Deb, 60, is a Lesbian Who Wants to Preserve Western PA Gay History #AMPLIFY

Queer lesbian Elder

  Name: Deb Age: 60 County of Residence: I live in California now, but was born in Allegheny Co and raised in Clearfield County and went to college in Butler County Pronouns: her How do you describe your identity? Queer, lesbian Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I was home […]

Eli, 37, is a Queer Bisexual, Trans Man, and Small Business Owner #AMPLIFY

Trans Man Lawrenceville

  By telling our stories, we expose others to narratives they may not be familiar with. This includes reaching potential allies, and folks who are struggling with their sexual and gender identities, as well as those who feel isolated because of them. Name: Eli Shumaker Age: 37 County of Residence: Allegheny County, formerly Clinton, Centre counties Pronouns: He/Him […]

QT is a 28 year old cis, white, queer female with ties to rural Western Pennsylvania #AMPLIFY

Armstrong Allegheny Cambria Indiana counties

As someone who does not get clocked as LGBT, i hear a lot of very negative talk at work, from people who are very anti lgbt and unaware that I’m part of the community Name: QT Age:  28 County of Residence: Allegheny, previously Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity? Cis white queer female […]

Maria, 37, is a Queer Trans Latinx Challenging Us To Be Better Trans Allies #AMPLIFY

Trans Woman Pittsburgh

It is never easy coming out, be it for the first time or the hundredth time, and that little bit of fear is still there after having some people in my life no longer wish to be a part of my life. But I feel it is important to be out, and visible, and that […]

Maxwell, 22, is a Queer Trans Man from McKean County #AMPLIFY

McKean County Trans Man

What motivated you to take part in this project? 

I want people like me to know that it does get better. You are not sick, you are not broken; you are you, and you are brave and strong. I wish I’d known who I am earlier, but it doesn’t always happen that way, and that’s okay. Finding yourself can take a long time, but it’s worth it.

Ehrrin, 45, identifies as a white cis fat queer femme dyke in Pittsburgh #AMPLIFY

Queer Femme Pittsburgh

  “I WANT to be seen as queer, as it is a foundational part of my identity.” Name: Ehrrin Age: 45 County of Residence:  Allegheny Pronouns: she/her How do you describe your identity?  I am a white cis fat queer femme dyke. I grew up rural and working class, and alllmost southern. I hail from southern West Virginia which […]

Leo, 24, Fears the Erasure of Nonbinary/Bisexual/Pansexual/Asexual/Demi Narratives in the Queer Community #AMPLIFY

  Nonbinary people are starting to have a voice here but the amount of times I’ve had the pronouns are important conversation with a cis gay man who tells me “well that just wasn’t in my time, you were either gay or you weren’t and there wasn’t in between” is too many times. Name: Leo Age: 24 […]

Ashley, 18, is a Bisexual/Queer Woman Attending College in Allegheny County #AMPLIFY

Pittsburgh Bisexual Woman

I had developed personal relationships with everyone in my workplace. It hurt me to know that they liked me when I didn’t talk about being queer, but when I did, I was met with backlash or side comments. Name: Ashley Age:  18 County of Residence: Allegheny County. I have not lived in other regions of PA, but I […]

Celebrating Ten Years of Queer Burlesque with the Velvet Hearts

I was thrilled to see another local Velvet Hearts performance scheduled. We’ve been supporters of them over the years. Queer burlesque is special. I like the variety in the performances as well as the body positive messaging. You should check out this show Friday evening and take a few moments to read what the founder, […]

Meg, 34, Wants to Make an Impact With Grace #AMPLIFY

Pittsbrugh Queer

Name: Meg Age: 34 County of Residence: Butler County, previously Allegheny County, Ohio and Mississippi Pronouns:The/ them/ she/ her How do you describe your identity? I don’t. Nothing I am is physical. I decorate my meat sack. It holds my being. Very simple. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? Coming out […]