The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance recognized Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agent Melissa Young with its Drew Griffin Beacon of Light Award for outstanding real estate and LGBTQ+ community service. 

The Beacon of Light Award honors the late PFLAG Pacific Northwest Regional Director Drew Griffin, who served on the Alliance’s original steering committee. 

Young received the award for her advocacy work in Pennsylvania supporting Alliance initiatives and LGBTQ+ rights with the Pittsburgh Association of REALTORS ® and the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®. 

As the founder of the Alliance’s Pittsburgh chapter, Young led an effort to have both associations support the Alliance’s Article 10 Rule, which discourages local Realtor political action committees from supporting candidates who discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. She also lobbied Pennsylvania REALTORS® to support Pennsylvania’s Fairness Act, which protects LGBTQ+ people in the workplace, housing and public accommodations. 

“I’m humbled to receive this honor,” Young said. “Our entire board in Pittsburgh and Alliance members in Pennsylvania put in the time, effort and thought to help open minds. We followed the principles of succeeding in local advocacy that my mom, who has a long career in advocacy, taught me.”    

“Melissa exemplifies what the Alliance’s local advocacy efforts can look like and achieve,” LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance President Tommie Wehrle said. “Advocacy in the real estate industry requires local engagement. Melissa and our Pittsburgh chapter developed the model for others to follow. Not only did they spend hours attending and presenting at a long list of association meetings, but they were prepared in every way.  

“It was exciting for all of us to follow the journey as Melissa’s Pittsburgh team made progress one person at a time, which ultimately led to the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® agreeing to adopt our Article 10 Rule and put its power behind the Commonwealth’s support of the LGBTQ+ community.”