Area History for 2010's
Dec 25 - Local Gay Man Honored in Erie Times-News feature on Inspiring Tales Michael Day was profiled in Erie Times-News' feature "Inspiring tales: Some took remarkable journeys this year in Erie: (December 25, 2011.) Day was an emergency medical technician for the New York Fire Department, and responded to the scene on September 11, 2001. The horrors of that day have left him struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Erie Times-News recognizes Michael's efforts to help make a reality of a memorial using a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center site. Michael says his work with the memorial have helped him in his healing journey. You can read more at http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011312259917. Day was one of the participants in the Erie GLBT contingent in the Edinboro Homecoming Parade this past October. See related article.
Dec 12 - Openly gay Greg Rabb continues for 3rd term as Jamestown NY City Council President Rabb initially ran for office as openly gay.
Nov 20 - Former PA State Rep Linda Bebko-Jones dies Linda was first elected in 1992 after her opponent, Republican Jerry Knight attacked her for GLBT-supportive responses in the League of Gay and Lesbian Voters published a Voters Guide. See related article.
Nov 16 - Lake Erie Gala See related article. See photos.
Nov 5 - Out in the Silence Screening at Jamestown Community College Organized by Richard Baer of AIDS Community Services of WNY - Southern Ties, about 125 people attended a screening of Out in the Silence with filmmakers Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer. See related article. See photos.
Nov 3 - 5th Annual Drag Show at Behrend by Trigon See related article. See photos.
Nov 2 - Greater Erie Alliance for Equality screening of documentary Lead With Love See related article.
Nov - Ebony Davis was appointed as a board member to Erie County Human Relations commission by County Executive Barry Grossman Grossman had specifically looking for an openly GLBT person to serve on the board. PFLAG of Erie & Crawford Counties President Mark Hoovler continues to serve as HRC chair. See related article.
Oct 28 - Meadville LGBTQ mixer Social event sponsored by the Pride Alliance at Allegheny College and Erie Gay News. See related article.
Oct 23 - Diversity Worship Service at Community United Church See related article.
Oct 8 - Erie GLBT Contingent in Edinboro Homecoming Parade Several members of Erie's LGBT community marched in the Edinboro Homecoming Parade, after having been invited to participate by Edinboro University. See related article. See photos.
Oct - Donor Unknown released in the USA The documentary tells the story of Warren county native JoEllen Marsh, as she tries to connect with her sperm donor father. (JoEllen is the daughter of Lucinda Marsh, first openly-lesbian mom in Erie county). The documentary aired on PBS in October See related article.
Sep 30 - 5th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit at the Zone Michelle Michaels and others raised over $1,530 over the weekend for Breast Cancer Awareness See related article. See photos.
Sep - Persad Center, the nation's second oldest licensed gay counseling center, opens offices in Erie, PA See related article.
Aug 27 - Erie Pride Parade and Rally After a year's hiatus and with a change in management, the Erie Pride Parade and Rally returned. About 230 people attended. See related article. See photos.
Aug 20 - LBT Women of Erie 3rd Annual Picnic See related article. See photos.
Aug 5 - Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition Holds First-ever Statewide LGBTQ Youth Convention Representatives from Edinboro University and Penn State Behrend attended the convention. See related article. See photos.
Aug 4 - GLBT table at the Erie Art Museum's Annual Blues & Jazz Festival See related article. See photos.
Jul 24 - Butler Rainbow Community Picnic Butler PFLAG had another very successful picnic that was enjoyed by all. See related article. See photos.
Jul 16 - Ashtabula PFLAG Picnic Ashtabula's PFLAG chapter had a very nice picnic. See related article. See photos.
Jul 4 - GLBT Contingent in Millcreek 4th of July Parade About 20 people marched in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade. This was the 6th year to be in the parade and our first year as an independent unit. See related article. See photos.
About Jul - Erie Gay Pride, Inc, which had previously organized the Parade and Rally, changes their name to Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Inc See related article.
Jun 11 - 19th Annual Erie Pride Picnic About 290 people attended the 19th Annual Erie Pride Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. See related article. See photos.
May 22 - Stonewall potluck picnic in honor of long time activist John Daly King Friends of long time LGBT activist John Daly King held a potluck picnic in his honor at Pleasant Ridge Manor. John was the first-ever Grand Marshal of the Erie Pride Parade later that year in August. See related article. See photos.
