Features

31 days. 31 icons. Modeled after Black and Women's History Month, LGBT History Month highlights annually the achievements of 31 gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Icons-one each day in the month of October.

Erie Gay News staff photographers takes photos of frIends and allies in our community at various events.

The Crime Victim Center of Erie County, Inc., was established in 1973 as the Erie County Rape Crisis Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting sexual assault victims and their families and friends. In 1986, Victim Witness Services was established for victims of other violent crimes, their familes and friends, and also to serve the witnesses to violent crimes.

The goal of the agency's programs and services is to lessen the impact of crime through counseling, education and advocacy. In 2002, we changed our name to Crime Victim Center of Erie County, which we feel better reflects our mission and services.

Funding for our agency comes from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, Department of Human Services' Mental Health/Mental Retardation Unit, United Way of Erie, United Fund of Corry Area, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and through donations and fundraising events.

Additionally, court advocacy programming is funding through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency from the Rights and Services Act (RASA), Victims of Juvenile Offenders (VOJO) and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).

Drenched Fur is Erie's annual Bear Run since 2005. Check it out at the web site.

Incorporated in 2006 as Erie Gay Pride, Inc., the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Inc. (GEAE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the region's LGBT community and its straight allies through education, open dialogue and public visibility.

News from Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Newsletter in the Johnstown PA region.

LBT Women of Erie is a social and support group for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Our group has been together in its current form since October, 2008.
We hold monthly meetings at The Presque Isle Gallery Coffeehouse, 35 Peninsula Drive in Erie. With a few exceptions, all meetings are held on the second Sunday of each month at 1 PM. Members and first-timers are encouraged to bring ideas and information on events that they would like to participate in with the group. Our events are as varied as the women in our group, and any given month you should be able to find an event to attend that will interest you.
There are at least a dozen core members who form the nucleus of our group. We have two dozen more women who attend a meeting here and an event or two there. No matter how much time you have to spend with the group, you are always welcome. We are a very inclusive and friendly group, so don't be afraid to take that step and come to an event or meeting. Keep in mind that straight friends and family including males, are always welcome at our events...the more the merrier. We've had Moms, sisters, adult nieces and nephews and straight friends attend events and they are all welcome. Kids are invited to kid friendly events as well.

Started by photographers in Erie, PA, to express the views and feelings of men & women in the LGBTA Community fighting for equal rights. Join in, be heard so that every man, woman, and child can express themselves and equally love who they wish.

The Mahoning Valley Gay/Straight Coalition was founded to support people of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender, (GLBT,) Community and its organizations here in the Valley, through fundraising events and communications with our newsletter. There are no membership dues and we do not represent any individual GLBT organization or group, we are individuals supporting our Community.

The NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. works to improve visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersexed and Ally/Asexual (LGBTQIA) community. It also facilitates communication and collaboration between groups and individuals within the region's LGBTQIA community and the greater region's community, while respecting individual and group identity.

Latest news from the Butler PA chapter of PFLAG. Check out their web site or their blog. Contact the moderator, Joe Tomlinson at [email protected]

Latest updates from Erie/Crawford County Chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

SafeNet is committed to ending domestic violence, affirming human dignity and delivering comprehensive direct services to victims of domestic violence. SafeNet provides sanctuary, support, education and advocacy. Get help now.

News from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie PA.

Local Pride Events

We believe that God values and embraces each person as a beloved child, that the Spirit gives a diversity of gifts for the common good, and that Jesus Christ calls us to work for justice. The ministries of ReconcilingWorks embody, inspire, and support the acceptance and full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, their families, friends and allies, within the Lutheran communion and its ecumenical and global partners.

Through our Reconciling in Christ Program, ministries, resources, events and alliances, ReconcilingWorks builds community for worship, education and support; fosters welcome and acceptance in all Lutheran settings; advocates for the ecclesial changes necessary to ensure full participation in all rites, sacraments, and ministries of the Church; and invites all people into Gospel lives of authenticity, integrity and wholeness.

Rev. Richard Moyer of the Community United Church, W 38th and Cascade Streets, Erie PA, shares thoughts on Christianity from a GLBT-friendly perspective. The church is interdenominational and is affiliated with the United Church of Christ

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country. The ACLU also works to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including people of color; women; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people; prisoners; and people with disabilities.

