December, 2021 News (47 Articles with 39,207 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for December, 2021 Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) candlelight vigil, organized by TransFamily of NW PA on November 20, 2021 in Griswold Park.
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
People's Pride PGH Presents: Swissvale Pride on June 5
(Swissvale, PA) -- SisTers PGH, a nonprofit founded and operated by Black trans women and femmes, has been organizing People's Pride PGH March and Festival every year since 2017. Each year, we march to include local nonprofits, school districts, unions, and community members who have long been neglected by the former Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh and other organizations in the area. Our work to uplift the TGNC (Trans and Gender-Nonconforming) community of Allegheny County will continue next year. However, the People's Pride PGH 2022 March and Festival, which will take place on Sunday, June 5, will relocate to Swissvale, home of the SisTers PGH offices, community center, and many other Black and brown TLGBQIA folks.
Erie International Film Festival to Be Held December 10-18?
ERIE, PA- The Erie International Film Festival is proud to announce the dates and information for our 2021 international film festival that is slated to be held in the great City of Erie from Friday December 10th through Saturday December 18th, 2021.
Nov 12 PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meeting
The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs had its quarterly meeting on November 12, 2021, at the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown. Executive Director Rafael Alvarez Febo reported that the commission has been addressing issues raised by HB 1893, which would change reporting and the right to know for health info. This legislation has potential privacy concerns for people living with HIV/AIDS and other conditions.
NW PA Pride Thanks 2021 Donors and Supporters
NW PA Pride Alliance is grateful for the wonderful donors and supporters who helped to bring Pride to Erie. Once again, we were forced to not have an in-person event for this year’s Pride, while that may have been the case, we are looking forward to an even larger in-person event for 2022.
TransFamily of NW PA Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil
On Saturday, November 20, 2021, TransFamily of NW PA held a Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil in Griswold Park. About 25 people attended. The names of 60 trans individuals, many of them people of color, were read by attendees with loving memories by their friends and family.
Mini-Grant Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2021 LGBTQ+ Youth Advocacy - Deadline December 3!
2021 LGBTQ+ Youth Advocacy $1,500 Mini-Grant is open to any high school group or high school age youth-serving group that is interested in using the funds to support an LGBTQ+ youth advocacy and belonging-related project. Deadline to apply is December 3.
Drag Queen Bingo by Alysin Wonderland on December 1
Join us as we host our FIRST Drag Queen Bingo at Voodoo Brewery. This will be a regular event to occur on the FIRST Wednesday of Every Month with a FRESH crew every month!
RuPaul's Drag Race Star Tatiana Sweeps the Zone
Tatianna, famous for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 2 and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 2, brought the house down with a special appearance this past October 23rd. Drag enthusiasts far and wide flocked to the Zone to watch the highly anticipated drag shows, both set at 4:30 PM and 9 PM.
LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation
The LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation represent an intentional approach to support programs, activities, and initiatives that strengthen the LGBTQ+ community in the Erie Region.
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality Year-End Celebration on Dec 8
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) will hold their Year End Celebration on Wednesday, December 8 from 6 to 9 PM at Room 33 Speakeasy, 1033 State St, Erie PA. Enjoy appetizers and a cash bar. Entertainment is by Jesse James Weston. Tickets may be purchased at GreaterErieAlliance.com. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test with 72 hours of the event is required.
Erie Drag Queen Bingo Dec 4
Join The Erie Drag Queens Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 7:15 PM, at the Zem Zem Shrine Center, 2525 W 38th St, Erie PA 16506, for an evening of glitz, glamour, and good times! With over $2000 in cash money given away, this event has always been sold out.
Armstrong Trans Student Attacked in Kittanning
A 14-year-old transgender girl, Willow Andring, suffered a concussion after being called names then physically attacked inside Armstrong Junior-Senior High School in Kittanning. The October 27 attack was recorded.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) Candlelight Vigil on Nov 20 in Griswold Park
TransFamily of NW PA and supporters will gather at Griswold Park, 150 W 14th St, Erie PA on Saturday, November 20 at 4 PM to hear a few remarks and read the names of our transgender, non-binary, & gender non-conforming siblings lost to acts of violence over the last year.
