Pittsburgh Pride Magazine 2018

2018 PITTSBURGH PRIDE MAGAZINE

Troye Sivan Friday, June 8

Kim Petras Friday, June 8

PINK PAGES Pages 85-94

HEARTFULNESS Pages 19-21

Your Complete Guide

Pittsburgh Pride 2018

THE RENT Pages 27-33

HOT METAL HARDWARE Pages 39-40

ENGAGING COMMUNITIES. EMBRACING DIVERSITY.

Inclusive communities foster environments for stronger business, stronger families, stronger neighborhoods.

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Join us for the EQT Equality March during Pittsburgh Pride!

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PITTSBURGH PRIDE CCAC offers:

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The mission of the Delta Foundation is to be a vigilant catalyst for change that produces increased opportunities and a high quality of life for the LGBT community in Western Pennsylvania.

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OF PENNSYLVANIA COMMONWEALTHCOMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

GREETINGS: It is my pleasure to unite with the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh to welcome all gathered here today to Pittsburgh Pride 2018.

William Penn founded our commonwealth on the principles of fairness and tolerance, and I believe we must continue to be a place that pays faithful tribute to those core values. Together, we are creating a Pennsylvania that is committed to being an environment that supports greater diversity and inclusion for the GREETINGS: LGBTQ community and beyond. I applaud the Delta Foundation for continuing our founding father’s legacy by advocating for e with the Delta of Pittsburgh welcome all gathered ItFoundation is my pleasure to unite to with the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh to welcome all gathered LGBTQ acceptance and non-discrimination through education, 018. here today to Pittsburgh Pride 2018. social involvement, and outreach endeavors. This organization and S: ur commonwealth on the Penn principles of fairness andof tolerance, and I principles William our on the of fairness and tolerance, and I its partners have founded touched thecommonwealth lives many by providing resources, a place that payswe faithful tribute to to those values. we tribute to those core values. Together, we HEINZ HALL believe must continue be acore place that Together, payswestern faithful support, and encouragement throughout Pennsylvania. at ispleasure committed being an environment supports greater my totounite with the Delta Pittsburgh to welcome all gathered are creating a Pennsylvania that that isFoundation committed toofbeing an environment that supports greater This year’s theme,I“This Is Me,” represents the strong spirit of GBTQ community andinclusion beyond. applaud the Delta Foundation forbeyond.

Jack Everly, conductor Pittsburgh Pride 2018. diversity and for the LGBTQ community and I applaud the Delta Foundation for er’s legacy by community advocating for non-life’s challenges. this andLGBTQ encourages braverybyand through continuing our founding father’sacceptance legacy advocating for LGBTQ acceptance and non-Christina Bianco • Kristen Plumley n, social involvement, outreach endeavors.

This organization For those and in attendance today,social I am proud to recognize your endeavors. This organization discrimination through education, and outreach Christina DeCicco • N’Kenge m the Penn founded our oninvolvement, the principles ed lives of many bycommonwealth providing resources, support, and of fairness and tolerance, and I and determination its partners have touched the lives of many by providing to face and overcome adversity.

I commend your resources, support, and ern continue Pennsylvania. theme, “This Me,” represents theto those core values. Together, we ust to This be ayear’s place that paysIsPennsylvania. faithful tribute encouragement throughout western This year’s theme, “This Is Me,” represents the commitment breaking barriers and celebrating individuality, encourages bravery to through life’sdown challenges.

For those in Jack Everly leads the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra aand Pennsylvania that committed toencourages being an environment that supports greater strong spirit thisiscommunity and bravery through life’s those in o recognize your to face overcome adversity.

I compassion, and Idetermination am of certain that yourand example of conviction, andchallenges. Forand four attendance today, I am proud to recognize your determination to face and overcome adversity.

I larger-than-life Broadway leading ladies, inclusion for the LGBTQ community and beyond.

I applaud the Delta Foundation for breaking down barriers and celebrating individuality, and I am camaraderie will inspire others for years to come. commend your breaking down barriers and celebrating individuality, I amChristina Bianco (featured singer on RuPaul’s including nviction, compassion, andcommitment camaraderie will inspire others for years ur founding father’s legacyto by advocating for LGBTQ acceptance andandnoncertain that your example of conviction, compassion, and camaraderie will inspire others for years Drag Race: All Stars)! The Broadway Divas will thrill n through social involvement, and outreach endeavors. This organization Aseducation, Governor, and on behalf of all the citizens of the Commonwealth to come. you with show-stopping performances of hits from of Pennsylvania, I am honored to welcome everyone to Pittsburgh tners have touched the lives of many by providing resources, support, and half of all the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I am Pride Please accept mymy best wishes for for a memorable event As2018.

Governor, and on behalf of best all the citizens ofa the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I am Les Misérables, Dreamgirls, My Fair Lady, Funny Girl, nt western Pennsylvania.

This year’s theme, “This Isand Me,” represents the to throughout Pittsburgh Pride 2018.

Please accept wishes to welcome to Pittsburgh 2018. life’s Please challenges. accept my best forinaCabaret, Chicago, Wicked and many more! success. continued success. of thishonored community and everyone encourages braveryPride through Forwishes those Mame, event and continued success. day, Imemorable am proud to recognize your determination to face and overcome adversity. I TITLE SPONSOR ur commitment to breaking down barriers and celebrating individuality, and I am our example of conviction, compassion, and camaraderie will inspire others for years

June 22, 23 & 24, 2018

TOM WOLF Governor June 1-10, 2018

TOM WOLF Governor

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overnor, and on behalf of all the citizens of the2018 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I am TOM JuneWOLF 1-10, welcome everyone to Pittsburgh Pride 2018.

Please accept my best wishes for a Governor 412.392.4900 vent and continued success.

June 1-10, 2018

g | Harrisburg, PA 17120 | 717.787.2500 | Fax 717.772.8284 | www.pa.gov

225 Main Capitol Building | Harrisburg, PA 17120 | 717.787.2500 | Fax 717.772.8284 | www.pa.gov

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3/29/18 3:16 PM

County of Allegheny – Executive Office County Executive Rich Fitzgerald

City of Pittsburgh – Office of the Mayor Mayor William Peduto

Dear Friends, On behalf of our more than 1.2 million residents, I am proud to welcome you to 2018 Pittsburgh Pride. This event always is a great way to celebrate our LGBTQ community and all those who fight for equality. We look forward to rainbow colors, floats, and wonderful music once again filling our streets as we declare “This is Me” without fear of hatred or prejudice.

We are thrilled that members of the LGBTQ community are making their voices heard like never before. Right here in western Pennsylvania, we are proud that Tyler Titus became the state’s first openly transgender person elected to office by claiming a spot on the Erie School Board last November.

Despite making gains in recent years, Pennsylvania still does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity when it comes to housing, employment, public accommodations, and education, and it also does not have a law addressing hate and bias crimes. We will continue advocating for laws that provide a sense of safety and belonging to everyone who calls this area home.

Everyone has a right to be treated fairly in Allegheny County regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or identity, religion, disability, or any other characteristics that make our residents and visitors unique. The county will continue to provide vital resources to our LGBTQ community, including a special unit that focuses on solving the issues that matter to you most. To read more, visit alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/ Resources/LGBTQ. Diversity in our community has always been one of this region’s strengths, and it’s one of many reasons why we are such big supporters of Pittsburgh Pride and the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh. As a symbol of that support, the Allegheny County Courthouse will be lit in rainbow colors throughout the month.

Dear Friends, It is my pleasure to welcome you to Pittsburgh Pride 2018. I am grateful for Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ community and the great strides that we have made together to ensure that Pittsburgh is a city for all.

The theme for this year’s celebration--”This is Me”--reflects the sentiment that we must embrace our own identities and celebrate our differences while coalescing around our common humanity. I have been working closing with the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council to ensure that the City of Pittsburgh is an equitable and safe place for all. In October, I was proud when the Human Rights Campaign announced that Pittsburgh had received a 100 percent score on the Municipal Equality Index. We are doing great work in Pittsburgh, but I understand that there is still much to do in the fight for equality for all.

I look forward to celebrating our accomplishments with you and continuing to do the necessary work that must be done in our communities. Once again, thank you for participating in Pittsburgh Pride 2018 and I look forward to joining you as we celebrate our diverse community.

Sincerely,

William Peduto Mayor, City of Pittsburgh

Best wishes to all on a safe, lively, and fun Pride 2018!

Sincerely,

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald

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UPLIFT. EMPOWER. CONNECT. #ITGETSBETTER 100% of sales from our 2018 pride collection will benefit the It Gets Better Project.

Share your story with #ITGETSBETTER to inspire and support LGBTQ youth across the country.

Contributors The Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker is a

Brian Broome is an author

Unitarian Universalist minister in Pittsburgh. She offers counseling and mediation services for individuals and couples of all orientations, and performs customized weddings and unions. Contact her at rzflowingforce@gmail.com or at 412-7276870. For info about UU congregations in Greater Pittsburgh, visit uupittsburgh.org or uupittsburgh on Facebook.

and M.F. A. Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. For more info, visit brianbroome.com.

Kitt Kavanaugh is a local drag king who has been performing in Pittsburgh for 3 1/2 years. He is the former

Mr. Pittsburgh Pride Drag King 2015, an international performer, and will be a featured performer at the upcoming 2018 Fierce! International Queer Burlesque Festival. When not in drag, Kitt is a non-binary human by the name of Ash and uses they/them pronouns.

Samone Riddle is the founder of

QueerPGH, an online magazine made by and for queer folks in Pittsburgh. When they’re not working, they’re performing as Archer DuBoi, biking, or snuggling cats. They’ve been with Hot Metal Hardware since October 2017 and plan to keep showing up each first Friday at Cruze to screw with gender and meet lovely queerbies.

Andy Fang is an Executive Assistant

and 500 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher in the Pittsburgh area. He grew up in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex in Texas. He spends his time as a volunteer and advocate for equal rights.

Find him on Twitter @springbored.

Linnea Marie is a Sex Educator and can be described as an enthusiastic advocate for sex-positivity.

Her ultimate goal is to encourage, educate, and sprinkle sexual health and knowledge everywhere. She can be reached at exxxiteme247@gmail.com Cheryl Werber works in the human services field and is a freelance writer. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her master’s from Carlow University.

Douglas McIntyre is a Carnegie

Mellon University graduate now working in marketing for the Tepper School of Business.

He serves on the board of the Renaissance City Choir, Western Pennsylvania’s only LGBTQIA chorus. In his spare time, he is proud that he has a friend group consisting exclusively of other queer-identified people.

Nathan Grijalva is originally from Interested Georgia and has been a happy Pittsburgh in writing for the 2019 native for the past eight years. He is currently an Intelligence Developer Pittsburgh Pride Magazine? at UPMC. EMAIL: info@DeltaFoundation.us

Rick Sicilio is the owner of Classic Travel and Tours in Pittsburgh. He is an avid, worldwide traveler and has visited 66 countries to date. For more than 20 years, Rick and his staff have been assisting clients to embrace their wanderlust and travel the world.

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Packages start at $42.50/month with our 10 month payment plan and include:

Round trip professional coach bus transportation 3 night stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Midtown Manhattan Free daily breakfast All taxes, fees & gratuities

Register online at PittsburghPride.org/NYC Package plans include: Quad $425/person Triple $475/person Double $600/person Single $950/person *Includes all taxes, fees and gratuities.

Registration deadline is March 1, 2019

Stop by the Trips and Cruises booth at PrideFest for more info!

Clearing A Path to Heartfulness Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker In her book “Kitchen Table Wisdom,” Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen tells the story of Yitzak, a Holocaust survivor.

Liberated from a concentration camp in 1945, he had come to America, worked and studied hard, and was now a respected research physicist. “His first words endeared him to me,” Remen recalls. His Slavic accent reminded her of some of the older people in her family. Two years before, he had been diagnosed with cancer. Now, he had come to a retreat at Commonwealth for people with cancer to see if he could engage and possibly defeat this enemy with the power of his mind, the aspect of his being he trusted most profoundly.

At the retreat, Remen explains, we touch people a great deal more than was his custom. Disconcerted at first, he would ask, “Vat is all dis, all dis huggy-huggy. Vat is dis luff the strangers? Vat is dis?”

But he let us hug him anyway. After a while he began to hug us back.

The retreats lasted for a week and by the fourth day, the inner silence, which has been slowly generated by the daily yoga practice, has become very deep and spontaneous insights often arise.

Sometimes this silence allows people to find their own truth for the first time.

On the fourth day in the meditation, which begins in the morning session, Yitzak had an experience. It seemed to him that through his closed lids he could see a deep pinkish light, very beautiful and tender. Startled, he realized this light surrounded him and came in some mysterious fashion from his chest. “When he told us about it later,” Remen recalls, “he said it was like being inside a big rose: very touching because his last name meant “little rose” in Polish.”

In the moment, however, he became frightened. He was aware that the light had a direction, it was pouring out of his chest “like big hemorrhage.” It seemed to be coming from his heart, and it made him feel vulnerable.

Yitzak had survived the concentration camps. For many years he had lived, as it were, in a world of strangers. A deeply loving person, since his experience as a boy, he had been very cautious in respect to his heart, loving only close people, only family. This way of living had helped him feel safer, had worked for him until now. But there is often fear behind such a wary lifestyle, and now for the first time, he had begun to feel some of this. It was uncomfortable for him.

Remen explains, “The retreat staff dealt with his discomfort in the way they deal with everything else; they did not try to fix it, to explain away his experience or to interpret it for him. Instead they listened with interest and continued to support him as he tried to work out its meaning for himself. Over the next few days, he seemed to relax more, to become more open.”

In the last session of the retreat, Remen asked Yitzak how things were going. He laughed. “Better,” he said, and began to tell us of a walk he had taken on the beach the day before. In his mind, he had talked to God, asking God what all this was about, and had received comfort.

Touched, Remen asked him what God had said. He laughed again. “Ah, Rachel-le, I say to him “God, is it OK to luff strangers?

And God says “Yitzak, vat is dis strangers? You make strangers. I don’t make strangers. I open hearts.” Yitzak paused and looked at Remen through misty eyes, and although he does not say this, she senses that he would add, “Like mine.”

Can you think of a time when you experienced this type of heart opening, perhaps when you least expected it? Do you find that, like Yitzak, you’ve tended to approach life more from your head, or ego, or even your body, than from your heart? Sometimes it takes a serious illness, major life trauma or change, or some event in the wider world to shake us out of thinking and into feeling. One of the reasons this is hard for us is that living from a feeling orientation involves vulnerability and pain (as Yitzak discovers at the retreat).

Over the years, I have participated in “Opening the Heart” workshops and all sorts of programs geared toward healing and reorienting one’s self to “living from the heart.” But it is tough to sustain a heart-centered life in a mostly thinking, often callous and Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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unkind world. The heart can often seem less than adequate to face the challenges of daily living. So, we think and defend and guard the heart behind an electric fence of intelligence, weariness and mistrust.

During the past year, I have been attending some transformative chakra activation yoga classes, Kirtan chanting evenings, and sound healings with my teacher, Brooke Smokelin at the Mookshi studio. And I’ve been meditating more, inviting more quiet into my daily life — softening the edges. I recommend it!

The idea of these “yoga” gatherings is not to see how bendy one can be, but to use breath, stillness, vibrations, chant, and some simple postures to open the chakra pathways, enabling energy to flow, love to flow, joy to flow. When this process is activated, it’s a marvelous and healing experience. You can feel truly radiant.

Not surprisingly, what I’ve discovered is that the meditations and exercises to open and activate the heart chakra (and keep it open) can be the most challenging. How do our hearts become so defended, so barricaded behind our fears and habits of mind? And what might we be and how might we live if we cleared a path to the heart (rather than think our way to goal-oriented outcomes)?

If you are unfamiliar with the chakra system, let me give you a brief overview. The seven chakras are non-anatomical in nature.

They exist in the energy field known as the etheric body. They are conductors, drawing vital energy up from the earth, circulating through the physical body and releasing it as higher awareness.

Each has a Sanskrit name and each is associated with colors, gemstones, metals, music, positive and negative archetypes, and all sorts of other dimensions.

As we develop our consciousness and refine our sensitivities through various practices, we release old stagnant emotional energy that weighs us down. The more freedom, love, authenticity, and

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Pittsburgh Pride Magazine

beauty the spirit experiences, the wider the energy field becomes, and we have more resources for healing, creativity, and joy.

The system begins at the root chakra at the feet (muladhara, the color red, the place of grounding), moves up to the sacral chakra (svadhisthana, the color orange, the place of pleasure), then to the solar plexus chakra (manipura, the color yellow, the place of self-worth), then to the heart chakra (anahata, the color green, the place of flowing love), on to the throat chakra (vishuddha, the color turquoise, the place of expression), next to the brow or third-eye chakra (ajna, the color indigo, the place of intuition) and finally to the crown chakra (sahasrara, the color violet, the place of transcendence).

The heart chakra (anahata), the fourth, serves as an essential gateway between the lower three chakras, which are grounding to the earth and the upper three which are ascending toward the Divine. One of the most revelatory concepts I’ve learned in studying the heart chakra is the importance of being able to hold love in your heart, not let it slip through the cracks when it is not returned or when it grows a bit cold. The colors associated with the heart chakra are green and also pink, which lends even more meaning and poignancy to Yitzak’s moment of seeing a tender pink light behind his eyes during his meditation.

Deep healing and more peaceful living can come through activating our heart chakras. Consider the color green and its symbolism — freshness, growth, abundance, and gratitude. This is where, according to the mystics, the sacred resides within each of us. A strong heart is able to forgive the wounds of the past, find joy in the moment, and clear a path into the world to make it a more radically inclusive place.

Yes, this is a work in progress, the work of a lifetime.

And step one of this process is cultivating love for ourselves even when life is less than we wish it would be; even if we have internalized some un-lovability or a sense of separateness from others: “strangers,” as Yitzak saw it before his chat with God.

In a guided meditation I like, we are guided to a place where we might “experience a lightness of being, a sense of resiliency and a knowing that we have enough love in us to heal the entire world.”

That may sound like hyperbole and a lot to accomplish right off the bat. So, focus instead on opening the heart to a belief that you have enough love within you to heal yourself.

