Listen on Spotify
We Made It Through Winter, Babe
The sun is starting to come out. The air is softer. People are blinking in daylight like confused little houseplants. Spring is actually starting to show up.
After months of gray skies, emotional hibernation, and layering outfits like we were preparing for battle, we have made it to the other side.
You survived winter. Let’s say that again, louder for the people still wearing three hoodies just in case. You. Survived. Winter.
And now? The energy is shifting. Windows are opening. Group chats are waking up. Someone just suggested a patio hang and nobody laughed them out of the chat. We’re stretching, emerging, remembering what it feels like to have plans again.
It’s chaotic. It’s hopeful. It’s a little unhinged in the best way.
This is your official permission slip to go outside, romanticize your life, say yes to something spontaneous, and maybe, just maybe… put the heavy coat away (emotionally, if not physically)
Spring is here. And so are you.
SLAY OF THE WEEK: Brad Dunlap
This week’s Slay of the Week goes to Brad Dunlap, aka one of the busiest community builders in Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ scene.
From the leather and kink world to bear hangouts, bowling leagues, and delightfully chaotic events like the Big Gay Float, Brad is everywhere and that’s kind of the point.
After moving to Pittsburgh in 2018, he found the community he’d been searching for… and immediately got to work helping build it.
Now, as Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Bear 2026, he’s using his platform to create spaces where people can show up exactly as they are, whether that’s at a casual happy hour, a bowling lane, or somewhere a little more adventurous.
Because for Brad, it’s never been about recognition. It’s about connection.
👉 Read the full story on QBurgh.com
Reader Joy Submission: Dani’s Big Slay
This week’s reader joy comes from Dani, who shared a milestone moment that honestly feels like the definition of stepping into your life.
“I’m baby trans, 66, and about 4.5 months on HRT,” Dani wrote. “Two weeks ago, I finally came out at work and went full-time femme presentation.”
And then? She took it global.
Dani flew from Pittsburgh to Costa Rica for a weeklong yoga retreat en femme 100% of the time.
“I was not misgendered even once,” she shared. The trip became a week full of new experiences, connection, and joy, the kind that comes from fully showing up as yourself in the world.
And maybe the most powerful part? Dani says, “Life is good.”
Yes, Dani. It really is.
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.
advertisement
QUEER JOY IN THE WORLD: More Than a Haircut
At Headstone Salon in Millvale, a haircut can be something much deeper than a new look.
Co-owners Aiden Sin Flame and Zoe Davis have created a space rooted in trust, care, and intentional listening where clients are able to explore and express who they are in a safe, affirming environment.
For many, that experience can be transformative.
Moments like seeing yourself clearly for the first time, feeling aligned in your body, or simply being cared for without judgment are at the heart of what Headstone offers.
It’s more than hairstyling. It’s gender-affirming care, community, and a place to become yourself.
👉 Read the full story on QBurgh.com
QUEER RECOMMENDATION: Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!
If you’re craving a little glamour, chaos, and old-school queer icon energy, pick up Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! by Liza Minnelli, as told to Michael Feinstein.
Born into Hollywood royalty (hi, Judy Garland), Liza’s life has always been in the spotlight — but this memoir goes beyond the stage lights into the messy, complicated, and deeply human reality behind it all.
Expect honesty, heartbreak, iconic stories, and just the right amount of delicious gossip. It’s funny, candid, and full of the kind of resilience that only a legend like Liza can deliver.
Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is keep performing, even when your heart is breaking.
THE QUEER AGENDA:
Here are three ways to get out, connect, and maybe stretch something other than your patience this week.
Hoppy Homos
Tuesday, March 24 | 6:30–9:00 PM
Hop Farm Brewing Co.
Join Lesbi Friends for a laid-back night of free darts and billiards. No cover, just vibes. Grab a drink, make some new friends, and lean into your competitive (or chaotic) side.
Stretching 101
Wednesday, March 25 | 6:00–7:00 PM
True T
Loosen up with a beginner-friendly session focused on mobility, breath work, and light choreography. Whether you’re prepping for the runway, the dance floor, or just daily life, this is your midweek reset. Pay What You Can.
Friends of Dorothy Book Club
Thursday, March 26 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Woolly Bear Books (Carnegie)
This month’s read is Hungerstone by Kat Dunn. Come for thoughtful conversation, queer literary vibes, and a little historical nod to the coded phrase “Friend of Dorothy.” All are welcome, just bring respect and curiosity.
And if none of these fit your schedule? There’s always something else happening.
👉Find more events this week
Alright, babes… look at you.
You made it through winter. You made it through the time change. You made it through whatever version of yourself you had to be just to get here.
And now? You’re emerging.
The sun is lingering a little longer. People are outside again. Someone just made eye contact with you on the sidewalk and didn’t look away immediately. Growth.
This is your reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. You can be in progress, a little chaotic, trying something new, becoming someone you haven’t fully met yet
That counts. That’s the work.
This week, take a note from Dani. Show up as yourself. Take the trip. Say yes to the thing that scares you a little (but in a good way). And maybe, just maybe, let yourself believe that life can be good.
Drink some water. Touch some grass. Text someone you love. And step into this next version of you like you mean it. Because spring isn’t the only thing showing up. You are, too.
Now go be a little chaotic, a little joyful, and very, very fabulous.
Talk soon.