August, 2023 News (37 Articles with 34,519 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for August, 2023 Marching in Erie's Pride Parade on June 24. Photo by Andrea Shaffer.
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
Jamestown Pride on June 10
On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Jamestown Pride held their annual Pride in downtown Jamestown NY. Photos are by Andrea Shaffer, Kim Conti and Michael Mahler.
Ashtabula County Pride on June 3
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, LGBTQ+ Coalition of Ashtabula County held the 3rd Annual Ashtabula County Pride at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. Photos are by Kim Conti and Michael Mahler.
Win This Gift Basket Just by Signing Up For EGN Email List!
To celebrate Meadville Pride this Saturday, July 29, Erie Gay News will give away a gift basket ($50 value)! To enter the drawing, either signs up on the paper form at the Erie Gay News tent at Meadville Pride between 1 and 5 PM on Chestnut Street OR sign up online at http://eepurl.com/c7fLdT. We will choose a random winner at the end of Meadville Pride, so if you sign up online, be sure to do so by 5 PM this Saturday! If you sign up online, you must fill out your address and phone and check the box for Erie GLBT News and Events to enter. Best of luck!
Erie Celebrates Pride in Style
State Street in the City of Erie was once again adorned with every color of the rainbow on Saturday, June 24, when NW PA Pride Alliance hosted its annual Pride Parade and Pride Fest. Thousands came out to be part of the festivities, which began with a parade at 11th Street and marched north on State Street to Perry Square.
Local Queer Nonprofits Participate in Erie Gives 2023
Erie Gives will be taking place on Tuesday, August 8, from 8 am to 8 pm. This is a great day to help your favorite nonprofits. Last year, Erie Gives broke all the records giving over $8.1 Million to 470 nonprofits. The local LGBT nonprofits participating in this year's campaign are listed below. The minimum gift is $25. There is no limit to the amount of money you may give. There is no limit to the number of organizations you can donate to in a transaction. Donations can be made via check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Sorry, credit card gift cards will not be accepted.
Erie Celebrates Becoming a Sanctuary City for LGBTQ+ Rights!
The City Council of Erie announced the passing of the Human Rights Resolution, designating our city as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals. With immense joy and celebration, may we embrace this progressive measure, demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and equality for all people. We are thankful to City Council Member Susannah Faulkner for her dedication to and collaboration with the LGBTQ+ citizens of Erie in advancing this resolution through Erie City Council.
Warren County Pride on June 17
Approximately 4,000 people participated in the fourth annual Warren County Pride Day at Betts Park on Saturday, June 17th. EmCee Logan Johnson and Erie DJ Sabine kept things moving with music, contests, games, and guest speakers. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention won the "Best Decorated Booth" contest, The North PA Ghostbusters won first place in the "Best People Costume" and Thunder, a tiny Chihuahua, retained his title of "Best Pet Costume" for the fourth consecutive year. Members of the Enchanted Mountains Roller Derby presented a skating demonstration.
Community Spotlight #8: LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation
The LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation strive to address the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals in Erie County face every day. With a generous gift in 2014, the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality helped to establish the LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation. Today, the Funds are led by a volunteer advisory board and various committees and aim to provide financial support to nonprofits in the Erie area that address strive to create a positive, thriving environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
TransFamily NWPA Summer Picnic on Aug 19
TransFamily will have our yearly trans picnic on the 19th of August from noon to five at Presque Isle at site 001-#1 pavillion. TransFamily will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, and vegan options. Please bring your favorite dish to share and a list of ingredients, and join us in celebrating 11 wonderful years of supporting the trans community!
Moxi Hair Salon
For a safer place to find hair care, visit Moxi Hair Salon. Owner Sara McMillan began doing hair in 2008 with no intentions of ever having her own salon. In 2013 she took time off when her daughter was born and, probably due to sleep deprivation, decided she would open her own salon, one that was environmentally friendly and cruelty-free - no products that used animal testing. Her first salon was a one-room space, and she worked alone. She has since grown the business to 2 locations and ten employees. About four years ago, she opened one of her current locations at 1722 West 8th Street, and last August, she opened a second location at 1335 West 38th Street.
