Verbal Ticks Are Not Cool

Is there a word or a phrase you use (or overuse) all the time, and are seemingly unable to get rid of? If not, what’s the one that drives you crazy when others use it?  This reminds me of a story. I was 25 and living in Kentucky, working in social service ministry. I had […]

Adventures in CSA: Chapter Two

So our first week trying to consume an entire share of produce from the Kretschman Farm CSA. That was quite a challenge. We were defeated, I must admit. I never made it to preparing the Swiss Chard. We dried the herbs and dove into leafy green salads – green leaf lettuce, spinach and more. And […]

Cloning Equality

Pittsburgh LGBT

If you could clone one element from another city you’ve visited — a building, a cultural institution, a common street food, etc. — and bring it back to your own hometown, what would it be? I actually put together an entire plan to do this – to study best practices in LGBTQ municipal equality via a […]

I Owe Bill Peduto an Apology

Pittsburgh Pridefest

Last night, Bill Peduto made his first official Pridefest appearance as Mayor at OUTrageous Bingo. He came in looking very relaxed and comfortable in a blue bowling shirt and took the mike like a pro. He acknowledged the longevity and importance of Bingo, Shepherd Wellness and the Gay & Lesbian Community Center. He called a […]

REVIEW: Pittsburgh Pride Theater Festival 2014

Pittsburgh Pride Theater

I like theater. I don’t attend nearly often enough for my own satisfaction, but I always come away with this inexplicable sense of wonder and puzzlement. I want to rush into the theater lobby and talk about it all to everyone, while also wanting to rush home and be quiet with my thoughts. Note. I […]

Dan Savage’s “Hump Tour” WILL Play in Pittsburgh (And We Have Free Passes)

Earlier this week, we learned from the City Paper that anonymous grumps in Dormont complained so borough officials invoked an archaic law to ban the showing of “The Hump Tour” at the Hollywood Theater. Apparently, five minute dirty movies aren’t Dormont’s idea of a good time. Naftal says screening the festival would involve “multiple violations” […]

UPDATE: ToonSeum Designates ‘Kitty Pryde’ Proceeds for LGBTQ Cartoonist Exhibit

Toonseum

ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos has been busy responding to support the organization has received in response to news that people were cancelling membership because of their support of the LGBTQ community. The ToonSeum is sponsoring a VIP event during Pride in the Streets – Kitty Pryde in the Streets VIP Lounge. Note – you […]

Storyteller Staci Backauskus From Pittsburgh Pride Theater Festival

Pittsburgh Pride Theater

The Pittsburgh Pride Theater Festival returns for it’s sixth season this weekend. We caught up with Judy Meiksin yesterday to learn more about the event. Today, we’ll talk with one of the authors, Staci Backauskus. You can read our interview with director Ted Hoover from last year. The festival runs the first two weekends in June on the third floor of Bricolage Theater on Liberty Avenue. […]

Pittsburgh Museum Faces Backlash for Supporting PrideFest, LGBTQ Community

Toonseum

On Tuesday night, Joe Wos of the ToonSeum shared on Facebook that a community member had cancelled their membership because of the ToonSeum’s involvment in the LGBTQ community and PrideFest. We profiled Joe as an ally in 2013. Here’s his post: Today I got an email saying “we will not be renewing our membership because […]

Poet and Playwright Judy Meiksin Talks Pittsburgh Pride Theater Festival

Pittsburgh Pride Theater

The Pittsburgh Pride Theater Festival returns for it’s sixth season this weekend. We caught up with Judy Meiksin to learn more about the event. Tomorrow, we’ll talk with one of the authors, Staci Backauskus. You can read our interview with director Ted Hoover from last year. The festival runs the first two weekends in June […]