April, 2022 News (70 Articles with 53,422 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for April, 2022 Steve Edwards (left) holding artwork by Kyle Hannon (right) at the Warren County Pride fundraiser at Crary Art Gallery in Warren PA on March 12, 2022. on March 12, 2022. Photo by Michael Mahler
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
Goodell Gardens celebrates opening day with trail run event
EDINBORO - Participants in the Tree Hugger Trail Run will be the first to experience new woodland trails at Goodell Gardens & Homestead. Slated for Saturday, April 30, the inaugural trail run/walk will support the public garden, arboretum, and community gathering space located in Edinboro.
Selfie Contest Spring-Summer 2022 - Win Cash from Erie Gay News!
Are you one of our distributors that wants to highlight your support of our region’s LGBTQIA+ community? Or maybe you are just a community member or supporter that wants to earn $100 for taking a selfie with our new Erie Gay News Available Here window decal? The EGN Selfie Contest will hit the region from March 22 through June 30th.
Youth Support Groups
There are several resources for LGBTQ youth in the Erie area. Find out when/how to get in touch!
LGBTQIA+ Community Organized Food Drive
The Erie LGBTQIA+ community will team together for the second annual LGBTQIA+ Food Drive from 10 AM- 2 PM on 4/30/22 at Central Outreach Erie located at 3104 State St, Erie, PA 16508. Non-perishable food items will be accepted along with cash donations. Checks can be made out to Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA. There is an urgent need for canned goods.
New Gender-Neutral American Siri Voice in iOS 15.4
Apple continues to work on diversity and inclusion with the release of their 15.4 iOS operating system. One of the new features is a new option for the voice of Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.
Crary Art Gallery Hosts Fundraiser for Warren County Pride
On Saturday, March 12, 2022, Crary Art Gallery, 511 Market St, Warren, PA, hosted an art show fundraiser for Warren County Pride. The event featured artwork and other items for sale, music by Sixpence, and appetizers. Warren County Pride will be on June 18 in Betts Park.
Pride Night with the Erie Otters Returns for 2022
Due to COVID-related delays, the rescheduled Pride Night with the Erie Otters Hockey Team was held on Friday, March 3rd. For this evening, both The Erie Otters and Flint Firebirds players had special tape on their hockey sticks during warm-ups. Pride Board Member Moe Ferrara did the honorary puck drop before the game. Over 60 people attended as part of the Pride Alliance's special shirt/ticket combo. The night not only included many special LGBTQIA+ logos displayed, but the Erie Otters Player took part in a Special Video explaining why Pride Nights are important to them. Finally, during the second intermission, Pride President Alex Sphon joined the radio broadcast booth for an interview about why Pride Nights are so important for sports.
Transgender Day of Visibility Walk Around Perry Square on March 31
Regardless if it’s your first time, you haven’t been with us in some time, or you are with us every time, join Transfamily in Erie for our walk around Perry Square on March 31st at 6:00PM. On Transgender Day of Visibility, we will walk to celebrate trans excellence and to promote trans justice. TransFamily will provide coffee and/or water.
Warren County Pride Update
Warren County Pride will be holding its 2022 celebration at Betts Park again, located in Warren, PA. Last year's celebration exceeded all expectations, including winning the Best Festival in Warren County Award, as voted on by the public. This year's event, on June 18th, will be moving just a few hundred yards to a bigger, more expansive area on the west end of the Park. It will include more food vendors, entertainment, and even more fun for the whole family! While the event organizers are busy getting the plans finalized, be sure to mark your calendars and tell your friends. Be sure to watch for more announcements soon, too. There are lots of great surprises in store!
Tables at Pride Fest on June 25
NW PA Pride Alliance invites you to participate as a table at this year's Pride Fest! The event will be held on Saturday, June 25, from 1 to 3:30 PM in Perry Square at W. 6th and State, Erie, PA. Not only are we returning to in-person for Pride Fest, but 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Pride events in Erie!
