SisTers PGH slams New Hampshire House of Representatives for advancing two anti-trans bills

For Immediate Release: January 8, 2024

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

SisTers PGH released the following statement in response to two anti-trans bills passed by the New Hampshire legislature last week:

(Pittsburgh) – We at SisTers PGH are appalled at the New Hampshire House of Representatives as they passed two bills last week attacking trans people, including youth.

HB 396 would permit the state and educational institutions to discriminate against trans people in athletic competitions, state custody or “places of intimate privacy,” while HB 619 would ban transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming procedures.

These bills, voted for by both Democrats and Republicans, weaken the guarantee of equal protection under the law for LGBTQ+ people. It is also disheartening to see this happen in a state that historically claims to respect and support the community.

Transgender people, especially youth, deserve protection, dignity, and care. These laws are more than a slap in the face to their humanity – they are, in many instances, a death sentence.

This goes to show how transphobia is gripping every part of the nation. It shows how much work we all have to do. It shows why our fight is as important today as it has ever been.

We urge the New Hampshire Senate to vote no on these heinous bills and, if necessary, we call upon the governor to veto this harmful legislation.

SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org. 

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SisTers PGH and BLAC to host annual vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance

For Immediate Release: November 3, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(Pittsburgh) – SisTers PGH and the Black Liberation Autonomous Collective (BLAC) will co-host a vigil in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance on Mon., Nov. 20, at 6:00 PM. The event will take place at Freedom Corner (intersection of Crawford Street and Centre Avenue) in Pittsburgh.

Leaders from both organizations will be speaking and reading the names of Black trans people who have been killed in the past year.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance, also known as the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, has been observed annually on November 20 as a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia.

Photo and Interview Opportunities Available

WHO: SisTers PGH and Black Autonomous Liberation Collective

WHAT: Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil

WHEN: Mon., Nov. 20, 6:00 PM

WHERE: Freedom Corner, Intersection of Crawford Street and Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, 15219

SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org. 

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People’s Pride PGH 2024 to relocate to Wilkinsburg

For Immediate Release: September 27, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg) – We are pleased to announce that People’s Pride 2024 will take place on Sunday, June 30, and will relocate to Turner Elementary School in Wilkinsburg.

Our Pride Month celebration must continue to be centered around the BIPOC community and be located in the neighborhoods where we live. Swissvale has been a great home to us, and we’re looking forward to growing our people-based event while continuing to honor our roots.

Vendor and artist registration is now OPEN. Please make sure to register early, as we always reach capacity.

Of course, we cannot do this without generous sponsors, and we would love to have you by our side as we host Wilkinsburg’s first Pride March & Music Festival. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

From its inception as a bedroom community for the Westinghouse Air Brake executives to its present position as an economic hub and a portal for commuters, Wilkinsburg has maintained a rich cultural heritage that continues today. The diversity of individuals and groups within the Borough makes it a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.

Stay tuned for more information, and make sure to mark your calendars! 

SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org. 

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Black Liberation Autonomous Collective awarded Expanding Your Pride mini-grant

For Immediate Release: September 1, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(Pittsburgh) – We are proud to announce that BLAC (Black Liberation Autonomous Collective) is the recipient of our Expanding Your Pride mini-grant, 2023.

BLAC is a Black and predominantly Trans and gender-nonconforming- youth-led collective based in Allegheny County founded in 2021 by Black trans and queer youth. BLAC puts an intentional focus on relationship building, mutual aid, and social justice issues.

The collective plans to use these funds to officially become a corporation and get their new program, Trans-assiance, off the ground. This is a project within BLAC that supplies our Black TGNC siblings with gender-affirming necessities and safety kits.

We want to thank everyone who applied for this grant that was made possible by those who donated to People’s Pride 2023. We cannot do any of this without community.


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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SisTers PGH: Warden Harper’s retirement is a chance to reform Allegheny County Jail

For Immediate Release: August 11, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

SisTers PGH released the following statement regarding Warden Orlando Harper’s retirement from the Allegheny County Jail:

(Pittsburgh) – Although it is good news that Orlando Harper will be retiring as warden from the Allegheny County Jail, we know there is still so much work to be done. 

Too many people, especially Black trans women, have been harmed by his lack of care, and too many people have died in the jail on his watch.

We call upon our new county officials to do the hard work that is needed to protect Allegheny County citizens and do their due diligence to ensure our jail system is not wrought with abuse.

