Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities (PLC)

#ProtectTransKids

City Council proclaims September 12, 2022 ‘Protect Trans Kids Day‘ in the City of Pittsburgh via unanimous proclamation. Click here to read the proclamation directed by a committee of trans youth (18 and under) and with the input & approval of Ke’Juan’s family.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that during this back-to-school season and heading into important awareness dates  such as National Coming Out Day, Spirit Week, LGBTQ History Month, and the Transgender Day of Remembrance, the City of Pittsburgh should acknowledge the unique contributions and needs of trans youth and take every possible action to Protect Trans Kids. 

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh declares Monday, September 12, 2022, “Protect Trans Kid Day,” here in the City of Pittsburgh. 

Passed in City Council on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

Theresa Kail-Smith, President of Council

Attest: Ms. Kim Clark-Baskin, City Clerk

SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN BOBBY WILSON 

CO-SPONSORED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS:

President Theresa Kail-Smith, Ricky V. Burgess, Anthony Coghill, Deborah Gross, Bruce A. Kraus, R. Daniel Lavelle, and Erika Strassburger

Request a sign bit.ly/ProtectsTransKidsSigns ** And NOW Stickers!

A local multi-racial, queer family has been coping with harrassment from a neighbor, including using racism language with their teens and posting a nine-foot ‘collapsible’ sign in her own yard, facing the window of their 15-year-old Black trans daughter.

That sign reads ‘Transing is abuse and homophobic.’

Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities has been supporting the family as they cope with this harassment. We’ve connected them with government resources, legal supports, and honored their request to make their story visible. We will continue to stand with them while the court cases proceed and until their children feel safe in their neighborhood.

You can read multiple articles about this family and their story, including first-person Q&A’s with the parents and two of their trans and queer kids at this link. For more information on how to connect with the family, please read their Q&As and email us folx@pghlgbtq.org

We’ve also helped to plant a garden of #ProtectTransKids yard signs designed with the family. We’ve distributed them throughout the region, beginning with the neighborhoods closest to the family (Pittsburgh’s Northside.)

In two weeks, we distributed 150+ signs, In that same time period, we’ve received requests for nearly 400 signs, In less than four weeks, we’ve distributed 400+ signs. In six weeks, we’ve distributed nearly 600 signs. In that same time period, we’ve received requests for nearly 700 signs, most in the City itself but others from Greensburg (Westmoreland County), Mt. Lebanon, Sewickley, Ellwood City (Lawrence County), and even Philadelphia.

Ideally, what would support from the community look like to you? People putting up signs in the neighborhood supporting trans youth. The community watching out for us and making sure we are ok. Keeping us posted on what we can do, what I can do, so the next family that goes through will have the resources and processes put in place.

– Ke’Juan, 15

There is no charge for a yard sign, but we do rely on donations to fund production of new signs. The signs average $12/each and we can purchase a batch of 50 for $580 or a larger batch of 250 for $2500. This is our cost, not a fundraiser. Our print partner is Commonwealth Press who have donated the design work and been diligent about turning around the orders lightning fast.

Individuals can also request up to five stickers that will be mailed to them. Still no charge, but we do ask for donations of $1/per sticker to cover printing and postage. Schools, libraries, and youth organizations can request 10 stickers per building. Please use the same form

We will continue to order new signs as long as we have requests (and donations.)

Request a sign AND stickers bit.ly/ProtectsTransKidsSigns

Donations can be made via

“One sign in one yard is powerful, but watching five or ten additional signs pop up the next day in that neighborhood — it is like a garden blooming,” says Kerr. “We encourage other communities to invest in batches of signs to send a message of support to trans youth. Imagine the possibilities, especially in areas where elected officials support anti-trans legislation or school districts are struggling to provide safe learning environments for LGBTQ students. Even a handful of neighbors showing support for one of their own.”

Sue Kerr to the Pittsburgh City Paper
Order stickers now!

Read more at the Pittsburgh City Paper and other local media sources