Authentic Lives Digital Series

The human experience, diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of each episode, with a focus on the people and organizations making an impact. The ongoing series features those whose work, careers, or everyday lives are leading to positive changes in the LGBTQIA+ community.

NEW EPISODE

Community Care: Why the LGBTQIA+ Community Needs Affirming Healthcare

Access to safe and affirming healthcare has historically been a challenge for the LGBTQIA+ community. In this episode of Authentic Lives, we’ll hear firsthand from community members about their experiences trying to gain access to much needed medical care, and from three amazing Pittsburgh healthcare organizations providing life-saving services and making care accessible. Their stories illustrate how affirming medical practices, inclusivity, and intracommunity support all play a role in providing the LGBTQIA+ community the medical care they deserve.

These three Pittsburgh-based organizations provide life-saving services and make healthcare accessible to the LGBTQIA+ community:

Central Outreach Wellness Center: Central Outreach Wellness Center is a holistic, LGBTQIA-focused health organization offering various health services, including rapid PrEP starts and testing for HIV, Hep C, and STDs, in multiple locations across Pennsylvania and Ohio. www.centraloutreach.com/

TransYouniting: TransYouniting is a mutual aid non-profit dedicated to fostering an environment where black transgender women and other transgender individuals in Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ and HIV+ Community can thrive through housing, workforce development, advocacy, and mutual aid initiatives. www.transyounitingpgh.org/

Allies for Health + Wellbeing: Allies for Health + Wellbeing’s mission is to provide integrated medical care, supportive services and community based education for individuals living with or at risk of HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs. www.alliespgh.org/

 

Collage of LGBTQIA+ performers
How Performance Shapes Identity

LGBTQIA+ community members have had a long history of involvement in arts and entertainment. In this episode, we’ll meet a comedian, a dancer, and a musician who use performance as a form of expression and self discovery.

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Quote: I've created a space for my queer community to walk in and feel comfortable.

Business and Community

LGBTQIA+ owned businesses not only provide safe havens for queer people, but also play a role in developing community and culture. From creating inclusive spaces to providing valuable services to ensuring a compassionate experience, see the impact these queer professionals have on their local community.

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"It wasn't a decision, it was a necessity." Social Transition
Social Transition

For much of the transgender community, the first steps in transitioning are relatively small. Those next important steps- “coming out” to friends and family, trying a new look, and building a support network can be some of the most important and self-affirming parts of a transition.

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Artist holding up a piece of their work in an art studio
Art, Expression, and Identity

Art is often an expression of one’s true self – a medium utilized by many individuals in the queer community to explore their identities. Meet two Pittsburgh area artists whose work provides insight and understanding into the experiences of LGBTQIA+ artists.

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hairdresser and client
A Fresh Cut

Barbershops and salons can be difficult to navigate for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Meet three Pittsburgh hairstylists with great respect, care, and understanding of their queer clients. We visit Dye by the Sword, Robin Walker’s Barber Salon, and 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon to learn about their inclusive, gender affirming approach to hair care.

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Made possible by:

Central Outreach

Watch the Documentary

(Premiered January 25, 2018) From education to employment, health care to housing, transgender Americans fight daily for their right to exist. How is Pittsburgh responding? This documentary spotlights some of the concerned organizations working on behalf of the region’s transgender population – and also profiles transgender men and women as they define their own authentic lives while navigating an evolving city.

In “Authentic Lives,” you’ll find out how our city rates when it comes to working toward equity and inclusion for its LGBTQ population. Meet people dedicated to finding a solution to the homelessness faced by many of our LGBTQ young people and some of the activists standing up for our transgender people of color. We’ll take a class with the young people who helped make history in our city schools. And the healthcare providers who strive to give kids and families peace of mind. Both on air and on this web page, join us for Authentic Lives.

Documentary Video Extras

Wendi Miller seated in a picture frame shop
The Big Picture

Meet Wendi Miller, picture framer, business woman and pioneer.

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Theresa Bosco, seated
A Place For Equality

Theresa Bosco shares the mission of The Pittsburgh Equality Center (formerly the GLCC).

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Student seated in classroom
More Brashear

Meet the faculty from this Pittsburgh high school who helped to create a culture of understanding.

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We thank the following organizations for their assistance in the production of of the 2018 documentary “Authentic Lives.”

Allegheny County Health Department/DHS

The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation and The Bulletin

City of Pittsburgh

The Delta Foundation

Dreams of Hope

Eons Fashion Antique

Equality Pennsylvania

The Human Rights Campaign

The Miller Family

Persad

PFLAG

The Pittsburgh Equality Center

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh Public Schools

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review

S.W. Randall Toyes & Giftes

THRIVE of Southwest PA

WITF Harrisburg