Both candidates for Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh made time for interviews with white gay men, but not a disabled queer lesbian who connected with the campaigns in February. It is disrespectful and takes me AND my readers for granted. At least the O’Connor campaign had the good manners to own their mistakes and apologize to me privately right away. The Gainey campaign apparently doesn’t give a damn.
Let’s take a look at what they said to the white gay men.
First, I have zero problem with these interviews. The more times they talk with the queer community, the better. Both sought the Steel City Stonewall endorsement. These are all good things. My problem is that they made a commitment to me and broke it, repeatedly. These interviews are fluffy, not the in-depth content we deserve. If you are going to walk the talk about the trans community, you take every opportunity to talk with LGBTQ media.
My problem is the lack of respect both campaigns have for this blog and our readers. Clearly, this is a sore spot for me.
Nebby Nick
Qburgh has a feature called Nebby Nick. I put the video below and used the transcript to try to figure out what they said. Note that Qburgh is co-owned by an employee in the office of County Controller O’Connor.
Nebby Nick:what is the most important thing that you have done throughout your political career for queer and trans Pittsburgers
Gainey: if you’re not seen you’re not visible and I I believe in making sure that people are visible we hired the first openly gay chief of police we had the first trans doing director of communications so just making sure that first people can be seen we had Sam that worked in the office we if you can’t showcase people then you can’t show the power of diversity that’s why we’re fighting to protect trans rights we have to do that that’s why we set our parameters to make sure that abortion will always be legal here and make sure that it’s friendly when people are gone to handle their human health care that they have a right to handle
Sue –> I was a little shocked by this response from someone who has been an ally for years. Here’s why – the first openly gay chief of police retired under weird circumstances involving basketball, the first out trans director of communications was doxxed by two local radio personalities and did not receive support from the Mayor; she resigned. And “we had Sam?” is just like saying “that gay guy.” We can guess Sam is and what he does, but that’s the opposite of being seen and visible – being tokenized. Being seen and visible seems to suggest you don’t resign your job (I think Sam is the Sam running his campaign) so he literally named three individuals who are not longer working for his Administration to showcase visibility. ???
This sort of suggests LGBTQ people are visible until that’s not useful.
Mayor Gainey also used the phrasing “the first trans doing the director of communications” is appalling. Trans is not a noun, it is considered a dehumanizing reduction of a person – trans woman, trans men, trans person. I did find some Alpha Generation references to that terminology, but unacceptable for 50+ something Mayor. He should apologize for that. I can’t recall hearing him use that terminology before.
If you can organize a rally, you can treat your staff with care when they are doxxed and you can use respectful language. As a queer woman who has been doxxed by Stormfront, canceled by a Gainey staffer, and so forth, I am absolutely appalled that the Mayor failed his trans staff person when she was attacked. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive him for that. I do not think a good person sends that message to trans folx.
O’Connor: you know partnered with people to have the first LGBTQIA plus uh commission which then brought people and voices to the city of Pittsburgh and the commission helped shape policy around what Pittsburgh should should be looking for in all types of policy and that was very important to us also we banned um conversion therapy and then we also made gender uh identity a um protected class in the city so for me it’s always been supporting always been you know stopping people that want to come in and push others in different directions just like we’re seeing in Washington right now we banned conversion therapy we started the LGBTQ commission my first bill on city council was to pass the first ever commission for HIV and AIDS we also made gender identity and expression a protected class in this city
Sue –> O’Connor actually answered the question albeit by widesweeping statements from his time in City Council. However, these are tangible accomplishments. What has he done at the County level. Hopefully, something right? What is it? Also, it seems tricky since he’s the boss of an owner of the outlet.
I should note that O’Connor supported three proclamations involving me AND voted me in as the first ever member of the City LGBTQIA+ Commission. So I have benefitted from his time on City Council.
I also note that he did not tout a certain gay man working on his team. I asked him if that man would return to the Mayor’s office if he wins, but got no clear answer.
Nebby Nick’s question how will you continue to protect uh queer and trans folks here in Pittsburgh and within the region
Mayor Gainey: i hope that we can have communities come together to support one another in a way that demonstrates that we are the light regardless of the dark cloud in Washington i think that’s extremely important right now and so it’s working with organizations that believe in that right there that is not going to run away and that can say here’s how we can support that’s what love is about
Sue —> organizations like 20 year old blogs?
O’Connor: whether I win the endorsement or not know that if I am the mayor everybody has an open door policy in my office
Sue –> how would LGBTQ people know this?
I had to use YouTube transcript for the language so it is less than polished, however they both had a chance to respond in writing to 20 questions I created for each so YouTube transcript it is …
So Mayor Gainey did not name a single actual policy or program in either response. He pointed to the hiring of three former staffers as meaningful. He also used a term considered a slur.
