At the Pittsburgh Equality Center, we believe in the power of advocacy and collective action to drive positive change. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are nonpartisan, focusing our efforts on protecting and advancing the equal rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community across southwestern Pennsylvania, our surrounding region, and the entire Commonwealth.
We understand that progress requires vigilance and a strong, unified voice. Our advocacy work is dedicated to upholding the dignity and rights of every LGBTQIA+ individual, ensuring they are afforded the same protections and opportunities as all Pennsylvanians.
Our Approach to Advocacy
Our commitment to advocacy manifests in various ways:
- Coalition Building: We are members of the Pennsylvania Coalition of LGBTQ+ Organizations. Through this vital partnership, we collaborate with other leading organizations across the state to strategize, share information, and mount coordinated efforts against any attempts to undermine or restrict the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. This unified front amplifies our impact and ensures our community’s concerns are heard at all levels.
- Public Statements & Letters: When critical issues arise, we lend our voice by signing onto letters and statements that affirm our community’s rights and oppose discriminatory policies. These public declarations highlight our unwavering stance and apply pressure where it’s needed most.
- Action Days in Harrisburg: We regularly participate in or organize Action Days in Harrisburg. These impactful events bring community members directly to the State Capitol to meet with their elected representatives, share personal stories, and advocate for specific legislation that supports LGBTQIA+ equality. These direct conversations are crucial for informing policymakers and demonstrating the human impact of their decisions.
- Community Mobilization: We empower our community to take action by providing clear information and opportunities for engagement. From encouraging participation in public hearings to supporting grassroots initiatives, we believe that informed and engaged citizens are the most powerful agents of change.
- Voter Empowerment: We encourage civic participation as a cornerstone of advocacy. Our website provides accessible voter registration tools and nonpartisan information about the electoral process, enabling community members to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
- Register to vote, check your voter registration, and request an absentee ballot all from our Voter Registration page.
Join Us in Action
Your involvement is essential to our advocacy efforts. Whether through staying informed, contacting your representatives, or participating in our initiatives, every action contributes to a stronger, more equitable future for the LGBTQIA+ community in Pennsylvania. Stay tuned to this page and our news section for the latest advocacy alerts and opportunities to make a difference.