Coalition Of LGBTQ+ Groups To Take Over Pittsburgh Pride After Delta Foundation Dissolves
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A coalition of LGBTQ+ groups say they're taking over Pittsburgh Pride after the Delta Foundation dissolved.
Slammed by a year marked by COVID and controversy, the Delta Foundation is shuttering its doors and with them forever canceling its signature event — Pittsburgh Pride.
Though sooner did Delta make the announcement did this coalition make another: "LGBT Coalition and TransYOUniting along with a host of others will be putting on Pride 2021. That is absolutely exciting," said Dena Stanley of Trans YOUniting.
The PGH LGBTQ+ Coalition held a press conference Monday afternoon at the City-County Building. It says next year's event will be "the most inclusive Pride yet," held in collaboration with other LGBTQ+ organizations on June 4.
Delta says it's dissolving due the drop in funds incurred with canceling this year's Pride — the organization's primary revenue generator. And Delta today denied it has anything to with its leadership under former president Gary Van Horn, who left the organization with a string of unpaid debts.
The foundation recently conducted an audit of their finances under Van Horn and have turned its findings over to the district attorney's office to investigate the potential misuse of funds. But a Delta representative told KDKA's Andy Sheehan: "this is about COVID and the cancellation of Pride. Nothing else."
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The district attorney's office says it's currently reviewing the audit, but in recent years, Delta's dominance as the region's highest profile gay rights organization has revealed a rift in the community. Today, the United Steel Workers Union representing Persad employees issued this statement:
"Although it is disappointing to witness an LGBTQ+ organization disband, especially during a time of great need, we stand in solidarity with the activists within the Black and brown communities who have been long demanding accountability and increased inclusivity from the Delta Foundation and others."
The organizers of the new Pride said they're moving on.
"It is sad that Delta is not around anymore," Kenny West of the LGBTQ+ Coalition said. "It's sad to see non-profits go, but this is about moving forward. It's about inclusivity and diversity. It's about bringing love back to a community that needs healing."
Now, in a statement, Delta raises questions about whether Pride can even go on in 2021.
Delta says the event takes 18 months to plan and prepare and there's no guarantee the governor's restrictions on large events will be lifted by next summer.