Pier Kids Screening & Discussion December 9th
Pier Kids explores the lives of homeless queer and trans youth of color on Christopher Street Pier in New York City. In support of the film, WQLN is hosting an intimate screening followed by a panel discussion around themes of the film and how they pertain to experiences in our own backyard. Visit www.wqln.org/POV to register for the event on Thursday, December 9th at The Zone, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA. Presented with Erie Gay News, TransFamily of NWPA, and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality.
NGLCC Recognizes Journey to a Trauma Informed Life as an LGBT Owned Business
Journey to a Trauma Informed Life is proud to be recognized as an LGBT Business Enterprise by the NGLCC. Journey is only the second business in Erie, PA, to receive this recognition. The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) brings visibility to the City of Erie and accountability to its members. The NGLCC is the exclusive certifying body of LGBT owned business enterprises.
Deadline for December 2021 print edition (issue #313) of Erie Gay News is Monday, November 15, comes out Tuesday, November 23
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 313, cover-dated for December 2021), please send in online events, news items, and other info for late November 2021 and beyond by Monday, November 15. We expect that the next edition will come out on Tuesday, November 23.
Ariel Versace and Chastity St. Cartier Headliners at The Zone on November 27
Join us at The Zone, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA, as we bring ARIEL VERSACE from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11 and Chastity St. Cartier!
Entertainment and Travel
Emmy Award-Winning "RuPaul's Drag Race" Ru-veals Cast for Season 14 premiering Friday, January 7 at 8PM ET/PT on VH1
December 2, 2021 (New York, NY) - VH1 today ru-vealed the cast for the 14th season of the Emmy award-winning global phenomenon, "RuPaul's Drag Race," returning Friday, January 7 at 8PM ET/PT with a two-part premiere. The most-awarded reality competition show in the history of the Emmys ushers in 14 new talented queens to compete for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" and a cash prize of $100,000.
Political, Activism and Legal
SCOTUS Reaction Statement from Task Force Executive Director, Kierra Johnson
WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 3, 2021 - The following is a statement from Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force: "Reports and analysis coming out of Wednesday's Supreme Court hearing on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization are extremely disturbing and represent a threat to our individual constitutional rights to privacy and autonomy. There is no 'middle ground' on what the Constitution guarantees and what was decided decades ago with the Roe v Wade decision.
Landmark Study of LGBTQ+ Women Who Partner with Women Gains Record Participation Data Collection Continues through Early 2022
New York, NY - December 3, 2021 - After four months in the field, the first comprehensive national community survey of LGBTQ+ womxn who center and partner with women has compiled survey data from more than 5,500 participants. The survey can still be taken. The survey link can be found and shared at www.lgbtqwomensurvey.org and the deadline for participation has been extended to March 31, 2022.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equidad MX Recognizes Record-Breaking 242 Employers in Mexico For Their Commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
WASHINGTON - December 2, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) launched the fifth annual HRC Equidad MX: Programa Global de Equidad Laboral, a survey evaluating LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion within major Mexican businesses and multinationals. This year, 242 employers have earned top ratings in the 2022 HRC Equidad MX report, a 14% increase over last year's total of 212, reflecting a growing commitment in Mexico to creating LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices in their workplaces.
National AIDS Memorial Honors History-Making Television Series Pose for Connecting a New Generation to the Story of AIDS and the Long Struggle for Health
SAN FRANCISCO (December 1, 2021) - The National AIDS Memorial awarded its prestigious National Leadership Recognition Award, presented annually on World AIDS Day, to Pose, the authentic, history-making, and award-winning FX drama series that has captured millions of hearts and minds through its powerful storytelling and authentic characters.
Human Rights Campaign Marks World AIDS Day
WASHINGTON- December 1, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, marks World AIDS Day 2021 with a slate of events designed to bring together LGBTQ+ communities around the world to rewrite the narrative and end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Human Rights Campaign Reacts to Supreme Court Oral Arguments on Mississippi Abortion Ban that Threatens Roe v. Wade
WASHINGTON - December 1, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) issued the following statement as the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, a case challenging a Mississippi law that bans abortion access after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The outcome of this case is particularly critical because in defending its law, the state has asked the Supreme Court to overrule Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the two cases that set the legal precedent to abortion access in 1973 and 1992 respectively.
