Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

After I wrote the blog post “Here’s the truth about housing after a divorce” I received two questions – “What are you going to do?” and “Why aren’t you mobilizing your followers?”

I don’t know what I’m going to do. The post laid out the assorted options. I have to believe there is a way forward even if I don’t see it now. I suppose right now, I’d go to a shelter and try to find medium term housing while I wait for a public housing slot.

It feels outrageous, but a lot of our neighbors do it. Why would I be special or an exception?

This blog would be closed because I won’t be able afford the fees. The pet food pantry would close because I wouldn’t live near it to keep it running. The blog will be 20 years in late December. People offer to archive it for me, but don’t offer to help me keep blogging. I’m not ready to be put on the shelf just yet.

As for the mobilizing, I’ve tried. I have GoFundMe that’s been active since September 2023. I’ve posted 50 updates.We set a goal of $40k to pay for both lawsuits and living expenses. We’ve raised about $18,00 and a lot of it has gone to the retainers and fees.

I ask quite often, but it has been slow. I suspect the two year+ this has stretched out has lost its immediacy and urgency. It has increased my anxiety and fear.

I also sought some media coverage, but haven’t had much luck. That story isn’t just abut me – it is about how LGBTQ couples form and dissolve their relationships, With the looming possibility of marriage equality being dismantled, domestic partnerships are a story. The federal issues of due process around mental health are salient. However, I’ve approached local journalists, national outlets, and bloggers. No luck.

I’ve tried to catch the eye of LGBTQ and mental health influencers.

I can’t blame them. Is it big story or not while the world is on fire?

So I post on my own platforms. And hope.

Unless you have a housing situation, the best way to help is to fund my lawsuits (and living expenses). There are depositions, transcripts, discovery actions, and innumerable filing fees. More retainers.

• GoFundMe bit.ly/HelpLGBTQBlogger
• Venmo @Pghlesbian
• Paypal.me/Pghlesbian
• CashApp $Pghlesbian
• Zelle sitnscoop@gmail.com

You can even call my lawyers and pay directly if that makes you feel more comfortable

Anderson, Leech & Long (I’m using Stephanie Anderson) You can ask for the paralegal 412-766-8660

Otherwise, I need gift cards to buy food. I’m very fortunate that a friend picks up a weekly food distribution for me. I’ve tried to get to others, but transportation is an issue. Dok lent us a Landrover (Gertie) for the food pantry. I can drive her some places, but always have to be aware of hills and parking.

I really need a hair cut but my stylist at Motive is way too expensive although worth every penny. I’m a bit afraid of going to a local Cost Cutters type place so if you know of a stylist who works at one, please reach out to me.

Pet supplies are welcome, for me and for the pantry.

How else do I work my network? It feels tacky and disrespectful to ask people I’ve helped over the years to help me. Many still struggle. Same with the organizations I’ve helped. I’d be open to that conversation. Beyond my needs, these are two very important sets of issues where we are creating new law. If we win. The conversation around Kim Davis’ challenge to marriage equality has brought my many issues I’ve been talking about for two years (and longer.) Pennsylvania is a strong case study in how complicated and traumatizing this could be.

The best closer is a warning – don’t assume it can’t be you. I thought that for 20 years. And yet here I am.