Why I Ended My Fiscal Sponsorship Relationship with Persad Center

Persad Center Shame

My fiscal sponsorship relationship with Persad Center has formally ended. I made the decision earlier in the fall after two specific incidents made me aware beyond a shadow of a doubt that allying the #AMPLIFY and other community art projects with the current incarnation of Persad was both unhealthy and hurtful to my LGBTQ neighbors. […]

I’ve been wrong about Persad Center’s Board of Directors

The Persad Board of Directors. They have lost the faith and confidence of the LGBTQ community, the staff, and the clients. Their fawnish devotion to the Delta Foundation and to Central Outreach Wellness Center is unethical and causing harm. They are responsible for driving the organization into the ground. And they lack the humility, introspection, […]

Persad Center Staff Take First Steps to Unionize

For more info, visit this FB page. We are the Persad Staff Union. As therapists, case managers, program coordinators, administrative workers, and allied staff, we are forming our union to better advocate for ourselves, our community, and our clients. We are working together to promote the economic, emotional, physical and mental wellness of our staff […]

What is Persad Center Even Thinking Regarding Pridefest in Pittsburgh?

Persad is once again making puzzling choices about their community organization relationships and their ongoing attachment with the Delta Foundation.  This year, that manifests itself by their decision to sponsor EQT Pride (Pittsburgh’s traditional Pridefest), but not invest in People’s Pride 2K19. I receive this email blast newsletter type message the other day Hello Friend, Thank […]

A Thank You Note To Share from Persad Center

Rainbow Thank You Note

A lovely follow-up to a post I wrote earlier this week. One of the gentlemen from Persad’s SAGE program sent along this thank-you note (written at 4 AM on Boxing Day) in response to your generosity: Hi;I wish to thank you again for the lunch and the company. But I REALLY was floored by the […]

PERSAD CENTER, GLSEN, AND PFLAG TO HOST SAFE SCHOOLS SUMMIT

Contact: Leslie Fleisher FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cell: 412.956.9120 Email: lfleisher@persadcenter.org  PERSAD CENTER, GLSEN, AND PFLAG TO HOST SAFE SCHOOLS SUMMIT Safe Schools Summit: Bridging the Gap Between Anti-Bullying Efforts And The Experience of LGBTQ Youth PITTSBURGH, PA – January 2, 2012. Persad Center, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network), and PFLAG (Parents and Friends of […]

“Patron Party” to support the important work of Persad Center

“Patron Party” to support the important work of Persad Center

I realize the absurdity of writing about a fundraiser immediately after posting about poverty, but there's a very important connection … the services of Persad Center, the region's LGBT mental health service provider.  “Celebrate Life, Celebrate Art” is a clear way you can help. Ledcat and I will be live-blogging this year's “Celebrate Life, Celebrate […]

Workshop for Local Media on LGBTQ Issues, Community – June 8 @PersadCenter

Registration now OPEN for the LGBTQ Media Training scheduled for Thursday, June 8, from 1-5 PM at Persad Center. This session is brought to you by Sequal Consulting Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents and sponsors ACLU of Pennsylvania and Three Rivers Community Foundation. The workshop will cover best practices and includes two panels: one of media professionals […]

2020 Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Community Survey by Pittsburgh Equality Center

The Pgh Equality Center is an important community resource. I served on the board circa 2004. I was part of the strategic planning process. I’ve been a volunteer in various capacities. They are currently seeking community input on their services and programs. I urge you to make time to share your thoughts. I do need […]

Will Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ Mental Health Center merge with a non-LGBTQ health organization?

Persad Allies Merger

I was informed today that Persad Center faces a dire choice due to finances – either merge with the much larger Allies for Health + Wellbeing (formerly known as the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force) or face potential closure altogether. Without any timeframe for this, I have to make immediate decisions about my mental health treatment […]