Court of Appeals Upholds Decriminalization of Same-Sex Relations in Botswana
In 2019 the High Court of Botswana decriminalized same-sex relations. The State appealed the court's decision. Today, on 29 November, 2021, the Court of Appeals of Botswana dismissed the State's appeal.
Human Rights Campaign Hails Health & Human Services Decision To Rescind Discriminatory Waivers and Recalibrate Use of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 18, 2021 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - praised the announcement Thursday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that it would rescind waivers granted to Texas, Michigan and South Carolina that allowed agencies in those states to disburse federal dollars to entities that claim religious exemptions as a pretext to discriminate against marginalized populations.
UNGA Adopts Resolution on Free and Fair Elections With Second Ever Mention of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
During the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Third Committee adopted the resolution "Strengthening the role of the United Nations in the promotion of democratization and enhancing periodic and genuine elections" including an explicit reference to sexual orientation and gender identity. This is only the second UNGA resolution which explicitly mentions sexual orientation and gender identity.
For the First Time 100+ U.S. Cities Achieve Top Score on Human Rights Campaign LGBTQ+ Equality Index
WASHINGTON - November 19, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with The Equality Federation, released its 10th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the nation's only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality regarding municipal policies, laws and services. This year, a record-breaking 110 cities earned the highest score of 100, which is up from 11 in 2012, the MEI's inaugural year, illustrating the striking advancements municipalities have made over the past 10 years.
Pennsylvania All Stars: Allentown, Carlisle, Erie, New Hope, Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Reading Lead the Way in LGBTQ+ Equality & Inclusion
WASHINGTON - November 18, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with The Equality Federation, released its 10th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality regarding municipal policies, laws and services. This year, a record-breaking 110 cities earned the highest score of 100, which is up from 11 in 2012, the MEI's inaugural year, illustrating the striking advancements municipalities have made over the past 10 years.
Marking the Deadliest Year on Record, Human Rights Campaign Announces Release of Annual Report on Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People
WASHINGTON - November 17, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released "An Epidemic of Violence: Fatal Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People in the United States in 2021" a report honoring the at least 46 transgender and gender non-conforming people killed in 2021 as of today and shining a light on data that HRC has continued to collect on the epidemic of violence.
November 2021 Updates to Equality Maps
MAP's interactive LGBTQ Equality Maps provide a comprehensive look at the current state of laws and policies impacting LGBTQ people across the United States. The Equality Maps offer a state-by-state comparison of the policy landscape and gaps in protections for LGBTQ people across the country.
2021 Becomes Deadliest Year on Record for Transgender and Non-Binary People
WASHINGTON - November 9, 2021 -Today, with news of the killing of Marquiisha Lawrence in Greenville, S.C., the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, has now officially recorded more violent deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people than any year prior. At least 45 transgender or gender non-conforming people have been killed this year; HRC Foundation uses "at least" because too often these stories go unreported or misreported. Previously, the highest number of fatal deaths of transgender or gender non-conforming people that HRC Foundation has tracked over a 12 month period was just last year in 2020, when at least 44 transgender or gender non-conforming people were killed.
Health
Family Acceptance Project Launches National, Integrated Online Resource to Help LGBTQ Youth and Families Find Services
San Francisco, CA, November 22, 2021 - As the Covid-19 pandemic stretches into another year, the toll on children, youth and families has escalated. Last month, leading national child and adolescent medical groups designated a national emergency for children's and adolescent's mental health in response to soaring rates of mental health challenges that disproportionately impact communities of color and call for trauma-informed services to reduce risk and support family resilience.
Lighten Up: The Joy of Getting Rid of Stuff
In a few days I'm moving to a new house. I've lived in my current place for 21 years. Needless to say, I have accumulated a lot of stuff. I moved into this house in 2000; it was the first house I ever bought. I was 47 years' old. Yes, I am a late bloomer!
