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Bobbie FennoBobbie Fenno (She/Her) joined as a contributing editor in 2025, but has been involved with Erie Gay News as a folding volunteer previously. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor's degree in Business, a certificate in Project Management, and an Associate's in Information Technology. Bobbie is also an active member of the LBT Women of Erie group and was also a board member for the NWPA Pride Alliance for four years (2021-2024). |
Erie Gay News Volunteer!
Bobbie Fenno has volunteered for Erie Gay News for 26 issues!Articles (29)
February, 2026
Community Spotlight: ABCs of Building Better Lives
Dedicated to creating safe, affirming spaces for healing and growth, ABCs of Building Better Lives offers compassionate and inclusive support to people from all walks of life, including members of Erie's LGBTQIA+ community. Located at 4320 Dexter Avenue, this holistic counseling practice helps individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges with dignity, understanding, and professional expertise.
January, 2026
Come Out and Support the Annual Warm Coat & Boots Drive
As the winter chill settles in, it is time to come together to support our community once again. The annual Warm Coat and Boots Drive will take place on Saturday, January 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life.
Community Spotlight: New Castle Prism Initiative
Part of our broader regional community, just a bit farther south, a newer organization is stepping up in powerful ways for queer residents. In a county where access to affirming resources can be limited, the New Castle Prism Initiative is working to ensure LGBTQIA+ people and other marginalized community members are seen, supported, and celebrated.
EGN to Highlight Volunteers Beginning in 2026
Starting in 2026, Erie Gay News will begin offering volunteers the option to have their name and photo featured on our website. This will be a new way to recognize the people who help keep our publication and community events running strong. Whether you help fold each issue of EGN or lend a hand at one of our many community events throughout the year, we want you to feel seen as part of what makes this publication possible. Our volunteers aren't just helpers, they're our chosen family, and they're the heart of the work we do together.
December, 2025
Community Spotlight: Crime Victim Center of Erie County
In the heart of Erie County, a quiet but powerful force has been working for over five decades to support survivors of crime: the Crime Victim Center (CVC). Founded in 1973 by Joan Martin, the agency began as the Erie County Rape Crisis Center after Martin's family member survived a sexual assault. With no services available at the time, Martin set out to build the support network her family needed but could not find.
November, 2025
Community Spotlight: NAMI of Erie County PA
Since its founding in 1984 by David and Joanne Cooper, Don and Carol Shaper, and Jim and Jeanne Hughes, NAMI of Erie County has worked to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment for individuals and families affected by mental illness. What began as a grassroots effort to offer empathy and understanding has grown into a full-fledged countywide resource hub dedicated to support, education, and advocacy.
Erie's Queer Community Gathered Together for 30th Anniversary Family Photo
The Erie queer community came together to make history on October 11 and celebrate the 30th anniversary of Erie's first Family Photo, held in honor of National Coming Out Day. What began in 1995 with just 32 people has grown into a beloved tradition that embodies visibility, connection, and pride.
October, 2025
National Coming Out Day: Erie Family Photo
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Erie's first Family Photo, and Erie Gay News (EGN) is inviting YOU to be part of this historic moment. On National Coming Out Day, Saturday, October 11, 2025, the LGBTQ+ community and allies will gather on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse from 11 AM to 1 PM to celebrate three decades of strength, diversity, and progress.
September, 2025
32nd Annual Erie Pride Picnic: Joining Together at Presque Isle
The spirit of summer and community came alive on Saturday, August 16, 2025, as nearly 200 attendees gathered at Presque Isle State Park's Rotary Pavilion near Beach 7 for the 32nd Annual Pride Picnic. Hosted by NWPA Pride Alliance, the event proved once again why it remains one of Erie's most cherished traditions.
Erie Gives Day 2025: Queer Organizations Fared Well
Erie's LGBTQ+ nonprofits brought the queer power this Giving Day, each making meaningful gains for their missions and for our community. Here's how they did and a little about what each one brings to the table.
Meadville Pride 2025: A Community Coming Together
On Saturday, July 26th, Diamond Park in Meadville came alive with music, laughter, and a whole lot of pride as the community gathered for Meadville Pride on the Diamond. From 1pm to 5pm, the park became a vibrant hub of celebration, connection, and unapologetic joy.
Mercyhurst (MIAC): Spotlight on Queer Performances
This fall, the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture (MIAC) is home to a series of engaging performances by queer-authored and queer-celebrated artists, ushering in an exciting cultural season with heart, humor, and resonance for LGBTQ+ audiences.
August, 2025
Community Shines at Ashtabula Pride 2025
A joyful crowd filled Walnut Beach on Saturday, June 21, as the Ashtabula Pride Festival returned in full celebration for 2025. The lakefront park was alive with color, music, and community spirit as locals and visitors gathered to honor love, identity, and inclusion.
Community Spotlight: VisitErie
VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization, recently introduced a fresh new brand and tagline: "Good Life. Great Lake." But this change is more than just visual. It's a reflection of a deeper mission to celebrate all the things that make Erie a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive place to live and visit.
