Serving the regional LGBT Community since 1992. Latest print edition is June, 2012, which was out on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. Thanks to our advertisers and volunteers!
Miss Erie Pageant on June 8 |
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 Zone Dance Club |
“Bewitched”—welcome to Miss Erie 2012. The theme this year is “The Diva School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”
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Freedom to Work Launches Campaign Aimed at Exxon's Anti-LGBT Policies Ahead of Next Week’s Board Mtg |
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 Freedom To Work |
WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, Tico Almeida, president of Freedom to Work -- a national organization working to ban workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans -- announced the launch of a new campaign and petition aimed at ExxonMobil's discriminatory policies against LGBT employees.
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Cape Town: Paradise in the Rainbow Nation |
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 GayTravel.com |
South Africa is a country that celebrates diversity. It’s the only country in Africa that allows same-sex couples to marry. Cape Town, the second-largest city in the “Rainbow Nation,” is one of the most popular tourist destinations for straight and gay vacationers alike.
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The Amazon Trail: Thank You, President Obama |
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 Books by Lee Lynch |
My week was looking like a trailer park after a tornado until the announcement came that the President of the United States supported marriage equality, also known as civil rights for gays. The day before, North Carolina had fallen into the hands of the morality pirates.
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Penn Offers Benefits-tax Offset to Same-sex Couples |
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 University of Pennsylvania |
PHILADELPHIA –- Beginning July 1, the University of Pennsylvania will provide a tax offset of as much as $125 per month for employees who are covering same-sex domestic partners under their Penn medical plans, with a maximum of $1,500 per year. This offset will appear in employees’ paychecks as additional taxable income — minus applicable state and federal taxes — starting in late July.
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More Than 6,000 Demand Dictionary.com Correct Definition of Marriage |
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 Change.org |
WASHINGTON, DC – More than 6,000 people have signed Mike Raven’s Change.org petition urging Dictionary.com to correct its definition of the word “marriage” to be more inclusive of gay and lesbian couples.
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Who Inspires You in the Fight Against Bullying? |
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 2012 Out In The Silence Award for Youth Activism |
Haleiwa, HI – The Out In The Silence Campaign announces the Call for Nominations for the 2012 Out In The Silence Award for Youth Activism. The deadline for submission of nominations is June 30.
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Remarks from NAACP Press Conference on Resolution Supporting of Marriage Equality |
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 NAACP |
(BALTIMORE, MD) – NAACP leaders including Chairman Roslyn M. Brock and President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous held a press conference today to discuss the decision by the National NAACP Board of Directors to support marriage equality. Their remarks are reproduced below:
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Statement of Equality Pennsylvania on the dropping from Consideration of the Marriage Constitutional Amendment: THANK YOU! |
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 Equality PA |
Harrisburg: Equality Pennsylvania today thanks members of the House State Government Committee for dropping consideration of HB 1434, the mean-spirited and nonsensical amendment to the constitution on marriage.
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The Healthiest Decision I Ever Made... Just Be Me! |
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 Blake Fitness |
"Homosexuality is destroying the fabric of our society! I don't hate gays and lesbians; I hate gayism and lesbianism!" The pastor's words grabbed my attention as I sat motionless in the large Baptist church in Northwest Indiana eight years ago. I was the guest of honor and was being feted for my recent primary election victory by 10,000 of my steadfast supporters. They all believed in me to be the next county commissioner and gave me their blessing. How could they all believe in me when they didn't even know who I was...and neither did I.
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Campaign Marks Memorial Day with Petition Calling on Congress to End Marriage Discrimination Against Military Families |
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 Freedom to Marry |
WASHINGTON – As Memorial Day approaches, Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) launched a grassroots petition calling on Congress to end marriage discrimination against service members and veterans. The petition builds support for repealing the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and passing the Respect for Marriage Act, and is part of the new Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry national campaign highlighting the stories of military families harmed by DOMA.
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Freedom to Marry Releases Video of Audra McDonald Hailing President Obama's Support for Marriage |
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| Freedom to Marry |
NEW YORK May 14, 2012– Today Freedom to Marry released a video starring four-time Tony Award-winning singer and actress Audra McDonald, who recently received her 7th Tony Award nomination for her role in The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, hailing the President’s announcement of support for the freedom to marry. McDonald explains the power of the President’s embrace of the freedom to marry, and reflects on last week’s passage of an anti-gay constitutional amendment in North Carolina aimed at banning marriage and any other legal respect for same-sex couples and their families.
