Sean Oates is an ally and friend of the LGBT community in Western Pennsylvania, and has been since an early age. He is Landmark Event Staffing’s assistant branch manager. His contracts include Heinz Field, Stage AE, Petersen Events Center, AJ Palumbo Center, First Niagara Pavilion., and even The Super Bowl, Final Four and NHL. He also helps with Pittsburgh Pride. And he is proud that Landmark, as a company, is LGBT friendly.
In Sean’s opinion, being an ally is leading by example. “As a business partner with Delta and Pride, it means bringing our skill set on Pride weekend, keeping some great folks safe and secure and advising on concerns and issues that may arise so that moving forward, it can continue to grow and be a positive force in the fight for LGBT rights.”
The single father of two grew up “in a very liberal and open-minded family in Charleroi, Pa.,” Sean says. “For as long as I can remember, my parents had, and continue to have, many gay friends. I realize, now, just how extraordinary this was for the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Tolerance was not exactly en vogue at the time, and sadly, many in the community could not openly live their lives as they saw fit. My sister, Erin, and I are blessed that we were brought up by parents who not only talked the talk, but also walked the walk. In our home, the content of ones
character was truly more important than sexual orientation.”
Sean’s cousin, Bobby, died of AIDS in January 1999. “Bobby was an amazing man, a model and actor who was incredibly witty and talented. My mom and Bobby were very close, and it’s a loss I know she experiences to this day. All of this has helped to shape and influence my feelings about the LGBT community.”
Sean talks about how he has seen the struggles that family and friends have gone through just to be happy. “This provides inspiration and a very strong desire to do what I can to help,” he says.
When asked what the most inspirational part of his involvement with Pittsburgh Pride, Sean Oates says, “This one’s easy: the dedication and commitment of so many in the community. Just experiencing Pride weekend here in Pittsburgh, knowing that my company, at least in a small way, is helping people to just BE, be who they choose, live how they choose, and love
who they choose.”
