In Loving Memory of Bobby Peck (1965 – 2018)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF BOBBY PECK Rory T Peck, known as Bobby, valued human connection above all else and is grieved by the many people whose lives he touched. He pursued a life mission to live and model the interconnectedness of all things. On November 8, 2018 at the age of 53, he passed away […]

Call To Action: Peters Township, Washington County Might Consider Non-Discrimination Ordinance

Peters Towsnship Non-Discrimination Ordinance

A friend of mine read about the lack of non-discrimination protections in Pennsylvania. So she took action in her community and contacted the Peters Township Council, asking them to consider introducing the ordinance. She is amazing and brave.  Peters Township is in Washington County and this would be the first such ordinance in the entire […]

Flipping the Script: a New Twist on Our Q&A

AMPLIFY LGBTQ

For the past 13+ years, I’ve been creating Q&A’s for a range of people – actors, writers, performers, politicians, allies, culminating in the 2015 launch of the #AMPLIFY Q&A archive of LGBTQ stories from Western Pennsylvania. As we near #AMPLIFY 300, I thought it would be a good opportunity to ‘flip the script’ and put myself on […]

Facing Complex Trauma as an Adult

Trauma Informed Care Persad Center

I’ve blogged in the past about my journey living with mental health diagnoses and trying to access resources for support. For many years, I’ve been dealing with the dual diagnoses of a major mood disorder and anxiety disorders. And I’ve referenced growing up in a neglectful family surrounded by addiction, untreated mental health issues, chaos, […]

Jason, 38, Talks About Workplace Discrimination as a White Gay Man #AMPLIFY

white gay male Pittsburgh

  Marriage equality is great, but it has overshadowed our greater fight. Name:  Jason Age: 38 County of Residence: Allegheny, raised in Warren, Warren County, PA; lived in North Haledon, NJ and Bay Shore, NY (Long Island) Pronouns: gay male How do you describe your identity? white gay male Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? […]

It is only December 6th and I’m already worn out #HolidayWishes

It is only December 6th and I’m already worn out. I curated a Giving Guide, a Queer Shopping Guide, a LGBTQ Holiday Things To Do Guide, and took on advocating for four holiday projects. I’ve created ten+ Q&As with artists, publishing five to date. I’ve set up multiple product reviews, took on sponsorships of two local […]

Please Donate to #AMPLIFY LGBTQ Voices on #GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday LGBTQ Pittsburgh

  We are in the midst of several ‘giving’ projects, including supporting our LGBTQ community groups for the holidays. We need gift cards, socks, backpacks, board games, cookies, volunteers, and more. These are important projects. That being said, #AMPLIFY is also an important project. I’ve been reflecting quite a bit on the unexpected deaths of […]

LGBTQ Things To Do – Holiday 2018 Edition – UPDATED!

LGBTQ Holiday Things To Do Pittsburgh

  So so so many things going on … please let us know what we missed. This year, we are pleased to be the social media sponsor of these holiday events. Holiday Drag Brunch hosted by Kierra Darshell Sun, Dec 9 Renaissance City Choir Holiday Concert Saturday, Dec 8 A round-up of some of my […]

Transgender Day of Remembrance Events: Western Pennsylvania

Transgender Day of Remembrance 2018 Pittsburgh

Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Walk 6 PM · First Presbyterian Church 1793 · Washington, Pennsylvania, November 19 TransPride Pgh Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil 6 PM · Persad Center, November 20 Transgender Day Of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil 6 PM · Erie County Courthouse, November 20< Second Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance 6 PM · PRESS Bistro, Johnstown, November 20

Madi Scull, 20, Identifies as a Nonbinary, Asexual Lesbian #AMPLIFY

Name:  Madi Scull Age: 20 County of Residence: Allegheny Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity? Nonbinary asexual lesbian Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? Coming out experiences are hard to describe because it is never just one experience. It’s a series of interactions that you have to have with […]