My 2020 History Chicks Podcast Binge

The History Chicks

I picked a new binge project for 2020 – listening to all of the ‘History Chicks’ podcasts episodes. This is for multiple purposes. First, it is obviously educational and enriching. Second, I’ve been tasked by my therapist to incorporate a new distraction tool into my daily life. Listening to a podcast in the car is […]

I published my first FanFic story

Laura Spencer grandchildren

While I am not deep into fandom, stanning, or cons of any sort, I do enjoy a lifelong relationship with soap operas, particularly General Hospital. I’ve occasionally shared my perspective on the impact of soap opera storylines, casting, and so forth. Just last month, I wrote about the potential to cast Michael Park as a […]

Q&A: Actor Shamika Cotton on the ‘Female Gaze’ of Her African-Carribbean Feminist Spy Character, Marianne Angelle

Shamika Collage Marianne Angelle

“I think the thing that resonates with me the most about Marianne is her willingness to jump in the fight for “freedom, justice, humanity” in spite of the inherent sacrifice that comes with that. Such bravery. A human bravery, which comes with a nagging fear which can only be dealt with by finding allies that can help you along the way.”

My Love Affair With Wendy’s Hamburgers: National Fast Food Day

National Fast Food Day: National Blog Posting Month My love affair with Wendy’s Hamburgers began in October 1982. I was 11 years old when Wendy’s opened on the corner of Lebanon Presbyterian Road and Route 887.  Prior to this, our fast food options were a McDonald’s and a space on the other side of the […]

Robert Traveled From Fayette County to Los Angeles #AMPLIFY

Gay Pittsburgh

Name: Robert Hensley Age: 37 County of Residence: I was born and raised in Fayette County; I live in Allegheny and Erie Counties while in college. Now lives in Los Angeles, California.  Preferred Pronouns: Human. I find this dialogue block offensive. It perpetuates labeling. How do you describe your identity? I describe myself as a human being, a person with […]

John, 38, Is a Johnstown Based LGBTQ Activist #AMPLIFY

Johnstown Gay

John has the distinction of being the 100th person profiled in this series since May 2015. Thank you, John. Name: John DeBartola Age: 38 County of Residence: I hail from New Jersey. I lived in Susquehanna County, PA when I was finishing high school. I have lived in Cambria County, PA and the surrounding area since 1995. Preferred […]

True Blood Does Nothing For Me

True Blood

When was the last time a movie, a book, or a television show left you cold despite all your friends (and/or all the critics) raving about it? What was it that made you go against the critical consensus? There are so many reasons I should love “True Blood” and yet I am no friend of […]

REVIEW: Pittsburgh Pride Theater Festival 2014

Pittsburgh Pride Theater

I like theater. I don’t attend nearly often enough for my own satisfaction, but I always come away with this inexplicable sense of wonder and puzzlement. I want to rush into the theater lobby and talk about it all to everyone, while also wanting to rush home and be quiet with my thoughts. Note. I […]

Wandering Around Port Charles and Salem

Tell us about the top five places you’ve always wanted to visit. GO! One of the things about living in a nation with disjointed equality is that traveling take a lot more energy and planning. I don’t really want to spend my money in a state that thinks I’m second class (yet, ironically, I live […]

General Hospital Dragged My Attention Away From the Gay Storyline

GH gay characters

Yinz know that I’ve spent the better part of a year waiting for the return of Lucas Jones to General Hospital and his big gay storyline. And I wasn’t terribly disappointed either with the slow build or the possibility of a gay male love triangle, especially one featuring two men of color. Slow is a […]