This part of the meditation is also worth repeating: “Look at yourself in the mirror and acknowledge that you are the love you feel. Take your gentleness out into the world and let it be reflected back at you.”

Most children have a natural capacity for living openheartedly; their innocence has not been obscured by the waxy buildup of ego, shame, and self-consciousness. We surely see that illustrated in the most poignant and touching way in the story “The Innocent Heart,” in which a child comforts a grieving man, wiping a tear from his cheek and repeating, “All right, all right, all right.”

Ask yourself if you would have traversed that waiting room, approached this grieving man and wiped away his tear. It’s awkward for us. We worry about how we will be perceived when we reach beyond our comfort zones of compassion to “luff a stranger.” For us grown-ups, it requires work; a process for uncovering the waxy build-up of years of programming and experiences in order to unleash the full power of the heart.

In her book “The New American Spirituality,” Elizabeth Lesser, the co-founder of Omega Institute, calls this way of living “heartfulness,” and she underscores the importance of being intentional.

Mining her own experience and journey, Lesser writes: “The goal of heartfulness is an awakened heart, one that feels everything there is to feel: joy and hope, enchantment and aliveness, and also longing, sadness, anger, and pain. We feel how wonderful it is to be alive, how funny, how tragic. We don’t shut down when the feelings get troublesome; we stay awake, even when it hurts.” Heartfulness work is the cessation of avoidance.

Lesser astutely notes that “as we work on opening the heart, we will confront, over and over, our fearful habit of closing to pain. This is where mindfulness meditation practice can be such a powerful ally and a wonderful companion as we sail the seas of the heart. It keeps us focused and less likely to be swept away by waves of elation or despair. Mindfulness and heartfulness are a powerful duo on the spiritual path,” Lesser tells us. “A quiet mind without an open heart is a pretty brittle and boring proposition.”

In Hebrew Scripture, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 3, the prophet admonishes us, “Someone is shouting: Clear a path in the wilderness! Make a straight road for the LORD our God.” Yitzak would be familiar with this verse and with this idea of turning to his God to clear a path in the wilderness of his alienation. He does this very thing at the retreat.

Yet, even though he does not use the yogic terminology, what Yitzak discovers (and we can, too, regardless of orientations or identities) is that Anahata, the heart chakra, is the truest spiritual gateway to clearing a path in the wilderness of our limitations and pain. The heart knows instinctively how to love without fear. In the deepest heart of the heart chakra, we are unhurt and unstuck.

When we clear a path to this place of love unconditioned by fear, we are free to love and be loved openly and fully without projection or restriction. We fight against believing this because we worry about “leaving ourselves open,” but in truth, it may be because we are afraid of what it might feel like to love this way — vulnerable and unhooked from the outcome of being “huggy-huggy” or getting “luff,” even from “strangers.”

The poet Rilke advises us: “The work of the eyes is done. Now go and do heart-work.” May this be the year we step bravely onto a “heartfulness” path that leads us out of the wilderness — individually, collectively, and globally.

Namaste and Blessed Be. Trust and feel. Breathe and allow. Be kind.

© 2018 Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker. May be quoted with proper attribution to author and sources.

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I’m out. Now what?

By Nathan Grijalva Coming out stories are a badge of honor in the LGBT community.

Some are tragically sad, some are funny, others are rather tame.

Thankfully, mine falls in the latter category.

I had just turned 23. One random day I came home from work, and my mom was waiting for me. She told me she knew that I was gay (surprise, surprise), that she loved me, and that I didn’t have to hide it anymore. And then in a very typical “mom fashion,” she proceeded to tell everyone else in the family. I never had a dramatic revelation over Thanksgiving dinner. I never had to sit my grandparents down and break the news. There were never any stern lectures and I didn’t get thrown of the house. Suddenly, the fact that I was gay was out there and that was that. I consider myself incredibly lucky. But while most of us have no hesitation sharing these coming out stories, we very rarely ever discuss the damage that comes from being in the closet.

I knew I was different at a very early age. I remember my first school crush on Lamar in elementary school. I remember not always getting along with the other boys. I remember not being interested in the things I “should” have been interested in, like sports, cars and action figures (unless you count my cousin Diana’s extensive Strawberry Shortcake collection). But unfortunately, I grew up in the Bible Belt South, where being different put a huge target on my back. In response, I learned how to hide who I was: cautious with every word, overly conscious of how I acted, not revealing anything that may have clued people in (which meant listening to a lot of Madonna in private). I didn’t let anyone get too close because I was afraid they may find out.

This emotional isolation and dishonesty carried on for almost two decades, and that doesn’t even address the outright homophobia I faced almost daily: the constant bullying and harassment at school, the eternal damnation my pastor never failed to remind me of at church, the casual homophobic remarks made by family and friends. I couldn’t even escape it on television, with talking heads in the news cycle constantly calling us perverts and degenerates, always carrying on about the dastardly

“homosexual agenda,” whatever that means. It can be a barrage of constant negativity and sometimes too much for a young, growing mind to handle. I truly believed there was something wrong with me; I was damaged and going to Hell; I would be alone the rest of my life; nobody would ever love me; I’d never have the “normal” life everyone else had.

While coming out of the closet was a relief in some respects, that emotional baggage and trauma still haunted me well into my 30s. Finally, I could say out loud that I was gay, but I was still afraid to get close to people. I still believed that nobody would love me, I was damaged, and I was destined to be alone. This was learned behavior I had drilled into my psyche for years. Gaining the right to marry was a reason to celebrate temporarily, but deep down it was a bittersweet win. My entire life I had been telling myself I would never get married, and part of me still believed that.

It’s taken decades for me to get over these hurdles. And while I turned out OK, I still see so many of my brothers and sisters in the LGBT community traumatized by their time in the closet. And for some reason, we never talk about this out loud — as if coming out of the closet is the beginning and end of our journey into gay adulthood.

According to the latest research, the coming out age continues to decrease every year, so hopefully one day this won’t even be an issue. But not everyone has the luxury of coming out comfortably given their circumstances, family, location, etc. And when they do come out, they’re thrust into a community they have no idea how to navigate, along with the trauma from living a closeted life. We need to reach out to these individuals; we need to speak openly about our experiences; we need to explicitly promote our local LGBT mental health services. We need to let them know it is OK to ask for help. Simply saying “It gets better” isn’t always enough.

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By Andy Fang

How

Yoga Changed My Life

I’m too (fill in the blank) for yoga.

You’re not.

I took my first yoga class over 20 years ago. I had started working out at a gym to try and lose some weight before singing at my cousin’s wedding.

The gym and I never got along. I was the kid who never worked out in gym class. I had not made the connection between the food I was eating and the health and shape of my body. I was the unsuccessfully closeted gay kid that had a “gay voice.” After high school I couldn’t touch my toes, and the first time I tried to use an elliptical machine my legs cramped up after one minute and I had to hobble off.

So, not surprisingly, I didn’t enjoy the gym. It was hard; I felt self-conscious, and I was horribly out of shape. That was me.

One day I noticed the yoga class taking place in the aerobics room. It looked fun, and I used to be flexible in school, so I decided to take the next class available. It was WONDERFUL! For the first time I felt like I finally found something physical I could do in a welcoming and safe space.

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If you’re not familiar with yoga, it’s a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India. Yoga is considered to be a low-impact activity that can provide the same benefits as “any well-designed exercise program, increasing general health and stamina, reducing stress, and improving those conditions brought about by sedentary lifestyles,” according to the Gale Encylopedia of Medicine.

Yoga does more than burn calories and tone muscles. It’s a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation.

There are more than 100 different forms of yoga. Some are fastpaced and intense. Others are gentle and relaxing. Examples of different yoga forms include: Hatha: the form most often associated with yoga. It combines a series of basic movements with breathing.

Vinyasa: a series of poses that flow smoothly into one another.

Power: a faster, higher-intensity practice that builds muscle.

Ashtanga: a series of poses, combined with a special breathing technique.

Bikram: also known as “hot yoga.” It’s a series of 26 challenging poses performed in a room heated to a high temperature.

Iyengar: a type of yoga that uses props like blocks, straps and chairs to help you move your body into the proper alignment.

In my first class, I was far from being able to do the splits or balance on one leg for an extended period time, but I could feel that I was on the path to something healthy that was getting me out to the gym. After a few classes I started to learn the names of the poses and didn’t have to look around as much to find out what we were doing. Eventually I met my first yoga goal — to be able to touch my toes.

Another happy occurence is all that is after the first year of taking yoga class, I lost almost 70 pounds.

I started branching out and trying other yoga studios. I tried every free yoga class I could find and eventually found that I really enjoyed hot yoga, which takes place under hot and humid conditions. I signed up for an unlimited membership and was there every chance I could get. It was hard, but I always left feeling that I had done something good for my body even if I had not been 100 percent successful in every pose.

Then one day it hit me. I had just completed a work-out at the gym followed by a yoga class, and I found myself in the drive-thru lane on the way home. “Why did I just work out for two hours and now I’m undoing all the good of going to the gym with unhealthy food?”

I started to change my diet, and it changed the rest of my life. I became more confident and outgoing. I started meeting people and going on dates. I finally felt like I had a plan to work through my issues with food and to improve my health permanently. I started to teach yoga classes. While I was still considered overweight, my new challenge was to attend teacher training even if I was the largest person in the group. Everyone in my class had been practicing yoga for a few months and they were far more advanced, but after eight weeks of training while practicing three yoga classes a day, I earned my 500-hour yoga registration.

While training, I lost 25 more pounds, and my yoga classes got turned up to 11. I feel new confidence with the knowledge of the body and the history of yoga. I use this information and experience to shape my classes to be challenging while making people feel successful in their own bodies. After many years of yoga, practice, and learning about myself. I feel like I’ve found my authentic self.

This is me.

I’m not perfect; I am still overweight. But I like who I am. I’m no longer afraid of being myself in public or at home. I’ve had a few setbacks and a lot of successes, and I’ve learned from both.

I am proud of the changes I have made in my life and how I have used my experiences to benefit my community.

I’m not done yet either. I hope to start a free meet-up class for my fellow LGBT Pittsburgher’s this summer. I think getting people together to do something healthy and fun will help to create a stronger community and may help someone else find who they are.

LA Fitness Great variety of fitness classes.

Ask for Andy at the Robinson or Bridgeville locations. lafitness.com Yoga on Centre Great way to start yoga with a focus on proper alignment and form. iyengaryogapittsburgh.org

Schoolhouse Yoga Variety of yoga classes including plus-sized and prenatal schoolhouseyoga.com Amazing Yoga Fun classes and also offers community classes at a reduced cost amazingyoga.net

South Hills Power Yoga Challenging and fun in a warm setting southhillspoweryoga.com

Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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THE RENT

By Brian Broome

At my first Gay Pride parade, it rained in Pittsburgh.

The whole city was one muddy, gray, pig’s pen and the rain vacillated from torrential downpour to a slow, miserable dribble all day long.

I wore flannel because I had been to a few gay bars at that point and noticed that all the boys wore flannel shirts with the sleeves cut off and, by the time I arrived at the Fruit Loop, the sopping wet wool clung to my torso, chafing my nipples through my undershirt. My heavy boots sunk deep in the mud with each step and I was trying for all I was worth not to look terrified. I had arrived alone determined to go through with this. It was the early 1990s and I had recently fled to Pittsburgh escaping a house full of straight, white, boys after they told me they suspected…

But, I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ll start with what’s happening right now.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, 2017 “Would you like a Jell-O shot? They’re only a dollar.”

A young woman has just approached me. The sun is blazing brightly behind her and I put my hand up and close one eye to block it out so that I can better see her face.

She is wearing full movie star make-up with impeccably threaded eyebrows and holding a tray of multi-colored gelatin shots in tiny plastic cups. She is done up in high heels with garter belts and a tight half t-shirt with the name of a popular vodka company emblazoned across her chest. She towers over me in stiletto boots and, when I look confused, she asks again.

“Vodka shot, sir?”

Just over her shoulder, I can see that there are several other young women similarly dressed in cleavage revealing name-brand vodka tees with short shorts and high heels, hoisting the same trays. Mixed in with them are oiled, topless boys glistening in the sun with liquor-infused Jell-O shots held aloft and selling like

hotcakes. The woman standing before me doesn’t appear to have sold any yet.

“I’ve never really liked Jell-O shots,” I tell her. “I don’t like the way you have to work your tongue around inside that little cup.”

“I think that’s why the lesbians love ‘em!”

I give her a dollar for the laugh and her quickness of wit but refuse the shot and she steps aside to “Jell-O shot?” the next person and, in doing so, opens up my full view of a street teeming with people and colors. There are the carnival smells of cooked sugar and the smoke from grilling meats. People cram the sidewalks laughing and drinking, and the bars to my left are filled to capacity and have people lined up to get inside. On the street itself, same-sex couples are holding hands, kissing and showing off their nuclear families replete with children and always with a dog wearing a bandana. There are leather-men couples, bare-chested and hairy, sauntering in full shiny, black regalia and chained to each other, each with his hand resting inside his partner’s back pocket. The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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noise is cacophonous with music coming from every direction and I’m standing here taking it all in. I look up to read the enormous flag dancing in the breeze and majestic as mountains — Pittsburgh Pride in the Street 2017.

I have come here to work for one of the festival vendors. For the rest of the evening, I will be in perpetual motion, handing out drinks to happy Pride enthusiasts. They are literally dancing in the streets. I am slowly wandering through full-tilt bacchanalian delight. A woman in a pink tutu has just grabbed hold of another woman round the waist and kisses her deeply, bending her backward a little. They kiss for a long time as their friends cheer them on. There is a DJ cranking out beats thick enough to shake my bones and, later, there will be a popular celebrity singer and actress performing on the stage not far from where I am right now.

All this at Pride in the Street 2017 — all this and we haven’t even gotten to the marching part yet. I’m wondering how everybody got here. Being here makes me think of where it all started for me.

I arrived at my first Pride march in a van that was falling apart and covered in mud. What’s happening now looks totally different. My path began in the rubber capital of the world.

AKRON, OHIO, 1988 After I graduated from high school, I wanted desperately to leave Warren, Ohio, the small town where I grew up.

It’s a small, mean, racist town and I knew that, if I stayed there, I would wither and die. It was my worst fear. So, I told my family that I was going to college. I was the first in my family to do so. My parents couldn’t afford it, so I got as far away as I could afford: 47.5 miles. I went to the University of Akron with my eyes wide and my heart open as youth dictates. I enjoyed my classes and had met a few people I liked. The only downside was my living situation.

During my fourth week of collegiate freedom, I returned to the house I shared with four college baseball players to find them all sitting in the living room area. I had classes all day and was lucky enough to land a nearby cashier job at a 24-hour gas station and mini-mart at night. I was still wearing my humiliating smock when I returned to the house. It was a rarity to see all my roommates in the same room together. They were usually scattered about the messy house: One would be draped over the couch staring dumbly 28

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at the television. Another would be locked in his room with a giggly girl. The third would be drinking and playing cards in the basement with his friends. Finally, there was Buddy, who was perpetually behind the bathroom door on the toilet, grunting.

I’d rarely seen them all gathered together until that night and, as I entered, I said hello in passing as always. They said nothing. This was also typical. I didn’t break stride as I kept on up the stairs. They didn’t ever really speak to me, and that suited me just fine. I lived a wholly separate existence. I always went directly to my room upon entering the house and only engaged them regarding the one thing we each had in common — the rent.

I found myself here because I had taken too long to find student housing in my first year at college, and this was the only accommodation left that I could afford. I found them in the newspaper and took the room immediately with two days until classes started. I decided that it was the price I had to pay for not knowing what I was doing, for being too slow. I’d do better next year. I decided that, for one year, I would endure.

I started up the stairs.

“Brian, we wanna talk to you.”

This was unheard of. They were monosyllabic. I couldn’t imagine what they’d want to talk to me about. They never wanted to talk to me. I could feel them avoiding me at all times in the house. I had heard them through the walls at night telling their girlfriends how weird I was. How I was black and seemed to know nothing about sports. I ignored the “inside” jokes they made at my expense that were so transparent I sometimes filled in the punchlines for them.

They wanted to talk to me, but I rarely understood a word they said through the wads of chaw that lived always between their bottom lips and gums and ended up spat into the empty beer cans littered throughout the house. I turned to face them from the top of the stairs.

“Talk to me about what?”

“Can you come down here? We just have some stuff we wanna talk about.”

I descended the stairs eyeing them with concern and curiosity.

They couldn’t possibly pin any mess around the house on me.

I stayed in my room and I never complained about the cans of viscous brown spit everywhere. I knew my last rent check had cleared. None of them looked at me. Buddy, the Toilet Grunter, sat hunched over with his elbows on his knees and his cranium in his

hands, his chin nearly touching his chest to avoid my eyes. When I reached the bottom step, I sat on it. There was a dry, clock-ticking silence for a while that I broke by asking: “What’s up?” trying to sound casual while they all looked back and forth to one another.

It was finally Sam, the clean-cut one, who spoke first. He looked at the floor.

“Look, man. We know you’re gay and we just don’t want you bringin’ any of it into the house.”

A plate glass window shattered inside my chest. He went on, finally looking me directly in the eye. My silence emboldened him to speak further.

“We know, alright. So, we just want YOU to know that we don’t care as long as you don’t bring it into this house. We live here too.”

“I want him to move out.” Buddy the Toilet Grunter didn’t look at me and spoke only to the other men in the room. “I want him to move out right now. I don’t have time for this! Tell him to get his stuff.

He shudda told us up front!” The plate glass window had given way to a wave of frozen water that burst through my breastplate to freeze my circulatory system. My stomach abandoned me entirely and, had I not been sitting, I would have fallen through the floor.

The room tilted. My extremities belonged to someone else now.

Fingers, toes, all gone. I was a throbbing head atop a torrent of raging sea and the denials came fighting their way to the surface for air like passengers thrown overboard.

“What are you talking about.”

I tried again to sound casual while catching my breath. I tried to sound jovial, but the words fell out flat and atonal sounding nothing remotely like a question.

“See! I knew he was gonna DENY it!” Buddy was in a full rage now, ready to fight. He stood up and showed me his back, putting up a barrier between me and the rest of the group. He addressed only them once again.

