It is truly an honor to represent Pennsylvania’s 24th Legislative District in the PA House of Representatives. Whether I’m writing legislation in Harrisburg, voting on the House floor, or meeting with constituents in Pittsburgh, I guide my words and actions by the needs and concerns of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones.
As the first out lesbian to ever serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, I understand how important it is that our legislators represent us in all facets of our identity. In turn, I am proud to be a long-time LGBTQ+ organizer and activist in Pittsburgh. I co-led the effort to create the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission and served as its first Vice Chair. This past summer, I held the City of Pittsburgh accountable for the June 2025 raid of P Town by hosting community forums in the aftermath and continuing to work and resolve this with the City Council and new mayoral administration. After being elected as a State Representative, I’ve continued my activism by defending our access to healthcare on the House Majority Health Committee, sponsoring bills such as The Fairness Act (House Bill 300), Marriage Equality Act (House Bill 1800), and Preserving Access to Reproductive Efforts Non-Traditional (PARENT) Act (House Bill 836), and securing nearly $200,000 in state support for Pittsburgh Pride in 2025.
This year’s Pittsburgh Pride theme is “Existence is Resistance.” Quite honestly, it’s been incredibly difficult for our LGBTQ+ neighbors to live and work in safety and comfort. Across the country, the queer and trans community has been attacked socially, politically, and economically, and the current presidential administration is fueling the fire. Despite it all—despite the constant threats to our freedom and security as American denizens—we still exist. Every single day, we choose to wake up and exist as our beautiful, unapologetically proud selves. Resistance looks different to everyone. Some folks resist by protesting, others resist by supporting those in need, and others more make their own ways to resist. But regardless of how resistance looks to you, what we all have in common is our innate drive to push through the flames and continue to exist as LGBTQ+ people.
This Pride Month, and every day after that, remember that your existence, regardless of how you choose to exist, is an inherent resistance to the hatred and opposition you may face. And, as your State Representative, I will fight with and for you and your existence all the way to the finish line.
Proudly,
La’Tasha D. Mayes
State Representative
District 24