November, 2020 News (57 Articles with 70,398 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for November, 2020 Moderator Steven Cobb and Story Presenter Tasha McFaul-Marsh at the National Coming Out Day Event on October 11 at the Robert H. Jackson Center, Jamestown NY
This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus
Category for this issueCalendar & Upcoming Events
Calendar of Local GLBT Events |
|
 |
|
Local and Regional News
Apply for a mail-in ballot in Erie County by Oct. 27
Erie, PA - Erie County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, Oct. 27, is the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot. Ballots must be in hand Tuesday by 5 p.m. via electronic version, paper version or in person.
National Coming Out Day Celebrated in Jamestown NY
Jamestown Pride celebrated National Coming Out Day with two virtual events on October 11th including a Pride Flag Raising and an LBGTQIA+ community stories event.
Wolf Administration Launches COVID Alert PA App, Encourage PA to Unite to Stop the Spread
September 22, 2020 - Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of the Department of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today launched the COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app, COVID Alert PA, to help fight the spread of the virus.
Letter Opposing Supreme Court Justice Appointment from LGBTQ Groups Across PA
On October 14, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and other LGBTQ groups across the Pennsylvania sent a letter to US Senator Patrick Toomey opposing the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the US Supreme Court to fill the vanacy left by the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The text of the letter appears here.
Compton's Table for Queer Youth
In 1966 at Compton's Cafeteria, gender-expansive people responded to the hostility they were subjected to, simply because they existed, with an act of resistance. In solidarity, today, Compton's Table serves as a place where queer youth and young adults can find community and resist marginalization. Our mission is to eliminate systemic inequity, create community through peer connection, and empower queer youth and young adults to be agents of change. Together with the individuals and communities we serve, Compton's Table works to create a thriving LGBTQIAA community.
E3 Youth Summit November 20-21
The E3 Youth Summit will be held November 20 though 21, and is free to attend! The theme is "Healing in Community." This year our summit will be held virtually, but don't worry. We will still have plenty of things for you to do, see, enjoy! The Summit kicks off Friday night with a drag show by Rebecca Mae and will include some special friends. Participants of the Summit will hear from speakers, attend workshops, and experience musical events. Participants include Gaxella, Ryan Cassata, and Rebecca Mae.
Ace Week 2020 Oct 25-31
Ace Week 2020 and beyond is going to be an even bigger celebration for us here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.After of lot of work and waiting.Governor Tom Wolf has recognized Ace Week, a move that is being celebrated in our community within the state and beyond, We've become the third state after Washington and Colorado to recognize Ace Week. As we achieve new levels of representation and visibility, it's important that government spaces learn more about our community. Discrimination and misconceptions towards Ace folk must be fought and prevented in all levels of society.This proclamation from Harrisburg is a step in the right direction.There are an estimated 130,000+ Pennsylvanian Aces.As a Black Asexual Activist who got this done, I hope I'm not the last.
Intersex Awareness Day on Oct 26
On October 26, 1996, a group of activists protested at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) meeting in Boston. The group, bearing a banner reading "Hermaphrodites with Attitude!" included two intersex people - Max Beck and Morgan Holmes - and 10 allies. They came to the meeting to engage doctors on the needs of intersex patients, and how the AAP-endorsed "normalizing" surgical treatment for intersex children was harmful. This was the first public demonstration for intersex rights, and its anniversary is celebrated annually on Intersex Awareness Day.
LGBTQ Domestic Violence Survey Needs To Hear From You
Members of several local LGBTQ+ groups and the domestic violence service providers Safe Net and Safe Journey have come together to learn more about the needs of domestic violence victims and survivors in our LGBTQ+ communities. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. It happens across all groups of people, regardless of race, gender identity, social status, religion, sexual orientation or attraction.
SafeNet Virtual 5K Halloween Boo Run
SafeNet's 10th Annual Boo Run is a Virtual 5K Fun Run this year. On October 31st, Halloween, participants may start at 8:00am complete their self-designed 5K course. The run time will end at 8:00pm. Adults, Youth and Families are all welcome to take part. As in past years, the Run will help lighten the spirits of all who join in the fun. Find your registration at www.safeneterie.org/events and click on Boo Run for electronic registration thru the RunSignUp link or you may download a copy of a paper registration. Call Lucy Dehn at 814 455-1774 ext. 222 for any questions.