“I KNEW he was gonna deny it!” He finally turned to face me directly and I was sorry he did. His face was contorted to an apoplectic crimson. He pointed his finger. “We KNOW, OK? They act like they don’t care.” He gestured toward the others. “But I do! I’m not gonna live like this and I don’t want it AROUND ME at all!” The two other roommates, who were so indistinguishable from one another that they blended into one person and had remained silent up until this point, mumbled in agreement with Buddy. They began to argue with one another as though I wasn’t there, and I sat on the bottom

step as their voices became the sounds of static and barking dogs.

I had been so careful. I had kept my voice at a respectable baritone at all times. I monitored my walk, making sure that it was stiff, straight-backed and manful. I had answered them with all the appropriate three-word maximum masculine retorts and been flawlessly evasive when asked about girls. I kept to myself. I stayed in my room. I had been so careful and yet here I sat, undone.

Clean-Cut Sam spoke again.

“Look, Brian, we just know, and we don’t want it in the house. We suspected it and now we know. We don’t even care as long as you pay the rent. But, just so you know, we don’t want it around us anywhere in the house. We don’t want you making any kind of big deal about it around here, cool? Are we cool?”

I spat up a few more denials which landed like dead birds falling out of the sky. They remained stone-faced. In the end, I told them under my breath that we were cool and left them to talk more about me in hushed tones. I walked up to my room under a thin layer of sweat and deep shame. When I got there, I sat at my desk and stared down at the flier I’d gotten from the University of Akron Gay and Lesbian Task Force. I had screwed up all my courage just a couple of nights before and attended my first meeting. I had met some nice people and was looking forward to attending another. The flier sat slightly askew from where I’d left it so carelessly behind an unlocked door earlier in the day. I picked it up and shoved it my pocket, cursing it and myself. You would think that I had learned my lesson about fliers, those little handbills promising sanctuary and fellowship. You would think that I would never, ever pick one up again. But, I’ve always had a weakness for printed hope and, a few years later, I would let a flier lead me into the lion’s den once again.

PITTSBURGH, 1992 The flier was from a group called BIGALA at the University of Pittsburgh. The march it promoted was just a few days away. I had been in the city a little while and had only visited gay bars on a fake ID to stand in the shadows alone. The flier said that a group of people were meeting at the Fruit Loop. I snatched the flier off a light pole and shoved it in my pocket. The Fruit Loop was this area in Schenley Park on Prospect Drive. It was a place where gay people, mostly men, used to hang Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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(Continued)

out sunning themselves a long time ago. I have heard tell of other, more lascivious activities that went on in the surrounding wooded areas. The end of Prospect Drive loops around in a circle, which gave the area its rather clever name.

By the time I arrived at the Fruit Loop on the appointed day, it was a mud pit, and people weren’t in the best of spirits. It wasn’t dark like it was at Pegasus or The Holiday, two bars that I’d been to. This was the cold light of day and there weren’t enough people in attendance to hide me. Everyone seemed to know one another.

I stood under a tree on the periphery, trying to strike poses that made me look like I might be a part of things. People smiled at me weakly from time to time but didn’t seem to want to approach.

This was the largest gathering of gay people I had eve seen whose faces weren’t hidden in shadow. Everyone was busy fighting the rain and the mud, covering one another with umbrellas while they readied their homemade signs. There was a small group of lesbians with bongos strapped around their necks and a few cars displaying

signs that read “GAY RIGHTS NOW” and “QUEER AND PROUD.” I decided that this was all too much, and a familiar shame filled me. I couldn’t be like these people. I turned around ready to run back. All I knew how to do was run. Running was the only way I knew of to deal with a bad situation.

AKRON, 1988 I waited in my room for all the noise downstairs to die down. I sat on the edge of the bed with my breath coming in shallow bursts and fighting back tears. I flinched at every loud noise fearing that, at any moment, Buddy would burst through my door. I heard my roommates’ doors close one by one. Running from shame was the only way I knew how to deal with shame.

I quickly grabbed up a random assortment of underwear from drawers and papers from surfaces not knowing or caring what I was throwing into the bag. I snatched clothes from the closet so fast the hangers were left swinging and naked on the rod in the closet.

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Pittsburgh Pride Magazine

I raked my cassette tapes off the shelf and into the bag and bid farewell to this room I had known for only such a short time. I said my goodbyes to it and to higher education. I said goodbye to Grace Jones whose “Nightclubbing” poster I’d only installed on the wall a few days ago. She stared at me as I stood there giving the room a final once-over. Her cigarette was tucked neatly into the corner of her blood red lips. Her eyes called me a coward and stared me down the whole time I closed the door until she slowly disappeared behind it.

PITTSBURGH, 2017 “Gurl, Down!!”

I was just pulled from my memories by a drunk drag queen at Pride in the Street who has just fallen on her high heels while emerging from a bar. Her friends are helping her right herself and laughing. To my right, a familiar Pittsburgh company has erected a booth where they’re handing out tiny rainbow flags for free, and I walk over to get one. Inside, there are smiling young people, some of whom seem to be transfixed by what they’re seeing. They’re all wearing Gay Pride t-shirts issued to them by their employer. “Can I have two?” I ask a handsome young man standing there. “Take as many as you want!” he says, and steps aside to show that they have boxes full of them. He grabs a handful and thrusts them in my direction. He has a nice smile. Clean cut.

He asks me if I’m enjoying the festivities and I tell him honestly that it’s all a bit much. I just work here. He feigns astonishment adorably and then tells me that I need to “get into the swing” of things and points to the bar across the street. He then raises his cup and winks signifying that it contains alcohol and, as we’re laughing, a young woman, his co-worker, comes up behind him and slides her arms around his waist resting her hand on his hip.

He kisses her on the lips and gives her a sip from his cup. They smile meaningfully into each other’s eyes because they are so openminded. She offers me a rainbow bracelet and I take it but leave the flags. Too much to carry. As I walk away, I hear the young man behind me yell out, “Happy Pride!”

I wave back without turning around.

I need a pack of cigarettes before my shift, and there is a minimart just up the street. On my way, I weave through the straight couples who move unencumbered through the streets ­— straight

people who don’t know anything about the fear that gripped me back at Akron. It’s a fear they’ll never know or understand. I walk through the door of the mini-mart, setting off the bell just above the door alerting the staff that someone has just walked in.

AKRON, 1988 I had run to the mini-mart where I worked and set off the bell just above the door alerting my coworker Denise that someone had just walked in.

Good Lord, Brian, what’s wrong? You look like somebody just died.”

“Can I use the phone, please?”

The mini-mart was a ghost town at 2 a.m. There was just me and Denise. I liked her. I liked working with her. She slowly reached under the counter, knitting her brow at me the whole time. She handed me the phone and I called the only person I knew to call in times of crisis. She heard every word of my pleas over the phone and, afterward, I could not handle her eyes on me. Full of concern and questions. I told her that I’d just had a fight with my roommates and that was all I said about what had happened. She told me not to worry. We’d all be made up by tomorrow. I went out and sat on the curb just in front of the store beside the ice machine, and she came out occasionally to check on me. She gave me a Mountain Dew. “Mountain Dew is for white folks,” she said, “but I drink it when nobody is here.” And in that moment, she created within me that odd sensation of laughing through a deep ache. It’s that feeling that confuses your body so that the tears come faster and the laughter and pain become all mixed together so that you wind up just a yarn ball of emotions.

She sat with me on the curb until customers came in and she had to go back inside. She came out and went back inside all night and we talked about things as if she was ever going to see me again. She went back inside a final time and I sat alone until I saw the familiar headlights of the vehicle that had carried me to place weeks ago.

My mother in our ratty, old Buick had come to save me. When she pulled up alongside, I threw my bag in the back and climbed in.

She was wordless and angry ­— the kind of anger borne of having been woken up in the middle of the night by your hysterical son and driving an hour only to find that said son is still, in fact, in possession of all his limbs. As we drove away from the rubber capital of the world for the last, last time, Denise emerged from the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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mini-mart in the rearview mirror. She waved goodbye high over her head and I waved back weakly when I was sure that she was far enough away that she couldn’t see me, because hiding was the only other way I knew how to deal with a bad situation.

PITTSBURGH, 1992 “Would you like a sign to carry?”

The rain was falling so hard that she had to yell. I heard her clearly but asked her to repeat herself just to buy some time. “Would you like a sign to carry?” she asked louder.

“We’ve got extras!” She was smiling at me. One of the lesbians with the bongos. Her face was almost perfectly round which was accentuated by her completely shaven bald head and smooth, brown skin. She had kind eyes and was struggling with a few poster board signs that had gotten wet. We continued to shout over the sound of rain battering the tree over our heads.

“I’m not really sure I’m gonna go at this point!” I yelled back.

“Oh, but you gotta go! It’s gonna be so much fun!”

“I don’t have any way to get to the…”

We’ll give you a ride! I’m Annette!”

She thrust out her hand and I told her my name. She handed me a sign and I took it. I don’t know why. She told me to follow her. She was authoritative and direct. She was also one of the few black people I saw gathered there. As we trudged through the mud to her ride, she told me that she was a member of BIGALA at the university and that they were looking for more people to join. She was glad that she ran into me, she said. She talked endlessly about how much this march meant to her. How much we were going to shake things up. I was only listening to the voice in my head telling me to escape. I followed her because I was afraid not to. I followed because, I felt if I didn’t, I would be lost forever. I followed her because she was the bravest person I’d ever met, and I was ashamed to be as afraid as I was in front of her. We arrived at an old van into which several other people were loading up. She introduced me around quickly and we all piled in. The only seats were in the front, so most of us sat on the floor in the back. The ride was damp and silent. People made nervous chit-chat from time to time. But I could tell that these people with whom I’d found myself were all just as afraid as I was. Nervous. The van hit bumps and rattled all the way to downtown Pittsburgh, and we sat there shoulder to 32

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shoulder wondering what to expect next. For most of the ride, we drove in uncomfortable silence.

WARREN, OHIO, 1988 My mother drove down Route 76 from Akron, Ohio, without a word. She was still wearing her slippers and she looked tired. She did not ask me what happened to make me call her in the middle of the night begging to be picked up. But I could see the questions forming just behind her lips, banging on her teeth. In the end, I think she knew but didn’t want to know. When we arrived at home in Warren, I went straight up to my room and stayed there. I hoped to rot. I spent weeks on end withering away. She brought food up to me and, when I wouldn’t eat it, she turned to Jesus. She came to my room and prayed over me and sang “This Little Light of Mine” in the middle of the night.

I repaid her by drinking bleach the next day in an effort to put my light out forever. I heard her pacing the floor in the hallway outside my room. She never asked if I wanted to go back to Akron to retrieve the rest of my things. She knew better. After several days, she came to sit on my bed one night and asked me softly what she could do. I didn’t want to cause her any more pain by haunting her house. I didn’t want to be the burden that I so obviously was, and I didn’t want to bring her shame. I looked up at her from my bed and, in a voice I hadn’t really used in weeks, told her that I wanted to either die or move to a brand-new place.

Months later we drove to Pittsburgh and when I saw the skyline from a distance, I had hope that I could get lost somewhere within it.

The skyline of the city looks different when you approach it with hope as opposed to dread.

PITTSBURGH 1992 We approached downtown in the van and, as the buildings got larger and larger, the rain changed its mind again and faded to drizzle. More people had arrived from other places, but there still weren’t many. We were sparse. We were all young: mostly college-aged, carrying our own homemade signs.

Everyone was wet and grimy. There were no bright colors to speak of, just denim, gray, brown. I was exposed, and my legs carried me forward despite everything else in my body imploring me to turn back. There was no giant flag, rainbow streamers or balloons. Our parade was made of flannel and mud, drab, and monochrome. The

women led the charge, chanting slogans and banging their bongos.

Fists became airborne and voices were raised. We were marching from the Civic Arena down to The Point where there was to be a rally. I looked down and realized that I had forgotten my sign in the van and, therefore, couldn’t use it to cover my face. The street had been reluctantly blocked off by the city, and it was just us vagabonds shouting into the void.

There were no supporters along the sidelines. No people cheering us on. There was only the usual downtown Saturday foot traffic of people doing Saturday things. A smattering of people sneered and, even worse, laughed at us. Straight boys pointed and then doubled over with laughter. We were curiosities at most, bane to the rest. In a moment of bravery, I turned my head just in time to see a woman mere feet from me retrieve her Bible from her purse and wave it at me angrily. But, I was not brave. I walked just at the outskirts of the parade proper. One of Annette’s male friends grabbed my hand and held it. I wanted more than anything to wrench it from his grip but didn’t. I was not proud that day. I was anathema to what that pitiful little parade was supposed to be about. I was scared, and not just of the people on the sidelines and what they thought of me.

I was afraid that this was the beginning of a whole new world. I turned my head again to take in the open and shouting mouths of my parade companions. Their resolve was complete and filled with fearlessness. Something had kicked in with them that hadn’t with me. They were determined, shouting at the world. Many of them became friends after. Some died of a disease that the mainstream media barely talks about anymore. So, I walked with my head up, facing stiffly forward for most of the time. It was the best I could do. And, as the parade marched on, I felt a little better. I felt a tiny bit stronger in the knowledge that I wasn’t alone. I looked over at Annette in mid-bongo strike. She looked up at me, winked and smiled. She was wearing denim overalls with no shirt underneath.

No bra. Her chest was showing, but for far different reasons than the woman who, had been using hers to try to sell me Jell-O shots.

PITTSBURGH PRIDE IN THE STREET 2017 The celebration has banged on all day. Traffic has been redirected and stages have been built. I have been working non-stop at the booth where I sell sandwiches and drinks. I tell my boss that I am going for a little break. I walk past other vendors. They are selling everything from cotton candy

to ice cream to shelter animals. I get caught in a spray of confetti that someone has just flung into the air. On the next street over, another DJ has taken over and house music is blaring, and people are dancing wilding with abandon and joy in rainbow feather boas and festive hats. I walk on to see the booth from another local Pittsburgh company closing down for the day. I wonder how much rent they had to pay to be here. All around me, everyone is drinking it all in, but I can’t settle into it. With all this going on, I can’t help but think wistfully of my first parade. Not just about who I was then, but about who we were then. I miss it. At first, I make the mistake of believing that I miss it just because I was young and we all go melancholy thinking about youth when it has passed. I am well past my “sell by date” in gay years. Maybe I miss it because we were less hedonistic, more focused, nobler, and driven by our convictions. But, I know that’s a damn lie. We partied hard too.

I just miss it because of what I thought it was.

I thought it was a really a place of togetherness and support where we were all equal brothers and sisters of Sodom. I thought our internal differences were negligible. I have since been disabused of this fantasy of our Great Gay Movement. Women like Annette have long since split off and created their own celebrations. I guess I just miss what I thought it was: a spirit I thought was present before all this…tolerance.

I watch another company close up their booth for the night and I’m reminded of the words of my old roommate, Sam the CleanCut. I can still hear him.

“We suspected and now we KNOW. We don’t even care as long as you pay the rent.”

I think this is what these companies think of us now, now that we are manna from heaven. A new way to pay the rent. I wonder if they truly support us or are just afraid of the repercussions if they don’t. I wonder if we are still supporting those in our community who need it. Are we including everyone? All of us?

I have my doubts.

The spectacle of people and partying plays on all around me and I sit on the curb of the sidewalk in front of the convenience store as the sun goes down. I crack open a Mountain Dew and light a cigarette, confident in the fact that I have earned my front row seat to watch as our future unfolds.

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What’s the deal with poly, anyway?

By Douglas McIntyre As a (relatively) young gay man, I’ve dealt with a few stereotypes for a lot of my life: Apparently, we’re wildly promiscuous, fail at long-term relationships and can’t handle monogamy. Well, at least one of those applies to me.

It was Dan Savage who first familiarized me with the term “monogamish”: a relationship that is primarily monogamous, but with wiggle room. To some degree, it’s just open relationship — but one that emphasizes the partnership and diminishes extracurricular activities.

A few years into my current long-term relationship (more than 8 years running!), my partner and I discussed opening our relationship. I felt certain that I was fully satisfied with the status of our relationship, but that I was not fulfilled sexually in all the ways that I wanted to be. And so I found my way into a few hookup apps to pursue fleeting encounters — an experience far easier in my 20s!

These experiences still left me somewhat unfulfilled. While my physical desires were being (mostly) filled, the lack of an emotional connection made it harder to enjoy the couplings. Plus, very few partners were interested in repeating the engagement, so there wasn’t as much opportunity to experiment and learn one another’s interests, kinks, turn-ons and turn-offs, etc. How do you introduce the idea of (informed, consensual) exhibitionism to a one-night stand?

What I started trying to find was a friend with benefits. I’m good at making friends with queer men I was attracted to, so how hard could it be to turn one of them into a sexual partner as well? As it turns out, pretty difficult: For a lot of the people I hooked up with, the moment that sex entered the equation, the friendship balanced out of it.

This year, though, I slowly found my way into a new philosophy: polyamory. I was invited by a friend to participate in a Facebook group for poly-identified people in Pittsburgh. At the time, I protested — “I’m not really poly,” I argued. “It’s just an open relationship.” But all the same, I lurked through the comments and attended social events. I like people.

And then I met someone. In a typical fashion for me, we got physical immediately — our chemistry was undeniable. I was eager to repeat the activity and, it seemed, so was he. We started to see each other more regularly — at first as friends, and then ...

I wasn’t sure.

In a world of assumed monogamy, I’d be faced with a choice. Which 36

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one makes me happier? Which one fulfills more of my needs and desires?

Which one has greater long-term potential?

Instead, I confided in my poly friend. “Hmm,” she said, knowingly, “that sounds a little poly to me.”

There is a lot that the strictly monogamous can learn from the poly community. Chief among them: No one person can be your everything. If you are choosing to remain monogamous, you have to accept that you’re not going to get some of the things you’d like from a relationship. It’s not fair for your partner if you expect them to provide all of that.

In the poly community, my long-term partner would be called my “primary.” Not every poly relationship is oriented that way, however. Many people in the poly community have triads or larger relationships in which there is no hierarchy and the partners involved may (or may not) be involved with one another as well.

What’s important for anyone involved in a poly relationship is that each person involved is honest and forthcoming about what they are looking for and willing to offer. Herein lies a second important lesson for monogamous people: Communication is key. Responsible non-monogamy only works when everyone involved is clear on rules and expectations.

