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Bright Young People event supporting LGBTQ+ youth in Pittsburgh

At the 2022 Allies Ball and Free For All, we celebrated our inaugural class of Bright Young People, those in our community who are already making a difference through their work, their art or their activism.

We are excited to continue this program in 2023 and to honor a new class of Bright Young People who are moving the conversation in Pittsburgh forward, particularly when it comes to equity and inclusion. The Bright Young People are already outstanding in their fields and their communities and are helping to build a bright future. The Bright Young People will be guests at the Allies Ball itself and will be a prominent part of the Free For All festivities.

We are pleased to introduce our 2023 constellation of Bright Young People!

The 2023 Bright Young People include:  

  • Rev. Michael Airgood
    (He / Him / His, They / Them / Theirs)
    Pastor, Pine Run United Methodist Church and Glassport United Methodist Church
  • Braeden Bash
    Braeden Bash
    (They/Them/Theirs)
    Physician Assistant
    UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
  • Jaycee Brown
    (She/Her/Hers, They/Them/Theirs)
    Maternal Addiction Social Worker,
    Allegheny Health Network Perinatal Hope Program
  • Rashod Brown
    (He/Him/His)
    Peer Engagement Specialist
    Community Human Services Corp
  • Lexi Byrom
    (She/Her/Hers)
    Student and founding member of Lebo Pride
  • Donal Donovan
    (They/Them/Theirs)
    Business owner and trainer at Free Will Health and Wellness
  • John Easter
    (He / Him / His)
    Executive Director
    True T Pgh
  • Deionte Harrilla-Gray
    (He / Him / His)
    Physician assistant student
    University of Pittsburgh
  • Patrick Mayoral
    (He/Him/His, They/Them/Theirs)
    AKA “Miss Demeanor” (she/her/hers),
    Student, Point Park University and founder,
    Be Gay, Do Crime
  • Tana Pierro
    (They/Them/Theirs)
    Occupational Therapy Graduate Student
    University of Pittsburgh
  • Nicky Ripley
    (They/Them/Theirs)
    Legal Aid Attorney
    Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation
  • Thomas Whitfield
    (He / Him / His)
    Expansion And Outreach Coordinator
    The Open Door