The Misinformation of Mayor Peduto’s LGBTQIA Advisory Group

Those of you who have been reading along since 2005 or know how to use Google probably know that I’ve been paying attention to this group since the Ravenstahl era. I was at meetings, I read minutes, I pushed and pulled, I resisted – basically, I showed up and paid attention more consistently than any […]

Two Questions for the Pgh Mayor’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee

Pittsburgh Mayor's LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council

I have a few questions about local governing and LGBTQ issues. I will be sharing these directly with the members of the Council whom I personally know. I’ve asked if I could attend a meeting to discuss my concerns, but was informed that the Department of Personnel would not permit me to do so.  Earlier […]

3 Pieces of Advice for Mayor Peduto’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council

Pittsburgh Mayor's LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council

I was moved by the reactions of several members of the new LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council to their official swearing-in yesterday at the City County Building. I love that I don’t know everyone and I love the expanse of voices that will now be officially at the table. You know I’m not one to mince words. […]

City of Pgh Accepting Applications for LGBTQIA Advisory Committee

Mayor Bill Peduto is looking for applicants to serve on the soon to be re-established advisory group. Participants will meet monthly and serve on at least one subcommittee. Applicants must submit their information via an online form; the City has partnered with multiple community groups to allow individuals access to the application even if you […]

Updated: This is Why It’s Okay to Ask Mayor Peduto Questions

If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed that I’ve been asking around to determine if the Peduto Administration has hired any openly LGBTQ people into a supervisory/leadership role or appointed to a commission/task force. Radio silence. No one will comment on the record. I’ve had quite a few off the record […]

Live Tweeting Mayor's LGBT Advisory Meeting Tonight

Live Tweeting Mayor's LGBT Advisory Meeting Tonight

Tonight, the Mayor's LGBT Advisory Committee will be holding its first meeting with representatives of the community.  I will be live tweeting the meeting so you can be there, too!  The invitation asked us to bring along our top three concerns/issues related to the LGBT community in Pittsburgh.  I have one very concrete, easy to address […]

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 […]

Possibly the Mayor’s Advisory Committee?

Possibly the Mayor’s Advisory Committee?

Ohhh, a good rumor is always fun.  People have been slipping me names all weekend and I think we have a list of potential members of the Mayor's LGBT Advisory Committee.  Details forthcoming …

Mayor’s Office Still Mum on Advisory Committee; Chief Executive’s Office Still Mum on Virtual Town Hall

Mayor’s Office Still Mum on Advisory Committee;  Chief Executive’s Office Still Mum on Virtual Town Hall

You recall that our Mayor was going to set up a LGBT Advisory Council?  Nominations were due January 15, 2009.  I had a few questions which his staff refused to answer, in spite of promises otherwise from spokeswoman Joanna Doven and Deputy Chief of Staff Kristen Baginski. Last Friday, I contacted Ms. Doven asking her for […]

City Paper weighs in on the Mayor’s Advisory Council

City Paper weighs in on the Mayor’s Advisory Council

Melissa Meinzer, one of two media outlets to cover the planning meeting for the Mayor's new advisory council, has the scoop here.  I found her take to be interesting, especially the follow up interviews with the Mayor's liaison Gary Van Horn and the Mayor's spokeswoman.  The idea for the council, Van Horn said in a […]