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality Scholarship Applications Due by July 1
GEAE is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2022-2023 school year. This year, GEAE will award several $1,000 scholarships to applicants 17+. Applicants must be residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania. This application is open to those who are seeking scholarship money to any university, community college, technical school, art school, or para-professional program. Applicants can be currently enrolled in their program. Any eligible candidate who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is invited to apply. Current board members, advisory members, and their families are not eligible for this scholarship.
City of Erie Accepting Applications for Stormwater Credit Advisory Committee
ERIE, PA (March 16, 2022) - The City of Erie is seeking 10 to 12 volunteers to serve on the Stormwater Credit Advisory Committee.
Jamestown Pride Update
June 11th is the Jamestown Pride Festival! Just three months away! Next Pride Planning meeting is March 25 at MHA.
Deadline for April 2022 print edition (issue #317) of Erie Gay News is Monday, March 14, comes out Tuesday, March 22
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 317, cover-dated for April 2022), please send in online events, news items, and other info for late March 2021 and beyond by Monday, March 14. We expect that the next edition will come out on Tuesday, March 22.
Entertainment and Travel
Logo announces grant initiative with LGBTQ community centers around the country
New York, NY (March 22, 2022) - Ahead of International Transgender Day of Visibility, and amid the unprecedented political assaults on transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming youth in the United States, Logo today announced its MTV Entertainment Group Social Impact microgrant campaign for LGBTQ community centers nationwide in partnership with CenterLink, the world's largest LGBTQ community-based network.
Warren Players present Rent at Struthers Library Theatre Apr 28-May 1
Warren Players, one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in the country, will be producing the musical RENT for their 90th season from April 28 through May 1. Warren Players is proud to have a working relationship with one of Warren's finest gems - the 1883 Struthers Library Theatre. In 2018, SLT won the League of Historic American Theaters award for Best Theatre. Together we provide a top quality 900+ seat venue that showcases the finest amateur talent pool, both locally and regionally.
Erie Art Museum Features Two New Exhibitions: Out of Many - Stories of Migration & The Secret Life of Cows
ERIE, Pa. - The Erie Art Museum now features two new exhibitions including the photography exhibition Out of Many - Stories of Migration opening Feb. 25th, 2022, and painted portraits of cows in The Secret Life of Cows by Paula Garrick Klien opening Mar. 11th, 2022.
Renaissance City Choir presents I Feel Pretty: A Cabaret Tribute to Sondheim and Friends with Renaissance City Choir - In Person
Join us for Renaissance City Choir's 2022 Cabaret, a tribute to the late great musical theater phenom Stephen Sondheim! This show is sure to dazzle.
Local Faces and Photos
NW PA Pride Alliance Meadville LGBTQ Happy Hour at Julian's Bar and Grill for February
On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, NW PA Pride Alliance held a fun LGBTQ Happy Hour at Julian's Bar & Grill, 299 Chestnut St, Meadville PA. The event is open to LGBTQ people and allies and occurs on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
Political, Activism and Legal
Urgent: Trans Youth & Allies Day of Action - Monday, April 11th, 9:00am - 2:00pm, Pennsylvania State Capitol / Harrisburg, PA
The battle against trans youth is heating up in Pennsylvania. We need you - all supporters of trans women and girls - to come to Harrisburg on Monday, April 11 at 9 AM to fight this destructive legislation. We must make sure our lawmakers know how much support there is for trans youth in Pennsylvania so that they vote down this bill on the House floor. We will meet at 9:00am in the Main Capitol Rotunda and coordinate outreach with your legislators so you can visit their offices either to personally share information with them or their staff. At 12pm, we will meet back in the Main Capitol Rotunda and head to the gallery to watch the House vote on the bill. Please note that floor votes are unpredictable. HB 972 could be brought up toward the beginning of the session proceedings, or hours later toward the end, so plan accordingly as possible. Please register ASAP here and the Pennsylvania Youth Congress will follow up with the logistics for the day.
KY Governor Andy Beshear Vetoes Transgender Sports Ban
(FRANKFORT, Ky. - April 6, 2022) - Today, Governor Andy Beshear vetoed Senate Bill 83, a bill that would ban transgender girls and women's participation in sports from sixth grade through college.
