body
WHEREAS, a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Richard Parsakian first came to Pittsburgh in 1971 to serve as a AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer with the Pittsburgh Architect's Workshop, which provides free design services to low-income families and nonprofit organizations; and,
WHEREAS, in 1972, along with his roommate Tim Hare, Richard published the first LGBT newspaper in Pittsburgh, known as "The Gay Times"; and,
WHEREAS, over 30 years ago, Richard opened Eons Fashion Antique along Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside. Since its opening, Eons has served as a costume resource for Pittsburgh's films, television shows, theatre performances, dance projects, and more. In 2016, Yahoo Style named Eons as one of the top 25 vintage stores in the nation; and,
WHEREAS, for over 40 years, Richard has been active in Pittsburgh's LGBTQIA+ community and the city's arts and cultural renaissance by donating his time and talents to many social events, benefits, and fundraisers and serving on countless boards and committees; and,
WHEREAS, a trailblazer in Pittsburgh's LGBTQIA+ community, Richard served as a founding member of the committee that first brought Pridefest to Ellsworth Avenue and was among the first to popularize the art of drag performance in Pittsburgh. He also developed the very popular Divas of Drag event at the annual Ellsworth Avenue Music, Dance, and Arts Showcase and created the historic 30' x 60' Pride Flag that has made an appearance at every Pittsburgh Pride March for the past 25 years; and,
WHEREAS, an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, Pittsburgh's arts and theatre communities, reproductive rights, and HIV/AIDS care, Richard has donated his time, energy, and design talents to Pittsburgh organizations, including Persad Center, Pittsburgh Dance Council, Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania, Allies for Health + Well Being, Mario Lemieux Cancer Foundation, Pittsburgh Dance Council, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Dance Alloy, Attack Theatre's Dirty Ball...
Click here for full text