Introducing Advisory Committee Member: Jessica McGuinness

Jessica McGuinness is a transgender woman who worked as an EMT in the South Hills of Pittsburgh for 12 years. Her coming out letter to her coworkers was published in the book American Heroes Coming Out From Behind the Badge, edited by Greg Miraglia. She has done speaking engagements at a number of colleges, community centers and bookstores, has done outreach work for the transgender community and has been heavily involved in several advocacy issues. She was featured on the cover of the LGBT publication Pittsburgh's Out in April and has done several radio interviews including one on KDKA with Marty Griffin.

Jessica is currently employed by the Pitt Men's Study.

Welcome, Jessica, to the Initiative for Transgender Leadership's Advisory Committee!

Trans: The Movie Benefit Film Screening Recap

Wonderful Night at the Warhol + over $1,000 raised

On Saturday night November 3rd, more than 100 people came to the Andy Warhol Museum to join Persad Center and ITL for the Pittsburgh premiere screening of TRANS, a documentary that focuses on the stories of several people whose transgender identities cause them to seek gender affirming medical care.

The stories are poignant, and the film's production values are impressive.  In addition to the screening and a post film Q&A with the film's Producer Mark Schoen, attendees had the opportunity to make pin-on buttons with artwork of their choosing, and to make their own silk screened tee shirt with assistance from Warhol staff and volunteers from the GSA at Pittsburgh's CAPA High School.

ITL is especially grateful to the Warhol and Persad for cosponsoring the screening to benefit ITL's current Internship. The event was a great pleasure, and an equally great success.