Across the country, Pride celebrations have increasingly expanded beyond major cities into suburbs, neighborhoods, and small towns. In the Pittsburgh region, suburbs including Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, and Millvale, along with Pittsburgh neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, have launched their own local Pride events in recent years. Now, the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Brookline is preparing to join that growing movement.
Brookline Pride, a community initiative led by organizer and nonprofit leader Alicia Romano, announced that the neighborhood will host its first Pride event on September 12, 2026. While Pride events are traditionally held in June to commemorate the Stonewall uprising, Romano said organizers intentionally chose September to avoid competing with the region’s crowded summer Pride calendar.
Romano said organizers wanted to create an event that felt sustainable and community-focused, adding that the September date also positions the celebration ahead of National Coming Out Day in October.
As a Brookline resident who has attended Pride celebrations throughout her adult life, Romano said she recognized both the absence of a local Pride event and a growing desire among residents for one.
Through outreach and advocacy work in the neighborhood, Romano said she has also seen signs of resistance alongside support. According to Romano, some residents and business owners who displayed Pride flags or posters in windows and yards received letters she described as “extremely hateful.”
Despite anticipating some backlash to the event itself, Romano said community support for Brookline Pride continues to grow.
Romano said more residents and businesses in the area have continued to support the event.
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Brookline resident and community organizer Don Mudrick said he believes the event will become a welcome addition to the neighborhood’s lineup of annual community events.
Several local businesses and organizations have already expressed support for Brookline Pride, including Red’s Good News, Amarah Studio and Boutique, and Brookline Teen Outreach.
One notable organization that has not publicly backed the effort is Brookline Together, the neighborhood’s primary community development organization. Romano said she approached the group about collaborating on the event but was told no.
The decision has created challenges for organizers because Brookline Together often serves as a coordinating body for neighborhood events and civic engagements. QBurgh reached out to the organization for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
Romano said she still hopes Brookline Together will reconsider participating in the event and described the organization as an important stakeholder in the neighborhood.
Organizers plan to host several lead-up events in the coming months ahead of Brookline Pride in September. More information is expected to be shared through Brookline Pride’s social media channels, including Facebook at @BrooklinePride and Instagram at @brooklinepridepgh.