December, 2018 News (48 Articles with 172,916 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for December, 2018 Lola LeCroix performs at the 12th Annual Behrend Drag Show, organized by the Gender and Sexuality Equality Club (GASE) at Penn State Behrend on November 8, 2018
This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus
Category for this issueCalendar & Upcoming Events
Calendar of Local GLBT Events |
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Local and Regional News
Erie County Executive Dahlkemper issues Transgender Awareness Week Proclamation
On November 12, 2018, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper issued a proclamation for Transgender Awarness Week. It read in part: "NOW THEREFORE, I, Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie County Executive, do hereby proclaim November 12 - 19 as Transgender Awareness Week and call upon our citizens to educate themselves regarding the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that transgender people face and encourage our community to be allies of the transgender community."
Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend Raises over $4,000
The 13th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend was held at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, October 12th-14th. What started as Michelle Micheals' idea to bring together the local drag community to raise money for a cause near and dear to her heart has since grown into an entire weekend of raising funds. Michelle Micheals mother Gracie is a 18 year survivor of stage 4 breast cancer has always been her biggest supporter and is the inspiration for the weekend. Over the years of doing this event it has grown thanks to the overwhelming support of Erie LGBT+ community, the dance community many other supporters of the cause.
12th Annual Behrend Drag Show
On Thursday, November 8, the Gender and Sexuality Equality Club (GASE) at Penn State Behrend held their 12th annual Behrend Drag Show. The event has hosted by Pittsbugh-based Lola LeCroix, and other performers included Anna Steezia, Sasha Nolan, Danyel Vasquez, and Dixie Shurwood. The room was packed with students from Behrend and area universities, as well as other local community members. There were six entrants for the amateur drag contest, with the winner being 13 year old Club Diamond (aka Jewels), who was there with her mother. The room was packed and there was also coverage by the Erie Times News.
Prism LGBTQ Youth Halloween Party
On Oct, 20, Prism LGBTQ Youth held a very fun and successful Halloween Party at Basement Transmissions, 145 W 11th in Erie. About 20+ youth attended and enjoyed friendship and snacks. There was also a costume contest. Thank you to the event's sponsors: Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, NWPA Pride Alliance, Lake Erie Counseling, SafeNet, Taradoodles, and anonymous families.
NW PA Pride Alliance: Thanks for a great 2018
Thanks to our donors and supporters, 2018 was a great year for the NWPA Pride Alliance. We celebrated Pride this year with our theme, "Remember the Past, Create the Future." This year's Pride Fest set an all-time record for attendance - over 1,500 people attended, making it the largest Pride event in local history. We were honored that Erie City Major Joe Schember and his staff walked in the Pride Parade, and that the Mayor spoke at Pride Fest. In addition to the City of Erie painting a rainbow crosswalk between City Hall and Perry Square, the Mayor also chose to announce the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council (which included board members of NW PA Pride Alliance) during Pride Fest. We were very much honored that our event was chosen to make this historic announcement. We were also very pleased to have a great time with everyone who came to the 26th annual Pride Picnic in August.
E3 Youth Summit in Erie April 2019
The E3 Youth LGBTQA Summit will be hosting all young individuals ages 12-21, their families, and professionals who impact LGBTQA youth. The Summit is focused on building a safe, supportive, and connected community through the cooperation of regional advocacy organizations, as well as local educational and health care professionals, to empower our youngest members. The final schedule of summit events will be released soon. The event will be held April 12-13, 2019 at Strong Vincent Middle School, 1330 W 8th St, Erie PA. Please like our Facebook page as we make more information available.
Third Annual Pennsylvania LGBTQA Health Conference June 18-19
The Third Annual Pennsylvania LGBTQA Health Conference will be held at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry PA June 18-19. This year's skill-based conference will focus on addressing tobacco and behavioral health disparities through the lens of trauma informed care and resiliency. The event is co-sponsored by PA Department of Health, PA Department of Human Services, Adagio Health, Northwest Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Coalition, and Tobacco Free Allegheny.Registration for the 2019 Conference will be opening soon. Applications for presenters are being accepted now!
