Steel City Stonewall Endorsement for November Primary

Steel City Stonewall Endorsement for November Primary

Preliminary information … Steel City's board has officially endorsed Sestak, Conklin and Onorato in the General Election.  Good discussion.  I'm sure the official slate will be up soon on the steel city website.  You can pick up copies at the booth during PrideFest.  The slate will contain some informaton on why voting Democratic ticket is […]

Save the Date: Pittsburgh's Dyke March 2010

Save the Date:  Pittsburgh's Dyke March 2010

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 5, 2010 which will be the date of Pittsburgh's 5th Annual Dyke March.  The location will still be in Oakland and organizers have fabulous plans for the ultimate grassroots picnic (get it?) and post-march party. What's is a dyke march? Dyke March is a mostly lesbian-led and inclusive gathering […]

Things I’d like the Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Committee to weigh in on

Things I’d like the Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Committee to weigh in on

In no particular order, these are topics I'm hoping the Mayor's LGBT Advisory Committtee will review. 1. Treat the Dykes fair and square.  In 2009, the Mayor's office was a $10,000 sponsor of PrideFest, ensuring the best in public safety and public works for an event worth tens of thousands of dollars.  2009 also marked […]

The Death of a Champion

The Death of a Champion

This weekend brings sad news to the LGBTQ community among many others as we learned of the death of long time ACLU advocate, Larry Frankel. From the PG obiturary: Mr. Frankel, the legislative director for the Pennsylvania American Civil Liberties Union from 1992 through 2008, died last week. His body was found Friday on a […]

The Warhol Party: lanyard envy and tote bags

You know I've been helping with this little shindig at the Warhol, known as the “Unofficial” Official After Party for NetRoots which I in turn dubbed the “Gay Immaculate Reception” when I learned Mr. Franco Harris was planning to attend. The party began at 9:30.  We arrived about 9:45 and the place was holdin 150 […]

Positive LGBTQ letter to the editor

Positive LGBTQ letter to the editor

Woke up a bit early this morning and had a nice surprise.  Ian Price of Friendship took the time to write in with his thoughts on the impact of the Pittsburgh LGBTQ Pride March. In the spirit of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary, we stop and reflect on the great things Pittsburgh has achieved and on the […]

PA Senator plans to introduce marriage equality bill

PA Senator plans to introduce marriage equality bill

OK, on the one hand we have the “marriage protection” amendment that would embed discrimination in to the Pennsylvania Constitution.  Been there, tried to do that. Today comes word that another Pennsylvania Senator plans to introduce a marriage equality bill. Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, today announced plans to introduce a bill that would offer “full […]

The Dallas Principles

From Pam's House Blend comes interesting news of what could be a momentous turning point in the struggle for equality.  This document is referred to as the Dallas Principles (drafted in Dallas this past weekend).  Here's some of the language: PRINCIPLES The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action.  In order to achieve […]

Dykes on Bikes go political

Dykes on Bikes go political

Another event from Pittsburgh's Newest queer group, the Dykes on Bikes.  This is their third benefit in less than six months.  And you thought they were just a PrideFest contingent.  Ha!  Check out this event with gay comedy, free drinks and the chance to make meaningful impact. Oh do those Biker Dykes ever stop?  Not in […]

Comment from a communications expert

Comment from a communications expert

Some advice from a highly respected professional on the need for a timely response from the LGBTQ community to breaking news.  This regards the Rick Warren situation, but certainly applies to local, regional and statewide issues as well.  This sums up exactly what went wrong when the State Legislature announced a Pittsburgh based hearing on the […]