Deb SpilkoDeb created most of the written content of the EGN during all but its last year in print form and for much of that time was the main editor as well. She was also responsible for writing the grant application that essentially helped bring the EGN into existence. She has continued to write informational articles and compilations of entertainment and resource listings for the web site and has returned as writer and co-editor of the current print edition. |
Articles (25)
February, 2025
Anita Bryant, 70's Anti-Gay Activist, Has Died
Anita Bryant, who became the face of anti-gay activism in the 1970s, died December 16 at the age of 84. Bryant was once a household name, first as a popular singer and as the ad spokesperson for the Florida Citrus. And then, in 1977, she became America's most well-known homophobe, demonizing gay people and fighting against their rights.
January, 2025
August, 2024
Fred Karger at JES, Rocky Horror at Academy Theatre, Witch Perfect at Erie Playhouse, Anthrocon Pittsburgh Donation
Fred Karger at JES, Rocky Horror at Academy Theatre, Witch Perfect at Erie Playhouse, Anthrocon Pittsburgh Donation
May, 2023
Welcoming Geauga Co. church firebombed for hosting drag queen story hour
Federal prosecutors charged Aimenn D. Penny, 20, after he firebombed a Geauga County church that was scheduled to hold a drag queen story hour. On March 25, Penny attempted to burn down the Community Church of Chesterland in Chesterland Ohio, using Molotov cocktails. Nobody was in the church at the time. Chesterland is 20 miles east of Cleveland.
April, 2023
CPAC features anti-trans extremism in annual gathering
Far right speakers at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) spent a lot of time mocking, attacking, and lying about transgender and non-binary persons. CPAC is a gathering of rightwing extremists and Republicans. This year's turnout was much lower than previous years.
Michigan's legislature passed comprehensive lgbtq+ non-discrimination protections
LGBTQ+ Michiganders won permanent protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in the state's civil rights act, forbidding housing and public accommodations discrimination.
PENNCREST School Board Director Jeff Brooks Not Running For Re-Election
PENNCREST school board director Jeff Brooks has decided not to run for re-election. The insults, accusations and debased behavior from those who oppose his positions apparently took their toll. Brooks made clear, however, that he is not going away.
Tennessee has recently passed anti-LGBTQ bans
Transgender Youth - Ban on gender-affirming care for transgender care for youth. The law also requires those under 18 now receiving gender-affirming care to detransition. Tennessee became the first U.S. state to pass a law restricting drag performances.
February, 2023
The Penncrest school board passes restrictions on reading and athletics
On January 12, the PENNCREST school board passed a ban that addresses transgender participation in sports and added "sexualized content" restrictions to a library policy that had been approved last year.
October, 2018
Canada Cannabis
On October 17, 2018, recreational cannabis will become legal in Canada. If you are planning on heading up to Ontario for some cannabis tourism, you may want to hold off. Although Canadian residents will be able to order online as soon as it becomes legal, it will apparently not be available through Ontario retail outlets until sometime next spring.
August, 2017
Pennsylvania Equality Project Rally Against Conversion Therapy
On Sunday, July 9 2017, Pennsylvania Equality Project held a rally on the Erie County Courthouse steps to call for a ban on "conversion therapy." Video of the event on the organization's Facebook page. Photos by Deb Spilko.
February, 2017
No charges in officer-involved fatal shooting of transgender man, 23
Mercer County District Attorney Miles Karson Jr. announced there will be no charges in the fatal officer-involved shooting of Sean Hake, a transgender man. The announcement was made at a Jan. 17 press conference following an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police. Karson said the shooting occurred after an "escalation," and was justified.
July, 2016
Bayfront Convention Center Rainbow Lights for Orlando Pulse Nightclub Shooting victims
On Tuesday, June 14, 2016, Erie's Bayfront Convention Center displayed rainbow lights in honor of the victims of the Orlando shooter. 
Photos are by Erie Gay News co-editor Deb Spilko.
March, 2015
Wedding Officiant Directory
Marriage equality became the law in Pennsylvania in May 2014.
But same-sex couples who wish to wed may still may face prejudice. The number of churches that will allow their clergy to conduct same-sex weddings is still small. And a judge may refuse to perform a ceremony.
This listing was inspired in large part by an incident last fall, when an Erie district justice turned away a same-sex couple on their wedding day. We wanted to provide a resource where couples did not have to risk feeling the sting of prejudice on their special day.
