Pittsburgh Pride aims to build relationships, 'cultural competence'

Pittsburgh Pride is described on its website as "the largest community festival that celebrates the diversity of the region specifically for the LGBT community and its allies. It is the 4th largest special event in Pittsburgh and the largest LGBT Pride event in Pennsylvania."

This year's festival began June 1 and concludes June 10 with a rally and march in Downtown Pittsburgh.

In 2017, the event drew 175,000 visitors, says Christine Bryan, director of marketing and development for the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh, which organizes and runs Pittsburgh Pride.

While it's a celebration of the LGBT community, she says, it's also an opportunity for building relationships outside of that community.

"Why do we still have to celebrate Pride?" Bryan says. "A lot of good things are happening (for the LGBT community), but marriage equality is just the tip of the iceberg."

For example, Bryan says, Pittsburgh and Allegheny County both have laws prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people in areas such as employment and housing, but no such explicit laws exist statewide in Pennsylvania or on a federal level.

Cultural competence

There's also a difference between what she describes as being LGBT-friendly and being culturally competent, or understanding the unique challenges faced by people because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

That's a big issue in health care, where Bryan says gay men and transgender people in particular have trouble finding doctors outside of large cities who are well-versed in their specific needs.

The theme this year for Pittsburgh Pride is "This Is Me," which is a good starting point for conversations and relationship building, Bryan says.

"There are still a lot of folks who don't understand (the LGBT community)," she says. "The rate of suicide among transgender people is horrific. Trans people of color especially are struggling. Parents are still kicking kids out because they're gay.

"But once you meet somebody, you realize they're just like everyone else. They're arguing about who's taking the dog out or who's cooking dinner or where to go for happy hour. So it's good to have conversations and not assume or presume."

Previous controversy spurs alternatives

Some LGBT groups have questioned the Delta Foundation's previous leadership of the events: headliner Iggy Azalea dropped out in 2015 amid a boycott and accusations that she'd posted homophobic and racist tweets, and the decision in 2017 to rename the parade the "EQT Equality March" drew criticism over EQT's involvement in gas drilling and support of anti-gay politicians. Other critics say the celebrations aren't inclusive enough of all parts of the LGBT community, particularly people of color.

Those critiques led to the organization of alternative celebrations like Roots Pride Pittsburgh and the People's Pride 2k18 march , starting at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Freedom Corner in the Hill District and ending with speakers and music Sunday in Market Square.

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-836-5750, smcmarlin@tribweb.com or via Twitter @shirley_trib.