May 21 - Jeremy Snyder and Eric Linster handfasted at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie See related article. See photos.
May 16 - Rex Young, Tim Dahle Wed in Vermont Tim was one of the subjects in the documentary Out in the Silence. See related article. See photos.
May - Reid McFarlane and AnnDrea Benson move to Minnesota Reid McFarlane and AnnDrea Benson had been instrumental the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in Erie Co. Human Relations Commission ordinance in 2002.
Apr 26 - Dining Out For Life in Western NY See related article.
Apr 26 - Lundy "Lee" Verdoni passes on See related article. See photos.
Apr 7 - Drenched Fur 7 Erie's annual Bear run welcomed over 200 men for a fun weekend. See related article. See photos.
Mar 4 - HIV/AIDS Benefit raises $1,000 for Ryan White Program at Community Health Net of Erie See related article.
Jan 26 - Erie Town Hall Meeting & Equality on the Rocks Equality PA, American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Campaign held a Town Hall Meeting and "Equality on the Rocks" event at Matthew's Trattoria See related article. See photos.
Jan 16 - Johnny Weir Book Signing at Erie Book Store Openly gay skater came to Erie for a signing of his new book. The Erie Book Store donated a copy of Weir's book to Pride. See related article. See photos.
Jan 16 - Pride Planning committee expands to include Parade and Rally The Pride Planning committee, which had been organizing the annual Pride Picnic in June, met to begin also organizing for the Pride Parade and Rally. There had been only a picnic in 2010. See related article. See photos.
Nov 21 - November FACE show at Zone and other activities benefit Food Bank The monthly Michelle Michaels' FACE drag show at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, raised money and food for the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA. Between the drag show and other activities throughout November, $527 was raised to help provide food for the less fortunate. Drag performers included Jill Jamison, Trista Towers, Celine Dashawn, Mistress Vanitay, Glow Sorceror Buddy Dobson, and Michelle Michaels. See related article. See photos.
Nov 14 - Lake Erie Gala The 2010 Lake Erie Gala was held the week of November 14 at the Avalon Hotel. The event is organized by the Erie Sisters. Events began Wednesday the 17th with registration opening and dinner and game night at Calimari’s. Tours began the following day, featuring excursions to Arrowhead winery, Peak n Peek resort for lunch, a tour of the Environmental center and a winery in Findlay Lake New York. A first time out to an such an event can be an ordeal for girls not having ventured out before, so first timer’s to the Lake Erie Gala were welcomed each day with a meeting to help answer their questions and ensure their comfort. Thursday night saw a Moroccan themed dinner at the Avalon to coincide with Belly Dancing and instructions from the Fleming School of Dance. See related article. See photos.
Nov 11 - New Ashtabula group forms Initally called Let's Go Be Alive, the group later changes its name to Alive with Pride. See related article.
Oct 24 - Diversity Worship Service at Community United Church Community United Church, an officially Open and Welcoming congregation of the United Church of Christ, held their annual Diversity Worship Service. See related article. See photos.
Oct 23 - Latonia Theatre reopens with Halloween event About 80 people came to The Latonia for a Halloween party, called The Night of the Living La Las II. See related article. See photos.
Oct 11 - Candlelight Vigil for Tyler Clementi and other GLBT suicide victims at Edinboro University About 150 to 200 people gathered at the Edinboro University Pogue Student Center for a candlelight vigil in memory of nine victims of suicide that occurred in the month of September due to anti-gay bullying:Billy Lucas (15) September 9, 2010. Indiana; Cody J. Barker (17) September 13, 2010. Wisconsin; Seth Walsh (13) September 19, 2010. California; Tyler Clementi (18) September 22, 2010. New Jersey; Asher Brown (13) September 23, 2010. Texas; Harrison Chase Brown (15) September, 25 2010. Colorado; Raymond Chase (19) September 29, 2010. Rhode Island; Felix Sacco (17) September 29, 2010. Massachusetts; and Caleb Nolt (14) September 30, 2010. Indiana. These boys and young men were either gay or perceived to be gay. WICU TV 12 and WJET TV 24 both did stories. This was also for National Coming Out Day and part of the month long LGBTQIA Heritage Month events that Identity (Edinboro University’s GSA) and the President’s LGBTQIA Commission sponsored. Speakers/performers included Jamie Lutz, President, EUSGA, Inc.; Rev. Dr. Rich McCarty, Mercyhurst College; Elizabeth Meade, Vice-President, Identity (GSA) and Member of the President’s Commission on the Status of Gay Men, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgendered People and Allies; Dr. Philip Ginnetti, Provost of Edinboro University; Dr. Rhonda Matthews, Sociology/Honors College; Ondi Timoner, Two-Time Winner of Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival; Sue , Alumna, Edinboro University; Michael Mahler, co-editor and webmaster for Erie Gay News; Poem written and read by Edinboro Student Marc ; and Dr. Daniel Burdick, co-chair, PASSHE LGBTQIA Consortium, with comments and a solo tuba performance of, “Gabriel’s Oboe,” by Ennio Morricone. Representatives from all of Erie’s LGBTQIA community organizations attended the event or sent their regards including the Erie Gay News, the LBT Women of Erie, Erie Gay Pride, Penn State - The Behrend College’s GSA, and PFLAG Erie. See related article. See photos.