In Dead of Night, Georgia Lawmakers Sneak Through Legislation Allowing Discrimination Against Transgender Kids Playing School Sports
ATLANTA - April 5, 2022 - Following the passage early this morning of Georgia House Bill 1084, legislation that creates an athletics committee with the authority to ban transgender youth from playing on sports teams aligning with their gender identity, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - denounced the move as discriminatory, unnecessary and damaging to the state's LGBTQ+ students.
Victim advocates and leaders of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape light the capitol in teal to kickoff Sexual Assault Awareness Month
HARRISBURG, PA - April 4, 2022 - Today, advocates from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) gathered at the Pennsylvania Capitol to celebrate the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The purpose of SAAM is to both increase awareness of the prevalence of sexual assaults in Pennsylvania and the nation as well as offer public education on how to prevent sexual violence.
Justice Department Reinforces Federal Nondiscrimination Obligations in Letter to State Officials Regarding Transgender Youth
WASHINGTON - March 31, 2022 - The Justice Department announced today that it issued a letter to all state attorneys general reminding them of federal constitutional and statutory provisions that protect transgender youth against discrimination, including when those youth seek gender-affirming care.
Lambda Legal Sounds Alarm Over Discriminatory Child Welfare Bill in Arizona
PHOENIX - April 1, 2022 - Yesterday, the Arizona House passed Senate Bill 1399, already approved by the Senate, that would allow government-funded child welfare agencies to turn away prospective foster parents if their personal and religious beliefs don't match with theirs. The bill is now headed to Governor Greg Ducey. Lambda Legal joined LGBTQ+, child welfare, and religious organizations and leaders in urging Governor Ducey to veto the bill.
200+ Major U.S. Companies Oppose Anti-LGBTQ+ State Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 31, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All Americans announced that more than 200 major companies have joined together to sign on to the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All Americans Business Statement on Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation. Together, these companies are united in opposing the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, much of which specifically harms transgender youth, in states across the country. The list of signatories has more than quadrupled in the past year.
Lambda Legal Applauds Biden Administration Actions in Support of Transgender and Nonbinary People
WASHINGTON, DC - March 31, 2022 - Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, the Biden-Harris administration announced several actions to address barriers that prevent transgender people from accessing critical government services, support the mental health of transgender children, and improve the visibility of transgender people in federally collected data. Notably, one of the actions announced today is that, on April 11, 2022, the U.S. Department of State will update passport applications to include an option for an "X" gender marker. In October of last year, as a result of Lambda Legal's groundbreaking Zzyym v. Blinkinlawsuit, Dana Zzyym, an intersex and nonbinary U.S. Navy veteran, secured an accurate passport from the U.S. Department of State that did not force them to identify as male or female and became the first U.S. citizen to receive an official U.S. passport with an "X" sex/gender marker. That option will finally be available to all intersex, transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming U.S. citizens.
New HRC Foundation Data: Though Most People Are Supportive of Transgender Rights, How Stories are Framed--and What Stories They Hear--Matters.
WASHINGTON, DC - March 29, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization released a new report on transgender visibility in the United States using analyzing data from a Civis Analytics poll. The report, Trans Lives & Positive Visibility: How News & Media Can Positively Cover Trans and Non-Binary Stories, gives new insight on how media coverage and broader "visibility" can both affect society's perception of the transgender community as well as transgender individuals. The report finds that a plurality of adults (33%) are very (17%) or somewhat (16%) unfamiliar with topics and issues about the transgender and non-binary community, while a majority (52%) said their news and media did not mention trans or non-binary people in the last week. Despite this relative lack of familiarity with the community and its social issues, 72% of adults said they strongly (51%) or somewhat (21%) agree that "transgender people should have equal rights and be able to live free of violence and discrimination."
BREAKING: South Dakota Governor Signs Curriculum Censorship Bill
Pierre, South Dakota - March 30, 2022 - Today, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1012, a curriculum censorship bill that she authored and submitted to the legislature. The Senate passed the bill in early March.
