‘No Means No’or What to Say When I Tell You I’m Being Harassed or Stalked

There are few basic things we should agree on if you are someone I consider a friend and confidant. First, no means no. People have the right to set boundaries around their bodies, their time, their energy, their families, the sex lives, their hearts, and whatever else they want. They do not owe anyone an […]

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 […]

Dear Persistent Passive-Aggressive Nice Guy

Passive-Aggressive Nice Guy

UPDATE – since I wrote this post in June 2014, this man has continued making donations to all causes I post on my blog, including one this week tying my LGBTQ project to Orlando. When I shared that with people, responses varied from how important it is for me to keep writing to rationalizations. Each […]

Do You Prize Your Peace of Mind?

What’s your most prized possession? GO! My most cherished possession is my peace of mind. The things I was tempted to list My great-grandmother’s rosary that survived the fire which took her life. My pets (legally, they are possessions.) My diploma from the School of Social Work (I don’t even know where it is.) My […]