Allies for Health + Wellbeing hosted its annual Bright Young People Dance Party at Velum Fermentation in the South Side on Friday night. With DJs Himboza, Formosa, and HUNY XO spinning, the space filled with movement, connection, and intention, honoring a new class of changemakers while raising energy on the dance floor. The event spotlighted Allies’ 2026 class of Bright Young People honorees, 12 individuals shaping the city through art, advocacy, healthcare, and community care, proving that the future of Pittsburgh is bright, bold, and unapologetically queer.
The 2026 Bright Young People are Madison Baxter of Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation; Cole Eskridge of the Community College of Allegheny County; Kristin Hawk and Bonnie Ramone, tattoo artists and co-owners of The Kindred Spirit Tattoo Co; Connor Hayes of Lynch Carpenter LLP and Dr. Raagini Jawa of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Kitt Knight of SWOON Alliance, Karen Lue of Neighborhood Allies; Iris Ryn Olson of the University of Pittsburgh; Alexandra Papernick, a University of Pittsburgh student and volunteer with PFLAG Pittsburgh; Ryn Parks of BB Thriftin’ and Ryn’s Creative Studios; and Joey Young, drag performer and Miss Continental Newcomer 2025.
Photos by Maya Lovro.