O’Connor did reference actual policies and legislation as well as a concrete future plan of having an open-door policy. He did not reference accomplishments since he left City Council.
Someone needs to push back on both candidates answers with follow up questions. Who is Sam? might be a good start.
Now for The Advocate
I have no idea why a national LGBTQ publication would only interview one candidate. That’s a poor decision.
Gainey once again stands of the shoulders of his former staff members as evidence of LGBTQ street cred. Why do neither of these white gay male journalists push back on that? Do they even know?
Mostly Gainey just talks about unity and uses buzz words. Stop MAGA. No billionaires. Work together. Resist UPMC – but how? What’s the plan? What’s going to happen to City services if Trump implements his threats? What is the City going to do about the impact of the tariffs?
These questions I asked everyone running for City office. “We used to have a gay police chief and down with UPMC” is not a plan to lead the City. Neither is the things you did years ago in a group – what have you done for us lately?
I’m so disappointed with both of these men and both of their campaign directors. Their failure here to answer a series of thoughtful questions tailored to their campaigns by a local publication with 20 years under its belt only reinforces to me that neither is really prepared on LGBTQIA+ issues. Or respect for local media.
Also a failure here by LGBTQIA+ media to do their jobs.
I suggest you read their responses to the Steel City Stonewall Democrats. I am truly sorry we can’t provide you more insight. They could at least apologize to you. Below this video are the questions they chose not to answer.
Allies to the Trans Community? Meh.
Again, it is particularly deplorable that Gainey is lauding himself as a protector of trans people when he didn’t protect the trans woman who worked in his office. To be fair, it’s not like O’Connor stepped in to support her (that I know of.)
O’Connor gave an interview to the radio host who participated in the doxxing. He claimed he didn’t know, but that’s just poor campaign management. Then, both candidates participated in a debate hosted by the parent station of both doxxers, KDKA.
O’Connor’s staff apologized to me. Never heard another peep from the Gainey campaign. It’s never too late to say you are sorry.
I’d say both men fail to meet the bar on supporting the trans community. And that’s the sort of detail we need to really understand. The devil is in the detail.
That’s actually what I’m afraid of here – our lives are in those details.
So I’ve cast my ballot. It doesn’t matter whom I voted for in this race.
Gainey’s Incomplete Political Q&A
How do you describe your identity?
- Tell us about your Pittsburgh. What is a hidden gem most people might not know about?
- What professional accomplishment gives you the most pride?
- Part of your housing plan is end chronic homelessness in Pittsburgh by working with the County to create a place for every person experiencing homelessness, ranging from temporary shelter to permanent housing. Please give a specific programs or policy you will implement beyond the pledge to work with the County. What specifically will your Administration actually do in the next four years to end chronic homelessness?
- Please tell me about your familiarity with the LGBTQ community in the City of Pittsburgh. .
- Based on this, what do you understand to be our current top LGBTQ concerns and priorities for the City? How will you respond to those priorities?
- What have you personally and professionally done to protect trans kids?
- Tell us about an underappreciated or little known asset in City government?
- City government has been restructured so departments that formerly reported to both City Council and the Mayor now only report to the Mayor. This includes 311, public access cable TV channel, the Communications office, and even the printing office. Should the executive branch have exclusive control over so much of City government? Do you have any plans to further restructure?
- A federal funding freeze on the National Institute of Health could devastate research and treatment advances. But there’s also an economic blow to the City – an estimated $3.4 billion in economic activity and more than 15,500 jobs. And that’s just one stream of federal funding that could shrink or disappear. What will you do to address potential funding shortfalls from the federal government?
- In about 70% of Pennsylvania, it is legal to discriminate against people based on gender identity and sexual orientation – to fire us, to refuse to rent to us, even to deny to serve us in a business. The few protections we have come from municipal ordinances – including Pittsburgh – court rulings, and executive decisions none of which carry the weight of legislative action by the General Assembly. Name three things your office will do to address the fallout of this legalized bigotry?
- Every school kid learns that we have three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial. We also have three levels of government – local, state, and federal. Democracy is supposed to rest at the intersections of these branches and levels. Those intersections also include people – citizens, residents, voters, workers, neighbors. It can be overwhelming when the balance of power is heavily tilted in one direction. What three specific actions will you take to address this imbalance from your office should you be elected?
- Our nation is in turmoil. Still, City business continues – crime addressed, permits issued, potholes filled.. Our lives move forward, facing life changing personal circumstances in this larger context. How does a Mayor balance this cognitive dissonance?
- As a blogger and activist for 20+ years, I just received my first death threat for my trans affirming content. I’ve been targeted with hate, vitriol, vicious mocking, and even a few death wishes. Last year, I was doxxed by white nationalist website Stormfront.This threat required me to go to the police. How do you support trans City employees who receive similar or worse threats and doxxing?
