governor. In spite of his lofty looney ideals, he's also pragmatically running for his House seat, too. Cause powerful is as powerful does. Something like that.

Metcalfe told the Post-Gazette that he isn't about to be some namby-pamby Lt. Governor. He'll govern like a man, for God's sake (literally). God help the gays, women, immigrants, veterans, environmentalists, poor people, and pretty much anyone who isn't a god-fearing, sermon-swallowing, blue eyed blond haired, baby popping patriot. Amen.

Mr. Metcalfe shrugged off the angry calls for his resignation that greeted his criticism. He has been similarly outspoken on issues such as gay marriage, charging that proponents of liberalized marriage laws were advancing "a homosexual agenda."

Mr. Metcalfe said he is optimistic that he will emerge at the front of the nine-candidate GOP field that includes Bucks County Commissioner Jim Cawley, who was endorsed last month by the Republican State Committee.

"I think that we have a very strong base of supporters across the state from our work on areas like the Second Amendment, pro-life, marriage, illegal alien issues," he said. "I think we're going to have a very good chance of upsetting the establishment and its hand-picked candidate."

You know my recent visit to the Marriage License office in Allegheny County has made me completely unsympathetic to defenders of marriage. The idea that allowing a 16 year old to marry while forbidding me at 39 to make that same decision is ... stupid. 16?

I suppose we have to give Mr. Metcalfe props for not using the terms "illegals," but otherwise it is the same shameful hate-mongering that continues to plague the Republican party.

Gotta love when the white guy with a hefty salary and a pension is critiquing "the establishment."

Enough is enough. Tell the PA Senate to put a stop to discrimination.

Sue — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:28:00 -0500

I don't often pull over in the middle of the work day to make a phone call, but today was an exception. When I received an email about a potential vote on the so-called "Marriage Protection" amendment, I dialed fellow blogger Maria Lupinacci of 2 Political Junkies and asked her to help me organize a blog swarm on the topic. Within minutes, she agreed and a few hours later, had a logo in my inbox. See earlier post for that!

We have a chance to "make some history" folks, according to the ACLU. Twice this amendment has come up in the Senate and both times it was defeated by procedural maneuvers. It has never been simply voted down.

This year, we have a chance to get that vote down once and for all so the Senate can focus on the business of governing this Commonwealth instead of monitoring my family like we are terrorists. Remember that 100+ day delay with last year's budget? Should we really waste a precious moment of the months leading up to budget negotiations on an issue that has already been legislatively addressed by the Pennsylvania DOMA?

Here's what you can do.

This is a list of the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee. Maybe you recognize a name or two?

Who to call. Call the Harrisburg office (use your cell phone). Email messages are not going to work on this one.

Mary Jo White (717) 787-9684 Butler (part), Clarion, Erie (part), Forest, Venango and Warren (part) Counties

** Special note that Senator White has spoken against this amendment in the past. Please thank her for that and ask her to vote no. This is a vote that can make an impact **

Jane Earll (717) 787-8927 Erie (part) County

Jane Orie (717) 787-6538 Allegheny (part) and Butler (part) Counties

Our friends who always appreciate a thank you

Jay Costa (717) 787-7683 Allegheny County

Wayne Fontana (717) 787-5300 Allegheny County

This is quite important. Many of the folks in this committee use Facebook, Twitter and so forth. I have a list here. Use social media to spread the word to your friends, family and contacts. Update your FB status.

We have an unprecedented 5 day (including the weekend) window to make contact with these Senators. I know you know gay folks and allies up in Jane Orie's district. Don't write her off. Let her know you are paying attention. Never underestimate yourself.

Virginia? Yeah, I'm sending my lunch money to Joe Hoeffel - lessons for Pennsylvania

Sue — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:08:00 -0500

What a bizarre twist of events.

Virginia does not include sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression as protected classes in the state's anti-discrimination laws. Some Universities, Colleges and private employers in Virginia do include some or all of these classes.

Recently, the Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) issued a legal opinion aka warning to the public academic community (recipients of state funding) that they could not unilaterally broaden the protected classes, something many students have worked tirelessly to accomplish. Response from the student community and groups like the Young Democrats was swift.

Response from nearby Maryland was swift, too. Maryland State Senator Richard S. Madaleno (D-Montgomery) issued this statement with regard to an employer deciding between Maryland and Virginia (all about the jobs!)

Madaleno, who is gay, wrote that new Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) are "turning back the clock" on gay rights, as Maryland's attorney general has announced the state will recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Virginia voters in 2006 amended the state constitution to prohibit gay marriage.

Virginia Governor McDonnell blinked and decided to the "right" thing by issuing a useless directive instructing Virginians not to discriminate against LGBT persons. It has no enforcement-ability. It is a move designed to pander to the business community ("Please don't go to the state that has actual tolerance!") without protecting Virginia residents.

Virginia's legislature, on the other hand, tried to actually make discrimination against gays illegal.

Del. David Englin (D-Alexandria) also rose to address the House, recalling his parents and grandparents' stories of anti-Semitic discrimination by employers. Englin said the state must act to protect Virginia's reputation as a desirable place to do business because some companies might see the state as intolerant.

