January, 2024 News (42 Articles with 33,941 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for January, 2024 Compton's Table - Cookies & Queen on December 16, 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
A Look Back at 2023 for Erie's LGBTQIA+ Community
Erie Gay News looks back at 2023 for our region's happenings and news for the year. There were Pride events throughout the region! New groups formed included Aging With pride and Yellow Brick Roads. There was activism around Blasco Public Library. We also will have an updated LGBT history page for our region, which covers events from the 1960's up to the end of 2023.
2023 - A look back in photos
Check out our photo gallery for 2023! Erie, Ashtabula, Jamestown, Meadville, and Warren held in-person Pride festivals. There was activism regarding Blasco Public Library, a resolution passed by Erie City Council making Erie the first sanctuary city in Pennsylvania, new groups starting, and several LGBTQ community gives back events. Erie Gay News is proud to have photo galleries for not only 2023 but also years dating back to 1995!
Compton's Table - Cookies & Queen
On Saturday, December 16th, Compton's Table held its inaugural holiday social and fundraiser, Cookies and Queen. Guests gathered at the Compton's Table studio to enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, make-your-own ornament crafts, and an exceptional performance and reading by local drag artist and reigning Miss Erie Shea D'Heaux. This family-friendly event was designed to bring together members of the queer community and their loved ones for the festive season. "We realize that for many in the LGBTQ+ community, the holidays can be a challenging time," said Compton's Table board secretary Christina Salvia. "We wanted to host a holiday event that felt safe, inclusive, and fun for all, and to that end, I think we succeeded." Approximately 25 guests attended Cookies and Queen, which Compton's Table hopes will be only the first event of its kind. "Making connections and building community are two of our primary goals," Salvia said. "We hope to incorporate many more fun, family-friendly events like these into our programming in the future."
Aging With Pride Holiday Dinner
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, Blane and Randy hosted Aging With Pride's holiday dinner at their Millcreek home. The food was sumptuous, and everyone had a marvelous time.
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality End Of Year Celebration
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) held its annual End Of year Celebration at Room 33 Speakeasy, 1033 State Street, Erie, PA. The evening featured appetizers, a live band, and great fun.
Applications Open for Executive Director of Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs
The previous Executive Director of the Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs has recently stepped down due to health issues. The Executive Director serves as an extension of the Governor's office in the LGBTQ community and is responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. In this role, the Executive Director will seek to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit everyday LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. Applicants are encouraged to embark on an innovative and fulfilling career path within the Commonwealth and apply today at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/4313574/executive-director-governors-commission-on-lgbtq-affairs! Pennsylvania was the first state in the nation to have a commission for the LGBTQ community as of 2018.
TransGiving celebrated at the Compton's Table
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania once again hosted the annual TransGiving on Saturday, November 25, at Compton's Table in the Central Outreach Building on State Street. The meal was a potluck style, with members of the TransFamily board providing the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and dressing. Great conversations among new and old friends helped make this event a cherished part of the holiday season.
Aging With Pride Meeting with GECAC Presentation
On November 19, 2023, Ray Maholtz, Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) Deputy Director of Aging, presented services and opportunities for GECAC and the Independent Council on Aging (ICA) of Erie, PA. Caseworkers at GECAC's senior helpline, (814) 459-4581 ext. 400, can skillfully guide callers to access services and resources. Aging With Pride member Dale Allgeier joined GECAC's advisory board as a follow-up to the meeting. In addition, the Independent Council on Aging of Erie, PA, meets on the first Friday of each month. Aging with Pride member Robin Green is now serving as the group's representative to the group, with Kem and Pat as alternates. The Independent Council on Aging of Erie, PA, publishes an annual directory of services and resources. In addition to a listing in the directory, Aging With Pride has also purchased an ad in the 2024 edition. The directory is distributed throughout the year at service providers and senior resource fairs. Thanks to Ray, Erie Gay News will now be distributed at all seven senior centers in Erie County.
NW PA Pride Alliance reflects on a full 2023
The NW PA Pride Alliance would like to take a moment to reflect and thank all those who have helped make 2023 a success. Most notably known for planning and hosting the Erie Pride Fest and Parade, many may be surprised to learn the Pride Alliance works throughout the year to enhance visibility, foster unity, and promote acceptance through roughly forty events and programs, creating an inclusive space for all in Northwest Pennsylvania.
