People’s Pride PGH: Breaking the Cistem has changed its name to People’s Pride PGH: Black Trans Lives Matter Too ✊? Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have also moved the date to October 9-11, 2020. This year’s events will unapologetically highlight the pressing need to stand up and fight for Black Lives, while also centering Black Trans people in the process! We are also stressing the need for intersectional leadership while creating spaces for us all to learn, thrive, stand in solidarity and fight for equality together! We hope to see you in attendance! #BlackLivesMatter #BlackTransLivesMatterToo #SayHerName #PrideMonth #MichelleTamikaWashington #ShanteeTucker #LondonChanel #ElishaStanley #KeishaJenkins #DiamondWilliams #TonyMcDade #AliciaSimmons #GeorgeFloyd #BreannaTaylor #AaliyahJohnson HISTORY People’s Pride PGH began in 2017 in protest of the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh’s destructive, dangerous, and toxic actions, which have over the years undermined Pittsburgh’s TLGBQIA+ communities. People’s Pride PGH, which is now Pittsburgh’s leading community-centered Pride event, was founded and is directed by Trans people of color and allies to bolster the unapologetic approach needed to demand equal rights and visibility for our TLGBQIA+ communities in Pittsburgh and around the country. This year’s People’s Pride PGH will be an experience of education, resilience, and celebration centered around Black Trans people. We will demand equal rights and celebrate the TLGBQIA+ lives and organizations still thriving today, while memorializing those we’ve lost through violence and erasure. WHY WE FIGHT Pride has always been political, and we intend on continuing to highlight the lack of equal rights within our city and statewide. The recent SCOTUS decision ruling TLGBQIA+ people cannot be fired from their jobs simply for their sexual orientation or gender identity was certainly a victory, but there is still much to be done—ending at-will employment, for example, is still needed. And according to the 2015 US Transgender Survey found that in the past year, 21% of respondents experienced some form of housing because of their transgender identity. It also remains legal in Pennsylvania to put forward a defense in court of “LGBTQ+ panic.” This is a strategy which asks a court to blame a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity to defend against charges of a violent crime, such as assault or M**der. In 2020, we cannot allow for our legal system to permit an “excuse” for violence against TLGBQIA+ because of simply who we are. Legislation continues to be introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, but has yet to advance. These are just a few reasons why we must continue pushing for legislation that protects our communities from the many phobias that plague our equal existence in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We also know that Black trans women in Pennsylvania continue to be the majority of TLGBQIA+ individuals targeted for M**der. The violence against transgender Pennsylvanians must end. We can do this through uplifting Trans women and femmes, and providing for equity, inclusion, and education in our communities. CALL TO ACTION People’s Pride PGH: Black Trans Lives Matter Too will make our strong call to action to leaders in our city and state government to address the urgent needs of those most marginalized. It is imperative that we get movement on statewide nondiscrimination protections, including a ban on panic defenses, hate crimes legislation, TLGBQIA+ community education, homelessness and poverty programs, meaningful employment opportunities, ending the violence against TLBTQIA+ people – particularly Black and brown trans women – and address so many other vital issues. We must, and can, do this and more. People’s Pride PGH will also highlight the need of our TLGBQIA+ communities to advocate for ourselves and ensure our voices are heard, to guarantee laws are enacted that protect us all! We can support the community work that needs to be done while working closely with city and state government to secure the basic civil rights of TLGBQIA+ people are realized our youth, adults, and seniors. THE WEEKEND AGENDA People’s Pride PGH will kick off this year on October 9 with “Self Care Day – Prohibition Style” with our community partners from Body Euphoria Inclusive Massage Therapy! We invite community members of all ages to this day of FREE healing workshops and tips on healthy living. Because you can’t take care of others and fight for others when you don’t take care of yourself! People’s Pride PGH will culminate on Sunday, October 11, with our traditional Pride March through Downtown Pittsburgh onward to West Allegheny Commons Park on the Northside to enjoy the People’s Pride PGH Music Festival, as we now do every year. The festival will feature local organizations, performing artists, and a special TLGBQIA+ headlining musical guest. SPONSORSHIPS/DONATIONS
For sponsorship opportunities, please click the Sponsorship button below or email us at email.
Electronic Donations can be sent to: PayPal.me/SisTersPGH CashApp: $isTersPGH Venmo: SisTersPGH Checks can be sent/written out to: SisTers PGH 2014 Monongahela Ave Pittsburgh Pa 15218 Memo: People’s Pride PGH 2020 Fievent.com | Contact | Privacy | Terms