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As we wrap up our 13th year of blogging, it is time to look back at the most frequently read blog posts from 2018. My coverage of violence against LGBTQ people, people of color, and women continue to be among the most often read topics. I’m committed to providing that coverage, but loathe that there […]
As I wrap up 13 years of blogging and head into year 14, I think it is a good time to thank some of the amazing folks who have helped me and this blog flourish. This is not in any particular order or ranking. Nina Gibbs, Jason Sauer and Most Wanted Fine Art – in […]
I saw my PCP last week because I have some chronic symptoms that aren’t connected to a cause – things like feeling nauseated, no appetite, restless sleep, constant need to pee. I presumed it was medical menopause. But as usual the doctors make it about my mental health, no matter the symptoms. I’m going to […]
For the past few years, we’ve been fortunate to have a few regular investors in our work. These donations range from $1-$10 month, but they represent so much to me. The idea that people find this blog and our assortment of projects worthwhile of investment is quite mind-blowing, even now. I am so grateful to […]
I hope the message of our zine is that safety and joy come first, and that you absolutely deserve both as an LGBTQ person. It’s not always easy to see that when the message you’re getting from your family is that you aren’t allowed to participate in holidays and family unless you censor your queerness to make others comfortable.
Happy Holidays! It has been a lovely season of giving in the midst of an ongoing series of blows targeting the LGBTQ community, both locally and nationally. And it is never too late to give and to invest in your LGBTQ neighbors. Here are some ways that remain open through the holidays and into 2019. […]
It is not a good week when you are comparing the poor customer service of both local grocery chain Giant Eagle and local healthcare giant, Allegheny Health Network. Note – if anyone chimes in with the word “Aldi’s” – you will be on my list. On Tuesday, I went to my PCP on Federal Street […]
We have published 279 Q&A’s to date. Western Pennsylvania has about 4 million residents and about 210,000 LGBTQ residents. How many have you read? And have you shared your story using our online Q&A? Below is a reverse chronological list of the AMPLIFY Q&A’s Maria Talks Lesbian Life in the North Hills of Pittsburgh Suzanne, […]
Name: Maria Vincenzia La Monica Age: 33 County of Residence: Allegheny Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity? Female, Lesbian, writer, cancer survivor, advocate, enthusiast. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I was deeply closeted until I was 29, I walked out of the closet and into the […]
In a twist of irony that is just basically unfair, I find myself facing yet another round of the dreaded abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds. Last January, I had a complete hysterectomy – complete means they removed my uterus and my cervix, leaving the ovaries. I was just 47 at the time of surgery so not […]
