In the wake of anti-trans advertisements running on at least eight local radio stations, the stations that have continued to run the ads or failed to respond to community criticism have been banned from Pittsburgh Pride 2023 according to organizers. The ban applies to seven stations including KDKA Radio, WAMO 107.3, 102.5 WDVE, WISH 99.7, the X 105.9, Q 92.9, and Y108.
“These harmful and dangerous ads deliberately put our community in danger. How many more trans folk will be shamed, harmed, or murdered because these radio stations chose to accept the money to run these ads,” said Dena Stanley, founder of TransYouniting. “They chose to take money from a hate group so now we choose not to accept their money, support, or coverage.”
TransYouniting and the Pittsburgh Pride Group have been the organizers of Pittsburgh Pride since 2021. Pittsburgh Pride 2023 will be June 2 to 4 next year.
What does a ban from Pittsburgh Pride 2023 mean? The stations in question will not be allowed to sponsor any Pittsburgh Pride events, participate in the Pittsburgh Pride festival, march in the Pittsburgh Pride march and parade, or access events for coverage purposes.