Thanks to the commitment of many hands and many hearts, Roots Pride Pittsburgh 2015 was an amazing success. Through the four days of Roots Pride celebration and Shut it Down resistance, we have been continuously reminded of the wealth that is the LGBTQIA+ community in Pittsburgh. The fierce strength and love of Queer and Trans People of Color. Roots Pride Pittsburgh 2015 was a moment in history that changed the face of Pittsburgh Pride and the landscape of Pittsburgh.

 

We accomplished many things in the short time span of one month. Because of our voices, Iggy Azalea backed out of performing on Delta’s stage. We led a townhall event that gave space for the diversity of brilliant voices that are within our community. We had an intergenerational waterpaint fight that left everyone a little more colorful and a lot more happy. We protested and created space at Delta’s Pride that was so powerful Repent Amarillo packed up and left. We hosted a party that celebrated all of us, that was affordable for everybody, at one of the most beautiful hotels in the city. We ended with a riverwalk that left participants inspired and hopeful for what the future looks like when we celebrate ourselves and choose solidarity over oppression. We have inspired people across the nation to reclaim Pride for the people.

 

Roots Pride Pittsburgh raised $5,629.64 in monetary contributions and approximately $14,354.99 in in-kind donations and volunteer labor, all in less than a month. With just under $6,000 in cash, Roots Pride Pittsburgh was able to host four days of incredible, inclusive, dynamic and transformational events. But we are not done yet.

 

We are incredibly excited to roll out Roots Pride Pittsburgh’s first flash grant of $500.00. Supported by the revenue generated through the Roots Pride party and individual donations,  this grant is intended for individuals and organizations within the LGBTQIA+ community who wish to create spaces of healing, transformation, inclusivity and celebration in the greater Pittsburgh area. We are particularly interested in projects that imagine futurisms and center Queer and Trans People of Color within Pittsburgh.

 

The grant application is simple. Send an essay, a video, or an mp3 of how you would use this flash grant to create the space you want to see in Pittsburgh to rootspridepgh@gmail.com. Grant applications are due July 15th, 2015. The grant recipient will be announced August 1st, 2015.

 

Thank you all for all that you have done and are doing to make this a world we can all live, love and be in.

Joy KMT

Roots Pride Pittsburgh Organizer