Trans Woman of Color Kiesha Jenkins, 22, Murdered in Philly

Kiesha Jenkins

  Just moments after I blogged about the murder of Melvin in Detroit, I read about the murder of Kiesha Jenkins – a 22 year old trans woman of color in Philadelphia. Kiesha uses the name Tatted Godess Kesh on her Facebook profile where dozens of friends are posting tributes. Kiesha Jenkins, 22, was shot […]

Melvin, 30 Year Old Gay Black Man Murdered in Detroit

Transgender Candle

  Very sad news coming out of Detroit, Michigan – the tragic murder of a third queer person in 2015. The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Melvin, a 30-year-old black gay identified male shot to death on Monday, October 5, in Detroit, Michigan. According to media reports, a […]

Scott Describes Life As a Middle-Aged Gay Bear in Rural Armstrong County

Gay Armstrong County

Name:  Scott Age: 48 County of Residence: Armstrong Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His How do you describe your identity? A gay man Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? My mother found a photo of me kissing a guy while snooping in my room. My parents response was that they can’t control what […]

How #AMPLIFY Has Changed My Life

I’m nine months into my artistic residency and four full months into the #AMPLIFY project, at least the publication phase. Seems like a good time to do some reflecting. If I were going to put up a sculpture to describe my life this year, it would be #AMPLIFY. It would be a beautiful reclaimed wood sculpture. […]

Claudette is a Non-Binary Queer Who Wants Us To See Beyond the L and the G #AMPLIFY

queer Allegheny County

Name: Claudette Sheree Age: 22 County of Residence: Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: They/Them/Their How do you describe your identity? I identify as queer non-binary hard femme queen Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face?  coming out as a femme non-binary queer person in a very strict family in a very small town. […]

#ReelQ30 Preview ‘Margarita With a Straw’

Margarita With a Straw Saturday October 10, 6:30 PM at the Harris Theater This lovely movie deftly explores intersectionality. I can’t recall many films that specifically introduce sexual storylines for persons with disabilities. Especially queer people with disabilities. Especially queer people of color with disabilities. Kalki Koechlin portrays Laila, a talented composer who refuses to […]

Taylor Wants More LGBTQ Resources and Community Unity #AMPLIFY

Allegheny County Lesbian

Name: Taylor Age: 27 County of Residence: Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: Queen(she) How do you describe your identity? Female Lesbian Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? My coming out was hard, I just came out and said I like girls, everyone was quiet for a while, then they started to ask questions. I […]

Alexandria is a Lesbian Artist Trying To Get Her Bearings #AMPLIFY

lesbian Pittsburgh

Name: Alexandria Age: 48 County of Residence:  Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: Female How do you describe your identity? I’m a compassionate person who is a white, female, lesbian artist. How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? All the way out Tell me about the first LGBTQ person whom you met. What impact did they have on […]

Anonymous Grieves How Pgh’s Lesbian & Gay Community Treats Bisexuals #AMPLIFY

Bisexual Pittsburgh

Name: Anonymous Age: 45 County of Residence: Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: She, her. (Non-traditional female) How do you describe your identity? Non-traditional female, bisexual, polyamorous. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I realized that I was bi at 42, after two hetero divorces. I think a big part of that was, when […]

Erik Is a Cis White Working-Class Queer from Clearfield County

Allegheny Clearfield Gay

  Name: Erik Age: 45 County of Residence: Allegheny. I grew up in Clearfield County, and attended college in Crawford County. Preferred Pronouns: he/him How do you describe your identity? This is evolving – in the sense that years ago, I wouldn’t have attached “cis,” not knowing what that meant – but I’m comfortable identifying as a cis white working-class […]