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Here are 3 LGBTQ+ stories making headlines in Pittsburgh and beyond this week. Catch up in under a minute with Michelangelo’s Bi-Weekly Queer News Update.
🚨Queer news you missed🚨 – March 14, 2026
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🚨Queer news you missed🚨 – March 14, 2026

QBurgh March 14, 2026 9:31 am

What does it mean to transform a lifetime of experience into art? In this episode of From Then to Now to When, we spend time with Treasure Treasure (she/her) — a Pittsburgh-based performing artist, comic, composer, filmmaker, and multi-instrumentalist whose stage career spans more than three decades. Driving through the city together, Treasure reflects on her early years as a child actor working in New York City, navigating an intense professional world while also growing up as a trans kid without the language to fully understand her identity. Those experiences, along with the questions and frustrations they created, eventually became creative fuel. Treasure recently premiered her theatrical work “Agnus Teaches Acting” at The New Hazlett Theater, a piece that imagines an acting teacher who goes rogue and transforms class time into her own unexpected performance. Beyond the stage, Treasure’s debut EP HYPNEROTOMACHIA is available on all platforms and in rotation on 91.3 WYEP in Pittsburgh. Her short film exploring trans identity and school portraiture was recently exhibited at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and received honorable mention in the 2nd Annual “Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh” Award, presented by the University of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Museum of Art. Through theater, music, and film, Treasure continues to explore identity, freedom, and the power of creative expression. “I want to live. I want to explore. I want to learn. I want to grow. I want to create.” This is From Then to Now to When — a video series exploring the past, present, and future of Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ community.
Treasure Treasure on Art, Identity, and Creative Freedom
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Treasure Treasure on Art, Identity, and Creative Freedom

QBurgh March 12, 2026 9:02 am

What happens when you clean out an old queer nightclub and refuse to throw history away? In this episode of From Then to Now to When, we sit down with Harrison Apple (they/them), co-director of the Pittsburgh Queer History Project, to explore the hidden archives of Pittsburgh’s queer nightlife; from ballroom culture to trans organizing to the ethics of preserving deeply personal artifacts. What began in 2009 as an art student helping clear out a club became a radical archival practice rooted in consent, oral history, and care. From crumpled-up notes that read “Fuck off” to deeply intimate journals, Harrison reflects on what it means to hold queer memory responsibly and how looking back at solidarity across movements helps us move forward. Learn more at: pittsburghqueerhistory.com This is how we remember. This is how we take care of each other.
THEN → NOW → WHEN | Harrison Apple & the Pittsburgh Queer History Project
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THEN → NOW → WHEN | Harrison Apple & the Pittsburgh Queer History Project

QBurgh March 5, 2026 10:00 am

In this episode of Pride Matters, host Jeff Freedman sits down with Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor and newly appointed Police Chief Jason Lando for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the 412 and what it means for the LGBTQ+ community. *** This episode is sponsored by Brianna's Mobile Workshop! Pittsburgh's Premier Queer Contractors. https://dot.cards/briannasmobileworkshop *** Recorded inside the Mayor’s conference room at City Hall, this candid discussion covers: The future of Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ Commission Expansion of the Police LGBTQ liaison program Recruitment and diversity within the police department The city’s stance on ICE enforcement and immigration cooperation Gender-affirming care and federal impact on local healthcare The P Town compliance check controversy and safe spaces Pride 2026 and what to expect this year Chief Lando discusses his priorities for the department, including community advisory boards and representation within the force. Mayor O’Connor reaffirms Pittsburgh’s position as a welcoming city and addresses ongoing federal pressures impacting local governance. What are your thoughts on the city’s policies? Let us know in the comments.
Mayor O’Connor and Chief Lando Address LGBTQ Issues, ICE Policy, and Pride
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Mayor O’Connor and Chief Lando Address LGBTQ Issues, ICE Policy, and Pride

QBurgh February 25, 2026 10:35 am

Inside Lydia B Kollins’ Lydia Lydia Lydia book launch party #rupaulsdragrace
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Inside Lydia B Kollins’ Lydia Lydia Lydia book launch party #rupaulsdragrace

QBurgh February 13, 2026 4:16 pm

Federal cuts are hitting hard. Trans & queer orgs need community support more than ever. Every dollar helps!
Federal cuts are hitting hard. Trans & queer orgs need community support more than ever.
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Federal cuts are hitting hard. Trans & queer orgs need community support more than ever.

