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Hey babe. We know…this past weekend has been a lot. The news has been heavy, the snow has been deep, and the vibes are…well, kind of “emergency snacks and tear-streaked Netflix” if we’re being real. And that’s okay. Let’s get ready to slay another week.
This is your permission slip to move slow, grieve if you need to, scream into the snowbank, or just stay cozy and disassociate under 14 blankets. You made it through last week, and that is enough. This week? We slay gently.
You’re in your Slay Era! Even if today the slay looks like a bowl of soup and zero Zoom calls.
We see you. We love you. You’re doing amazing.
SLAY OF THE WEEK: K8 Do It
This week, we’re honoring K8 Do It, the Pittsburgh-based handygal biz redefining what community care looks like.
Founded by queer wives Kaitlin and Stephanie in 2022, K8 Do It isn’t just about repairs and decluttering; it’s about trust, gentleness, and creating affirming services for folks often left behind by traditional home service companies. Their clients? Queer folks. Neurodivergent folks. Elders. People who just want to feel safe in their own homes.
One unforgettable moment? Helping an elderly gay couple downsize. That’s not just moving boxes, but holding decades of queer history with love and respect.
This is what radical care can look like: practical, powerful, and deeply personal.
READER JOY SUBMISSION: Lavender turns heartbreak into healing
After facing workplace discrimination and walking away from a job they loved, local healer Lavender turned heartbreak into healing. Now, they’re opening Lavender’s House of Magic and Medicine, a mystical sanctuary for queers and witches inside One Point One Yoga on Butler Street, beginning Feb 1.
With offerings like Reiki, massage, Tarot, astrology, and ritual tools, Lavender is reclaiming their space in the world and building a trauma-informed practice rooted in liberation.
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.
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QUEER JOY IN THE WORLD (PGH Edition): Lydia & Ava at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Over the weekend, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater was absolutely glowing as Pittsburgh’s own Lydia B Kollins (RPDR Season 17 + All Stars 10) and photographer Ava Grace showcased their collaborative photography book: Lydia Lydia Lydia.
From dazzling drag performances to a heartfelt convo about art, friendship, and queer beauty, the night was a tribute to everything Pittsburgh drag can be: loud, loving, and legendary.
Joey Young hosted. The dolls turned looks. The room was magic. This is what happens when queer creativity gets a mic and a spotlight.
Read more and check out the photos on QBurgh →
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Alaska’s Big Debut, 13 Years Ago
Speaking of Pittsburgh Drag Royalty, thirteen years ago this month, Alaska sashayed onto Season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Pittsburgh fell deeper in love with our homegrown queen.
In 2013, Alaska shared how she got her name on St. Patrick’s Day (hint: weed), reflected on her drag origins, and reminded us that queens are just “really pretty clowns that are here to make you feel good about life.” From bathroom beginnings to global stardom, she’s always been our Alaska.
THE QUEER AGENDA: Events This Week
Note: Events were scheduled before Snowmageddon 2026. Please check with organizers for any reschedules!
Lesbiyinz BIPOC Meetup: Dinner & Dreaming of the New Year
at the QMNTY Center, Tuesday, Jan 27 from 7–9 PM
Intentional QTPOC connection over food & visioning for 2026.
More info →
Cocktails & Confections Painting Class
at Love, Katie Distillery, Wednesday, Jan 28 from 6:30–8:30 PM
Paint. Sip. Overshare. Sweets. Queer joy in every brush stroke.
More info →
Cauldron of Creativity: Non-Competitive Open Stage
at Harold’s Haunt, Thursday, Jan 29 at 8 PM
A judgment-free zone for your most chaotic queer performance art.
More info →
More events this week →
OKAY SLAYERS, THAT’S THE VIBE CHECK
Whew. That was a lot of slay, and you made it all the way through. Gold star, babe.
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.
If the world felt too heavy this weekend, we get it. If you didn’t get dressed today? Valid. If all you managed was staying inside and keeping it together while the snow piled up? That’s a win.
Just remember, you’re not stuck, you’re just snowed in. And that’s your cue to slay gently.
We’ll be back next Monday with more queer joy, community news, and sparkle-studded nonsense.
Until then: hydrate. stretch. Cry if you need. Laugh if you can. We think you’re doing amazing. Talk soon.