4th Annual Crawford County Pride on July 8
The 4th Crawford County Pride, held in Diamond Park, Meadville, on July 8, had an amazing response this year with more vendors than ever, food trucks, non-profits, Odd Atrocity, Hot Rod Entertainment for our DJ, an after-hours at the Firehouse Tap and Grill and the best drag show ever arranged by Michael Brown. Hosted by The Libertarian Party of Crawford County of Pennsylvania, Glenn Tuttle for Meadville City Council and Constable, and Adam Leute, this year’s event was the best ever, with over 30 participants showing that tolerance is good business and that we matter in Crawford County. We can’t wait for next year’s event and hope for even bigger and better.
Compton's Table and Macy's Partner for Back To School True Style on Aug 20
Compton’s Table, Inc is excited to offer an amazing opportunity made possible by our local Macy’s at Millcreek Mall. Macy’s and Compton’s knows that going back to school can be a huge stress point for queer youth and their families. We decided to join forces to do something about it!
Erie Dems Issue Statement of Support for Councilmember Faulkner’s Sanctuary City Resolution
Erie, PA - Erie County Democrats are proud to support the sanctuary city resolution introduced by Erie City Councilperson Susannah Faulkner. This resolution sends a resounding message across the Commonwealth, and the nation, that all are welcome in the City of Erie. In order to uphold the vision our Mayor and Council have for Erie, we ask that each councilperson vote in favor of this resolution on Wednesday, July 19.
PFLAG of Chautauqua Summer Meetings on Thursdays
PFLAG of Chautauqua, a support group for allies, loved ones and the entire Queer community, is continuing the summer tradition of weekly meetings at Chautauqua Institution, 6:30 every Thursday, at the UU Fellowship House, during the summer season. AND THAT'S NOT ALL! We are making plans for activities to continue year-round, expanding outside of Chautauqua Institution, including a celebration of National Coming Out Day on October 11, 2023.
First Reading of Erie City Resolution Proposed by Susannah Faulkner for Making Erie PA an LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City
On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 7:30 PM, Erie City Council will consider a resolution proposed by Councilmember Susannah Faulkner to make the City of Erie PA a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ people. The meeting will be held at Erie City Hall, 626 State Street, Erie PA. The proposed resolution states that Erie City Council is firmly committed to protecting human rights for all individuals. It also states that if levels of government above the city (Erie County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or United States Government) pass hostile human rights laws that impose civil/criminal punishments or fines on LGBTQ+ individuals, the Erie City Council urges the Erie City Police Chief to make enforcement of there laws their lowest priority. The resolution also states that the City of Erie should be considered a safe place for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
What is Trauma-Sensitive Yoga?
Journey To A Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA, offers trauma-sensitive yoga on Thursday at 10:30 am and Sunday at 5pm. What is trauma-sensitive yoga? It is facilitated by a yoga instructor with extra training to be aware of how movement and positioning of our body sometimes brings up 'old wounds.' Each class is supported by at least one trained therapist who is available to assist people with processing should anything come up during the class. People often wonder if it is any different than the yoga classes they have been to or have seen.
Thank You WNY For Celebrating Pride 2023 With Niagara Pride
This year, Niagara Pride went bigger than ever before to celebrate Pride. We extended Pride Month into an entire Season of Pride...and WNY responded with love, acceptance, and unicorns.
Why a Banned Book Club?
"Why would anyone tell you what you can read"? "If someone tells me not to read something I would ask why." Both of these statements were made by our 7-year-old daughter when we were explaining that we joined a banned book club. She understood the book part, they have been a part of her life from the start. It was the word 'banned' that peaked her curiosity. She didn’t understand and I must admit, neither did I. A college professor once told our class that, "if a book offends or upsets you, ask yourself why, don’t just stay offended."
Journey Through the Shadows now enrolling!
Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie PA, is presenting a 6-8 week small group experience exploring shadow work, integrating elements of EMDR and Internal Family Systems therapy. The group is led by Dr. William Koehler, co-owner of Journey to a Trauma Informed Life. Additional one-on-one guides are also available, should you need them. The group meets weekly on Tuesday evenings. The first session is on July 25th, 5:30-7pm, and is offered both remotely and in-person at our West 11th St. location. Journey Through the Shadows accommodates a maximum of 10 people in a closed group setting. You won't have newcomers joining once it starts. Weekly group sessions will be billed to your health insurance. Any copay or deductible falls under your responsibility. Supplies are provided, and a suggested donation of $5/week is appreciated for snacks/refreshments.
"We Never Give Up the Fight": Los Angeles LGBT Center Releases the Executive Summary of the National LGBTQ+ Women's Community Survey?