In addition, the county needs to provide reentry programs that do not just center religion but also particular demographics of people within the jail, including transgender people. SisTers PGH would gladly take on that task if given the support and financial resources to do so. 

This is the county’s chance to start fresh and carve a path forward to justice.


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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SisTers PGH thanks community for People’s Pride 2023

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(PITTSBURGH) – After taking the week for much-needed rest and relaxation, then getting right back to the work, we at SisTers PGH want to thank all of our sponsors, artists, and attendees for making People’s Pride 2023 a success.

The march was lively, the music was poppin’, and the 45 vendors were educational and enlightening. We also paid all of our performers equitably and in full on the day of the festival.

This is what our annual celebration is all about – community.

As always, we learn from every march and festival, and we plan to make next year’s event even more entertaining and organized. We can’t do what we do without all of you, and we hope you all felt seen and loved on June 25th in Swissvale for People’s Pride PGH, Swissvale Parade & Musical Festival.

We are also proud to announce the Expanding Your Pride program, an informal mini-grant opportunity for TLGBQ+ people to receive $1,500 toward funding their creative vision. If you are part of this community, and you have big plans but just need a little cash to help grease the gears, this is for you.

Please contact us at info@sisterspgh.org for information, including how to apply.

These new opportunities and programs are also part of our decision to move into a bigger space going into the New Year. We can’t wait to be able to continue this vital work and provide even more resources to local Black Trans and queer people.

Stay tuned for more details as they come and for all the amazing photos we captured at Peoples Pride PGH 2023!


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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SisTers PGH denounces SCOTUS ruling regarding LGBTQ+ discrimination

For Immediate Release: June 20, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(PITTSBURGH) – SisTers PGH is appalled by today's Supreme Court decision that allows businesses to deny service to LGBTQ+ people. Using free speech as a scapegoat for bigotry is weak, and it is straight out of the fascist handbook.

It is clear the war on LGBTQ+ people is far from over, which means our fight to exist and to thrive isn't over either. 

Trans and queer people have always been here and will always be here. That is a fact that cannot be erased by any law.


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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SisTers PGH on closure of Smithfield Shelter: We need real solutions, compassion, and critical thinking

For Immediate Release: June 15, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(PITTSBURGH) – SisTers PGH was founded by Executive Director Ciora Thomas in 2013 because of her own struggles as a teenage homeless sex worker surviving within a cis-tem that feeds off of youth homelessness, drug addiction, and transphobia. The announcement of the June 20 closing of the Smithfield Shelter in downtown Pittsburgh is a stark reminder of this cis-tem, the work we do, and why it is so important for the people to be heard.

The Smithfield Shelter is one of the few saving graces for folks experiencing housing insecurity here in the city. For too many people here, the wages are too low, and the rent is too damn high. For too many people who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, treatment centers are out of their price range. 

We need real solutions. We need more shelters, not less. We need more jobs, and good-paying jobs. We need apprenticeship programs that target those who need these jobs the most. We need compassion and critical thinking from the leaders we elect.

Ciora will be making this known tonight at the public hearing regarding the shelter’s closure, and we invite everyone to join us. The hearing takes place at 6 PM at the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant Street. Head to the Gold Room on the 4th Floor.

We all must take accountability in demanding our government do right by its people.


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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SisTers PGH on Pulse shooting anniversary: We must fight together to protect all LGBTQ+ people

For Immediate Release: June 12, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(PITTSBURGH) – Today marks the seventh anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that stole the lives of 49 people and left 53 others injured.

We wish we could say that progress has been made since this horrific event, but the reality is that TLGBQ+ people remain in danger and continue to face harassment and violence every day. 

Black trans women, in particular, are at risk of harm just stepping outside their homes. We at SisTers PGH continue to dedicate our work to dismantling the cistem that not only enables this violence, but encourages it.

To honor and remember the lives taken at Pulse, everyone in the community must take part in this fight. We cannot do it alone. 

SisTers PGH Founder and Executive Director Ciora Thomas will be making remarks and calling out the names of the Pulse massacre victims tonight, June 12, at Alton Field in Beechview at 7 PM. 

We invite all of you to attend and take part in this remembrance. We will honor their memory by moving forward together and not one step back.


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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SisTers PGH on Pride Month: We March for Our Freedom and Our Joy

For Immediate Release: June 1, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

We started People’s Pride PGH in 2017 to center the most marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community. For too long, Pride events in the Pittsburgh area, like many across the country, did not prioritize community. Instead, they prioritized corporations. 