"Let there be no mistake - Ken Cuccinelli wants to hang a sign in front of the public colleges and universities of this Commonwealth that reads 'Gays need not apply,'" Englin said.

But Del. Robert Marshall, (R-Prince William) argued that gay people needed no "special protections" and said that the term "sexual orientation" was so broad that it would protect behaviors that could not be discussed in public.

Sound familiar? Well, it should, dear reader. Because Pennsylvania is not the far removed from this scenario.

Lack of protections in Pennsylvania? Yes, it is legal to refuse housing, fire people and kick them out of restaurants because we are gay or trans. A friend reported that this recently happened to her uncle in Beaver County. And there's not a damn thing he can do about it. CHECK

Universities with expanded protections? Yes, this has been an issue of contention but some public (and many private) Universities and Colleges include these classes in their anti-discrimination protections. CHECK

Wingnut Attorney General? CHECK

State threats against academic institutions? Yes, in 1999 the Commonwealth passed a law that exempted universities from providing domestic partner benefits in spite of municipal non-discrimination ordinances. Pitt eventually did the right thing, but the precedent for the State Government to meddle has been established. CHECK

Pending legislation? Legislation (HB 300) sits in the House awaiting movement. It will amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include gender identity, sexual orientation and gender presentation. Meanwhile, the Senate has for the third time introduced legislation to amend the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. CHECK

Differences? Our wingnut AG is running for Governor. The three main contenders for the Democratic endorsement all state support for HB 300. Wagner has an established, albeit uneven, voting record on LGBT issues but not support full LGBT equality. Onorato has no voting record, has taken no action to offer domestic partner benefits to his own employees and does not support full LGBT equality. By "full LGBT equality" I mean marriage.

Joe Hoeffel has an established voting record. Employees in his County have domestic partner benefits. He supports full and total equality for the LGBT community.

Based on their records, not their promises, who do you think is most likely to issue a "directive" rather than lead government to legalize equality?

To being the Virginia analogy full circle, who among these three men do you think will create a culture in Pennsylvania that welcomes businesses who value tolerance and equality because they need to attract the best and the brightest? Maryland is not that far away from Pennsylvania. Can we really risk losing employers and well-paying jobs by electing a Governor who will not stand FIRM against attempts to take us backwards?

We don't need marriage equality tomorrow to continue being economically viable. We do need an Executive Branch that is proactive in creating a more tolerant state culture for everyone.

Virginia is only for certain lovers. Let's make Pennsylvania for everyone. Joe Hoeffel for Governor. Donate today. Your $10 can make a difference.

sdf

Attention Pgh Area LGBT Executives

Sue — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:18:00 -0500

This caught my eye ...

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates invites emerging LGBT business leaders to apply for its 2010 Executive Forum, set for April 19-21 in New York City

March 10, 2010

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is inviting qualified applicants to take part in the 2010 Out & Equal Executive Forum’s class for emerging lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender business leaders.Set for April 19-21 at the Le Parker Meridien in New York City, the Executive Forum will bring emerging executives together for a unique, two-day experience that is designed to enhance participants’ effectiveness as leaders in their workplaces.

Only a limited number of seats are available for this exciting, new opportunity being added to the Executive Forum, now in its third year and known as one of the premiere conferences tailored for senior LGBT executives.

"Over the years, we have created a program - a foundation - that gives LGBT business leaders from around the world the opportunity to learn best practices from one another and become role models and examples for millions of people on how to be successful while being true to oneself," said Out & Equal Founding Executive Director Selisse Berry.

At the Executive Forum, participants will:

· Hear from experts on issues that intersect with participants' professional roles, their LGBT identities and their advocacy

· Engage in dialogue with peers on the toughest issues related to the LGBT equality movement

· Gain a greater understanding of their roles as leaders in their corporations and as leaders creating inclusive workplaces

· Learn successful strategies and tactics for an executive to further an out and equal workplace

· Receive encouragement and coaching from peers on how to be their most authentic and powerful self

· Benefit from expert facilitation to help reflect on and process provocative questions that arise during the Executive Forum

Out & Equal is especially targeting leaders who identify from the transgender community, the bisexual community and the communities of color.

The 2010 Out & Equal Executive Forum will conclude with the Leadership Celebration on April 21 at the Le Parker Meridien. This incredible celebration - including an exclusive reception and a special dinner - will celebrate those making a difference in the movement for LGBT workplace equality.

The cost to participate in the Executive Forum’s Emerging Executive Class is $1,600, and includes both the Executive Forum and the Leadership Celebration. To apply or learn more about the Executive Forum, please visit our website at www.OutandEqual.org.

If you know someone who meets the qualifications, please forward anomination to us. If you have any questions about the Executive Forum or the Leadership Celebration, please contact Associate Director of Summit & Events Anthony Bannon at abannon@outandequal.org or 415-694-6516.

# # #

Out & Equal™ Workplace Advocates is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Out & Equal champions safe and equitable workplaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. The organization advocates building and strengthening successful organizations that value all employees, customers, and communities. Visit our website, www.OutandEqual.org, for more details.

