SisTers PGH Founder Makes History

SisTers PGH Founder and Executive Director Ciora Thomas wrote the following on being highlighted in the Heinz History Center's exhibit "A Woman's Place: How Women Shaped Pittsburgh."

"Another one for the history books. A Black Trans woman and her work displayed in the Heinz History Center for the first time while she's alive is ICONIC! I'm truly grateful to the team at the History Center, especially DaNia Childress, for taking the time to listen. Listening can be one of the most potent and liberating tools of storytelling.

Seeing and reading about my MANY years of work in a history center felt so surreal! I caught myself drowning out all the chatter around me and honing in on this moment.

I don't always get to slow down and appreciate the change I have made in Pittsburgh/Allegheny County/PA, because the work is nonstop, and I'm focused on changing the societal trajectory of the Trans-to-homelessness pipeline for my community.

I hope this motivates younger Black Trans women and girls to fight the good fight even when it feels like your back is up against the wall. Even when people are gaslighting you and trying to silence you. Even when people attack you for standing up for yourself. Even when you no longer want to fight because the fight is beating your ass. You can do it!

Social justice work and nonprofit work aren't easy, but remaining a student of leadership experience will take you far! Always be willing to learn and stand on business about us at all costs!"

Visit Ciora's Exhibit

Make sure to check out Ciora's collection in "A Woman's Place: How Women Shaped Pittsburgh," which will be on exhibit through Oct. 6, 2024.