The People’s Pride March in 2017 began with a group of over 600 marchers who secured a permit to march behind the EQT Equality March and has now grown to be the premier community-centered Pride event in our region. 

Our march is also FREE for all, as all Pride marches should be. We​ ​march​ ​alongside​ the disabled, the elderly, veterans, and other ​vulnerable​ ​and​ ​marginalized​ ​people​. We march to offer another opportunity to feel what being at a true Pittsburgh Pride is like.

This year marks our fifth People’s Pride celebration, and our second in the Swissvale neighborhood, which we chose due to the predominantly Black population. We plan for this event to be even bigger, better, and bolder than last year and we can’t wait to honor Black Trans and nonbinary people with you all.

Part of this involves our incredible lineup of musical talent, including the one and only Durand Bernarr. With a sound that has been coined as "Gangster Musical Theatre" by Qveen Herby, Durand Bernarr is one-part Little Richard, one-part Rick James, plus a heavy dash of powerhouse vocals & witty lyrical storytelling. 

We also have a slew of local artists who will be gracing our stage at Dickson Elementary Field, which we will announce shortly.

This year’s sponsors include the Allegheny Department of Human Services; United Steelworkers Local 3657; Emerson; Metro Community Health Center; Allegheny Health Network; Starbucks Workers United, and more.

The money we receive from our sponsors not only supports the cost of planning the event, but it also contributes to the many services SisTers PGH provides on a daily basis. This includes our Project T transitional housing program, our community center’s food and toiletry pantry and computer lab, and so much more.

We hope to see you all in Swissvale on Sunday, June 25, as we march to declare our freedom and our joy in the face of oppression.


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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Reflections on Creating Change

For Immediate Release: February 23, 2023

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

As we return home from the Creating Change 2023 Conference, held in San Francisco and organized by the National LGBTQ Task Force, there is a lot for our board and our community to reflect on moving forward.

SisTers PGH Founder and Director Ciora Thomas joined a group of trans, nonbinary and intersex activists, who dubbed themselves the CC23 Trans Collective, in a direct action during the conference’s closing plenary to voice concerns over the heavily white and cis-centered event.

We first want to thank Angelica Ross, who moderated the plenary, for using her platform to uplift our community and passing the mic to the Collective to speak publicly about the lack of resources and concern for Black, brown and Indigenous trans and gender-nonconforming attendees and non-attendees.

It was invigorating and inspiring to take action and make history by coming together and fighting for what we deserve, which is dignity and respect.

Though we acknowledge that the new director of the National LGBTQ Task Force is doing all they can to improve the white and cis-dominated politics of the organization, we also acknowledge that more can be done, especially when it comes to making the annual conference more accessible and inclusive.

Trans masculine people were erased at this year’s conference, and the day-long Trans Institute was forced to be held in a small meeting space. Despite that barrier, the workshop overflowed with participants, showcasing just how much our community needs and values these gatherings.

This is why the CC23 Trans Collective has published a list of demands for Creating Change, including, but not limited to:

  • The LGBTQ Task Force will invest in a Trans, Nonbinary and Gender Expansive conference led by and for TGNCNB (Trans, Gender-Nonconforming and Nonbinary) communities

  • Reimbursement for all TGNC people:

    • Registration

    • Transportation

    • Hotels

    • Food stipends

The collective will continue meeting to structure our trajectory in order to continue being a body that will create change around the nation.

All of this is why we at SisTers do the work that we do and continue to push for change at all levels. When we say, “There is no Pride without us,” this is precisely what we mean.

The voices and lives of trans and nonbinary people cannot, and will not, be ignored. Let’s all keep this in mind as we move forward in our activism and community work.


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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SisTers PGH: Support Black TGNC Folks in Allegheny County this Giving Tuesday

For Immediate Release: November 29, 2022

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(PITTSBURGH) – Giving Tuesday is an incredible opportunity for community members to give back to those serving others in their region. We ask that this year you consider making a donation to SisTers PGH as we continue to expand the services we provide to Black Trans and gender-nonconforming folks in Allegheny County.


Your donation, no matter how much, will help us reach our goals in assisting TGNC people not just survive, but thrive. In 2022, we served 72 Transgender folks in the area through our service request form. We were able to provide them with groceries, employment and housing navigation, medical and mental health service referrals, transportation, toiletries, and emergency shelter.


Many of these resources are operated within our Project T initiative, a program that helps TGNC people transition from unstable environments and unsupportive communities to finding avenues to support and take care of themselves while connecting with the Trans community.