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates offers a wide range of programs and services to promote LGBT workplace equality, including the Out & Equal Executive Forum, set for April 19-21, 2010 in New York City, and the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, set for Oct. 5-8, 2010 in Los Angeles.

sdf

LGBT Films at Jewish Israeli Film Festival in Pittsburgh

Sue — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:33:00 -0500

Pittsburgh Jewish Israeli Film Festival
presents

Saturday, March 20, 8:30 p.m. · SouthSide Works

He's My Girl

Pittsburgh Premiere · Director: Jean-Jaques Zilbermann
2009, France, 35mm, 90 minutes, French with subtitles
"He's My Girl" is a delightful romp about Simon, a talented klezmer musician.
He falls for Naim, an Arab transsexual, but can't bring himself to
commit to a relationship. To get closer, Naim poses as an aide and is
hired to take care of Simon's ailing and unsuspecting mother. The plot
becomes even more entangled when Simon's ex-wife and the son he's
never met return to Paris. (Adult content)

Preceded by "Sidney Turtlebaum"Sidney (a stellar performance by Sir Derek Jacobi) is a lonely gay man
who entertains himself by snitching from grieving strangers at shivas all
the while pretending to be a distant relation. 18 minutes.

Tickets:
412-992-5203, M - F, 9-11a.m. or
www.UJFpittsburgh.org/filmfestival
Pittsburgh Jewish Israeli Film Festivalis a program of the United Jewish Federation.

Hoeffel Press Release on Three (3) Democracy for America chapter endorsements

Sue — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:47:00 -0500

For Immediate Release:

March 9, 2010

Democracy for Pittsburgh Endorses Joe Hoeffel

Joe Hoeffel—Democratic candidate for governor— now has three Democracy for For America (DFA) chapter endorsements. Last week he received the third, an endorsement from Democracy for Pittsburgh.   Last month, Hoeffel received endorsements from Philly for Change and Montgomery County DFA, also local coalition partners of the Democracy for America, the nation’s largest progressive political action community.

“I am very pleased to have earned the endorsement from Democracy for Pittsburgh,” said Hoeffel.  “I am proud to know that I have the grassroots support of voters in Western Pennsylvania who want to see our government claim the progressive center by supporting healthcare for all Pennsylvanians, a growing economy centered on the development of green jobs, and investment in education.”

The endorsement bolsters Hoeffel’s credentials as the progressive candidate in the race for governor.  Dan Onorato and Jack Wagner—both Pittsburgh residents—also sought the group’s support, but failed to gain the combined votes they would need to prevent an endorsement from occurring.  An endorsement from Democracy for Pittsburgh requires a candidate to earn 70% of the vote from voting members.

-30-

sdf

Washington DC Couple Love Story

Sue — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:22:00 -0500

From the Washington Post comes the touching love story of the first same sex couple to apply for a marriage license in DC. They wed today.

"This is for everyone who wants to get married," she says. She used to run a support group for black LGBT women and would end sessions by inviting everyone to submit questions for the group to talk about. One day she unfolded a slip of paper that read, "I feel like committing suicide, but I'm scared." To this day, whenever Young is out, she looks for the writer of that note. She has never seen her.

"I am doing this because I love my partner and we deserve to be married," Young says. "But I am also doing this because the first one is always the hardest."

Someone has to pave the way. She still may run into that woman, and if she does she wants to be able say, "Now, sweetheart. Now you can come through the door."

sdf

Call to Action on Marriage Equality

Sue — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:12:00 -0500

Now is the time, according to Thomas C. Waters, for you to have a significant impact on the attempt to move the "Marriage Protection" amendment out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Check out his blog for details.

Two quick side notes of interest.

Senator Barry Stout's seat is up for grabs as he retires. Stout voted to move the marriage amendment out of committee in 2008. One strong contender for the seat is House Rep Tim Solobay who was one of a very few Western PA Democrats to vote AGAINST a similar amendment in 2006 (the House did not vote on this issue in 2008). I have a list of his district so now is also a chance to identify and elect an ally to reclaim a Senate seat from those who believe we should add discrimination to the PA Constitution.

One of cosponsors of this bill is a Western PA Democrat, Senator Kasunic from the Fayette/Westmoreland/Washington county area. Now is a good time to follow the link to see if you have friends or family in that neck of the woods. Now is a good time to make those real time phone calls (as opposed to email) so he knows what his constituents think about him being front and center in promoting discrimination.

More Information about the 46th Senate race

Sue — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:51:00 -0500

This is a link with some basic details. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=272104

I think this might be a race to watch if Bracken and Maggi give good primary challenges. Bracken looks good on MH funding which is near and dear to my heart.

The Wheatley/Payne race will certainly be interesting, but from an LGBT perspective both are good on our particular issues. From a "what the heck is going on in Pittsburgh politics" perspective -- it will be quite a ride.

Back here in the Northside, Ravenstahl (#Chet4Pgh) is an unknown entity. He's running on his brother's coattails and Luke has done nothing to be proactive on LGBT issues; he's all reactivity. I don't know anything about Keller and I can say that Tuinstra has been proactive in seeking out the LGBT Steel City questionnaire.

