I am what I have become

1. August 2008 by admin.

Hi Folks!

WOW, what a week it has been!  We were so busy getting Out’s August issue completed and out on the newsstand.  My staff and I are busy planning some new and historic changes to the 36 year old Pittsburgh’s Out.  The excitement level is incredible!  In addition, the new website has been up and running for almost one month.  Check it out at www.outonline.com and send me your feedback. This website is updated daily and offers the region local and national news, FREE classifieds, OTV streaming video, video blogs, calendar and a lot of information only available in Out’s newspaper.  More importantly, www.outonline.com was developed with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in mind!  I believe that it is important to included everyone.  Having said that, we need your help.  OTV is now accepting video blogs, recorded glbt events, drag shows or video performances of any kind.  This is your chance to be a star!  www.outonline.com has thousands of viewers!  Send me your videos at tony@outpub.com.

OK, now that the newspaper has hit the streets, we can relax around here for a few days.  The OTV studio is under construction and needs some of my time.  I must admit, it is impossible to understand how important and large the newspaper is until you help out with the delivery.  Call me a delivery guy, too.  It gives me the opportunity to visit with many of our fine outlets and advertisers.  Unfortunately, it is very demanding especially in humid and hot weather. I do not like heat, at least not that kind…

Another benefit that comes to mind, is the chance to get comments about the newspaper and the city.  The comment that came up over and over yesterday was the economy.  Folks, the glbt bars, clubs and businesses in this city (and other cities) are struggling.  Almost everyone is dealing with a decline of business, especially the bars and clubs.  The excuses I hear often are the economy, internet, and DUI laws. There has been a lot of national glbt attention identifying our community as a gay and lesbian hot spot.  And, while I believe this is correct, I am not sure we are supporting lgbt businesses like in the past.  Blame it on the economy and less disposable income because of gas prices or some other reason, but lets support these businesses. 

The more lgbt money spent, the stronger our regional lgbt economy becomes and the more it benefits you.  Let me explain.  Your glbt dollars goes towards glbt employee payrolls, advertising in the glbt newspaper, and other glbt purchases.  We all have employees to pay.  Our employees take their had earned glbt money and spend it in GLBT establishments.  We all become stronger because of it.  Next time your bored, visit a lgbt business and spend your lgbt cash.

If you have been following my blog, you know tomorrow is the big party and our younger kids have been at camp all week.  Am I ready?  Hell no!  Tonight we pick up the boys from camp.  Dinner at 5:15pm and talent show entertainment show at 9pm.  How exciting.  I am not sure if other parents realize Ed and I are a gay couple with children. To be honest, I really don’t care.  It is no secret that we are two gay men with kids. We live our lives out (in many ways, LOL) and would never hide being gay and a non-traditional family.   We are proud.  It would also send a horrible message to our kids by denying who we are and what things are important to us.  Please remember this message, but make the choice that you are comfortable with.  I believe there is nothing wrong with being glbt, so why send the wrong message to others. 

It is my hope that glbt people see us as an example that you can be happy, have a healthy relationship, and raise a family in the suburbs.  It is not always easy, but, really is anything worth while easy.  We work hard in employment, so why not work hard where it really matters.

Take care and have a beautiful weekend.  Check back later this weekend for an update on the party and my weekend events… I am sure the party will be very eventful.

Tony

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