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) supports LGBTQA youth
One of the more recent initiatives of Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) is to sponsor scholarships for youth continuing on to college or trade school. Research shows that supporting LGBTQA youth is one of the best tools we have in preventing drug use and suicidal attempts. Please check out our overview on why we need to continue to support and nurture our youth through scholarship programs: greatereriealliance.com
Report on Inaugural Meeting of PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs
The inaugural meeting of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs was held on November 2, 2018 at Harrisburg University, There are about 40 commissioners from across the Commonwealth from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
World AIDS Awareness Day Prayer Breakfast Features Bishop Dwane Brock and Other Local Prominent Leaders
Urban Ministries will convene its 2018 World AIDS Day Prayer Breakfast on December 1, at, Flight of The Eagle's Nest Banquets Hall and Conference Center, 1125 Pennsylvania Avenue , Erie, Pennsylvania. This year's keynote speaker at the Prayer Breakfast is Bishop Dwane Brock., the International Presiding Bishop of Covenant Ministries International Fellowship. Locally, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Word of Faith Development Corporation which encompasses Victory Christian Center of Erie, Inc. and the Bishop's Institute of Applied Science & Biblical Studies. Additionally, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Eagle's Nest Leadership Corporation which is a Think Tank of community leaders dedicated to the dynamics of vision, educational initiatives, career development, and community civility for the city's at-risk youth.
First Study Shows Pivotal Role of Parents in Conversion Efforts to Change LGBT Adolescents' Sexual Orientation
November 8, 2018 – A study from the Family Acceptance Project (FAP) has found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young people who experience sexual orientation change efforts during adolescence report attempts to change their sexual orientation (often called "conversion therapy") both by their parents and by therapists and religious leaders. Whether change efforts are carried out at home by parents and caregivers or by practitioners and religious leaders, parents serve as gatekeepers to both engage in and take their LGBT children for external conversion interventions. Both home-based parent and external sexual orientation conversion interventions by therapists and religious leaders, coupled with parent conversion efforts, contribute to multiple health and adjustment problems in young adulthood. These include higher levels of depression and suicidal behavior, as well as lower levels of self-esteem, social support and life satisfaction, and lower levels of education and income in young adulthood, compared with LGBT young people who did not experience conversion efforts.
Deadline for December 2018 print edition (issue # 277) of Erie Gay News is Monday, November 12
For the next print edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 277, cover dated for December 2018), please send in calendar events, news items, and other info for late November 2018 and beyond by Monday, November 12. We expect that the next print edition will come out on Tuesday, November 20.
LGBTQ Unit in Meadville Halloween Parade
Crawford Area LGBT+ (@crawfordarealgbt) along with Showing Up for Racial Justice Crawford County (@SURJCrawfordCounty) participated for the second time in Meadville's 52nd Annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 26, 2018. As was the case last year, we were welcomed warmly among the community with periodic cheers from those watching the parade as we walked the route. A special thanks to all those who made it possible for us to participate! This truly has been a huge step in building bridges in the community.
Entertainment and Travel
A Moment in the Reeds to be released on DVD on December 4
The acclaimed Finnish-Syrian LGBT romantic drama A MOMENT IN THE REEDS will be released December 4th, 2018 in the U.S. and Canada on DVD & VOD. Check out the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sld9shloXw4&feature=youtu.be
RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-Slay Spectacular will air on VH1 on December 7
RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-Slay Spectacular will air on VH1 on December 7 8 PM. The one-hour "RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular" will bring back franchise favorites including Eureka O'Hara, Jasmine Masters, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Mayhem Miller, Shangela, Sonique, and Trixie Mattel as they compete for the title of America's first "Drag Race Xmas Queen."
"RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" RuVeals Guest Judges For Highly Anticipated Fourth Season Premiering Friday, December 14th at 8:00 PM ET/PT
NEW YORK, NY – November 12, 2018 – VH1 today announced the guest judges set to join the highly anticipated fourth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars." RuPaul will be joined by a star-studded line-up of celebrities, alongside show regulars Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, and Ross Mathews, as they decide who will stay, lip-sync for their legacy, or "sashay away." "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" follows the record-breaking tenth season of VH1's "RuPaul's Drag Race," which just became the first show to ever win an Emmy® Award in both the Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program categories in the same year. The series will return to the runway with supersized 90-minute episodes on Friday, December 14th at 8:00 PM ET/PT on VH1.
Pride Journey: Indianapolis
Indianapolis has always felt like a second home to me. I used to publish a gay magazine there called UNITE a few years ago, so I was frequently visiting the city. This time, I wanted to experience things that I may not have had the chance to see on previous visits.
Returning Queens Announced for VH1's"RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars"
NEW YORK, NY – November 9, 2018 – Following the record-breaking tenth season of VH1's "RuPaul's Drag Race," which just became the first show to ever win an Emmy® Award in both the Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program categories in the same year, VH1 has announced the queens returning to the mainstage to compete in the fourth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars." The groundbreaking competition is set to return with supersized, 90-minute episodes and more stunning fashions, killer lip-syncs, and jaw-dropping twists than ever before. "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" will also be making Friday nights fierce again when it premieres on Friday, December 14th at 8:00 PM ET/PT on VH1.
Political, Activism and Legal
Palm Center Statement: Sen. Inhofe Wrong on Transgender Troops as He Was on Gay Troops
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - November 28, 2018 – Following news that Senator James Inhofe, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is seeking to codify Trump's proposed transgender military ban into law, Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin issued the following statement: "Senator Inhofe insisted for years that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would undermine the military, falsely claiming that ending 'don't ask, don't tell' would undermine 'our military's ability to fight, protect, and win.' Yet gays and lesbians have now served openly and successfully for seven years in all ranks and services. Numerous military and political leaders who once opposed their service have acknowledged they were wrong and even expressed regret over a 'moral passing of the buck.' But not Senator Inhofe, who is now taking aim at transgender troops to score political points. The senator's new embrace of President Trump's proposed transgender ban is just as misguided as his earlier embrace of 'don't ask, don't tell'. Senior military leaders have confirmed what we know from more than two years of successful, trans-inclusive service: that inclusive policy promotes military readiness, while discrimination harms it."
Trump Asks Supreme Court to Intervene Now and Implement the Transgender Military Ban-Even Though Four Federal Courts Have Blocked It
Washington, D.C. - November 23, 2018 -The Trump Administration filed petitions for cert before judgment today in three cases challenging Trump's transgender military ban: Doe v. Trump, Stockman v. Trump, and Karnoski v. Trump. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), who represent plaintiffs in both Doe and Stockman and were the first to challenge the ban, characterized the filing as an unusual attempt by the administration to bypass the standard appeals process.
Victory Fund Releases Candidate Data on 2018 Rainbow Wave; 244 Out LGBTQ Candidates Won Elected Office in 2018
Washington, DC - November 19, 2018 – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund released a demographic and informational breakdown of the 432 openly LGBTQ candidates on the ballot this past Election Day – looking at sexual orientation, gender identity, race/ethnicity, office level, party affiliation, and the equality levels of the states they ran in. Of those, 244 won, including 162 victorious Victory Fund endorsed candidates. Previously, Victory Fund released data on its endorsed candidates, but the data released today looks at all known openly LGBTQ candidates who were on the ballot on November 6.
Congresswomen, Civil Rights Leaders, Black Trans Woman Release Statements Demand Protections for Black LGBTQ Community
WASHINGTON - November 20, 2018 -- In honor of Transgender Awareness Week ending Nov. 17, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) and and the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls (CCBWG) released statements calling for the end of gender-based violence and the rising epidemic of discrimination, abuse and violence against Black Transgender and LGBTQ/Same Gender Loving people, especially Black Trans Women.
