Did Highmark, Caring Place Intentionally Schedule Competing Movie Against ReelQ Film Festival?

  A weekly feature on the GLCC blog highlights an important fact about LGBTQ Pgh – there are many, many “things to do” nearly every day, sometimes to the point of being overwhelmed by choices. This is a far cry from even ten years ago when a handful of monthly events were pretty much it […]

Top Ten Brad Takei Moments in the “To Be Takei” Documentary

Includes Spoilers! Laura and I met the Takeis several years ago at a function at ToonSeum in the Cultural District. It was a very heady moment when George Takei stopped at the registration table and said “George and Brad Takei are here” then thrust out his wrist for his paper bracelet. One of the perks […]

Plaintiff in PA Marriage Equality Lawsuit, Fredia Hurdle, Dies at Age 50

Fredia Hurdle

  Fredia Hurdle is remembered as a force of nature by her family and friends in the aftermath of her death on Thursday, August 7, 2014. She is known for her role as a plaintiff in the landmark case that brought marriage equality to Pennsylvania (Whitewood, et al v Wolf, et al) where she and […]

After 11 Years, Ledcat Still Has My Number

Ledcat

This month, Ledcat and I celebrate eleven years of togetherness. Like many LGBTQ couples who (until recently) had no access to marriage, we’ve used our first date as our anniversary. Thanks to smart planning on my part, we moved in together almost two years to the day later. This minimizes anniversary dilemmas. A few weeks […]

Allegheny County Email To Domestic Partners

Pennsylvania Equality

I’ve obtained a copy of the email the County apparently sent to 11 employees accessing domestic partner benefits on Tuesday June 24. I’ve noticed a few concerning issues The email uses this language “effective immediately” with no reference to July 31 or a cutoff date. Media reports added that clarification. Effective immediately is a little […]

Partner of Alleg Co Employee Speaks Out on Termination of Domestic Partner Benefits

Allegheny County Domestic Partnership

  I am scheduled for a total knee replacement 8/2014. I also need to have a hysterectomy as I have tested positive for precancerous cells and have a family history. Eileen Halloran  and her partner have been together for nearly ten years. They have 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren. Five years ago, Eileen’s partner took […]

Ten Fabulous “Special Rights” for LGBTQ Public Employees

Special Rights Gay

In response to the conversation about domestic partner benefits from PA municipal employers such as Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh, some have raised concerns that same-sex couples will be receiving “special gay privileges” which is unfair to unmarried heterosexual employees. It is probably fair to look back into history at the civil rights movement and […]

Petition: Keep Domestic Partner Benefits Until PA Passes Statewide Non-Discrimination

UPDATE: Nearly 550 signatures in three days. Let’s keep this going.  UPDATE: Over 150 signatures in less than 24 hours. Will you lend your name?Allegheny County in Southwestern Pennsylvania has announced plans to eliminate domestic partner benefits for employees, effective July 31, 2014. Same sex couples who receive benefits have until that date to legally marry […]

Allegheny County Drops Domestic Partner Benefits for LGBTQ Employees

Allegheny County

In a very dismaying turn of events, Rich Fitzgerald’s County Administration has opted to drop domestic partner benefits less than two years after first extending them. The county’s benefit policy is being adjusted in response to the marriage ruling, county spokeswoman Amie Downs said in an email. “As a result of the Court’s recent decision […]

I Owe Bill Peduto an Apology

Pittsburgh Pridefest

Last night, Bill Peduto made his first official Pridefest appearance as Mayor at OUTrageous Bingo. He came in looking very relaxed and comfortable in a blue bowling shirt and took the mike like a pro. He acknowledged the longevity and importance of Bingo, Shepherd Wellness and the Gay & Lesbian Community Center. He called a […]