Mourn the Dead and Fight Like Hell for the Living on Zoom Oct 29
The LGBTQ community knows pain and challenge. 2020 is nothing we can't handle together. We are experts in making our own worlds fully imbibed with social change, joy, and love. Now more than ever we must envision the world we want and need. Join Jessica Halem as she reflects on 25 years of LGBTQ movement work and what lies ahead for us. Bring your sorrow and optimism to this high-energy session where we will manifest our future together. The session is called Mourn the Dead and Fight Like Hell for the Living, and will be held on Zoom on October 29 at 7 PM. The Zoom meeting ID is 832 7531 6862 and the password is 957519
Blanket and Sock Drive for Ryan White Program on Oct 29
The Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, NWPA Pride Alliance, and Transfamily are gathering warm blankets and socks to benefit individuals served by the Ryan White Program. There is a great need in our community for these items. This is the third year we have gathered donations- past support has been tremendous and we hope we can count on a great turnout this year! Donations can be dropped off on October 29 from 2:30 to 7:30 at 301 West 10 Street, in the GAEA office parking lot. located at the corner of 10th and Myrtle Streets.
Zone Dance Club Reopening Nov 2
The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, will be reopening on Monday, November 2!
THANK YOU for Dining Out For Life!
The dust is settling from the reimagined 18th annual Dining Out For Life, presented by KeyBank, and we are blown away by your support! We hope you enjoyed your takeout and continue to patronize our fabulous DOFL restaurants throughout the coming year. Your continued support is needed now more than ever. There is still time to donate to Evergreen Health! All donations made through October 31 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $12,000 thanks to our presenting sponsor, KeyBank. Your gifts will stay local and support
Penn State LGBTQ+ History Month Event: Blair Imani - All are welcome to join! Wednesday, October 14th - 5:00 PM
Penn State community is recognizing LGBTQ+ History Month with our keynote speaker Blair Imani. The broadcast with open Q&A and will take place this Wednesday, October 14th at 5:00 PM. You can watch here: https://www.watch.psu.edu/blair-imani/
Drag Nights on Victorian Princess October 16 & 30
Come to the Victorian Princess specialty event and see the Queens put on a performance from 10pm-12am on Friday October 16 and also Friday, October 30! Tickets are $20 a person and includes pizza! Must be 18yo + to get on. The Queens attending will be Alysin Wonderland, Rebecca Mae, Debbie, Priscilla Godzilla, Shea D. Heaux, and specialty DJ Tony G!
Penn State Behrend's GASE Presents Kevin Kantor Spoken Word Poetry on October 16
On Friday, October 16 at 7 PM, Penn State Behrend's Gender and Sexuality Club. GASE, is proud to be partnering with Kevin Kantor to present an evening of spoken-word poetry. The performance will be held via Zoom, and will showcase Kantor's work. Kantor will also provide deeper insights to the themes explored in their work, which range from sexuality and gender identity to sexual violence and healing as a survivor. Register at: https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvfu2srTwrHNEDOTgtoYNVxn_amH22cVmk
Voter Information
Everything you need to know about voting in the General Election on November 3, whether you are voting by mail or in person. If you are voting by mail, pay particular attention to placing your ballot inside the security envelope, and then inside the return envelope, as well as signing and filling out your return envelope.
Deadline for November 2020 print edition (issue # 300) of Erie Gay News is Monday, October 12, comes out Tuesday, October 20.
For the next edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 300, cover dated for November 2020), please send in online events, news items, and other info for late October 2020 and beyond by Monday, October 12. We expect that the next edition will come out on Tuesday, October 20. PLEASE NOTE! This will be our 300th issue! We are checking with local media for coverage of this historic milestone. Thanks to our advertisers, contributors and volunteers for making this possible!
Voters Guide
Candidates for US Congress PA-16, PA State Senate, and PA State House were asked about their positions on LGBT issues. Their responses appear below. Please note that the General Election is Tuesday, November 3. Starting this year, ALL voters can request an absentee ballot, which can be applied for online. Applications for absentee and mail-in ballots are due by October 26, and all completed ballots must be postmarked by November 3. However, we recommend that your ballot is either physically deposited in the drop box in front of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA by no later than November 3 at 8 PM or mailed well before the deadline. We strongly encourage everyone to apply for and vote via absentee ballot!
Political, Activism and Legal
GLAAD response/PA voters getting false campaign ads & texts
Washington, DC and New York, NY - October 27, 2020 - GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, along with LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ people to every level of government, are condemning the latest false, homophobic and transphobic campaign text messages and ads from the political action committee, American Principles Project.