Kyrsten Sinema Makes LGBTQ History in Key U.S. Senate Race; Becomes First Bisexual Member of the U.S. Senate
Washington, DC - November 12, 2018 – U.S. Representative Kyrsten Sinema was tonight declared the winner in the U.S. Senate race in Arizona, becoming the first openly bisexual person elected to the U.S. Senate and just the second openly LGBTQ person ever elected to the body. Sinema defeated an anti-LGBTQ challenger to take the seat in an extremely close race that was one of the most watched in the nation. Sinema joins U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and eight other openly LGBTQ people who have won their races for U.S. Congress so far – a historic number. There are currently just seven openly LGBTQ members serving in Congress.
Trump's Plan to Cut Off Access to Asylum is Illegal and Will Endanger LGBTQ Lives
Washington, D.C. - November 8, 2018-Yesterday, the Trump administration announced its intention to adopt a new federal rule preventing certain individuals who enter the U.S. from Mexico from seeking asylum.
A Rainbow Wave of Historic Victories for LGBTQ Candidates; 154 Victory Fund Endorsed Candidates Won Races So Far
Washington, DC – While returns continue coming in, election results so far demonstrate LGBTQ political power is strengthening nationwide, with 154 Victory Fund endorsed LGBTQ candidates winning their races as of November 8th at 2pm ET – more than at any other time in its 27-year history. Sixteen races are still too close to call, including Kyrsten Sinema's U.S. Senate race in Arizona and Gina Oritz Jones' U.S. House race in Texas. Dozens of diverse LGBTQ candidates became historic firsts, transgender representation in state legislatures tripled, and an unprecedented number of LGBTQ people were elected to the U.S. House.
ACLU Calls for Protection and Expansion of Civil Liberties in 116th Congress
WASHINGTON - November 8, 2018 - American voters chose their representatives to the 116th Congress in the midterm elections on Tuesday, which resulted in a Democratic-majority House of Representatives and a Republican-majority Senate.
Historic Number of LGBTQ People Elected to U.S. House; LGBTQ Pickups Helped Strengthen New Democratic Majority
Washington, DC – November 7, 2018 - Eight openly LGBTQ candidates have won their races for the U.S. House and one will head to a recount – ensuring a historic number of openly LGBTQ candidates in the U.S. Congress next year. Three of the LGBTQ candidates won seats currently held by Republicans, one won in a key swing district held by a retiring Democrat, and four were incumbents. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin won a resounding reelection in Wisconsin and Kyrsten Sinema's race for U.S. Senate in Arizona remains too close to call.
Katie Hill Defeats Anti-LGBTQ U.S. Rep. Steve Knight; Becomes First LGBTQ Congresswoman from California
Washington, DC - November 7, 2018 – Openly LGBTQ candidate Katie Hill won her election tonight, becoming the first openly LGBTQ women elected to the U.S. House from California and just the second openly bisexual person ever elected to Congress. Hill defeated anti-LGBTQ incumbent U.S. Representative Steve Knight, who opposes marriage equality and supported legislation to allow discrimination against LGBTQ federal employees. Victory Fund made Hill one of its "Game Changer" candidates, held fundraisers on her behalf, directly contributed $6500, and raised more than $12,700 for her campaign.
VICTORY: Statement of the ACLU on Ballot Initiative to Uphold Transgender Protections
BOSTON, November 6, 2018 – The ACLU today issued the following statements in response to a winning ballot question to uphold Massachusetts' transgender nondiscrimination law and protect transgender people from discrimination in public places:
Victory for HRC-Backed Candidates in Historic Pennsylvania Election
WASHINGTON - November 6, 2018 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, released the following statement on the victories of HRC-endorsed candidates Governor Tom Wolf; U.S. Senator Bob Casey; Representatives Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans and Michael Doyle.
