PICT Staging of ‘Jane Eyre’ Fires the Imagination for a Victorian Classic

You should go see Jane Eyre at PICT Pittsburgh’s Classical Theater, running now through April 28, 2018 in Oakland. We were there for opening night. Let me back up. I read the novel several times, along with others in the Bronte canon. I liked this novel, but I didn’t love it. I also didn’t love sister […]

Q&A with Erika Strassburger, Candidate for Pgh City Council District 8

Erika Strassburger yard sign

The Special Election to fill the City Council seat for District 8, formerly held by Dan Gilman is many things. It is a contested election with Democratic, Republican, and Independent contenders. It is a race full of big ideas on everything from pothole repairs to clean water and rent control. It is also a genuine […]

US Supreme Court Leaves Stand Texas High Court Ruling Undermining Marriage Equality

Domestic Partner Benefits

This is a nightmare scenario for me. I am not being histrionic, or perhaps I am being consistent with the histrionic level I’ve been maintaining on domestic partner benefits since 2014.  The US Supreme Court has let stand a Texas Supreme Court  ruling that there is no established right to spousal benefits in same-sex marriages. […]

Wayback to My Political Blogging 2006-2009 #Ouch #NaBloPoMo

Favorite Blog Memories Because Election Day is almost here, I’m going to share a few political moments. My early days were very state and municipal focused. I mentioned 2 Political Junkies, Tony Norman, and Chris Potter a lot. I even criticized Chris Potter – whhhattt???? Things have changed, but you might enjoying browsing these posts […]

Two Questions for the Pgh Mayor’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee

Pittsburgh Mayor's LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council

I have a few questions about local governing and LGBTQ issues. I will be sharing these directly with the members of the Council whom I personally know. I’ve asked if I could attend a meeting to discuss my concerns, but was informed that the Department of Personnel would not permit me to do so.  Earlier […]

Make Pittsburgh Great Again?

The Incline has an in-depth look at the contested race for City Council in District Four. You should really, really read it Each time I hear/read Coghill say “Back to Basics” – I hear/read “Make America Great Again.” Is it just me? Look at the key phrases in this quote. It is a bit eerie. […]

How Pittsburgh Men Warn & Explain Women, And How We Persist

Here’s what I see from this perch somewhere between progressive and the queer left – men seem to consistently believe they know what is best for women. Men also seem intent on denying this reality as a false perception by women who talk about the topic. Case in point, rather cases in point. Mitch McConnell […]

Pittsburgh Opera Brings Gertrude Stein’s Love Story to Pittsburgh: Interview With Ricky Ian Gordon

  This week, the Pittsburgh Opera hosts the Pennsylvania debut of ’27’ – an opera about the love story of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, composed by Ricky Ian Gordon. Ricky has Pittsburgh ties and graciously agreed to answer a few questions for us. 1. Tell me about your first impression of Pittsburgh. I […]

Three Rivers Community Foundation – An Open Letter to Delta Foundation

June 2, 2015   Gary Van Horn Delta Foundation   Dear Mr. Van Horn,   Three Rivers Community Foundation (TRCF) advances social change through grant making, advocacy and capacity development for grassroots agencies and other organizations. TRCF embraces Change not charity™ by empowering grantee organizations to ensure social, economic and environmental justice in Southwestern Pennsylvania. […]

Victory! City of Pgh Will Continue to Offer Domestic Partner Benefits to Employees

Pittsburgh Domestic Partner Benefits

I am so very relieved. I just got off the phone with the Personnel Department of the City of Pittsburgh. They confirmed for me that after a review, the City has decided to maintain its existing policy with regard to domestic partner benefits. No one will lose coverage if they remain unmarried. New employees can […]