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Some Mondays feel a little heavier than others.
This week, our hearts are with LGBTQ+ people everywhere who are carrying grief, uncertainty, or fear. Moments like these remind us that while we’ve made incredible progress, the work of creating a safer, more welcoming world is far from finished.
As we reach the final Slay Weekly of July, it’s hard to believe how quickly queer summer is flying by. We hope you’ve found moments to laugh with friends, discover somewhere new, celebrate your authentic self, or simply enjoy the warmth of this season. Those moments matter.
That’s also why queer joy matters. Not because it ignores the hard things, but because it reminds us what we’re working to protect. Every story we tell, every space we create, every neighbor we welcome, and every act of kindness helps strengthen our community.
So this week, we’re doing what we always do: celebrating the people who show up for one another and the joy they create along the way.
Let’s slay the week.
SLAY OF THE WEEK: Pennsylvania’s LGBTQ+ Nonprofit Security Grants
This week’s Slay of the Week goes to everyone working to make LGBTQ+ community spaces safer.
Pennsylvania has announced a new round of funding through its Nonprofit Security Grant Fund, making $10 million available to help eligible LGBTQ+ organizations strengthen security and protect the spaces where our community gathers. Whether it’s upgrading facilities, improving safety measures, or preparing for the unexpected, these investments help ensure that community centers, nonprofits, and gathering places can continue welcoming people with confidence.
Safe spaces don’t happen by accident. They’re built by people who believe everyone deserves to gather, celebrate, learn, and simply exist without fear. This funding is a meaningful investment in that vision and a reminder that protecting our community is an act of care.
Here’s to the organizations that open their doors every day and to everyone helping keep those doors open.
Now that’s a slay.
SHARE YOUR JOY
One of our favorite parts of Slay Weekly is hearing from you.
Has something brought you joy recently? Maybe you made a new friend, started a new job, got engaged, finished a creative project, met an adorable dog, found an amazing queer-owned business, or simply had a moment that reminded you why you love this community.
Big or small, we’d love to celebrate it.
Send us an email and tell us what’s bringing you joy. Your story could be featured in an upcoming issue of Slay Weekly and help brighten someone else’s Monday.
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Monday, July 27 deadline to receive the August newspaper by mail.
Queer Recommendation
Read: Bromantasy
Sometimes the best recommendation is simply, “This book looks like a blast.”
This week, we’re recommending Bromantasy by Máire Roche, a cozy queer fantasy about two lifelong best friends who accidentally find themselves on a dragon-hunting quest—with plenty of laughs, adventure, and unresolved feelings along the way. Think fantasy, friendship, found family, and a slow-burn romance wrapped up in a delightfully silly package.
Our favorite part? The author describes the novel as “a love letter to every queer person carving out moments of joy despite it all.” That’s exactly the kind of energy we’re carrying with us this week.
This might be the perfect addition to your queer summer reading list.
As we close out July, I’m reminded that summer has a way of moving faster than we expect. There are still adventures to have, books to read, friends to meet for coffee, community events to discover, and memories waiting to be made.
This week also reminds us not to take those moments for granted. Every time we gather, tell our stories, support one another, or create spaces where people can be fully themselves, we’re building the kind of community we all deserve.
Thank you for spending another Monday with us. Thank you for reading, listening, sharing, and believing that celebrating queer joy is always worthwhile.
We’ll see you in August. Until then, take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and keep making Pittsburgh a place where everyone can belong.
Have a beautiful week, Pittsburgh.
Talk soon.
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