If I am planning to spend the night with my secondary partner, my primary and I discuss it beforehand. My secondary does not sleep at the house I share with my primary. My primary reserves the right to ask any questions about my carnal relations with my secondary, which I must answer completely and honestly.

Establishing rules like these are crucial to managing successful poly relationships, but could be incredibly valuable for monogamous relationship as well. Being honest about your feelings — and, importantly, being open to hearing your partner’s feelings — allows you to better manage the insecurities and jealousy so often inherent to any kind of intimate relationship.

My relationship with my primary partner is, I would say, strengthened by the one I have with my secondary partner. Each person can offer me things that he enjoys and does not have to feel pressured to do something he is not comfortable with. My primary partner can trust that my secondary isn’t going to steal me away, because he knows what I appreciate about both partners and that I’m not seeking different fulfillment — rather, it’s additional.

You might be surprised to find how easy it can be to share your partner when you do it well.

T:7.75”

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Pride 昂首闊步 Orgullo गौरव Bród 자부심 01 Lyft_PrideOn_7.75x3.625.indd เกย์ ไพรด Υπερηφάνεια None Printed At गौरव

by Duma �ய Pride from Saved at Hrdost ‫ أﻟﻔﺨﺮ‬Pride プライド ‫ גאווה‬Orgullo மர ியாைத 昂首闊步 Orgoglio गौरव Pride ‫ גאווה‬Duma Υπερηφάνεια เกย์ไพรด �ய Orgulho 자부심 Hrdost Pride ‫ أﻟﻔﺨﺮ‬プライド 5-11-2018 1:47 PM

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Pride is about celebrating who you are and who you love.

But millions around the world don’t have the ability to take part.

Join the virtual march at google.com/prideforeveryone. #prideforeveryone Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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Hot Metal Hardware Knows No Gender, Breaks Gender Roles

By Samone Riddle They run on drag time at Cruze Bar in the Strip District. This means that, anywhere between 11- 11:30 p.m. on the first Friday of each month you’ll hear a familiar call over the mic, “Whose house is this?!”

A crowd of new-comers follow the seasoned audience members in shouting “HOT METAL HARDWARE!” And the show kicks off ...

Hot Metal Hardware started in 2010 as an all-king performance troupe and was briefly called Suspicious Packages (innuendo intended). Many of the performers were looking for a place to perform masculinity on stage, finding the performance community at the time to be lackluster when it came to space for kings.

According to founding member Lyndsey Sickler, “Kings didn’t have their own space to perform. I had only seen them on stage as props or back-up dancers for queens.” A group of performers and drag enthusiasts including JJ Cox, Orion Blaze Browne, Chance Encounters, Dylan Dickerhersoon, Christopher Crash, Shane Fuldesires, Maycum Dizzi, Zack Havok, Aer and Lyndsey Sickler got together and decided to change things up.

When gender is so ingrained, we forget the way it affects us.

We forget how it impacts our decisions, our relationships, and the way we view ourselves. Gender roles and expectations often leave many of us feeling misunderstood and misshapen. Queens bring femininity to the stage and heighten it to the point of ridiculousness, toying with stereotypes. If we’re paying attention we can start to question these worn-out tropes. Masculinity should

be open to the same level of disruption. Kings bring masculinity into the spotlight. They poke at it, bend it with frivolity, and put flowers in its well-oiled beard.

Many of the founding members have come and gone in the last seven years, but the mission of HMH has stayed the same, to create space for performers who need it.

As discussions around gender identity and performance identity have expanded, HMH has stayed nimble to the performance community’s needs. They quickly and enthusiastically embraced performers beyond just kings. Now you can go to a show and see kings, queens, burlesque, boilesque, high femmes, genderqueer performers, and some stuff you’ll find hard to describe. There’s no room for Ru Paul-esque discrimination against trans and nonbinary performers here, no xir-ry! (pronoun pun!)

As the lines between what determines kings from queens continue to blur, Hot Metal Hardware continues to adopt more inclusive language. While they call themselves Pittsburgh’s Premiere Gender Performance Troupe, all the performers identify their performances a little differently, although most will agree, Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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they’re performing gender. Sometimes they’re performing the gender they identify with day-to-day. At times they’re performing a gender they want to play with. Best of all, some find that when they step on stage, they’re no longer performing, but rather, finally being themselves.

For Scarlett Feverson, leader and performer with HMH, this inclusive look at gender identity has made space for her to “express a certain emotion or feeling in a way that is safe, creative and fun.” Scarlett identifies as a gender performer because she plays with concepts from burlesque, drag queens, and high femme performers. She says, [On stage] “I can amplify what’s happening in my life.” For her this looks like getting in a full body Deadpool costume and stripping down to pasties and a mask before revealing her true identity.

Hot Metal Hardware is also considered a learning troupe, which means performers at every level will be on stage. HMH is the first stage some performers step foot on; for others they’re lip syncing their fiftieth Whitney Houston ballad. King performer Cole Hardluck has performed with HMH since July 2017 and says about his first performance, “I was completely nervous! I thought about running away multiple times, but waiting next to the stage there were a few members who I barely even knew. They helped me get over my nerves a little. Everyone was super accepting and helpful. They gave me the confidence I needed and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had to this day.” Since then Cole has grown to perform numbers including his favorite “Do Re Mi” by Blackbear. “It was an eye opener and showed me the confidence I really have now.”

Each month the show at Cruze shakes things up with a new theme spanning from Homo Hoedown to Yinzsplosion and Hot Metal Heroes. HMH also brings in performers from all over the country including New York, Columbus, and Canada. Shows are 21+ only, and just $5 to get in, but you’ll want to bring some spare dollars to tip the performers. If you’re lucky, you may get a kiss from a dapper gentle-them in return!

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LOVE IS THE ANSWER, AND YOU KNOW THAT FOR SURE; LOVE IS A FLOWER, YOU’VE GOT TO LET IT GROW.

John Lennon

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Kim Petras

ON BEING A POP STAR AND TRANS

By Christine Bryan

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German-born, Los Angeles-based singersongwriter Kim Petras is about ready to become the next big thing in pop music.

Her debut single, “I Don’t Want It At All,” skyrocketed to nearly four million streams within its first few weeks on Spotify; the next two singles, “Hillside Boys” and “Hills,” were both featured in Spotify’s New Music Friday.

Her music is described as “unapologetically pop,” and when you listen to the tracks — infused with soaring vocals, ridiculously catchy choruses, and the verve of the ‘80s — you’ll hear what that means.

Being in the public eye is something Kim is used to. At 16, she made headlines for being the youngest person to ever undergo gender reassignment surgery. She began the transition process when she was 12.

Now 25, Petras is living the dream she always saw for herself growing up in Germany, when she would watch pop videos on repeat.

But on her latest single “Heart To Break,” she’s pushing the boundaries again with her very own heartbreak song. “[‘Heart To Break’] was kind of summing up my heartbreak experiences but making a fun song about them,” Petras told Billboard. “It’s describing the part of you that is about to make a mistake and knows you’re making a mistake, but you don’t care because you still want to jump in and do it.” The song was #1 on Billboard Pride’s March 2018 Playlist.

The song, while still keeping Petras’ upbeat, unabashed pop sound, ventures into new territory for the songwriter as she confronts a bad relationship while trying to squeeze as much fun from it while it lasts. The lyrical tightrope of the situation was no easy feat for Petras as “searching for the right words at every point of the song” took nearly four months to complete.

Petras’ goal is to continue working as an artist, though she hopes her presence as a pop singer speaks to other young trans people.

“It’s a hard thing to go through and it’s important to me to be able to help,” she said.

In an interview with Out Magazine, Petras elaborated further on the dichotomy between being a pop star and a figure in the trans community.

“I definitely always have a responsibility to the transgender community because I’m a part of it...It’s definitely difficult to have role models being transgender. At the same time, I’m just having fun making my music, being artistically whatever I want to be and being free. My music’s not about me being transgender, but I’m writing songs about how I feel, what I’m obsessed with, what I love, what I hate, what makes me happy — just human emotions. It’s not songs specifically about being transgender,” she told Out. Petras showcased her “obsessions” perfectly in the saccharine, pink-hued music video for her first single, “I Don't Want It At All.” With the opening lyric, “I want all my clothes designer / I want someone else to buy ’em,” the satirical song features a cameo by Paris Hilton at the end of the video. “We had a lot of fun,” Petras told us of working with Hilton.

For now, Petras will continue to work on her upcoming album, rack up Spotify streams, and dream of working with Cher, who she told us is her dream collaboration. And for now, you can just sit back and enjoy the pop music kingdom Petras is building.

Kim Petras “For a moment, I’d love for listeners to forget reality and have fun when will perform on they listen to me.”

Friday, June 8

on the Pennsylvania Lottery Stage.

For more info, visit PittsburghPride.org

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Harvey Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) This year marks the 40th anniversary of both Harvey Milk’s swearing in at the Board of Supervisors (January of 1978) in San Francisco and his death.

Despite his short career in politics, Milk has become an icon in San Francisco and a martyr in the LGBT community.

His most famous talking points became known as the “Hope Speech,” which became a staple throughout his political career.

It opened with a play on the accusation that gay people recruit impressionable youth: “My name is Harvey Milk — and I want to recruit you.” A version of the Hope Speech that he gave near the end of his life was considered by his friends and aides to be the best, and the closing the most effective: “And the young gay people in the Altoona, Pennsylvania’s and the Richmond, Minnesota’s who are coming out and hear Anita Bryant in television and her story.

The only thing they have to look forward to is hope.

And you have to give them hope. Hope for a better world, hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a better place to come to if the pressures at home are too great. Hope that all will be all right. Without hope, not only gays, but the blacks, the seniors, the handicapped, the us’es, the us’es will give up. And if you help elect to the central committee and other offices, more gay people, that gives a green light to all who feel disenfranchised, a green light to move forward. It means hope to a nation that has given up, because if a gay person makes it, the doors are open to everyone” Harvey Milk believed that government should represent individuals, not just downtown interests, and should insure equality for all citizens while providing needed services. He spoke for the participation of LGBT people and other minorities in the political process. The more gay people who came out of the closet, he believed, the more their families and friends would support protections for their equal rights.

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On May 22, 2014, on what would have been Harvey’s 84th birthday, the United States Postal Service issued a postage stamp honoring Harvey Milk, the first openly LGBT political official to receive this honor.

On April 3, 2018, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved naming Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport.

Although Milk had not come out to his mother before her death many years before, in his final statement during his taped prediction of his assassination, he urged others to do so: “I cannot prevent anyone from getting angry, or mad, or frustrated. I can only hope that they’ll turn that anger and frustration and madness into something positive, so that two, three, four, five hundred will step forward, so the gay doctors will come out, the gay lawyers, the gay judges, gay bankers, gay architects ... I hope that every professional gay will say ‘enough,’ come forward and tell everybody, wear a sign, let the world know. Maybe that will help.”

The life and career of Harvey Milk have been the subjects of an opera, books, and films including the 2008 drama Milk, which received eight Academy Award nominations, winning Best Actor and Best Screenplay.

In the years since Milk’s assassination, public opinion has shifted on gay marriage, gays in the military, and other issues, and there have been hundreds of openly LGBT public officials in America, yet the work continues.

Milk may have only served less than a year in public office, but his life profoundly changed a city, state, nation and a global community. His courage, passion and sense of justice rocked a country and stirred the very core of a put-down and pushedout community, bringing forward new hope and a new vision of freedom.

Harvey Milk’s dream for a better tomorrow, filled with the hope for equality and a world without hate, continues to motivate advocacy and action in a new generation.

In August 2009, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Milk the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contribution to the gay rights movement.

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Happily Ever After After 27 years working in the corporate world, Loni and Anastasia Alexander found an unexpected opportunity suddenly before them. They had wandered into a consignment shop in Bethel Park and had struck up on a conversation with the owner. They soon learned that the owner was looking for a buyer, and in several hours, Loni and Anastasia became business owners fulfilling a life-long dream.

Last summer, Ever After Consignments, located at 6063 Library Road, opened and has filled a niche for those looking for unique and unusual decor. The shop resells upscale antique and vintage consignments with an emphasis on refurbished, refinished, and recycled merchandise. “We have been overwhelmed with the positive reaction from our customers and the neighborhood,” Loni said. “For years, we have repurposed furniture as hobbyists in our garage and it’s exciting to offer a place for us to do what we love to do every day.”

Things were humming along nicely when they heard about another consignment store in Crafton — Vintage 73 — that was going out of business. “We stopped in to check out the inventory,” Anastasia said. “And then we had two,” Loni said laughing.

Their second location at 1935 Crafton Blvd., opened in November.

Consigned items for both shops come from clients who are moving, relocating, downsizing, inheriting or redecorating. “The spaces are really a living, breathing thing so every time you come in, there’s something new,” Anastasia said. From antiques to furniture, art, and pottery, the Alexander’s like to say they are in the recycling business.

“The difference is we do it creatively and with heart. Every onceloved piece has a story and we try to honor that. Just because something is old does not mean it has lost value or beauty. Our job is to find a new home or create a new look and a new purpose.”

The store also consigns with local artists who specialize in home decor artistry including Michael Paul Ayala.

For those who enjoy repurposing, Ever After also carries the exclusive Dixie Belle Paint line which offers a full line of waxes, glazes, stains, patina and metallic paints.

“What we love about Dixie Belle is it’s easy for the novice to use,” Loni said. “For years, we would spend our weekends scouring the area for new and exciting projects, and Dixie Belle is geared to those of us that like to play with colors and textures for fun and enjoying taking something old and making it something new.”

Both stores offer DIY workshops geared to those weekend hobbyists or groups who are looking for something fun and unique to do.

“Every time we announce one of our imperfectly perfect pallet table workshops, it sells out almost immediately.

There’s something to be said about making something homemade yourself and we try to make it so it’s easy and accessible to everyone of all ages.” Other workshops have included rustic farmhouse inspired signs, personalized growth charts, and oversized Scrabble tiles.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than taking something that may appear to be unusable and making it into something beautiful,” Loni said. “We want to bring back the art of making something that you can be proud to put into your home.”

Ever After Consignments 6063 Library Road, Bethel Park 15102 • 412-833-8300 1935 Crafton Blvd, Crafton 15205 • 412-922-2658 EverAfterConsignments.com Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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FRIDAY, J UN E 8 PGH

7:30 PM

Troye Sivan, an openly (and unapologetically) gay pop star, is living proof to the entire music industry that, yes, the world is finally ready.

“From before I knew I was gay, I knew I wanted to be a singer, so I didn’t ever want to let [my sexuality] change that trajectory,” said Troye Sivan. “I’m just doing what all the other pop stars are doing: writing love songs, singing love songs and putting love interests in my music videos. I think there’s power in living openly and truthfully, while also being gay.”

Troye first came out to his father when he was 14 years old, and did it through a conversation about Judaism. As he told The Sydney Morning Herald, he asked his father one night what, if anything, he would change about Judaism; his father said that he would change the way the Orthodox tenets of the religion approach homosexuality. Sivan agreed, and used this as an opening to share his sexuality with his own father — a revelation that his dad, and the rest of his family, accepted with open arms.

In 2013, when Sivan was 18, he publicly came out in a straightforward, heartfelt video on his YouTube channel. In fact, he came out even earlier than that within the industry, right before he signed the record deal for “Blue Neighbourhood” — which, Sivan says, “allowed me from day one to write music that was completely honest.”

Troye released a trilogy of videos for “Blue Neighbourhood,” which ends in a suicide by a queer teen. “At the end of the day I wanted to show young, queer love in the same light that hetero love is shown,” Sivan says of the trilogy.

“And just how violently that can be torn apart by a non-accepting environment.”

His first American hit was the song “YOUTH” and the neon purple-hued music video for that song — complete with teenagers partying and same sex couples canoodling — now has 94 million views on YouTube. The song landed on the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Club Play chart and has been certified Platinum in the U.S.

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Portrayals of LGBT people have been a priority for Sivan in all of his music videos, because, “being a gay guy myself, I

KIM PETRAS

have such vivid memories of the few times I saw any type of LGBT relationship on TV or in music videos.”

“HEAVEN,” his single with Betty Who, is something of a gay video anthem, with black-and-white montages of gay activists and same-sex couples throughout history.

In addition to singing, Troye has found the acting bug. His first-ever acting role was playing a young Hugh Jackman in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. He’s done theatre in Australia and will star in Joel Edgerton’s upcoming coming-of-age and coming-out film, Boy Erased, based on a memoir about gay conversion therapy, with Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, and Lucas Hedges. Troye’s song “Strawberries & Cigarettes” is also featured on the Love, Simon soundtrack, the first major studio film to focus on an LGBT teenage romance. The soundtrack debuted in the top 40 of the Billboard 200 albums chart.

His new single, “My My My!” ushers in a new era of Sivan’s career and cements his status as a queer pop icon. The song is a mature departure from youthful innocence of “Blue Neighbourhood,” with lyrics like “I’ve got your tongue between my teeth” that make it an unambiguous “celebration of sexual desire.” The video features Sivan dancing coquettishly in an empty warehouse, surrounded by shirtless men. As NPR Music puts it: “It’s not every day you see a young, skinny queer kid get to be completely himself in a music video, and Sivan makes us want to dance along with him.”

With her long blond hair with a signature side bun reminiscent of the ’80s, there is something nostalgic about bubblegum pop princess Kim Petras. The 25-year-old musician is gradually ascending to fame through collaborations with pop music’s top producers. As a transgender artist, Petras also feels a responsibility toward her community as she continues to gain traction with catchy synth-pop tracks.

Born in Cologne, Germany, Kim first caught the attention of the public in 2007 at the age of 14 when she discussed her gender transition on Stern TV, a German news network. Kim knew herself at the age of 2, and began transitioning with female hormones when she turned 12.

At 16, she became one of the youngest people in the world to undergo gender reassignment surgery. (German law requires a person to be 18 before receiving this surgery, but an exception was made for her after multiple psychologists testified that waiting would be damaging to her health.) After two operations, Kim completed her transition.

Aside from her own personal transition journey, Kim was determined as a youngster to become a pop star. She has said she was bullied in school and did not have many friends, and so spent most of her time alone writing songs. While she does not write songs specifically about being transgender, Kim’s’ upbeat and memorable melodies are inspired by her own resilience and the struggles she went through growing up.

