Featured News Stories

Voters Guide

Candidates for US Senator, US Congress (PA-16), PA State Senate District 49, and PA State House for areas that included Erie County were asked about their positions on LGBTQIA+ issues.

HIV Science: Cut It Out

Recently, the University of Amsterdam announced the findings of their team of scientists working on a new frontier of HIV treatment. Their approach is using the Nobel Prize-winning Crispr gene editing technology. The U of A team presented a review of early findings on a 'proof of concept' as a potential future treatment of HIV.

Bears Do Dinner #113 at Firestone's

On Wednesday, March 20, Bears Do Dinner held their monthly dinner at Firestone's, 4823 Peach St, Erie, PA. The group meets monthly for dinner at a different restaurant. Upcoming dates are Tuesday, April 16 and Monday, May 20. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/BearsDoDinnerEriePA.

Compton's Table Name Change Clinic on April 13

Compton's Table is partnering with Atty Seth Trott from Quinn Law Firm to provide a free Name Change Clinic on April 13, 2024, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at 3104 State Street, Erie, PA. Attendees will learn how to navigate the name change process. Compton's can cover the costs for 10 participants' name change fees. We know not everybody is ready to go through the legal process, so we encourage those interested in learning to attend. Registration is required for the event. Registration does not guarantee you will be one of the ten to have your legal process covered.

Aging With Pride Book Club

Aging With Pride met at Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA, on March 16 to discuss Felice Picano's Like People In History. Book club meetings are usually held on the third Saturday of the month at Werner Books at 1 PM, but April's meeting will be on the 27th to accommodate the Aging With Pride trip to the Buffalo Art Gallery on April 20.

LBT Women Trip to Hurry Hill Maple Farm

On March 16th, the Beans took a trip to the Hurry Hill Maple Farm to attend the annual Maple Festival. The six of us were excited to learn how maple syrup is made and taste some delectable maple products.

Live and Let Live AA Group Now Meets at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

Please note that Live and Let Live, the LGBTQIA+ friendly AA group, now holds its meeting at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 1603 W 32nd St, Erie, PA. The group meets every Sunday at 7 PM. For more info, browse to www.aaeriepa.org, email jmwilliams3603@aol.com, or call (814) 844-2600.

ASCEND Erie Launches Affinity Sessions to Improve Access and Inclusivity

On March 9, ASCEND Erie hosted its first Affinity Session, inviting anyone who identifies as Queer, Femme, Trans, or as a Woman to visit the gym and climb for free. More than 20 members of Erie's QFTW community took to the walls, nearly one-third of whom were first-time visitors. ASCEND Erie will host Affinity Sessions on the second Saturday of each month from 6-8 p.m., closing the gym for these special events. Each month will alternate between two affinity groups: QFTW and BIPOC. The first BIPOC Affinity Session at ASCEND Erie will take place April 13.

Spring FreeShop 2024

The Pennsylvania Equality Project will hold Spring FreeShop at the Meadville Public Library on Friday, April 19 from 10 AM - 5 PM and Saturday, April 20, from 9 AM - 5 PM. We are seeking donations of food, clothing, blankets, non-perishable food items, kitchen items, books, toys, games, etc. on both days of the event. On Saturday, April 20, anyone who needs the donated items can take what they like for free. There is no cost for admission to this event. Spring FreeShop 2024 is being held at the Meadville Public Library in the Community Room on the Upper floor, 848 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335. For more information, visit our website, https://paequality.com, or call (814) 350-6635.

Ashtabula Pride Looking For Volunteers for June 15 Festival

One of the most vital pieces to a puzzle can never go missing. You will never get the full effect of the overall picture with one simple piece not in place. That is why it is so crucial that Ashtabula Pride, Inc. urges our most important part of the June 15 Pride Festival to reach out to partners like you for assistance. Our Volunteer Team has been scrambling for months trying to reach out via social media posts and flyers in local stores to encourage people to sign up as VOLUNTEERS and help us bring forth this amazing time of love and celebration! We have a very detailed application to complete to become a volunteer. The reason for this is to ensure ALL of our volunteers are either LGBTQ+ community members or they are allies of the community. This will give us an overall feeling of protection and trust while the festival is happening. We help to train our VOLUNTEERS on what to look for and how to respond in the event of situations they may not be used to dealing with, and we make sure their comfort level at this task is 100% before giving the approval to be considered a VOLUNTEER for the next upcoming event. There are times and different departmental teams you can apply for during the festival, and we assure you we will accommodate you as best we can! If this isn't for you, then tell someone you know that you feel would be great at helping us out at the festival! Please apply on our website under the SIGN UP tab.