Oct 6 - Fran Reinsel dies Fran worked for Gaudenzia/SHOUT Outreach and before that, the Erie County Department of Health. She was a terrific advocate for the GLBT community and people living with HIV/AIDS. See related article.
Oct 2 - 2nd Annual GLBT Conference by Rainbow Pride Connection The Rainbow Pride Connection held their 2nd annual GLBT conference at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua NY. More than 70 people attended. A panel presentation/discussion was held before lunch discussing the unique points of view of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities while emphasizing the commonalities that unite us. After lunch, workshops were presented that included titles such as, “Gay & Lesbian History,” “Increasing Intimacy with your Partner,” “Trans 101 and Why did they stick the T to the LGB’s?” and “Queer Eye for the Bible,” presented by keynote speaker Rev. Rich McCarty. A full listing of the other workshops and workshop presenters can be found on the Rainbow Pride Connection’s website. See related article. See photos.
Oct 2 - Zone Dance Club's Pink Weekend raises $1500 for Breast Cancer Awareness The 2010 Pink Weekend was phenomenally succesful and raised $1500 for Breast Cancer Awareness. The weekend included a Pink Party, featuring a Chinese auction and bake sale on Saturday, October 2, and a special edition of FACE on Sunday, October 3. The Zone is located at 133 W 18th St, Erie PA. Their web site is http://www.TheZoneDanceClub.com. See related article.
Sep 30 - LGBT Parent Support Group starts meeting Will Koehler and others from Family United Counseling, headquartered at Community United Church, begin a support group for LGBT parents. See related article.
Sep 13 - Oil City Council Proclaims Day of Recognition for "Fair and Equal Treatment for All People" City council members signed a proclamation that designated September 13 as Joe Wilson Day. The tribute refers to former Oil City resident Joe Wilson who with his partner Dean Hamer, directed and produced the award winning film “Out in the Silence.” See related article.
Aug 25 - So-called Bible Believing response to Out in the Silnce at Coudersport Filmmakers Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer attended a so-called "Bible Believing Response" to the earlier screening of Out in the Silence at the Coudersport Public Library. Diane Gramley sat peacefully behind Robert Wagner in the Coudersport Public Library as the retired physician shared his views on transgender individuals with the assembled audience. "I'm gonna put a ball bat in my car," he said, "and if I ever see a guy [Wagner refuses to use proper pronouns] coming out of a bathroom that my granddaughter's in, I'm gonna use the ball bat on him." See related article.
Aug 7 - GLBT Table at Erie Blues and Jazz Festival For the second year, Erie’s GLBT community had a table at the Erie Art Museum’s Blues and Jazz Fest.Among the people helping to staff the table were Laurie Finch, Robert, Jerry McCumber, Paul, Mags, Will Koehler and Charlene Newport. Available at the table were copies of Erie Gay News, as well as info about LBT Women of Erie, Family United Counseling, and the new GLBT Parents group being started, A few people also stopped by to have face photos taken. Virtually all of the interaction was positive and friendly! See related article. See photos.
Jul 28 - Out in the Silence screening in Coudersport (Potter County) causes local controvery Although it turned out well, several groups, including the Potter County Tea Party, objected to the screening and threatened the funding for the local library. See related article.
