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Commission moves forward with SOGI staff training and plans community town hall focused on safety and services
Summary
Commission staff are coordinating with HR to develop a train‑the‑trainer SOGI curriculum for city employees; commissioners also outlined goals and formats for a town hall to introduce the commission and address safety concerns for trans and gender-expansive residents.
The Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Commission said Jan. 20 it is developing sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) training for city employees and planning a community town hall to introduce the commission and gather public concerns, particularly about safety for trans and gender-expansive residents.
Staff update: Commission staff reported meetings with Human Resources and the Office of Community Health and Safety to set up a “train-the-trainer” model so existing HR trainers can deliver SOGI content alongside discrimination, harassment and fair-hiring modules. Staff said they have started outreach to local trainers (named in the meeting as Sarah and Elaine) and will return with a more concrete schedule and budget at a future meeting.
Town hall plans: Commissioners emphasized the town hall should both introduce the commission’s role and provide an avenue for residents to raise safety and service needs. Suggested formats included a moderated Q&A with written question submission, small-group feedback (“sticky-note” boards), and a moderated panel including city service representatives. Several commissioners asked for a short briefing on the mayor’s current initiatives and on existing local protections for LGBTQIA+ people so the commission can accurately answer community questions.
Community partners: Commissioners recommended including community-based organizations such as Trans Uniting PGH and collaborating with service providers for public-safety elements. Julian McClain and other commissioners volunteered to assist with outreach and to participate on panels.
Next steps: Staff said it will continue coordination with HR and finalize a plan for SOGI training; the commission will refine the town-hall format and circulate materials explaining the commission’s role and existing city protections to prepare for public questions.
