UpStairs Lounge, Pulse Nightclub, and 941 Saloon – Intersections of Racial Justice, Trauma, and Identity

In the summer of 2020, a group of activists protested the racist dress code of a local LGBTQ owned bar and restaurant called the 941 Saloon. It was a situation that required a response because this racist dress code disproportionately impacted QTPOC.With the closure of so many LGBTQ owned bars and restaurants, finding a comfortable […]

Chris, 22, is a Gay Man Who is Out, Proud, and Never Looking Back #AMPLIFY

Gay White Man Pittsburgh

Tell me about the first LGBTQ person whom you met. What impact did they have on your life?

I was scared of him. I was only ten so I believed the lies I’d heard of the LGBTQ community. As I grew, that fear turned into pride and a desire to never hide myself away again. He lost almost everybody when he came out, and I want to be part of the generation that ensures that never happens to anybody ever again. I suppose it’s also my way to apologize to him, since I can’t do it in person.

Roxxie Thunder, 27, is a Glittery Pansexual Femme from Beaver County #AMPLIFY

Name: Roxxie Thunder Age: 27 County of Residence: Beaver County, formerly Lawrence, and Allegheny counties Pronouns: She/her/hers How do you describe your identity? Glittery pansexual Femme with a passion for glitz and glamour. Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? My coming out experience was a little rough, when I started performing […]