And the Steelers are going to the Super Bowl.

The city went a little nuts tonight.

Cinquenta, Tigre Real

Flaming Giraffe

Groucho Marx as the Shiva of Big Business

Musical Tempest

In regards to the ordinance hearing…

Council hears debate on anti-discrimination bill
By Tim Puko
TRIBUNE-REVIEW

More than 100 people filled Allegheny County Council chambers Thursday evening for public debate on an anti-discrimination bill.

The bill would make Allegheny County the first county in Southwestern Pennsylvania with a broad-based anti-discrimination policy, including protection for gays, bisexuals and transgendered people.

At one time, nearly the entire council supported the measure, but several members dropped sponsorships in recent weeks as public pressure mounts.

Only one open seat was visible an hour into the 5 p.m. meeting, and people were lined shoulder to shoulder against the walls. Dozens had to wait outside or in hallways.

“We have a situation we’ve never had before in nine years here,” said Council President Rich Fitzgerald, D-Squirrel Hill. “It’s a testimony to democracy and people’s feelings, especially on such a cold night, that so many people would come out here.”

Debate over the bill became heated in mid-December when a Franklin-based group, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania, used 2,000 robocalls to spark local protest letters to council. Supporters responded Saturday with a rally in Oakland and had the majority of speakers through the first 90 minutes of yesterday’s meeting.

Anna Hegedus of Swissvale got the loudest ovation after she told council how she had been fired from the first job she enjoyed. A manager at her suburban employer fired her after finding out she was born with a medical condition that had caused gender ambiguity issues, she said.

“I want all the counselors in this room to look at me, look at my face and tell me I deserve that. As long as this law isn’t in place, there will be more people just like me,” Hegedus said, weeping as she left the podium to applause.

Opponents said the law would create a deadlocked conflict between the rights of religious people and gays, both of whom would be protected as workers, renters, homebuyers and users of county facilities. Religious businessmen and organizations legally would be required to make choices that betray their morals, they said.

“While this ordinance seeks to protect the rights of a certain segment of our society, it takes away the rights of others,” said Richard Gelfand, who said he is pastor of the 65-member Sewickley-Lighthouse Baptist Church. He was one of several men with religious affiliations among the 90 scheduled speakers at the meeting.

“People who are gay or lesbian can change their sexual orientation at will,” Gelfand said, drawing some boos from the crowd. “A person who wants to claim discrimination can claim they are homosexual without any way to verify that claim,” he added before leaving to loud applause.

Public urges county to form Human Relations Commission
By PATRICK CLOONAN, Daily News Staff Writer

“Make sure you are comfortable with what you do.”

That’s what McKeesport resident Alan Wakefield told Allegheny County Council Thursday as it pondered a bill to establish a county Human Relations Commission.

Bill No. 4201-08 also adds sexual orientation and gender identity to protected categories such as race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex and physical handicaps.

For 3 1?2 hours, the pros and cons of the bill were debated, with those who favor it outnumbering those who oppose, 49-16.

“Join progressive communities across Pennsylvania that have adopted it,” state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, urged council.

“This is not burdensome,” said Charles Morrison, director of a human relations commission formed in 1957 in Pittsburgh.

“Realistically, there is no need to set up a Human Relations Commission … except for the fact that the proposed ordinance is extended on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity,” Patricia Weaver of Fox Chapel said on behalf of the Pennsylvania Family Institute.

PFI’s stand is that the state already is policing discrimination.

But Peter Harvey, executive director of Fair Housing Partnership, said “housing discrimination is tragically underreported.”

“It is our chance to show the world that we accept and respect one another,” former council hopeful Kevin Acklin said. “It is the right thing to do - ensure and protect the rights of every individual.”

Acklin lost to former county and Homestead solicitor Charles McCullough in the 2007 Republican primary for a council at-large seat. McCullough was one of two councilors who did not attend Thursday’s hearing.

“Why should we continue to discriminate against those who were born lesbian or gay?” Jeanne Clark of Shadyside said. “That is no more than just discriminating by eye color.”

Others argued over whether someone is born with a sexual preference.