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I'm A Hater |
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 Life Beyond Therapy |
You’re a therapist, and I need some help, so here goes: I’m a hater: I really, really hate the religious right and all those Focus on the Family kinds of morons out there. This kind of trips me out, because I try to be a “spiritual” person and see the best in everyone, but these people are just plain evil and stupid. Whenever I see them in print or on TV, I get so pissed off, and when I see the war on Iraq on TV it makes me even more angry at those right-wing, old-white men hetero war-mongers on Fox News. What can I do to stop being such a hater? I feel so helpless.
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Win In The Air by Morgan Page Prize Pack! |
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Grammy-nominated DJ/producer Morgan Page releases his third solo album, In The Air, which features collaborations with Tegan And Sara, Angela McCluskey, Nadia Ali, Greg Laswell and others. To celebrate the record release, Erie Gay News is promoting a new contest and giving away the prize pack listed below. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between May 7 and May 28.
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100+ Family Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie Garage Sale |
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 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie |
This 23rd annual event is scheduled for Friday, June 15th and Saturday, June 16th, from 9 AM until 2 PM (numbers at the door at 8 AM) at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie. Donations such as clothing, books, housewares, tools, furniture, etc. are needed for the sale. You are welcome to drop them off any evening from 6 PM until 9 PM starting Sunday, June 10th through Thursday, June 14th. Items must be usable and clean (no TVs, computer monitors, stuffed animals or encyclopedias). Please join us the day of the sale and find yourself a bargain. Grab a snack from our kitchen and try our yummy baked goods! You can find us at 7180 New Perry Highway 864-9300 between 9 AM and Noon.
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'RuPaul's Drag U' Season Announcement - Premiere Date, Professors and Guest Judges |
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 Logo TV |
NEW YORK, NY – May 14, 2012 – Television’s most fabulous makeover show is back…and totally revamped! The third season of “RuPaul’s Drag U” delivers more diva transformations, more drag queens and more surprises as biological women are treated not only to show-stopping makeovers, but also receive once-in-a-lifetime, real-world hair, makeup and fashion tips from the world’s greatest drag faculty. This season continues to deliver fan favorite drag queens, more iconic celebrity judges and life-changing stories as eight new, one-hour episodes premiere on Monday, June 18 at 98PM ET/PT on Logo.
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WorldPride 2012: All Eyes on London |
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| GayTravel.com |
Seriously, how gay can London get in 2012? If the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee isn’t queer enough, “The Old Smoke” is also playing host to WorldPride in June.
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Erie Pride 2012 Parade & Rally on August 25 |
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 NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. |
On Saturday, August 25, Erie will once again have a Pride Parade & Rally. You can register for the Pride Parade and Rally here.
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LGBT Community Safe Zone Training |
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 Greater Erie Alliance for Equality |
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) is sponsoring an "LGBT Community Safe Zone Training," on May 30, 2012, at 21 la rue dix, 21 W 10th St, Erie PA from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. The training will feature Special Agent Denise Holtz (FBI), Ted Hoover of the Persad Center Pittsburgh, and Joe Aguglia, the executive director of the Erie County Human Relations Committee. The event is free and open to the public.
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Vice President Joe Biden Supports Same-Sex Couples' Freedom to Marry |
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| Freedom to Marry |
WASHINGTON, DC – Today Vice President Joe Biden became the highest ranking U.S. official to openly endorse the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. On NBC's Meet the Press, Biden told host David Gregory that he is “absolutely comfortable” with gay couples having the freedom to marry.
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Win Purple Rain: Music on Film by John Kenneth Muir from Limelight Editions |
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Win Purple Rain: Music on Film by John Kenneth Muir from Limelight Editions. Erie Gay News is giving away 3 copies of this book. To enter the contest, fill out the form here from May 22 through June 12
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Win Ruck's Deluxe Album Set by Joey Ruckus! |
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Win Ruck's Deluxe Album set, which includes two albums on 1 CD, More Famous Than You and Roof // Top, by Joey Ruckus, brought to you by Erie Gay News! The 5 contest winners will receive a signed copy of the Roop // Top Deluxe album as well as an inclusion in the fan photo montage in Joey Ruckus's upcoming music video. For more information on Joey Ruckus, check out his bio below or visit JoeyRuckus.com. To enter the contest, fill out the form below between May 11 and June 1.
