The Evolution of Pittsburgh Pride
Not long ago, many defined Pittsburgh by its grey skies and steel industry.
But, the new Pittsburgh is a kaleidoscope of colors. There are the golden steel arches of the 446 bridges that welcome visitors each day. A vibrant tapestry of color, the steel city shines when the sun glimmers off the three blue rivers and their clean shores which are dotted with bike trails that weave through bright, green parks. Speaking of parks, The Color Park certainly stands out in our colorful city – a literal cement beach slathered in energetic hues of paint along Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
Color follows you everywhere in Pittsburgh!
The metamorphosis from monochromatic greys to every hue in the rainbow also is happening in another community within Pittsburgh — the LGBTQIA+ community. We’re fighting for a long overdue change, and the community is more alive than ever. Visitors will soon learn whether you’re an ally or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, you belong here in Pittsburgh.
Visitors looking to support and learn more about Pittsburgh’s queer community should consider adding these gems to their next Pittsburgh itineraries:
Community & Outreach
SisTers PGH
The first Pittsburgh Pride Week was in 1973. In 2022, SisTers PGH, which aims to uplift and protect Black Trans lives, will host People’s Pride presents Swissvale Pride on June 5 in Swissvale.
True T PGH
True T PGH serves as a community platform for LGBTQ resource sharing, queer arts, activism and entertainment. This nonprofit hosts events like Vogue 101 Workshops and Queer & Femme Self-Defense Days. Follow True T PGH on Facebook for updated scheduling information.
OUTrageous Bingo
This wild and spicy rendition of the game you know and love happens monthly at Rodef Shalom in Oakland and raises funds for the Shepherd Wellness Community and the PGH Equality Center.
Fitness
412Step
412Step hosts Waltz, 2-Stepping and line dancing every Wednesday night for visitors 21 and older. Founded in the LGBTQ+ community, this group welcomes all – check them out on Instagram for the schedule: @412step.
Embodied Spirit
This queer, female-owned studio in Wilkinsburg focuses on integrated bodywork from deep tissue massage to hypnotherapy and reiki with a strong belief in body neutrality and acceptance.
Kindred Cycles
Thinking about gearing up to ride the GAP Trail from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.? Or, maybe you need to tune up that old beach cruiser? If so, look no further than centrally located, queer and female-owned Kindred Cycles, a full-service bicycle shop born out of love for bicycles and the people who ride them.
Ascend Climbing Gym
Home of the Queer Scouts, Ascend Climbing Gym is an LGBTQ climbing club with the goal of creating connection and a safer and more inclusive outdoor community. Check out ascendclimbing.com/community for weekly meetups.
Food & Drink
5801
With a monthly drag brunch and an expansive outdoor patio space, 5801 is a popular go-to in Shadyside for a competitive game of darts over a beer.
Trace Brewing
Serving up a commitment to diversity in the beer industry, this brewery in Bloomfield offers a vocational program strongly encouraging women, people of color and LGBTQ people to apply. Trace is home to monthly events like drag brunch and bingo along with Crush Happy Hour, a queer event for women.
Brewer’s Hotel & Bar
The oldest standing gay bar in Pittsburgh, Brewers Hotel & Bar previously provided housing for AIDS patients upstairs when no one else would take them in. Today, it welcomes all and hosts regular karaoke and drag shows.
BB & Bur Pastry Kitchen and Bakery
Husbands Ben and Will turned their passion into a business, creating custom celebration and wedding cakes, cookies and a long list of pastries in Wilkinsburg. Check out their Instagram page for the latest masterpieces: @bbandbur.
The Black Cat Market
Grab a beverage and lounge in the cat room with nearly a dozen adoptable cats. This LGBTQ-owned space in Lawrenceville offers patrons a place to work, relax and even do yoga with fuzzy friends.
Art & Shopping
The Andy Warhol Museum
Locals can’t really talk about Pittsburgh art without mentioning gay icon and artist, Andy Warhol. Find this seven-story space, the largest comprehensive single-artist museum in North America, on the North Shore.
Mattress Factory
Part of the Northside Cultural Corridor, this immersive museum will stimulate all the senses. The surreal and glamorous exhibit by trans artist Greer Lankton challenges the norms of gender and sexuality.
Maude’s Paperwing Gallery
Looking for something to take home from your trip to Pittsburgh? Look no further than Maude’s, a Pittsburgh-based, queer/woman-owned, metaphysical and LGBTQIA+ gift shop in Millvale with fun gifts and witchy vibes. The perfect shop to feed your sticker-collecting addiction. Maude’s also hosts monthly book clubs.
Lodging
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh
The Travel Advocacy Group (TAG) supports this LGBTQ+ welcoming Downtown hotel. Adorned with a rich palette of vibrant colors and textures, every inch of this hotel is made for an Instagram-worthy photo. Sip strawberry- and pineapple- decorated cocktails at the rooftop Biergarten.