Kim's debut single, "I Don't Want It at All," topped the international Spotify charts in 2017 and singles "Hills," "Hillside Boys," "Slow It Down," "Heart To Break," and "Faded" each have accumulated over one million streams.

LELAND

The album’s second single “The Good Side,” is an open letter to an ex-boyfriend about their breakup.

His new album, to be released this spring, will feature a collaboration with long-time friend Ariana Grande.

Mississippi-bred, LA-based Brett McLaughlin, aka Leland, is the songwriter behind many favorite pop gems of the past few years, including most of the standouts on Troye Sivan's debut Blue Neighbourhood (including the hit "Youth") plus "My My My!" and "The Good Side,” from Sivan’s forthcoming sophomore album.

Leland also penned a majority of Daya's stunning debut Sit Still, Look Pretty, including “Hide Away” as well as Martin Garrix and Troye Sivan's "There for You," Sabrina Carpenter's "Why" and Selena Gomez and Gucci Mane's "Fetish," to name a few. In 2017, Leland released "Mattress," an "anthem about unrequited queer love set against soaring electro-pop production" (Out Magazine) which solidified him as a budding pop artist in his own right. Amassing over 6 million streams on Spotify and featured on over 40 New Music Friday Spotify Playlists. Mattress led Leland to signing with Universal Germany, joining a roster of artists like Sigrid, Lana Del Rey and Dua Lipa.

TICKETS @ PITTSBURGHPRIDE.ORG/TICKETS OR 888-71-TICKETS

After finally getting comfortable with himself, Leland released a singled titled i “Mattress.” It wasn’t until he felt his relationship with his family came into a good place, where they fully accepted who he is, that allowed him to be comfortable writing the kinds of songs he wanted to write—to sing about boys and not have to hide anything; to be fully transparent and authentic. For Leland, "Mattress" was also a critical moment in terms of carving out his own artistic persona: "[It] was one of the first songs where it was obvious to me that I couldn’t give it away," he says. "It came so easily because it was real to me. I’m glad I held on to it.”

PRI D E F E S T Saturday, June 9 | Noon-5 PM Sunday, June 10 | 1-7 PM

PrideFest is a two-day free festival that showcases a diverse range of local and regional entertainment on two stages and includes 150+ vendors from LGBT organizations to faith-based to local businesses and corporate partners in an atmosphere that brings together our allies and celebrates the LGBT community.

HIGH L I G H TS Pride Radio Dance Party If you just wanna dance, then this is for you! We’ll feature all types of music and DJ’s all day long. Legendary DJ Barry Harris of “Thunderpuss” fame will spin on Sunday.

Mylan Wellness Village Stop by the Mylan Wellness Village and see how we are making Pittsburgh’s LGBT community healthier. Get an HIV or STI test from Central Outreach Wellness Center at the Mylan tent, visit Gilead’s “Many identities, one community" booth, learn the latest from ViiV Healthcare, get a free oral cancer screening from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

Relax & Recharge Area Stop by the Relax & Recharge area, charge your phone, get some cool water and some hot deals from Sprint.

UPMC Health Plan Van Stop by the UPMC Health Plan van and get a bone density check, your blood pressure taken, and your Body Mass Index rated all for free!

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Could you live in 203 square feet?

On Saturday, visit the 84 Lumber Tiny House and see if you could live happily with less. Living in a Tiny House gives you a greener environmental footprint and allows you to have a spirit of adventure that will simplify your priorities. For more info, visit 84tinyliving.com

Kids Activity Area Fun for all ages, this area is filled with fun and fantastic large inflatables as well as a crafting area.

Play Dr. Match Game Stop by the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield area on Sunday for their take on the popular panel game show!

Selected contestants from the crowd can ask participating doctors questions about what they want out of a new doctor relationship to find their ideal doctor match!

Spell your name in DNA! Stop by the Thermo Fisher Scientific booth for a fun activity that allows you to create a necklace or bracelet that spells your name in rainbow beads that represent how we’re all made!

PRIDEF ES T

ENTERTA INME N T Both days of PrideFest will also include performances from the region's drag queen and king community, including the winners of Miss Gay Pittsburgh Pride, Miss Gay Pittsburgh Teen Pride, Mr. Pittsburgh Pride Drag King and Miss Pride Femme Fatale.

Saturday, June 9 Pharah Phitted Pharah Phitted is a singer, song-writer, rapper, entrepreneur and model. She has opened for Dej Loaf, Lil Kim, Young MA, and Cassidy. She recently released her first official EP entitled "Lity in The City” and she continues to create visuals that reflect her creativity in music and art. Follow her on Instagram @Pharah_official_page

Shemuwel An up and coming contemporary pop artist, Shemuwel grew up listening to gospel music and touching the hearts and minds of people with his voice at age 5. He has shared stages and opened for En Vogue, Jennifer Holiday, Sheila E, and Adam Lambert. shemuwelmusic.com

JLINE JLine’s music combines electropop beats and personal, self-written lyrics that explore all aspects of his musical personality. His music videos have been added into MTV and VH1’s rotation, while outlets like Popdust, NKD Magazine and ManEDGED flock to showcase his unique look and sound. jlinemusic.com

Rocki Boulis Pittsburgh native and R&B/pop singer Rocki Boulis has been singing since she was three and started realizing around eleven that she wanted to purse a career in the music business. Her first EP was released on 2014 and features the single “Girl Code,” a duet that features X Factor winner Melanie Amaro. Look for her first album out soon! Follow her on Instagram @RockiOfficial and on Facebook @RockiOfficialMusic!

Diva Dolls Rising rappers Krystal Shades and Nia Wild (Diva Dolls 2d) are set to make their self-titled debut this summer. Stardom does not come as a surprise to this up-and-coming group as they are daughters of producer EyeQ Banks. Their colorful lyrics and flavorful delivery is painting musical rainbows in the industry. Their latest release “Shop Till U Drop” is garnering attention all across the country.

Stephen Rubinosky Stephen Rubinosky is a 21 year-old pop/rock singer from Pittsburgh whose music grabs your attention along with his stage presence. He release a new cover song “Bedroom Floor” in March and is hitting the road this summer to promote his music even more. Follow him on Facebook @StephenRubinosky

Sunday, June 10 DJ Barry Harris We’re thrilled to welcome world renowned DJ Barry Harris to the Pride Radio Dance Party. Barry is best known for Whitney Houston’s Top 5 global hit, “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” which remains in steady rotation around the world today.

In 1998 Barry relocated from Toronto to Los Angeles and became the mastermind behind the remix team Thunderpuss, producing more than 40 #1 Billboard Dance remixes including hits for Madonna, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Cher, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Donna Summer and more.

A veteran of the Toronto DJ scene, Barry currently holds a monthly residency at Fly 2.0. He continues to tour the U.S. and remix dance club favorites, advancing his solo signature sound to Cardi B, Drake, P!nk, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Drake, Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj… and many more yet to come!

RV Mendoza RV Mendoza is a queer, Filipinx, disco pop songwriter and performer whose song played on the MTV show "Teen Wolf" in 2013 led to the release of his first album "Uhaw Island." RV has been featured on Buzzfeed, TEAM magazine and Scout. Find him on Instagram @ RVxMendoza and on Spotify.

The Random Hubiak Originally from Venango County,The Random Hubiak has performed at the Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg and the Singer Songwriter Cape May Conference in NJ. His lyrics for his upcoming single, "Dumb as Dirt and Slick as Oil (Coal Oil Johnny's Lament)," recently won third prize for the lyrics-only contest and were published in American Songwriter Magazine. therandomhubiak.com

For the latest PrideFest schedule, visit pittsburghpride.org or the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh Facebook page.

Hannah Lurry Hannah Lurry is a 16 year-old recording artist from Cleveland who was discovered at a youth talent show. Soon after she landed a record deal and is featured on a song with 13-year old hip hop recording artist E'Javien Franklin. Hannah's lead single “Don’t Come Back” debuted at #4 on the UK pop charts. hannahlurry.com

Badluxe A funky indie pop band from Pittsburgh, Badluxe has a dreamy, head-bopping sound inspired by a blend of vintage pop, funk, and R&B. Driven by lead singer Cea Carlesi’s smooth vocals and lyrical honesty, Badluxe effortlessly finds sticky-sweet pop melodies punctuated by an R&B groove bringing their self-described "petty pop" to life. badluxe.com

Rukkiss A Pittsburgh native, Rukkiss is a hip-hop/rap artist known for her versatility and energetic stage presence. Due to Rukkiss’s ability to blend hip hop with numerous genres she continues to elevate music. Even more important she turns the mood up a notch in each story she shares through her lyrics.

Check her songs “Russian Roulette,” “Walk Away” and “Psycho” at reverbnation.com/rukkiss12

Renaissance City Choir RCC is western Pennsylvania’s only LGBTQA choral group. Their programming blends challenging contemporary music, commissions of new works, an ambitious traditional repertoire, and music from various world cultures. rccpittsburgh.com

The Rooks The Rooks have spent the last three years and change making noise across New York City and the greater Northeast, gaining substantial recognition for their debut EP "Something You Can Take," follow up single “Twister” and most recent releases “Secrets” and “Intermission (Wires).” They would love for you to join the party, because they’re having an incredible time! therooksband.com

PRIDEFEST

V E NDORS 84 Lumber 941/Tilden AARP of PA ACLU of PA Greater Pittsburgh Chapter Adagio Health adultmart Allegheny County Bar Association LGBT Rights Committee Allegheny County Department of Human Services Allegheny County Health Department Allegheny Health Network Allies for Health + Wellbeing American Cancer Society American Foundation for Suicide Prevention American Window Industries Animal Friends Animal Lifeline Auberle Foster Care Autumn Naturals Bayer US Bridges Hospice Burgh Bears Camp Bow Wow Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Caroselli Beachler & Coleman CCAC Center for Victims Central Outreach Wellness Center Champion Windows, Sun Rooms and Home Exteriors Cherished Ones Chevron City of Pittsburgh Careers City Theatre Company Classic Travel And Tours Coro Pittsburgh Covestro Cruise Planners LGBTQ Travel Cute As A Button Bows Dakota James Foundation Damsel in Defense Direct Energy

as of May 15, 2018

Dress for Success Pittsburgh Eaton Corp.

Etna Print Circus EQT Every Child Excela Health FCKH8 First Commonwealth Bank Freedom Healthcare Services Full Spectrum Community Outreach Gilead Green Mountain Energy Hello Fresh Herbal Kitchen Creations Highmark Hilos Co. Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh Howard Hanna Real Estate Human Rights Campaign Humane Animal Rescue Husky PAWS Rescue Inclusive Presbyterian Churches in Pittsburgh Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire James Hardie Siding and Trim Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Jon Krise's Leader Construction Junior Chamber of Commerce Players Kiss 96.1 FM Lash New York LASIK Vision Institute LasikPlus Legacy Remodeling Liberty Travel Live Overt Lutherans for Full Participation Reconciling/Works Meant to Live 3qually Metropolitan Community Church of Pittsburgh Midnight's Pawfect Pet Apparel Mylan Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

New Horizons Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Lottery Persad Center PFLAG-Pittsburgh PGH Equality Center Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden Pitt Men's Study Pittsburgh Action Against Rape Pittsburgh CLO & CLO Cabaret Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations Pittsburgh Freethought Community Pittsburgh Japanese Culture Society & Tekko 2019 Pittsburgh Lesbian and Gay Film Society/Reel Q Pittsburgh Pet Concierge Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Planned Parenthood of Western PA PNC Bank Point Park University Positive Health Clinic of Allegheny Health Network PPG Project Silk Proper Pit Bull Proud Haven Psychic Shop Renaissance City Choir Seven Fields/Avalon/Big Rock Veterinary Hospitals Sheetz Shepherd Wellness Community Smile with Pride Sprint St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon Stage AE State Farm Mutual Automobile Co. Steel City Softball League Steel City Stonewall Democrats Stonewall Alliance

The Midwife Center for Birth and Women's Health Thermo Fisher Scientific Three Rivers Business Alliance Tito's Handmade Vodka Tobacco Free Allegheny Treehug Trading Co TRIM Pittsburgh Two Dads and a Dog University of Pittsburgh HIV Treatment and Prevention Program UPMC UPMC--General Internal Medicine VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Vacations Getaway Vibrant Pittsburgh Visit Pittsburgh Walmart We The People Clothing West Shore Home Wicked Life Clothing Window Nation YMCA Of Greater Pittsburgh zTrip

FOOD Ash & Kris Kitchen Caustelot Creamery Cousins Maine Lobster Curly's Tin Rizzi Ice Cream Truck Fairly Local Foods Family Grill FANtastic Food Friendly's Catering Graeter's Ice Cream Harris Grill McFeely's Arctic Ice Mr. Bulgogi Food Truck Revival Chili Southern Fried Factory T's Bakery Vagabond Taco Truck

R ISE UP FOR OUR R I GH TS RALLY & EQ T E QUALITY MARCH Sunday, June 10 Blvd. of the Allies & Grant Street

In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in NYC, a series of violent demonstrations, led by the trans community, took place. Today, the Stonewall Riots are widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights.

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Join us for two events as we remember those who paved the way, recognize how far we've come, and rally together as we continue our quest for true equality for all.

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Let's reconnect with the roots of our struggle and elevate the LGBT community, advocate for our causes, and rally to show our strength. Everyone is welcome!

EQT EQUALITY MARCH

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Join us as we march through the streets of downtown Pittsburgh in solidarity using our voices to ensure that every members of our community–including those who are the most marginalized–are acknowledged, included and treated with dignity and respect.

PA RT ICIPANTS 84 Lumber AARP of PA Accenture ACLU of PA - Greater Pittsburgh Chapter Adagio Health Alcoa Allegheny County Bar Association LGBT Rights Committee Allegheny County Department of Human Services Allegheny County Health Department Allies Grad American Cancer Society American Eagle American Foundation for Suicide Prevention AmerisourceBergen/Lash Group Animal Lifeline Pittsburgh Arcade Comedy Theater Arcane Auto Cult Arconic Blue Moon Bar BurghBears Camp Bow Wow Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh CCAC Chevron Church of the Redeemer Citizens Bank City Charter High School National Honors Society Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Comcast Community House Presbyterian Church Covestro

OUR MARCH EMCEE MICHAEL BARTLEY

as of May 10, 2018

Dakota James Foundation Direct Energy East Liberty Presbyterian Church Eaton Corp.

EQT Excela Health First Commonwealth Bank FIRST Team 1708 Amp'D Robotics Fortunate Families Giant Eagle Gilead Golden Thread Camp O.T.O. Google Highmark Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community Humane Animal Rescue IKEA Pittsburgh Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Jones Day Junior Chamber of Commerce Players K&L Gates Kensington Court Antiques Kiss 96.1 FM KPMG LLC Liberty Travel Lyft Metamorphosis Organic Salon Spa & Wellness Studio Metro Community Health Center MetroPCS Metropolitan Community Church of Pittsburgh Meyer, Unkovic & Scott Mr. & Miss Laurel Highlands 2018/2019 Moxie Pittsburgh

Mylan Nemacolin Nordstrom Ohio Valley Pride Persad Center Penn Hills VFD No. 1 PFLAG Greensburg PFLAG Pittsburgh PGH Equality Center Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART) Pittsburgh City Paper Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations Pittsburgh Biker Chicks Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Pittsburgh Freethought Community Pittsburgh Furs Pittsburgh Lesbian & Gay Film Society/Reel Q Pittsburgh Pride Colorguard Pittsburgh Prime Timers Pittsburgh Transgender Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania Plow & Hearth PNC Bank Point Park University PPG PRISM of Beaver County RE/MAX Select Realty Real Luck Cafe Renaissance City Choir ScareHouse Sephora

Sixth Presbyterian Church Smithfield United Church of Christ Sprint St. Brendan's Episcopal Church/ Franklin Park St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon Starbucks (continued) Starkiller Garrison - 501st Legion Steel City Sisters, Abbey of the Trinity Rivers, Mission House of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Steel City Softball League Steel City Stonewall Democrats Steel City Volleyball League (SCVL) Stonewall Alliance Studio Raw T.E.A.C.H. The Milk Shake Factory The Women's Help Center The Table at Grove City College ThermoFisher Scientific Three Rivers Leather Club Tobacco Free Allegheny Unite Here Local 57 University of Pittsburgh HIV Treatment and Prevention Program UPMC Walmart YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh

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We salute the following Pittsburgh leaders who have participated in the Equality March and believe that the LGBT community deserves to be treated equally and with dignity & respect.

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PRIDE DAY AT PNC PARK

Join the Pirates and supporters of the LGBT Community at PNC Park for our second annual Pride Day. J U LY 8

SECTIONS Corner Box - $33 VS

SUNDAY • 1:35PM

Infield Grandstand - $22 EACH TICKET INCLUDES A SPECIAL PIRATES PRIDE DAY CAP.

At Huntington, we believe that the strongest communities are the ones in which every voice is heard. Because a diversity of perspective, experience and ideas just leads to better all-around outcomes for everyone. That’s why we’re proud to support the LGBT community and their allies. And that’s why we say to every customer and colleague who walks through our doors, Welcome.

Member FDIC. ⬢®, Huntington® and ⬢ Huntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington. Welcome.℠ is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2018 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. p/n 12357 | 0418

Drug Trends & the LGBT Community

By Cheryl Werber Addiction is not a discriminating disease. It affects many across socio-economic barriers, of all ages, and races.

It does not care whether the person is tall or short, black or white, gay or straight. For those within the LGBT community, addiction can be especially devastating. Without the proper support from family and friends, addiction can risk death.

For someone who is already vulnerable because of their sexuality, turning to drugs leads them to think it will ease the pain. In the Pittsburgh area, there is a noticeable lack of resources for gays and lesbians who are in active addiction. The social life for many of those within the LGBT community revolves around the bar scene, leading to hooking up and using drugs. Many still feel the guilt and shame of their sexual identity and aim to deaden their feelings turning to drugs and other illicit substances.

Besides the guilt and shame, trauma is a leading contributor to drug abuse. Trauma from sexual, mental, financial, and physical abuse — along with illness, death, and natural disasters — can warp an individual’s sense of being. Even witnessing a traumatic event can cause trauma in the witness. Trauma, if not properly treated, can prevent an individual from processing these memories, causing disruptions in their lives.

