Why Domestic Partner Benefits for Allegheny County employees matter to all of us (redux)

Why Domestic Partner Benefits for Allegheny County employees matter to all of us (redux)

A bit in the Tribune Review caught my eye last week.  Councilman Bill Peduto said he is prepared to move forward next week with legislation that would merge the city and county's financial systems. He said the city “would find the money” if state money would not come through. Identical legislation is awaiting a vote from County […]

Westboro Supreme Court Decision

Westboro Supreme Court Decision

Picketing funerals is abhorrent, but I must admit that it irks me a bit when people overlook the fact that this hate group has been picketing the funerals of LGBTQ persons for years — they even picketed Mr. Rogers memorial service (I was there).  Any parent, spouse, or partner having to bury their loved one […]

Update on pro-equality legislation in Pennsylvania

Update on pro-equality legislation in Pennsylvania

State Representive Cohen has introduced a measure that would expand existing law to recognize civil unions.   HB708 has several familiar cosponsors, including Dan Frankel, Jake Wheatley, Chelsa Wagner, Dom Costa, Paul Costa, Mark Gergely.  41 sponsors in total. This legislation has been referred to the Judiciary Committee as of February 12, 2011. Several cosponsors sit in […]

WPTS launches “Gay Agenda” radio program

WPTS launches “Gay Agenda” radio program

From Thursday's Post-Gazette comes word of a new LGBTQ radio program called “The Gay Agenda” The idea behind “The Gay Agenda,” which airs on FM 92.1 from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Thursdays, is to discuss issues of concern to people in the gay community of greater Pittsburgh. The show began in January, and has included […]

The PG’s Reg Henry weighs in on DOMA

The PG’s Reg Henry weighs in on DOMA

The Defense of Marriage Act took another blow this when the Department of Justice (part of the Executive Branch) anounced it will no longer defend DOMA in court.  Pittsburgh's own Reg Henry weighs in with a very pragmatic priece. DOMA, on the other hand, is increasingly uncool, being social and religious prejudice written into law. […]

Marriage Equality Update

Marriage Equality Update

Good news from Maryland.   The fight for marriage equality in Maryland took a giant step forward tonight as the State Senate voted to approve a bill that extends legal marriage to same-sex couples.  The  legislation now heads to the House of Delegates for debate.  If it wins approval in the lower chamber, Maryland Gov. Martin […]

14th Ward Independent Democratic Club sponsors Impact Video Contest

14th Ward Independent Democratic Club sponsors Impact Video Contest

This looks interesting … GOT MESSAGE? Would you like to add to the progressive message and maybe win a few hundred bucks? The Pittsburgh 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club is holding a contest for best visual – film, video, slide show, performance art, stand-up, whatever you can record – that inspires people to action toward […]

“Fagbug” is back in the region

“Fagbug” is back in the region

I first learned about this story at Pridefest a few years ago.  Erin Davies has her vehicle vandalized, including homophobic graffiti and the always original tag “Fag.”  Erin took action and began driving the vehicle around the nation to educate people about homophobia.  Sure enough, she drove in the Pride March that year.  Erin is […]

Santorum and “santorum” … the devil is in the Google analytics

Dan Savage is incredibly naughty and wonderful in the same breath.  Thanks to his creative and intrepid readers, the Savage definition of Santorum remains at the top of the Google search for Rick's name.  Rick's wikipedia entry is third.    The Post-Gazette reported that Savage's readers have clicked away to put the santorum definition to […]

Stuff

Stuff

Blogging has been a bit sparse of late.  Chalk it up to some time constraints, lack of inspiration due to information overload and other stuff.  Blah, blah, blah. It is still tough when I sit down in front of a crisp, fresh post opportunity and draw a complete blank.  Stuff is happening … stunning protests […]