By tapping in to the unprecedented possibilities for global people power that new social media technologies allow, All Out is building a truly global community able to respond to moments of crisis and opportunity, to advance the lives and freedoms of LGBT people-everywhere.

The American Foundation for Equal Rights is dedicated to protecting and advancing equal rights for every American. As the sole sponsor of the federal court challenge of California’s Proposition 8, known as Perry v. Schwarzenegger, AFER is leading the fight for marriage equality and equality under the law for every American.

Amnesty International is a global movement of people fighting injustice and promoting human rights. We work to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. Currently the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization, we investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilize the public, and help transform societies to create a safer, more just world. We received the Nobel Peace Prize for our life-saving work.

Campus Pride represents the only national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. The organization is a volunteer-driven network "for" and "by" student leaders. The primary objective of Campus Pride is to develop necessary resources, programs and services to support LGBT and ally students on college campuses across the United States.

Founded in the Fall of 2001 and launched a year later in October of 2002, Campus Pride started as an online community and resource clearinghouse under the name Campus PrideNet. The original founding partners were M. Chad Wilson, Sarah E. Holmes & Shane L. Windmeyer. In 2006, the organization broadened its outreach efforts and restructured as the current educational non-profit organization Campus Pride. As part of the restructuring process, the Lambda 10 Project for LGBT Fraternity & Sorority Issues (www.lambda10.org) became an educational initiative of Campus Pride. The executive director is national LGBT civil rights leader and campus pioneer Shane L. Windmeyer.

Change.org is an online advocacy platform that empowers anyone, anywhere to start, join, and win campaigns for social change. Millions of people sign petitions on Change.org each month on thousands of issues, winning campaigns every day to advance change locally and globally.

COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parent/s. We build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy.

Equality Ohio:

Vision: We envision an Ohio where everyone feels at home; living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. (Adopted April 23, 2005)

Mission: To achieve our vision, Equality Ohio will: serve as an advocate and champion for fair treatment and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens; facilitate a greater understanding of our common humanity through education and outreach efforts; engage and empower individuals, families, organizations, businesses and institutions in Ohio's urban, suburban, and rural areas; and collaborate with local, regional, statewide, and national organizations and government agencies. Equality Ohio is a non-partisan organization.

Equality Partners of Western PA is a project of the Delta Foundation, working throughout the 23 county area which all share a common interest in supporting issue advocacy education and action as it relates to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allied communities.

Founded in 1996 as the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights and later growing into Equality Advocates PA, Equality Pennsylvania is the only organization in the Commonwealth advocating in Harrisburg and across the state, exclusively for the rights of LGBT Pennsylvanians. We are gay and straight, business people and government workers, attorneys, non-profit leaders and professors who are singularly focused on changing the landscape for all LGBT Pennsylvanians.

Freedom to Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.

Freedom to Work is a national organization committed to banning workplace harassment and career discrimination against lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender Americans through public education, policy analysis, and legal work.

GetEQUAL: Mission: Our mission is to empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and our allies to take bold action to demand full legal and social equality, and to hold accountable those who stand in the way. Vision: We envision a society in which LGBTQ people experience equal protection under the law, and are free from cultural and social transphobia/homophobia, without caveat or compromise. To that end, GetEQUAL will inspire and equip the LGBTQ community and allies to fight back against discrimination in a way that builds power and personal agency, encourage LGBTQ people to take our place to push forward progressive change as equals, and to build bridges with all who struggle for justice and dignity in their lives.

GLAD: New England’s leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

 Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) seeks to improve the lives of LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans through innovative advocacy, education and outreach programs. HRC works to secure equal rights for LGBT individuals and families at the federal and state levels by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing grassroots supporters, educating Americans, investing strategically to elect fair-minded officials and partnering with other LGBT organizations.

Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all.

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is a leading international organization dedicated to human rights advocacy on behalf of people who experience discrimination or abuse on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Immigration Equality is a national organization that works to end discrimination in U.S. immigration law, to reduce the negative impact of that law on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive people, and to help obtain asylum for those persecuted in their home country based on their sexual orientation, transgender identity or HIV-status. Through education, outreach, advocacy, and the maintenance of a nationwide network of resources, we provide information and support to advocates, attorneys, politicians and those who are threatened by persecution or the discriminatory impact of the law.