Jul 25 - Gwyneth Henry and Tyreesha Richardson die in an early morning fire An early morning fire in their West 18th Street apartment claimed the lives of Gwyneth Henry, 44, and Tyreesha Richardson, 31. Gwyn and Tyreesha were a devoted couple, and left behind sevon childen. A benefit was later held for the children. See related article. See photos.
Jul 18 - Butler County PFLAG holds first LGBT picnic at Alameda Park About 80 people, including friends and organizations from Pittsburgh and Erie, enjoyed a very successful Rainbow Pride picnic. See related article. See photos.
Jul 17 - Ashtabula Pride Picnic
The Ashtabula GLBT Outreach Alliance held a delightful and friendly picnic in Saybrook Township Park. The potluck picnic featured games, fun, prizes and good times for all. This was the second year that the group had a picnic. About 30-40 people attended the event.
See related article. See photos.
Jul 8 - You Belong (in your legislator’s office!): A Town Hall Forum and Training Session held at Craze Night Club Jason Crighton, Field Organizer for Eqaulity Partners of Western Pennsylvania, holds a foum and training session at Craze Night Club. See related article.
Jul 3 - Record number of GLBT community and supporters march in Millcreek 4th of July Parade Over 20 people marched as a part of the GLBT community in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade, which was held on Saturday, July 3. Although this was the fifth year that there was a GLBT presence, previously, we had marched as part of the peace and justice contingent. The organizers for the parade were unfailingly gracious and supportive. Quite a few groups were represented, including Erie Gay News, LBT Women of Erie, PFLAG - Erie and Crawford Counties, Erie Gay Pride, and members, friends and supporters of the community. See related article. See photos.
Jun 12 - 18th Annual Erie Gay News Family Pride Picnic held About 330 people, equal to last year's all time record, enjoyed a day of friends, food and fun. We also collected 127 pounds of food and $30 for the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA. See related article. See photos.
Jun 12 - Love is Not a Crime: Project Mugshot at Pride Picnic In addition to the photos normally taken at the Pride Picnic, there was a speical station for taking mugshots for the Love is Not a Crime project. See related article. See photos.
Jun 11 - 11th Annual Miss Erie Pageant Buffy Lyn Hayes and Paris Mann are chosen as Miss Erie 2010 and runner up in a pageant held at the Zone Dance Club. See related article. See photos.
Jun - Scholarship Recipient JoEllen Marsh, Duaghter of first out lesbian mom in NW PA, Visits Rep. Dahlkemper in Washington JoEllen Marsh, a student at Mercyhurst College and a native of Russell, Pa. in Warren County, visited Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper in her office in Washington. Marsh was awarded the Boren Scholarship from the National Security Education Program to study Arabic in Amann, Jordan for one year. The Mercyhurst junior was in town for a formal award ceremony for the scholarship recipients and paid a visit to her congresswoman, Rep. Dahlkemper. In December 2002, JoEllen's mother, Lucinda Ann Marsh, became the first out lesbian and the first out GLBT parent in the region in a 3 part series that WSEE's Randy McIlwain did entitled "Erie's Gay 90's." Read the original article here. JoEllen and her sister, with their mother were also in the first ever Family Portrait taken on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse on October 28, 1995. You can see that photo and read more here. ] See related article.
May 23 - Stonewall Celebration Service at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie PA held a Stonewall Celebration service in support of equality for LGBT people. Rev. Steve Aschmann led the service, which included performing and speaking by Pat Collins of Rainbow Pride Connection in Chautauqua County, NY, signing of a closet door, lighting of candles and a delightful coffeehour afterward. See related article. See photos.
May 17 - Delta Foundation starts Western Pennsylvania Advocacy Alliance (later known as Equality Partners of Western PA), hires Jason Crighton as Field Organizer Delta Foundation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, forms a an advocacy alliance for LGBT issues in Western Pennsylvania and hires Jason Crighton as staff. This is a first for the region. See related article.
May 16 - Memorial for Abbey Atkinson at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie Friends and family gathered at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie PA to celebrate the life and memory of Abbey Atkinson, who died on April 19, 2010 at the age of 32. Abbey had been president of Trigon, the Penn State Behrend LGBT student group and had organized many events, including the hugely successful 2002 and 2003 Pride Weekends. She was preparing to take her bar exam in Florida after having graduated law school. See related article. See photos.
