#LetsMakeASEEN is an occasional feature highlighting small nonprofits with a big impact.
From the underground ballroom scene to a service organization in Bloomfield, there is one word to describe True T PGH: adaptable. Formerly known as True T Entertainment, it began in 2010 as a way for co-executive directors Duane Binion, 33, and John Easter, 30, to fill a void in the local underground ballroom scene. “We met through ballroom activity and became best friends,” said Mr. Binion. “We would also compare ballroom to gay Hollywood and how we could make that a real thing in Pittsburgh. We wanted to replicate that.”
Why ballroom? “There is so much oppression, marginalization, poverty, lack of resources, opportunities and spaces,” said Mr. Easter. “Being black and gay, the ballroom scene was a place for us to find our life and show our talent and exchange information, community, things happening in our world.” Noting that so many in the community didn’t feel accepted or meaningfully engaged by mainstream society, ballroom allowed them to be free to be who they wanted to be.
“It’s a second home for those who have been shunned from their own families,” added Mr. Binion. The organization held annual events like the Galaxy Ball, Black Gay Prom, Vogue Pittsburgh and Blacks Who Brunch before deciding their reach needed to extend beyond community engagement. Mr. Easter, who worked with PERSAD, and Mr. Binion, who worked with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, decided to add Option U to the expanding services provided by True T Pittsburgh.
They secured True T Studios on Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield and began working full time as co-executive directors in June 2019. The newly created Option U Transitional housing program aims to uplift trans and nonbinary people. “While we don’t personally identify that way, we’ve gone along the journey with our friends and have seen them get bullied and struggle. We wanted to do something to give back,” said Mr. Binion. The program serves those 18 years and older who identify as trans or nonbinary, and are either living in unsafe housing or are homeless.
“We are in the process of creating a secondary family through Option U,” Mr. Easter said. “Once you graduate from Option U you are always a part of True T, like an alumni group to keep that family vibe going.”
There is an on-site residential adviser to support each incoming “class.” The program is tailored to fit individual needs with the hope of helping them back on their feet within six months. True T welcomes donations of gently used clothing and nonperishable goods to support residents from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“There are different levels of homelessness,” Mr. Easter noted. “Some people who are with us are working full-time jobs but at minimum wage, so they cannot afford full-time housing.”
One resident lived in a cemetery before finding her way to Option U. Another fled an abusive home. Once in housing, many need health care links, HIV testing and other social supports.
Until recently, all funding for True T PGH came from its co-executive directors. Now Mr. Binion and Mr. Easter are hoping to expand their funding options. “Dr. Stacy Lane and the Lane Foundation have been a great support,” said Mr. Binion. “She backed us with initial funding to pay for this first year.” The Jewish Healthcare Foundation also has awarded a contract grant. Both men hope that Option U can find more sustainable funding so that the work can continue beyond next year. In addition, True T PGH has created memberships to help draw the community to the space.
Membership is free for artists and members of the LGBTQIA+ and black communities who live in Allegheny County and surrounding areas. If you are an ally to these communities, membership is $20 to help support future programming. Members receive perks such as 50% off some events and special discounts on space rental. “Having a membership allows us to create a safe space free of stigma,” said Mr. Binion. “As long as we stay genuine and true to ourselves and the mission, we know everything will be OK.”
First Published: February 3, 2020, 2:00 p.m.