LOS ANGELES, June 26- Today, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, in partnership with Justice Work and 120 partner organizations, released the executive summary of initial findings from the largest and most comprehensive survey on LGBTQ+ women who partner with women in the United States. Titled "We Never Give Up the Fight": A Report of the National LGBTQ+ Women's Community Survey," the study aims to celebrate the expansiveness of its community, and use its findings to strengthen our movements, shift policy agendas, and increase funding streams where needed. The executive summary of the report can be viewed here.
Goodell Gardens earns Level II Arboretum Accreditation
EDINBORO - July 6, 2023 - Goodell Gardens & Homestead just leveled up! The public garden, arboretum, and community gathering space located in Edinboro recently earned Level II Accreditation through ArbNet, an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta.
Deadline for August 2023 print edition (issue #333) of Erie Gay News is Saturday, July 15, comes out Tuesday, July 25!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 333, cover-dated for August 2023), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late July 2523 and beyond by Saturday, July 15. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, July 25. Please note that this issue will be on display at Meadville Pride and Street Fair on Saturday, July 29!
Political, Activism and Legal
Families and Medical Providers Sue Missouri to Block Transgender Youth Medical Care Ban
(Jefferson City, MO, July 25, 2023) - Lambda Legal, the ACLU of Missouri, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP filed a lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court to block the implementation of SB 49, which would prevent transgender adolescents in Missouri from accessing evidence-based gender-affirming medical care. The legal advocates filed the challenge to SB 49 on behalf of three families of transgender young people, medical providers, and the organizations PFLAG National and GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality. The law is scheduled to take effect on August 28.
Assessing the Damage: Reviewing How State LGBTQ Policies Changed in 2023
The past three years have brought a dramatic - and still ongoing-escalation of attacks on LGBTQ people across virtually every aspect of our lives. Now that most states' legislative sessions have adjourned for the year, MAP is taking a look at just how far states' LGBTQ policies have changed so far in 2023, drawing on the more than 50 policies we track in our LGBTQ Equality Maps.
Meadville #FreeShop2023, Summer Edition
The Pennsylvania Equality Project, in cooperation with the Meadville Public Library, is hosting #FreeShop2023, Summer Edition. PA Equality Project will gather donated items such as non-perishable canned food, clothing, blankets, books, CDs, DVDs, and small furniture items such as desk lamps, toasters, mixers, and other kitchen items and make them available to the public for free. Item donations are being collected in the Community Room at the Library on August 18. All donated items will be available to the public free of charge on August 19. The event runs from 10 AM until 4 PM on both days.
Equality California on Chino Valley USD Board Vote to Forcibly Out Transgender and Nonbinary Students
CHINO VALLEY, Calif. - July 21, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang after the vote by the Chino Valley USD Board of Education to adopt a policy that will forcibly out transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming students - who may use different names and pronouns at school than those they were assigned at birth - to their parents without the student's consent: "Equality California is appalled and alarmed by the level of blatant homophobia and transphobia leveled against LGBTQ+ youth by the Chino Valley Unified School Board yesterday evening. With LGBTQ+ youth around the country under attack, the school board put their most vulnerable students in harm's way with their dangerous vote to forcibly out trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming youth without their consent. The policy they passed last night is dangerous and in direct opposition to recommendations made by the California Department of Education.
New Podcast episode: Sexual Liberation and Queer Organizing with Dr. Jaime M. Grant, Jack Harrison-Quintana, & Ignacio Rivera
The fourth episode of the National LGBTQ Task Force's podcast, Movement Moments, is out! Listen as Jack Harrison-Quintana, Dr. Jaime M. Grant, and Ignacio Rivera talk about all things sex and queer joy - from desire mapping, to stepping into vulnerability, and why sexual liberation is such a crucial element of the LGBTQ movement. Listen here: bit.ly/3ObWiCM
Read-In Protest at Blasco Public Library on June 26
The Pennsylvania Equality Project held a Read-In at the Blasco Memorial Library in Erie, PA, between 5:30 and 7:00 PM, on Monday, June 26, 2023. The Read-In protested the library’s decision to remove the LGBTQ+ Pride Month display along with all other displays from the children’s section. Participants were advised at the Erie Pride Festival on Saturday, June 24, to make signs showing their support for the Pride display and keep them visible while at the library. At 5:30, 150 people read books silently while sitting in various seats in the library. Savannah Jakubowski, Pennsylvania Equality Project’s newest Board Member, ran the event and was quite pleased with the turnout. She said, "The goal of the Read-In is to have the displays restored and not removed in future years and to raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community of the Greater Erie area."