Also, within the community, many can also be diagnosed with a mental disorder. Often called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, those with addiction often have a mental illness that may or may not be diagnosed or currently treated. Co-occurring disorders often complicates addiction and puts the individual at a higher risk for overdosing. Two examples of co-occurring disorders can include depression coupled with alcoholism or panic disorder and opioid dependence. The complexities of a co-occurring disorder can consist of a higher rate of relapse, homelessness, or HIV and hepatitis C infections.

According to Judy Acheson, MA, NCC, LPC, a therapist at POWER, the drug trends in the Pittsburgh area include K2, MDMA, and alcohol. K2, or synthetic cannabinoids, are mindaltering drugs that can be smoked or inhaled. The drug is also known as herbal or liquid incense and is legally sold in convenience stores or gas stations. In New Hampshire, K2 was linked to 41 overdoses since 2014, according to the National Institute on

Drug Abuse. The effects of K2 are similar to those of marijuana including relaxation, altered perception, and elevated mood. The side effects of K2 can include extreme anxiety, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior.

MDMA is commonly known as ecstasy. This psychoactive recreational drug increases empathy, euphoria, and heightens sensations. It can be taken orally and can last three to six hours.

If abused, MDMA can cause memory problems, paranoia, sleeping difficulties, blurred vision, depression, and fatigue.

Other side effects can include insomnia, lethargy, irritability, and impulsiveness. These adverse short-term side effects can last up to a week. Long-term side effects of MDMA can include the brain’s susceptibility to environmental toxins and pathogens.

Alcohol is also a popular trend in the LGBT community. Since it is relatively easier to get than K2 or MDMA, most LGBT youths turn to alcohol first. Short-term side effects of alcohol can include slurred speech, drowsiness, and sleep disruption. Excess alcohol intake can consist of nausea and vomiting, blackouts, coma, and death. The long-term effects of alcohol can include weight gain, high blood pressure, depression, liver damage, cancer, and reduced sexual performance.

Because of the lack of support for LGBT individuals, especially youth, individuals are often mislabeled with other diagnoses.

LGBT youth who are unable to express themselves sufficiently often can lead to adjustment issues. The percentage of those who are misdiagnosed can be as high as 20 percent. Currently, in Pittsburgh, there is only one halfway house that accepts trans women while there is no facility that openly admits trans men.

Those who do receive treatment often do not receive specialized treatment. This missing pieces of treatment can often lead to an individual relapsing.

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Lori Fell, LCSW a therapist at Persad, states that for studies on drug abuse, sexual orientation is rarely a question asked. Therefore, determining the prevalence of substance abuse within the LGBT community is difficult. For individuals, this can become a “double closet door.” The struggle to come out coupled with their battle against substance abuse is highly detrimental. Usually, Fell said, it is easier to talk about the substance use than it is to talk about their sexuality.

For lesbians, the drug trend remains alcohol and tobacco use, two substances easier to get than anything else. Lesbians are likely to continue drinking heavily later in life with 30 percent of all lesbians having an alcohol use problem. Also prevalent among lesbians are the use of marijuana and cocaine. Another up-andcoming drug is the use of products like canned air and other popular cleaning products that helps people “dust” their furniture.

Called dusters, these products are used much like inhalants that causes the user to get high. Because of a substance called difluoroethane, dusters are more dangerous than whippets, which have a similar effect.

For gay men and men who have sex with men, the drugs of choice remain marijuana, psychedelics (such as LSD and mescaline), hallucinogens (DMT, Ketamine or PCP), stimulants (meth, cocaine or crack cocaine), sedatives, cocaine, barbiturates, MDMA, and amyl nitrates or poppers. Another drug of choice among gay men are prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. Brandi Gurcak, MS, NCC, CAADC, therapist for Center for Victims says that crystal meth is becoming increasingly popular among gay males. Gurcak stated that addicts are unable to have sex without being under the influence of meth. Not only this, but crystal meth is difficult to quit since the drug is heavily ingrained into the party and hook up scene. Sex and crystal meth seem to go together. Meth, in other parts of the country, is commonly used with other party drugs including poppers.

Speedballing, a technique used when an individual mixes sedatives and stimulants, often wreak havoc on a person’s body because of the opposite effects of each type of drug.

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Of course, one cannot ignore the opioid epidemic ravaging more and more people each day. While there is no accurate data linking opioid overdoses and the LGBT community, between 100 to 150 people die daily from addiction. With limited research available about substance abuse among the LGBT community, many fear the real numbers of substance abuse is significantly under-reported.

It was only in 2015 when the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) started asking about sexual identity and sexual attraction in their National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

While addiction is a devastating and non-discriminatory disease, those in the LGBT community are more susceptible to addiction.

Coming out of the closet can be hard enough; coupled with substance abuse the effort becomes doubly tricky as most people are more comfortable talking about their substance use problems rather than their sexuality. For lesbians, alcohol remains their primary drug of choice while for gay men and men who have sex with men, stimulants, poppers, and MDMA remain popular.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact: SAMHSA hotline — 800-662-4357 resolve Crisis Services — 888-796-8226 Persad Center — 412-441-9786 POWER — 412-243.-7535 x 311

Be YO U.

Be YOU.

Be PR OU D.

Be PROUD.

Be HU MA NE .

Be HUMANE. Humane

Animal

Rescue

humaneanimalrescue.org humaneanimalrescue.org 412-345-7300 412-345-7300 Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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Beyond he and she: the rise of non-binary pronouns

By Kitt Kavanaugh (they/them/theirs)

As a queer non-binary human, I face a lot of challenges daily that cisgender folks have the privilege of not worrying about. I have to fight for the validity of my gender, as well as respect, when it comes to my name and pronouns. It seems like common sense.

If someone tells you their name or their pronouns, you should use them, right? It’s disappointing that an article like this has to be written in the first place, but I’m not alone in my struggle to be accepted as a human being.

I ask myself a lot, “Why does my gender/gender presentation matter so much to others?” I don’t feel as though it is hard to ask. It’s my identity. No one would purposefully misgender someone who, to them, looks “male” and goes by “male” pronouns, so why don’t we get afforded the same basic decency?

When I asked several of my trans and non-binary friends how it made them feel to be misgendered, almost everyone responded that they felt disrespected, frustrated, uncomfortable, or anxious.

Coley Alston (they/them/theirs) also made an important point in saying, “Not misgendering someone isn’t some “ally” action. It is the most basic level of human decency. Do you congratulate your grandparents for not referring to grown black men as ‘boy’? Do you high-five your coworker for not referring to people as ‘Oriental’?

No! Being misgendered is a microaggression — maybe the size of a raindrop — but as a black queer person in Pittsburgh, I experience a torrential downpour of microaggressions.”

Being misgendered is awful, especially for those of us that try so hard to present in certain ways. Some of us even wear pronoun pins or other apparel in an attempt to ward off misgendering.

Gender identity isn’t something you’re going to know about a person right off the bat (regardless of whether you think you’ve

“guessed” the correct gender of someone). Being courteous and affording someone respect is the best possible solution to a situation when you maybe unsure of what pronouns someone uses in their day-to-day life. Coley is right to say that not misgendering someone isn’t an “ally” action, but taking the time to ask someone most certainly is. At the end of the day, another persons identity doesn’t affect you or your life. Does it really hurt to ask? Why does the notion of someone taking away your ability to make an assumption about their identity make you so upset, when that identity doesn’t belong to you in the first place? Gender holds far more repercussions for someone who is trans than for the person making the assumptions.

“It makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable: It’s a difficult-toexplain ‘wrong’ feeling in my stomach. The best way I can describe it is it that just feels fundamentally wrong. It also makes me incredibly anxious, because I have to make the choice to ignore it, or figure out if it’s safe to correct this person. You never know who might have some kind of issue with trans people, and I’m not trying to be in any kind of danger if I can help it,” said C.J. (they/ them/theirs).

Assumptions about gender identity are frustrating and disrespectful, but these assumptions can also lead to difficult questions regarding personal safety, as C.J. pointed out. Pronoun usage may not seem like something that is particularly impactful as far as safety is concerned; however, there is an inner dialogue that often takes place in situations of misgendering, even if the moment is fleeting. Non-binary or trans people often feel compelled to ask themselves, “Will correcting this person end productively, or will this interaction turn hostile?” These are topics and questions that someone who identifies with their assigned gender doesn’t have to think about or consider, but are exactly part of the reason accepting someone’s pronouns is important.

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If you have friends or coworkers who are trans or nonbinary, ask them if it is OK to correct people who misgender them, and if the answer is yes, then do so. Lead by example; exhibit the same love and support that you would want to see in your own life. We can’t change the world over-night, but that kind of support is a start.

For those who do struggle to correct folks who misgender you, please remember that your identity is valid. YOU are valid and you are allowed to stand up for yourself. Sometimes it is necessary to gauge someone’s intent. Perhaps it is unintentional because they just don’t know or have not encountered someone who is trans, but other times it might be malicious or purposefully disrespectful. In a workplace situation, if you feel comfortable, a helpful situation might be to find someone to help support you and correct people who have misgendered you.

“Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. It can be hard, but your identity, your feelings, your pronouns are valid,” Lyndsey Sickler (they/them/their) said. “Reach out for support from friends and co-workers if possible. Their support can make all the difference.

That said, please be mindful of your safety. Not all of us are privileged enough to work/play and be in spaces where these conversations won’t impact our physical or financial security or otherwise.”

If you are already a person who has realized how important it is to use someone’s correct pronouns and respect their identity, that’s great! Thank you. But there’s always something that you can do to influence others toward feeling the same.

Remember, mistakes happen, and that’s OK! Those of us who are trans also slip up on pronouns sometimes. A quick apology or even just a correction are completely appropriate responses to these slip-ups. We know you don’t know everything. None of us do. However, be proactive in learning from trans folks or through other resources, and utilize that knowledge to implement change.

Over-all, identity validation is already such a prominent part of living as a trans or nonbinary individual, and correct pronoun use is such a simple way to respect those identities that may be unfamiliar to you personally. Remember, you don’t have to understand someone to respect them as a fellow human being.

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GROWING PANGS

By Chrissy Costa One chilly Pittsburgh evening while sitting in a crowded restaurant I found myself withdrawn into a blanket at the table. Well, mostly alone. of thoughts. My friends had long since dispersed and I was all alone I was holding half of a dirty martini and the check.

Tonight was on me.

It was reminiscent of the scene in the “Sex and the City” movie where a more mature, wiser and richer Carrie Bradshaw tells a young love-struck Jennifer Hudson that “your 20s are for having fun, your 30s are to learn the lessons, and your 40s are to pay for the drinks,” as she reaches for the bill.

It was almost exactly like that except I’ve yet to write three books, marry the love of my life, hire an assistant, or have enough credit to actually pay for ALL of the drinks. Yet there I was, in my 40s, with a bunch of new expectations and a few more laugh lines on my face. And Donald Trump was President.

COME TO THINK OF IT, IT WAS NOTHING LIKE THAT SCENE IN “SEX AND THE CITY.” But in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, I couldn’t help but wonder where the time had gone. It felt like just yesterday I was 22 years old and my biggest concern was if my mom would still feed me and do my laundry once I told her I was gay. I spent a lot of money on therapy that year only to discover my mom has always been two shakes of a softball bat away from having her own coming-out party.

And just like that it’s almost 20 years later. I’ll be honest, as a “veteran” gay, I’ve never felt so out of touch with the changing of the times. I was at a lecture last year, and upon entering we were asked to write our preferred pronoun and our name, respectively, on a name tag. I had never been asked my pronoun before so I assumed they meant prefix, and I wrote “Ms. Chrissy Costa.”

After getting a disapproving glare from one of the volunteers I got nervous and rewrote my name, and this time I made it even more awkward by still using a prefix but adding my occupation. I was now, “Ms. Writer Chrissy Costa.” When I finally remembered what a pronoun was by looking at everyone else’s name tag I became embarrassed as both an English major as well as a member of the LGBT community. So then I grabbed a new name tag and wrote, “Martha’ on it. Just Martha. I didn’t want anyone to know my real name at that point and I didn’t even care if they thought Martha was a HE. And just when I thought the afternoon couldn’t get worse, it did.

Everyone was sharing stories and discussing ideas and after each person spoke everyone clapped. Except they weren’t clapping the way I clapped. I was emphatically clapping the way Kanye West claps for Kanye West when Kanye West wins an award, or just wakes up. They were quietly snapping

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their fingers, barely making a sound. I didn’t understand what was happening. I’m Italian. I’m not used to quiet gestures. I need loud clapping, please. If you’re not yelling at me how will I know you approve? When did everyone decide to clap this way, and why wasn’t I aware?

CIS, NON-BINARY, GENDER NEUTRAL—SAY WHAT!?

I LOOKED OVER AT A FRIEND AND MOUTHED, “WHAT IN THE GAY HELL IS GOING ON?” SHE’S EVEN OLDER SO SHE WAS READY TO LEAVE FOR A NAP. I was confused and wanted to go back to just boycotting Chickfil-A. That was really hard. But this was harder. What I realized that dreadful day was that I was no longer the youngest one in the room. My pronoun was now, “She old.”

So many questions filled my mind as I reflected on all of this while waiting to pay my bill: When will I fit in? Wasn’t I supposed to have it all by now? What is ‘all’? Where’s my SHE and why are all of my exes married? Perhaps I was the problem because it seems I’m the common denominator. Where did this hair come from?

The waiter came to take the check, and as I went to put on my glasses so that I could hear what he was saying, I reached into my bag and a tampon fell out of the inside pouch and onto the floor. Normally I would have been mortified at the thought of someone seeing my Kotex, but something happened in that moment and I’ll never forget it. In that precise moment I laughed and no longer cared what anyone else thought. I’ve had dozens

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of tampons fall out of pockets and purses and I’ve always been embarrassed and acted like they weren’t mine. Not that day. When that tampon hit the floor and landed next to the waiter’s shoe I didn’t pretend anything. In fact, I said to him, “I’m gonna need that back son.” That’s when I realized that your 40s aren’t just about paying for the drinks. They’re the start of finding confidence in every aspect of yourself. They’re about whatever you want them to be. Just as your 20s, and 30s, and 50’s, etc...

We are in an ever-changing universe and in competition with no one other than who we were yesterday. We can choose to learn and evolve at our own pace. Some of us are slower and that’s OK. Some of us have Peter Pan Syndrome — and by us, I mean me — and that’s also OK. As I looked around at the others in the restaurant that night I became aware that I wasn’t alone at all. Nobody has it all figured out. Maybe everything is exactly as it’s meant to be, and we are all exactly where we are meant to be in this very moment.

And perhaps laughing at our own imperfections is the healthiest way to grow.

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Andy always saw things differently.

: The Andy Warhol Museum receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency and The Heinz Endowments. Further support is provided by the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

April 27 - September 2

This exhibition was developed collaboratively by The Andy Warhol Museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney.

Image: Alamy Images, New York City street view. Circa 1950.

The Sexual Liberation in Knowledge

By Linnea Marie I wish I had someone around like me when I was younger.

I remember being in 6th grade and the teachers separating the boys and the girls into different rooms to talk about “sex.” For us girls it was more like tampons, periods, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Not sex, not pleasure, and certainly not inclusive.

I am not sure what the boys discussed and I didn’t ask. All I remember was that it was super awkward when they walked back into the room. It was vague and it definitely didn’t prepare me for real life sex. My “sex talk” (if you would call it that) in my very conservative, Catholic household, was an anatomy book handed to me by my mother when I was in 8th grade.

I was naive and uneducated about sex up until I took a “Human Sexuality” course in college and wow, were my eyes were opened!

I realized quickly that I needed to learn and educate myself. I attended seminars and workshops. I read books and learned from experience. I started a website and hosted in-home events. It was fun for a while, but I had a deeper desire to educate. It was my mentor, sexologist Dr. Jill McDevitt, who inspired me to create the fun, interactive classes which I’m teaching today.

I’m now that friend that all of my friends go to when they have questions.

Human sexuality is a studied science, just like all other sciences that might come to mind. It’s a science that has to combat ancient ideology, beliefs, religion, and personal thoughts that oppose what has since been proven. Sexology science and education is all encompassing. Much of the sex education we receive simply educates us on periods, condoms, and diseases. No discussion about pleasure or feelings. Many people believe this kind of education should be taught at home, however, many parents and guardians don’t feel comfortable discussing these things or answering the questions their children are asking. This could be for a number of reasons. However, if a child is asking questions, they are more than likely hearing about it and are curious. It is always

best to answer their questions to the best of your ability or send them to someone who can.

Headlines demonstrate almost on a daily basis that today’s society is seriously lacking in sex education, sexuality education and adult education of the like. Sex education is more than just talking about intercourse and STIs. It encompasses thoughts, feelings, consent, self-control, anatomy, and pleasure among others. Humans are sexual beings and we have been since the beginning of time. Relationships are important whether they are intimate or platonic, and as humans we need both of these types of relationships to grow and flourish in life. Enthusiastic, ongoing consent is key in having a successful, pleasurable sexual relationship.

We talk very frequently about sex in a negative way when we should be discussing it in a positive and pleasurable light. Our minds, bodies and feelings are intricate, and we are just now scratching the surface when it comes to studies of the sexual human.

Now more than ever it is important not only to educate ourselves, but also the generations that are coming behind us. We live in such a sex-obsessed country. We hear and see sex in the movies, music, television shows, and in our daily lives, but we are never allowed to talk about it in its entirety.

“The first step is learning to see our own kids’ sexuality as a necessary and normal part of the human lifespan from birth to death. We are born with bodies, emotions and desires---including sexual desires,” said sexuality educator Al Vernacchio. Lately, it seems as though all we have been hearing about is sex painted negatively and shame-filled. With our own President having Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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sexual assault allegations against him, and extra marital affairs all throughout the news, our children deserve to have access to inclusive, open knowledge so they can do better.

Sexual knowledge is power, protection, and pleasure. When we can openly discuss sexuality, it will make the world a better place

for all. Unbiased and shameless education is wanted and very much needed. Discussing sex, sexuality, and gender will open the door to liberation and understanding of which many of us are in need.