Compton's Table Annual Gala Art Auction
Compton's Table, a local nonprofit committed to uplifting Northwestern Pennsylvania's queer community, is putting out a call to LGBTQIA2+ artists for its upcoming Gala Art Auction this October. Open exclusively to queer-identifying artists, the auction will serve as a centerpiece of the organization's annual fundraising gala, spotlighting original artwork that celebrates queer creativity and expression. Participating artists may submit up to five original pieces in a variety of media. Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, woodwork, and mixed media are all welcome.
LBT Women's Picnic: Real Connections, Good Vibes
Mark your calendars, pack your lawn chairs, and get ready for a day of laughter, games, and community. The beloved LBT Women's Picnic is back and happening on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM. It will be hosted once again in the welcoming backyard of LBT Women leaders, Kim and Andrea.
July, 2025
EGN Distributor Check-In: Expect to Hear From Us
We at Erie Gay News are always working to keep our distribution network running smoothly and make sure our community has access to the news and resources they count on. As part of this effort, our team member David will be personally reaching out to all of our current distributors over the coming weeks.
Jamestown Pride 2025: A Celebration of Joy, Inclusion, and Community
Jamestown, NY Pride 2025 was truly a day to remember! Several members of the Erie Gay News Board, Andrea, Bobbie, Kim, Michael, and Rex, had the pleasure of attending and were thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming event.
June, 2025
Erie Queer Community's Food Drive a Resounding Success
The Erie Queer Community came together on Saturday, May 10, and once again showed the strength of unity, compassion, and grassroots care. The Second Harvest Food Drive, held at Central Outreach Wellness Center, was a heartfelt success, gathering 676 pounds of non-perishable food plus monetary donations for local families in need.
May, 2025
Erie Queer Community Unites for Second Harvest Food Drive
On Saturday, May 10, from 11 AM to 1 PM, the Erie Queer Community will come together once again to support local families through their Second Harvest Food Drive. Hosted at Central Outreach Wellness Center, located at 3104 State St, Erie, PA, this meaningful event invites all members of the community to donate non-perishable food items. All donations will remain local and be distributed by the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW Pennsylvania, ensuring that the support stays within our region.
April, 2025
Community Mourns Beloved Buffalo Gay Couple
In a tragic incident that has deeply affected Buffalo's Allentown neighborhood, beloved couple Michael "Mickey" Harmon, 40, and Jordan Celotto, 37, were found dead in their home on March 4. After one of them failed to show up for work, a friend checked in on them, encountered a man holding a knife inside the house, and immediately called 911.
Compton's Table Awarded Grant from Erie Community Foundation's LGBTQ+ Fund
Compton's Table, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, has been awarded a grant from the Erie Community Foundation LGBT Fund. This funding will enhance the organization's True North program, strengthen its formal teaching initiative, and aid in the development of a new hybrid program to provide support in schools.
Day of (No) Silence 2025: Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices
For years, the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) Day of Silence was a way for students and allies to bring attention to the silencing of LGBTQ+ voices. But in 2024, the movement took a bold new turn transforming its longstanding Day of Silence into the Day of (No) Silence. Instead of staying silent, participants are now encouraged to speak up, be loud, and take action against the increasing marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially transgender and nonbinary people. This year, the Day of (No) Silence falls on April 4, 2025, and it's all about making noise in the face of discrimination. GLSEN is calling on students, educators, and allies to raise awareness, share stories, and push for change.
Queeriosity Corner: Historical & Fun Facts - RuPaul
RuPaul became the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign, partnering with MAC in 1994, paving the way for mainstream recognition of drag culture.
Wear Your Pride: Support Erie Gay News with Exclusive Apparel
Did you know Erie Gay News now has its own exclusive line of apparel? That's right. Since 1992, EGN has been the go-to source for LGBTQ+ news and events in Northwest Pennsylvania, and now you can wear that connection with pride. Our EGN apparel, designed in collaboration with the queer-owned Whee! Design company, is available and waiting for you!
March, 2025
Erie Queer Community Unites for Successful Boot & Coat Drive
On Saturday, February 8, the Erie Queer Community came together in a powerful display of generosity and solidarity, hosting a Boots & Coat Drive to support Community Shelter Services of Erie, PA. Volunteers from local LGBTQ+ organizations collected several carloads of new and gently used winter clothing, including coats and boots, ensuring that those in need have access to essential cold-weather gear. In addition to clothing donations, the drive also collected ground coffee a simple but meaningful comfort for those facing the harsh Erie winter.
Journey: Healing Together Expands Wellness Weekends with New Recovery Support Group
Journey: Healing Together is introducing an exciting new addition to their Wellness Weekends. A new monthly gathering, Journey to Recovery, will be dedicated to individuals in the recovery community. February marks a significant shift, as the organization discontinues its writer's group, Heal. Write. Hear., to make way for Journey to Recovery.
Queeriosity Corner: Historical & Fun Facts
The modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement was catalyzed by the Stonewall Riots in 1969, led by activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two trans women of color.
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