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania would like to thank everyone who gathered together at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life or via Facebook Live for this year's Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). TDOR is when we gather together to remember our Transgender siblings lost to anti-transgender violence. It is up to all of us to remember them since their killers, law enforcement, and the media often seek to erase their existence.
Aging With Pride Dinner at Valerio's
On Thursday, November 30, Aging With Pride had their monthly social/dinner at Valerio's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, 724 Powell Avenue, Erie, PA. The group eats together at a different restaurant on the last Thursday of each month.
Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life Wellness Weekends
This year, Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life, 201 W 11th Street, Erie, PA, is combining their community building events into one weekend - Friday night game night, Saturday crafternoon and open art studio, Sunday early afternoon banned book club and later afternoon yoga classes, plus special events to try each month. Head to their webpage at https://atraumainformedlife.com/ or Facebook page for details. Early 2024 dates are January 19-21, February 16-18, and March 15-17.
2023 Annual Lake Erie Gala Hosted by the Erie Sisters and Brothers of Erie, PA
It was another very successful year for the 92 Transgender/Cross-Dressing Ladies, their spouses, significant others, speakers, and vendors attending the 24th Annual Lake Erie Gala hosted by the Erie Sisters and Brothers at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Property last November.
Looking for a good book?!
Are you interested in reading novels written by trans or gender non-conforming authors or with trans or gender non-conforming characters? Get out your Erie County Public Library card because Sexual Wellness PA, LLC would like to recommend one of their favorite trans novels!
Compton's Table Rolls Out New Independent Living Program
True North: Compton's Table is very excited to announce the rollout of our new ILP (independent living program) beginning in January 2024. The program, True North, is an 8-week program tailored to the specific needs of queer youth and young adults (16-21 yrs old) in our region. Key components of True North include financial literacy, finding and maintaining housing, self-care and mental health, career development, legal rights & advocacy, cooking & nutrition, networking & social skills, and more! True North is a free program, thanks to the LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation, and you can register at www.comptonstable.org. For any questions, email info@comptonstable.org.
Deadline for January 2024 print edition (issue #338) of Erie Gay News is Monday, December 11, comes out Tuesday, December 19!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 338, cover-dated for January 2024), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late December 2023 and beyond by Monday, December 11. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, December 19. Please note that this issue is earlier than usual due to the holidays!
Entertainment and Travel
Winter Fun in Florida Sun: Your Ft. Lauderdale/Wilton Manors Holiday
Consider a winter getaway to Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors (The Island City which is surrounded by Fort Lauderdale, Florida). The weather is usually perfect: highs in the low 80s and rain free. There is so much to do and if you stay right in Wilton Manors, you will not need a car.
Emmy® Award-Winning "RuPaul's Drag Race" Unveils Trailer and Guest Judges including Charlize Theron for the Season 16 Premiere Friday, January 5th at 8:00 PM ET
(NEW YORK, NY - December 14, 2023) - MTV today announced the star-studded lineup of guest judges who will join Emmy award-winning host RuPaul and mainstay judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews and Ts Madison for the 16th season. The network also released the gagworthy trailer for the upcoming season, featuring Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actress and producer Charlize Theron and acclaimed musician Becky G as guest judges in the two-episode premiere airing on Friday, January 5th and Friday, January 12th. Episodes will follow the 90-minute format and air Fridays at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV
Emmy Award-Winning RuPaul's Drag Race Ruveals the New Queens of Season 16 Premiering Friday, January 5 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV
(New York, NY - December 6, 2023) - MTV today ru-vealed the cast for the 16th season of the Emmy award-winning global phenomenon, "RuPaul's Drag Race," which returns Friday, January 5th at 8:00 PM ET/PT with 90 minute episodes. The new season ushers in 14 dazzling new queens to compete for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" and a cash prize of $200,000 for the winner served by Cash App. This season marks the 15th Anniversary of the Drag Race franchise, which first premiered on February 2nd, 2009 on Logo.
