Human Relations Commission Chair Stephen Glassman has a well-written, thoughtful argument in support of the passage of HB 300.  It is unacceptable that such basic civil rights are not ensured for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender individuals under current Pennsylvania law. The city of Pittsburgh has recognized this, passing a local ordinance several years ago […]

The Post-Gazette has the story on today's Rock the Dome Rally in Harrisburg, organized in support of HB 300 which would extend protections based on sexual orientation and gender expression and identity.  People shouted, “End discrimination now.” A little girl held a sign, “My 2 Mommies Deserve Equal Rights.”' A man held a sign, “Would […]

Do you need food assistance? Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is here to help. Evening Food Distribution at the Food Bank warehouse in Duquesne Targeting Unemployed & Underemployed Families Thursday Evening, March 26, 20095:30—7:30 pm NO NEED TO PRE-REGISTERPLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING CONTAINERSTO TAKE YOUR GROCERIES HOME TO HEAR A PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE ABOUTALL DIRECTFOOD BANK […]

Two quick items of interest today. Rob Owens from the Post-Gazette has a nice interview with award winning actress and CMU grad Cherry Jones, who is currently portraying the President on 24.  I've never seen 24, but I do admire Jones' after seeing her in the “What Makes a Family” Lifetime special with Brooke Shields […]

I am pleased.  The Post-Gazette's coverage of yesterday's vote by the Pittsburgh Presbytery is a balanced report on the complexities of “gay issues” in communities of faith.  Rather than a reductionistic portrayal of people of faith as vigorously anti-gay, Ann Rodgers presents multiple perspectives from various heterosexual members of the Pittsburgh Presbytarian community. At issue […]

A. Altmyer of McCandless wrote in to the “Letters to the Editor” page to share his or her belief that marriage should be between one man and one woman.  He makes a series of disjointed, but not unfamiliar points. 1. We are founded on Judeo-Christian values. 2. The majority of Americans are Christians who believe […]

Tonight, Ledcat and I stopped by Peduto's campaign event at the Schenley Ice Rink.  My last visit was like 1987.  It seems different.  There was no skating in our party.  We came, we mingled, we munched and we listened.  Here's an old picture.  

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Allegheny County prosecutors will not press charges against a Strip District club for the death of one of its patrons in January. Cleophus Pettway, 31, of Youngstown, Ohio, was found dead in a private room at Club Pittsburgh, a popular meeting spot for gay men. District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. […]

I spoke with a representative from the Pirates today who tactfully told me that a breakdown in communication blocked the 2008 event, but plans are well underway to organize an official Pride Night during June of 2009.  He was very candid about wanting to connect with LGBT baseball fans.  Officials from the local Pridefest organizing […]

HB 300 is making decent progress. By the slimmest of margins, a House panel has approved Rep. Dan Frankel's bill to ban discrimination in housing and jobs against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The State Government Committee voted today by a margin of 12 to 11 — Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed — […]