Ellen owes the Dixie Chicks an apology

While I’m not particularly surprised that Ellen Degeneres continues to lose touch with the experience of typical queer folks, I was dismayed by her comments defending her friendship with former President George W Bush. “We’re all different and I think that we’ve forgotten that that’s okay that we’re all different … but just because I […]

Visibility in Coming Out, Both Quietly and Publicly #NationalComingOutDay

Yep I'm Gay

I had an idea to explore an important question around coming out – the need for visibility and representation by publicly out folks in all industries, occupations, walks of life balanced against the very personal decisions we make to come out. I wrote about this in 2015 regarding the workforce of the City of Pittsburgh. […]

Itali Marlowe, 29, of Houston is the 20th Known Transgender Person Killed in 2019

Itali Marlowe

Itali Marlowe was just 29 years old when she was shot to death by Raymond D. Williams on September 20, 2019. It was a little past 2 PM in the afternoon when the Houston woman was found dying in her driveway near the home she shared with Williams. Itali was a Black trans woman. Williams […]

Saying “No” is a Revolutionary Act

setting boundaries

Recently, I blew up at another LGBTQ advocate who made some choices that I found questionable. I ended the conversation by telling them “Please don’t message me. I need a break from you. Thank you.” A week later, they unexpectedly sent me an expository email to help me understand their perspective and tell me how […]

Vote “No” on the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Tax Referendum

Vote No Referendum

Another year, another ballot referendum trying to circumvent the “no taxation without representation” theory of governance. This time it is the Parks Conservancy which wants funding for parks and doesn’t want the hassle of going through the normal City budgeting process. So 2018. The question would ask voters whether they support raising property taxes starting […]

What Happens When We Don’t Listen to Black Women in Pittsburgh

Black Women Pittsburgh

I’m still struggling along this week so I’ve had to skip a few significant stories I’d typically blog about. But I am paying attention. I live about a mile away from the Exxon gas station in Marshall-Shadeland where three male employees assaulted two Black women over what amounted to $17 worth of gas. I encourage […]

Arnold’s Tea Will Remain Open

Arnold's Tea Pittsburgh

Good news about Arnold’s Tea, a local Black owned business that was facing potential eviction and termination of their lease. First, it is critical to note that 3200+ people signed the Change.org petition to keep Arnold’s Tea open. That’s impressive. HDDC Board President Barbara Burns and her leadership team should open the books, explain how […]

Keep Arnold’s Tea Open: Sign the Petition

Arnold's Tea Pittsburgh

Arnold’s Tea is one of the best spaces on the Northside from early days under the ownership of Verna Arnold in 2015 through the current incarnation with Chef Claudy Pierre. It is a gorgeous roomy restaurant with plenty of comfortable seating right in the heart of East Ohio Street on Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood of East […]

78 Bi+ Stories From Western Pennsylvania #BiVisibility

Since 1999: Bisexual+ Awareness Week seeks to accelerate acceptance of the bi+ (pansexual, fluid, no label, queer, etc.) community. #BiWeek draws attention to the experiences, while also celebrating the resiliency of, the bisexual+ community. Throughout #BiWeek, allies and bi+ people learn about the history, culture, community, and current policy priorities of bi+ communities. In honor […]

It’s been a hard week in Pittsburgh to be a survivor of childhood sexual violence

Content Note: abuse, sexual assault, isolation It’s been a hard week in Pittsburgh to be a survivor of childhood sexual violence. Pittsburgh Pirate pitched Felipe Vasquez has been charged with multiple accounts related to a three year span of sexual violence targeting a girl from ages 13-15. PA State Senator Mike Folmer resigned after authorities […]