Pride Month Recap

By Al Preston

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            June is a very busy month for any queer organizations and that is no different for us. You may have seen me at the Science Center.

Me just before speaking at the 21+ Night anxiously pacing the stage.

            Or the Vandergrift Pride.

Me at our booth right next to the stage. You can see the signs my lovely wife made for us.

            Both of these events were such a joy to attend! It was absolutely wonderful to tell people about our goals and hear what they’d want to see from us. These events were also excellent ways to learn how we can improve in the future.

            While at the Science Center, we were graciously welcomed, and I talked to some wonderful folks! However, future presentations need some more work. Audio capabilities in different spaces may not be as good as my speakers at home, making oral histories hard to understand.

            Moving forward, we will make sure to have transcripts on presentations. That will also make our presentations far more accessible!

            The Science Center was such a wonderful time, and I loved it!

This is mid-presentation while audio was playing. As you can see, I didn't know what to do with my hands.

            The Vandergrift Pride was a bit far but was such a fun time! The volunteers were absolutely lovely people and all of the performers were astounding.

            It was also incredibly loud as we were right next to the stage. So, we were unable to play our audio, but people were still very interested in our work!

            There were a few other things we could have done…like signs. Any kind of sign. Of all the things I planned for, I forgot signs! My wife, thank goodness, realized it before I did and quickly made some.

            Rain was also our enemy. Our tent did well until it really started to pour. That’s when a few drops started to slip through along the seams.

            Despite these small hiccups, it was still a wonderful event. I loved being in the community. So many folks were excited to talk to me about their experience. We had so much fun and plan to return next year! I can’t thank the volunteers and planning committee enough. I highly recommend checking them out.

Our view of tents across the lawn at the Vandergrift Pride.

The tent line we were in.

            Now, with what we learned from Vandergrift, we’ll be able to approach more events with some more experience…and signs. We were scheduled to attend the Fox Chapel pride in the park, but (as some may have seen on our socials) were unable to at the last minute. I’m really grateful to the organizers I was speaking to for being understanding.

            While I am sad that we weren’t able to attend, there will be more events, and we will certainly attend next year!

            This won’t be the last time people can see our pop-up event either. Keep an eye out for our plans this October! You may just see us popping up all over the place.

            I am endlessly grateful to Andrea Tomaro as the Science Center for inviting me to come speak. As well as the planning committees of both the Vandergrift and Fox Chapel prides. They were all such lovely and welcoming folks. I look forward to working with them again in the future!