Faces & Places: Uptown’s First Pride

Photo by Jeff Freedman.

Pittsburgh Pride Group hosted the lively Uptown Pride block party on Saturday. Despite the day’s challenges of hot weather and intermittent downpours, spirits remained high among the enthusiastic participants. The event, held in Uptown in partnership with Trace Brewing, transformed Van Braam Street into a festive hub of community celebration. Attendees enjoyed a wide array of vendors, entertainment, and activities, marking a fantastic conclusion to a month of visibility, joy, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in the city.

Photos by Jeff Freedman.

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Jeff Freedman (he/him) is a Pittsburgh native celebrating his fourth decade of LGBTQ+ community volunteerism. A co-founder of the Steel City Softball League in 1981, Jeff has remained a dedicated advocate ever since. His leadership includes serving on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission for LGBTQ Affairs, chairing Pittsburgh Pride celebrations from 2005 to 2007, and currently serving as the Pittsburgh Pride March & Parade Co-Chair. In recognition of his lifelong dedication, Jeff was named the 2025 Pittsburgh Pride Grand Marshal. Regular parade-goers will recognize him as the enthusiastic voice on the megaphone organizing the march participants. Jeff looks forward to sharing his best stories—at least the printable ones—with the QBurgh community.