Allegheny County Democrat Committee is Not a Safe Space, Especially for Black Women

Summer_Lee_Jessica_Beham

They had one job. Endorse Democrats best suited for their respective offices. Somehow the Allegheny County Democratic Party interpreted that to mean 1) endorse a Trump supporter and 2) support misogynoir. In so doing, the ACDC has once again demonstrated that they are an actual threat to democracy, common sense, good government, and marginalized folks. […]

Grand Jury Report on Predatory Priests should make you rethink Fish Fry Season

Fish Fry Friday Pittsburgh

I wrote this in March 2019. I skipped all the Lent fish fries last year, but am unsure what to do this year. Lent is arriving in Pittsburgh and that means fish fry season is upon us. A mainstay of Catholic culture in Pittsburgh, this is the first fish fry season since the release of […]

Paczki? Pierogies? This Pittsburgher Had Never Heard of Them

Nut Roll Pittsburgh

Lent is nigh and soon a new food season will be upon us. People will wax nostalgic about their fried fish and bemoan the reality that older women who bake food tend to eventually die off unless middle-aged people who bake food take their place. The faithful will queue up in social halls, fire halls, and […]

Nominate a #SteelCitySnowflake

When I think about a Steel City Snowflake, a lot of folks come to mind – from high profile social justice warriors to the everyday folks in the trenches doing the important, vital work. Most of the time, that work goes unacknowledged, even unnoticed by the general population. Our working definition of a snowflake is […]

Enter to win a free download of Birds of Prey: The Album

Enter now for your chance to win a free download of Birds of Prey: The Album, the star-studded, all-female musical companion to the new film from Warner Bros. Pictures. Featuring “Boss Bitch” by Doja Cat and “Diamonds” by Megan Thee Stallion & Normani. Plus new music from Halsey, Saweetie, Galxara and Charlotte Lawrence Birds of […]

That Time When the Social Security Administration Took Away My Disability Benefits Without Telling Me Why: Part One

SSDI Benefits Stopped

A week ago Friday, I put the final touches on an essay for PublicSource and gave it my blessing to be published the following Monday. The topic was social security and I had a teeny twinge about triggering an unwarranted review by someone who sees all the words I create, but doesn’t read them enough […]

The Flu Strikes PghLesbian

Went to my PCP today. Wore a mask. Had a very large uncomfortable nasal swab. I have influenza. I am resting and pushing fluids. I feel like a truck ran over me. So blogging may be sporadic. Fortunately, I have soup, kittens, and Ledcat.

Make Your Pittsburgh Valentine (or Galentine) a Steel City Snowflake to Show Your Love

We have the purrfect gift for your very special snowflakes – a permanent digital tribute to their values, beliefs, and politics vis a vis the Steel City Snowflakes. Why not celebrate your love, friendship, and respect with an investment in progressive media, especially a permanent installation. It takes less than five minutes. You simply opt […]

Q&A with Carolyn & Donny of Empath Sober Bar

Empath_Mocktails

We are here to redefine the “go-to” way of how we socialize and celebrate and to provide options for everyone. It is not about just the drinks but about the atmosphere, connection and community that we are looking to create. Your Names: Carolyn Hilliard and Donny Donovan Your Age: Carolyn (37) and Donny (29) Your […]

Behind the essay: How writing about SSDI took a toll on my mental health

Sue Kerr trauma

Content Note: trauma, neglect, disability, Social Security Administration, mental health On October 28, I sent a draft essay to PublicSource to inquire about their interest in the topic. The final version was published on February 10, 2020. That’s over 100 days. I share this because I want to emphasize how much energy and time goes […]