Nino Fortson, 36, is 10th Trans Person Murdered in 2018 #RIP

Nino Fortson was a 36-year-old Black trans man living in Atlanta. Today, we learn he is the 10th transgender neighbor lost to a violent death in 2018. From Monica Roberts at Transgriot: [He] was shot multiple times during an argument early in the morning of May 13 at the corner of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and […]

My Latest #Hysterecovery Update

lesbian hysterectomy

I haven’t posted an update on this recently, so let me remedy that today. I had my surgery on January 10 so I recently passed the four month mark. In terms of the actual hysterectomy, I’m doing pretty good. No significant physical problems with the exception of having to pee a lot more often and […]

Q&A with Stephin Merritt of the Magnetic Fields

When I read that the Magnetic Fields were coming to Pittsburgh for a two-show performance of their latest album ‘50 Song Memoir‘ – I threw caution to the wind and requested an interview with Stephin Merritt. He can obviously have his pick of all the mainstream media in the region; I was hoping that his […]

Mahogany LaPiranHa, 38, is a 6‘4“ androgynous African-American badass #AMPLIFY

Mahogany LaPirhana

  Name: Mahogany LaPiranHa Age: 38 County of Residence: Allegheny Pronouns: All of them How do you describe your identity? ShapeShifter, I am transgendered and I am in the process of going through a male to female transgender transition! However I do not intend on getting bottom surgery! So to some that may look at the situation ; they may […]

Karla Patricia Pavon-Flores is the 9th Trans Person Killed in 2018 UPDATED

On Wednesday May 9, police discovered Karla Patricia Flores-Pavon had been choked to death. in her North Dallas apartment. Karla’s name has been alternately spelled Carla by police reports documenting her death. Karla was 26 years old, just beginning her life. Blogger Monica Roberts shared this: Karla is the 9th person we have lost to […]

Rain, 42, is a Gay Woman in Pittsburgh #AMPLIFY

Name: Rain Age: 42 County of Residence: Allegheny, previously Washington County. Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity?  i am gay Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? my mother has not spoken to me for almost 20 years as a result, though she has known since i was 13. my […]

Q&A: ‘Nomad Motel’ Playwright Carla Ching on Creating Responsible, Thoughtful, and Human Art

Carla Ching

A new play is debuting at the City Theatre this month, Nomad Motel written by Carla Ching.  This show also marks the debut of a ‘pay what you want’ option at City Theatre during select performances. Details at the end of this post. May 12 – June 3, 2018 In the not-so-sunny side of California, Alix […]

He’s a cisgender polyamorous bisexual guy, but nobody asks #AMPLIFY

Allegheny County LGBTQ

Name:  Just another lawyer Age:  38 County of Residence:  Allegheny Pronouns: He/His How do you describe your identity? I generally don’t. It’s the advantage to presenting the way I do: I don’t have to describe anything. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face?  To a large degree, I never have. See […]

Is Liberty University Online Targeting Pittsburgh Community Leaders?

Liberty University Online LGBT

Something of concern that I’ve noticed over the past years – an increasing number of regional community leaders have ties to Liberty University via the online school – folks pursuing higher degrees. This article from the New York Times and ProPublica lays out the reasons why that might be the case ($$) and it is concerning. […]

Lakeview School District in Mercer County Implements Trans Inclusive Student Policies

Lakeview School District in Mercer County serves about 1200 students in a district with a population of 8,600 people.  Mercer County is in Northwestern Pennsylvania, about 60 miles to Erie and another 60 miles to Pittsburgh. The district is comprised of Fairview Township, Jackson Center Borough, Jackson Township, Lake Township, Mill Creek Township, New Lebanon […]