QBurgh February 7, 2026 5:38 pm

TransYOUniting will be opening a pantry & cafe on February 19! Free meals once a day + pantry items to give away. https://qburgh.com/podcast-dena-stanley-trans-health-pittsburgh-pride/
TransYOUniting will be opening a pantry & cafe on February 19! Free meals once a day + pantry items
YouTube Video VVVsdnQ4ZlNQSVRsUm5BU3BBNDJnTkdBLjRDZm9pdFl4Mkhr

TransYOUniting will be opening a pantry & cafe on February 19! Free meals once a day + pantry items

QBurgh January 30, 2026 1:38 pm

In this "When" episode of “From Then to Now to When,” we look toward the future of queer Pittsburgh with The Soft Spot, a new sapphic, intersectional, and sober café space recently constructed and opened in Garfield. Founder Aerin Adams (aka the Lesbian in Charge) shares her vision of a future rooted in softness, resistance, and community. Born from a desire to combat rising violence and isolation faced by queer people, The Soft Spot is a coffee shop and a safe space in the making. A space for arm wrestling, potlucks, poetry, and protest. Featuring scenes from Winter Solstice Queer Arm Wrestling, an early taste of the vibe and energy to come. 📍 Follow @thesoftspotpgh on Instagram for updates 🔗 Watch the full “Then, Now, When” series at QBurgh.com This is When. This is what we’re building next.
WHEN | The Soft Spot – Queer Futures, Built by Hand in Pittsburgh
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WHEN | The Soft Spot – Queer Futures, Built by Hand in Pittsburgh

QBurgh January 29, 2026 9:45 am

Today's episode is sponsored by Brianna's Mobile Workshop, Pittsburgh’s Premier Queer Contractors! Contact Brianna https://dot.cards/briannasmobileworkshop We’re kicking off 2026 with a bang on Pride Matters by welcoming back the one and only Dena Stanley, founder of TransYOUniting and President of Pittsburgh Pride! In this episode, Dena shares: - The fight for trans healthcare access after UPMC’s decision - A preview of TransYOUniting’s brand new community pantry café - Announcements for Pittsburgh Pride 2026 including dates! We also talk about the urgent need for visibility, mutual aid, and community power in the face of growing attacks on trans lives. This isn’t just a celebration — it’s a call to action. ➤ Learn more + support the work: https://transunitingpgh.org https://pittsburghpride.com
Dena Stanley on Trans Health, Pittsburgh Pride & Fighting Back in 2026
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Dena Stanley on Trans Health, Pittsburgh Pride & Fighting Back in 2026

QBurgh January 27, 2026 10:00 am

What does it mean to build a queer business grounded in trust, access, and mutual care? In this second episode of “Then, Now, When,” we meet Kaitlin and Stephanie Muczyk (she/her), the married duo behind K8 Do It — a Pittsburgh-based handygal business offering safe, inclusive home services to LGBTQ+ folks, neurodivergent clients, elders, and more.
NOW | K8 Do It – Queer Handygal Services Rooted in Safety & Care
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NOW | K8 Do It – Queer Handygal Services Rooted in Safety & Care

QBurgh January 22, 2026 9:39 am

THIS SATURDAY at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, it's the butthole herself, Lydia B Kollins! Grab your tickets BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! https://qburgh.com/lydia
THIS SATURDAY at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, it's the butthole herself, Lydia B Kollins!
YouTube Video VVVsdnQ4ZlNQSVRsUm5BU3BBNDJnTkdBLlpYUzI0cVJTTmZv

THIS SATURDAY at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, it's the butthole herself, Lydia B Kollins!