Rainbow Fest on April 13

Join us at Rainbow Fest, hosted by OddCity Entertainment, for a groundbreaking celebration of love and acceptance on April 13th at Basement Transmissions in Erie, PA. Following the National Day of Silence, this festival amplifies voices against discrimination towards queer individuals, as well as brings the queer community together to showcase all of our amazing local talent in a safe and welcoming environment! The day promises: - 17 queer-featured bands bringing unique sounds and energy, seven fabulous drag performers (including an ASL interpreter for inclusivity), six queer-featured craft vendors showcasing community talent, and two queer featured food vendors. We will also have three guest speakers discussing important advocacy efforts from Pennsylvania Equality Project, Susannah Faulkner, and Rianna Czech! This is an accessible venue with wheelchair-friendly options and will have an on-site ASL interpreter. This all-ages event offers family-friendly activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We will donate proceeds to the LGTB Funds of the Erie Community Foundation and will have services provided by Central Outreach. Join in, spread the love, and create unforgettable memories at Rainbow Fest 2024! Follow [@OddCity Entertainment] for updates and surprises. Visit oddcityentertainment.org/events/rainbow-fest for more information.

Transgender Day of Visibility

On Saturday, April 6, join TransFamily of NWPA at noon in Perry Square to commemorate Trans Day of Visibility. They will be celebrating trans lives, raising awareness about trans experiences, and building a community of powerful allies. This event also serves as a chance to uplift trans voices and work towards a world where everyone, regardless of gender identity, has the right to live authentically and without fear.

Registration for NWPA Pride Alliance summer events

Vendors, organizations, and food trucks can now register at nwpride.org for all of the NWPW Pride events happening this summer. Be part of Erie's Pride on the Bay, Meadville Pride and Street Fair, or the annual Pride Picnic on Presque Isle. Spots will go fast, so it is best not to delay.

Pride Prom 2024

The Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center Garden Atrium and Terrace will host NWPA Pride's Annual Queer Adult Prom on Saturday, May 25. The Prom will begin at 7 PM and conclude at 11 PM. Appetizers and a cash bar (21+ only) will be available. DJ Dave Rapp will provide music. Tickets are now available at nwpapride.org

Aging With Pride Dinner at Brewerie

On Thursday, February 29, Aging With Pride held their monthly dinner at Brewerie at Union Station, 123 W 14th St, Erie PA. On the last Thursday of each month, the group meets for dinner at a different restaurant. In addition, the group also hosts a game night the second Wednesday of each month and a book club the 3rd Saturday of each month. They typically have their planning meetings on the first and third Sundays of each month. Check them out at AgingWithPrideErie.org.

VisitErie Unveils Eclipse S.H.I.N.E. Campaign

ERIE, PA: With one month left to go before the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, VisitErie unveiled its S.H.I.N.E. campaign, asking residents to do five simple things to ensure the community is at its best. The eclipse is poised to significantly impact the region, with estimates anticipating 56,000 to 200,000 visitors making their way to Pennsylvania, the majority of whom will head north to Erie. If Erie sees even the low number of projected visitors, it will become the third-largest city in the Commonwealth for that day, almost doubling in population, and will be Erie County's largest tourism-related event in recent memory.

