Resilience was the theme of the third annual Lebo Pride [1] celebration at Mt. Lebanon Park on Saturday, June 15. “Resilience, like the phoenix,” Asta Kill, Lebo Pride President, pointed out during the opening ceremony.
Pittsburgh artists David Montgomery and Karen Krieger designed the interactive art installation, which allowed visitors to write a message on a feather and attach it to the phoenix depicted on the banner.
“We knew that the theme was phoenix rising and we wanted to do something that was going to be interactive so people could feel a part of it,” Krieger said. “And, amazingly, that’s exactly how it’s working so far,” said Montgomery.
By the end of the day, the wings were filled with positive messages of hope and acceptance.
Tricia DeYoung, South Park, has attended Lebo Pride for the past three years. Her husband, Sean, is the CEO for Allies for Health + Wellbeing, one of several event sponsors and host of one of 32 vendor booths spread throughout the park. “Resilience is what all of our LGBTQ+ kids and adults need—that ability to have support so that they can bounce back and heal and have that supportive place in their lives where everybody thrives,” she said.
“Some days can be very hard for our marginalized communities and an event like this lets everyone know that if you are here, you are loved no matter who you are, no matter who you love. This community is for everyone,” said Mary Ullman, Parker Drive, one of the event’s many volunteers carrying rainbow umbrellas.
Lebo Pride has grown in size and scope since the first celebration at Clearview Common [2] in 2022.
“After that, we realized we had so many people ask if they could participate and have tents and booths, especially non-profits, that moving it to the park made a lot of sense,” said Stephanie Fedro-Byrom, Lebo Pride board member.
Activities at Lebo Pride included yoga, arts and crafts, a bounce house, clothing swap, music, face painting, lawn games and a lip sync battle.
