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Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Commission updates outreach, ordinance amendment and recommendations on restrooms, training and menstrual products
Summary
Commissioners reviewed progress on recommendations for unisex restrooms, SOGI training in HR, free menstrual products and reproductive leave; the commission chair reported meetings planned with HR and the Office of Management and Budget and an ordinance amendment to secure staffing continuity is being prepared for city council.
The City of Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Commission reviewed unfinished business items including recommendations on restroom access, staff training, menstrual product provision, and an ordinance amendment to preserve the commission’s staffing position.
Commissioner Ann Marie Ellison reported updates under “unfinished business.” She said the commission has two outstanding recommendations on unisex restrooms, a recommendation that Human Resources ensure staff receive sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) training, and a recommendation on providing free menstrual products and a reproductive leave policy. Ellison said she is arranging meetings with HR and with the Office of Management and Budget to assess financial impacts and next steps.
Ellison said she had already drafted an amendment to the LGBTQIA+ Commission ordinance to ensure that the commission retains a position like her own in future staffing allocations and that the draft has been sent to the city’s policy director; she said the legislation could be ready for council in about two weeks.
The commission also received a brief planning update on Outfest: Ellison said she had connected with contacts at Hazelwood Green and had a meeting scheduled with them and with public-safety staff to discuss safety plans and city resources for the event.
During announcements, commissioners noted local events and projects that intersect with commission work. Commissioner Richard Parsikian reported he is advising artists on public-art commissions for Mosaic Apartments, a forthcoming LGBTQIA+ senior housing development in Oakland, and said the project includes interior and exterior murals by queer artists.
Commissioners discussed outreach at upcoming events: the commission’s chair noted Pittsburgh Black Pride (July 22–27) and agreed to provide printed AFP materials where possible; commissioners volunteered to accept materials and tab on behalf of the commission when available. Commissioners also discussed the status of the commission’s social-media logins and whether to recreate accounts if originals cannot be located.
The items above were discussed as ongoing work or direction to staff; no additional formal votes on these items were recorded at the July 20 meeting.