It Gets Better Project: Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them.

Marriage Equality for Pennsylvania is a voice in Pennsylvania speaking out for civil rights for all people. We demand equal rights for the LGBTQ community, to be free from discrimination. We seek marriage equality and legal recognition of our lives and loves. All we ask in return is for your voice to raise with ours.

The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) is a 501(c)3 social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration and empowerment.

News from the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF).  The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We do this by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement. Our Policy Institute, the movement’s premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all.

Out & Equal™ Workplace Advocates is the largest and most effective national, nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving workplace equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees and professionals.

The aim of Out in the Silence is to expand public awareness about the difficulties that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people face in rural and small town America and to promote dialogue and action that will help people on all sides of the issues find common ground.

The PA Diversity Network  (based in Lehigh Valley) fosters strength and vitality in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community by providing news, information, presentations, health programs, events and other services.

The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition is a youth-led and youth-run organization dedicated to advocacy across the Commonwealth on issues relating to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer student youth. Comprised of leaders from LGBTQ student organizations across Pennsylvania, we work in educational institutions and local communties on behalf of LGBTQ young people. The first and only statewide LGBTQ youth organization in Pennsylvania, PSEC is the first statewide LGBTQ youth-led organization in the nation.

People For the American Way champions an America in which liberty and justice for all really means all, an America in which no one is denied the rights and responsibilities guaranteed under our Constitution. Today, for the first time in many years, we have a chance to make those promises real.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates in the United States. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced and serviced by the PFLAG National Office, located in Washington, D.C., the national Board of Directors and 13 Regional Directors.

Political Research Associates (PRA) is a social justice think tank devoted to supporting progressive movements by providing investigative research and expert analysis on the U.S right-wing. We expose movements, institutions, and ideologies that undermine human and civil rights, focusing on issues including reproductive justice, LGBTQ rights, immigrant and racial justice, economic justice, and civil liberties. For more information, visit www.politicalresearch.org

Servicemembers United is a non-partisan and non-profit organization whose primary goals are 1) to engage in education and advocacy on issues affecting gay and lesbian troops and veterans; 2) to serve as an associational organization for the gay and lesbian military, veteran, and defense community; 3) to represent the voice of Iraq/Afghanistan-era gay and lesbian troops and veterans; and 4) to forward and inform public debate on the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is a nonprofit civil rights organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry, and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. Founded by civil rights lawyers Morris Dees and Joseph Levin Jr. in 1971, the SPLC is internationally known for tracking and exposing the activities of hate groups. Our innovative Teaching Tolerance program produces and distributes - free of charge - documentary films, books, lesson plans and other materials that promote tolerance and respect in our nation's schools.

The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is committed to ending discrimination based upon gender identity and expression and to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, community organizing and public policy efforts.

Truth Wins Out (TWO) is a non-profit organization that fights anti-gay religious extremism. TWO monitors anti-LGBT organizations, documents their lies and exposes their leaders as charlatans. TWO specializes in turning information into action by organizing, advocating and fighting for LGBT equality. TWO’s goal is to create a world where LGBT individuals can live openly, honestly and true to themselves.

The Williams Institute advances sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy through rigorous, independent research and scholarship, and disseminates it to judges, legislators, policymakers, media and the public. A national think tank at UCLA Law, the Williams Institute produces high quality research with real-world relevance.

Born out of the merger of the National AIDS Fund and AIDS Action in late 2010, AIDS United's mission is to end the AIDS epidemic in the United States.  AIDS United combines  strategic grantmaking and capacity-building with national advocacy and regional organizing to ensure access to life-saving HIV/AIDS care and prevention services and to advance sound HIV/AIDS related policy for U.S. populations and communities most impacted by the epidemic. With a budget of over $15 million, AIDS United provided more than $7 million in grants last year supporting more than 400 AIDS organizations across the United States.

Health and fitness info from Ron Blake, a personal fitness trainer in Phoenix AZ. He has been training individuals and groups for 15 years. Ron has also coached high school cross country and track teams in Indiana and California during those years. He was born in Gary, Indiana and did not graduate summa cum laude from Indiana University...but he did graduate. The school awarded him a bachelors and Masters degree if he agreed to quietly leave the state. Feel free to visit Ron at his site of www.myblakefitness.com for more inside information.