The long list of speakers and overflow crowd caused council President Rich Fitzgerald, D-Squirrel Hill, to hail the hearing as “truly participatory democracy.”

“People’s human rights are always a high priority—don’t get me wrong,” says county Councilor Matt Drozd, who pulled his co-sponsorship of the legislation. But he added, “This is not a high priority now. This will take us more time and take away from the pressing issues this country faces. Roads that aren’t repaired. Bridges that aren’t repaired. People who are losing their homes. Let’s talk about them.” He labeled the move “controversial” and said it required further study.

The Allegheny County Council will soon vote on a non-discriminiation ordinance that will make it illegal to fire someone for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The quote above is from one of the council members who have pulled out on supporting this cause. Word is that the pressure from conservative religious groups is proving to be too much for these individuals to hold strong to their position on the matter.

Amanda Green(a city Councilor) is the author of this bill. Quote:

“It’s very important for county council members to know that I’m not making this stuff up,” she said, noting that LGBT county residents have been denied housing, fired from employment and given “less than acceptable” public accommodations — all three areas covered by the proposed law.

Her bill, which once had 12 co-sponsors, now has only seven. She said her colleagues who wavered may claim that “no one in their district is complaining to them, no one is talking about it. I wonder why no one is complaining about it” — thanks to the lack of protections, she said.

We believe in equal rights for everyone. The fact that GLBT individuals are still being discriminated against in the work place and elsewhere is absolutely absurd to me. There is no excuse for it. Matt Drozd’s quote(noted above) infuriates me. There should always be time to tend to human rights. As long as inequality exists, this should be a high priority.

Tonight after work I’m going to the Courthouse to speak at a hearing for the ordinance. At first I simply wanted to attend—to add a body to the mass of those supporting the bill. Then two things happened. First, I found out that if you did not sign up to speak, you could not take the floor to say anything. I know myself pretty well, and I know that in the moment I am going to be compelled to stand up and say a few words on the matter. Second, I read this quote:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

So, I signed up.

How appropriate the timing—MLK day is on Monday. I’ve been thinking about this man a lot during the week..where would he be standing in this moment? What would he advise the younger generation to do at a time when they feel there is an injustice being done? When their rights are being compromised—when their rights are on the line? When my rights are on the line?

And whether you want to believe it or not, it is that dramatic, that immediate, that important. How are we in the year 2009 and people are still being denied basic rights just because of who they happen to fall in love with? Not just for who they love but for who they are? From the City Paper: ”Many governments have anti-discrimination laws that shield certain “protected classes” — like racial minorities or religious groups — from being discriminated against. But many of those laws do not cover discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression — the perception of a person’s gender.” Here is a quote from the rally on Saturday:

“Why are we here in the rain to fight for something that is guaranteed to us in the Constitution of the United States of America?” he continued. “Why are we here trying to get politicians to live up to their oath of office? Why are they afraid of an issue … that reflects pretty much what the city of Pittsburgh enacted decades ago?” – Doug Shields

I’m taking the spirit and fight of MLK with me tonight. I choose to honor his memory by continuing to stand up for what I believe in, and I’m thankful to have his wisdom accompany me:

A right delayed is a right denied.

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

The time is always right to do what is right.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

(all quotes by Martin Luther King Jr.)

an amazing favorite.

New day, new role.

Let’s hit the ground running, shall we?

Do yourself a favor:

Go here and read the following:

- under the City Slang link, read: Victor Navarro Jr.: Madman Laureate of Pittsburgh’s Little Italy by Jessica

My word, lady. You hit this out of the fucking park.

and, the links are up but not working yet(I’ll update on here when they are), be sure to read the following works in the latest New Yinzer:

[located under the “Invisible Cities” link]

-Three Prose Poems
A Bit About Inevitable, Baleen, and Letter to Gina
By: Nikki Allen (yours truly)

-Three Poems
cloth mother/wire mother, Inherit, Good Friday
by: Renee Alberts

..actually, go the Invisible Cities link and read them all, once the links are working. Other published writing includes Andy Mulkerin, Julie Sokolow, Jerome Crooks, and more.