- I did not see a section on your website focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Was that a conscious choice in response to the corporate shift away from DEI initiatives? What is your vision to ensure the City government is representative of City residents?
- With federal funding across the board expected to shrink, where do you find revenue source for Pittsburgh? Beyond UPMC and Highmark AHN and other large nonprofits. What is a fresh idea?
- In 2021, you completed this Q&A for your Mayoral Campaign. I asked “What will you do as Mayor to protect and uplift Black trans youth” and you replied, in part “First and foremost, I’m committed to hearing their voices and trusting in their leadership when they advocate for themselves. I can’t possibly know what types of changes or support would make them feel secure and welcomed better than they do themselves” Please provide examples of how your Administration has listened to Black trans youth over the past four years? What actions did you take in response to what you heard from Black trans youth?
- There’s a clear need to actively create space for women, especially Black women and other women of color, in elected office AND on campaign and legislative staffs. These are issues of representation and realities. Tell us about your campaign team.
- Why did you agree to complete this Q&A?
- Tell us about your endorsements.
- Please list your social media accounts and your campaign donation links.
- Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you.
O’Connor Incomplete Political Q&A
How do you describe your identity?
- Tell us about your Pittsburgh. What is a hidden gem most people might not know about?
- What professional accomplishment gives you the most pride?
- Part of your housing plan says you will get people off the streets permanently and into housing or support systems without “clearing away tents and playing whack-a-mole with people’s lives.” Please give a specific policy you will implement to accomplish this – not a task force or collaboration or a study – a specific policy you are ready to roll out.
- Please tell me about your familiarity with the LGBTQ community in Allegheny County.
- Based on this, what do you understand to be our current top LGBTQ concerns and priorities for the City? How will you respond to those priorities?
- What have you personally and professionally done to protect trans kids?
- Tell us about an underappreciated or little known asset in City government?
- City government has been restructured so departments that formerly reported to both City Council and the Mayor now only report to the Mayor. This includes 311, public access cable TV channel, the Communications office, and even the printing office. Should the executive branch have exclusive control over so much of City government? Do you have any plans to further restructure?
- You have “main and main” strategy that invests $10 million across 10 business districts in the City. What 10 districts did you select? How did you select them?
- In about 70% of Pennsylvania, it is legal to discriminate against people based on gender identity and sexual orientation – to fire us, to refuse to rent to us, even to deny to serve us in a business. The few protections we have come from municipal ordinances – including Pittsburgh – court rulings, and executive decisions none of which carry the weight of legislative action by the General Assembly. Name three things your office will do to address the fallout of this legalized bigotry?
- Every school kid learns that we have three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial. We also have three levels of government – local, state, and federal. Democracy is supposed to rest at the intersections of these branches and levels. Those intersections also include people – citizens, residents, voters, workers, neighbors. It can be overwhelming when the balance of power is heavily tilted in one direction. What three specific actions will you take to address this imbalance from your office should you be elected?
- Our nation is in turmoil. Still, City business continues – crime addressed, permits issued, potholes filled.. Our lives move forward, facing life changing personal circumstances in this larger context. How does a Mayor balance this cognitive dissonance?
- As a blogger and activist for 20+ years, I just received my first death threat for my trans affirming content. I’ve been targeted with hate, vitriol, vicious mocking, and even a few death wishes.Last year, I was doxxed by white nationalist website Stormfront. This threat required me to go to the police. And then post more trans affirming content. What will you do if trans employees of City government are targeted or doxxed?
- I did not see a section on your website focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. You are a white cisgender heterosexual man from a political dynasty family challenging the City’s first Black mayor. What is your vision to ensure the City government is representative of City residents?
- With federal funding across the board expected to shrink, where do you find revenue source for Pittsburgh? And note that everyone is exhausted with the fruitless task of trying to tax UPMC and AHN. Give us something fresh.
- In 2021, you completed this Q&A for your current office of County Auditor. You made a commitment for audits and reports for the following. Have they been completed and published for public review? Please explain.
Visit Pittsburgh
Allegheny County Jail
The Clean Air Fund
County services for those experiencing homelessness
Successes and shortcomings of emergency rental programs funded with non-county money
Indigent defense funding
- When I served on a City Commission under two mayors, I was genuinely shocked by how much effort it took to get anything done, the degree to which Commissions were treated like political appendages, and the failure to educate new Commissioners on the rudiments of municipal government. How will your Administration work with Commissions to fulfill their missions and serve the City?
- There’s a clear need to actively create space for women, especially Black women and other women of color, in elected office AND on campaign and legislative staffs. These are issues of representation and realities. Tell us about your campaign team.
- Why did you agree to complete this Q&A?
- Tell us about your endorsements.
- Please list your social media accounts and your campaign donation links.
- Is there anything else you’d like to add?
If you’d like to read other Political Q&A’s, here’s the link.
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