Victory! U.S. citizenship of children of married same-sex couples is secure after U.S. Department of State folds following mounting court losses
(RICHMOND, VA AND ATLANTA, GA -- October 27, 2020) - On Monday, two key legal victories on behalf of married same-sex couples and their children became final after the U.S. State Department withdrew its appeal in Kiviti v. Pompeo and decided not to appeal the district court's decision in Mize-Gregg v. Pompeo. In both cases, federal district courts found the U.S. Department of State's refusal to recognize the U.S. citizenship of the children born abroad to two married same-sex, U.S. citizen couples to be unlawful.
Texas LGBTQ+ Centers Denounce State Agencies
CenterLink along with six LGBTQ+ community centers in Texas condemn a recent proposal to strip explicit protections against discrimination by state-licensed social workers against clients.
Bloomsburg Makes History: Third Small Town PA Community to Adopt LGBT Nondiscrimination Ordinance
BLOOMSBURG, Pa. - At their October 26, 2020 meeting, the Bloomsburg Town Council unanimously voted to adopt an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance. Bloomsburg becomes the third small town PA community and 60th municipality in Pennsylvania to enact local protections for LGBT people in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Lambda Legal Responds to Confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court
(Washington, D.C., October 26, 2020) - This evening, with a 52-48 vote, the Senate confirmed Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. In response, Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings issued the following statement: "This is a dark day for our justice system and American democracy. The Supreme Court of the United States, the court of last resort for justice in our country, should not be up for a power grab, but that is exactly what happened today. Amy Coney Barrett deeply alarmed us during her confirmation hearings when she refused to say whether she believed cases that are the backbone of the legal rights of LGBTQ people-such as Lambda Legal's landmark case, Lawrence v. Texas, which decriminalized same-sex intimacy, and Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage-were correctly decided. We fear that all the progress we have made in recent years is now at risk.
Trump's Attacks on LGBTQ Families
The Trump-Pence administration's rollback of LGBTQ rights extends to actions that attempt to unravel LGBTQ families. Their extreme policies are an attempt to shape America in the image desired by anti-LGBTQ groups that have the ear of this administration.
Trump's Global Attack On LGBTQ Equality
The Trump-Pence Administration has weakened the United States' leadership role on LGBTQ rights around the world. From its global disengagement on LGBTQ issues to its silence in the face of human rights violations to its abandonment of LGBTQ people here at home, the Trump-Pence Administration has made clear that they are not interested in assuming America's traditional global leadership role.
EXCLUSIVE: SPLC Investigation Reveals White House Deputy Comms Director Julia Hahn Had Connections to White Nationalist Movement
WASHINGTON - October 21, 2020 - An investigation published today by the Southern Poverty Law Center's (SPLC) Hatewatch reveals that President Trump's Deputy Communications Director Julia Hahn had connections to the white nationalist movement around the time she joined the White House as an aide
Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Nomination of Anti-LGBTQ Judge, Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court
(Washington, D.C., October 22, 2020) - Today, pressing ahead in flagrant disregard of longstanding rules and procedures, Senate Republicans voted unanimously to advance the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. Senate Democrats on the committee walked out from the vote in protest and were counted as absent. The nomination, which Senate Republicans are jamming through at breakneck speed, now moves on to a full Senate floor vote. Judge Barrett could be confirmed as soon as Monday, October 26. In response, Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings issued the following statement:
ACLU Analysis Finds Decriminalizing Sex Work Improves Public Health and Public Safety
NEW YORK- October 21, 2020 - The American Civil Liberties Union today released "Is Sex Work Decriminalization the Answer? What the Research Tells Us" a comprehensive review of more than 80 studies on the decriminalization and criminalization of sex work. In addition to finding that decriminalization will improve public health and safety while increasing economic stability for sex workers, the studies reviewed do not indicate a clear link between criminalizing sex work and stopping human trafficking.
SPLC Action Fund Launches Exposing Extremism in Election Project
Montgomery, Ala. - October 20, 2020 - The SPLC Action Fund today announced the launch of Exposing Extremism in Elections, a guide to candidates who are running or ran for public office in 2020 who - according to research - sympathize with or have ties to extremist groups or ideologies. The list, which includes 162 candidates, new or incumbent, who campaigned for public office at city, county, state and federal levels, provides an easy and accessible way for the public and media professionals to research and explore 2020 candidates and their ties to such extremism.
NWLC Responds to Amy Coney Barrett's Ruling In the Shonda Martin Case
(Washington, D.C. - October 18, 2020 ) In a 2018 ruling during her term on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Amy Coney Barrett reversed a lawsuit filed by Shonda Martin, a 19-year-old pregnant woman held at a Milwaukee County correctional facility who alleged she was raped by a prison guard. According to the opinion of Judge Barrett's court, the County could not be held liable because the guard was not acting in his official duties during the assault.
