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.

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 […]

Louie, 50, Identifies as Queer, Pansexual, & Kinky #AMPLIFY

Allegheny County LGBTQ

Name:  Louie Age: 50 County of Residence:  Allegheny Pronouns: No preference How do you describe your identity? Born cis male, identify as Queer, Pansexual, and kinky Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? Self aware with lots of research. Found minor support in local kink community. Not really much else. […]

Read These Northside #AMPLIFY Stories

Pittsburgh map - Northside highlighted in pink

We are in the midst of a fundraiser to organize AMPLIFY outreach throughout the 18 neighborhoods of the Northside. This will include working with the GSA at Perry Traditional Academy and other community groups. Now the Q&A does not ask about specific neighborhoods; we simply ask people to identity their county affiliations. But some people […]

Lange, 41, is a Queer Single-Parent in Pittsburgh #AMPLIFY

Mt. Lebanon Queer Single Mother

Name: Lange Age: 41 County of Residence: Allegheny Pronouns: She How do you describe your identity?  Queer Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? I first came out to my friends and family as bisexual between the ages of 13 and 15. I can’t say there was a whole lot of […]