"Drag Me to Dinner" Showcases RuPaul's Drag Race Stars, Iconic Drag Royalty at Salvatore's Italian Gardens

Buffalo, NY - February 22, 2024 - Salvatore's Italian Gardens is set to host an electrifying evening of glamor, comedy, and fabulousness with "Drag Me to Dinner" on Saturday, April 13. This sensational event promises an unforgettable experience as it welcomes some of the most beloved drag queens from RuPaul's Drag Race alongside esteemed drag royalty from the Western New York area. Headlining the evening are the incomparable queens Mrs. Kasha Davis and Darienne Lake, both renowned for their wit, charm, and captivating performances showcased on the global phenomenon, RuPaul's Drag Race, as well as RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars. Joining them on stage are drag legends Aggy Dune and Ambrosia Salad, whose charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent have captivated audiences far and wide. With their unique styles and magnetic stage presence, Aggy Dune and Ambrosia Salad promise to add an extra layer of excitement and spectacle to the evening's festivities.

2024 LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship Application Period Is Open Now

The LEAGUE Foundation provides financial resources for America's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer high school seniors entering their first year of institutions of higher learning. The scholarship application opens annually in January and closes in April with awards distributed in the summer of each year.

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Political, Activism and Legal

Ohio Families File Lawsuit Challenging Ban on Gender-Affirming Healthcare for Transgender Youth
Lambda Legal and City of Nashville Reach Settlement in HIV Discrimination Lawsuit
HRC's Weekly State Fights Report: Slew of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Become Law
Rainbow Flag ban at U.S. Embassies - Statement from the Gilbert Baker Foundation
VICTORY! Court Issues Temporary Injunction Against Texas Attorney General's Latest Attack on Texas Families with Transgender Youth
Lambda Legal to 10th Circuit: Reverse Ruling Upholding Oklahoma's Discriminatory Birth Certificate Policy
VICTORY: More than 50 Anti-LGBTQ+ Riders Stripped from Appropriations Bill
LGBTQ Policy Snapshot: MAP's Equality Profile for Oklahoma
Human Rights Campaign Equality Votes PAC Condemns Radical Anti-Equality Ohio Senate Candidate Bernie Moreno
Plaintiffs Urge Federal Court to Reverse Trump-Era Health Care Discrimination Rule
NWLC Celebrates Nicole Berner's Confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Spring FreeShop 2024
ICYMI: New Data Shows that Majority of Americans Support Nondiscrimination Laws for LGBTQ+ Individuals
ICYMI: A Missouri Lawmaker Wants to Criminalize Teachers Who Support Their Trans Students. The Lawmaker's Own Brother Says 'It's Just Whitewash for Hatred'
ICYMI: In States with Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws, School Hate Crimes Quadrupled, Washington Post Reports; Corresponding Surge in Youth Crisis Hotline Calls
Academy Award-Winning Actress Ariana DeBose Named ACLU Artist Ambassador for Voting Rights
New MAP Report Illuminates Far Right's Battle to Control Nearly Every Aspect of Americans' Lives
ICYMI: Extremist Hate-Peddler & OK Library Advisory Board Appointee Libs Of TikTok Rattled by Call Out from Chasten Buttigieg
Advocacy Groups Demand Immediate Release of Title IX Rule
ICYMI: Tennessee Lawmakers Giving Free Rein to Overt Discrimination - More Than a Dozen Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Dominate Legislative Activity
Equality California on the Passing of David Mixner
GLAAD Releases 2024 Voter Poll: 94% of LGBTQ Americans Are Motivated to Vote; 72% Report Negative Impact of Political Discourse on Mental Health and Emotions
Human Rights Campaign Responds to Partial Release of Medical Examiner's Report on Death of Nex Benedict
Human Rights Campaign PAC, Planned Parenthood PA PAC Announce Joint Endorsement of Malcolm Kenyatta for Auditor General
Formerly Incarcerated HIV+ Man Denied from Work Program Settles with Delaware County and the GEO Group
SINE DIE: LGBTQ+ and Allied Floridians Are Turning The Tide

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April, 2024 Print Edition now out!

April, 2024 issue

Issue #341 of the print edition of Erie Gay News is out as of Tuesday, March 26, 2024! You can pick it up at several locations. You can also read the articles here.

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Download printable, viewable PDF of April, 2024 Issue. (First, download free Adobe PDF Reader if you don't already have one.)

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