Jim Sheppard

“It’s About Time” to be a Fashionably Fierce Farewell at Pittsburgh Opera The Pittsburgh Opera’s annual fashion show, titled “It’s About Time,” will take place on Monday, March 23, at the Bitz Opera Factory. The event will feature a few farewells. Pittsburgh Opera’s General Director, Christopher Hahn, announced his retirement to go into effect at the end of the 2025-2026 season, and the event’s curator, Richard Parsakian, owner of Eons Fashion Antique in Shadyside, announced that “It’s About Time” will be his final fashion show.

Richard Parsakian and Christopher Hahn to take their final bow in a glittering celebration of couture, community, and creative style at the Pittsburgh Opera's "It's About Time" Fashion Show on March 23.

A pride flag, a bathroom ban, a job change: LGBTQ+ federal workers challenge Trump in court This story was originally reported by Kate Sosin of The 19th. Sarah O’Neill loved her job as a data scientist at the National Security Agency (NSA). “The government before last year was what I would consider to be a model employer,” O’Neill said. She started the job in 2019, two years after she started her transition to living as a woman.

Over the past year, the administration has faced a number of high-profile lawsuits over the ban on LGBTQ+ pride expression and refusal to let transgender workers use bathrooms that align with their genders.

Federal Judge Slams DOJ’s Attempt to Seize Trans Youth Medical Records from UPMC A federal judge in Pittsburgh just handed the U.S. Department of Justice a very public, very pointed rejection, and the language she used? Not subtle. Chief U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon ruled Monday that the DOJ cannot force UPMC to hand over records, even anonymized ones, for minor patients who received gender-affirming care at UPMC. And in her four-page order, she didn’t mince words.

A federal judge in Pittsburgh blocked the DOJ from forcing UPMC to hand over records of trans youth who received gender-affirming care. The ruling called the government’s stance “callous” and warned of overreach.

For Interim President Patti Rice, PFLAG Means Family Meet Patti Rice, interim president of PFLAG Pittsburgh, the local chapter of the largest national nonprofit dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. This is the third PFLAG chapter she’s been a part of, and she first found PFLAG in Birmingham, Alabama. Joining a pro-LGBTQ group in Alabama sounds rough. But Patti, originally from the Johnstown, Pa., area, points out that Birmingham is progressive, “and getting even more so,” she says.

Her son came out. She was ecstatic. Now, Patti Rice is leading PFLAG Pittsburgh and building family, fighting for trans lives, and meeting parents exactly where they are.

Slay Weekly March 2, 2026 Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts You Survived February, Icon! Pause. Breathe. Look at you. You made it through February. The shortest month of the year somehow lasted 47 business days, contained three emotional plot twists, two fake springs, and at least one moment where you stared out the window like you were in a coming-of-age film set in Pittsburgh.

Survived February? Same. Now it’s leather leadership, queer bingo, trans joy, artist opportunities & gay crosswords. March = main character mode. Dive into this week’s Slay Weekly.

What’s Queer and Going on in March March in Pittsburgh queerland is coming in HOT, and it’s giving “choose-your-own-adventure” in the best way. Kicking off with fresh-air friendship, cozy skill-sharing, and sober all-ages sweetness, community support, book clubs, game nights, craft hangs, karaoke, and a whole constellation of drag: bingo, brunch, watch parties, and late-night shows. Add in art openings and archive-based making, jam sessions, queer youth performance, sapphic mingles and hikes, and a month that closes with Trans Day of Visibility, and you’ve got a calendar that's loud, tender, glittery, and mutual-aid-adjacent.

March is STACKED! Runs + hikes, sapphic mingles, craft & game nights, book clubs, karaoke, art openings, and so much drag: bingo, brunch, watch parties & more. Here’s what’s queer & going on this month in Pittsburgh:

How Kevin Williamson’s Queer Identity Shapes the ‘Scream’ Franchise Kevin Williamson knows fear. He’s been shaping it, scripting it and watching it slice through movie theaters for 30 years. But with “Scream 7,” he’s doing something new: directing it himself. For the first time, he’s revisiting the world he helped create in 1996 — when Neve Campbell introduced the world to the ultimate final girl, Sidney Prescott — and seeing it all through his distinctly queer perspective.

From queer-coded killers to openly gay characters like Mindy, Kevin Williamson reflects on 30 years of Scream and why Sidney Prescott still resonates 30 years later in Scream 7.

