On Being a Woman

When I was a teenager and young adult, I struggled with the simple concept that I was a woman. I wasn’t questioning my gender identity; I was questioning my validity. Anytime I had to say something like “I’m a woman” in any context, I was self-conscious and awkward and keenly aware that I felt ‘othered.” […]

Statement on Queer Women’s History Month

Queer Women's History Month

I drafted this for another purpose. It wasn’t utilized, so I decided to publish myself just for the record. ~ Sue Women have always walked these grounds we know as Pittsburgh, forging paths and paying the way for future generations. The documented history of Pittsburgh might have primarily been controlled by men, but the living, […]

#AMPLIFY Honors The Trans Day of Visibility #TDOV

Today, March 31, is the International Transgender Day of Visbility which celebrates the lives of transgender neighbors while also raising awareness of discrimination. It was established in 2009 to focus on the celebration of our wonderful and amazing trans neighbors and friends. Earlier this month, we organized a fundraiser to support the local #TDOV vigil […]

Women of Color: Herstory Month in Pittsburgh

Since 2008, Women of Color HERStory Month® has recognized the exceptional social, economic, political, spiritual and cultural contributions of women of color, creates a forum for women of color to participate in activism, civic engagement and leadership development while also educating the region about Human Rights and Reproductive Justice for all people. This month long […]

WHM and Recipes – Jean’s Pudding

Date Nut Pudding Handwritten Recipe

Share a favorite recipe from your mother or grandmother’s kitchen. Why is this dish your favorite? If you don’t have one that’s been passed down, describe a favorite holiday or other meal you shared with your family. I haven’t made this in several years and it isn’t a dish of which I am particularly fond, […]

When I First Saw Your Face

Kerr wedding

The prompt – describe how my grandparents/parents met. My maternal grandparents (Jim and Val) allegedly met at a radio station in Butler County. She was working as a receptionist or clerk or something and he was a salesman. I think they eloped soon after and he ended up working in the mill in Homestead (but […]

Are There Five Interesting Facts About Me?

Today’s prompts – 3 in 1! 1. I was born in Upper St. Clair, lived in Mt. Lebanon and then Baldwin before landing in West Mifflin at the tender age of 2. My parents still live in West Mifflin. My earliest memory of our home in West Mifflin is the smell of a diaper pail […]

My Family Herstory: Part Two

Post a photo of one of your female ancestors. Who is in the photo? When was it taken? Why did you select this photo? Edna Kerr was my great-grandmother (my paternal grandfather’s mother.) She was widowed soon after this photo and left to raise 4 children on her own. This cropped image is from an […]

My Family Herstory: Part One

Jane Marie Rice Remley

March 1 — Do you have a favorite female ancestor? One you are drawn to or want to learn more about? Write down some key facts you have already learned or what you would like to learn and outline your goals and potential sources you plan to check. One thing I believe to be very […]