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A youth-centered, family-focused gathering to connect and celebrate LGBTQIA+ students and families.
A youth-centered, family-focused gathering to connect and celebrate LGBTQIA+ students and families.
Launched in 2021, FC Pride in the Park was inspired by the questions of a newly out fifth-grader who wanted to know, “Will my school do anything for Pride?” Knowing the answer to that question, their mom posted to a local social justice group, asking the group if anyone would be interested in helping to plan a Pride event for LGBTQIA+ youth and families in the Fox Chapel Area School District. The community responded en force. With only three weeks to plan and a GoFundMe, the first annual FC Pride in the Park welcomed over 300 guests. Now in its fifth year and with an expected attendance of over 1,000, FC Pride in the Park continues to grow. This year, we will expand our reach to welcome youth and families across Allegheny County as one of the few youth-centered Pride events.
FC Pride is a 100% volunteer-run, grassroots organization. A volunteer Advisory Board comprises all LGBTQIA+ community members and provides guidance to a planning committee of allies who support the event.
Meet the 2026 Volunteer Advisory Board
Meet the 2026 Volunteer Advisory Board
Aerin Adams (she/her)
Aerin Adams (she/her)
Aerin is an openly queer parent in the Fox Chapel Area School District. She and her family moved here from South Dakota in search of a welcoming and diverse community. Aerin is passionate about strengthening and nurturing that community for her children and the generations to come.
Cara Clarke (she/her)
Cara Clarke (she/her)
Cara has lived in Aspinwall for almost 20 years and is from the Pittsburgh area.
She has had a strong tie to the LGBTQIA+ community since before she even realized that she was part of it 10ish years ago…… Lol
Mile Heise (she/he/xe)
Mile Heise (she/he/xe)
Miles is a nonbinary and queer resident of Blawnox. Xe is a software engineer and a member of the local performing arts community. Miles hopes that events like this can help make growing up queer a little easier for the next generation.
Oliver Seibert (he/him)
Oliver Seibert (he/him)
Oliver is currently a student of Fox Chapel Area High School (Class of 2027). He is one of the club leaders for the school’s GSA and is also a member of the Diversity Council. As a young member of the LGBTQ+ community, being a part of activities and groups like this is something that matters to him. Oliver is also involved in the school’s theatre, orchestra, and choir. He has taken steps to improve these places’ inclusion of queer people.
Meet the Volunteer Planning Committee Chairs (Allies/Advocates)
Meet the Volunteer Planning Committee Chairs (Allies/Advocates)
Sarah Shaffer (she/her)
Sarah Shaffer (she/her)
The idea for FC Pride in the Park was inspired by a conversation I had in 2021 with my child, who is a member of the LGBTQ community. They wondered who else was in their community and if their school would do anything to celebrate Pride month. I wanted to create a space where members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the Fox Chapel Area could connect with each other and also know that they were welcomed and supported by allies throughout the community. The community's response has been overwhelming and I can't wait to gather again.
Through our fiscal sponsor, Aspinwall Neighbors, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization, donations to FC Pride in the Park may be tax-deductible.
Through our fiscal sponsor, Aspinwall Neighbors, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization, donations to FC Pride in the Park may be tax-deductible.
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