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Founder of For the Boys PGH urges city leaders to center transmasculine wellness
Summary
At the Gender Equity Commission’s July meeting, Vincent (Vince) Folks, founder of For the Boys PGH, described a transmasculine-centered wellness collective based in Pittsburgh, outlined an upcoming in-person art and fashion showcase, and asked commissioners to help amplify resources and partner on workshops and outreach.
Vincent (Vince) Folks, founder and executive director of For the Boys PGH, told the Pittsburgh Gender Equity Commission in July that his collective provides transmasculine-centered wellness, mentorship and community-building both in person and online. For the Boys PGH, Folks said, began in 2014 in Pittsburgh and now serves about 500 members through social media and virtual channels as well as local events.
"For the Boys is a collective that has centered collaboration with our trans feminine leaders here in the city," Folks said, describing programming that spans mental, physical, spiritual and financial wellness. He said the group emphasizes self-sufficiency and connecting members with organizations that can provide access to services and resources.
Folks announced a free, in-person art and fashion showcase planned for the end of the summer in Pittsburgh. He said the event will take place in a photography studio with roughly 10 to 15 models and community leaders, will provide professional headshots to participants and that signups would be released that day. He said 50% of proceeds will go directly to trans and gender-nonconforming individuals’ personal needs and the other 50% will support For the Boys’ ongoing work.
Commissioners asked about logistics and outreach; Folks provided social handles (Instagram: FTBandDG; TikTok: FTBG clothing) and offered to share a professional email and phone number for follow-up. Commissioners said they would circulate event information through city and commission networks and invited Folks to present to the LGBTQIA+ Commission as well.
Why it matters: Folks told commissioners that many transmasculine people in Pittsburgh avoid public facilities and certain services because of fears about staff response and discrimination. He urged the city to include transmasculine voices in policy design, trainings and public-facing workshops to reduce barriers to health care and government services.
Looking ahead: Folks offered to work with commissioners on workshops and to provide written contact information; commissioners said they would follow up offline and consider collaboration opportunities.
