From Commander Eric Baker
LGBTQ+ Liaison, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
As Pittsburgh enters Pride season, communities across the city will gather for events centered on visibility, celebration, advocacy, remembrance, and connection.
For many people, Pride events are joyful. Others may also carry memories of rejection, discrimination, or past negative experiences with institutions, including law enforcement. That reality is important to acknowledge.
Public safety during Pride events is not only about traffic control or event logistics. It is about helping ensure that people can gather safely, openly, and respectfully in their own community.
Under the leadership of Chief Lando, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police continues emphasizing professionalism, procedural justice, community engagement, and officer training focused on respectful interactions with the public. That commitment includes continued work to strengthen relationships with Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ community and improve communication before concerns become conflicts.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will continue working with organizers, community groups, public safety partners, and event staff throughout Pride season to support safe events across the city.
Pittsburgh is fortunate to have strong organizations and support networks that continue to advocate for LGBTQIA+ residents year-round. Their work extends far beyond Pride Month and includes housing support, youth services, advocacy, family support, and community programming.
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This year will again bring a variety of events throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, from large public celebrations and performances to smaller neighborhood gatherings, youth-focused programming, advocacy events, and community resource fairs. Those events reflect the diversity of Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ community and the many different ways people choose to celebrate, connect, and show support.
As LGBTQ+ Liaison, one of my priorities is ensuring that communication between event organizers, community members, and public safety remains open and constructive before events occur, not only when problems arise.
Part of effective liaison work is being present before there is a problem.
A Few Safety Reminders for Pride Season
Large public events are meant to be enjoyable, but they also require awareness and planning. A few simple precautions can help keep events safe for everyone:
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Attend events with friends when possible and establish a meeting point in case phones die or groups become separated.
- Drink responsibly and keep an eye on beverages in crowded environments.
- Use rideshare services, public transportation, or designated drivers if consuming alcohol.
- If something feels unsafe, trust your instincts and seek help from nearby event staff, security personnel, or police.
- Keep emergency contact information accessible.
- Parents attending family-friendly events should establish a reunification plan for children in advance.
- Report suspicious behavior, fights, threats, or harassment early before situations escalate.
In short, do not outsource your safety or the safety of your friends and family to a third party. For individuals attending nightlife events or traveling between venues, it is also important to remain mindful of personal safety when meeting unfamiliar people or leaving events late at night.
Safety conversations are not intended to discourage participation. The goal is to help ensure that people can enjoy events comfortably and confidently.
If you see me at events this Pride season, please feel free to say hello. Listening to community members directly and hearing both positive and negative experiences remains an important part of this role.
Whether you are attending your first Pride event, supporting a friend or family member, volunteering, or simply showing up as yourself, I hope this Pride season is safe, welcoming, and meaningful for you.