Equalpride Joins Hands with ABC Owned Television Stations to Bring the Out100 to a Broader Audience
LOS ANGELES (November 29, 2023) - Equalpride and ABC Owned Television Stations are proud to announce the distribution of the Out100 Special on its stations this holiday season, beginning Sunday, December 9. As part of the close collaboration between the two brands, the ABC Owned Television Stations will amplify through its platforms the stories of this year's most inspiring and impactful members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Political, Activism and Legal
House Bill 68, Ohio's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and participation in sports in kindergarten through collegiate athletics
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Trans Allies Of Ohio, and the many Ohio families of transgender children we represent, are pleased Governor DeWine made the right decision by vetoing House Bill 68 today. This holiday season our families have been on edge, wondering if they will have to pack up and move out of state, leaving grandparents, jobs, churches, schools, and friends behind so their children can receive the medical care they need. They are exhausted. They have had to drag themselves to the Statehouse to fight a nonstop onslaught of discriminatory, inflammatory bills and state policy targeting Ohio's trans youth and the larger trans community since 2021 when HB 68's predecessor, HB 454, was introduced
Ohio Republican Governor DeWine Vetoes Anti-Transgender Bill HB 68
(New York, NY, December 29, 2023) -- Today GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, responded to news that Republican governor Mike DeWine of Ohio vetoed Sub. HB 68, which would have banned essential health care for transgender youth and prohibited them from school sports. The bill passed the state legislature on December 13.
VICTORY: Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois May Not Exclude Gender-Affirming Care in Any Health Plan Across the U.S.
(Tacoma, WA, December 20, 2023) - Today, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Bryan instructed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) to cease imposing discriminatory exclusions on gender-affirming care in all of its health plans across the country. The court's Order forbids BCBSIL from applying such discriminatory exclusions even when requested to do so by an employer. The injunction makes no exception for religious employers.
Rainbow Railroad's Queer Refugee Resettlement Program Welcomes First Arrival to the U.S.
(WASHINGTON, D.C., December 13, 2023) - Rainbow Railroad, in association with the State Department's Welcome Corps program, welcomes their first queer refugee to the United States. Launched earlier this year, the program allows American citizens or permanent residents to sponsor refugees seeking resettlement in the U.S. At a time when LGBTQI+ individuals are under attack around the world, Rainbow Railroad works to ensure safe passage for queer people facing discrimination in their home countries.
Gutting Asylum System Deadly to Queer and Trans Immigrants, Say Leading LGBTQ Groups
New York, NY (December 14, 2023) - Today, a coalition of the nation's leading LGBTQ organizations, including Immigration Equality, Human Rights Campaign, The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, GLAAD, Lambda Legal, National Center for Transgender Equality, Transgender Law Center, and Outright International sent a letter to President Biden and Congress cautioning them against trading protections for LGBTQ immigrants in exchange for a one-time spending bill.
Community Spotlight #13: Pennsylvania Equality Project
On June 20, 2011, David Moore was watching live coverage on C-Span of the New York state legislature voting to enact marriage equality for same-sex couples. He was so moved that he formed a group of like-minded people on Facebook and called it Gay Marriage for Pennsylvania. When enough people in the group expressed to him that the name overlooked far too many people in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, he changed the name to Marriage Equality for Pennsylvania (ME4PA). In 2012, Joshua Szczesny joined ME4PA; together, David and Josh built the organization into a small nonprofit. However, by August 2014, with marriage equality already law in Pennsylvania, he changed the name to Pennsylvania Equality Project (PEP). The organization he founded now focuses on surveys related to housing, discrimination, bullying, and mental health. PEP also offers the Meadville FreeShop, held two or three times per year at the Meadville Public Library.
Teachers Sue to Block Florida's Anti-LGBTQ+ Pronoun Ban
TALLAHASSEE - December 13, 2023 - Today, three Florida educators filed a lawsuit challenging Florida Statute § 1000.071(3) (2023) ("Subsection 3"), an anti-LGBTQ+ statute that targets Florida's transgender and nonbinary teachers for being themselves at work. By barring transgender and nonbinary teachers from using titles and pronouns that express their gender identities and by threatening to decertify and fire teachers who do so, Subsection 3 clearly and unlawfully discriminates based on sex and restrains their speech, in violation of the U.S. Constitution and civil rights statutes.
New Report Reveals Alarming Prevalence of Conversion Therapy, With Over 1,300 Active Practitioners Across the U.S.
December 12, 2023 - The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people, released a new report today which sheds light on the alarming and extensive presence of practitioners of so-called conversion "therapy" across the U.S. Conversion "therapy" refers to a range of dangerous, discredited, and unscientific practices that attempt to change one's LGBTQ+ identity.
