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You know the vibe by now. We’re in our Slay Era™, and it shows.
This week’s newsletter is packed with sapphic bowling, queer parenting joy, big gay dance tension, and a little doula magic. You’re here. You’re hot. You’re holding it down for the community just by showing up.
Let’s slay, bb
You’ve made it to the third full week of 2026, and honestly? That’s iconic.
We’re calling it now: this is the era where you stop shrinking yourself to fit into weird little spaces you’ve outgrown. This is the year of radical softness, good outfits, and queer joy even when the world says no.
You’re in your Slay Era now. Embrace it. Romanticize your coffee. Compliment your reflection. Take exactly zero nonsense from weird men in comment sections. Let’s go.
SLAY OF THE WEEK: Pittsburgh Pride Choir
This week, we’re singing the praises of the Pittsburgh Pride Choir, a beloved legacy organization that’s been making queer music magic for over 40 years.
Their recent show, A Not So Silent Night, brought together longtime voices and fresh faces in a performance filled with connection, healing, and harmony. For many in the crowd, it was their first time seeing a queer choir perform. For others, it was their 40th.
In a moment when LGBTQ+ rights and safety are under attack, the Pride Choir reminds us what it means to stand in community and sing anyway. They are joy. They are resistance. They are family.
READER JOY SUBMISSION: Ainsley
Ainsley just finished their training requirement to become a doula. Yes, Ainsley!! This week’s reader joy comes from someone doing the most beautiful kind of labor, queer birth and loss support.
They just completed their training and are now setting out to specialize in doula care for the queer community here in Pittsburgh.
This is what mutual care looks like.
This is what building the world we want feels like.
And this is why we love to slay on Mondays.
SHARE YOUR JOY
Did something gay and glorious happen this week?
✨ You wore your first binder out in public
✨ You finally asked them out (and they said yes)
✨ You slayed at karaoke
✨ You felt cute at Giant Eagle
✨ You just felt seen
We wanna hear it! Send us your queer joy, big or small, and we might feature it in next week’s issue. Because your joy? That’s newsworthy too.
This week’s sponsor:
QUEER JOY IN THE WORLD: Blended Families, Bonus Love
A new Pittsburgh-based initiative is making waves and giving queer stepparents the support they deserve.
Building Blended Bonds, launched by trauma therapist and queer stepparent Lauren Steele, is a virtual program designed for “bonus adults” helping raise children they didn’t birth, offering coaching, community, and care for folks navigating nontraditional family roles.
The initiative centers queer joy, trauma-informed parenting, and expansive definitions of family, all at sliding-scale pricing. It’s mutual care in action.
Queer Recommendation
Watch This: 10Dance on Netflix
If Heated Rivalry is still living rent-free in your head, you need to watch this new gay dance movie immediately. Based on the manga, 10Dance follows two competitive ballroom dancers who start as rivals, are forced to pair up, and… you guessed it… develop feelings.
It’s slow-burn, sweat-soaked, enemies-to-lovers excellence. Also, the tension? Criminal.
Put it on. Watch with wine. Text your ex. No notes.
THE QUEER AGENDA: Events This Week
Mon, Jan 19 @ 7:45 PM
Lesbi Friends Sapphic Bowling
Grab your cutest crew and your best flannel. Sapphics and sapphic-adjacents are taking over the lanes.
More info →
Tue, Jan 20 @ 4:00 PM
LGBTQ+ Youth Listening Session
Hosted by the PA Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs — this is your moment to be heard.
More info →
Thu, Jan 22 @ 6:30 PM
Lavender Book Club: The 57 Bus
A queer community book club with big heart energy. This month’s pick is Dashka Slater’s The 57 Bus, a deeply moving true story of two teens whose lives intersect on one Oakland bus ride.
More info →
More events this week →
OKAY SLAYERS, THAT’S THE VIBE CHECK
Another week, another glittery little love note from your local queer publication.
Whether you’re thriving, surviving, or just figuring out how to get through a week without doomscrolling, we’re proud of you. You don’t have to be everything for everyone. Just be queer and hydrated and a little bit chaotic.
Slay Weekly is your reminder that you’re not alone, and joy is a strategy.
Here’s how to keep the magic going:
- Submit your queer joy → email us at slay@qburgh.com
- Forward this to your work crush
- Tag @QBurgh on Instagram with your Monday slay.
You’re doing great, babe. Talk soon.
