Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor and newly appointed Police Chief Jason Lando joined QBurgh for a wide-ranging conversation on this latest episode of Pride Matters, discussing LGBTQ policy, public safety, ICE enforcement, and the future of Pride in the city.
Recorded in the mayor’s office at the City-County Building downtown, the interview covered everything from the city’s LGBTQIA+ Commission to the controversy surrounding a 2025 compliance check at P Town Bar.
Today’s Episode is sponsored by: Brianna’s Mobile Workshop! Pittsburgh’s Premier Queer Contractors.
LGBTQIA+ Commission Holds First Meeting Under New Administration
Mayor O’Connor confirmed that the city’s LGBTQIA+ Commission recently held its first meeting under his administration and will continue meeting monthly.
“It’s obviously an important commission,” O’Connor said. “We want to hear from a number of people that always felt that their voices were left out.”
The mayor emphasized that the commission serves as a direct link to his office and encouraged residents interested in serving on city boards to apply.
The commission, originally formed more than a decade ago, has evolved over time. O’Connor noted that previous commissions, including one he sponsored on HIV/AIDS while serving on City Council, adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic to address broader healthcare concerns.
“These commissions are ever-changing and evolving,” he said.
Police Department Expanding LGBTQ Liaison and Advisory Efforts
Chief Lando confirmed that Officer Eric Baker will continue serving as the department’s LGBTQIA+ liaison and that the bureau is considering expanding its liaison program to include additional historically marginalized communities.
“We’re actually talking about expanding the liaison program to include other historically marginalized groups around Pittsburgh,” Lando said. “We’re going to build a liaison unit in the department.”
Lando also announced plans to launch a citywide Chief’s Community Advisory Board. The board would include representatives from neighborhoods across Pittsburgh, including the LGBTQ community, and meet quarterly to discuss public safety concerns and department initiatives.
“We want to make sure that the entire city has representation on the board,” he said.
Lando outlined four primary priorities for his tenure: reducing violent crime, strengthening leadership development within the department, prioritizing officer wellness, and improving recruitment and retention.
“It’s really important that the police department mirror the community as a whole,” he said, referencing race, gender, and sexual orientation.
City Reaffirms Non-Cooperation with ICE
Both O’Connor and Lando addressed concerns about federal immigration enforcement activity in the region.
“We will not cooperate,” O’Connor said. “Pittsburgh is a welcoming city. We want people to feel welcome when they’re in our city.”
Lando clarified that Pittsburgh police do not collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration enforcement actions and do not inquire about immigration status.
“We don’t ever ask anyone their immigration status,” Lando said. “In 26 years as a cop, I’ve never asked anyone their immigration status.”
He explained that officers may respond to emergency 911 calls involving ICE operations to ensure public safety, but once a situation is stabilized, they leave and do not assist with enforcement actions.
“I want every single resident and visitor in Pittsburgh to feel comfortable picking up the phone and calling 911 in an emergency,” Lando said.
The chief also noted that the department does not receive advance notice of ICE operations but may be informed afterward to prevent confusion or false reports of abductions.
Mayor Criticizes Federal Impact on Gender-Affirming Care
The conversation also addressed the decision by UPMC to halt certain gender-affirming care services.
O’Connor expressed support for access to care, framing the issue as part of broader federal interference.
“I support the care that individuals need and is needed,” he said. “We want you to get the care that you believe you need and that we support.”
The mayor described current federal actions as disruptive to cities and local healthcare systems and emphasized ongoing coordination with other Democratic mayors nationwide.
P Town “Compliance Check” Discussed
Freedman raised questions about the 2025 “compliance check” at P Town Bar, a popular LGBTQ venue, which prompted community backlash.
Lando said the visit was part of a nuisance bar task force compliance operation rather than a targeted “raid.” The task force includes Pittsburgh police as well as city and state agencies such as permits and inspections, the fire department, the health department, and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
According to Lando, the complaint involved overcrowding. The bar’s listed occupancy at the time was 70 people, and officers documented approximately 133 patrons inside during the check. Officials later confirmed that P Town was not classified as a “nuisance bar,” had no prior violations on record, and that the venue had exceeded an outdated occupancy limit, the result of post-pandemic renovations that had not yet been fully processed by the city.
Lando acknowledged that such operations can feel intimidating to patrons.
“I understand how it can feel intimidating. That’s not our goal,” he said. “If we left the community feeling a certain way, it’s important that we have those follow-up conversations.”
Lando added that he is a member of the LGBTQ community and takes concerns about safe spaces seriously.
“I take that very seriously,” he said.
Mayor O’Connor emphasized the importance of transparency and clear communication around occupancy codes and compliance procedures to avoid misunderstandings.
Pride Participation Continues
Both officials confirmed they plan to participate in this year’s Pittsburgh Pride events.
“It’s something that people look forward to,” O’Connor said. “It just keeps growing and growing.”
Lando noted that many officers volunteer to work Pride events.
“The officers that work the event work it because they enjoy it,” he said. “It’s nice to see those interactions.”
The episode concluded with Freedman emphasizing the importance of open dialogue between city leadership and Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ community.
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