Very early feedback. But nice to have some races to watch. I hope they all return the questionnaire's for transparency sake.

Why you should pay attention to Barry Stout's seat

Sue — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:57:00 -0500

State Senator Barry Stout in the 46th District has announced that he will not seek reelection. His distric includes:

Allegheny County
Townships: Forward
Boroughs: Elizabeth, McDonald (Allegheny County Portion) and West Elizabeth

Beaver CountyTownships: Greene, Hanover, Independence and Raccoon
Boroughs: Frankfort Springs and Hookstown

Greene County Cities: All
Townships: All
Boroughs: All

Washington County Cities: Monongahela and Washington
Townships: Amwell, Blaine, Buffalo, Canton, Carroll, Cecil, Chartiers, Cross Creek, Donegal, East Bethlehem, East Finley, Fallowfield, Hanover, Hopewell, Independence, Jefferson, Morris, Mount Pleasant, North Bethlehem, North Franklin, North Strabane, Nottingham, Robinson, Smith, Somerset, South Franklin, South Strabane, Union, West Bethlehem, West Finley and West Pike Run
Boroughs: Beallsville, Bentleyville, Burgettstown, Canonsburg, Centerville, Claysville, Cokeburg, Deemston, Donora, East Washington, Ellsworth, Finleyville, Green Hills, Houston, Long Branch, Marianna, McDonald, Midway, New Eagle, North Charleroi, Twilight, West Alexander, West Brownsville and West Middletown

Why should this register? After all, his district barely abuts Allegheny County.

Exactly!

In 2008, Barry Stout - Democrat voted for the "Marriage Protection" amendment to be voted out of committee.

As I said in 2008, "Yikes!"

Here's an election we should watch. The Senate may vote on the marriage amendment again as well as hate crimes legislation. There's always the potential for anti-discrimination legislation to reach the Senate. Someday.

State Rep Tim Solobay has thrown his hat into the ring. Solobay was one of the few Democratic House members who voted NO on the marriage amendment in 2006. He has a Facebook page (you know how that pleases me). He identifies as a "moderate blue dog democrat." So that's an interesting mix.

According to the Post-Gazette, two Washington County commissioners, J. Bracken Burns and Larry Maggi, also may seek the Democratic nomination in the May 18 primary. I don't know much about Burns or Maggi. Anyone?

Word is still out and then there's the question of who replaces Solobay. These rural SW Pennsylvania districts are really important to our community and I urge you to identify folks you know in Stout's district and ask them to pay attention. I'm fairly certain the Steel City Stonewall Democrats will be sending a questionnaire to Solobay, Burns and Maggi since part of the district is Allegheny County. Keep your eye out for it.

sdf

Endorsement for Hoeffel

Sue — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:39:00 -0500

Did I mention that Democracy for Pittsburgh has endorsed Joe Hoeffel?

It is very interesting to read their rules for voting. You have to have been to two DFP meetups or attended two events since February 2009 (within the last year). I think that's a very reasonable way to avoid the endorsement vote being packed by "sudden" members. Endorsement requires 70% vote and vote counts are not released.

From casual conversation with members of various "clubs who endorse" my undesrstanding is that vote packing is a longstanding tradition. Sad to say. I'm not in favor of people being able to walk in off the street, pay cash and cast an endorsement vote. I think it is ripe for fraud and damages the credibility of the club/organization. Attending an event or two over the course of 12 months is not an arduous burden to meet for voting privileges. It is incumbent on the organization to avoid the appearance of impropriety (along with actual impropriety) and DFP seems to have a threshhold that's reasonable.

GLCC Wellness event for men

Sue — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:42:00 -0500

Ledcat and I attended the women's version of this event last spring. It was quite nice. Come out to support the partnership between the GLCC and Adagio Health.

Let the stress melt away:

Relaxation and Wellness

night for MEN

Mini spa night featuring:

chair massages

hot wax hand treatments

guided meditation, facials,

hand massages

manicures

blood pressure monitoring

cancer screenings

hemoglobin checks

BMI, STD testing

Refreshments provided

Sponsored by Adagio Health, Inc

and the GLCC

Gay and Lesbian Community Center

of Pittsburgh

210 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

When:   Tuesday March 23, 2010

                        4:00-7:00 PM.

Who:    Gay and Bisexual Men

Why: Because healthy living is relaxing

RSVP required

call Kat 412-304-8181

March 23rd will be Men's Wellness night

April 6 will be Women's Wellness night

May 4th will be Trans Wellness night

sdf

Sally Kalson - Good Families, Good Laws

Sue — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:41:00 -0500

Great piece from Sally on the need for good laws to help families of all types step up when crisis happens.

Despite all efforts to the contrary, the United States is still not a theocracy. Yet the growing acceptance of same-sex relationships -- from the move to end the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy to the provision of same-sex benefits in the workplace -- is sending social conservatives into overdrive.

