Pittsburgh might not have the largest trans community, but it still exists and plays a vital role in the city’s social life.
With the right knowledge, you can find some great neighborhoods and places to meet TGs.
And luckily, this article will provide you with all the info you need to connect with trans men and women in Pittsburgh.
From night venues to community centers and online dating sites, we’ll cover multiple different ways.
Towards the end, we’ll also share some personal experiences of how the city treats trans folks. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Pittsburgh
1. Bars and Clubs
There are certain night venues that have become gathering spots for transgender individuals.
And while you might occasionally come across them in regular bars and clubs as well, it can be a matter of chance.
So if you want to increase your chances of meeting TGs, then these places should be at the top of your list.
P Town Bar – These guys are known for their fun weekly events like drag shows on Mondays and Karaoke every Thursday. The crowd is a mix of queer and trans individuals.
The Brewer’s Bar – This bar has a no-discrimination policy and inclusive staff, some of whom are trans. Fridays are the best time to visit, especially for their popular karaoke nights.
5801 Club – One of my favorite spots in the city with a good mix of people especially on weekends. Younger, older, straight, trans, queer, you’ll find everyone here, especially during their Sunday drag brunches.
Harold’s Hunt – This place markets itself, especially as a “they bar ” so naturally, it has become a hotspot among the LGBTQ+ community.
Blue Moon – Easily the most inclusive bar in the city. You will always find trans folks here regardless of the time you visit. And as you can see, their drag shows are also very enjoyable…
2. Community Centers and Organizations
There are several inclusive organizations in Pittsburgh that support trans folks.
We’ll start with PGH Equality Center which acts as a social/resource hub for the LGBTQ+ community.
They host several events every month and some of them are also trans-focused.
Another place is the Persad Center. From counseling and mental health services to social groups, they offer various services to trans individuals.
Then there’s Trans Buddy PGH which acts as a community-led support organization. They host virtual meetups from time to time.
Similarly, Sisters PGH is also an option for TGNC folks. They also have a community center that hosts weekly meetups.
3. Trans Dating Sites
If you’re looking to connect with trans individuals in Pittsburgh through online dating, you’re in luck. There are plenty of options catering to various preferences:
TSDates– If you’re interested in more casual encounters or hookups, TSDates is a popular choice. It boasts a diverse user base, including both trans and cis individuals.
Taimi – For those seeking to make new friends within the LGBTQ+ community, Taimi is an excellent app to consider.
It connects you not only with local individuals in Pittsburgh but also with queer and trans people from across Pennsylvania.
Tinder– If you want versatility and are open to both dating and casual relationships, Tinder is a widely used platform.
But note that Tinder does not offer a specific filter for trans profiles, which can make finding them a bit challenging.
4. Online Groups and Pages
There are several TG focused online groups that you can join. We’ll start with the Transfeminine and Trans Masculine Pittsburgh Facebook groups.
As the name suggests, one is for MtF trans individuals, while the other caters to FtM.
Both groups are great for connecting with the community and learning about upcoming events.
Then there’s a group for the LGBTQ+ Community where you’ll find a mixed group of people.
Moving on, there are also pages like TransPride and Pittsburgh Transgender that organize meetups and picnics.
Lastly, it’s also worth keeping an eye out for the events hosted on Meetup.
You’ll find info about plenty of LGBTQ+ get-togethers on the site every month.
5. Other LGBT+ Spaces
Pittsburgh actually has a ton of LGBTQ+ friendly breweries and by far, one of the most popular among TGs is Trace Brewing.
They openly display the pride flag so it’s clear why they’re favorites among the community.
Another one is Necromencer Brewing which is actually a queer-owned business so the staff is very inclusive.
And if you’re looking for a trans friendly gym then you have Planet Fitness gyms spread across the city.
They have strict discrimination policies and are quick to cancel the membership of transphobic individuals.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is generally a chill city for trans individuals and hate crimes are uncommon.
Though I still wouldn’t say that you’re completely safe from misgendering and harassment.
Areas near the city center are pretty progressive, but you’ll encounter some people with strong opinions in the suburbs.
However, most of them won’t give you any problems so you can simply ignore them.
Nonetheless, I do think that the trans community here is kind of small, especially in comparison to Philadelphia.
But overall, the city at its core isn’t a bad place for TGs, especially if you’re picking the right neighborhood.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh may not be stacked with TG focused venues but there are more than enough options.
We’d say that as long as you’re on the East side of Pittsburgh near Lawrenceville, Shadyside, and other surrounding areas, you will have a great time.
The majority of trans folks live in those neighborhoods so you’re almost guaranteed to meet someone every time you go outside.
Otherwise, you can always find trans men and women in night venues, social groups, or even online, as discussed above.
So that’s all from my side, I hope you have a great time connecting with the community!
