For Immediate Release: June 1, 2023
Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548
We started People’s Pride PGH in 2017 to center the most marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community. For too long, Pride events in the Pittsburgh area, like many across the country, did not prioritize community. Instead, they prioritized corporations.
The People’s Pride March in 2017 began with a group of over 600 marchers who secured a permit to march behind the EQT Equality March and has now grown to be the premier community-centered Pride event in our region.
Our march is also FREE for all, as all Pride marches should be. We march alongside the disabled, the elderly, veterans, and other vulnerable and marginalized people. We march to offer another opportunity to feel what being at a true Pittsburgh Pride is like.
This year marks our fifth People’s Pride celebration, and our second in the Swissvale neighborhood, which we chose due to the predominantly Black population. We plan for this event to be even bigger, better, and bolder than last year and we can’t wait to honor Black Trans and nonbinary people with you all.
Part of this involves our incredible lineup of musical talent, including the one and only Durand Bernarr. With a sound that has been coined as "Gangster Musical Theatre" by Qveen Herby, Durand Bernarr is one-part Little Richard, one-part Rick James, plus a heavy dash of powerhouse vocals & witty lyrical storytelling.
We also have a slew of local artists who will be gracing our stage at Dickson Elementary Field, which we will announce shortly.
This year’s sponsors include the Allegheny Department of Human Services; United Steelworkers Local 3657; Emerson; Metro Community Health Center; Allegheny Health Network; Starbucks Workers United, and more.
The money we receive from our sponsors not only supports the cost of planning the event, but it also contributes to the many services SisTers PGH provides on a daily basis. This includes our Project T transitional housing program, our community center’s food and toiletry pantry and computer lab, and so much more.
We hope to see you all in Swissvale on Sunday, June 25, as we march to declare our freedom and our joy in the face of oppression.
SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org.
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