5 Local Events to Check Out This Pride Month

PHOTO BY JULIA MENOSKY | PITTSBURGH PRIDE PARADE JUNE 2019

June is Pride Month! That means it’s time to celebrate Pittsburgh’s vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and history — and acknowledge how much farther we still have to go.

The Steel City has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ rights movement; its first pride parade was held in 1973 and started with about 50 people gathered in Market Square. By the 1990s, the city’s pride events drew bigger crowds, and by the 2010s, corporate sponsors got involved, allowing Pride Month events to expand even further with deeper pockets; in previous years, popular music icons including Kesha, Adam Lambert, Chappell Roan and Troye Sivan have drawn thousands of supporters to Pittsburgh’s Pride Festival Downtown.

However, this year’s Pride may be a bit smaller, as corporate sponsors like Walmart and Tito’s Handmade Vodka pull out and political opinions shift away from LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity initiatives. This only means it’s even more important to show up in support of the LGBTQ+ community this month.

There are quite a few pride parades and picnics taking place around the city, from Downtown to Forest Hills, Mt. Lebanon, Vandergrift and Fox Chapel, but here, you’ll find five Pride festivities that you may not have heard about yet. From baseball games to emo dance parties, Pride Month is about being yourself and showing up. The following events encourage queer folks and our allies to do both.

1: Pride Millvale Goes Emo — A Fundraiser Drag Show

Harold’s Haunt, a “they bar” in Millvale, is known for its themed events and comfy community vibes. It offers both curated cocktails and tasty mocktails; whether you’re looking to imbibe or staying sober, there is something on the menu for you. If you’re lucky, you might convince a witch to let you into the queer witch shop upstairs after hours to browse and also pet Freddie Spaghetti Squash, the resident pupper.

On June 5, Harold’s Haunt will host an emo bash. Harold’s bartenders will be serving up themed cocktails and mocktails, and DJ Faerie Fae will be playing the genre’s hits. Doors open at 6 p.m., with flash tattoos from Garfield-based Kindred Spirit Tattoos. The drag show will begin at 10 p.m. Make sure to bring cash to tip the performers!

2: Pride Prom at the Aviary

On June 5, the National Aviary will host Born to Glow: A Neon Night to Remember, from 6 to 11 p.m. The pride prom invites attendees to “show up shining, confident and unapologetically yourself,” for a night of “joy, connection and celebrating who we are.” 

The event will feature live entertainment, a seated dinner, a Royal Court and, of course, dancing. The event is 21+ only and tickets can be purchased online.

3: Pride Night with the Pirates 

Fireworks will light up the skyline postgame after the annual Pride Night at PNC Park on June 11. The Buccos will face off against the Dodgers at 6:40 p.m., and a portion of ticket sales from the game will support local LGBTQ+ organizations such as MAPS, Proud Haven and the Pittsburgh Equality Center.

4: 21+ Night: Queer as Folklore

The Kamin Science Center is inviting folks 21 and older to grab some friends, or meet new ones, and enjoy a night of fantastical fun centered on historical queer folklore and science. The Queer as Folklore event, held on June 12 from 6 to 10 p.m., will include a high-fantasy drag show co-hosted by Ari Nova and Catty Wampus, featuring Savannah Ray and Tess Tickles. There will also be themed cocktails and mocktails, performances by the Pittsburgh Pride Choir, talks about the history behind queer-coded mythology and representatives from local LGBTQ+ organizations sharing resources. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.

5: Climb With Pride

Ascend Climbing Gym in Point Breeze will host Climb With Pride on June 13 from 6 to10 p.m. No rock climbing experience is required; the organization says its friendly staff will be on hand to get you on the walls no matter your level. There is also a wide range of other activities on site as well, so even if climbing isn’t your jam, all queer folks and their allies can find something to do. In addition to climbing, there will be drag performances, a sauna and cold plunge, climbing bingo, local vendors and numerous giveaways throughout the evening. 

Free meals from Condado will be available while supplies last, but folks are also encouraged to bring a dish to share as part of Ascend’s community potluck. Admission is free, although the gym is accepting optional donations for the Dreams of Hope Foundation, which supports queer youth involved in the arts.