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Melissa Etheridge To Perform Live on Liberty Avenue at Pittsburgh Pride's Street Event |
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 http://www.pittsburghpride.org/tickets |
Pittsburgh, PA—The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce that Academy Award® and two-time Grammy® winner Melissa Etheridge will be the featured entertainer at its “Pride in the Street” event, on Saturday, June 9. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 20. Etheridge will perform a 90-minute show with a full band on the outdoor stage at Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh between 9th and 10th streets. Last year’s event drew a record 4,500 attendees with headliner Patti LaBelle.
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Win American Translation DVD! |
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TLA Releasing presents the intensely sexy and wildly controversial American Translation, a film by Pascal Arnold & Jean-Marc Barr. Erie Gay News is giving away DVDs to 5 lucky winners. To enter the contest, fill out the form here from May 25 through June 15.
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Win Dressing Marilyn by Andrew Hansford from Applause Books |
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Win Dressing Marilyn by Andrew Hansford from Applause Books! Erie Gay News is giving away 1 copy of this fascinating book. To enter the contest, fill out the form here from May 18 through June 8.
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LGBT for Obama meets May 29 |
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On Tuesday May 29, there will be a meeting to learn about all the things President Obama has done for the LGBT community, and what the LGBT community can do to help the president. The meeting will be held at Obama campaign headquarters, 1305 State, Erie PA at 7PM. For more information contact Kat at (814)229-7640 kblair@ofapa.com
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In The Life Debuts Remaining Vigilant: a Look at Local Battles for LGBT Equality at the State Level |
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 In The Life |
New York, May 1, 2012 –Tonight, public television stations nationwide will begin broadcasting Remaining Vigilant, an episode from the award-winning newsmagazine IN THE LIFE. The episode features two installments of In The States, an ongoing series covering local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists campaigning for equal rights and protections at the state level.
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Statement from Equality Pennsylvania Opposing New Attempt to Defund Planned Parenthood |
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| Equality PA |
Harrisburg - Equality Pennsylvania supports Planned Parenthood, and opposes, in no uncertain terms, ideological attacks led by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe to defund the organization through malicious and ill-conceived legislation. Planned Parenthood provides vital services to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, including free and confidential STD/HIV testing and women's healthcare services. The LGBT community is served well by Planned Parenthood, and the services they provide are 100% LGBT-affirming.
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GLAD Applauds Governor Chafee's Order Recognizing Marriages of Same-Sex Couples |
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 GLAD |
May 14, 2012 - Today Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee (I) issued an executive order directing state agencies to recognize the marriages of the state’s same-sex couples, in compliance with established Rhode Island marriage recognition law. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) commended the action and described the beneficial effects it will have on Rhode Island families.
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Jamestown stands up to hate |
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It’s a known fact that same-sex marriage is good for tourism. In fact, New York City’s own official tourism organization, NYC & Company, recognized that, embracing the new marriage law by launching a campaign aimed at making the city a destination for same-sex weddings. In a statement their CEO noted,“We anticipate that the campaign ...will create hundreds of millions of dollars in additional economic impact to the City’s $31 billion tourism industry, and have a positive impact on tourism industry jobs.”
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Persad Center, Inc. and the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality Announce Town Hall |
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 Persad Center |
Two of Erie County’s newest support and advocacy organizations team up to sponsor an evening of information and conversation for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
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Viral Petition Urges DNC to Support Gay Marriage in 2012 Party Platform |
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| Change.org |
WASHINGTON, DC – A North Carolina mom’s breaking petition campaign on Change.org asking the Democratic National Committee to add gay marriage to its party platform has exploded, gaining more than 25,000 supporters since Wednesday.
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Rep. Babette Josephs: Domestic partners should be exempt from state inheritance tax |
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HARRISBURG, May 23 – At a Capitol news conference today, state Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., called on House Republicans to move her legislation that would add domestic partners to the list of people who are exempt from paying state inheritance taxes.
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The Good and Evil of Gay Savannah |
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| GayTravel.com |
Savannah, Georgia is a charming gay oasis frozen in time. America’s first planned city boasts a thriving gay and lesbian scene and is a haven for the artistic and creative. Whether you’re looking to relocate or want a relaxing getaway, this historic city is a dream destination.
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Out Destination - Nashville |
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 Out Destinations |
Creative, diverse, friendly and welcoming are words often used to describe Nashville. It has long been a destination rich in culture, music and food and is quickly becoming one of the premier LGBT destinations in the country.
