In February, we spoke with graduate student Jason Lucarelli about upcoming events held by Chatham’s This is Me! Gay-Straight Alliance. This week, he’s got all of the info on T to T, an event hosted by Pittsburgh Transgender at the GLCC.
HC Chatham: What is T to T?
Jason Lucarelli: T To T is a social gathering coordinated by the Pittsburgh Transgender held at the GLCC. The event is for all individuals who fall within the trans umbrella and their allies to come together and meet other members of the community.
What is your role in T to T?
As a member of the Psychology of Gender Research team, our goal is to advocate for social justice both by producing research about the intersections of identity (including but not limited to gender) and well-being and through outreach activities designed to inform, support, and work for change within our community. For my part, I help to promote the event on campus at Chatham and throughout the entire Pittsburgh community.
What do you do at a typical gathering?
It is a potluck-style event where people can converse with other members of the community. We also provide workshops lead by various community leaders and professionals that aim to educate about the realities of what it is like to transition and live openly in the community as a person who identifies as transgender.
What do you enjoy most about the events?
What I enjoy most is seeing the camaraderie of members within the community and how welcoming they are to me as an ally.
How can people get involved with T to T?
To get involved with the next T to T event on May 17, 2014, you can contact me at Jlucarelli@chatham.edu or contact the GLCC at info@glcc.org.
What else is coming up at the GLCC?
There is always something going on at the GLCC. I always encourage people to check out the GLCC’s upcoming events page. There are belly dancing classes, social gatherings, services for youth, youth social gatherings, and the GLCC has one of the largest LGBT libraries in the country. And one of the most important events every month is the Outrageous Bingo held at Rodef Shalom in Oakland, which is the main fundraising event for the GLCC and the Shepherd Wellness Center of Pittsburgh. Outrageous Bingo always sells out, and the audience is treated to a new drag performer each month during intermission. The next Outrageous Bingo is Saturday, May 10, 2014. Tickets can be purchased here.
Looking for more to do? Jason recommends the TransPride Pittsburgh Regional Showcase, a 21+ event held on June 6, 2014 (Jason is a part of it!). He’ll also be marching with the GLCC in the Pride March during Pittsburgh Pride, a festival hosted June 6-15, 2014.