Sisters PGH 15-Year Anniversary Fundraiser Gala & Awards Ceremony
June 21, 2025
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Emerald City Pittsburgh
213 Smithfield St
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Sisters PGH has been at the forefront of trans justice, advocacy, and community care for the past 15 years. Founded in 2011 by Ciora Thomas, a Black trans woman dedicated to systemic change, Sisters PGH has led the fight for equity, justice, and safety for Black and Brown trans and LGBTQIA+ individuals in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Philadelphia County, and beyond.
What began as a grassroots effort to create safe spaces and provide mutual aid has grown into a movement that has shaped trans-led organizing across Pennsylvania. From protests and policy work to direct services and long-term housing solutions, Sisters PGH continues to empower the most marginalized among us.
Since our inception, Sisters PGH has provided over $1 million in direct services and resources to trans and non-binary individuals, including rent and utility assistance, housing stability, job training, leadership development, and access to life-saving gender-affirming care.
This 15-Year Anniversary Gala is not just a celebration; it’s a testament to our resilience, impact, and the urgent need for continued advocacy. Join us in honoring the journey of Sisters PGH and fueling the future of trans-led initiatives in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Historical Context of Sisters PGH:
Sisters PGH has a storied history of organizing, direct action, and service to trans and non-binary people across Pennsylvania. Some of our major milestones include:
Direct Action & Advocacy: Over the years, Sisters PGH has led countless protests and actions challenging anti-trans policies, systemic injustices, and the lack of resources for trans people. This includes direct actions at Allegheny County Jail to protest the mistreatment of incarcerated trans individuals, demonstrations at the University of Pittsburgh against anti-trans speakers, and organizing direct action campaigns during the 2020 uprisings following the murder of George Floyd.
Emergency and Long-Term Support: Sisters PGH has provided critical direct services, including rent and utility assistance, emergency shelter, and housing placements, with over $1 million distributed directly to community members since our founding.
Mutual Aid and Resource Distribution: Through community distros, Sisters PGH has provided essential supplies, including food, hygiene products, and winter clothing, ensuring that trans individuals in Pittsburgh and beyond have access to necessities.
Establishing Safe Spaces: Sisters PGH opened its first drop-in center in Squirrel Hill in 2018, only to lose the space to an unrelated fire in 2019. We relocated to Swissvale in 2020, where we continued to provide essential services until expanding operations in 2024 to a permanent home in downtown Pittsburgh.
This 15-Year Anniversary Gala is not just about looking back at what we’ve accomplished—it’s about laying the foundation for the next phase of our work.
New Initiatives & Expanding Our Impact
As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, Sisters PGH is stepping into a new era of leadership, growth, and expansion. Here’s what’s next:
The Stonewall Inn Pittsburgh (Opening 2025)
A Black trans-led emergency drop-in center in downtown Pittsburgh, The Stonewall Inn PGH will be a safe, affirming space for trans and non-binary individuals to access vital resources, including:
• Emergency housing support
• Legal aid and reentry services
• Mental health and peer support
• Gender-affirming care navigation
• Workforce development & leadership programs
This drop-in center will serve as a lifeline for the trans community and create a model for trans-led social services nationwide.
Monica Roberts Place
A long-term housing initiative designed to empower trans individuals to become homeowners. Monica Roberts Place is a housing program for BIPOC trans people that provides:
• Stable, affordable one-bedroom apartments
• Tailored programming to help residents transition into independent housing and homeownership
• Wraparound services, including job training, financial literacy, and mental health support
This project is one of the first of its kind and will serve as a blueprint for trans-led housing solutions across the country.
Project T
A transitional housing program for Black trans women and girls (ages 18-26). Project T offers:
• Short-term and transitional housing
• Mentorship and leadership development
• Access to financial resources and job placement services
• Community building opportunities to foster stability and long-term success
As the first trans-led program of its kind in Pennsylvania, Project T is a critical response to the housing insecurity crisis facing Black trans women and girls.