National LGBTQ Task Force and AWN Release Tips and Advice for Autistic Trans People
October 14, 2020, Washington, DC…..Today, the National LGBTQ Task Force and the AWNNetwork released a collaborative guide for , "Before You Go: Know Your Rights & What to Expect at the Doctor and in the Hospital," a groundbreaking first of its kind publication filled with tips and advice for autistic trans people about finding and going to doctors. The publication was co-authored by Sharon daVanport, Victoria M. Rodríguez-Roldán, and Lydia X. Z. Brown with illustrations by Erin Casey. It will be available HERE from AWN's website.
National AIDS Memorial to Launch 50-State AIDS Memorial Quilt Virtual Exhibition in Conjunction with World AIDS Day
SAN FRANCISCO (October 9, 2020) - The National AIDS Memorial is announcing a virtual exhibition of the AIDS Memorial Quilt (the Quilt) that will feature more than 10,000 Quilt panels representing all 50 state and U.S. territories. The memorial is inviting interested panelmakers, individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations to be part of this historic effort to use the power of the Quilt to help a nation heal and remember during these difficult times.
National LGBTQ Task Force Statement Re: Passing Of Transgender Advocate, Journalist Monica Roberts
>October 8, 2020 - "This week, the LGBTQ+ community lost one of our fiercest voices in Monica Roberts, an activist who not only lifted up the stories of trans people and inspired generations of countless transgender and non-binary people but all those who knew her. She was a mother, sister, aunt, friend, protector and voice for the voiceless. Her journalism was groundbreaking, her advocacy impactful and her spirit and passion limitless. There are people - especially trans members of our community - who are alive and thriving today because of her work," said Rea Carey, Executive Director.
National Black Justice Coalition Mourns Passing of Felycya Harris, Calls for Investigation into Stabbing of Daniela Hernandez
Washington - October 9, 2020 --The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the loss of Felycya Harris and the stabbing of Daniela Hernandez, who survived.
Lambda Legal Urges Senate Judiciary Committee to Oppose Confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett
(Washington, D.C., October 9, 2020) - Today, Lambda Legal sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee urging the members to oppose Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump's nominee to fill the seat of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the United States Supreme Court. The rushed confirmation hearings are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 12, while voting for the next president and one-third of the senate is already underway.
Health
Adagio Health Mammogram Voucher Program to Continue Providing Early Detection Services to Patients in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pa. (October 26, 2020) -- In the wake of last week's announcement that Komen Greater Pennsylvania is closing, Adagio Health wants patients, providers and partners to know that patients who need a mammogram will still be able to get one, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
Mobile HIV Testing Event on Oct 13
On Tuesday October 13th a first of its kind Mobile HIV Testing event took place in the Liberty Plaza parking lot using the new HIV mobile testing van. This event was spearheaded by NWPA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, and The Northwest Alliance, together with Dickey's BBQ Pit and Transfamily of NW PA. Free HIV testing was available to anyone 14 years of age and older using a rapid 2 minute test. Those who got tested were given a $5 Country Fair gift card and a coupon for a free sandwich at Dickies BBQ. The organizers look forward to hosting similar events in 2021 and beyond. If you missed the event and would like to set up a time to get tested please contact Emily Crofoot at Ecrofoot@clarion.edu. Photos by Andrea Shaffer.
Erie County launches online survey to determine most effective COVID-19 messaging and media to reach underserved populations
Erie, PA - County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and the Erie County Department of Health announce the launch of a new online survey designed to seek feedback from Erie County subgroups to help determine how to best communicate COVID-19-related health and safety messages to underserved populations.
It All Goes Dark
The soothing sounds of chirping crickets hypnotized me into a deep sleep. It was tranquil until it wasn't. The snapping of tree branches awakened me. They were in my campsite. Two of them. Maybe more. Cackles of wicked laughter ominously echoed off the towering cliffs surrounding my tent.
My Travels in TrumpLand: A Wake-Up Call
I recently returned from a two-week road trip. I drove through Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon and California, mostly on back roads like CA-49 and CA-89 (which are gorgeous, if you haven't experienced them). I usually stayed at hotels in smaller towns like Pahrump, Nevada; Salmon, Idaho; and Lakeview, Oregon.