City of Pittsburgh Seeks Artists for 2026 Event Season, LGBTQ+ Creators Encouraged to Apply The City of Pittsburgh is expanding opportunities for local artists to participate in vendor markets at major city-wide events throughout 2026 and LGBTQ+ artists are encouraged to consider applying. The City’s Department of Parks and Recreation (CitiParks), in partnership with the Office of Special Events, is currently accepting applications for its Artist Market program. Selected artists will have the opportunity to vend at high-attendance public events including Farmers Markets, Concerts in the Parks, Independence Day celebrations, and the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting.

The City of Pittsburgh is expanding opportunities for local artists to participate in vendor markets at major city-wide events throughout 2026 and LGBTQ+ artists are encouraged to apply.

Steel City Leather Royalty: The Leather Leaders Building Inclusive Spaces Pittsburgh has a vibrant leather community with thriving social communities that will help you explore your leather-clad self and/or your kinkier side. Three Rivers Leather Club (TRLC), Barons of S…

Harness up. From Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather to pup titles and gear swaps, the Steel City’s leather leaders are building bold, inclusive spaces. Leather lives here. qburgh.com/steel-city-l...

Pedro Pascal saves Todd Haynes’ gay romance Do you remember when Joaquin Phoenix dropped out of Todd Haynes’ planned gay romantic drama? And he did it just days before filming was due to begin? Well, the project is back on. Just not with Phoenix. Pedro Pascal has stepped in to save the day. The film, currently called “De Noche,” will now star Pascal and “Top Gun: Maverick” co-star Danny Ramirez as a detective and a school teacher falling in love in 1930s Los Angeles.

Internet daddy Pedro Pascal saves a Todd Haynes gay drama. Colman Domingo takes on Nat King Cole. Riot Grrrl nostalgia rises. Rocky Horror gets freaky (again). We’re fed.

Shenango Valley Pride Alliance to Dissolve in June, Final Pride Picnic Set for May 23 The Shenango Valley Pride Alliance, located about 90 minutes north of Pittsburgh and serving as Mercer County’s first LGBTQIA+ community support center and organizer of the county’s only annual Pride Picnic, will dissolve on June 1, 2026, citing ongoing funding challenges impacting nonprofits nationwide. In a statement released February 25, the Alliance shared that its final event will be its annual Pride Picnic, scheduled for May 23, 2026, a full-circle closing moment for an organization that grew from grassroots support groups into a regional anchor for queer community.

About 90 minutes north of Pittsburgh, Mercer County’s only LGBTQIA+ community center is closing. The Shenango Valley Pride Alliance will dissolve June 1, 2026, with one final Pride Picnic on May 23. Rural queer spaces matter.

The Soft Spot Is Officially Open in Garfield, Bringing a Sober Sapphic Café to Pittsburgh A new sapphic-centered café is officially open in Garfield. The Soft Spot has opened its doors as a sober, accessibility-focused gathering space for queer community members in Pittsburgh. After months of anticipation and buildout updates, the café is now welcoming guests for regular hours and community programming. “We are over the MOOOOON!” the team shared on Instagram ahead of opening week, noting that their kickoff “Sleepover” event nearly sold out before doors officially opened.

The Soft Spot is officially open in Garfield. The new sober, accessibility-focused sapphic café offers coffee, community space, crafts, books, and gatherings; all built around queer safety and connection.

Podcast: Mayor O’Connor and Chief Lando Address LGBTQ Issues, ICE Policy, and Pride Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor and newly appointed Police Chief Jason Lando joined QBurgh for a wide-ranging conversation on this latest episode of Pride Matters, discussing LGBTQ policy, public safety, ICE enforcement, and the future of Pride in the city. Recorded in the mayor’s office at the City-County Building downtown, the interview covered everything from the city’s LGBTQIA+ Commission to the controversy surrounding a…

Mayor Corey O’Connor and Chief Jason Lando sat down with QBurgh to discuss ICE, LGBTQ representation in policing, gender-affirming care, the P Town controversy, and more.

Pine-Richland Board Advances Reversal of Controversial Library Policy The Pine-Richland School Board voted Monday night to advance sweeping revisions to its controversial library policy, taking formal steps to reverse measures passed last year that critics said disproportionately targeted LGBTQ+ and Black authors. The proposed changes, approved for advancement in a 6–3 vote, would roll back 2025 revisions that expanded the board’s authority over book purchases, restricted librarians from acquiring materials deemed to contain “pervasive vulgarity or profanity” or “explicit sexual content,” and increased parental control over library access.