Lambda Legal Condemns New Laws Targeting Transgender Arizonans
PHOENIX - Following Arizona Governor Doug Ducey's decision to sign into law two bills that deny transgender youth access to life-saving medical care and prohibit their participation in sports consistent with their gender identity, Tucson-based Lambda Legal Staff Attorney Kell Olson issued the following statement: "Governor Ducey framed this decision as 'common sense.' It's anything but. These bills will make life harder for transgender kids across Arizona who should have the opportunity to grow up feeling loved and respected for who they are. The Governor offered platitudes about treating transgender people with 'dignity, respect, and kindness,' while signing legislation that ignores the very real concerns of the transgender youth who came to the legislature to share their stories and the horrific impact these new laws will have on their lives and mental health. That's not treating people with 'dignity, respect, or kindness.' It's just plain wrong."
BREAKING: Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill That Bans Transgender Students From Playing Sports Consistent With Gender Identity
OKLAHOMA CITY - March 30, 2022 - Today, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law Senate Bill 2, a bill preventing transgender students from playing school sports that passed the House last year, and then was revived and rushed through the Senate last week for passage. Against the guidance of leading health experts, the Governor signed the bill in a ceremony alongside anti-equality legislators.
Lambda Legal Blasts Florida Governor DeSantis After Signing "Don't Say Gay" Bill
TALLAHASSEE - March 28, 2022 - Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the controversial Senate Bill 1834, known as the "Don't Say Gay or Trans" bill. The law, which is broad and vague, bans discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grades or where "not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students," effectively erasing LGBTQ+ students, families, and LGBTQ+ history. The law will also force teachers and other school administrators to "out" LGBTQ+ young people to their parents or guardians, potentially putting them at risk of harm. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2022.
Record 747 Healthcare Facilities Recognized for Paving the Way Toward LGBTQ+ Equality
WASHINGTON - March 28, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released its 15th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the country's foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. A record 906 healthcare facilities actively participated in the 2022 HEI survey and 496 of those earned an "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader" designation, while 251 earned the "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Top Performer" designation.
Camp Pride, 16th Annual Leadership Academy for LGBTQ Students, Announces 2022 Dates & Registration
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - March 23, 2022 - Campus Pride, the nation's premier nonprofit dedicated to building future leaders and making college and university campuses safer and more welcoming for LGBTQ+ people, today announced that registration is now open for the 16th Annual Camp Pride Leadership Academy, to be held virtually from July 14 - 16, 2022. There are 100 free fee waivers this year, so individuals are encouraged to apply early for priority consideration.
Human Rights Campaign Praises Republican Indiana Gov. Holcomb for Vetoing Anti-Trans Sports Legislation; Urges Legislators to Not Override
INDIANAPOLIS - March 21, 2022 - Tonight, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - praised Republican Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb for vetoing House Bill 1041, legislation that would have denied transgender students in Indiana the opportunity to play school sports with their peers. Though Governor Holcomb vetoed the bill, the House and Senate could override the veto with a simple majority vote in both chambers. It's now on Indiana lawmakers to uphold the veto. Otherwise, transgender youth will be denied the social, physical and emotional benefits of playing school sports. Further, the state would be opening itself up to legal challenges, as have followed similar laws in other states.
ICYMI: New Data Shows Support for LGBTQ+ Rights Continues to Tick Upward, In Contrast to Onslaught of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation in States Across Country
New PRRI Survey Reveals Vast Majorities of Americans Support Federal LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination Protections, Including in States with Pending Anti-Equality Legislation.
Pennsylvania Equality Project Signs MOU With STOP the Hate PA
Kittanning PA - The President of the Pennsylvania Equality Project, David Moore, has signed a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) to designate STOP the Hate PA as one of its chapters. Founded in Kittanning, STOP the Hate PA started as a chat group on Facebook and has become a much larger organization. Their mission is to work with other local agencies in Armstrong County to reduce the episodes of bullying, intimidation, and harassment.
Pennsylvania Equality Project Cofounds Florida Social Justice Project
The Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Equality Project is proud to announce their assistance with the formation of the Florida Social Justice Project, an incorporated non-profit organization in Florida. The two organizations will be working in tandem to address similar issues in both states.