Humans are more complex than we would like to think, and we all can’t fit it into just one or two boxes. By having and acknowledging all different types of humans we can help to decrease bullying, suicide, and violence, while increasing body positivity and selflove. If one has an open-minded, shame-free view of sex, it can liberate and make sex so much more enjoyable. Sex should be fun, consensual, and pleasurable. If your partner doesn’t agree then they don’t care about you. As humans we need to be more understanding and accepting, and less judgmental. And I believe that sexual liberation in knowledge can assist in accomplishing this.

Love is love!

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Stunning Portugal Small in size, but rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Portugal offers landscapes that contrast with long beaches, lush vineyards, verdant valleys.

You can find rolling hills dotted with tiny towns where old traditions still are a way of life. Portugal’s countryside is ready for leisurely adventures on foot or by bicycle, where it is home to well-preserved medieval castles and outstanding wineries, producing some of the world’s finest ports.

The country’s cities offer a culinary experience known for its many award-winning restaurants.

Portugal is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Europe.

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe maintaining its borders since 1279.

Although visits to any country during highseason months are a bit pricey, Portugal isn’t that expensive in comparison with its neighbors. Peak season for Portugal is June to September where temperatures can vary greatly between day and night after the sun sets. For sun worshippers, it’s definitely a state of Nirvana.

As for language barriers, your Spanish classes during high school might be somewhat useful. Portuguese may seem similar to Spanish when you first hear it, but listening to the locals, it sounds like they forget to pronounce vowels. Fortunately, many people there can speak English or French.

Going to Portugal is never a bad idea. You can escape the cold, bask in the abundant sunshine, dance with the waves, and embrace all the temptations that Portugal has to offer.

Albufeira

One of your first stops to Portugal should be to the town Albufeira on the Algarve coastline. Primarily a resort town, it offers a combination of family-friendly fun, along with couples or singles looking to party. There are two sides of the fun: “The Old Town” and “The Strip.” The Old Town offers a variety of restaurants and a night life that is vibrant and fun. For a more hedonistic holiday, visit The Strip where the night life and drinking go hand in hand. Luckily, there are beaches close by where you can recover the next day.

Porto

Called “Oporto,” the city of Porto gave the country and Port wine their names. Portugal’s second-largest city (Lisbon is the first) dates back to the 4th century and offers a rich cultural past and industrial present through its architecture and style. This romantic city is known best for its greatest export, Port wine, and for its old historical center, a World Heritage Site. Porto is a city of contrasts; stately buildings, medieval structures, Baroque churches, the river and impressive bridges all give this city its flavor.

Sintra

Embraced by rolling hills, old mansions and castles, Sintra’s romantic style is like no other. Home to Portugal’s royalty, the town is host to several palaces and parks and has become a favorite destination for those who love architecture, gardens, and history. A World Heritage Site because of its famous 19th-century monuments and buildings, Sintra is a popular tourist destination for not only Portuguese, but also foreign travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon, known as the city built on seven hills, has experienced a renaissance in recent years making it a favorite city to visit, but with fewer touristy crowds. Easily recognizable for its red roofs and as impressive as many European capitals, the city boasts large monuments and museums as well as backstreets and old neighborhoods.

Cozy cafes, live music venues, pulsing bars, and diverse discos weave together the fabric of Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife.

Listen to fado--traditional Portuguese music, go shopping in the chic Chiado area, or spend your time viewing its imposing historical structures.

By Rick Sicilio HOTELS Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa (Algarve Coast) granderealsantaeulalia.realhotelsgroup.com/en A 10-minute walk from Praia Santa Eulália beach, this downto-earth resort is a 15-minute walk from Praia Maria Luisa beach and 18 km from Zoomarine Algarve.

Casual rooms feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and minibars.

Upgraded rooms add balconies and sea views. Suites include separate living rooms and some add kitchenettes. Room service is included.

Freebies include breakfast, an Albufeira shuttle service and parking. There are three restaurants, three bars and a terrace, as well as a kids’ club, an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Additional amenities include a tennis court and a spa area with an indoor pool, a sauna and a Turkish bath.

Pestana Vintage Porto pestanacollection.com/en/hotel/pestana-porto Across the street from the Douro River, this trendy, retro hotel is a 10-minute walk from São Bento railway station and 13 minutes on foot from Clérigos Church and its baroque bell tower.

Stylish rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars, as well as safes. Upgraded rooms feature river views, suites with sitting areas, and espresso machines.

Breakfast, served in the hip restaurant with a terrace, is complimentary. Amenities include a funky bar and several lounges.

Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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Hotel Portugal - Portugal Boutique Hotel hotelportugal.com

LE MARAIS Rua Santa Catarina, 28

FINALMENTE Rua Da Palmeira, 38, Principe Real

This modern boutique hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Rossio metro station, a 3-minute walk from historic Rossio Square, and an 11-minute walk from Sé de Lisboa, a cathedral with mixed architectural styles.

Inspired by traditional Portuguese tiles, the contemporary, uniquely decorated rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as a choice of pillows.

Freebies include parking and breakfast. There’s a relaxed terrace and a sleek bar with wood accents and direct access to two adjacent scenic restaurants is available.

Down the hill from Bairro Alto and down the street from the popular Santa Catarina terrace, is this welcoming bar inspired by the famous Paris gayborhood. The colorful interior opens in the afternoon, for pre-dinner Happy Hours, and continues with a relaxed atmosphere and reasonably-priced drinks into the night.

This is a very small, yet very popular gay club. It can get quite crowded at the end of the night (meaning early hours of the day in Lisbon), but you can squeeze into the tiny dance floor and dance to some classic gay anthems or watch the regular drag shows.

BARS AND CLUBS The number of gay hotspots in Lisbon is growing every year. From daytime cafés to post-dinner bars, to clubs for dancing and frolicking (to Europe’s most beautiful gay beach), there’s a place for you in Bairro Alto or neighboring Principe Real. Remember that everything starts very late and often doesn’t end until the sun rises.

Zoom (Porto) zoomporto.wixsite.com/zoomporto Zoom is currently the hot nightclub of the moment in Porto. A contemporary party palace rises from what was once an old industrial warehouse. The club is contemporary and cool, with enormous disco balls and catwalks over the dance floor made for muscled go-go boys. Drag shows, theme parties, strippers and popular DJs keep the entertainment continually interesting. The place gets even more crowded after 4 AM when everyone migrates over from other bars closing around town.

In Bairro Alto (Lisbon): ETÍLICO Rua do Grémio Lusitano, 8, Bairro Alto Although it’s been around for some time, this bar turned gay in 2013 after the success of hosting special gay parties. It now opens just before dinner time for drinks and stays open until late with DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.

It’s open throughout the week (except Sundays) and has regular events such as strip and drag shows.

PORTAS LARGAS Rua Da Atalaia, 105, Bairro Alto For local gay men, this is one of the first stops after dinner.

It is a spacious old tavern with a casual, down-to-earth atmosphere, although most prefer to grab a drink and stand outside and watch the world go by. A Lisbon classic.

PUREX Rua das Salgadeiras 28, Bairro Alto A mixed (largely lesbian) crowd heads to this trendy bar behind orange doors, especially on weekends when a DJ spins some electronic sounds.

TROMBETA BATH Rua do Trombeta, 1C, Bairro Alto trombetabath.com Close to all the Bairro Alto bars, this sauna with private cabins is open day and night (starting at noon).

In Príncipe Real (Lisbon): BAR 106 Rua De São Marçal, 106, Principe Real A friendly, small bar with a light décor and a good place to start the evening before hitting the clubs. It is a popular meeting place for young gays who chat on seats against the wall or by the busy bar area. It’s one of the few bars with some life on Sunday nights, when it’s the weekly “Message Night.”

BAR CRU Rua De São Marçal, 170, Principe Real barcru.net The newest gay bar in town is found on a quiet residential street. It hosts special theme parties throughout the week, from fetish to cabaret.

CONSTRUCTION Rua Cecilio De Sousa, 82-84, Principe Real 84

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Targeted at “bears,” this club is still attracting crowds of all ages.

THE COCK Rua de Noronha, 5A, Principe Real This bar is part of an association called Kinetik Rainbow and functions as an exhibition space for painting, photography, sculpture, video, and all kinds of art. To become a member, you must register at the door or on the website. The interior is divided into different areas-a bar for chatting, a dance floor, private cabins and a semi-dark room in addition to the space dedicated to the arts. It opens from 11 p.m.to 4 a.m. (except on Mondays when it’s closed), extending to 8 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

TR3S Rua Ruben A Leitão, 2A, Principe Real tr3slisboa.com This bar opened in late 2010 in the neighborhood which has the most gay bars in the city. It attracts a predominantly gay crowd of all ages and styles although targets the “bear” subculture. It opens in the afternoon, serving a variety of drinks as well as a few snacks and light meals.

TRUMPS Rua Da Imprensa Nacional, 104B, Principe Real trumps.pt

This is the largest gay club in Portugal consisting of several bars and two dance floors that get packed on weekends.

Until next time… “Obrigada.”

For travel recommendations: • email RSicilio@TRIPSandCRUISES.com • visit TRIPSandCRUISES.com • call 800-411-8747

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In Memorium

Chuck Tierney March 29, 1948 - October 11, 2017

As one of the first owners of a gay bar in Pittsburgh a safe place to meet and mingle.

Much of America wasn’t exactly hospitable to gays at the time, and it only got worse once the AIDS epidemic began its roar in the 1980s.

But at the Holiday Bar on Forbes Avenue in Oakland, there was a sense of freedom. Patrons — both closeted and proudly out in the open — could relax and have fun.

The windows might have been bricked up to keep it incognito as well to keep those inside protected from flying rocks and angry, homophobic fists. “But there was safety in numbers,” said Chuck Honse, Mr. Tierney’s lifelong business partner. “It was a place where people hid in plain sight.”

“Chuck and Chuck,” as friends would come to call the pair, would go on to open three more bars in Shadyside and Downtown before selling the Holiday to Carnegie Mellon University in 2007. Yet Mr. Tierney’s pioneering spirit wasn’t limited to the bar scene.

When he died at Family Hospice in Mt. Lebanon from complications of liver cancer, the longtime Squirrel Hill resident was just as well known for his efforts to raise money and awareness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning causes through his work with the Delta Foundation and other organizations. He was 69.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla., Mr. Tierney was adopted as a young child and raised in Munhall by a steelworker father and a mother who was a teacher. He moved to Shadyside after graduating from Munhall High School in 1966, and met Mr. Honse at age 24 on a trip to Atlantic City, N.J. While their romantic relationship would eventually fizzle, their friendship was such that their business partnership would span four decades.

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in the mid-1970s, Charles Tierney offered the city’s LGBTQ community

Violence against gay men was commonplace before George H.W. Bush called for a “kinder, gentler nation” during his presidential-nomination acceptance speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention, Mr. Honse said. So when the couple bought the Holiday from Robert “Lucky” Johns in 1977, “it was like a dream,” he said, if also something of a risk.

Located halfway between CMU and the University of Pittsburgh, “the jock boys were always giving us a hard time and we had to literally fight in the street to keep our doors open,” Mr. Honse recalled. “And if we didn’t pay, we didn’t get protection.”

“You almost needed to have a psychology degree on top of everything” to run a gay bar at the time, said Gary Van Horn, president of the Delta Foundation, a nonprofit Mr. Tierney cofounded in 1996 as a spinoff of the Lambda Foundation and the organizer of the city’s annual Pittsburgh Pride celebration.

“They obviously had a lot of folks that were coming to them to find out what was going on, or to drink away their sorrows.”

Patrons were especially concerned about the AIDS virus, which was devastating the lives of gay men and others in the 1980s and making them social pariahs. To help ease those worries, the Holiday in an unorthodox collaboration became a major recruiter for the Pitt men’s study, a confidential research project started in 1984 to study how gay men became infected with disease. Still ongoing, the study funded by the National Institutes of Health has gathered information and blood from some 3,000 men.

Even before he officially went into the bar business, Mr. Tierney was known as an “idea man” for the LGBTQ community.

A founding member of the Pittsburgh Tavern Guild, an informal group of owners of gay and lesbian night spots, Mr. Tierney in 1974 helped form the Golden Triangle Picnic Association, which planned picnics in North Park and other outings for the community.

In 1989, he helped bring 2,700 panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt to the David. L. Lawrence Convention Center on its second tour of North America. Three years later, he spearhead what is now an annual City Theater AIDS benefit to raise funds for Shepherd Wellness Community, a Bloomfield-based AIDS community center.

And in 2010, Mr. Tierney was honored along with Mr. Honse as grand marshal of what was then known as the Pride Awareness March.

A modest man who shied the spotlight, Mr. Tierney was a nuts-and-bolts kind of guy who was happy to stand behind the curtain while pushing his partner onto the stage to take a bow.

“Chuck always said, if you’re in it for the credit, you’re in it for the wrong reasons,” said Mr. Honse, noting how Mr. Tierney’s many donations to the cause were always anonymous.

And if he saw things he considered unjust? “It was like a burr under his saddle. He would not let things go,” Mr. Honse said.

“He was a quiet guy, but also a lion in the sense he was a force to be reckoned with,” said Mr. Van Horn, who first met him at the Holiday.

Mr. Van Horn viewed Mr. Tierney as a visionary, saying, “He was the guy behind the scenes, getting it done.”

Longtime friend Scott Noxon, who owned the Eagle on the North Side and the Downtown bar Pegasus and considered Mr. Tierney a mentor, also saw him as an introvert.

“But when he spoke, everyone shut up,” Mr. Noxon said, because they knew what he had to say would be important. In addition to Mr. Honse, Mr. Tierney is survived by a sister, Mary Dixon of Munhall.

By Gretchen McKay. Reprinted from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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In Memorium

Herb Beatty June 18-1937-March 3, 2018

The next time you step off one of the granite curbs

The designer, philanthropist and gay rights activist from Green Tree was responsible for the stately stone pavers and bricks that grace sidewalks and curbs throughout the city, according to his longtime friend Bill Kaelin.

“He had quite a flair,” Mr. Kaelin said about his friend of 40 years, who died Saturday after a long battle with kidney disease.

It was Mr. Beatty’s role as a member of the Pittsburgh Art Commission in the 1980s, under then-Mayor Richard Caliguiri, that sparked his idea for the granite curbs.

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in Pittsburgh, spare a thought for Herbert K. Beatty.

“He was remarkable and extremely talented,” said Mr. Kaelin about Mr. Beatty, owner of Beatty Interiors in Dormont.

Mr. Beatty was born in Washington, Pa., the son of the late Nelson H. and Reba Gatten Beatty.

He was one of the most sought after designers in the area, overseeing a $2 million-plus renovation of LeMont restaurant in 1999, after he spent a year restoring a 22-room mansion on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside.

The so-called “Babcock Mansion” was home to Edward Vose Babcock, who was Pittsburgh mayor from 1918 to 1921 and owned Babcock Lumber Co. The home fell into disrepair after the death of Mr. Babcock and his wife and was scheduled to be demolished in 1975, when Mr. Beatty bought it.

Over the years, the Palladian-style home hosted seven U.S. presidents, celebrities and European royalty, including the party Mr. Beatty threw for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1978.

Mr. Beatty hosted other memorable parties and fundraisers for local luminaries and what was then the fledgling gay community in Pittsburgh.

“His house was infamous,” said Jeff Freedman, also one of the early pioneers of the gay social scene in Pittsburgh. “You were on the social ladder if you were in the Beatty mansion.”

Mr. Beatty’s home provided sanctuary for young gay men who didn’t have many entertainment options at the time.

“The house was a safe place for us to go,” Mr. Freedman said. “It was safe to be out in public and not be afraid. Back then, being gay was extremely stigmatized.”

“The neighbors were a little annoyed with all the Secret Service people on their roofs,” when dignitaries visited, Mr. Kaelin said.

During the 12 years he lived there, Mr. Beatty’s home served more important purposes, too.

“He probably had the first fundraiser for AIDS in the city at the Ellsworth house,” Mr. Kaelin said.

In 1980, Mr. Beatty and three friends opened Pegasus, a gay bar on Liberty Avenue. He was one of the few positive gay role models at the time, recalled Mr. Freedman, who worked as a 20-year-old barback at Pegasus.

“If there was a cornerstone of the gay community at the time, it was Herb,” said Mr. Freedman, the former chairman of Pittsburgh Pride, which honored Mr. Beatty as the grand marshal of the 2006 Pride festival. “He achieved a level of success that we all wanted to emulate.”

“He was really the visible face of the community at a time when not a lot of people were,” said Christine Bryan, director of marketing and development for the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Beatty was a member of the board of the Lambda Foundation, the non-profit organization that raised money to help seed LGBT organizations, including the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Gay & Lesbian Community Center, and Shepherd Wellness Center.

Mr. Beatty’s friends say they will miss his generous nature and sense of humor.

“He’d do anything for you. He was just a good friend,” said Mr. Kaelin, who recalled a conversation they had once about a home Mr. Beatty was renovating with a “hideous” awning.

“I told him I thought we needed to raise the awning, and he said,’”I agree. It needs to be razed,’” Mr. Kaelin said.

Mr. Beatty was preceded in death by his longtime partner, Bernie Kress, a sister, Susan Beatty, and a stepbrother, William John Bennett.

By Janice Crompton.

Reprinted from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

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We proudly support the LGBTQ community in Western Pennsylvania as part of our commitment to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.

PINK PAGES ACCOMODATIONS Arbors Bed & Breakfast 745 Maginn Street Pittsburgh, PA 15214 412-231-4643 arborsbnb.com

Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh East Liberty 123 S. Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-665-0555 ihg.com

Courtyard by Marriot 945 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-434-5551 marriot.com

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh 620 William Penn Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-471-1170 Monaco-pittsburgh.com

Distrikt Hotel Pittsburgh 453 Blvd. of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-339-1870 distrikthotel.com

Omni William Penn Hotel 530 William Penn Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-281-7100 Omnihotels.com Parador Inn 939 Western Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-231-4800 theparadorinn.com

Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel 107 Sixth Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-562-1200 marriot.com

ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

The Priory Hotel 614 Pressley Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-3338 thepriory.com

AIDS Free Pittsburgh 650 Smithfield Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-586-6706 aidsfreepittsburgh.org

Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh 1000 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-3700 westinpittsburgh.co

Allegheny County Commission on Human Relations 102 County Office Building 542 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-350-6945 county.allegheny.pa.us

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown 600 Commonwealth Place Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-391-4600 wyndham.com

AARP aarp.org/pride

American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) 313 Atwood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-681-7736 aclupa.org/chapters/ greaterpittsburgh Citizen Police Review Board 816 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 400 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-765-8023 cprbpgh.org City of Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations 908 City County Building 414 Grant St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2600 pittsburghpa.gov/chr

PRIDE

is ageless

Covestro is a proud sponsor of Pittsburgh PRIDE. Diversity is our strength.