Pine-Richland’s school board voted to advance major revisions to its controversial library policy, rolling back restrictions critics said targeted LGBTQ+ and BIPOC books. Final approval is expected in the coming weeks.

Indifference to Fascism Is Not a Thing I had a post go viral on Bluesky recently. At least, viral for me. When I left Twitter (which you should definitely do) for Bluesky (which you should do if you want), I had it in my mind that I would use Bluesky solely for heavy metal. Talking about albums I love, getting and giving recommendations, keeping track of tours and album releases.

You don’t get to be neutral about fascism. Indifference is permission. If you have privilege, use it. If you’re antifascist, say it out loud. Silence is not safety.

Slay Weekly February 23, 2026 Listen on Spotify Pittsburgh really said, “Oh, you thought it was spring? That’s adorable.” Friday: 60 degrees.Saturday: sunglasses, iced coffee, delusions.Sunday: snow. Again. We were emotionally prepared to put on crop tops. We were spiritually ready for short shorts. We were mentally drafting outdoor brunch captions. And then winter came back like an ex who saw you glowing and got insecure.

We got fake spring. We got real winter. We got emotionally manipulated by 60 degrees and clear skies. And yet? We’re still here. Layered. Slightly dramatic. Fully moisturized. Talk soon.

Inside the creation of DC’s first trans superhero graphic novel I don't often cry while reading a comic book. But these words on the dedication page of "Galaxy: The Prettiest Star" brought me to tears: "For the girl who needed this book ages ago, and couldn't find it." It was as if Jadzia Axelrod, the transgender author of this 2022 graphic novel featuring a transgender superhero, was speaking to my teenage self.

Jadzia Axelrod Has Created the Trans Superhero We Always Needed. Inside the creation of DC’s first trans superhero graphic novel.

State Rep. Jessica Benham Announces Re-Election Campaign, Vows to Defend Vulnerable Communities and Tackle Rising Costs State Representative Jessica Benham announced her campaign for re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, pledging to continue her fight for working families, vulnerable communities, and climate action across the Commonwealth. In a statement, Benham reaffirmed her commitment to lowering costs for everyday Pennsylvanians while confronting what she described as extremism at every level of government. Since taking office, Benham has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for workers’ rights, healthcare access, disability justice, LGBTQ+ equality, climate action, and economic fairness.

State Rep. Jessica Benham announced her campaign for re-election to the PA House. Benham was first sworn in as state representative in 2021, becoming the first openly queer woman and the first autistic person elected to the PA legislature.

PFLAG Pittsburgh Announces Leadership Transition PFLAG Pittsburgh is entering a new chapter of leadership following the departure of longtime board president David West. In a statement released February 18, the organization shared that West recently stepped down after serving six years as president and nine years as a member of the board. The group expressed gratitude for his years of service and leadership during a period that saw both growth and ongoing challenges for LGBTQIA+ communities locally and nationally.

New officers have been announced for PFLAG Pittsburgh as the organization continues focus on support, education, and advocacy.

With New Pantry & Café, QMNTY Grows Along East Ohio Street The QMNTY Continuum expanded again this week with the opening of the QMNTY Pantry & Café at 539 E. Ohio St. on Pittsburgh’s North Side, adding daily free meals and expanded grocery access to a growing block of LGBTQ+ community services. Led by TransYOUniting and Proud Haven, the new storefront officially opened Thursday afternoon with a ribbon cutting attended by about 50 community members.

The QMNTY Continuum expanded again this week with the opening of the QMNTY Pantry & Café adding daily free meals and expanded grocery access to a growing block of LGBTQ+ community services.

U=U: What You Should Know Welcome to The Quickie, Central Outreach Wellness Center’s monthly rundown of blogs, events, and health tips, served with sass and zero shame. It’s short, sexy, and gets right to the good stuff, and it’s delivered in part by QBurgh. If you have been hearing people talk about U=U and wondered what it really means, here is the simplest and clearest version.

If you have been hearing people talk about U=U and wondered what it really means, here is the simplest and clearest version. When someone living with HIV takes their medication and becomes undetectable, they cannot transmit HIV through sex.

‘Slo Pitch’ scores lesbian softball rivalry Crave, the Canadian streaming service that gave the world “Heated Rivalry,” has a new series coming soon for queer sports fanatics. It’s called “Slo Pitch” and it’s exactly what the name implies: a comedy about a lesbian softball beer league and one chaotic, queer, underdog team, served mockumentary-style. Leading the ensemble are “Schitt’s Creek” alum Emily Hamphire and “Frasier” co-star Jess Salgueiro, with a little extra help from a very if-you-know-you-know participant: Ayami Sato, the first woman to play in a Canadian men’s pro baseball league.