I’m not one for mantras really, but there’s a lyric from Braid’s “Milwaukee Sky Rocket” that’s been following me around and influencing action lately. The last line of the song: “Impress yourself.” Even to just think of how amazing it feels to be inspired, to be impressed–why not aim to blow my own mind? So that’s my goal this semester. Ace my class. Publish this anthology. Be a kickass friend because I love the people in my life, simply said. Communicate more with my family. Live a life that surprises and inspires me. Impress myself.

Hi my name is Nikki and I wish I could be more consistent with my updates here. You will just have to forgive me though. 2009 has quickly become the year of the gallop-y run, the broken pony jaunt that will quickly increase to track&field speed.

There’s a stack of anthology submissions suggestively winking at me. I’m so giddy about the sex anthology. I have a couple offers to help with distribution, and even layout if I need it. I’m also checking out options for cover art/photography. Cue the grubby little hands rubbing together. Time to crank up the tunes, put the headphones on, and format format format.

Oh, and school started. I’m back in college officially. I’m only taking one class because, well, it’s been 9 years and I need the ease more than the cannonball ifyaknowwhatImean. Had my first class last night and so far so great. I have homework. The concept of having homework is hilarious to me. But there you have it. Fun homework though, like reading. Although my face is a bit pinched over having to start the semester reading Jane Austen. At least the first book is “Northanger Abbey.” Maybe I will enjoy this gothic parody. I’ll let you know as progress develops.

I’m also back on a fitness regimen and I’m trying to get that routine established stat. One perk of working at Pitt: access to the gym. So I’m going to the pool with my swim cap and goggles and trying not to get run over(swam over?) by the junior olympians. According to my first time there, I should expect time trials and races post-work, instead of a semi-aggressive workout. People there are serious. And I’m finding it a teensy bit frustrating(but mostly downright hilarious).

In other news: acquiring new roommate this Saturday, and going to my first ever pro football game on Sunday. Steelers vs. Chargers in the playoffs. It’s gonna be cold, but it’s gonna be sweeeeeet.

I’ll make it a goal to try and post something a bit more reflective and fleshed out soon. But have no fear, life is tremendous, and it’s keeping me busy.

(what we wept for)

the cornfield is gone.
Our old neighborhood playground
Of stalk and rows
Turned into magician assistant–
Cut in half;
Disappearing dead end
Now
A road
You go
through my memory
To leave

The shutters on the house
They are a different color
Barns are soccer fields
The interstate expanding
A new distance ridiculous
The concept of home when you are
Too busy trying to define
The word concept.

My red and white steel mill shout
My favorite landmark between
Anywhere and my grandmother’s house.
During the holidays
They erect one skinny star next to
Thrust up flame never extinguished,
Not even to daylight.
My candy cane sleeping in soot,
Barbed arm fences raised
The washed out turn when it rains hard–
(The roads barely change)
The weeds I’ve seen you yesterday
Oh grow-anywhere champions, please convince me of this
That it was just
Yesterday

How many towns have to die
How many corners of before will tuck themselves in like this
How many caved in monuments
How can you mourn the certainty of things passing
When it feels awful & good all at once,
when you finally feel like a part of ‘supposed to,’
and awareness will not halt inevitable process

(diet of love letters & missing limbs
memory sets a fine table
says sweet things
asks you to stay the night
kicks you out with cheeks still shouting of pillow crease and sleep smell)
little did you know you are
loved incredibly by
everything you miss
the parts of self that split
learned lesson left it
stuck it in the ground to grow vine
web
and rust
come back to point in it’s
general direction
this is what we wept for:

the trees, the roots, the corn
all ripped like never been
painted over with asphalt and playing card houses
the boundary ghosts
puckered by repetitive entry and exit
the pockets of places,
sides of buildings and back porches
where the first sliver of a kiss happens
the first fissure of heart
the first avoid, short cuts that now
only exist in polaroid
for the street signs that still mean something
that still handshake the gut on sight
for the known we never know again
ours,
the bravest
the only way the once
could be lived.