Above: The Delta Foundation purchased the empty storefront at 911 Galveston Ave. for their new office space. (Photo by Kelsey Shea)

by William Park

While advocates of the LGBTQ community fight for marriage equality in Harrisburg, the Delta Foundation will be advocating for gay pride and equality from their new offices located in Allegheny West.

A nonprofit organization founded in 1996, the Delta Foundation organizes events and works with corporations and politicians to improve the lives of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer citizens in Western Pennsylvania.

“We think [moving to the Northside] is a great way to continue on that improvement,” said Christine Bryan, director of marketing and development.

The Foundation’s new building at 911 Galveston Avenue will have offices, a meeting space and an LGBT history gallery.

“This is a building we want to encourage the community to use,” said Bryan.

The gallery will be open to the public and members of the community will be able to use the meeting spaces and event spaces will be available in the future.

The move will significantly cut the Foundations operational costs, and several apartments above the building will be rented to bring in extra funds.

Though the apartments will be rented for now, the Foundation is considering someday converting them into an event space.

The Delta Foundation has previously rented office space in the Strip District and downtown, but it has been looking to buy and move into an entire building of its own within city limits.

Bryan said the location in the city and the Northside’s LGBT community made the Northside a good fit.

“[The Northside is] a great neighborhood to be in, and we’re really excited to be there,” said Bryan.

In addition to organizing events throughout the year, the Delta Foundation also publishes Equal Magazine.

The monthly publication highlights LGBT events and leaders in the Pittsburgh business and social community.

Last month, the Foundation held its annual event, Pittsburgh Pride – a 10-day celebration of gay pride that included a downtown parade and an Adam Lambert concert.