Political fallout surrounding Allegheny County Council President Pat Catena continued escalating Monday after TransYOUniting publicly rejected a $500 donation sent by Catena following widespread condemnation of his anti-trans campaign mailer targeting Democratic primary opponent Brittany Bloam.
In a statement released ahead of Tuesday evening’s planned County Council protest and public comment session, the organization accused Catena of attempting to smooth over public harm without taking meaningful accountability for rhetoric they say contributed to ongoing attacks against trans people.
“You do not get to attack trans people publicly, contribute to dangerous narratives, and then attempt to smooth it over without ever speaking to the people impacted by your actions,” the organization wrote.
The group’s response comes just days after Catena faced mounting criticism from LGBTQ leaders, Democratic organizations, elected officials, and local residents over a campaign mailer that invoked “transgender athletes,” “extreme left groups,” and other rhetoric critics described as fear-based and transphobic.
TransYOUniting made clear that the donation would not resolve those concerns.
“That is not leadership,” the statement reads. “Pat Catena should step down as County Council President. Leadership requires accountability, and accountability requires more than writing a check after harm has already been done.”
Rather than quietly returning the donation, the organization announced a new fundraising push aimed at turning public outrage into direct community support.
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Using the slogan “$500 Will Not Buy Our Silence,” TransYOUniting launched a campaign seeking to raise $5,000 for its QMNTY Continuum programs, which provide housing assistance, food access, transportation support, workforce development, gender-affirming resources, emergency aid, and community services for trans residents navigating what the organization described as “an increasingly hostile political climate.”
“Trans lives are not political talking points,” the statement continues. “Our community is not for sale. And no amount of money will silence us while trans people are under attack.”
The controversy now appears poised to intensify further at Tuesday’s Allegheny County Council meeting, where organizers are urging residents and allies to “pack County Council” and demand accountability directly from county leadership.
The meeting, scheduled for today, Tuesday, May 12, at 5 PM, is expected to draw public comments from LGBTQ residents, activists, and community members angered by both the original campaign mailer and Catena’s continued refusal to publicly apologize or step down from council leadership.
Catena issued a quiet apology in written statements to select media outlets. QBurgh was not one of those outlets.