One example: The fourth annual Southern Evangelical Seminary Veritas Lecture on April 1 will feature a presentation on "Marriage: Why It Can and Must Be Saved -- The Case Against Same-Sex Marriage," with speakers Maggie Gallagher and Robert George. Seminary students can look forward to hearing that the marriage tent will collapse if just anybody is allowed inside. If memory serves, restricted clubs used to have the same philosophy -- until their membership declined. Suddenly, all those "undesirables" started looking pretty good, as long as they could pay the freight.

It seems to me that, as a nation, we should recognize and support the family units that pay the freight -- that pick up those jangling phones in the middle of the night and rush to the emergency room, sit at their ailing loved ones' bedsides, read to them, help with their dinner, take them home and watch over them.

We should not be haranguing them because of how they were formed or whom they include. We should be saying thank you for making us a more humane society, and the rest of us can only hope to do as well.

sdf

When In-Laws Agree: Joe Hoeffel

Sue — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:33:00 -0500

My mother-in-law is a Democrat with liberal leanings. My father is a Catholic Republican with small government leanings. My cousin is well, I don't know, but a proponent of education, decent roads and elected officials paying attention to small towns.

In the past 24 hours, I've had conversations with all three about my reasons for supporting Joe Hoeffel. And to my surprise, all three were willing to listen.

For MIL and my Dad, it was all about the Marcellus Shale. MIL owns farm land and Dad has worked on wastewater emissions for coke plants (steel mills) for two decades. They both care about the environment and they both have witnessed firsthand the devastation that unchecked corporate greed can wreck on our planet. They both agree that drilling the Shale will overload the municipal water treatments of small communities and that the gas companies should have to basically clean up their mess. My Dad would prefer if the companies would be forced to do it themselves, but he recognizes the improbability of that option so he agrees that taxes to fund the clean up are fair and just. The both want their grandchildren to grow up with a cleaner environment and believe that dedicating this tax to environmental preservation is something they support.

My Dad thinks the County tax assessment is ridiculous and my cousin agrees. She wants more detail on education and she is beyond angry that PennDOT ignored small towns outside of Allegheny County while getting all this glory about their stellar road clearing inside the County.

None of them think Onorato has been doing a heck of a job, Danny. And all three are giving a second look at the "Socially Progressive, Fiscally Responsible Candidate" from the East, Joe Hoeffel.

You can have an impact if you talk with your families about this race. The numbers are amazingly close considering the size of the Onorato war chest. Folks like my family members have not been impressed with Onorato's ability to deliver to struggling communities in this region so they don't buy the argument that electing a Western PA Democrat will be good for us. They don't buy it.

Virginia Says Academic Institutions Can't Ban Discimination

Sue — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:16:00 -0500

You just need to read this for yourself ...from the AP.

Virginia's attorney general has advised the state's public colleges that they don't have the authority to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, saying only the state legislature has that power.

The letter sent by Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli to state college presidents and other officials Thursday drew swift criticism from Democrats and gay rights activists.

Mr. Cuccinelli said the legislature has repeatedly refused to exercise its authority. As recently as Tuesday, a subcommittee killed legislation that would have banned job discrimination against gay state employees.

"It is my advice that the law and public policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia prohibit a college or university from including 'sexual orientation,' 'gender identity,' 'gender expression,' or like classification, as a protected class within its nondiscrimination policy, absent specific authorization from the General Assembly," Mr. Cuccinelli wrote.

The Republican advised college governing boards to "take appropriate actions to bring their policies in conformance with the law."

Jon Blair, chief executive officer of the gay rights group Equality Virginia, said Mr. Cuccinelli's "radical actions are putting Virginia at risk of losing both top students and faculty, and discouraging prospective ones from coming here."

C. Richard Cranwell, state Democratic Party chairman, said Virginia's colleges and universities were more than capable of setting policies that work for them "without meddling from Ken Cuccinelli."

Rebecca Glenberg, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, said colleges are bound by U.S. Supreme Court decisions not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

Wow. This could get interesting. Surely there are much more worthy issues for the State Attorney General to worry about than academic institutions creating inclusive environments. Is he going to poke into the anti-discrimination practices of all private contractors receiving state funding?

Yet another reason for you and your family to get involved/pay attention to LGBT politics.

sdf

Queer Culture Conference at Pitt in April

Sue — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:09:00 -0500

Thought this is something interesting worth noting ....The conference is April 1-3 at the University of Pittsburgh. Just one of those things you might not realize takes place in Pittsburgh (unless you subscribe to the Queer Events list).

Sexuality Studies and LGBT
Activism in Latin America

The Sixth International Latin American Cultural Studies Conference, to be held at the University of Pittsburgh the first three days of April 2010, will gather a number of people who have been key to activism and academic work on LGBT issues in Latin America. Many of them have organized events in their countries on issues of sexual minorities and LGBT issues; many have published anthologies of queer writing and sexuality studies within their national contexts. Many of our participants have worked intensely at a national as well as at an international context, often at personal risk and in the midst of complex political situations.

