On Day 194, I’m Edgy

Content Note: sexual violence That’s an understatement. On Monday, I’m planning to use EMDR tools to begin working on some new information. The world is on fire, but I’m sticking with the plan. The new information isn’t actually new – I have attachment challenges, not the least was due to bonding with a substitute caretaker […]

A mother’s love

Content Note: sexual violence, mental illness, family violence I was born on October 22, 1970. By mid-July 1971, my mother was pregnant again with my brother. Somewhere during that time, she was hospitalized in a psychiatric unit. I was left with my paternal grandparents. By my third birthday, we were all reunited under the same […]

Anonymouse, 62, is an Atypical Late Blooming Bisexual in Somerset County #AMPLIFY

Somerset County Bisexual

Content Note: sexual abuse, child abuse, mental illness, religious abuse. We’ve posted several hotline numbers at the end of this post for  your reference. Name: Anonymouse County of Residence: Somerset County. Age: 62 years old Pronouns: He, him, they, theirs, yinz How do you describe your identity?  I’m an atypical late blooming bisexual – I came to understand […]

It’s not about sex. It is about violence, sexual violence an adult inflicted on a kid.

Sexual Assault

Content Note: sexual assault, child abuse, When news broke that yet another famous entitled man was engaged in sexually violating a child, in this case a 13-year-old girl, I felt nothing. Just empty resignation and quiet despair. Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez on Tuesday admitted to police that he attempted to have sex with a 13-year-old […]

Here’s Why I Think PA State Senator Daylin Leach is a Lying Jagoff

Pennsylvania State Senator Daylin Leach is under pressure to resign given multiples allegations of sexual misconduct, including one claim that he coerced a then-17-year-old young woman into performing oral sex. He was 30 at the time. Cara Taylor alleges Leach coerced her to perform oral sex in 1991 when she was 17 and he was […]

I recently learned that I am experiencing a trauma reaction, stemming from the complex trauma I experienced as a child and young adult. I knew the trauma happened, but I had a tendency to minimize it as something not as serious as depression or anxiety. The cumulative impact of the Grand Jury Repory on Sexual […]

A Trans Woman Was Sexually Assaulted in Allegheny County Jail

Transgender Woman Allegheny County Jail

CN: sexual assault, institutional violence A trans woman incarcerated at the Allegheny County Jail reported that she had been sexually assaulted by her cellmate. He is now facing sexual assault charges after reportedly admitting the crime to ACJ officials. On Saturday morning, Amie Downs, communications director for Allegheny County Chief Executive’s office confirmed for me […]

Arrests of two public employees on sexual misconduct charges brings realities of #MeToo to Pittsburgh

Jim Sheppard Mike Diebold

Two arrests this week of public employees on sexual misconduct charges brings home the reality of #MeToo to the Pittsburgh region. First came word that Jim Sheppard, an analyst in the office of County Controller Chelsa Wagner, was arrested on charges of harassment, stalking, and related crimes in regard to his ex-boyfriend. Sheppard had previously […]

Saying #MeToo For My Own Sake Because I Can’t Count on You

Comedian and activist Lizz Winstead started a hashtag on Twitter, #MeAt14, asking women to share photos of their 14-year-old selves to ask how a 14-year-old kid can be old enough to give consent. This is in response to allegations that Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore pursued a relationship with a 14 year-old girl when he […]

The Story of My Life: Coping With The Dark Tales That I Can’t Explain

The Story of My Life: Coping With The Dark Tales That I Can’t Explain

Content Note: Catholic priest sexual abuse, sexual assault I’ve learned not to say ‘well, it can’t get any worse’ when it comes to genealogy. Knowledge is power and sometimes learning the truth about your ancestors (and living family) can be harmful. Nonethless, it is truth. It is the story of my life. I have over […]