Monday Candlelight Vigil for Dakota James; Second Man David Carter Also Missing

Vigil for Dakota James

If you are able to be present for Dakota’s family at this Monday evening vigil, please do so. I also ask that you keep your thoughts on another local man missing since January 18, 2017. His name is David Carter. He was last seen at the Homestead Grays Bridge around 4:30 PM and it is […]

Jason, 42, aka Miss Thea Trix Spreads a Positive Vibe in the Mon Valley #AMPLIFY

Name: Jason Zubovic Age: 42 County of Residence: Fayette, formerly Allegheny and Westmoreland counties Preferred Pronouns: Mr. and Miss – him and her How do you describe your identity? I am an openly gay white male entertainer with an amazing partner of three years. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? My […]

Gay Man Missing from Downtown Pittsburgh #BringDakotaHome

Dakota James Missing Person

On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, a 23-year-old white gay Northside resident joined friends for drinks at a Market Square venue. His name is Dakota Leo James and after leaving the bar, he vanished. Dakota is an employee of HBHunt and a part-time graduate students at Duquesne University. His family and friends grew worried when he […]

Sean, 29, Wants to Change the LGBT Climate in Western Pennsylvania #AMPLIFY

Name:  Sean Meloy Age: 29 County of Residence:  Allegheny, formerly Centre County and Washington DC Preferred Pronouns: He / His / Him How do you describe your identity?  Gay male  Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? Well, it was two-fold. Firstly was “coming out” to myself, which was formally […]

James, 54, Is a Gay Pittsburgh Dad Living in Texas #AMPLIFY

Gay Allegheny County

Name: James Age: 54 County of Residence: Allegheny. I grew up in the Pittsburgh area. I now live in Texas. What a difference. Preferred Pronouns: Mr. How do you describe your identity? I am a gay man. I am attracted to other gay men. I look for loving tender relationships. I keep my priorities right. Please describe your coming out […]

Kyle Discusses Privilege & Perception of Gay, White, Cisgender Men #AMPLIFY

gay bisexual cis man Allegheny County

How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”?

I am 100% viewed by most as being out as a gay man, which is funny since I have spent most of my adulthood as bi- or pan-sexual (I adopted the pan-sexual identity after first hearing about it). But, I am a cis-gender man who is married to a cis-gender man. Since most people just assume that means I am gay, that is what I am generally seen as. So, I suppose I am “out,” just not everyone knows the full story.

Emma, 28, Keeps Her Queer Eyes Open in Pittsburgh #AMPLIFY

Name:  Emma Age: 28 County of Residence: Allegheny County. Formerly, Beaver county, Bradford county, & York county Preferred Pronouns: She/Her How do you describe your identity? I am a white, cis-gendered, gay woman. I wear the ‘lesbian’ hat sometimes, & like the ‘queer’ hat most often, too. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What […]

Mitch, 27, Describes Life in Butler County as a Gay Man #AMPLIFY

Butler County Gay

Have you ever experienced discrimination based on your identity? Specifically, in a job setting, when applying for housing or while in public. While living in Butler, whether past or present, it is not safe to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community or perceived to be a member. When living in Butler, I received threats, was harassed, had my car vandalized and have been physically harmed as a result of being gay and prior to coming out, for being perceived as a gay person. I think a mistake is being made if people deny a problem exists. Just because someone says something does not exists, doesn’t mean it doesn’t.

Kierra Darshell is Pittsburgh’s First Lady of Drag #AMPLIFY

Kierra Darshell

How do you describe your identity? Black gay man and female impersonator

Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? It was hard being the only son but my Mother was very supportive and my Father wasn’t at first but with time he was much better accepting he had a gay son.

How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? Fabulous and truly living in my truth!

Dean Sees Queer Struggles as Stories of Strength #AMPLIFY

Gay Asexual Polyamorous Pittsburgh

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.