At Pittsburgh Equality Center, we believe that community-focused education is a powerful tool for fostering understanding, building bridges, and creating a truly inclusive society. Our Community & Allyship Education initiatives are dedicated to equipping individuals, organizations, and institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to become effective and compassionate members and allies for the LGBTQIA+ community.
We are committed to providing accessible, engaging, and impactful learning opportunities that broaden perspectives, challenge misconceptions, and inspire meaningful action.
Our Educational Offerings
We offer a variety of programs and presentations designed to meet diverse needs and audiences:
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Learning Sessions: We host regular, interactive learning sessions focused on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression (SOGIE). These foundational sessions provide essential terminology, concepts, and best practices for creating inclusive environments. You can find these sessions hosted throughout the year at various Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branches, making them easily accessible to the wider community. We also regularly host these sessions directly at the Pittsburgh Equality Center.
- Customized Talks and Presentations: Beyond our public sessions, our experienced team provides customized talks and presentations to a range of organizations, entirely free of cost. We are dedicated to sharing our expertise with:
- Other Nonprofit Organizations: Strengthening the collective impact of the social good sector.
- Community Organizations: Empowering local groups to better serve and include LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Corporate Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Helping businesses cultivate more inclusive workplaces where all employees can thrive.
- Building Allies in Education: We recognize the critical role that educational institutions play in shaping young minds and fostering safe environments. When our team is out tabling at events, we are proud to distribute ally stickers specifically designed for staff, faculty, and administration at educational institutions. These stickers serve as a visible sign of support and a commitment to creating welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ students and colleagues.
Why Allyship Matters
Effective allyship is about more than just acceptance; it’s about active support, advocacy, and a willingness to learn and grow. Our programs aim to:
- Increase understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences.
- Provide practical strategies for inclusive language and behavior.
- Highlight the importance of intersectionality within the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Empower allies to speak up, challenge bias, and create positive change in their spheres of influence.
Request a Session or Learn More
If your organization, community group, or business/corporate ERG is interested in hosting a customized SOGIE learning session or talk, please reach out to us. We are eager to partner with you to build a more understanding and equitable Pittsburgh.
To request a presentation or for more information on our Allyship & Education initiatives, please contact us via email/submission form.