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ArtParty Celebrating First Anniversary of NY State Marriage Act |
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In celebration of New York State's first anniversary of the Marriage Act, Jamestown Community College's Weeks Gallery will present an ArtParty on June 15, 2012. The programs continue on June 16 with a panel presentation, film screening, and opportunities for networking. The exhibit will run June 18 through August 9.
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'With Liberty and Justice for All': The Black Church & Same Sex Marriage |
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CLINTON, Md., May 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Rev. Delman Coates, Ph.D., Senior Pastor, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church: As an African-American pastor and clergy leader, I am frequently asked how I have been able to support civil marriage protection for gay and lesbian couples. After listening to Christians debate their support of or their opposition to homosexuality, I came to the conclusion that one's personal religious beliefs should have no bearing in determining whether other American citizens deserve equal treatment under the law. For too long the question of equal rights for gays and lesbians has been mired in a theological debate that in my opinion is not suitable in a public policy discussion. The issue of civil marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples is an issue of public policy, not theology. The role of the State in a free democratic society is fundamentally different than the role of the Church, or any religious institution for that matter. The role of the State in a pluralistic society is to provide for the common good and to protect the civil liberties of all its citizens. As a Christian in this country, I value my religious freedom, but I also recognize that I cannot impose my religious beliefs on others in matters of public policy.
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Cable Industry and GLAAD Honor Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month |
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 GLAAD |
(National Harbor, MD, May 21, 2012)— During the months of May and June, the nation’s leading cable companies, cable networks and GLAAD are joining together to pay tribute to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in America by shining a spotlight on compelling, diverse programming.
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20th Annual Pride Picnic |
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| NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. |
Once again, the Erie Pride Picnic will be held at Presque Isle State Park at the Rotary Pavilion. This year, it is being organized by NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. and will be held the THIRD Saturday in June (June 16). We will run from 1 PM to 6 PM. Please note that this is the 20th year for this event!
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MTV To Be Honored at Trevor Live Presented by Audi of America & Wells Fargo |
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 The Trevor Project |
New York, NY, (April 18, 2012) - On Monday, June 25, 2012, MTV will be honored by The Trevor Project with the Trevor 2020 Award at "Trevor Live" presented by Audi of America and Wells Fargo (60 Chelsea Piers, NY, NY). The annual Pride season event benefits the life-saving, life-affirming work of The Trevor Project, a recent honoree of the White House as a Champion of Change for leadership and innovation in suicide prevention.
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20th Annual Pride Picnic on June 16 |
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| NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. |
NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. is very proud to present the 20th Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 16 from 1 to 6 PM at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park, Erie PA. Please bring a dish to share; we will be providing hot dogs, meatballs, potatoes, soft drinks and water. There is no charge to attend, but donations are very much appreciated! If possible, We ask that each person pre-register here. You can also find NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. on Facebook.
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PrideFest Key West: One Week, One Family |
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| GayTravel.com |
This popular Florida resort town was the first to pursue the LGBT dollar and it continues to be one of the top gay destinations in the United States. An inspirational haven for writers such as Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote, Key West is paradise for the queer literary or history buff. In June, thousands of gay and lesbian travelers from around the world get caught in this intoxicating tourist trap. The occasion? PrideFest Key West!
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In The Life Media Debuts My Two Moms with Zach Wahls |
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| In The Life |
New York, May 13, 2012 – In The Life Media celebrated Mother’s Day with “My Two Moms,” a web short video featuring Zack Wahls, the son of lesbian moms whose passionate speech to the Iowa House of Representatives in support of marriage equality went viral on YouTube, capturing the attention of the country.
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June, 2012 Print Edition now out! |
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Issue #115 of the print edition of the current run of Erie Gay News is out as of Tuesday, May 22, 2012! You can pick it up at several locations. You can also read the articles here. Many thanks to our advertisers and volunteers! There have been 199 issues of Erie Gay News since the first issue cover dated for January, 1993 with a total of 3,932 pages. Download printable, viewable PDF
of June, 2012 Issue. (First, download
free Adobe PDF Reader if you don't already have one.) |
Shortened link for this page is http://is.gd/mbkHNT
Erie Gay News
1115 W 7th St
Erie PA 16502
(814) 456-9833
info@eriegaynews.com
Co-editors Michael Mahler and Deb Spilko