Adagio Health Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Pittsburgh, PA (October 5, 2020) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection. One of the most effective ways to prevent breast cancer is routine cancer screenings. If breast cancer is detected in the early stages, nearly 90% of those diagnosed have at least a five-year survival rate.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Biden pledges support to LGBTQ community
PGN Exclusive: This Q and A with former Vice President and now Democratic Candidate for President Joe Biden starts out with a meeting in 2012 when a group of us met in the Vice President's office in the White House to find a way to fund an LGBT senior affordable living facility. That building is the John C. Anderson LGBT-Friendly Apartments, a hallmark of Philadelphia's LGBTQ community. We start there.
When to not cover a Trump story
From Philadlphia Gay News: A Trump "gay pride" rally was recently held in our back yard. PGN chose not to cover it. Similarly, a few weeks ago, the Philadelphia LGBTQ community made their voices heard and another forum involving a Gay Trumper was cancelled. PGN did not cover that and did not name the person involved. To name them means to give them publicity. And that's all this administration wants and all they care about: their image. They couldn't care less about their actions, which have been horrible towards the LGBTQ community.
The Amazon Trail: One Dog at a Time
I can't save our democracy, but I can do a little good in the world. We are adopting a dog who needs a home.
Contests
Enter to win Rialto DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Rialto DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 20 and Tuesday, November 10.
History
SF house includes Joplin, Log Cabin Republicans in its history
The day Peggy Caserta took acid for the first time changed her life - and that of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood - forever.
A Century of Gay Rumors Surround Miami's Iconic Vizcaya Estate
An opulent manse in Miami, James Deering's Vizcaya has played host to many a wedding, elaborate engagement shoot, and field trips of schoolchildren learning about Miami's past. But it also played a prominent role in local LGBT society as the setting for the White Party from 1985 to 2010 and then again in 2018.
The Intersection Of LGBTQ History And Disability
Disabled people have long been hidden from history, and unsurprisingly, disabled LGBTQ historical figures too have been hidden. The LGBTQ community itself has been slow to address disability as an issue, yet some of the most beloved and most commonly invoked LGBTQ historical figures also had disabilities, among them artists Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Frida Kahlo, and writers Marcel Proust, Virginia Woolf, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde and Adrienne Rich. We know these names well, yet not for their disabilities. And there are so many other LGBTQ icons, past and present, whose disabilities we ignore or fail to acknowledge as critical to their identities - and to ours as a community.
SF supe vows to landmark Lyon-Martin house
A San Francisco supervisor has vowed to landmark the home where the late lesbian pioneering couple Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin lived throughout most of their 54 years together.
QAnon's 'SaveOurChildren' Slogan Has Long Anti-LGBT History
Model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen recently shared devastating news with her social media followers: she and her husband, singer John Legend, had lost their child halfway through her pregnancy. She shared heartbreaking black-and-white photos of the couple at the hospital, including her clutching a tiny blanket bundle holding their son, who they named Jack.
Surviving the Silence: The Unexpected Story of Col. Pat Thompson
In 1989, U.S. Army Col. Margarethe (Grethe) Cammermeyer was undergoing a routine security clearance interview when she said four simple words, "I am a lesbian." At the time, she was a highly decorated nurse and war hero on track to becoming a general.
Archives aim to preserve Southern queer history
When Spectrum, the undergraduate LGBTQ student group at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, launched in 1983, it became a resource not just for those on campus but for queer people living in that part of the South. Over time, people from hundreds of miles away rang its office seeking support and referrals for services.
The U.S. Supreme Court v. LGBT Americans
June 30, 1986 was a broiling hot day in Washington, D.C. when the U.S. Supreme Court released the decision in Bowers v. Hardwick, a landmark sodomy decision. The press was huddled under the small bank of trees near the side entrance, waiting for the copies to be handed out. The fate of millions of lesbian and gay Americans lay in the hands of the high court.
Press A, Be Gay: LGBTQ Representation in Video Games
In the 2014 Playstation 4 game "Dragon Age: Inquisition," Dorian is a powerful wizard who helps the main character save the world from a demon army. As the son of a powerful political family, Dorian trained in magical arts under the best instructors, and his life at first glance appears to be one of privilege. When interacting with the main character - controlled by the player - Dorian is unafraid to flaunt his pedigree and does little to hide his arrogance. He is also a romantic option for the main character to pursue, providing the player makes strategic, personal, and political choices that please him.
The United States Naval Academy evolves with LGBTQ acceptance
Before graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1985, Paula Neira had difficulties accepting she was trans.
Photo Galleries
Advertisers
Volunteers
