Michael Dithers

by Michael Mahler

It's very exciting that Erie is about to celebrate 25 Years of Pride! There were about 50 or so of us who gathered for the first Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 13, 1992 at a small cabin near Beach 6 at Presque Isle. The first few picnics were organized by the League of Gay and Lesbian Voters (LGLV), which had started in Pittsburgh, and then opened an Erie chapter around September of 1991. We don't have any pictures of the first few Pride Picnics.

The first Pride Rally wasn't until 1998, and it was organized by Erie Community Pride Organization (ECPO) which was around for about 2 years or so. The first Pride Parade was in October of 2001 and was organized by Abbey Atkinson or Trigon/Behrend. For the first parade, folks just walked down the sidewalk on Peach Street, but starting in 2002, we have marched on State Street.

So, it is wonderful that NW PA Pride Alliance has several events for the 25th anniversary of Pride events in Erie! Please note that Pride Parade and Fest are on June 24 and the 25th Annual Erie Pride Picnic will be August 26.

It has been really gratifying working with Erie County HIV Task Force. It is wonderful seeing different organizations and individuals coming together to fight this dreadful disease. Erie County HIV Task Force continues to stock 25 different locations around our county with FREE condoms. Check here for the Google map that lists both FREE condom locations and also HIV testing locations. In addition to that, I also take great pride in stopping by the Zone Dance Club every 2 weeks to check the supply of free condoms in the Nookie Jar.

Speaking of HIV testing, Erie County HIV Task Force member agencies will be doing FREE rapid HIV and other health screening the afternoon of Saturday, April 1 at Drenched Fur 13 at the Bel Aire Clarion. Drenched Fur is very proud to offer this important opportunity to members of our local LGBT community. And I believe that there will be gift card incentives to those who get tested, so even more reason to stop out for a FREE and confidential test. The staff are also very excited about this year's Drenched Theme, which is inspired by Rocky Horror Picture Show.