Of course, COVID-19 has had a severe impact not just on our community, but on our organization as well. Our current rent support funds have depleted over the summer, and we are working hard to replenish this crucial bank to continue supporting our siblings from facing evictions or utility shut-offs, especially during these winter months. This fund is created specifically to provide this vital resource as our community continues to experience discrimination and marginalization at a higher rate.

 Any donation you are able to offer this Giving Tuesday will go a long way to ensuring we’re able to continue this vital work, which is needed now more than ever. And if you can’t donate, please spread the word and share this message with your loved ones.

Electronic Donations can be sent to: PayPal.me/SisTersPGH – CashApp: $isTersPGH – Venmo: SisTersPGH

Checks can be sent to: SisTers PGH, 2014 Monongahela Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218.


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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“SisTers PGH has provided safe spaces for black and brown trans and nonbinary throughout the years and has continued to provide the necessary tools and resources for our siblings in the community who need trans affirming, safe emergency housing in Pittsburgh/Allegheny County. When admitted into the program I felt a sense of welcome, respect, and love for who I am as a person and encouragement to prosper in my own success.”
— Vuestra M
“My 3 children and I recently relocated to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania from North Carolina. I had it all planned out until things took a turn for the worst. Living arrangements had suddenly change, job offer was no more and I was slowly running out of cash. Scared and worried, all I could do was cry, pray and keep trying everyday for the sake of my children! Then I meet Ciora Thomas, my angel. I had no idea where she came from but she appeared at my lowest and lifted me back up on my feet and reassured me that everything would be ok. I trusted her and everything she’s ever said to me has come to pass and she has stood strong on her word to me. Today I met more of “my” SisTers and my how thankful I am to have each and every one of you whom generously donated to my family. I’m so humbled and grateful for ALL OF YOU BEAUTIFUL WOMEN. Thank you ALL so much. Y’all are the real MVP’s! Today I received my first job here and I have to give thanks to Ciora for this opportunity as well. Sis you are AMAZING! Love you!”
— Jadalynne F

SisTers PGH stands with O’Donnell family, calls to protect and uplift Black Trans youth

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2022

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(PITTSBURGH) – “We at SisTers PGH were honored to stand with the O’Donnell family this morning at their preliminary hearing in pursuit of justice against harassment and violent transphobia in their own backyard. This vibrant family, including their adopted Black Trans daughter, has been living on the North Side in Observatory Hill for almost 14 years, and for the past two have had to endure countless incidents of bullying and hatred from their neighbor.

“We are supposed to care about our neighbors, not erect massive signs outside their bedroom windows that state falsehoods about Trans people and that aim to belittle and degrade them. This latest incident—as there have been many—in May 2022 involving a yard sign is indicative of the personal lengths people will go to in order to spread their violent rhetoric and intimidate others.

“Making a child feel unsafe in their own community and their own home is beyond shameful. Protecting children—especially Trans youth—should be a collective priority for us as a society, and we are grateful the judge today has taken the first step by issuing a 90-day no-contact order while she prepares for the final hearing in the coming weeks.

“It is important to remember that freedom of speech does not mean freedom to harass or intimidate, and that if we can’t even make our children feel safe, what does that mean for the rest of us? What does it mean for your own family?

“We recommit to the fight for the safety and liberation of Trans youth, and to being role models as Black Trans people for them to admire and to know what is possible on the other side.

“We are confident justice will prevail for the O’Donnell family, and we will remain in solidarity with them every step of the way.”


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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SisTers PGH celebrates 13 years of servicing Trans and nonbinary BIPOC in SWPA

For Immediate Release: June 17, 2022

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(Pittsburgh) – SisTers PGH released the following statement today celebrating the organization’s 13th year of service:

Every June, not only do we here at SisTers PGH get to celebrate Pride Month, but we also get to celebrate our organization’s birthday. We use this time to reflect on how far we’ve come and how much more work there is to be done, and it remains our great honor to do that work on behalf of Trans and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigeneous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania.

Since 2010—when our Executive Director Ciora Thomas founded SisTers as a adolescent homeless sex worker, drug addict, sexual assualt survivior and victim of many failed cistems—we have serviced more than 500 LGBTQ+ people and spent more than $500,000 on housing support, one of our community’s most pressing needs. We’ve built and maintained partnerships with organizations both locally, including health centers and unions, as well as globally, including Refugee Trans Initiative in Kenya. We’ve organized a reimagined People’s Pride, now an annual tradition held each summer, with a focus on grassroots artists and activism.

