Summary
This issue of QBurgh Magazine, the 2023 Pittsburgh Pride Guide, celebrates 50 years of Pittsburgh Pride and focuses on the theme of “No Fear.” The magazine includes articles, event listings, and community resources for the LGBTQ+ community in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.
Key themes and content include:
- 50 Years of Pittsburgh Pride: The guide extensively covers the history of Pittsburgh Pride, from the first march in 1973 to the present day, highlighting the struggles, progress, and evolution of the movement. Co-creators Jeff Freedman and Jim Sheppard share personal reflections on fear, hope, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ liberation (pages 8-9, 52-57).
- “Pride is a Protest”: State Representative La’Tasha Mayes, grand marshal of the 2023 Pride Parade, emphasizes that Pride is a form of protest and resistance, especially in the face of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation (pages 46-49).
- The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence: An article introduces the Abbey of Trinity Rivers, Pittsburgh’s chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a charitable organization known for promoting joy, expiating guilt, and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community (pages 17-20).
- “They-Bar” Concept: Harold’s Haunt in Millvale is presented as Pittsburgh’s first “they-bar,” a spin on the traditional gay bar concept that explicitly centers transgender people and offers an inclusive, sober-friendly space (pages 22-23).
- Gender Affirming Care: The importance and types of gender-affirming care are discussed, with Allies for Health + Wellbeing highlighted as a local provider (pages 33, 35).
- Community Resources and Events: The guide provides an extensive “Pride Itinerary” for June and July 2023, listing various Pride festivals, parties, and events in Pittsburgh and nearby areas (pages 10-11, 44-47). It also features information on local LGBTQ+ organizations and services, including the QMNTY Center (pages 36-39), Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation (page 37), and Shepherd Wellness Community (page 60).
- Combating Anti-LGBTQ+ Threats: Several articles address the rise in homophobia and transphobia, legislative attacks, and hate crimes across the country. Community members and activists, including Chi Chi de Vivre, Sue Kerr, and Ciora Thomas, call for action and solidarity (pages 26-30).
- Inclusivity and Allyship: The magazine features messages from Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Ed Gainey, affirming their support for the LGBTQ+ community (pages 14-15). Various organizations and businesses are recognized for their allyship and efforts to create inclusive spaces (pages 21, 25, 31, 34, 47).
- Ageism in the Community: An article explores ageism within the LGBTQIA+ community and seeks to foster unity between older and younger queer individuals through conversation (pages 62-63).
The guide also includes contact information for QBurgh Magazine, advertising inquiries, and a directory of LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and venues (page 6).