Speaking Out Against Removal of Blasco Library Read With Pride Display at Erie County Council Meeting on July 11
On Tuesday, July 11, to raise awareness of the Blasco Memorial Library, approximately 25 people from Democratic Socialists of Erie and the Pennsylvania Equality Project attended the Erie County Council meeting. Ten attendees spoke during the open mic session and shared why Library Director Karen Pierce erred when ordering the moving of the Pride Month display or its ultimate dismantlement. Several speakers demanded that the County Executive, Brenton Davis, and Director Pierce issue public apologies to the LGBTQIA+ community. Others insisted that the Pride display be returned to the Children's section for an additional month as a sign that ongoing discrimination will not occur.
Modern Military Association of America's Statement on Today's NDAA Bill Passage
Washington D.C. - July 14, 2023 - Anti-equality House members are using the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act to pass dangerous amendments targeting healthcare, gender-affirming care, education, and LGBTQ+ friendly services and resources. The numerous anti-equality measures threaten the health and safety of our troops and their families
California Senate Passes Constitutional Amendment Protecting Marriage Equality with Bipartisan Support
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - July 13, 2023 - The California Senate passed a proposed state constitutional amendment to secure marriage equality 31-0 with bipartisan support on Thursday. Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 (ACA 5), authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), would amend the California Constitution to protect the fundamental freedom to marry and remove the unconstitutional and discriminatory language from Proposition 8. Doing so would help safeguard against any future attempts to restrict marriage rights for same-sex or interracial couples.
Lambda Legal Replies to Biden Administration Proposed HHS Grants Rule
(Washington, DC, July 11, 2023) - Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed new rule modifying nondiscrimination protections for beneficiaries of and participants in services and programs funded by HHS grants.
Students Sue to Block Discriminatory Idaho Restroom Ban
(Boise, ID, July 7, 2023) - Lambda Legal, Munger Tolles & Olson LLP, and Alturas Law Group, PLLC, last night filed a federal lawsuit against the Idaho State Superintendent of Education Debbie Critchfield and other Idaho school officials on behalf of a rising seventh-grade transgender student and an LGBTQ high school student organization challenging Idaho's new school facilities law that singles out transgender students for discriminatory treatment. Plaintiffs also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, seeking immediate relief to stop the law from being enforced as the academic school year approaches.
Health
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Master Plan Virtual Town Hall for LGBTQ+ Communities on Aug 16
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is seeking input in the development of Pennsylvania's Master Plan for Older Adults - a 10-year plan that will be designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for all older Pennsylvanians. The Master Plan will also reflect the needs and?preferences of?this population?to live?where they choose and access the supports they need to thrive and age in place.?The department remains committed to ensuring that Pennsylvanians of all sexual orientations and gender identities are able to grow older with access to resources and services that are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and LGBTQ+-affirming. As part of this commitment, the Department invites you to attend its Master Plan for Older Adults Virtual Town Hall for LGBTQ+ communities on Wednesday, August 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sign up at https://form.jotform.com/P4A_Events/registration-pda-mp-th-lgbtq_Aug-16
PrEP4All and the Elton John AIDS Foundation Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance a National PrEP Program
PrEP4All is proud to announce that our work to ensure equitable PrEP access for all in the United States will be supported by a two-year investment totaling nearly $670,000 from the Elton John AIDS Foundation. This new strategic partnership comes at a pivotal point in the movement for a National PrEP Program for uninsured and underinsured individuals in the United States. PrEP4All, a nonprofit dedicated to equitable PrEP access, was the first organization to call for such a program shortly after its foundation in 2018.
Sexual Health Clinic Options For You
Are you aware that the local health department has a clinic for testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infectious diseases? The services are without cost and can help you stay up to date with routine checks for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV. Interested to know more about PrEP for HIV? We can go over the available options here in Erie County and help get you started. Would you like some FREE condoms? We provide free condoms and lubricants to our clients during weekly Sexual Health Clinic appointments on Tuesdays 9am-11am and Wednesdays 1pm-3pm. For more information give us a call at the Erie County Department of Health, 814-451-6700.
Contests
Enter to win Be Better Than Your BS: How Radical Acceptance Empowers Authenticity and Creates a Workplace Culture of Inclusion
Enter to win Be Better Than Your BS: How Radical Acceptance Empowers Authenticity and Creates a Workplace Culture of Inclusion by Risha Grant. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 15, and Tuesday, September 5.
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