Thousands flock to Pittsburgh to kick off Pride Month celebrations

PITTSBURGH — Thousands of people turned out to Pittsburgh to kick off the first weekend of Pride Month.

Celebrations began at noon on Saturday with a parade, where thousands participated.

PHOTOS: Thousands flock to Pittsburgh to kick off Pride Month celebrations

Several local officials marched in the parade including Senator John Fetterman, Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis.

State representative La’Tasha D. Mayes served as the grand marshal of the Pittsburgh Pride March. Mayes said it was an honor to serve in the role.

“As the first out lesbian ever to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and a long-time local and national LGBTQ+ rights activist, it means the world to me to lead this march and parade on the 50th Anniversary of the first Pride in the United States,” said Mayes.

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The parade was followed by “Pride on the Shore” which was a celebration held at Stage AE.

Ava Max and Fletcher headlined the event.

“The first Pittsburgh Pride was in 1973 and set the foundation for what would become an annual celebration of the Greater Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ community,” said Nick Staples, founder, and producer of Pride on the Shore. “Over the course of those 50 years, we’ve gone through some extreme highs and lows, but it’s been inspiring to see neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh lift up and organize their own Pride celebrations as we continue to push forward. To carry the tradition, we’re honored to work alongside our other incredible LGBTQIA+ organizations as we bring our vibrant colors to life. To each of those organizations, Pride on the Shore extends our arms to say thank you for the work that you’ve done and continue to do. It’s truly a community effort.”

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