Crave’s new comedy “Slo Pitch” is bringing lesbian softball chaos to the screen. Also, George Takei’s legacy, more Francois Arnaud on the way, and the national tour of “Oh, Mary!” We're officially overbooked.

New Survey Shows Majority of LGBTQ Adults Report Harm, Displacement, and Fear Since November 2024 A new nationally representative survey confirms that a majority of LGBTQ adults, especially transgender and nonbinary people, have experienced discrimination, worsening mental health, and major dis…

New Survey Shows Majority of LGBTQ Adults Report Harm, Displacement, and Fear Since November 2024 qburgh.com/survey-major...

Lydia B Kollins came home to Pittsburgh to launch Lydia Lydia Lydia, and the Kelly Strayhorn Theater turned into a drag family reunion. Also, they smell good. Confirmed. qburgh.com/nebby-nick-l...

Older gay men built their own hockey fandom. Then came ‘Heated Rivalry.’ This story was originally reported by our partners at The 19th. Mike Holmes, 59, started watching “Heated Rivalry” because of the sex. “The first two episodes are the spiciest and, of course, that’s fun to watch,” he told The 19th. The gay hockey romance has become an unexpected international cultural sensation. The two leads were even chosen to carry the Olympic Torch for one leg of the relay ahead of the Winter Games, which begin Friday in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina.

The hit show is an unexpected invitation for some older gay hockey fans to reflect on love, acceptance and coming out.

Record Cookie Sales Put Spotlight on Pittsburgh Girl Scout and Her LGBTQ Family As first reported by PEOPLE, a six-year-old Girl Scout from Pittsburgh has already sold nearly 80,000 boxes of cookies this season and she’s not slowing down. Her name is Pim. She’s in kindergarten. And she may be rewriting Girl Scout history before most of us have restocked our own Thin Mint supply. But beyond the headline-grabbing numbers and viral TikToks, Pim’s story is about persistence, inclusion, and what can happen when a family refuses to accept “no.”

A six-year-old Girl Scout from Pittsburgh has already sold nearly 80,000 boxes of cookies this season and she’s not slowing down.

We must face, not erase, Black history In 1788, when western Pennsylvania residents petitioned the General Assembly to create Allegheny County, four of the petitioners were free Black men. In the 1800s, Pittsburgh was home to many stops on the Underground Railroad, and the neighborhood now called Lower Hill, then dubbed Arthursville, was a major stop. Railroad agents included barber John B. Vashon, believed to be the city’s wealthiest Black man at the time.

"It’s critical—especially at a point in time when the White House is mounting an all-out attack on diversity—that we face our history."

Abolish ICE, Not Queer Families Big announcement, everyone! ICE, the masked paramilitary force that is terrorizing neighborhoods and executing people in the street with the full support of the federal government, will now have each officer wear a body camera. And not a moment too soon! Of course, if you actually want to see any of that body camera footage, you could file a Freedom of Information Act request.

"I sure as hell am not going to be accepting criticism from people who think that the Epstein files are no big deal, shrugging off untold numbers of girls who were sexually assaulted and abused by Epstein and allegedly Trump and other rich abusers."

Pine-Richland Moves Toward Inclusive Library Policy Amid Renewed Book Challenges After a year of controversy and deeply divided school board meetings, the Pine-Richland School District is moving toward a more inclusive future with the suspension of its controversial library book policy, Policy 109.1, and the introduction of a new, more equitable proposal that could finally address the systemic targeting of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices in school libraries. On February 5th, the school board voted 6–2 to suspend the current policy, which has been widely criticized for its vague definitions and chilling effect on library diversity.

After a year of controversy, the Pine-Richland School District introduced a new, more equitable proposal that could finally address the systemic targeting of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices in the school libraries.

Slay Weekly February 9, 2026 Listen on Spotify You did it. You survived another week of capitalist nonsense, emotional weather whiplash, and, depending on your luck, a few existential spirals while staring at your group texts. But now it’s Monday, and you're officially entering your Slay Era: Extra Glitter Edition. And speaking of slay… did you SEE Lady Gaga’s surprise appearance during Bad Bunny’s halftime show?!

Take your meds, drink some water, text that friend back, and remember: your softness is power, your weirdness is sacred, and your love, however messy it may be, is still holy. Talk soon.