A Historic Nomination: Human Rights Campaign Releases Report on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
WASHINGTON - March 18, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a 12-page report detailing the pragmatic and empathetic judicial approach of President Joe Biden's Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Judge Jackson was nominated to fill the seat that will be left vacant by the retirement of Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer, a champion for LGBTQ+ equality.
Fairness Campaign Condemns Anti-Trans Sports Ban
(FRANKFORT, Ky. - March 17, 2022) The Fairness Campaign condemns the Kentucky House passage of anti-transgender Senate Bill 83, which seeks to ban transgender girls from playing on sports teams in Kentucky schools that match their gender identities from sixth grade through college.
Lambda Legal and ACLU ask Texas Appeals Court for New Order Blocking the State from Investigating Families of Transgender Youth
AUSTIN, Texas - March 17, 2022 - Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and ACLU of Texas today asked the Texas Third Court of Appeals for an emergency order to ensure that the statewide temporary injunction granted Friday remains in effect during the appeal - and prevents the State of Texas from continuing to implement its new directive that targets and endangers transgender youth.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Releases Business Guide for Supporting Employees in Texas and Beyond
WASHINGTON, DC - March 17, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization launched a guide for businesses in Texas and around the country on how to support transgender and other LGBTQ+ employees during recent waves of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-transgender legislative attacks.
Human Rights Campaign Statement on Idaho Senate Republicans Deciding Not to Move Forward on Gender Affirming Medical Care Ban
BOISE - March 16, 2022 - Idaho Senate Republicans announced late last night that they will not move forward on HB 675, a House-passed bill that would have made it a felony for medical professionals to provide age-appropriate, medically necessary, best practice gender-affirming care for transgender children.
Get the Facts about Transgender & Non-Binary Athletes
Transgender and non-binary people, in particular trans and non-binary student athletes, are under attack by politicians at all levels of government, as well as in the media. 2021 officially surpassed 2015 as the worst year for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in recent history, with 27 anti-LGBTQ bills enacted. 2022 looks to be continuing this trend, with the first weeks of the year seeing anti-LGBTQ+ bills under consideration in state legislatures across the country. More than 55 directly target transgender girls and women in sports and would prevent them from playing on the team that aligns with their gender identity.
New MAP Analysis: 80% of Youth Live in State that Considered Curriculum Censorship and Hostile School Climate Bills in 2020-2021
March 16, 2022-A new report from Movement Advancement Project (MAP) examines the wave of state legislation that censors discussions of race and LGBTQ people in schools, creates a hostile climate for students, and undermines public education. The report was released in partnership with the Equality Federation.
Transgender Alabamians Tell Federal Appeals Court Lack of Accurate IDs Puts Their Lives at Risk
ATLANTA - March 15, 2022 - A federal appeals court has for the first time heard arguments in a case involving accurate gender markers on IDs for transgender people. In 2021, a federal appeals court ruled it was unconstitutional for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to deny three transgender women - Darcy Corbitt, Destiny Clark, and an unnamed plaintiff - accurate IDs because of a requirement to provide proof of specific medical interventions.
Lambda Legal Sues Oklahoma Over Its Anti-Trans Birth Certificate Policy
(Tulsa, OK, March 14, 2022) -Today, Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit challenging Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt's executive order prohibiting transgender people born in Oklahoma from correcting the gender marker on their birth certificates to match their gender identity.
Human Rights Campaign Interim President Gives Update on Disney, Honors Brandi Carlile & Features Guest Speaker Brian Michael Smith at Los Angeles Dinner
Los Angeles, CA - March 13, 2022 - Saturday night, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, hosted its Los Angeles dinner. The event featured speeches from HRC's interim president Joni Madison, who updated the audience on HRC's recent conversations with Disney. and trailblazer Brian Michael Smith, the first out Black trans man in a series regular role on network television. Soccer icon and LGBTQ+ rights activist Abby Wambach and her wife, author Glennon Doyle, presented six-time Grammy Award-winner Brandi Carlile with HRC's Visibility Award, an award for LGBTQ+ individuals who are living open and honest lives at home, at work and in their greater community. The evening featured remarks from U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS) as well as performances by Shea Diamond, VINCINT and comedian Dana Goldberg.
