PA Equality Project

About Us

Our Vision

We are dedicated to making Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and grow for the LGBTQIA+ community, the disabled, people of color, indigenous people, and other marginalized groups. We seek a Pennsylvania free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, disability, national origin, age, and religious creed or lack thereof.

Our Mission

PEP seeks to end legal discrimination based on real or perceived sexual and gender identity. Furthermore, PEP also seeks to end maltreatment against people within the LGBTQ+ community. PEP is working in partnership with other organizations to assure that all LGBTQ+ and other marginalized community members have a place to call home that is stable, secure, and affordable.

Our History as ME4PA

On June 21, 2011, our organization's founder, David Moore, decided that if New York could have marriage rights for same-sex couples recognized under the law, that Pennsylvanians deserve those same rights. Other states had civil unions, but Pennsylvania did not honor out-of-state marriage certificates, nor would they allow marriage for same-sex couples.

David formed a Facebook group called Marriage Equality for Pennsylvania to gain some like-minded friends who would help him advocate to make this goal a reality for all same-sex couples in PA.

In May 2014, Judge John Jones of the Federal District Court in Harrisburg ruled that laws related to the discrimination against same-sex couples who are seeking to get married was to be put in the dustbin of history. On May 20, 2014, Pennsylvania officials could legally issue marriage licenses and certificates.

Beginning in 2013, D. Bruce Hanes, the Clerk of the Orphans' Court in Montgomery County began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Officiants such as John Fetterman agreed to marry said couples. For technical reasons, marriage equality did not come to Montgomery County until a few months after the ruling.

What happened next?

In 2012, David met Joshua Szczesny, an advocate and activist searching for a cause. He worked with David and co-founded the organization that in 2013 would grow to more than 15,000 followers on Facebook and marched on the capitol steps of Harrisburg in pursuit of marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Josh didn't stop at rallies in Harrisburg. He organized and ran a Ska concert in Scranton, organized a rally in Philadelphia at which then State Representative Brian Sims received the ME4PA Equality Award in recognition of Rep. Sims' passion to help the LGBTQ+ community. During the rally in Philadelphia, the Parade of Chariots passed by, and the entire group that had assembled for the rally found themselves dancing in the streets in a parade that included elephants!

Soon after ME4PA became Pennsylvania Equality Project, Joshua left the organization in pursuit of other opportunities. He is now a legacy member of the organization and has the unending thanks and support of the community.

our Board of Directors

Dylan Altemara

Dylan Altemara (he/him) joined Pennsylvania Equality Project in 2020 and served as the Legislative Director until June 2023, when he was promoted to co-Vice President. Dylan also serves in other leadership positions within Allegheny County. Dylan became President in January 2025.

Savannah Jakubowski

Savannah (she/her) is an advocate for both the LGBTQIA+ community and literacy. She organized the Blasco Memorial Library Children's section Read-In in 2023 and has advocated to stop book bans in PA. Savannah also serves as our Erie County leader.

Savannah became Vice President in January 2025.

Erica Deuso

Erica Deuso, Ph.D. (she/her) is a scientist, businesswoman, and a strong advocate for marginalized communities. Over the past 15 years, she has worked with multiple organizations to promote transgender rights, authoring workplace gender transition best practices, and implementing best-in-class transgender healthcare plans. Erica is also an active member of the Chester County Democratic Committee and Mayor-Elect of Downingtown, PA, where she resides with her husband, dog, and three cats. PEP Treasurer

David Moore

In 2011, David (he/him) formed a predecessor organization, Marriage Equality for Pennsylvania. During his tenure, he built PA Equality Project into the largest grassroots organization for the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Pennsylvania. David is a retired high school teacher. As of January 2025, David is the Past President and current Board Secretary.

Tiffany Shirley

Tiffany Shirley (she/her) is very passionate and determined to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. She currently serves as the President of Lancaster Pride and is always working with the community, not just the day of the Pride festival. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Keystone Business Alliance as the Events Chair.

Hestan Shongo

Hestan (he/him) serves as the Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors, President of the Crawford County Chapter of PEP, and as a full board member. His volunteer work focuses primarily on the Pride events in Meadville and Erie. As of January 2025, Hestan is now a "full" Board Member.

Jocelyn McCarty

Jocelyn McCarty lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband and three children. She's an advocate for both the special needs and LGBTQ communities, and she has one child with Down Syndrome. Jocelyn enjoys reading, crafting, and rowing. She is involved in the political group, North Hills Progressive Neighbors and various school related volunteering. She holds a BS in Interior Design from Mercyhurst University.

OY (they/them) is a nurse educator from Ghana who has traveled to the United States to share their experiences about LGBTQ+ education and outreach work in Ghana. He provides information about safe-sex practices and safe worship spaces for those in the LGBTQ+ community in their hometown.