My Family’s Immigration Story

This was not something I thought about as a child in the 1970’s and 1980’s in suburban West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. I knew my living grandparents and their basic backstories and a little bit about their respective parents. I was raised to believe I was mostly an Irish Catholic/little bit of German kid which turned out […]

Review: evoLution grille in Freeport/Sarver Area Serves Locally Grown Goodness

Beef Stroganoff

I’ve been wanting to visit this restaurant for months. Evolution grille is a seasonal restaurant that showcases progressive american cuisine. We have a unique menu blending traditional classics prepared with contemporary flair~ We use local produce, dairy and meats and believe in fine quality ingredients. We do not use prepackaged or frozen items and your meals are made to order and […]

Mitch, 27, Describes Life in Butler County as a Gay Man #AMPLIFY

Butler County Gay

Have you ever experienced discrimination based on your identity? Specifically, in a job setting, when applying for housing or while in public. While living in Butler, whether past or present, it is not safe to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community or perceived to be a member. When living in Butler, I received threats, was harassed, had my car vandalized and have been physically harmed as a result of being gay and prior to coming out, for being perceived as a gay person. I think a mistake is being made if people deny a problem exists. Just because someone says something does not exists, doesn’t mean it doesn’t.

UPDATED! How To Sign Up for Toys for Tots in Western Pennsylvania – 2016 Edition

Toys for Tots Pennsylvania

Here’s my annual roundup of toy distribution resources for Western Pennsylvania. Many Toys for Tots enrollment deadlines are right around the corner while other sites have not yet posted. Please share this information with anyone you know who may need assistance with toys this holiday season.

I will update this post as more information becomes available.

Morgan, 21, Hasn’t Met Other Openly Gay Suburban Couples #AMPLIFY

Lesbian Pittsburgh

Name:  Morgan Age: 21 County of Residence: Allegheny, Butler county for a couple months when I first moved to PA. I’m originally from a small town in Michigan. Preferred Pronouns: I’m a girl and a Morgan, but call me whatever you want. How do you describe your identity? I’m just me. I’m a lesbian but that’s not all I am. […]

Melissa, 23, is Androgynous and Queer in Butler County #AMPLIFY

Queer Butler County

Name: Melissa Age: 23 County of Residence: Butler, formerly Allegheny Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them How do you describe your identity? I consider myself more of an androgynous person. I identify my sexuality as “queer”. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I didn’t have a big to-do with my coming out. I told […]

Mel, 40: Bi, Queer and Pan Folks Don’t Always Speak in a Gay or Lesbian Voice #AMPLIFY

Butler County Queer

Name:  Mel Age: 40 County of Residence: Butler, formerly Crawford and Clarion counties Preferred Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity? I am a queer, disabled, pagan, working-class fat white chick. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I came out to my family and friends in high school. I’m […]

Martha, 52, is a Gay Woman Talking About Spending Her Whole Life Coming Out #AMPLIFY

Allegheny Butler Gay woman

  Name: Martha Age:  52 County of Residence: Formerly Allegheny and Butler counties. Now, New York State. Preferred Pronouns:  she/her How do you describe your identity? I’m a gay woman. I very rarely refer to myself as a lesbian. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? That is an interesting […]

Kim, 44, Says She Lost Her Job in Beaver County Because She’s a Lesbian #AMPLIFY

  Name: Kim Age: 44 County of Residence:  Beaver County. Previously lived in Allegheny and Butler counties. Preferred Pronouns: Ms. How do you describe your identity? White Lesbian Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I was 16. I told my mother that I was GAY! She said ” I know, I’ve […]

Sabrina, 50, Found New Friends When She Came Out As Trans #AMPLIFY

Butler County Transgender

Name: Sabrina Age: 50 County of Residence:  Butler Preferred Pronouns:  she/her How do you describe your identity? Trans female (MtF), heterosexual, white. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I was the first person to come out as Transgender at work. I work in a steel mill and the largest […]