A Pittsburgh native and dedicated advocate, Jeff Freedman (he/him) has been a vital force in the LGBTQ+ community for over four decades. His journey began in 1981 as a founding member and Commissioner of the Steel City Softball League. Later, helping establish a short-lived initial iteration of the Steel City Volleyball League would follow. In the 80s, he was also heavily involved in the Steel City Bowling League and co-chaired the city’s inaugural gay bowling tournament (TREAT) in 1988.
Although Jeff’s job transferred him throughout the US, Jeff’s community involvement remained strong. Returning to Pittsburgh in 2003, Jeff was elected chair of Pittsburgh Pride by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (now Pittsburgh Equality Center) for 2005 and 2006. His dedication to this event has now spanned two decades, and he currently co-chairs the city’s large and successful Pittsburgh Pride March and Parade. His “loud and proud” voice is a familiar sound at the lineup for the parade since he has used the same bullhorn for over ten years.
Jeff co-created QBurgh.com in 2020 and now dedicates his time fully to this vital resource and hosts QBurgh’s monthly podcast, “Pride Matters.” His commitment extends to the state level as an appointed member of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission for LGBTQ Affairs and an elected Democratic Committee member in the South Side Slopes. Recently, Jeff started serving as a Co-Chair of the advisory board for the Pittsburgh Media Partnership, a consortium of 33 local news organizations serving Southwestern Pennsylvania. He still plays in the Steel City Softball League in his spare time.
Jeff lives with his husband, Norm, in the Arlington section of Pittsburgh. They are both members of the local Arlington Civic Council.
We deeply appreciate Jeff’s countless and enduring contributions to many of our community organizations and enthusiastically celebrate his dedication and tenure. This year marks a special milestone as he will march in the Pittsburgh Pride Parade for the first time after years of tirelessly organizing it as the 2025 Local Grand Marshal — a well-deserved moment!
Joining Jeff will be Lydia B. Kollins as the 2025 Pittsburgh Pride March and Parade’s National Grand Marshal.
Congratulations and thank you Jeff!
