Sue Kerr, at Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents frequently comments that there aren’t enough, nor a diverse enough voice out n the blogosphere representing the full and wide diversity of the LGBT communities, and she is right on the money in that that regard.  So how does that change? By people (like you, my reader) choosing to step up and give voice to your ideas, thoughts, feelings and words. That could be in the form of a blog, an audio podcast, a video podcast, even as a Youtube channel! But the point is, no matter what medium you use, your voice is needed. We want you, in other words! Feel wanted?

The next step is to develop a few skills around social media and get your blog or podcast, or whatever you chose to do up and running! If you don’t know how to do that, then you are in the right place, if you are here in Pittsburgh this weekend. Podcamp Pittsburgh 5 (PCPGH5), a free un-conference for everything social media, will be held downtown at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. There is a welcome/opening reception Friday evening, and the good stuff begins early Saturday. A link to the website is below.

Podcamp Pittsburgh is for folks at every level of expertise in social media ranging from no experience at all, to extremely experienced. For many, the greatest value, is to use the event for networking and to build professional relationships with others in social media. But in my opinion, that is matched by the fact that there are so many really great sessions that cover everything you need to know to get going in social media. Being a free event, it is hard to beat!

This blog grew out of my attendance at Podcamp 2 years ago. Previously, I had blogged a bit, and had an audio podcast, but neither was growing, and I didn’t really know what to do to build them stronger. But Podcamp changed all of that, and here, almost 2 years later, this blog is going great with more regular readers than I ever would have imagined possible. While the audio podcast has been “on break,” I also blog for my day job, and have just started an online radio program on Blog Talk Radio with Jason Crighton, the LGBT Field Organizer for Equality Partners of Western PA. and I manage to still have a life outside of social media!

There is a place for just about any type of blog or content that you might want to create, and there is sure to be a session at PCPGH that can help get you going. There are 2 awesome sessions planned surrounding political/ activist blogging. A panel discussion on Saturday hosted by Dave of 2 Political Junkies, and a session I’m doing on Sunday. If you are just getting started, there is a Blogging 101 session, or if you want to learn more about video or podcasting, there are sessions on those areas too. If I haven’t mentioned your interest, check out the schedule. There is probably something there for you.

For more information, or to register, check out: http://podcamppittsburgh.com/