QBurgh January 21, 2026 2:30 pm

Typical! There are only a few tickets left! Don't miss "QBurgh Presents: Lydia Lydia Lydia" featuring Lydia B Kollins of RuPaul's Drag Race season 17 and All Stars 10 this Saturday, January 24, at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater! 👉 https://qburgh.com/lydia
Don't miss "QBurgh Presents: Lydia Lydia Lydia" featuring Lydia B Kollins this Saturday
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Don't miss "QBurgh Presents: Lydia Lydia Lydia" featuring Lydia B Kollins this Saturday

QBurgh January 20, 2026 11:15 am

Pittsburgh to NYC & back again! Pride, Art, & Coming home
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Pittsburgh to NYC & back again! Pride, Art, & Coming home

QBurgh January 19, 2026 1:05 pm

MEET THE CAST of 'QBurgh Presents: LYDIA LYDIA LYDIA’ Drag Show and book talk on January 24! https://qburgh.com/lydia
MEET THE CAST of 'QBurgh Presents: LYDIA LYDIA LYDIA’ Drag Show and book talk on January 24!
YouTube Video VVVsdnQ4ZlNQSVRsUm5BU3BBNDJnTkdBLnE3MDRjX2F3Tk9r

MEET THE CAST of 'QBurgh Presents: LYDIA LYDIA LYDIA’ Drag Show and book talk on January 24!

QBurgh January 17, 2026 8:47 pm

For over 40 years, the Pittsburgh Pride Choir has been a joyful and justice-filled voice for the LGBTQ+ community. In this first episode of our “Then, Now, When” series, we reflect on the legacy of this powerful choir — a space where queer voices have harmonized through decades of change, resistance, and celebration. 🎶🏳️‍🌈 Hear directly from members of the choir as they share what it means to sing in community, to grieve and celebrate together, and to build a future rooted in love and liberation. ✨ Featuring interviews with performers and audience members from “A Not So Silent Night,” the choir’s winter performance
THEN | Pittsburgh Pride Choir: 40 Years of Singing for Justice
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THEN | Pittsburgh Pride Choir: 40 Years of Singing for Justice

QBurgh January 15, 2026 10:48 am

💦 👀 Saturday, January 24! Lydia B Kollins: a drag book event! How powerful. How sophisticated! https://www.qburgh.com/lydia
💦 👀 Saturday, January 24! Lydia B Kollins: a drag book event! How powerful. How sophisticated!
YouTube Video VVVsdnQ4ZlNQSVRsUm5BU3BBNDJnTkdBLms2TTFILVV0cnhV

💦 👀 Saturday, January 24! Lydia B Kollins: a drag book event! How powerful. How sophisticated!

QBurgh January 11, 2026 5:43 pm

In this QBurgh Artist Spotlight, we sit down with actor, singer, dancer, and director Mils "M.J." James, a powerhouse of Black queer art who has made his mark from Pittsburgh to New York and back again. M.J. shares how his artistry was shaped by his Pittsburgh roots, what it means to give back to the city that raised him, and why his work at the August Wilson House is a once-in-a-lifetime full-circle moment. From being part of Pittsburgh’s first Black gay Pride events to mentoring the next generation of LGBTQ artists, M.J. walks the walk of legacy, truth, and pride.
Pittsburgh to NYC & Back Again: Mils “M.J.” James on Pride, Art & Coming Home
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Pittsburgh to NYC & Back Again: Mils “M.J.” James on Pride, Art & Coming Home

QBurgh January 2, 2026 11:13 am

“Being true to yourself and not conforming is one of the bravest things you can do.”
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“Being true to yourself and not conforming is one of the bravest things you can do.”

QBurgh December 30, 2025 5:39 pm

Meet Lilly Kubit (she/they), a multidisciplinary artist based in Mt. Lebanon, just outside Pittsburgh, PA. Through Pound Mutt Procurements, Lilly creates vibrant, trinket-filled art using reclaimed materials, turning forgotten objects into joyful, maximalist treasures. From photography and linocuts to upcycled jewelry and DIY chandeliers, their work reflects queer pride, mental health resilience, and a deep connection to Pittsburgh’s creative spirit.
Storytelling Through Trinkets, Textures, and Tenderness
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Storytelling Through Trinkets, Textures, and Tenderness

QBurgh December 29, 2025 11:30 am

From seminary to softball to drag! Leia Way LeStat's journey of self-discovery is everything. #LGBTQ #Pittsburgh #QueerAsFolk #DragQueen #SelfDiscovery
From seminary to softball to drag! Leia Way LeStat's journey of self-discovery is everything.
YouTube Video VVVsdnQ4ZlNQSVRsUm5BU3BBNDJnTkdBLnFQOHVWSU1EdXpz

From seminary to softball to drag! Leia Way LeStat's journey of self-discovery is everything.

