‘Pride Revolution’ events promise fun plus lots of LGBTQ advocacy
It’s officially Pride month, and the weekend is filled with activities. On Saturday, the “Pittsburgh Pride Revolution” march kicks off Downtown at noon from the steps of the City-County Building, making its way across the river toward Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side.
Dena Stanley, CEO of Trans YO Uniting, said for this year’s celebration she wants to channel the energy of Stonewall, a protest that ignited the modern LGBTQ rights movement 52 years ago in New York City. Stanley sees this Pride month as an important time for advocacy in a fraught year for LGBTQ people, including more anti-transgender legislation in various states.
“We were having issues and problems pre-pandemic, but now coming out of this it’s even worse with homelessness, food insecurities, health care, transportation and everything under the sun,” she said.
“We just want to make sure we are loud on this day, during this month, that we are really being loud about what is happening and
that it’s not right, and that we’re not going down without a fight.”
Stanley and fellow activists found themselves in a Stonewall-like situation last year when they were arrested outside of a Downtown bar while protesting a dress code they said was discriminatory toward minorities.
Dalen Michael, a board member of Trans YO Uniting, said his local work has also underscored the need for advocacy now.
“I have not had a break throughout this entire pandemic,” Michael said. “All of my clients have been getting assistance with me navigating barriers to health care, barriers to food, barriers to housing.
“Finding affordable housing that is safe for trans and nonbinary folks is a huge barrier right now, and I want to amplify that this weekend,” he said.
That’s not to say there won’t be plenty of fun this year. Stanley said the weekend’s events will have a grass-roots, neighborhood feel, complete with food, drinks and after-parties each night at local bars.
“It’s gonna be us, celebrating us, having a good time in the park with local performers, local vendors, good food and just a good time,” Stanley said. “I want everyone to leave there pumped.”
Following Saturday’s march, events in Allegheny Commons include a Vogue showcase at 4 p.m. and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” singalong at 5 p.m.
Events continue through Sunday, with a brunch from noon to 3 p.m. at Trace Brewing in Bloomfield followed by a virtual show and mini-festival featuring food trucks, DJs, and “Drag Queen Story Time” from Akasha L Van Cartier starting at 5 p.m.
Michael said people who prefer to participate from home can watch a virtual show from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday featuring local, national and international performers. It will be shown at Trace Brewing and on Zoom. For more information, go to lgbtqpittsburgh.com.