Black Trans Woman Aleanna Royal Bechdel Fatally Stabbed in New York State

Her name was Aleanna Belcher. She was a 31 year old Black trans woman when her life ended on Friday, April 17, 2026 in the stairwell of a housing complex in Birmingham, New York. She knew the man who stabbed her to death, but the nature of their relationship is unclear. The Crime From WBNG […]

Community Leaders Investigate Discovery of a Noose in McKeesport

These images may be disturbing. Please take care if you share them. An anonymous call early yesterday morning from a McKeesport resident who would not use their name. They told me there was a noose hanging from the power lines on Meadow Street in McKeesport. Their fear was palpable. I had a trusted source visit […]

Trans Woman Dannielle Spillman, 74, Was a Beloved Fixture in her San Francisco Neighborhood. Then a Violent Driver Took Her Life.

A hit and run traffic incident in San Francisco left a 74-year-old white trans woman dead. Her name was Dannielle Spillman. Incident, not accident. The Crime On Monday, April 16, around 1:30 p.m. near Mission Street and South Van Ness Avenue. Valentine Cash Amil was driving a black 2024 Mercedes-Benz E350 and had just finished filling […]

Can’t help but think of yesterday. Happy 60th Birthday, John!

Today is a date that would have made John groan, curl up in a blanket on the couch, and turn on the Broadway Musical streaming channel – his 60th birthday. I wish he was here so I could tease him about it. But he is not. Typically, the dates of his birth and death make […]

Davonta Curtis was a Black Trans Woman killed in Chicago

A 31-year-old Black trans woman was beaten to death in her Chicago home on April 5, 2026. Her name was Davonta Curtis. Police have arrested and charged a 24-year-old man with first-degree murder and possession of a stolen vehicle per Them. The Crime According to Chicago news outlets, Davonta was in an “on again, off […]

“Is she in the shittier?” And other things women say.

Over the weekend, I attended an event staffed by dozens of volunteers, mostly women. As things wrapped up, one woman was looking for another specific person. She was standing with her legs firmly planted to support her frame as she sorted through something or another on the table in front of her, a pair of […]

Corporate sponsors pivot away from Pittsburgh Pride, creating challenges and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ community

Pittsburgh Pridefest has announced a budget shortfall due mainly to a lack of corporate sponsorship. This does have the immediate impact on events, but it also reflects a disturbing pattern of distancing themselves from our community. There is a difference between the impact of these. institutions. Pittsburgh Pride is scheduled for June 5-7 in Allegheny Commons Park […]

UPDATE: My neighbor’s dog bit my friend this week. I’m traumatized.

I don’t know if it was in response to this post. My older nephew called me to ask about my neighbor friend – he’s met her. He started a nice conversation about his dog. I was really impressed with the steps he’s taken to help the dog have his best life. He invited me over […]

Help us pay local sources to make another 1,000 whistle kits. Also update on dog food for families.

Good news – we raised enough funds to make sure ‘Roman Brady’ has dog food for six months. We’ll use autoship, have it delivered to our pantry, and a helper will deliver using their own safety plans. It is not illegal to donate to support your neighbors. We hope you trust us to be smart, […]

104 Trans Voices on the Trans Day of Visibility

I usually include a collage of participating individuals who submitted it for their Q&A. This year, I don’t feel safe doing that. The Trans Day of Visibility is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society. I spend too much time – by […]