Their many publications have broadened and deepened our knowledge of sexual cultures throughout Latin America. Events in Caracas, Santiago de Chile, Rio de Janeiro, Havana, Montevideo, La Paz and other important cities have helped give LGBT communities a public presence, while fostering academic work on LGBT issues. This event, which will include presentations, panel discussions and readings of creative work, will bring their (and others’) experience at the local and national levels to Pittsburgh.

sdf

Are you wondering what the heck the marcellus shale is? Joe Hoeffel explains it all ...

Sue — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:46:00 -0500

The Marcellus Shale and Responsible Development
http://joehoeffel2010.com/environment/marcellus-shale

The extraction of Marcellus Shale natural gas represents an entirely new economy for Pennsylvania. It has the potential to create thousands of jobs, drive local economies, and build revenue for the commonwealth. Drilling in the Marcellus Shale also opens up new environmental concerns with extremely serious consequences for all Pennsylvanians.

Joe Hoeffel will fight for responsible gas drilling with strong environmental regulations. Currently, the gas companies are exempt from many federal water safety restrictions. Joe will keep Pennsylvania safe while allowing us to prosper from this resource for decades to come.

DRILLING DEEP FOR NATURAL GAS

Pennsylvania sits above a treasure trove of natural gas: a layer of rock called the Marcellus Shale a mile underneath two-thirds of the commonwealth. The Marcellus Shale contains what may be the largest natural gas reserve in the United States.

To drill a Marcellus Shale well, millions of gallons of water (taken from a local stream, river, or lake) are forced down into the shale to fracture it and allow the gas contained within to come to the surface: this is called hydraulic fracturing. To aid the process, dozens of chemicals (including arsenic, benzene, and pesticides) are added to the water. Most of the water returns to the surface as industrial wastewater. Each well produces millions of gallons of chemical-laced wastewater.

In 2008 and 2009, over 1,000 wells were drilled and began operation in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale. Over 2,000 drilling permits were issued by the end of 2009. The Department of Environmental Protection estimates another 5,200 drilling permits will be issued in 2010.

OUR DRINKING WATER IS AT STAKE

The natural gas industry is not currently responsible for treating this wastewater: since 2005 it has been exempt from the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Pennsylvania has wastewater treatment regulations, enforced by the Department of Environmental Protection, but Pennsylvania's regulations don't cover most of the chemicals in Marcellus Shale wastewater.

The drinking water supply of the entire commonwealth is at risk of contamination.

With no requirement to treat the wastewater, the natural gas industry can simply deliver it to municipal water treatment facilities. The industry is allowed to create a mess and isn't held responsible for cleaning it up. That's something Pennsylvania allowed the coal industry to get away with for decades, and we're still suffering the consequences. We can't let that happen again.

Municipal facilities aren't equipped to remove the chemicals in industrial wastewater. Municipalities will be hard-pressed to afford expensive new treatment plants capable of adequate treatment.

REGULATIONS TO PROTECT OUR WATER

Pennsylvania needs stronger wastewater treatment regulations which establish limits on the amount of total dissolved solids and toxic chemicals, to comply with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Joe Hoeffel will continue to call upon the DEP to strengthen its regulations to adequately protect the drinking water of our commonwealth. He has already delivered testimony to the DEP at a hearing in Allentown and spoken at a forum on natural gas drilling chaired by State Representative Vitali.

Joe is working with environmental organizations and advisors from universities to understand the science of water safety. He's also visiting communities around the commonwealth to learn about the effects of drilling from local residents.

A SEVERANCE TAX TO MEET OUR NEEDS

Pennsylvania must require natural gas companies to pay a severance tax on the gas they mine. Pennsylvania is the only major natural-gas-producing state without a severance tax. The silver lining is that we can learn from other states and create a fair tax with maximum benefits.

The industry is extraordinarily profitable and Pennsylvania's natural gas supply is enormous. Pennsylvania must stand firm and enact a tax that will meet the costs the industry places on the state. Joe Hoeffel will make sure Pennsylvania gets a fair deal from the natural gas companies.

Joe will seek a severance tax which will double the projected revenue from Governor Rendell's currently proposed tax to provide Pennsylvania with $300 million in its first year.

The tax has to be used wisely. A severance tax won't last forever: once the gas is gone, the tax revenue ends. Pennsylvania must devote some of the severance tax money to protecting the towns experiencing a boom economy during the gas rush from experiencing a bust economy later.

Joe Hoeffel will dedicate portions of the severance tax to fund:

DEP's inspection and enforcement operations;

new wastewater treatment facilities;

the renewal of Growing Greener;

communities affected by drilling in their efforts to meet the infrastructure and housing costs the industry has brought them; and

our community colleges, expanding programs and educational sites to build a strong, adaptable workforce throughout the state.

Bolstering our community colleges will help prepare Pennsylvanians for thousands of skilled jobs today in the natural gas industry and environmental protection. Community colleges will also prepare our workforce for jobs in green energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, health care, and other fields which will long outlast the Marcellus Shale natural gas.

Joe Hoeffel will make sure Pennsylvanians are prepared to take the jobs the industry creates.

A MORATORIUM ON NEW PERMITS

The Department of Environmental Protection has estimated the number of Marcellus Shale permits issued will triple in 2010. The DEP is already overwhelmed and unable to meet its current obligations. Our regulations are not adequately protecting our drinking water, and we lack the facilities and funding to provide this treatment. It's time to slow down and do things in the right order.

