Letter to the Editor: Marriage Equality

Always a lift to read a suuportive letter to the editor.  Not a fan of “sexual preference”, but I agree that marriage equality is about the community and region as much as it is about individual civil rights.  Local leadership: the next step The leadership in our city has done so many things right over […]

Gay Bashed Downtown

From Wikipedia Gay bashing is an expression used to designate verbal confrontation with, denigration of, or physical violence against people thought to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered (LGBT) because of their apparent sexual orientation or gender identity. Similar terms such as “lesbian bashing” or “queer bashing” may also be formed. A “bashing” may be […]

Fort Worth

The Post-Gazette carried the NYT story about the police raid on a gay bar in Ft. Worth.  You can read the full story at Pam's House Blend.  Ft.Worthians have created a new organization and defined this a unifying moment for the city's gay community. Related to that event, here's a post from a new radical […]

Statement from City Council President, Doug Shields

More statements about the passage of Allegheny County's Human Relations ordinance I am pleased that the county in some way recognized that all people have rights to be protected from discrimination based upon sexual identity. I am disappointed that a very simple constutional concept – equal protection under the law –  causes so much political […]

Pivotal Civil Rights Victory in Western Pennsylvania

With the passage of the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission ordinance, Allegheny County has taken a step forward with regard to statewide equality for the LGBTQ community.  I was privileged to be in attendance at last night's meeting and witness this little bit of history.  I want to share with you the reflections of various community […]

Allegheny County Update

The vote was 8-6.  After a heated exchange, Allegheny County now has a Human Relations Commission and LGBTQ persons have protections.  It ain't perfect, but it is progress.  I am tired from tweeting the hearing and enjoying Chinese food afterward with a group of celebrants.  More tomorrow.