In part, we’ve been able to do all of this because of support from people like you, the donations you make and sponsorships you set up with us. We want to thank everyone who has uplifted our work. 

We hope you help us continue to grow and expand our reach in the challenges ahead, and we hope you remain to celebrate our future wins.

Donate to SisTers PGH: Checks can be mailed to:

PayPal.me/SisTersPGH SisTers PGH

CashApp: $isTersPGH 2014 Monongahela Ave

Venmo: SisTersPGH Pittsburgh, PA 15218


SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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Swissvale People’s Pride 2022 announces artist lineup

For Immediate Release: May 17, 2022

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(Pittsburgh, PA) -- SisTers PGH began organizing People’s Pride in 2017 to uplift and celebrate Black and brown Trans and queer folks who have, for too long, been ignored and traumatized by the powers-that-be, both in the Pittsburgh region and on the national stage. We organized—and continue to organize—for change, for transparency, for safety, and for the resources our community deserves.

People’s Pride has and always will center the needs of Black and brown Trans and queer people while also welcoming other intersections with open, loving arms. It is with this approach that we will usher in equal rights for ALL while centering those most marginalized. 

We are continuing this tradition for this year’s Swissvale People’s Pride 2022 by focusing on a neighborhood where Black and brown people live, and where we are working with local government to address the housing crisis amongst the LGBTQ+ community, a crisis that stems directly from white supremacy, racism, homophobia and transphobia. 

We are also continuing the tradition of supporting Black and brown Trans and queer artists directly, and are thrilled to announce the full lineup of musicians and DJs who will be bringing their positive energy and vibrant creativity to our march and music fest on Sunday, June 5. Along with our headlining performer—singer and Trans rights activist Shea Diamond—the stellar lineup includes:

  • Brooklyn-based musician and multi-disciplinary artist Corinn Jasmin

  • Singer-songwriter and performer Cùe Monteiro

  • Pittsburgh-based rapper and composer Manny Dibiachi

  • NYC-based costume designer and storyteller Qween Jean

  • Homewood-grown musician and visual artist Sidney Yaphit

  • Pittsburgh-based DJ Regina Zehner 

Keeping our dollars in our community and investing in ourselves is how we will grow and thrive, and we are honored to be able to support these artists, as well as more than 25 vendors, at Swissvale People’s Pride. Please join us for a day of art, music, and advocacy on June 5. March begins at 10 AM at Edgwood Towncenter, and music hits at 3 PM at Dicksen Elementary Field.

SisTers PGH is a Black- and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves Trans, queer and nonbinary BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) within southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at  www.sisterspgh.org. 

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Shea Diamond to headline Swissvale Pride festival

For Immediate Release: April 13, 2022

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(Pittsburgh, PA) -- One of the foundational tenets of People’s Pride PGH is supporting grassroots organizations and queer artists of color who are too often cast to the margins. We believe it is vital to use our dollars to support these folks, who find a way even when there is no way, preserving with boldness and individuality.

This is why Swissvale Pride festival on Sunday, June 5, 2022, will be headlined by the one and only singer-songwriter and transgender rights activist Shea Diamond. The soul and R&B powerhouse will grace the stage, along with five local artists, following the march from Frick Park to Dickson Elementary Field. 

It is important to remember that there is substance behind our celebration. Our focus for this year’s events will be around improving Swissvale legislation and inclusivity as we return to the streets after two trying, devastating years of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to impact primarily Black, brown, and other historically marginalized communities. SisTers PGH is also partnering with Swissvale City Council to have conversations around the housing crisis in Allegheny County and how it impacts LGBTQ+ people.

Pride would not exist without action. Let’s use 2022 to put our money and our movement where our mouths are.

Learn more about Shea at www.sheadiamond.com. 


SisTers PGH is a Black- and trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves trans and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org.

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SisTers PGH marks Transgender Day of Visibility

For Immediate Release: March 31, 2022

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(Pittsburgh, PA) -- We are living in a time when the cis-tem, particularly in America, is doing everything it can to erase trans people from society. Its proponents see us succeeding, being recognized as our authentic selves, and they are desperate to stop that because it threatens their comfortable position in power. They pass bills that aim to cast us out to the margins and spread misinformation to fuel hate.

It is up to individual activists and organizations like ours to advocate loudly and publicly for trans rights and show up unapologetically in every space. SisTers PGH plans to continue doing just this and being the only trans-led organization running at our capacity in the region. 

