How To Be Smarter, Not Just Sound Smarter

I’ve always been a smarty pants, especially when it comes to vocabulary. My parents had me reading at an early age and I absorbed words from well-written books like a sponge. I’ve often been accused of affecting airs because I use a lot of “big words” in my day-to-day communication. One time, a supervisor added […]

My Therapist is a Nun

Persad Center

For ten years, I saw the same therapist, “D,” here in Pittsburgh. I was referred to her by my then-PCP because she was in a unique practice specializing in treating my diagnosis. The psychiatrist in the practice moved out-of-state after a few years, but I stayed with her. She was a tremendous support to me […]

Enter to win a digital copy of Stages from Josh Groban

Josh Groban Giveaway

STAGES the new album from multi-platinum vocalist JOSH GROBAN Featuring a collection of some of the greatest musical theater songs of all time including “What I Did For Love” and “All I Ask Of You” feat. Kelly Clarkson Available Now: http://smarturl.it/JGStagesiTunes Don’t miss Josh Groban on tour this fall! http://joshgroban.com http://facebook.com/JoshGroban http://twitter.com/joshgroban http://instagram.com/JoshGroban ENTER TO […]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

  I’d love to see a therapist, but I’m too busy with work/family/other activities. I talked to a counselor one time and it didn’t help. I’m not someone who talks about my feelings with a stranger. Psychiatry is a racket. It is on my list of things to do, right after I accomplish <insert xyz […]

Dreams of Hope Youth Video Supports #TakeTheHighRoad

Dreams of Hope #TakeTheHighRoad

Flannel is not the enemy. The youth in Pittsburgh based queer performing arts group Dreams of Hope took our #TakeTheHighRoad message of support to McGuffey High LGBTQA students a few steps further – producing this lovely video with their own unique messages. What can I add? You might still want to post your own photo […]

Five Ways to Improve Accessibility of Your Special Event in Pittsburgh

I just got off the phone with an event organizer who responded really well to my simple request for an accommodation at their upcoming event. I just needed a chair – a simple request, but it is an event without designated seating or even “a lot” of seating. So having a polite, accommodating conversation was […]

Book Drive at Perry Traditional Academy Because #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Perry Traditional Academy

  Perry Traditional Academy is the only high school on the North Side of Pittsburgh. The library staff and community supporters have set up a book drive through Amazon to bolster the school library. As I live on the North Side, it caught my attention so I interviewed Sheila, one of the librarians. I encourage […]

A Vigil for Andre Gray

Andre Gray Vigil

    I stood in an empty lot, my bag resting on the park bench as I adjusted the hood of my sweatshirt. A few minutes earlier, I was eating dinner across the street.  Then the media outlets called and told me if someone wasn’t available to interview instantly, they would kill the story. Kill […]

Flashback 2012: Pgh Pirates Release #ItGetsBetter Video Supporting #LGBTQA Youth

TakeTheHighRoad

“We speak for the entire Pirates organization when we say there is no room in society for hatred and bullying. “ ~ Clint Hurdle, Pittsburgh Pirates The anti-gay sentiments coming to light among young people (and their parents) in Washington County makes me think it is time to revisit 2012. That’s the year the Pittsburgh […]

#TakeTheHighRoad – Support LGBTQA Students at McGuffey

Students at McGuffey High School in Claysville, Washington County, Pennsylvania experienced backlash to their ‘Day of Silence’ – a group of classmates organized their own “Anti-Gay” day creating an atmosphere of fear and discomfort for LGBTQA students and allies. One tactic of the students was to wear flannel shirts and ink the phrase “anti-gay” as […]