lgbtq Archives - The Pitt News

Protesters criticize ‘dangerous’ rhetoric at Knowles, Polumbo debate

By Spencer Levering and Alexandra Ross • April 19, 2023

More than 250 people protested on O’Hara Street Tuesday evening outside the O’Hara Student Center, where Michael Knowles debated Brad Polumbo on whether the government should regulate transgender identity.

Free speech experts weigh in on University’s decision to allow ‘anti-trans’ events

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor • April 18, 2023

In terms of whether the University could face legal repercussions if it canceled the “anti-trans” events, some first amendment experts have varying viewpoints on the answer, but they agree that the University is upholding the principles of free speech and the First Amendment.

‘We must be fearless’: Pennsylvania Rep. La’Tasha Mayes denounces Pitt for hosting ‘transphobic’ speakers

By Tanya Babbar, Staff Writer • March 27, 2023

La’Tasha Mayes, a Democrat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, discussed student activism and “anti-trans” events on Friday in honor of the 50th anniversary of both Pitt’s Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Department and Rainbow Alliance.

‘Not going anywhere’: Pitt students protest ‘anti-trans’ event with Cabot Phillips

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor • March 25, 2023

About 300 students, faculty and community members protested outside the Cathedral of Learning Friday, chanting “transphobes have got to go” before an event featuring conservative commentator Cabot Phillips started later that evening.

Opinion | The right is trying to eradicate queer futurity under the guise of protecting children

By Ebonee Rice-Nguyen, Staff Columnist • March 19, 2023

For LGBTQ+ people in America, 2022 marked a year filled with fear and uncertainty as the right introduced a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. In 2023, these anxieties spiked as some of these proposed bills turned into reality.

Faculty assembly discusses upcoming ‘anti-trans’ events, continuation of ELI through next year

By Madison Dean, Senior Staff Writer • March 17, 2023

The Faculty Assembly held a meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the continuation of the English Language Institute, the impact of upcoming ‘anti-trans’ events on the Pitt community and exercise facility benefits for employees.

PA House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus condemns Pitt for ‘transphobic’ events

By Alexandra Ross, Assistant News Editor • March 15, 2023

A wave of backlash against two upcoming “anti-trans” events at Pitt has reached Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus condemned Pitt and called for the events to be canceled.

‘Putting students in danger’: Transgender students at Pitt share thoughts on upcoming ‘anti-trans’ events

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor • March 14, 2023

In the wake of the upcoming “anti-trans” events scheduled to take place on Pitt’s campus, some transgender students are raising concerns over safety and say they are disappointed by a lack of support from the University.

Pitt alum uses ‘love for large-scale special events’ he learned at Pitt Program Council to start event production business in Washington D.C.

By Ananya Pathapadu, Staff Writer • February 27, 2023

Roger Whyte, a 2007 alumnus, is the founder and principle at Stratus Firm, an event production company based in Washington D.C. that organizes events across the world. These events range from galas and conferences to summits and broadcasts.

Editorial | Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric is killing people

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • November 27, 2022

LGBTQ+ people are gaining more recognition and representation in the general public and media, yet they still face discrimination, harassment and even death as the Club Q shooting demonstrated once again.