Articles by: Thomas Waters

Kylie Minogue Monday Pick Up

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj6IKIPteuE&NR=1[/youtube]

July 19, 2010 Comments are Disabled general

Highland Park Attack May Be Gay Bashing

Gay bashing or not, our streets and our neighborhoods should be safe enough for anyone to be out walking without being attacked, and slow response from the police is never acceptable. Generally, Highland Park is safe. Brad and I frequently hold hands as we are walking the dog, and just this evening, we saw another gay couple, walking, holding hands. It becomes the responsibility of everyone in the community to stand up for and demand safety for everyone, or this community (or any) will not thrive and grow.

July 19, 2010 4 comments general
Rainbow Community Picnic in Butler

Rainbow Community Picnic in Butler

PFLAG is also concerned with advocacy, but I think there is another aspect to what PFLAG accomplishes which may be even more far reaching, and yesterday’s picnic is a great example of that. No matter what rights we do or don’t have, we live our lives, form relationships, friendships and networks. We have families and create families. We work, and live our lives, and are there for each other when we are needed. We can’t wait for full legal protections and rights before we live full lives! We have to deal with things as they are, while at the same time pushing for change and full equality.

July 19, 2010 4 comments general

Is One Bill Better, Worse, or the Same?

An analogy for gaining rights (for me at least) is a game of tug of war. Both parties have an intended goal, to “win.” which is a demarcation in the sand. Winning requires concentration and an ongoing, consistent effort. Sometimes an unexpected event shifts the course of things, but generally speaking, what wins the game is firmly digging in your heels and continue to push (or pull as it may be).

July 15, 2010 Comments are Disabled general

Supreme Court Rules Names On Referendum 71 Must Be Made Public

But trust is not the reason why we must become better versed in the legal, legislative, and political processes of change. The reality is that the discrimination against anyone who isn’t heterosexual, is deeply ingrained and systemic to our culture and political systems. It isn’t something tacked on to the side of it, that can be easily severed. Rather, it is at the very root of the systems of power and control, and sometimes so masked that the individuals in power don’t even realize how pervasive it is.

July 15, 2010 1 comment general
When Straight Couples Support Same-Sex Marriage

When Straight Couples Support Same-Sex Marriage

That’s a powerful statement! In all areas of equal rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgenders, that is really the name of the game. We don’t need to simply talk about it, or demand equality. We need to each look at the ways in which we can take personal responsibility. We need to get engaged. Thanks Scott Stringer!

July 13, 2010 Comments are Disabled Activism, general

MAYOR ANNOUNCES EFFORT TO INCREASE CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today announced the creation of the City’s first-ever Civic Leadership Academy, a free 10-week course designed to educate residents about local government in the City of Pittsburgh.

July 12, 2010 Comments are Disabled general

Grocery Store Coming to Hill District

Too often, some in the LGBT community see the African American community as other than an ally, when in fact groups like the NAACP and Corretta Scott King have been outspoken against homophobia and discrimination. After such a log history of marginalization, so many within the African American community have much to share and offer the LGBT community as we seek to achieve full equality. If we are open to their input and seek out them as partners towards equality for all.

July 12, 2010 Comments are Disabled general

Kyle Minogue Monday Pick Up

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frv6FOt1BNI&feature=related[/youtube]

July 12, 2010 Comments are Disabled general

Why Some Straights Don’t Want to Let Gays and Lesbians Marry

Why some straights don’t want Gays and Lesbians to marry. It would destroy the male dominated patriarchy, in ways that have never been seen before. The time for that change is now.

July 11, 2010 Comments are Disabled general