Five Fierce Years of QBurgh

Jeff Freedman.

Happy Birthday, QBurgh!

Five years ago, a simple idea was born from a profound need: to create a space where our community could find strength and connection. It was the height of the pandemic, a time when we were at our most vulnerable and isolated. We knew we had to bring people together, even when we had to stay apart.

Today, as we proudly celebrate our fifth birthday on October 11th, we are filled with immense gratitude and awe at the incredible journey we have shared. What started as a simple idea has grown into a vital and indispensable resource for the LGBTQ+ community of Pittsburgh and its allies. We love this city, and we’ve poured our heart and soul into building QBurgh to be your trusted source for local news, events, and supportive businesses.

We know these are once again turbulent times. But let’s remember our greatest strength has always been our ability to face challenges together, as a unified front. Never underestimate the transformative power of our community; we will emerge from this stronger, more resilient, and more united than ever before.

We are fueled by great anticipation for the next five years, knowing that QBurgh is, and always will be, for us and by us. We are incredibly grateful for your invaluable suggestions and feedback, which are the lifeblood of our growth. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of serving you.

While QBurgh will always be a free and accessible resource, we are profoundly grateful for your generous contributions, which allow us to continue our mission and grow together.

Happy Birthday, QBurgh! Here’s to many more years of building a stronger, more vibrant, and more connected community.

Stay Proud Pittsburgh!

Jeff Freedman
Co-creator
QBurgh

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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.