Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

The Pennsylvania Youth Congress is hosting a terrific set of events in conjunction with the performance of ‘Fun Home’ at Heinz Hall this week, focusing on the unique needs of rural LGBTQ youth.

‘Fun Home’ is based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. The show took Broadway by storm, winning five Tonys. It is the first Broadway musical with a lesbian lead. I remember reading the graphic novel when it was published in 2006 – it was magnificent. The setting is Beech Creek in Clinton County (north central) Pennsylvania.

In honor of this broadway show which literally honors the experiences of our rural LGBTQ youth, there are several opportunities to support the PA Youth Congress.

You can purchase tickets to Fun Home via the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust website.   Tickets start at $31 and are still available for both Saturday performances.

Saturday, April 16 you can participate in a LGBTQ youth talkback. A limited number of free tickets for the performance are available for youth in need of financial support.  Contact Jo Bear at jbear@payouthcongress.org to inquire.

Finally, after the Saturday evening performance, there will be a dessert reception with the Pennsylvania Youth Congress and cast members. This gathering features brief remarks from Moira Kaleida, Pittsburgh Public Schools Board Member, and rural LGBTQ youth, about the message of Fun Home and the work ahead in PA toward love and acceptance.

Ticket prices for the reception start at $20 and include drink ticket options. You must have a ticket to the performance to attend this event. Questions? Contact Jo Bear at jbear@payouthcongress.org.

This is a unique opportunity to revel in the genius of Alison Bechdel and support the very real experiences of our LGBTQ rural neighbors throughout Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Youth Congress is a statewide advocacy organization. I can attest that they are on the ground on multiple fronts, standing with students resisting intolerant policies in their school districts and working with communities to pass municipal nondiscrimination laws. They also have regular meetings in Harrisburg with the Governor’s team and members of the General Assembly to stay abreast of LGBTQ issues. They work with the GSA’s across the Commonwealth to address school specific matters and create healthier learning environments for students. These young leaders are both the present and the future. Supporting their work should be part of our work.