Joe Hoeffel supports a moratorium on issuing new drilling permits until the new wastewater regulations are in place and enforceable.

Joe also supports a moratorium on the leasing of additional state lands for drilling until a comprehensive study of all state land is performed to prioritize which land is most critical to protect.

WHAT LIES AHEAD, IF WE DON'T ACT

Already, we have seen disasters which have resulted from a lack of careful management, oversight, and protection. Leasing mineral rights and receiving royalty payments is extremely attractive to many landowners, but once drilling begins, the picture often changes.

A Washington County resident tested his water a year before the drillers came and again after they drilled three wells on his property. He discovered arsenic at 2,600 times acceptable levels, benzene at 44 times above limits, and naphthalene five times the federal standard.

He now says, "I don't want to live here any more. I'm afraid of the chemicals."¹

In the Susquehanna County town of Dimock, tests have showed drinking water now contains high quantities of aluminum, iron, and methane.

Methane from natural gas drilling leaked into groundwater caused a drinking water well to explode and another well to catch fire; wells were found to contain so much toxic gas that residents were told to open windows for ventilation when bathing.

"The smell and rotten taste, you couldn't take a shower in it because the smell stayed on your skin, you couldn't wash clothes in it," said one Dimock resident of the town's water.

Another Dimock resident has contemplated selling her house and moving. "How would you advertise it?" she asks. "'Beautiful house in the country. Bring your own water.'" ²

WHAT LIES AHEAD, IF WE ACT WISELY

Pennsylvania can benefit tremendously from the natural gas reserves of the Marcellus Shale with careful planning.

With environmental regulations that protect our water statewide, a severance tax which allows our towns to adapt to their new industry, and a plan in place to protect our state land, Pennsylvania can take pride in its natural gas industry. Landowners, towns, and the commonwealth will prosper. Many Pennsylvanians will be employed working on gas wells and in treatment facilities. And most importantly, Pennsylvania will be prepared for the day the drilling ends. If we prepare, the boom won't turn into a bust.

Joe Hoeffel will fight for the crucial policies which will maximize the benefits to Pennsylvania from our Marcellus Shale resources without compromising the safety and beauty of the commonwealth.

1. "Pennsylvania lawsuit says drilling polluted water." Environmental Compliance Monitor. n.d. Web. March 4, 2010. http://tinyurl.com/y89xkup

2. "Environmental concerns rise in northeastern Pennsylvania as natural gas drilling spreads." Voice of America. January 2, 2010. Web. March 4, 2010. http://tinyurl.com/ycp9ulo

Adam Ravenstahl Emerges

Sue — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:17:00 -0500

2 Political Junkies has the story ...

Actually, his name is pretty much all we know about Adam Ravenstahl (other than he's Lil Mayor Luke's baby bro and he's running for PA State Rep). And, it's not just us. Adam's not returning calls or written requests from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. His campaign web site doesn't work.

I received an email from someone purporting to be Adam Ravenstahl earlier in the week.

What are your thoughts?

sdf

Repeal DADT Virtual Lobby Day

Sue — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:05:00 -0500

From the Human Rights Campaign:

Here’s what you can do:

First, go to our special action page where you can email your elected officials.

Follow-up with a phone call. The Capitol switchboard is 202-224-3121. Tell them where you live, and they’ll connect you to any of your lawmakers’ offices. Tell your lawmakers that you’re calling to urge Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year.

Spread the word on Facebook. You can also RSVP to the virtual lobby day event and invite your friends.

Use Twitter to spread the word. Our volunteer lobbyists will be tweeting from the Capitol using the #DADT hashtag. Once you take action, tweet about the experience and join the conversation.

Learn more at www.hrc.org/RepealDADT

sdf

Weds Round Up

Sue — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:26:00 -0500

Some photos from DC on the first day same sex couples are eligible to apply for marriage licenses.

There's a new blog dedicated to the alleged misleading campaign statements made by Dan Onorato. h/t 2 Political Junkies

Dan's Land of Make Believe

I don't see a rainbow flag in this picture. :-(

Lehigh Valley Ramblings isn't swayed by the Onorato machine.

I've been feeling so run down this week that I haven't really surfed my usual blogs, relying on email and Twitter for the most critical news. The highlight of my week was learning that the cat we saved is literally expected to give birth in days. Thank goodness we got her there in time. She's in an expert foster home. Sweet girl.

There's a House hearing on DADT which has been live blogged and live tweeted. I'm increasingly fond of the live tweet, but find myself struggling to compose a blog summary. Maybe that's just because I'm under the weather.

Final word, the Steel City Stonewall Democrat have their questionnaires out. They are due back by March 14 and the endorsement meeting is set for March 28, 2010. To vote, you need to be a current member. Dues start at $15 and up. This could be the best indicator of what Western PA progressives are thinking (and how they are planning to vote). Be part of this decision. Join and support the gay political community.

sdf

Hurrah for Marriage Equality in DC! #DC4M

Sue — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:41:00 -0500

It is exhilerating that we could drive a mere 4 hours and get married, even if it would not be recognized in Pennsylvania.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/02/AR2010030203351.html

Congratulation to our advocates, allies and resident of Washington, DC on a truly historic day.

ps: today is the first day that same sex couples can apply for marriage licenses.

