Pittsburgh’s gray streets exploded with color on Saturday as thousands of people carrying pride flags and wearing various hues of orange, yellow, purple, red, blue and green jammed Downtown and the North Side during the 2023 Pittsburgh Pride March.

A number of marchers carried signs messaging support for members of the trans community. Trans people have become the focus of attacks in several state legislatures and on a number of conservative media outlets. While crossing the Andy Warhol Bridge, marchers picked up the chant, “Protect trans lives.”

This year’s event marked the 50th anniversary of the city’s celebration of Pride Month.

The Pittsburgh Pride Colorguard performs on West Commons near Ridge Avenue on the North Side. (Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Union Progress)
Marchers carry a rainbow flag on the approach to the Andy Warhol Bridge. (Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Union Progress)
Tammy Zelmore of Mount Pleasant offers “Free Mom Hugs” on the North Side. (Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Union Progress)
Spectators watch from the Andy Warhol Bridge. (Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Union Progress)
Marchers on Sandusky Street on the North Side. (Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Union Progress)
Sandusky Street turns into a rainbow of colors. (Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Union Progress)
Marchers carry a rainbow flag across the Andy Warhol Bridge. (Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Union Progress)
Steve Mellon

Steve is a photojournalist and writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he is currently on strike and working as a Union Progress co-editor. Reach him at smellon@unionprogress.com.

Steve Mellon

Steve is a photojournalist and writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he is currently on strike and working as a Union Progress co-editor. Reach him at smellon@unionprogress.com.