Q&A with Michele Harris, a bisexual poet from Western PA about her newest book and her decision to change venues in response to allegations of sexual misconduct by a coffeehouse owner

Michele Harris Poet

A local, queer female-owned bookstore Rickert & Beagle is hosting an upcoming reading on August 16 featuring Western PA native poet, Michele Harris. Harris was originally scheduled to read at Biddle’s Escape in Regent Square, but after learning about allegations of sexual misconduct by the owner, she cancelled in solidarity with the survivors. Rickert & […]

Jessica, 38, is a Cis Lesbian Who Came Out Later in Life #AMPLIFY

Pittsburgh Cisgender Lesbian

I was very comforted by seeing stories of women like me. Those who came out later in their lives, those who had families and marriages. If my story can help even one person to feel seen, then I’m grateful to have participated. Name: Jessica Age: 38 County of Residence:  Allegheny County, formerly Lancaster County, Dauphin County Pronouns: […]

Q&A with Queer Owned Rickert & Beagle Books in Dormont

Rickert & Beagle Books

Your Name: Christy Pluto (nee Rickert) Your Age: 42 Your Pronouns: She/ Her Your Affiliation with Rickert & Beagle Owner How do you describe your identity? Queer, cis. Please tell us about your very first impression of Pittsburgh: My first impression of Pittsburgh was coming over one of the bridges at night, on my way […]

Luna, 25, is a Poly, Gender fluid, Queer Performance Artist #AMPLIFY

As part of our partnership with FIERCE! International Queer Burlesque, #AMPLIFY will be featuring some of the performers this week. Today, we hear from Luna La Creme who is scheduled to perform at the Friday evening showcase, 7 PM. Tickets still available. Burlesque and queer performing arts are an important part of our community heritage. Name: Luna La […]

Chris, 40, is an Aspie Queer Girl With Some Kinks #AMPLIFY

Pittsburgh Queer

Name: Chris Rickert Age: 40 County of Residence: Allegheny County. Born in upstate NY, moved to Pittsburgh to attend CMU. Never left. Preferred Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity? I’m an Aspie. A queer girl with some kinks. Italian-Scottish-Irish-German. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? Coming out was definitely […]

Viva Valezz is a Queer Burlesque Performer Parenting a GenderFluid Child

Allegheny County Lesbian

  Name: Viva Valezz! (aka Dre’) Age: 49 County of Residence: Allegheny Preferred Pronouns:  female How do you describe your identity? I am an old school lesbian… You can call me dyke if you’re my age. We earned that.  You can also call me gay or queer.  I’m also half-Mexican, so I also identify as Mexican-American. And… I’m a mom. […]

Dan Savage’s “Hump Tour” WILL Play in Pittsburgh (And We Have Free Passes)

Earlier this week, we learned from the City Paper that anonymous grumps in Dormont complained so borough officials invoked an archaic law to ban the showing of “The Hump Tour” at the Hollywood Theater. Apparently, five minute dirty movies aren’t Dormont’s idea of a good time. Naftal says screening the festival would involve “multiple violations” […]

Giveaway: Win Pair of Passes to Pgh Premiere of “Married in Spandex”

Giveaway: Win Pair of Passes to Pgh Premiere of “Married in Spandex”

(excuse the alliteration in the headline – what can i say?) It is always fun when there’s an LGBTQ movie outside of the Film Festival schedule so be sure to clear your calendar for Friday, September 7 when “Married in Spandex” is showing at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont. AND the filmmakers are Pittsburgh natives. […]