Knowing Wright from Wrong

When I first heard that the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barak Obama’s pastor, was making controversial statements, I wasn’t surprised. I have heard him preach many times. In his addresses and sermons to conferences and synods, he has never been reluctant to take on the most controversial issues of the day.

The media had a field day as they exposed Rev. Wright’s disapproval of the fact that the promises and expectations of the American dream hadn’t reached the section of south Chicago where his parishioners live. His sermons, addressed to poor Blacks, many of whom were confined to big city slums, pointed out the injustices and prejudices that so often affect them.

'Marriage Protection Amendment' moves forward in PA Senate

After holding hearing on Senate Bill 1250, the “Marriage Protection Amendment,” the Senate Judiciary Committee voted this bill out of committee with a 10-4 vote. The “Marriage Protection Amendment” would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to define marriage as solely between one man and one woman and prohibit civil unions and potentially more.

Erie County’s two State Senators, Mary Jo White and Jane Earll, played a critical role in the Judiciary Committee hearing and votes. In the Committee meeting, both Senators pressed the committee to hold additional hearings in order to better understand the possible impacts of the legislation. Senator Earll was one of the four Senators to vote “no” on the bill.

Drenched Fur Is a Splashing Success

The first weekend of April was the fourth year of Erie’s premier bear run event, Drenched Fur. This year was host to a record 230 attendees, almost double last year’s run! Participants enjoyed a great weekend of activities from parties, visits to regional wineries, trips to gambling at Presque Isle Downs and Casino and also a private event at Splash Lagoon on Friday night. This year, we raised over $1,000 for the Shriners Hospital here in Erie. The money donated will be provided for the children at Shriners to create their very own Build-A-Bear animal from the company’s website. Then, staff members from the hospital will visit the Millcreek Mall store to have the stuffed animal made as requested.

Unitarian Garage Sale

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie (7180 New Perry Highway, Rte. 97) will be holding their Annual 100+ Family Garage Sale on Friday, June 6 from 9-1 PM, and Saturday, June 7 from 9-1 PM.

Plans Underway for Erie Pride Rally

Plans are well underway for this year’s Erie Gay Pride March/Rally to be held Sunday, June 29. Volunteers are working hard to plan a bigger and better march and provide more entertainment at the rally in Perry Square.

As in past years, the event will get started with a march down State Street from The Zone Dance Club to Perry Square where the rally was held. Formation will begin at 12 noon with the march step-off planned for 1 PM. The rally itself should begin about 2 PM.

Summer Events and Places

Deb has compiled an extensive list of Pride celebrations, retreats & resorts, campgrounds, sports and outdoors resources, women's festivals, kid and family resources and much more for planning for a great summer!

Java Buzz

News and happenings at area coffeehouses.

Millcreek 4th of July Parade

This year, we will again have a GLBT contingent marching with the politically progressive folks at Millcreek’s 4th of July Parade. We will be assembling near 12th and Marshall on Friday, July 4 around 10 AM. Look for either the Erie Peace Initiative or the Erie Gay News banner. For some of us, this will be the 3rd year for doing this, and the response has been very positive. We would like to increase the turn out for this year. Supporting events like the picnic or the march/rally is important, but it is equally important to participate in the greater community.

And it’s fun! For the previous 2 years, we have had lots of smiles and waves from the crowd. We were announced at the reviewing stand, just like all of the other contingents.

2008 Pride Erie Picnic on June 28th

The 16th Annual Pride Erie Picnic is set for Saturday, June 28, 2008 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park, Erie PA. We are looking at a bigger and better picnic than ever! You can register here.

Volunteers are very much appreciated and needed! You can sign up to help out the picnic when you register.

Update on Womynspace

The Illusion - Erie’s Women’s Full Contact Football Team - has an away game on April 26! Good luck, ladies, but they will all miss the gathering at the Zodiac Dinor on that day! So, let’s do it again, for The Illusion! Watch the website for the EGN for the date and time. It will be around May 1!

Here is the schedule of home games for The Illusion, played at the Mercyhurst campus on East 38th Street in Erie: May 31, June 7, 14 and 21. Come out and support the team!

Meanwhile, all other women should come to the Zodiac Dinor, 2516 State St., Erie, from 2 to 5 PM, April 26. For questions, call (814) 392-4861 or email womynspace at: womynspace-owner@eriegaynews.com

Joan Rivers at Lamba Foundation benefit

In Celebration of The Lambda Foundation’s 25th Anniversary, comedienne Joan Rivers will perform at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh Saturday, June 21, at 8 pm.

Also performing on June 21 by special request are Pittsburgh’s own Renaissance City Choirs. For tickets and information, call 412-456-6666. Tickets also available at the Box Office at Theater Square or online at www.pgharts.org.

National News Briefs

Hundreds Picket Westboro Baptist Church; Transgender Protection Law Passes in Kansas City; Anti-Domestic Partner Benefits Bill Killed; Study Says LGB Teens More Likely to Abuse Drugs; Mormon Church Officials Agree to Meet with Gay Group

Big Gay Sketch Show Season 2 DVD Contest

Erie Gay News has 5 copies of the new Big Gay Sketch Show Season 2 DVD to give away. To enter, just fill out the online form between May 2 and May 23.

The Complete Unrated Second Season of The Big Gay Sketch Show is available on DVD April 29th! All of your favorite Big Gay characters are joined by guest stars Christine Ebersole, Elaine Stritch, Chastity Bono, and more!

The DVD is jam-packed with special features, including: Celesbian Interviews with Julie Goldman and Kate McKinnon, 10 extra sketches not shown on TV, and Big Gay Bloopers. It doesn't get any funnier (or gayer) than this!

May, 2008 Print Edition now out!

Issue #66 of the print edition of the current run of Erie Gay News is out as of Tuesday, April 22, 2008! You can pick it up at several locations. You can also read the articles here. There have been 150 issues of Erie Gay News since the first issue in January, 1993.

Download printable, viewable PDF of May, 2008 Issue. (First, download free Adobe PDF Reader if you don't already have one.)

Thank Yous...