For this Faces & Places, we aren’t centering on one event, but rather a beautiful Sunday spent with Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ community.
The afternoon started at 5801 Video Lounge, where friends gathered on the patio before heading off to the rest of their Sunday plans.
Among them was the Gracie Lou Freebushes softball team, which played its first season in 2016 after branching off from another softball team. Members said they can be found playing everywhere from Manchester Field to West Mifflin and pride themselves on winning championships while representing every part of the community, including trans, non-binary, Black, and queer players.
“I get to play with my best friends every week.”
“2 rules: no drama, good vibes only.”
The team is sponsored by Two Frays, and members said they’ve been coming to 5801 since it was New York, New York.
Members of the Eatin’ Ace volleyball team also spent part of their Sunday at 5801.
“I like to socialize on the weekend, and 5801 is the perfect place to hang with community.”
“Sunday activities such as drag brunch.”
JD summed up the afternoon with a smile. “Sunday funday! Going to Sunday Disco next.”
Juniper Fagan shared what a typical weekend looked like for her.
“This weekend I went to queer clothing swaps, got my hair cut, going to 5801 for a quick drink, then Siesta Fiesta. Just normal lesbian activities.”
Photos by Jaye Frances Imagery.
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Over in Lawrenceville, Round Corner Cantina hosted Siesta Fiesta, a Latin and global music party created by TIZA.
Siesta Fiesta is rooted in three pillars: culture, community, and connection. TIZA created the event to celebrate global music while providing a welcoming space for queer and BIPOC communities.
“As a Filipino immigrant in Pittsburgh, I was lacking community and found a gap in the music scene in the city that I had longed for: global music. I wanted to reclaim the concept of a siesta, not as a ‘midday nap’ but as a break from the complexities of the world to have a few hours with our community and to celebrate culture through music rooted in resistance. After all, rest IS resistance.”
“My favorite thing about hosting is providing a safe space for queer and BIPOC folks to express and love themselves. There’s something about the environment and the diversity in music that I think allows people to truly let go and dance their hearts out.”
The day also featured local queer-owned vendors, including Not Ur Amigo and Detroit-based Rave in the Grave.
Photos by Jaye Frances Imagery.
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