We plan to continue telling our stories, from local media to national outlets like The Daily Show. We plan to continue hiring the best staff to care for our vulnerable community and having conversations with governmental bodies like Swissvale City Council and the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. We plan to continue building programs like Grow to Succeed and Project T to foster trans well-being and provide safe transitional housing, and create spaces for queer and trans youth to thrive.

And, of course, we plan to continue producing the biggest, baddest, and brightest Pride festival centered around Black, trans, and nonbinary people. Because it has never been more important to embrace who we are and make unabashed joy part of the process. 

It has never been more important to rise.


SisTers PGH is a Black- and trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves trans and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org.

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SisTers PGH statement on death and life of Amarey Lej, Black trans woman and former Woodland Hills student

For Immediate Release: January 2, 2022

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(Swissvale, PA) -- Amarey Lej, also known as Myara, should be here right now. Instead we are grieving her loss, after the 21-year-old Black trans woman was found shot dead in Wilkinsburg this past weekend.

Amarey was a bright woman and former student of Woodland Hills. We at SisTers PGH would like to send her fellow classmates our deepest condolences, but also our deepest gratitude, as you rose in protection of Amarey when she needed it most.

The fact that the first murder of a trans person in the United States took place in our city should not be overlooked. Unfortunately, many trans women of color already know that this city, as well as the greater southwestern Pennsylvania area, is not safe for us. Amarey was not the first, but it is up to every one of us to fight like hell to make sure she is the last.

This is our time, as trans people and activists, to gather and engage in conversations regarding safety and policy. It is our time to demand not only justice for Amarey, but for all of us. Our lives are on the line, and we deserve not just survival, but peace and JOY.

As we move into this New Year, let’s keep Amarey in our hearts and minds to inspire us on this journey for our liberation.

SisTers PGH is a Black- and trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves trans and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org.

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People’s Pride PGH to relocate to Swissvale for 2022 celebration

For Immediate Release: December 3, 2021

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(Swissvale, PA) -- SisTers PGH, a nonprofit founded and operated by Black trans women and femmes, has been organizing People’s Pride PGH March and Festival every year since 2017. Each year, we march to include local nonprofits, school districts, unions, and community members who have long been neglected by the former Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh and other organizations in the area.

Our work to uplift the TGNC (Trans and Gender-Nonconforming) community of Allegheny County will continue next year. However, the People’s Pride PGH 2022 March and Festival, which will take place on Sunday, June 5, will relocate to Swissvale, home of the SisTers PGH offices, community center, and many other Black and brown TLGBQIA folks.

We will continue our advocacy around improving Pittsburgh legislation, inclusion and boosting advocacy in the downtown area, but it is also important to focus on the communities where our people live. In 2022, our focus for the annual march and festival will be around improving Swissvale legislation, police training, advocacy, and inclusivity as we return to the streets after two trying, devastating years of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to impact primarily Black, brown, and other historically marginalized communities. This will be the first Pride event ever held in Swissvale and we look forward to working with our partners to too keep spreading the message of inclusivity and the history of Pride. We encourage our supporters to join us as this is the time to continue unifying and educating our county and city.

We will release more plans and updates on the event as it draws closer. You can also view the planned march route below, which begins at Frick Park at 10 AM and will end at Dickson Elementary School, where the festival will be held until 9 PM.

Until then, stay tuned and stay safe.

SisTers PGH is a Black- and trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves trans and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org.

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SisTers PGH launches scholarship program for local trans and nonbinary activists

For Immediate Release: August 18, 2021

Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548

(PITTSBURGH) -- SisTers PGH is launching a scholarship program for three Black/Brown trans people in Allegheny County to join our organization in Puerto Rico in October 2021 for several days of self-care and leadership development training.

We are partnering with our friends at GLITS Inc., a health and housing nonprofit in NYC that caters to the LGBTQIA+ community, to conduct this week of inspiration and growth, which will center around how to navigate being a Black trans-led agency.

“Black and brown trans and nonbinary people rarely get opportunities to take care of themselves or to carve out a block of time for self-development or education,” said SisTers PGH Founder and Director Ciora Thomas. “This is just one way our organization can change that.”

Applications are now available at www.sisterspgh.org. This is a great opportunity for a local trans person of color to get in on the ground level and see how this type of grassroots work is done.

Anyone with questions about the scholarship program or application process can reach out to SisTers PGH at info@sisterspgh.org.

Please consider donating to this effort at

PayPal: PayPal.me/sisterspgh

CashApp: SisTersPGH

Venmo: SisTers-PGH

Please notate “Retreat” in the description box so funds can go directly to this effort. Thank you in advance

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