Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Commission adopts logo, readies Outfest planning and Pride outreach

The Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Commission voted April 15 to adopt a new commission logo and approved purchasing a black tablecloth emblazoned with the design as it ramps up planning for Outfest and Pride outreach.

Commission chair Leonard Orbovich led the meeting and brought the logo options to a vote after commissioners discussed legibility, the city seal and color treatments. The commission also set an Outfest planning committee meeting for April 30 and agreed to staff a table at the city's Pride event on June 1 with materials including “know your rights” cards, QR codes linking to the commission website and basic giveaways.

Why it matters: A visible, consistent logo and planned outreach at major community events are intended to raise the commission’s profile, help residents find resources and create opportunities for direct engagement between commissioners and LGBTQIA+ community members.

Commission staff reported strong turnout for a recent town hall — "at least 65 people," and that all distributed “know your rights” cards had been claimed. Commissioners and staff said the event produced new applicants to join the commission and requests for future collaboration with city offices. "I think it went really well. I think that we had a lot of good responses from audience members ... the mayor gave us a lot of his time," Julian McLean said during the meeting.

Participants identified improvements for future events: allow more time for audience Q&A, improve ADA accessibility at venues, and add a live question option (QR-driven) so attendees who are uncomfortable speaking can submit questions. Commissioners also discussed turning single-stall restrooms into unisex facilities and coordinating with the Department of Public Works on related projects (see separate article on restroom recommendations).

For Outfest planning, the commission scheduled two hybrid planning sessions on April 30 (3:00–4:00 p.m. and 4:30–5:30 p.m.) to discuss location, performers and vendor outreach. The commission said it will invite Dina Stanley, who the meeting identified as an experienced festival organizer, and staff from the city’s Neighborhood Services office to assist with permitting and logistics.

Adriana (commission staff) summarized the Pride tabling plan and asked commissioners to confirm availability for shifts during the June 1 festival; she said she would reach out to festival organizers about securing a table and asking whether the commission could have a brief on-stage announcement. "I am happy to reach out to Dina to figure out how we can obtain a table," Adriana said during the meeting.

Commissioners approved ordering a black tablecloth with the new logo by voice vote. They discussed producing pamphlets, stickers and sign-up sheets and considered low-cost merchandise such as T-shirts if the commission budget allows after the tablecloth purchase.

Ending: The commission said it will finalize outreach materials at an executive session or at the May meeting, confirm Pride staffing at the May meeting and begin producing the approved materials in time for June events.