Lambda Legal and ACLU Blast Texas AG's Continued Attack on Families of Transgender Youth
AUSTIN, Texas - March 12, 2022- Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) today condemned Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for continuing his unrelenting attack on transgender Texas youth and the families and medical professionals who love and care for them.
As Top U.S. Companies Urge Elected Leaders In Texas and Other States to Abandon Anti-Transgender Efforts, Surging Opposition to Attacks on LGBTQ+ Youth Begins
WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 11, 2022 - A tidal wave of national opposition is rapidly forming in response to the attacks on LGBTQ+ youth being led by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other elected leaders in states across the country - who are continuing to double down on efforts to advance the most extreme, hateful slate of anti-transgender legislation in history. Mounting opposition to the anti-trans efforts reached a crescendo today as more than 60 major U.S. companies joined with HRC to not only condemn Gov. Abbott's hateful attacks on LGBTQ+ youth, but to call on leaders across the country to abandon efforts to write anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination into law and policy.
National LGBTQ Task Force Reaction to Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization
March 11, 2022 - The following can be attributed to Liz Seaton, Policy Director, National LGBTQ Task Force: "The National LGBTQ Task Force announces that the bipartisan omnibus spending package President Biden signed today contains reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act. From 2013 to 2019 when VAWA expired, it has prohibited discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity by those providing help to victims. While it does so much more, this Act creates the first grant program dedicated to expanding and developing initiatives specifically for LGBTQ domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. Our sister organization, the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, participated in a working group on bill language and advocated for its passage.
BREAKING: Florida Senate Passes "Stop WOKE Act," Bill Heads to DeSantis' Desk for Signature or Veto
Washington, D.C. - March 10, 2022 - Today, the Florida Senate passed the "Stop WOKE Act" (House Bill 7), and the bill now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis' desk for his signature or veto. If enacted, the bill would limit protected speech in workplaces with more than fifteen employees and classrooms by censoring honest dialogue about systemic racism, gender, and race discrimination. It would also change Florida's employment discrimination statutes to give employees the ability to file discrimination claims against an employer engaging in trainings or discussions about Black history, LGBTQ+ issues, and other concepts of injustice and discrimination.
Leading Black LGBTQ+ Leaders Support Black LGBTQ+/SGL Russian Asylum Seekers; Calls For Global Prayer For Brittney Griner To Be Brought Home
WASHINGTON, DC - March 9, 2022 - Over the weekend, it was reported that WNBA Center Brittney Griner was detained at a Russian airport last month and subsequently jailed.
Idaho House Passes Discriminatory Bill to Criminalize Gender Affirming Care for Transgender Youth
BOISE - March 8, 2022 - The Idaho House approved legislation today that makes it a felony for a doctor to provide age-appropriate, medically-necessary, best practice gender affirming care for transgender children. H.675 now heads to the Idaho Senate for further consideration.
Lambda Legal Condemns Passage of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Bill
TALLAHASSEE - March 8, 2022 - The Florida state legislature today passed Senate Bill 1834House Bill 1557s, known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, broad and vague legislation that would ban discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grades or were "not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students," effectively erasing LGBTQ+ students, families, and LGBTQ history. The bill would also force teachers and other school administrators to "out" LGBTQ+ young people to their parents or guardians, potentially putting them at risk of harm. Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law, which will then go into effect on July 1, 2022.
South Dakota State Legislature Sends Curriculum Censorship Bill to Governor's Desk for Signature
Pierre, South Dakota - March 8, 2022 - Yesterday, the South Dakota Senate passed House Bill 1012, a curriculum censorship bill that was authored and submitted to the legislature by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. The bill now heads to Gov. Noem's desk for signature.
BREAKING: Florida Senate Passes "Don't Say Gay or Trans" Bill, Legislation Heads to DeSantis' Desk for Signature or Veto
Washington, D.C. - March 8, 2022 - Today, the Florida Senate passed the "Don't Say Gay or Trans" bill (HB 1557), and it now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis' desk for his signature or veto. If enacted, the bill would prevent teachers from providing a safe, inclusive classroom for all. It would block teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ issues or people, further stigmatizing LGBTQ+ people and isolating LGBTQ+ kids. This bill would also undermine existing protections for LGBTQ+ students.