QBurgh December 23, 2025 5:38 pm

“Tattooing is embedded with queer identity.” #LGBTQCreators #QueerJoy #QueerArt
“Tattooing is embedded with queer identity.”
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“Tattooing is embedded with queer identity.”

QBurgh December 22, 2025 11:45 am

Today's episode is sponsored by Brianna's Mobile Workshop, Pittsburgh's Premier Queer Contractors! https://dot.cards/briannasmobileworkshop In this episode of Pride Matters, we sit down with Pittsburgh drag royalty, Leia Way LeStat, whose journey from seminary to crowned queen is as fabulous as it is inspiring. From her early days in the Steel City Softball League to holding major pageant titles like Miss Gay Pennsylvania United States at Large 2025, Leia Way opens up about the drag scene, chosen family, mentorship, and why Pittsburgh is home. Topics include: How a charity drag event sparked a dazzling career The importance of drag parents and building queer family Pageant culture in Pittsburgh and beyond The evolution of daytime drag and brunch beauty Advice for new performers entering drag today Plus: shout-outs to Leia’s drag children, her favorite titles, and where you can catch her performing this holiday season.
Steel City Sparkle with Leia Way LeStat
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Steel City Sparkle with Leia Way LeStat

QBurgh December 20, 2025 1:29 pm

In this QBurgh Artist Spotlight, we sit down with Pittsburgh-based tattoo artist and multidisciplinary creator Jess Scutella (they/them) to talk about the art of tattooing as radical queer expression. From the punk rock and queer scenes of Erie, PA, to their home at Kyklops Tattoo in Pittsburgh, Jess shares how tattooing became not only a creative outlet but a lifeline. Specializing in Japanese-style full-body tattooing, Jess reflects on identity, chosen family, queer joy, and the intimate act of translating someone’s truth into living art. They also talk about coming out in Pittsburgh, witnessing the queer community through photography, and what having pride really means.
“Tattooing is embedded with queer identity,” Jess Scutella on Queer Identity, Art, and Becoming
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“Tattooing is embedded with queer identity,” Jess Scutella on Queer Identity, Art, and Becoming

QBurgh December 19, 2025 10:09 am

What kept Stuart Fisk going during the HIV crisis? The sheer bravery of the people around him: patients, activists, and healthcare providers stepping up even when the risks were unknown. Their courage changed everything. #HealthcareHeroes #WorldAIDSDay
The sheer bravery of the patients, activists, and healthcare providers during the HIV crisis
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The sheer bravery of the patients, activists, and healthcare providers during the HIV crisis

QBurgh December 16, 2025 5:38 pm

When the AIDS crisis hit, volunteers stepped up to provide critical support, driving people to appointments and offering companionship in a time of isolation and fear. #CommunitySupport #WorldAIDSDay
Volunteers stepped up to provide critical support
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Volunteers stepped up to provide critical support

QBurgh December 14, 2025 5:38 pm

Refocus on what’s really important in life.
Refocus on what’s really important in life.
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Refocus on what’s really important in life.

QBurgh December 13, 2025 5:38 pm

From Legends & Legacies: Alan Jones shares how, during the AIDS crisis, Brewers Hotel rented rooms for $45/week. But the real story? The intense camaraderie. Bar patrons carried clients down flights of stairs in office chairs so they could make doctor's appointments. Proof there are good people in the world. #CommunityLove #WorldAIDSDay
Brewers Hotel paterons would help patients during AIDS crisis
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Brewers Hotel paterons would help patients during AIDS crisis

QBurgh December 12, 2025 1:38 pm

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