Joe Hoeffel ... I mean the man just rocks

Sue — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:39:00 -0500

Last night, we had a little gathering at Hoi Polloi Cafe for folks to get to know Joe Hoeffel. We had a chance to interact with Joe live via Skype which was very cool. I felt like a babbling idiot because he's so incredibly smart and I don't quite understand progressive taxation. But I'll learn!

So anyway, Joe's campaign has some videos out that you should see. This one leaves no uncertainty as to who is the REAL progressive in the Governor's race. There's no pussy footing around issues. There's no waffling on the choice issue. There's concrete commitment to progressive values, including a commercial that shows TWO MEN GETTING MARRIED.

Here's the YouTube channel for the Hoeffel videos.

sdf

Daylin Leach Blogs!

Sue — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:55:00 -0500

We may be ushering in a new era of political, er, politician blogging. Daylin Leach unveils his blog ...

I am doing this because like most bloggers I think I have something to say. I'm doing it because sometimes when I hear the people who are paid millions of dollars to argue my side of an issue I spend the whole time cringing and screaming at the television (I react the same way to Celine Dion). I am doing this because I feel my experience and position give me a unique perspective that might be valuable to someone, somewhere. And I am doing this because I want to hear from you and hopefully learn something. So I hope you like the blogs to come. I hope we build a lasting relationship based on the exchange of ideas. And I invite you to tell me what's on your mind. You can be sure I will let you know what's on mine.

Now I've shared with you that the Senator's tweets have won me over, so I can't imagine what impact the blog will have. I like smart progressive people, especially with a sense of humor.

So let's welcome Senator Leach to the Burghosphere and look forward to his post-Primary support for Joe Hoeffel. Then all will be right with the world. Or left with the world.

Letter to the editor - DADT

Sue — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:33:00 -0500

Karen Mesko's piece in the Post-Gazette draw an appreciative letter from another person discharged under this policy.

Essay hit home

Thank you for publishing the excellent piece by Karen Mesko regarding the "don't ask, don't tell" policy ("To Be a Soldier ... or a Human Being," Feb. 21 Forum).

I was discharged under "don't ask, don't tell" in February 2003. Like Ms. Mesko, I was an outstanding performer and was selected as the Fort Sill Soldier of the Year in 2001. Her essay captured what it was like to serve under "don't ask, don't tell" and the additional sacrifice gay, lesbian and bisexual soldiers are forced to make: the freedom to love and build a family.

I'd like to repeat one sentence she wrote, because I cannot say it any better myself: "The person you build a life with is not a hobby or a 'lifestyle' you can just as easily keep private as not. 'Don't ask, don't tell' is not about discretion, but the dehumanization of gay service members simply because of who they love."

Thank you, again, for publishing such an excellent piece.

PEPE N. JOHNSON
Clarksburg, W.Va.

sdf

Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

Blog for Equality 2010 - Stop the Discrimination, Join the Blog Swarm

Life Goes On: Blog for Equality 2010

Liberty City Endorsement

2010 Primary Candidate Nights

Pgh Blog for Equality 2010 - Tomorrow

ACDC Call to Action on Health Care Reform

Janet Edwards on DC Catholic Diocese decision regarding family benefits

Can Daryl Metcalfe get any wingnuttier?

Enough is enough. Tell the PA Senate to put a stop to discrimination.

Virginia? Yeah, I'm sending my lunch money to Joe Hoeffel - lessons for Pennsylvania

Attention Pgh Area LGBT Executives

LGBT Films at Jewish Israeli Film Festival in Pittsburgh

Hoeffel Press Release on Three (3) Democracy for America chapter endorsements

Washington DC Couple Love Story

Call to Action on Marriage Equality

More Information about the 46th Senate race

Why you should pay attention to Barry Stout's seat

Endorsement for Hoeffel

GLCC Wellness event for men

Ledcat and I attended the women's version of this event last spring. It was quite nice. Come out to support the partnership between the GLCC and Adagio Health.

Let the stress melt away:

Relaxation and Wellness

night for MEN

March 23rd will be Men's Wellness nightApril 6 will be Women's Wellness night

May 4th will be Trans Wellness night

Sally Kalson - Good Families, Good Laws

When In-Laws Agree: Joe Hoeffel

Virginia Says Academic Institutions Can't Ban Discimination

Queer Culture Conference at Pitt in April

Are you wondering what the heck the marcellus shale is? Joe Hoeffel explains it all ...

Adam Ravenstahl Emerges

Repeal DADT Virtual Lobby Day

Weds Round Up

Hurrah for Marriage Equality in DC! #DC4M

Joe Hoeffel ... I mean the man just rocks

Daylin Leach Blogs!

Letter to the editor - DADT

March 23rd will be Men's Wellness night

April 6 will be Women's Wellness night