Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

It has been almost two years since the event I now refer to as the ‘Decommitment’ hit its full stride and while calm right now, things are still roiling under the surface.

You can read the backstory here including many updates. And it has been verified by GoFundMe – they’ve been so helpful.

Here’s the quick version.

I was involuntarily committed to UPMC/Western Psych on August 27, 2023 by my spouse, including being escorted in handcuffs from my home of 20 years by City Police. I did not need this interventions I was released in about five hours. During that five hour period, my spouse had the locks to our home – of 20 years – changed. I was homeless, without access to my possessions, my pets, my medication, my life for 196 days while this played out in Family Court. On Day 197, I returned to my home – with a key – and I remain here while the legal battles continue.

We sought and received a finding from the Court of Common Pleas that domestic partnerships are not considered part of a marriage. That finding had to be examined by a higher level of court so we are heading to PA Superior Court to seek redress on the relationship of Functional Marital Equivalents like domestic partnerships, civil unions, civil partnerships, common law marriages with marriage.

Long story short – when/if marriage equality falls, Pennsylvanian families will need every right and tool possible to protect their families. This is not a battle the LGBTQ community can afford to lose.

Also, I discovered that there were apparent discrepancies with the involuntary civil commitment petition and warrant. So I have filed suit in the Federal Courts against Allegheny County and UPMC for violating my due process rights. Both sought to have the case dismissed before I even have my day in court. I might add that no one from the County ever showed any concern about my mental health status, my housing, my access to food and healthcare or any of the many things they say are important. They certainly didn’t seem to think being held against my will for five hours was a violation. Make sure your heroes are consistent is what I’m saying. If white middle class, middle aged cisgender folx like me with some bit of a local profile can be summarily dismissed … well, really so can you.

That case is already in appeals, too.

There’s more – threats from a TERF to sue me for defamation, cat kidnappings, my Dad died, threats from other people to hurt or harm me, one to kill me, meetings with State Legislators, meetings with City Councilors, food pantries, and more.

It is important to note that my only asset is this blog -20+ years of history of our community. It is the only thing of value I can sell. That would be heartbreaking, but my heart barely survived #Decommitment so I have to be practical.

I hope you can help me fund the two cases and keep myself. Thank you.

GoFundMe bit.ly/HelpLGBTQBlogger

Vemo @Pghlesbian

Paypal.me/Pghlesbian

CashApp $Pghlesbian

Zelle sitnscoop@gmail.com

If you’d prefer to call my lawyer and donate directly, I can connect you with their offices.