Health
Erie County HIV Task Force Billboard Campaign
As a member of the Erie County HIV Task Force, I can think of no better time to talk about HIV prevention than as World AIDS Day approaches. The theme for World AIDS Day this year is "Know Your Status" The task force is a collaboration of local organizations and individuals dedicated to educating, supporting, and advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS and preventing the spread of infection. We have been diligently working to develop a plan to increase awareness of this preventable disease. Keep an eye out for 6 billboards sponsored by the Erie County Department of Health. These billboards offer information about HIV and STD prevention strategies happening in our community: (1) promotion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), (2) FREE condoms, and (3) FREE testing sites in our community.
World AIDS Day event at Blasco Library on December 3
On Monday, December 3 at 10 AM. at Blasco Public Library, the Erie County HIV Task Force will hold a World AIDS Day event to raise awareness and show support for people living with HIV. The program is free and open to the public and includes a Tree of Hope and Healing, community resource information and Reflection: Peer Survivor Story. Presented by Erie County County HIV Task Force. Contact: LauraBeckes. (814) 451-6786.
You Can Fix Your Childhood
Most of us think that the bad stuff that happened to us when we were kids is hardwired into our brains. We try to change old habits/patterns and find it almost impossible. We notice how much like our parents we are, or how our bosses or partners have similar characteristics of our parents, and wonder: "Why am I doing this? I don't want to keep repeating the same pattern. Help!"
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Far-right video game spreads hate
If you want to know what the far right that supports President Trump thinks of you, they want you dead. You think I'm kidding. Well, from those wonderful folks at Pink News comes a report on a new video game that does just that.
The Amazon Trail: Going to the Doctor's
"Visiting the doctor doesn't have to be all gloom and doom," said my sweetheart. "We can make it fun."
Contests
Enter to win Male Shorts: International V2 DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Male Shorts: International V2 DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, December 14 and Friday, January 5.
Enter for a chance to win Rita Ora's 'Phoenix' CD!
Enter for a chance to win 'Phoenix' the highly anticipated album from international pop sensation Rita Ora! 'Phoenix' features the hit single "Let You Love Me." 'Phoenix' is now out! Buy/stream here: http://atlanti.cr/Phoenix. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 11 and Tuesday, January 1.
Enter to win Martyr DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Martyr DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, December 7 and Friday, December 28.
Enter for a chance to win Calum Scott's 'Only Human (Special Edition)' CD!
Enter for a chance to win a special edition of the breakout debut album from U.K. singer-songwriter Calum Scott. Only Human (Special Edition) features the new single "No Matter What" plus three additional tracks! Only Human (Special Edition) is available now! Stream/buy Only Human (Special Edition) here: https://calumscott.lnk.to/OHSpecialEdition. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 25.
Enter for a chance to win Michael Buble's Love CD!
Enter for a chance to win Love, the highly-anticipated 8th studio album from global superstar Michael Buble. To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Tuesday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 25.
Enter for a chance to win "The Greatest Showman - Reimagined!"
Enter for a chance to win "The Greatest Showman - Reimagined!" "The Greatest Showman - Reimagined" features new versions of songs from the chart-topping soundtrack by superstars P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Kesha, and more! "The Greatest Showman - Reimagined" became available November 16! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, November 30 and Friday, December 21.
Enter for a chance to win Hymn by Sarah Brightman!
Enter for a chance to win Hymn by Sarah Brightman! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, November 27 and Tuesday, December 18.
Enter to win My Best Friend DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win My Best Friend DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, November 23 and Friday, December 14.
Enter to win Adonis DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Adonis DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, November 20 and Tuesday, December 11.
Enter for a chance to win Honey by Robyn!
Enter for a chance to win Si by Andrea Bocelli!
Enter for a chance to win Si by Andrea Bocelli! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, November 13 and Tuesday, December 4.
Miscellaneous
What Should Be on Your Home's Must-Have List?
When you are looking at houses, chances are there are some features that you must have in a home. If your home doesn't have enough bedrooms for your family, for example, you likely don't want to even look at that home. It would be a waste of your time. With that in mind, many real estate professionals suggest that before you meet with your real estate agent, you should put together a list of "must-haves." You can share this list with your agent so that they can narrow down their list of potential properties to show you.
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