All of the officiants in this listing have contacted us and specifically stated that they want to be included.
January, 2015
Rev. Steve Aschmann of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie Announces Retirement
Rev. Steve Aschmann of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie (UUCE) has announced that he will be retiring. Rev. Steve is retiring from the UUCE, where he has served since 2005. His last Sunday at the UUCE will be Jan. 18. Steve has been an ardent and loving supporter of the Erie area's LGBTQ comnunity. He was one of the speakers at this year's celebration of the marriage equality ruling in Perry Square.
October, 2014
Erie same-sex couple married after first judge refuses
A same-sex couple that Senior District Judge Joseph Lefaiver refused to marry were married a week later by Erie 3rd Ward District Judge Tom Carney on Sept. 8, 2014.
March, 2014
Protest at Post Journal in Jamestown, NY
About 50 people weathered cold and high winds to take a stand outside The Post-Journal, protesting what they say is bigotry and bias in that publication. The event was called "Raise Awareness, Community Outcry for Fair and Balanced Reporting." According to the group's mission statement, they demand that The Post-Journal "refrain from publishing editorial and reader-submitted content that includes slurs or insults based upon a person's or group's race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, political views, religious views or physical, mental or socio-economic status." They also demand "that The Post-Journal give equal space to syndicated and reader-submitted editorial content that reflects more moderate- and left-leaning views that may not reflect the views held by The Post-Journal."
September, 2010
Benefit Memorial for Gwyn and Tyreesha
On July 25, an early morning fire in their West 18th Street apartment claimed the lives of Gwyneth Henry, 44, and Tyreesha Richardson, 31.
January, 2010
Erie Catholic Diocese donated $1,000 to fight marriage equality in Maine
The National Catholic Reporter notes that the Erie Catholic Diocese was one of 50 Catholic dioceses in the country that contributed to the campaign to strike down Maine’s law extending civil marriage rights to same-sex couples. In the Nov. 3 referendum, voters rejected marriage equality 53 percent to 47 percent.
September, 2009
Bob Bearfield CD release party
On Saturday, August 15, 2009, local singer/songwriter Bob Bearfield had a release party for his new CD at the Renaissance Center in Erie PA. Photos were taken by Deb Spilko and Michael Mahler for Erie Gay News.
August, 2009
Marching in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade
On Saturday, July 4, 2009 the Erie Peace and Justice Center marched in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade. Also marching were Erie Gay News and Erie Gay Pride. Photos by Deb Spilko.
June, 2009
First-ever Pride Youngstown event
Pride Youngstown is holding the area's first ever Gay Pride event on June 6th, 2009, in downtown Youngstown. Phelps Street, between W Commerce and Federal Plaza will be blocked off for the festival. The event will run from noon until 8 PM and will includ live entertainment, food, fun, and activities for all ages. There will also be informative presentations that celebrate the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community.
November, 2007
1st Venango Digital Film Association Film Festival
Roxanne and Linda get ready for the first Venango Digital Film Association Film Festival, which will be held Friday, Nov. 2 at the Barrow-Civic Theatre in Franklin and Nov. 3 at the Latonia Theater in Oil City. Organizers put out a call for films that relate to the history, culture and society of the area west of Harrisburg. as well as those produced by people who reside in the area. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Latonia, Barrow-Civic, the Franklin and Venango Area chambers of commerce, Oil City Art Gallery and Venango Campus.
October, 2004
This & That
Lesbian comedy performer and writer Elvira Kurt will be at Allegheny College October 6 in observance of National Coming Out Day. She performs at clubs all over North America, on television and in the theater. She's profiled and showcased in a documentary about lesbian and gay comedy called We're Funny That Way. She was voted Funniest Female Comedian at the Canadian Comedy Awards, has had two specials on Comedy Central and Elvira Kurt: Adventures in Comedy on the Comedy Network. She's a hot college act, and has been nominated both U.S. College Comedian and Entertainer of the Year. You can read more about Elvira, and watch her Comedy Central special, at her website at www.elvirakurt.com
January, 1993
1992 Pride Picnic
In June the Pride Picnic was held. The picnic was scheduled for June because that is the month when gay and lesbian pride marches and other observances take place around the country and internationally.
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