Summary
The first, print issue of QBurgh magazine served as the Pittsburgh Pride Guide for 2022.
Key sections of the guide include:
- Articles and Features: Articles like “The Meaning of Pride” by Jason Shavers, “A Mother’s Pride” by Drew Praskovich, “Long May They Reign” about Pittsburgh’s drag scene by Michael Buzzelli, and profiles on “Pride Hero” Lyndsey Sickler and Maria Montaño, Pittsburgh’s first openly trans woman Press Secretary. There are also pieces on the political nature of Pride by State Representative Jessica Benham and City Councilman Bruce Kraus, and a history of the Shepherd Wellness Community.
- Pittsburgh Pride 2022 Itinerary: A detailed schedule of Pride events from May 21st to July 31st, including:
- June 2: Too Hot for July: Pride with Saucy Santana (kick-off party).
- June 3: Ball on the Bridge, Pride on the Shore (featuring Jessie J and an afterparty with Trixie Mattel).
- June 4: Pittsburgh Pride Revolution March and Parade, Pittsburgh Pride Revolution Festival (headlined by Miss Money).
- June 5: Pittsburgh Pride Revolution Mini-Festival at Trace Brewing, People’s Pride PGH Swissvale Pride.
- Other events: Fox Chapel Pride in the Park (June 9), Washington, PA Pride (June 11), Swissvale Pride Parade + Musicfest (June 12), Millvale Pride (June 18), Mt. Lebanon Pride (June 18), Dormont Spark/Pride (June 25), Ohio Valley Pride (July 23-24), and Pittsburgh Black Pride (July 28-31).
- Community Resources: Information on organizations like the AHN Positive Health Clinic (HIV care), Proud Haven (shelter for LGBTQ+ youth), Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, Shepherd Wellness Community (HIV/AIDS support), Allies for Health + Wellbeing (primary care, HIV specialty care, gender-affirming care), PFLAG PGH (support, education, advocacy), and AIDS Free Pittsburgh.
- “Gayborhood” and Queer Places: While Pittsburgh doesn’t have a formal “gayborhood,” the guide highlights Shadyside, the North Side, and the Strip District for LGBTQ-welcoming bars, clubs, and organizations. Specific establishments mentioned include 5801 Video Lounge, P Town, Blue Moon, Brewer’s, Donny’s/Leather Central, Real Luck Cafe (Lucky’s), and Club Pittsburgh.
- Letters of Support: Messages from Mayor Ed Gainey, Governor Tom Wolf, Lt. Governor John Fetterman, and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald expressing support for Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Pride Star Awards: Recognition for volunteers who contribute to the LGBTQ+ community, including Rick Allison (OUTrageous Bingo), Terry Hudon (Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation), Nathan Grijalva (Gay 4 Good PGH), Matthew Kramar (Steel City Volleyball), and Nick Smerker (Reel Q).
- Local Businesses and Sponsors: Advertisements and mentions of local businesses and organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community, such as KeyBank, Point Park University, Rivers Casino, Square Cafe, Reel Q, The Andy Warhol Museum, The Mattress Factory, Venture Outdoors, Millvale Community Library, Honor Your Body Wellness, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, and others.
The guide emphasizes the importance of Pride as a celebration of identity, a political movement for equality, and a source of community and support for LGBTQ+ individuals.