Q&A With a Pittsburgh Dad Trying to Protect His Multiracial, LGBTQ Family From an Abusive Neighbor

Content Note: racism, transphobia, homophobia, harassment of children, police, legal case, fear

I did a little research and started to get a sense of how these transphobic bigots operate, the playbook they use. These people are truly despicable. To answer your question, no, I don’t think people connect the dots. And that’s not a condemnation, because I didn’t connect the dots and some of those dots lead straight to my family. We all have to do a better job of understanding how these bigots are working the political system to achieve their goals. Sean O’Donnell

In late May, a local LGBTQ family spoke with the Pittsburgh City Paper about the harassment and abuse they have endured at the hands of neighbor. The family lives in the Observatory Hill section of Pittsburgh’s Northside. I helped to connect one of the fathers, Sean, with resources, including the CP reporter, and have tried to rally people to turn out for the upcoming hearing at the Magisterial Court on one count of harassment.

Please read the City Paper article to catch yourself up on the background.

But that wasn’t enough. The more often I spoke with Sean, the deeper I felt that the public needs a deeper glimpse into the family’s day-to-day…