Behavioral Health & Gender-Affirming Care Services (New 2025 Initiative)
Sisters PGH is expanding our services to include behavioral health support, gender-affirming care, and case management to ensure holistic, wraparound care for trans and non-binary individuals in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. These services will include:
• Mental health counseling & therapy tailored to the unique needs of trans individuals
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gender-affirming care services
• HIV-related care and prevention services
• Case management services to assist with housing stability, employment, healthcare, and legal navigation
• Peer support programs designed to build community, resilience, and wellness
This expansion is a critical next step in providing a continuum of care that meets the mental, emotional, and social needs of our community. Over time, these services will expand to SistersPHL to support trans communities across Pennsylvania.
Sisters PHL (Philadelphia Expansion)
Recognizing the urgent need for trans-led resources beyond Pittsburgh, Sisters PGH expanded into Philadelphia in 2024 with the launch of SistersPHL. While SistersPHL is in its early stages, our goal is to grow our presence in Philadelphia and provide the same level of direct support and advocacy that has transformed lives in Pittsburgh.
Current services provided through Sisters PHL include:
• Direct supportive services
• Rent & utility assistance
• Transportation support
• Food pantry access
• Essential items, including toiletries and non-perishable goods
As we continue building our presence in Philadelphia, gender-affirming care and behavioral health services will also be integrated into SistersPHL, ensuring trans communities across Pennsylvania have access to holistic, affirming, and lifesaving support.
Why This Gala Matters More Than Ever
We are witnessing an unprecedented wave of anti-trans legislation and executive orders that seek to erase trans existence. From attempts to ban gender-affirming care and criminalize trans youth to rolling back civil rights protections, this political moment requires us to come together, fight back, and uplift our community.
Under the new federal administration, we are already seeing:
• Attacks on trans healthcare, including restrictions on Medicaid and private insurance coverage for gender-affirming treatments.
• Policy rollbacks that threaten the rights of trans students in schools.
• Increased legal threats against organizations providing trans-affirming care and housing.
At Sisters PGH, we refuse to let our community be erased. This 15-Year Anniversary Gala is a rallying call—a chance to stand in solidarity, honor our history, and build a future where trans people thrive, not just survive.
Join Us for This Historic Celebration
This event is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement. It’s about honoring the work we’ve done, the lives we’ve changed, and the power of trans-led organizing.
• Get Your Tickets: [Insert Ticket Link]
• Become a Sponsor: [Insert Sponsorship Link]
• RSVP for Community Day: [Insert RSVP Link]
Let’s come together and make history. We’ll see you on June 21, 2025.
Event Highlights:
Red Carpet Experience (5:30 PM): Walk the red carpet and enjoy a stylish evening with photos and mingling before the festivities begin.
Welcome Reception (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Connect with fellow supporters over hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Opening Ceremony (7:00 PM - 7:30 PM): Hear inspiring remarks from Ciora Thomas, founder of Sisters PGH, and other special guest speakers.
Live Performances (7:30 PM - 8:30 PM): Celebrate with performances from local LGBTQIA artists and musicians.
Silent Auction (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Bid on unique auction items with all proceeds going to support The Stonewall Inn.
Dinner and Keynote Speech (8:30 PM - 9:30 PM): Enjoy a catered meal and listen to a keynote address from a prominent advocate in the LGBTQIA community.
Award Ceremony (9:30 PM - 10:00 PM): Help us honor the contributions of key individuals and organizations in Pittsburgh.
Our Goal:
As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we aim to raise $100,000 to support the ongoing work of The Stonewall Inn, our newest drop-in space in downtown Pittsburgh. With a 10-year lease secured at Emerald City, this space will provide essential services like emergency housing, legal support, mental health services, and gender-affirming care. Your support ensures we can continue operating and expanding these crucial services.
Limited capacity, so please purchase your tickets early!
General Admission: $75
VIP Admission: $150 (includes reserved seating, drinks, and a special gift)