OUR MISSION
COMMUNITY STANDING TOGETHER
A lot of people are feeling anxious, with the feeling that they need to do something, to march or scream or just find a place to commiserate …
Isolation is a terrible thing, we long for a personal connection to express our feelings and build community, if COVID taught us anything it’s that we crave connection and the ability to express in real time.
Queers have historically understood the power of community and the need to support. In the early days of the AIDS crisis the community gathered to form a strong and socially effective community, showing that we are STRONGER together. Whether discussing issues, sharing our dreams or vocalizing our fears and anxiety, Our Community is what shapes and defines us. 40 years later we are back here again feeling uncertain, fearful but hopeful and optimistic, pointed in the direction of change.
STAYenGAYged was conceived to be the antidote to isolation and to be a place Where Community Mixes Together, envisions itself as a on-ramp of resources and education, and an environment that empowers the broader community to overcome social and personal barriers and embrace their LGBTQ+ identities.
Anyone can join us at our supportive in-person events that encourages individuals to actively engage in various social and civic initiatives, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support regardless of their background or circumstances. There’s also our online presence, on social media and our Website where community members can easily find resources and information from businesses and organizations that contribute their own content. This interaction helps STAYenGAYged to create a Data Base of places and events that is safe for your community.
For our Supporters, we will visit your location and create video interviews, walkthrough videos and photos to showcase your business and organization creating a better connection with the community to learn more about what you do.
So….. Join US, see your friends, meet new ones, and channel what you are feeling into something fun, supportive and good for the soul.
We may not overturn the world, but we can overturn what we do about it.
STAYenGAYged, Where Community Mixes Together.
Thank you for your support,
Emerson Aniceto, Bebe Beretta and James Eidel.
Emerson s a passionate advocate for cancer awareness, specializing in the promotion of inclusivity and support for marginalized communities affected by breast and prostate cancer. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by these communities, he works tirelessly to raise awareness and provide resources that empower individuals to navigate their cancer journeys with resilience and hope.
As an artist, Emerson uses creative expression as a powerful tool for storytelling and healing. Their artwork reflects personal narratives and collective experiences, inviting viewers to engage in meaningful conversations about cancer and its impact on diverse communities. By transforming pain into art, Emerson not only fosters dialogue but also creates safe spaces where individuals can share their stories and find solace in shared experiences.
In addition to their artistic endeavors, Emerson leads workshops and exhibitions that bring together people from various backgrounds to learn about cancer awareness and advocacy. These events serve as platforms for education and community engagement, encouraging participants to embrace their voices and advocate for change.
Emerson is also committed to building supportive networks within marginalized communities, recognizing that access to resources and information can be a barrier for many. By partnering with local organizations and health professionals, Emerson ensures that individuals facing cancer have the support they need, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among those impacted by the disease.
Through their multifaceted approach—combining art, education, and community support—Emerson continues to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals affected by breast and prostate cancer. Their unwavering dedication to inclusivity and empowerment helps to shine a light on important issues while fostering hope and resilience in the fight against cancer.
EMERSON ANICETO
BEBE BERETTA
Born at West Penn Hospital and raised in Butler, Bebe Beretta has always been a Pittsburgh local. The name being a callback to her origins of guns, cars and classic rock, Bebe started local drag in 2011 at There Ultra Lounge, a regular constant (and occasional winner) of Kierra Darshell's Drag Search contest.
Having spent 2 years living out of her car in her drag infancy, Bebe eventually joined up with the regular performers of the Blue Moon, as well as other new queens and eventually landed in Lawrenceville, finally unpacking her car to a cluttered life of messy art gallery shows and underground/dive bar trash drag.
15 years of performance later, and having since wiped the blood (both real and fake) from her Pleasers, Bebe prefers a bit of polish and intention while summoning a slightly unstable essence in her drag style nowadays, finding inspiration in the Angry Princess archetypes from pop culture. Not to be confused for a non-alternative queen, Bebe focuses on encouraging the outsiders and those with messy hands but an earnest heart in the community, having known and lived through poverty, trauma and discrimination.
There are so many different versions of me that it's often overwhelming to recollect. I've been a Designer, a Director, a Developer but always a Dreamer. It seems that every decade whether consciously decided or directed by the universe, my career paths have changed from one discipline to the next, each providing another side to the amorphous shape of my life.
A decade as a corporate director, shaping the marketing and branding of the nation's largest fortune 500 retailers. A decade of development in Los Angeles created some of the cities most notoriously attended social clubs, lounges and restaurants. A decade designing film projects, a rich arch of projects ending on an Oscar win for my department's contributions. And now, I start a brand new decade of Dedication to my community.
After 4 years of dedication to Pittsburgh's LGBTQ+ community helping to reinvigorate and rebrand Art for Change into one of the cities most vital queer events, and after designing and opening the state only free Trans and Queer Gym safe space, I partnered and launched the country’s only LGBTQ+ All Drag super PAC: Drag PAC. We launched in 2024, attended the DNC, sold out events and featured the talents of the nation's leading names in Drag. In a year's time we outpaced and out performed the largest names and voices in LGBTQ+ advocacy and set a new engagement precedence for getting out the vote. We continue to push and move the dial on training, education and event models that promote the issues that affect the queer community as we look to meet the challenge of the 2026 midterms.
Now it's all about local activism and advocacy. With talented partners Emerson Aniceto and Bebe Beretta, I look to move the dial on grassroots engagement and participation, shaping the political outcomes of the region and the country. Not since the AIDS crisis of the 80’s has the LGBTQ+ community seen such a concerted effort to dismantle and erase the accomplishments and history of our community. With this event model we hope to galvanize support and promote our efforts to build a stronger and sustainable queer community.
JAMES EIDEL
KNOW OUR SUPPORTERS
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EPSODE #01 - THE BEST MOMENTS
