My Family Story: The Overshadowed Legacy of Caroline Ritter (1852-1906)

The final profile in my 2x great-grandmother series is Caroline Ritter (1852-1906) Caroline is the paternal grandmother of my paternal grandfather, James Vincent Pryor. I didn’t learn her name for several years of my family tree research, after I stumbled upon a 4th cousin who filled me in on the Pryor history. The Backstory To […]

Madison, 40, is a Pansexual, Trans Woman Who Loves Pittsburgh #AMPLIFY

Pittsburgh Transgender Pansexual

  Name: Madison Perry Age: 40 County of Residence: Allegheny Pronouns: She ,her How do you describe your identity? Pansexual Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? In terms of my sexuality , I came out to the world as bisexual at 26 but since then since the vocabulary as I’ve […]

Laura, 42, is a Bisexual Mom in Pittsburgh #AMPLIFY

Bisexual Woman in Pittsburgh

What motivated you to take part in this project? I didn’t want to give into the fear. Now more than ever, we need to be seen and heard. I remembered the movie ‘Milk’ (loved that movie!) and Sean Penn (as Harvey Milk) saying ‘Come out, come out, wherever you are!’ but now I can’t seem to verify that anywhere. But, the quote I can verify as Harvey Milk’s, that is just as relevant is..’Hope will never be silent’. Here’s to never losing hope.

Helen, 51, Came Out as Bisexual in the Army National Guard #AMPLIFY

Bisexual Pittsburgh

Your Name: Helen Franziska Gerhardt Your Age: 51 Your Pronouns: She, her, Your County of Residence:  Allegheny How do you describe your identity? Bisexual Tell me about the first LGBTQ person whom you met. What impact did they have on your life? I was about eight years old when I met the woman from whom I received my middle name, Franziska […]

My Family Story: The Mysterious Life of Sarah Ann Campbell (1871-1907)

I’ve blogged about three of my 2x great grandmothers, all on my paternal side of the family.  Most people have eight 2x great grandmothers, four on the paternal side and four on the maternal. The final paternal 2x great grandma is perhaps the most mysterious of my recent ancestors – her name, I now know, […]

My Family Story: The Unknown Legacy of Anna Gottheld (1874-1949)

Perhaps that is her story, her legacy even. She like so many women in history are lost to us in terms of details, but real to us in terms of having actually been here and part of the tapestry of our lives. She existed in all of her unrecorded, complicated and stark reality. Her legacy is real even if the details are shrouded. Perhaps this post will unearth more details or perhaps it will simply honor the life story that we know.

Rest in power, Grandma Annie.

Krissy, 34, Talks About Step Parenting as a Bisexual Woman #AMPLIFY

Name:  Krissy Age:  34 County of Residence:  Crawford County.  Formerly, Erie County, Lawrence County, Warren County, and Clarion County Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity? I consider myself bi-sexual, but I don’t think I will ever be in a relationship with a man again. My relationship “works” so much better now. Please describe your coming out […]

James, 54, Is a Gay Pittsburgh Dad Living in Texas #AMPLIFY

Gay Allegheny County

Name: James Age: 54 County of Residence: Allegheny. I grew up in the Pittsburgh area. I now live in Texas. What a difference. Preferred Pronouns: Mr. How do you describe your identity? I am a gay man. I am attracted to other gay men. I look for loving tender relationships. I keep my priorities right. Please describe your coming out […]

Inherited Trauma and Coping with Trump

CN: description of suicide, addiction, intergenerational trauma Obviously, I’m struggling to come to terms with the implications of Trump for our nation, especially the most vulnerable among us. One of the ways I manage my anxiety is by working on my family tree. It is similar to working a jigsaw puzzle, but more conducive to […]

Here’s My #NaBloPoMo Post About The Gilmore Girls

I have been blogging daily, but not sticking with the prompts. However, I refuse to be a #NaBloPoMo drop-out. This coming Friday, I will not be shopping. Instead, I will sleep-in and then settle in to binge watch The Gilmore Girls ‘Year in the Life’ special on Netflix. Fortunately for me, Ledcat’s friend has asked […]