LGBTQ+ resources for Pittsburgh-area families: reading lists, youth groups and more

Photo above by Raphael Renter via Unsplash.

Happy Pride Month, Kidsburgh readers.

We’ve collected below a range of resources and info on upcoming celebrations. Whether you are an LGBTQ+ family or simply want to learn more about your neighbors, there is something here for you.

BRILLIANT BOOKS

Our friends at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh have created a range of book lists for readers of all ages that we wanted to share with you.

• Picture books featuring LGBTQ+ families
• Conversation starter books for talking to children about gender and about LGBTQ topics
• Middle-grade fiction for children and teens
• Graphic novels and manga for teens
• Fiction books for teens

LOCAL RESOURCES

Dreams of Hope: This queer youth arts organization offers Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ young people a welcoming environment to grow in confidence, express themselves and develop as leaders by creating art. Young people can create visual art, music, films, poetry, theatre and dance routines, using these creative contributions to educate, build awareness and increase acceptance.

Persad Center: Persad Center is dedicated to improving the well-being of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning) communities and the HIV/AIDS communities in Western Pennsylvania.  Along with counseling, Persad offers a range of programs and services designed to meet the needs of individuals of all ages.

PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Pittsburgh: PFLAG’s mission is to build on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ people and allies who support one another. This resource helps parents and caregivers learn and advocate so that the community can respect, value and affirm LGBTQ people.

PGH Equality Center: The Center promotes education, advocacy and social justice for all LGBTQIA+ people and allies in Western Pennsylvania, in order to cultivate a more collaborative, diverse, just, and empowered community.

Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities (PLC): PLC was created in 2021 to raise community awareness and promote grassroots engagement. PLC’s president Sue Kerr tells us her organization has signs, stickers, pens and tote bags to share a message of community, along with volunteer opportunities and referrals. “It’s a simple and effective way to support queer and trans kids, teach children how to advocate,” she says.

Search here and also here and here for additional local and national resources.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Though the early June Pride parade and events have passed, don’t miss these upcoming celebrations:

June 24: Pride @ PGC. The Pittsburgh Glass Center invites visitors to make a rainbow paperweight beginning at 10 a.m. and make a rainbow suncatcher beginning at 1 p.m.

June 24: Youth & Family Pride at Hugh Lane Wellness. LGBTQ+ caregivers and kiddos are invited to this welcoming all-ages cookout. The celebration will include meat and vegetarian meal options, plus performances, music, dancing, art creation and outdoor games.

June 24: Pride Millvale, the third annual free festival including live entertainment from noon through 8 p.m. at Gap Park, plus plenty of vendors and food options.

June 24: Dormont Spark/Pride. Dormont Arts and the LGBTQ Community Committee of the Dormont CDC present this event, running from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Potomac Avenue. You’ll find live music, drag performances, food trucks, and an artists’ market

June 25: People’s Pride PGH 2023 March and Music Festival beginning at 10 a.m. in Swissvale, home of the SisTers PGH offices.

June 25: Trek Pittsburgh Shadyside Pride Ride. Everyone is welcome on this casual free ride event, which will include snacks, drinks, and free goodies for riders and their bicycles (while supplies last).

June 30: Family Pride Night at the Pittsburgh Zoo kicks off at 6 p.m. Visit the zoo and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ communities with an evening of fun, inclusive activities for all ages.