Inclusion is our commitment.

Innovation is our direction.

Learn more at aarp.org/pride

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PINK PAGES Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh 911 Galveston Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-322-2800 pittsburghpride.org Equality Pennsylvania 717-319-5210 equalitypa.org Garden of Peace Project gardenofpeaceproject.org Gertrude Stein Political Club of Pittsburgh gertrudesteinclub.org Keystone Progress keystoneprogress.org Initiative for Transgender Leadership transyouthleaders.blogspot.com

Planned Parenthood of Western PA 800-230-7526 ppwp.org SAGE Western Pennsylvania 5150 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224 412-441-9786 sageusa.org Steel City Stonewall Democrats stonewalldemocrats.org/steelcity TransYOUniting transyouniting@gmail.com facebook.com/TransYOUniting Tobacco Free Allegheny 1501 Reedsdale Street, #400 1-800-QUIT-NOW tobaccofreeallegheny.org

ATTORNEYS/CPAs Allegheny County Bar Association LGBT Rights Committee 412-261-6161 acba.org/LGBT-RightsCommittee Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney, P.C. One Oxford Centre  301 Grant Street, 20th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-562-8800 bipc.com Caroseli, Beachler & Coleman, LLC 20 Stanwix Street, 7th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 866-466-5789 cbmclaw.com

Elliot & Davis, P.C. 425 First Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-434-4911 elliot-davis.com Gill Law Offices 233 Merchant Street, Ste. 110 Ambridge, PA 15003 412-613-7544 jodigill@yahoo.com Jones Day 500 Grant Street, Ste. 4500 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-391-3939 jonesday.com K&L Gates 210 Sixth Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-355-6500 klgates.com

The Law Offices of Kathleen D. Schneider 1227 S. Braddock Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15218 412-371-1900 kds.law@verizon.net

ATTRACTIONS The Andy Warhol Museum 117 Sandusky Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-237-8300 warhol.org Arcade Comedy Theater 943 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-339-0608 arcadecomedytheater.com

Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force

has transformed into

primary medical care free HIV, STI and HCV testing HIV specialty care PrEP and PEP gynecological services trans* care men health therapy mental

all in one place.

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www.alliespgh.org 5913 Penn Avenue

August Wilson Center 980 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-258-2700 augustwilsoncenter.org

City Theatre 1300 Bingham Street Pittsburg, PA 15203 412-431-CITY citytheatrecompany.org

Pittsburgh Festival Opera 236 Main Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201 412-326-9687 pittsburghfestivalopera.org

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 510 W. Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-865-4625 riverhounds.com

Stage AE 400 North Shore Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-229-5483 promowestlive.com

Bricolage Production Company 937 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-471-0999 bricolagepgh.org

Golden Triangle Bike 600 First Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-600-0675 goldentrianglebike.com

Pittsburgh Opera 2425 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-0912 pittsburghopera.org

Pittsburgh Symphony 600 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-392-4872 pittsburghsymphony.org

Three Rivers Arts Festival 803 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-471-6070 3riversartsfest.org

Palace Theater 21 West Otterman Street Greensburg, PA 15601 724-836-8000 thepalacetheatre.org

Pittsburgh Penguins 1001 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-642-7367 nhl.com/penguins

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 803 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-471-6070 pgharts.org

Pittsburgh Pirates PNC Park 115 Federal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-321-BUCS pittsburghpirates.com

Reel Q/Pittsburgh LGBT Film Festival PO Box 81237 Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-422-6776 reelq.org

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Multiple Locations carnegielibrary.org Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh 4400 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-622-3131 carnegiemuseums.org

Renaissance City Choirs 116 S. Highland Street Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-362-9484 rccpittsburgh.org

BARS 941 Saloon 941 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-5229 5801 Video Lounge & Cafe 5801 Ellsworth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-661-5600 5801videolounge.com

Sewickley

United Methodist Church www.sewickleyumc.org Russel Shuluga, Pastor

Diversity Service & Reception June 24th, 6:00 pm 337 Broad Street Sewickley, PA 15143 412.741.9430

ppg.com

Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

PPG Delta Foundation Ad_v1 03-28-17.indd 1

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PINK PAGES Blue Moon 5115 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 412-781-1119 thenewbluemoon.com

Images 965 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-391-9990 imagespittsburgh.com

Brewer’s Hotel/Bar 3315 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 412-681-7991

Jonny’s Bar 205 Boggs Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15211 412-235-7284

Tilden 941 Liberty Avenue 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-5222

Cruze Bar 1600 Smallman Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-471-1400 cruzebar.com

M&J’s Lounge 124 Mercer Street Butler PA 16001 724-996-7879

There Ultra Lounge 931 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-642-4435

P-Town 4740 Baum Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-621-0111 ptownpgh.com

The Link 91 Wendel Road Herminie, PA 15637 724-446-7717 thelinkniteclub.com

Element 5744 Ellsworth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-362-7746 elementpgh.com

Real Luck Café 1519 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-471-7832

Proud to Power PITTSBURGH PRIDE

Vice Versa 336 High Street Morgantown, WV 304-292-2010 viceversaclub.com

Bower Hill Community Church 70 Moffet Street Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412-561-4114 Bowerhillchuch.org

CHURCHES/SPIRITUAL

Calvary Episcopal Church 315 Shady Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-661-0120 calvarypgh.org

Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church 1110 Resaca Place Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-322-4261 alleghenyuu.org Bet Tikvah Rodef Shalom 4905 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-256-8317/412-621-6566 bettikvah.org

Proud to be a source of nonjudgmental health care and information.

1-888-718-4253 showclix.com/ticketing/pride Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania

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Calvary United Methodist Church 971 Beech Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-231-2007 calvaryunitedmethodist.org

933 Liberty Ave. 1.800.230.PLAN www.ppwp.org @PPWPA

Community House Presbyterian Church 120 Parkhurst Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-321-3900 communityhousepittsburgh.org

East Suburban Unitarian Church 4326 Sardis Road Murrysville, PA 15668 724-327-5872 esuuc.org

First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh 5401 Centre Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-681-4222 firstumcpittsburgh.org

Community of Reconciliation Church 100 North Bellefield Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-682-2751 communityofreconciliation.org

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 5700 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-422-7100 redeemerpittsburgh.org

Dignity Pittsburgh dignitypgh.org

First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh 605 Morewood Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-621-8008 first-unitarian-pgh.org

Golden Triangle Church of Religious Science 109 Pine Street 2nd Floor West Carnegie, PA 15106 412.749.0788 gtcrs.org

East Liberty Presbyterian Church 116 South Highland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-441-3800 cathedralofhope.org

Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community 2700 Jane Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203 412-481-4010 hotmetalbridge.com

Judah Fellowship Church 1000 Bryn Mawr Road Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-552-3032 judahfellowship.org

Rainbow Buddhists of Pittsburgh 201 S. Craig Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213 zenbowpgh.blogspot.com

Luna Rising /Pittsburgh Pagan Community lunarisingpgh.com

Religious Society of Friends 4836 Ellsworth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-683-2669

Metropolitan Community Church 4836 Ellsworth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-683-2994 mccpittsburgh.com

Rodef Shalom Congregation 4905 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-621-6566 rodefshalom.org

One Church 937 Liberty Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-261-1692 onechurchpittsburgh@yahoo. com

Sewickley United Methodist Church 337 Broad Street Sewickley, PA 15143 412-741-9430 sewickleyumc.org

Health for the Community.

At Allegheny Health Network, we value our responsibility to serve the community. Together with our local partners, we are helping people stay healthy and enjoy a better quality of life.

Walmart is a proud sponsor of Pittsburgh Pride

The Positive Health Clinic is an HIV clinic that provides quality HIV care as well as HIV testing. If you are in need of our services call 412.359.3360.

Like Pittsburgh Pride we believe in connecting all persons with opportunities to achieve their dreams. For our communities, living better means greater access to opportunity for all. Together we can make a difference.

blog.walmart.com

412.DOCTORS AHN.ORG

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PINK PAGES St. Andrew Lutheran Church 304 Morewood Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-682-3342 st-andrew-church.org

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 600 Pitt Street Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-243-6100 ststephenspittsburgh.org

St. Andrew Lutheran Church 987 Beaver Grade Road Moon Twp., PA 15108 412-264-4551 standrewmoontwp.com

Sixth Presbyterian Church 1688 Murray Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-421-2752 sixthchurch.org

St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church 2365 McAleer Road Sewickley, PA 15143 412-364-3874 stbrendans.org

South Avenue United Methodist Church 733 South Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-371-7421 southavenueumc.org

Swissvale United Methodist Church 7415 Irvine Street Pittsburgh, PA 15218 swissvaleumc.org

Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills 1240 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412-561-6277 sunnyhill.org

Temple Sinai 5505 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-421-9715 templesinaipgh.org Unitarian Universalist Church of the North Hills 2359 W. Ingomar Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-366-0244 uucnh.org

Waverly United Presbyterian Church 5900 South Braddock Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-242-0643 waverlychurch.org Zen Center of Pittsburgh 124 Willow Ridge Road Sewickley, PA 15143 412-741-1262 deepspringzen.org

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Allegheny Conference on Community Development 11 Stanwix Street, 17th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-1890 alleghenyconference.org Alphabet City 211 N. Whitfield Street Suite 800 Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-657-1229 alphabetcity.com Pittsburgh Foundation 5 PPG Place, Ste. 250 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-391-5122

Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh 200 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-6600 ura.org Vibrant Pittsburgh 425 Sixth Avenue Suite 2880 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-281-8600 vibrantpittsburgh.com Visit Pittsburgh 120 Fifth Avenue Suite 2800 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-7711 visitpittsburgh.com

EDUCATION Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-268-2905 cmu.edu CCAC 808 Ridge Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-237-2511 ccac.org Empire Beauty Schools Multiple Locations 412-367-1765 empire.edu Point Park University 201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-391-4100 ppu.edu

University of Pittsburgh 4227 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-624-7488 pitt.edu

PNC Bank Multiple Locations pncbank.com

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Adagio Health 2 Gateway Center 603 Stanwix Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 800-215-7494 adagiohealth.org

HEALTH & MEDICAL

BNY Mellon bnymellon.com Citizens Bank Multiple Locations citizensbank.com

Allegheny Health Network 412-DOCTORS ahn.og

First Commonwealth Bank Multiple Locations firstcommonwealth.com Huntington Bank Multiple Locations huntington.com

Allies for Health + Wellbeing 5913 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 412-345-7456 alliespgh.org

Boak Dental 1910 E. Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203 412-381-3373 boakdental.com Central Outreach Wellness Center Timber Court Building 127 Anderson St., Suite 101 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-515-0000 Central Outreach Wellness Center 95 Leonard Ave., Ste. 200 Washington, PA 15301 724-249-2517 centraloutreach.com Excela Health 532 West Pittsburgh Street Greensburg, PA 15601 724-689-0201 excelahealth.org

MIGHTY. BEAUTIFUL.

WELCOMING. Stop by the VisitPITTSBURGH Mobile Welcome Center at PrideFest to cool off and get answers to all of your hot questions about Pittsburgh!

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PINK PAGES Freedom Healthcare Services 316 Station Street Bridgeville, PA 15017 412-221-1090 freedomtreatment.com Highmark Fifth Avenue Place 120 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-544-7000 highmark.com Metro Community Health Center 1789 S. Braddock Avenue, Ste. 410 Pittsburgh, PA 15218 412-342-4044 metrocommunityhealthcenter.org

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MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center A427 Crabtree Hall 130 DeSoto Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261 412-624-1895 pamaaetc.org Persad Center 5301 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201 412-441-9786 persadcenter.org Pitt Men’s Study PO Box 7319 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 800-987-1963 stophiv.org

Pittsburgh AIDS Center for Treatment (PACT) University of Pittsburgh Infectious Diseases Falk Medical Building 3601 Fifth Avenue 7th Floor Falk Medical Building Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-647-7228 upmc.com/Services/divisioninfectious-diseases/services

Project Silk Community Human Services 2525 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-246-1600 projectsilk.org

Shadyside Dentistry 5888 ½ Ellsworth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232 shadysidedentistry.com

UPMC Multiple Locations 800-647-UPMC upmc.com

Positive Health Clinic 1307 Federal Street, Floor 1 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-359-3360

Shepherd Wellness Community 4800 Sciota Street Pittsburgh, PA 15224 412-683-4477 swconline.org

Fortunate Families 110 Chaucer Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 fortunatefamilies.com

Prevention Point Pittsburgh 460 Melwood Avenue, Ste. 205 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-247-3404 pppgh.org

The Open Door PO Box 99243 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 info@opendoorhousing.org

LGBT ORGANIZATIONS Carnegie Mellon University Allies allies.andrew.cmu.edu

PFLAG Butler PO Box 1631 Butler, PA 16003 724-290-9674 pflagbutler.com

PFLAG Greensburg 139 N Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601 724-610-9388 pflaggreensburg.org

PRISM of Beaver County 213 Wilson Avenue Ambridge, PA 15003 facebook.com/ prismbeavercounty

PFLAG Pittsburgh PO Box 5406 Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-833-4556 pflagpgh.org

TransPride Pittsburgh transpridepgh.blogspot.com

PGH Equality Center 210 Grant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412 422-0114 pghequalitycenter.org Pittsburgh Black Pride 412-661-1350 pittsburghblackpride.org

University of Pittsburgh Rainbow Alliance 611 William Pitt Union 412-648-7834 studentaffairs.pitt.edu/lgbtqia

PETS Animal Friends 562 Camp Horne Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-847-7000 thinkingoutidethecage.org

Cherished Ones 2878 Jameson Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15226 petperennials.com Humane Animal Rescue 6926 Hamilton Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-345-7300 humaneanimalrescue.org

REALTORS

RESTAURANTS / BAKERIES Altius 1230 Grandview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15211 412-904-4442 altiuspgh.com Bakersfield 940 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 bakersfieldtacos.com

Coldwell Banker Multiple Locations pittsburghmoves.com

Bistro 19 711 Washington Road Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228 412-306-1919

Howard Hanna Real Estate Multiple Locations howardhanna.com

Chipotle Multiple Locations chipotle.com

Condado Taco’s 917 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-9111 candadotacos.com Crazy Mocha Multiple Locations crazymocha.com Hard Rock Café 230 West Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-481-7625 hardrockcafe.com Harris Grill Downtown 245 Fourth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-2072 harrisgrill.com

RE/MAX Select Realty Multiple Locations selecthomefinder.com

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PINK PAGES Harris Grill Shadyside 5747 Ellsworth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-362-5273 harrisgrill.com

Shiloh Grill 123 Shiloh Street Pittsburgh, PA 15211 412-431-4000 theshilohgrill.com

RETAIL

SAUNAS

84 Lumber Multiple Locations 84lumber.com

Lucca 317 S. Craig Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-682-3310 luccaristorante.com

Simple Greek Market Square 431 Market Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-261-4976 thesimplegreek.com

American Eagle Outfitters Multiple Locations ae.com

Club Pittsburgh 1139 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 412-471-6790 clubpittsburgh.com

Pamela’s Multiple Locations pamelasdiner.com

Square Café 1137 South Braddock Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15218-1250 412-244-8002 square-cafe.com

Priory Fine Pastries 528 East Ohio Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-321-7270 prioryfinepastries.com

Tessaro’s 4601 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224 412-682-6809

Eons Fashion Antique 5850 Ellsworth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-361-3368 Eyetique 2242 Murray Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15217-2308 412-422-5300 eyetique.com Sephora Multiple Locations sephora.com

SERVICES Allegheny County Department of Human Services 1 Smithfield Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-350-5701 alleghenycounty.us/humanservices Allegheny County Dog Licenses John K. Weinstein Allegheny County Treasurer 436 Grant St., Room 109 Pittsburgh, PA 1115219 412-350-4777 City of Pittsburgh Careers 414 Grant Street, Ste. 431 Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412-255-2705 pghjobs.net

APPLY TODAY!

Classic Tours & Travel 795-16 Pine Valley Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15239 724-733-8747 tripsandcruises.com LasikPlus Multiple Locations lasikplus.com Liberty Travel Multiple Locations libertytravel.com

pghjobs.net

E/O/E

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MetroPCS Multiple Locations metropcs.com

Pitt Ohio 15 27th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 800-366-7488 pittohio.com Sprint Multiple Locations sprint.com Studio RAW 3185 Babcock Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-367-2444 mystudioraw.com Three Rivers Business Alliance 3rba.com Two Dads and a Dog 4018 Shoreham Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-567-3931 twodadsandadog.com

SOCIAL/SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS Burgh Bears burghbears.org G2H2 Pittsburgh g2h2pittsburgh.com Hot Metal Hardware hotmetalhardware.blogspot. com iCandy Pittsburgh icandipittsburgh@gmail.com Impulse Pittsburgh facebook.com/ ImpulsePittsburgh Nexus Pittsburgh facebook.com/Nexuspgh Pittsburgh Frontrunners Find the group on Facebook!

Pittsburgh Gay & Lesbian Hockey pittsburghgayhockey.net Pittsburgh Ironmen facebook.com/pittironmen Pittsburgh Prime Timers PO Box 99292 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-519-4320 primetimersww.com Steel City Bowling League steelcitybowling.org Steel City Softball League PO Box 99493 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 steelcitysoftball.org Steel City Volleyball League 1 Herron Ave. Emsworth, PA 15202 412-506-3187 steelcityvolleyball.org Stonewall Sports Pittsburgh 901 Western Avenue, Courtyard Pittsburgh, PA 15233 stonewallsportspgh.org T.R.E.A.T. treatpgh.org

UTILITIES Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania nisource.com 888-460-4332 Comcast comcast.com 800-COMCAST Direct Energy directenergy.com Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-255-2600

www.wcgsa.org

ADVOCACY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MARKETING & MEDIA RELATIONS TRAINING EVENT PLANNING & MANAGEMENT MEETING SPACE HIV/STI TESTING & PrEP EDUCATION SPEAKERS BUREAU

911 Galveston Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-322-2800 | info@deltafoundation.us | pittsburghpride.org