In 2025, the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame will officially take root in the heart of the Strip District, honoring individuals with ties to Southwestern Pennsylvania who’ve made remarkable contributions to American culture. This new initiative celebrates the region’s cultural heritage by embedding bronze stars in a five-block stretch of sidewalk, creating a tribute to those whose impact resonates nationwide.
As nominations are being accepted for the inaugural honorees, it’s vital to include voices and legacies that reflect the diversity of Pittsburgh’s history. LGBTQ icons have played a profound role in shaping both the cultural and societal fabric of the nation. Below, we’ve compiled a list of six queer trailblazers from Pittsburgh who deserve recognition on this Walk of Fame for their groundbreaking achievements and enduring legacies.
Andy Warhol

The name “Andy Warhol” is synonymous with modern art and cultural revolution. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Warhol’s creative genius redefined American art with his Pop Art movement. His influence transcended art, touching fashion, celebrity culture, and LGBTQ+ representation. Warhol’s legacy as an openly queer artist continues to inspire generations.
Willa Cather

Although Willa Cather’s queerness wasn’t publicly acknowledged in her lifetime, her works exploring individuality and community have become essential parts of American literature. Cather spent part of her formative years in Pittsburgh, and her Pulitzer Prize-winning novels remain iconic contributions to the nation’s literary heritage.
Gertrude Stein

A native of Allegheny City, now Pittsburgh’s North Side, Gertrude Stein was a trailblazer in literature and modernist art. An openly queer woman, Stein’s Paris salons became the epicenter of avant-garde creativity. Her works and patronage influenced a who’s-who of 20th-century art and literature.
Billy Porter

From Pittsburgh to Broadway to Hollywood, Billy Porter has become a global phenomenon. Born and raised in the city, Porter’s journey from local theater to Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning stardom is an inspirational tale. As a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and Black queer visibility, Porter’s cultural impact extends far beyond the stage.
Dr. Anthony Silvestre

Dr. Anthony Silvestre dedicated his life to LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS activism. As a co-investigator for the Pitt Men’s Study, one of the longest-running HIV/AIDS research studies, his work saved countless lives and transformed healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. Silvestre also championed the inclusion of queer voices in health policy, leaving behind a legacy of care and advocacy.
Alaska Thunderfk 5000**

Pittsburgh drag royalty Alaska Thunderf**k 5000 rose from performing at local bars and clubs to winning RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 2. Her quirky humor, unapologetic queerness, and global drag superstardom have made her an icon for LGBTQ+ visibility and empowerment.
Who do you think should be on the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame?
The Pittsburgh Walk of Fame accepts nominations throughout January, and your voice matters! To nominate someone, email their name, field of expertise, connection to Pittsburgh, and their impact on American culture to nominate@pittsburghwalkoffame.org or mail it to Pittsburgh Walk of Fame, P.O. Box 8127, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
By highlighting the diverse contributions of these LGBTQ+ trailblazers, we can ensure that the Walk of Fame celebrates Pittsburgh’s full cultural legacy. Who else would you like to see honored? Let’s make this walk reflect all the incredible stories from Southwestern Pennsylvania.
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