Greensburg event to feature LGBTQIA speakers to talk about Western Pa. experiences

Hoping to increase awareness and strengthen alliances with local leaders, the Keystone Pride and Equality Coalition is hosting a listening session next month.

The session, which is planned for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, will feature a panel of speakers who will talk about their own experiences in the LGBTQIA community — Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual people.

Coalition facilitator Rick Marsili said the organization chose to host the event now, “Because of ongoing struggles that LGBTQIA people continue to report in this region. Some exist in work places, some of the struggles are evident when it comes to healthcare, some struggles in school systems and for some people it’s just not feeling safe in their communities.”

The event will feature appetizers followed by the panel discussion that will start at 7 p.m. Afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to mingle and network. Officials have not yet released a list of speakers, Marsili said.

Political leaders, schools, health care providers, law enforcement, faith-based leaders and social agencies are invited to the event, as well as the public, Marsili said.

“The purpose of the session is to give exposure to community organizations and leaders and the community-at-large regarding, lives of LGBTQIA people in Western Pennsylvania,” Marsili said. “The goal is to increase awareness of needs to strengthen alliances in order to improve the quality of life.”

Parents, Friends & Families of Lesbians and Gays Greensburg is sponsoring the event, which is co-sponsored by the Westmoreland LGBTQ Interfaith Network.

His organization plans on continuing community outreach and education after the September event, Marsili said.