Pittsburgh City Council Elects First Openly Gay President

Bruce Kraus Pittsburgh

January 6, 2014 ushers in the much-anticipated progressive Peduto Administration to the Mayors Office, but also marks another significant milestone for the City with the election of the first openly gay man as President of City Council. In 2008, Bruce Kraus became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to City Council. He was reelected in […]

City Councilman Burgess Doesn’t Seem To Think LGBTQ Identity Reflects Diversity

City Councilman Ricky Burgess believes – nay, insists – that the next President of City Council be a person of color. And he’s willing to step up to the challenge.  Burgess notably the only member of that body who refuses to sign the Pridefest Proclamation because Pride is too “sexualized” has also historically  ignored the […]

Has the City of Pittsburgh Lost The Domestic Partner Registry?

What a ridiculous question. How can you lose a registry? So a few days ago, we were informed that we have less than 5 weeks to comply with an “employee dependent verification” audit conducted by a third party contracted through the City (City Council and the Mayor approved of this, unanimously.) These audits are used […]

LGBTQ&A: Natalia Rudiak is Creating a Better Life for Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ Youth

An occasional series where we pose some questions to local LGBTQ folks (and Allies) to learn more about their personal experiences with LGBTQ culture. Click here for a complete list of all LGBTQ&A profiles.  Natalia is one of my favorite people holding office. And I run into her in the most unexpected places, often in line […]

LGBTQ&A: Dan Gilman, Candidate and Ally

An occasional series where we pose some questions to local LGBTQ folks (and Allies) to learn more about their personal experiences with LGBTQ culture. Click here for a complete list of all LGBTQ&A profiles. Dan Gilman has been involved with City Council for 8 years as a staff person and is now running his own […]

LGBTQ&A: Doug Shields, Ally and Advocate

When I “met” Doug Shields, it was via the telephone – I answered call from unfamiliar number and heard “Susan, this is Douglas. I understand you want to march!”  I was driving home from work so I had to pull over (near the Civic Arena) and scribble notes on a crumpled receipt. His 2008 response […]

LGBTQ&A: Mayoral Candidate Bill Peduto, Longtime Ally

An occasional series where we pose some questions to local LGBTQ (and Allies) to learn more about their personal experiences with LGBTQ culture. Bill Peduto, current City Councilor in District 8 and candidate for Mayor, has a long history as a staunch ally for the LGBTQ community. Bill was a founding member of Steel City […]

LGBTQ&A: Jeanne Clark Has Been A True Ally

We are launching a new feature – an occasional series where we pose some questions to local LGBTQ (and Allies) to learn more about their personal experiences with LGBTQ culture. Jeanne Clark has been a long-time LGBT ally – she helped organize one of the first March(es) on Washington and was involved in founding ACTUP […]