Anonymous, 30, Wants More Visibility for the Pansexual Community #AMPLIFY
Name: Anonymous
Age: 30
County of Residence: Washington, formerly Allegheny
Preferred Pronouns: Her, she, etc.
Category: All the Q&A’s
Janet, 66, is Bisexual, Cisgender and Gender Nonconforming #AMPLIFY
Name: Janet
Age: 66
County of Residence: Allegheny. I lived in my youth in Cambridge, MA, Bonn, Germany, New Haven CT and Oxford England.
Preferred Pronouns: She, her hers
How do you describe your identity? I am bisexual in my sexual orientation and cisgender but mildly gender non-conforming in my gender presentation.
Why People Share Their Stories With #AMPLIFY
In June 2015, we added this question to the Q&A
“What motivated you to take part in this project?”
The responses have been enlightening when I consider why people take 30-60 minutes to share some of their most personal thoughts with the wide world. Their investment isn’t fleeting – the Q&A will live on as our archived collective experiences.
“I particularly wanted to participate because I wanted an older perspective to be included.”
Dominic, 18, Is a Bisexual Man Finding His Comfort Zone in College #AMPLIFY
Name: Dominic
Age: 18
County of Residence: Allegheny County
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
How do you describe your identity? Cis White Male Bisexual
Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? When I came out, my mom took away my computer for the summer (I came out right at the end of the school year), saying that she was taking it away because of my “porn addiction” and that her taking it away on the same day I came out was coincidental. When I got my computer back for the school year, she installed a religious filter on my computer called Covenant Eyes.
#AMPLIFY and LGBT History Month
We want to keep growing and we especially want to begin offering audio recording options to conduct interviews with community elders as well as others who have limited access to the Internet. We have connected with a lesbian owned transcription service based in Johnstown, PA, but it will still cost $125-250 per interview. That’s one reason we ask people to try to use the online form if possible.
During October, we are again crowdfunding for the project – we hope to raise $3,000 so we can schedule the audio sessions throughout the winter. The funds will be used to set up “AMPLIFY Info” sessions in the outlying counties so we can meet people & encourage them to participate as well as to set up the actual recording times. And, of course, pay for the transcription.
We’ve been invited to New Castle (Lawrence County), Johnstown (Cambria County), Bradford (McKean County), as well as Armstrong, Beaver, Butler and Clearfield counties. If you need a little encouragement, consider this story from Melanie (a Trump supporter) who lives in Washington County.
Dean Sees Queer Struggles as Stories of Strength #AMPLIFY
Name: Dean
Age: 31
County of Residence: Allegheny
Preferred Pronouns: Male, He, Gay.
How do you describe your identity? Gay male with asexual tendencies in a polyamourus relationship
Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? Coming out was a matter of lie, deny or try. I was outed by a female friend that had a crush on me in 8th grade. She decided to tell the only out gay male in our class / school – which led to everyone soon bringing the question up to me & family members. At the time I was seeing a fellow classmate on the wrestling team. He denied and I chose to try and not lie.
How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? After experiencing much in the strictly male “gay world” I now prefer to be associated with a queer community than just men. There has been more open arms, plus understanding amongst a community made up of all genders + sexualities & identifications. Not just one orientation alienating my personal views.
Brian, 29, Wants the LGBTQ Community to Address Social Isolation #AMPLIFY
Name: Brian Age: 29 County of Residence: Allegheny, Grew up for the most part in and around Burlington, Vermont. I moved to North Carolina for undergrad and called Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill home for 8 years before moving to Pittsburgh in 2013. Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His How do you describe your identity? I’m a white, cisgender, gay Duke fan. Go, […]
Morgan, 21, Hasn’t Met Other Openly Gay Suburban Couples #AMPLIFY
Name: Morgan Age: 21 County of Residence: Allegheny, Butler county for a couple months when I first moved to PA. I’m originally from a small town in Michigan. Preferred Pronouns: I’m a girl and a Morgan, but call me whatever you want. How do you describe your identity? I’m just me. I’m a lesbian but that’s not all I am. […]
Hayley, 46, Wants To Keep That Pride Feeling Year Round #AMPLIFY
Name: Hayley Age: 46 County of Residence: Allegheny, formerly Adams and Franklin counties Preferred Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity? I am a white, lesbian, pescatarian, feminist woman. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I fell in love with a student in college. It was the typical “falling in love […]
Brian, 35, ‘It’s okay to be whatever you want’ #AMPLIFY
As part of our role as the Official Social Media Sponsor of the ReelQ LGBTQ Film Festival, we are featuring a few Q&A’s with those involved. Today, we are delighted to share the AMPLIFY contribution from Brian who is hosting a fundraiser for the organization on Saturday evening. Be sure to check out Brian’s cultural […]
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