SPLC Report Exposes Network Behind Junk Science and Disinformation Campaign Against the LGBTQ+ Community
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - December 12, 2023 - Today, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) released a sweeping new report that details how pseudoscience has become a tool of the far right to manipulate public opinion and advance legislation and legal action targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
NWLC Reacts to Extended Final Title IX Rule Delay
The following is a statement from Shiwali Patel, Director of Justice for Students Survivors and Senior Counsel at the National Women's Law Center: "We're deeply disappointed in the Biden Administration's decision to postpone the final Title IX rule until March 2024, almost a year later than first promised. These ongoing delays are unacceptable, leaving students stuck under outdated and harmful Trump-era rules. Survivors, LGBTQI+ students, and pregnant and parenting students are being harmed every day by the absence of these protections and the lack of a new Title IX final rule. We refuse to tolerate broken promises any longer. The Biden Administration must take immediate action to strengthen Title IX and meet the urgency this moment calls for."
Mapping the Complex and Confusing Patchwork of Parentage Laws
Families are made in all kinds of ways, and this is true for both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ families. Unfortunately, state laws establishing parentage - i.e., the legal recognition of a parent-child relationship - have not kept up with the varied ways that families form.
Russian Court, in Violation of International Law, Brands LGBT Movement as Extremist
New York, USA - November 30, 2023 - Outright International strongly condemns Russia's Supreme Court ruling declaring the "international LGBT movement" as an "extremist organization." On 17 November 2023, The Russian Ministry of Justice filed a petition to legally recognize the international public LGBT movement as "extreme" and to ban related activities. This move not only poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people in Russia but also flagrantly violates international law and human rights standards.
Health
Tobacco Free Adagio Health Expands to Northwest Region
Pittsburgh, PA (December 27, 2023) - Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties have joined Adagio Health's Tobacco Prevention and Control network. With funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Adagio Health now offers no cost tobacco and nicotine cessation and prevention services including counseling, support, and nicotine replacement therapy in 24 counties throughout western Pennsylvania.
World AIDS Day Observance Held Dec 1st
On Friday, December 1, 2023, the Erie County HIV Task Force [ECHTF] presented this year's World AIDS Day Memorial Program at the H.O. Hirt Auditorium inside the Blasco Public Library at 160 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507. Speakers included Erie County Department of Health Director Erin Mrenak, Erie County staff member Gary Snyder, Adagio Health staff member Andi Fair, and PA Thrive Partnership staff member Sonny Concepcion. In addition to speakers and video segments, one panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt was on display, made possible by PA Thrive Partnership.
Readout of HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra's Meeting with LGBTQI+ Leaders to Discuss Health Equity
December 11, 2023 - Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra hosted leaders from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) civil rights organizations in Washington to discuss actions the Department has taken to advance health equity, increase access to health care, secure non-discrimination protections, and increase access to behavioral health for the LGBTQI+ community.
Give blood or platelets with Red Cross ahead of busy holiday weeks
[Dec. 6, 2023] - As people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Let's talk Nikki Haley and her suicide problem
Unless something happens along the road to the Republican National Convention, it is clear Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee. But what happens if something does happen? It has been my belief for some time now that the Republican nomination for President would go to Nikki Haley. She is a step up from Donald Trump, but no fan of the LGBTQ+ community. She recently has invented an issue that has the LGBTQ+ Community being responsible for non-LGBT suicides. Yep, she claims we lead people to suicide.
Contests
Enter to win Fireworks DVD
Enter for a chance to win a DVD of Fireworks. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, January 16, and Tuesday, February 6.
Enter to win an audiobook of Dyke The Halls!
Enter to win an audiobook of Dyke The Halls! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 19, and Tuesday, January 9.
Enter to win an audiobook of Holiday Gay: Tales of Love, Lust, Romance and Other Seasonal Gifts by Maitland McDonagh!
Enter to win an audiobook of Holiday Gay: Tales of Love, Lust, Romance and Other Seasonal Gifts by Maitland McDonagh! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 12, and Tuesday, January 2.
Enter to win an audiobook of A Christmas Carl: A Gay Retelling of A Christmas Carol by Ryan Field!
Enter to win an audiobook of A Christmas Carl: A Gay Retelling of A Christmas Carol by Ryan Field! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, December 8, and Friday, December 29.
History
The 'Don't Say Gay' State of Florida Ultimately Unsuccessful in Stifling LGBTQIA+ Achievement and Advances in 2023
Fort Lauderdale, FL, December 18, 2023- In 2023, as Florida took the lead in attacking the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, an arsenal of history bursting from the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library(SNMAL) fought back.
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