Apr 19 - Abbey Atkinson dies In 2002, Abbey Atkinson organized Erie's first Pride Weekend as part of Trigon, the GLBT and ally student group at Penstate Behrend. She was a kind, cheerful and selfless woman who was always thinking of others
Apr 11 - Tom Goss and Jeremiah Clark perform at Presque Isle Gallery Coffeehouse Openly gay singer/songwriters Tom Goss and Jeremiah Clark performed at the Presque Isle Gallery Coffeehouse as part of their spring tour.Many members of the community attended to enjoy the music, including members of the LBT Women of Erie. Be sure to check out Tom's new project, The Politics of Love, which deals with marriage equality. See related article. See photos.
Apr 8 - Behrend Gender Conference Penn State Behrend, Erie PA, hosted its annual Gender Conference. This was a forum for educational exchange on issues of gender between students, staff, faculty and community members. See related article.
Mar 26 - Drenched Fur 6 Drenched Fur, Erie PA's Annual Bear event, held yet another fun-filled run! About 200 guys attended. The weekend included performances by Bearapalooza at Craze Night Club, a night out at the Zone Dance Club, a trip to Presque Isle Downs Casino, a winery tour, a buffet dinner with a performance by comedian William Brown, a private party at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park, after parties and great times with friends! See related article. See photos.
Mar 22 - Mercyhurst Birthday Party for Fatimaah Several people got together to celebrate Fatimaah's birthday. Fatimaah had been through some tough times, and a surprise birthday party that including skating, cake, Wii games and friends was very fun. Kudos to all who made this happen, especially Dr. Marnie Sullivan, coordinator for the Mercyhurst GSA. Fatimaah and her girlfriend, Nicole, had a fun time. (There was some horseplay with frosting at the end. ;) ) See related article. See photos.
Mar 16 - PA SB 707 tabled/voted down in Judiciary Committee PA SB 707, which would have amended Pennsylvania's consitution to bad same sex marriage was killed in the PA Senate Judiciary Committee. Voting to table it (position favorable to the LGBT community) were Sen. Jame Earll (R) and Mary Jo White (R) See related article.
Mar 16 - Spirituality and Sexuality Discussion Group begins meeting Rich McCarty, assistant pastor at Community United Church, begins holding meetings of a Spirituality and Sexuality discussion group. See related article.
Mar 15 - Mark M Pacheco dies as a result of injuries from an assault Local gay man Mark M Pacheco was assaulted in Jamestown and died a few days later at Hamot Medical Center in Erie PA. Benefits were held at Skybar in Jamestown and The Zone Dance Club in Erie PA See related article.
Feb 19 - Out in the Silence screening in Westfield NY There was a screening of the documentary, Out in the Silence at Patterson Library in Westfield New York, and attended by about 65 people. During the discussion period after the film, Lynn Johnson thanked panel member and Jamestown NY City Council President Greg Rabb for providing a safe space for GLBT students 18 years ago when she was a student at Jamestown Community College. See related article. See photos.
Feb 18 - GLBT Legislation and Legislative Advocacy meet-up at Craze About 30 people attended a GLBT legislation and legislative advocacy meeting at Craze Night Club. Presenters included Jesse Salazar, who heads Senator Bob Casey's statewide LGBT and Latino affairs, Gary van Horn and Thomas C. Waters from Delta Foundation in Pittsburgh, Mary Styn the aide from Senator Arlen Specters's Erie office and Kyle Hannon from Senator Casey's Erie office. See related article. See photos.
Feb 6 - Emma's Revolution concert at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie There was a delightful concert by folk duo emma's revolution at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie PA. Many in the local peace activist and progressive communities, as well as members of the LGBT community, had a great time enjoying the wonderful music. See related article. See photos.
Jan 4 - Greg Rabb continues as Jamestown Council President The Democratic caucus in a 7 to 2 majority asked Greg Rabb to continue as President of the Jamestown NY City Council for the 2010-2011 City Council, with swearing in on January 4. Rabb is Jamestown's first openly-gay councilmember. See related article.
About Jan - HIV Testing at Lucille's in Jamestown From Keystone Alliance/GayLife Newsletter: Recently in our community, a series of multisponsored, free and confidential HIV tests took place at Lucille's, 520 Washington St., Johnstown, on Wednesday evenings in January and early February. See related article.
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Co-editors Michael Mahler and Deb Spilko