Washington County Gay Straight Alliance (WCGSA) held a 20-year celebration on Saturday, December 6, at the historic George Washington Hotel in Washington, PA.
The event began in the lobby with registration, a choice of champagne or a nonalcoholic beverage (orange juice, cranberry juice, or ginger ale), and an overflowing charcuterie table. The mezzanine balcony was lined with gift baskets for two raffles: a blue ticket and a purple ticket. At 6:45, attendees were ushered into the grand ballroom, which once hosted Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, the Beatles, and former U.S. presidents.
Board members and volunteers helped create a friendly, vibrant atmosphere, including Chair and Treasurer Adam Pokorski, CPA; Vice Chair, Kathleen “Kathy” M. Cameron; Pride Director Tyler Bogden, and more.
The evening was emceed by Cameron, who, along with Jen Newman, Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski, and two teenagers, including Liz Glowark, founded the WCGSA.
Cameron told a heartfelt and personal tale about how her gay son led her to do more for teens in Washington County. She then introduced Pastor Stephen Smith of the First Presbyterian Church, who hosted the very first meeting and subsequent meetings of the WCGSA until they created their one space, The CENTER on Strawberry, in 2017.
Cameron introduced three guest speakers at the event: Stevie Nova Berberick, Kyle Duff, MD, FAAFP, and Glowark.
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Glowark described the organization’s history from her perspective as a young teenager at Washington High School, seeking a place to fit in. Glowark said, “I wanted to create a space where everyone felt safe. Where everyone felt seen.”
Glowark added, “I want to congratulate WCGSA on taking a teenage idea into a community organization for twenty years!”
Duff spoke about his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights at Washington Hospital, which recently became UPMC-affiliated. Duff said, “When I came to Washington Hospital to do my residency, there was no LGBTQ+ equitable care. They only had the patient non-discriminatory care policy, the standard policy every hospital must ensure that everyone is treated fairly.”
Duff said, “In 2015, Washington Hospital was open and accepting of expanding its services and care to the LGBTQ+ community.”
Duff helped bring the Central Outreach Wellness Center of Washington while teaching at the hospital. In Duff’s speech, he mentioned the rollback of LGBTQ+ services under the current administration, but he also spoke of hope and a deep love for the Washington County community.
Duff said, “I had come out recently in med school, and the WCGSA helped me become a lifelong advocate.” In his speech, Duff mentioned Cameron, Maryann Patterson, RN, and Carol Priest, MSN, FNP-BC, advocates, medical professionals, and WCGSA Board Members.
Berberick’s speech delineated the history of the Oral History Project, the podcast, and the many ways that the WCGSA and W & J University are preserving queer voices in the county. They listed a plethora of names of volunteers helping with the archives.
After a sit-down dinner, DJ Crush spun music while Alora Chateaux and Calypso performed drag numbers, and a birthday cake was distributed to all the attendees.
Chateaux said, “Washington County has been very welcoming to us.” Chateaux, who has participated in Washington County Pride events, added, “It’s always a delight to come here. It’s always a blast!”
Calypso, who performed for her first time in Washington County at the event, said, “It was amazing. I love the energy here. Everyone was so lovely.” Calypso laughed and added, “The food was wonderful!”
At the end of the evening, Chateaux announced the raffle winners.
In its 20 years of existence, WCGSA has expanded its services. The CENTER on Strawberry now has a Trans Peer Group, a support group for Trans and Non-Binary individuals; the Strawberry Perserves, an LGBTQ+ senior group; Game Night; recovery programs; and a Sunday afternoon drop-in event.
Editor’s Note:
QBurgh would like to acknowledge Kathy Cameron’s hard work and dedication over the past 20 years, which have kept the Center running. She has truly been the heart and soul of the organization. Thank you, Kathy.