San Diego psychologist Michael Kimmel shares perspectives and advice on psychological health for the LGBT community.  He can be reached through his website (lifebeyondtherapy.com).

Persad is the nation’s second oldest licensed counseling center specifically created to serve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community.

Problem solving, couples coachin and fulfillment coaching from life coach Crystal Nyaa Hites of Unknotting by Nyya

Buffalo United Artists, 119 Chippewa, Buffalo NY is a self-supporting collective of professional theater artists working constantly to create accessible, professional-quality theater consistent with the great passion we feel for our art. We do not shy away from controversy, nor do we direct our production choices towards mass appeal or popular opinion. We believe one of the greatest endeavors we can pursue is to use our craft to play an active and visible role in the service of our community. We aspire to present theater that entertains, enlightens, and captures the imagination.

Our DJ's and artists have their pulse on the gay music scene like no one else, and everyone wants to know what's happening in music and the clubs.

Dreams of Hope (DOH) has established itself as Pittsburgh's only arts-focused, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied (LGBTA) youth (13-21) organization. The organization was founded in 2003 by Susan Haugh, current Artistic Director, with a $2,500 grant from the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Program of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and with assistance from three collaborating artists

GayTravel.com  connects gay and lesbian travelers with gay friendly destinations, hotels, cruises and tours throughout the world. We consider our site to be a virtual gay travel magazine!  Our mission is to provide our site visitors with the most comprehensive and accurate information available to ensure that every vacation is both pleasurable and comfortable.

As a gay travel company, for over 15 years, we have served the LGBT community as an invaluable resource for its travel needs.  With the launch of the newly redesigned gaytravel.com we want to be more relevant than ever!  New features include user profiles - allowing site visitors to meet locals in the area they plan to visit, provide their own travel tips on places they know well, find room mates or travel buddies or just have a conversation with a fellow gay traveler.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality.

In The Life Media counters injustice and misinformation with dynamic, responsive and compelling use of traditional and new media, including social networks, video sharing, online community organizing and blogs. We are powered by the private funding and generosity of our members and supporters.

EGN writer Kevin Schultz reviews movies, books and more!

The LGBT world has a place all its own with Logo, the lesbian & gay network from MTV Networks. Whether it's on TV, online, or on your mobile, Logo brings you the stories, shows and news you won't see anywhere else. From original series and films to groundbreaking documentaries to LGBT news and more.

Area Theatre and Performances of interest to GLBT Audiences

Travel destinations, reviewed by OUT Destinations.

The Renaissance City Choirs' mission is to promote a positive image of the GLBT community and to be a leading contributor to the cultural life of the tri-state area. We seek to build bridges both within the GLBT community and with the community at large. Our programming blends challenging contemporary music; commissions of new works; an ambitious, traditional repertoire; and music from various world cultures. We seek to educate, challenge and enlighten both our audiences and our singing membership. We continue to affirm, by example and through song, the worth and dignity of sexual minorities. Music that is gay-positive and openly supports issues related to human equality and justice is represented at all concerts.

Recaps of RuPaul's Drag Race, the popular LOGO series.

"The Amazon Trail," a column about gay life in the U.S., has been appearing in gay publications since 1986.

Various thoughts on the Bear community by Gary Snyder.

Erie Gay News Co-Editor Michael Mahler with some random observations, news and etc. Also see the personal weblog.

Everyone's favorite gay midgey! Serving up sass and a little bit of class! Born in Bethlehem... Like Jesus! No filter, and DEFINITELY NSFW! Check out.him as well on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter

Observations from Robert Hofmann. Robert Hofmann is the author of three books, "Surrounded by Insanity", "An Ordinary Madness", and his latest, "One Brain Cell Away from Retarded". He resides in Wilton Manors, FL, with his partner of 16 years and welcomes email from his readers at [email protected].

Your thoughts, memories and thoughts on a wide variety of topics. This is your chance to express yourself!

Opinions and commentary from Mark Segal, publisher of Philadelphia Gay News.

Equality Forum is a national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus. Equality Forum coordinates LGBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high-impact initiatives and presents the premier annual national and international LGBT civil rights summit.