Health
New CDC data illuminate youth mental health threats during the COVID-19 pandemic
Findings from CDC's first nationally representative survey to assess the well-being of public and private high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic shine additional light on the mental health of U.S. youth, including the disproportionate level of threats that some students experienced.
Apretude - Every 2 Month Injection at Central Outreach
You've heard about PrEP, a pill to prevent HIV? Do you know there is a new injection you can take EVERY 2 MONTHS that does the same thing? Truvada, Descovy, and now APRETUDE. Know your options! Visit Central Outreach or call to make an appointment. (814) 454-0000. Central Outreach Wellness Center is at 3104 State St, Erie PA.
Comfortable With Uncertainty
COVID continues. Russia Invades the Ukraine. Inflation is high. Financial instability, global warming and institutional racism continue to plague us all. I'm 68 years' old and I cannot remember a time of such uncertainty. Who can we count on? What is stable and lasting? How much can we predict our lives in the next week/month/year/decade?
FDA Authorizes First Condom for Anal
On February 23rd this year the US FDA made headlines that gave people pause and some to scratch their heads. 'A condom can be used for anal sex'… Surely the Food and Drug Administration is aware that condoms have been used by the public for anal sex for quite some time now, right? In fact, they have been aware of this use but the news is about something a little different. Specifically, three types of condoms from one manufacturer/brand have been approved for anal. Prior to this announcement, the FDA had not officially cleared or approved condoms specifically for anal intercourse. How could this be? Well, there's some backstory here to help us understand why the authorization is actually an important step in advancing the use of condoms.
Red Cross testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies
ERIE, PA (March 10, 2022) - For a limited time, the American Red Cross has resumed testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from routine donations that have high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to help meet the needs of COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Trans women in sports is a fight for equality
There's an important issue in the community and around the country that many of us don't understand fully, and it involves members of our trans community participating in sports. It's been so misreported in the mainstream media that even fellow members of the LGBTQ community don't understand the nuance. Let's face it, it's been a complex subject, but I'm going to attempt to bring it into terms that we can all appreciate.
The continual process of naming our community
There's been an interesting debate going on in our community, and it's been a continuous one for many years now. It's fascinating to watch the ins and outs of this issue. So let's delve into it.
Does Pope bring Change to the Church?
Way back in 2013, this column did something that no one ever expected: it showed hope for the future of the Catholic Church, directly because of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina becoming Pope Francis. You have to recall that until that time, this column was a drumbeat of pushing reform in the Church to end its hateful and harmful words and tactics against the LGBTQ community.
Contests
Enter to win See You Then DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win See You Then DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, April 19 and Tuesday, May 10.
Enter to win Jump, Darling DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Jump, Darling DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, March 29 and Tuesday, April 19.
Enter to win The Binge Watcher's Guide to The Golden Girls - An Unofficial Guide
Enter to win The Binge Watcher's Guide to The Golden Girls - An Unofficial Guide by Marissa DeAngelis. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, March 15 and Tuesday, April 5.
Miscellaneous
Give Us the Floor Launches Dedicated App to Provide Safe Peer Support for Struggling Teens
San Francisco | March 30, 2022 - As President Biden is making plans to study social media's role in the mental health crisis among teens, nonprofit Give Us the Floor (GUTF) is leveraging teen devotion to their mobile devices to create a safe, online community where they can learn how to share and listen to each other and their own emerging voices and identities. A new app developed specifically for GUTF's supportive group chats helps provide the fundamental lifeline of positive peer relations, especially for teens who identify as LGBTQIA+. In 2021, 85% of GUTF participants said they felt less lonely after one month and 89% said the program had helped them with their struggles after three months of participation.
LGBT Community Survey - Let your voice be heard and enter a drawing to win $50!
Please share your experience and opinions by participating in the 16th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey. For over a decade, this survey has provided free data to help non-profits, universities, media, organizations, and businesses better understand and serve the LGBTQ community. The final report will be published at CMI.info for free download. Previous surveys have attracted 30,000+ participants. The survey should take 12 to 15 minutes to complete.
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