Erie County HIV Task Force World AIDS Day Event at Blasco Library on December 1
On Wednesday December 1, 2021, the Erie County HIV Task Force will present this year's World AIDS Day program at the H.O. Hirt Auditorium inside the Blasco Library, 160 East Front Street, Erie PA 16507. Program begins at 5:15pm. Frontier Park, Erie PA. This year marks the milestone of 40 years since the first HIV cases were reported here in the United States. Earlier this year the '40 Years of Progress' theme was introduced to look back on four decades of research, advocacy, and ground work accomplished to date. Since 1981, Erie County has been affected by HIV in personal and community wide ways. The program will reflect on those individuals no longer with us due to HIV / AIDS. If you would like a loved one to be recognized, you can submit their name to the Erie County HIV Task Force via email to Gary Snyder, the EC HIV Task Force Chair - gsnyder@eriecountypa.gov. Panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display for attendees to see a small portion of the world's largest mobile visual project that recognizes over 100,000 lives ended prematurely by HIV. Red ribbons for HIV / AIDS Awareness will be provided and participants can enjoy refreshments as well as educational opportunities.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Issues Response to Cleveland Police Detective Dereliction of Duty
Cleveland, OH (November 11, 2021) - Today, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) issued the following statement in response to a Cleveland police detective facing two misdemeanor charges that accuse him of lying to prosecutors during a 2019 rape investigation and failing to re-open the case after receiving information that DNA matched a suspect.
NAMI Peer-To-Peer Recovery Program Wednesdays at The Zone Nov 17-Jan 5
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Erie County) is partnering with The Zone to host a Peer-To-Peer Support Program on Wednesdays at The Zone, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA November 17 through January 5 from 9-aa AM. We are offering our signature Peer-to-Peer program: NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. The program is taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions, and informative videos. There will be FREE refreshments and peer support from your friends. You must be 21 or over to attend. Register at (814) 456-1773 or online at NAMIErie.org/application
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
How connecting the dots change LGBT History
from Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: I'm in Chicago, Skokie to be exact, at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, which is hosting the LGBT history exhibit "Rise Up Stonewall." The exhibit features pivotal moments and artifacts from the history of the LGBT rights movement, including my work disrupting the TV networks in the '70s. I'm here to give two keynote addresses at the Holocaust Museum's Student Leadership Conference, which has about 300 students and teachers in attendance from four midwestern states.
In the 1970s, my parents pioneered LGBTQ visibility
From Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: The person I am today is mostly due to the support my parents gave me throughout my life. All the contributions that my work has produced is based on the security they gave me growing up and their continued support of my activism as I tried to raise national LGBT visibility. In standing by me, it appears that my parents were the first out and proud parents in Philadelphia. While I always give them credit in my talks, I also have to explain that I didn't have anything tangible to hang on to as a keepsake other than my memories. Which brings me to something that has always made me sad.
Something Just Broke - Remembering Stephen Sondheim
It is, probably, a bit melodramatic for me to say that a corner of my world evaporated. But something suddenly vanished and, honestly, I can't see that void being filled ever again. I still remember vividly the first time I heard a song and knew that a.) it was by a man named Stephen Sondheim and b.) my understanding of theater had been unalterably changed.
Not all TV Drag Queens are just fluff
All Drag shows are not the same. "RuPaul's Drag Race" panders while "We're Here" on HBO creates change.
Contests
Enter to win Coalesce Digital TVOD from Ariztical Entertainment!
Enter to win Coalesce Digital TVOD from Ariztical Entertainment. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 14, and Tuesday, January 4.
Enter to win Woke Season 3 DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Woke Season 3 DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Tuesday, December 7, and Tuesday, December 28.
Enter to win One In A Thousand DVD from Ariztical Entertainment!
Enter to win One In A Thousand DVD from Ariztical Entertainment. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, November 30, and Tuesday, December 21.
Enter to win Up Against the Wall: Art, Activism, and the AIDS Poster!
Enter to win Up Against the Wall: Art, Activism, and the AIDS Poster! To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Tuesday, November 23, and Tuesday, December 14.
Enter to win From Pain to Love: Our Journey Outside the Rainbow
Enter to win From Pain to Love: Our Journey Outside the Rainbow. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, November 19, and Friday, December 10.
Enter to win Isaac DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Isaac DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, November 16 and Tuesday, December 7.
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