|
Michael MongeraMichael Mongera is a native from Cambridge Springs PA, A 2019 graduate of Mercyhurst University, Mongera received his Bachelor’s in Communication. During this time, he was the co president of Mercyhurst’s literary magazine, LUMEN for 2 years. Mongera has also contributed to articles for The Merciad, and Erie Reader Magazine. He currently works for Mission Support for Air Force/COCOMS/4th Estate for FRC. |
Erie Gay News Volunteer!
Michael Mongera has volunteered for Erie Gay News for 7 issues!Articles (21)
December, 2025
Thank You and Goodnight, MC Buddy: A Memorial Drag Show
A memorial drag show for the late D.J. and proud emcee, Arthur "Buddy" Dobson, was held at The Zone. 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA, on Friday, November 14th. Buddy Dobson was a fixture in the Erie queer nightlife, DJ-ing alongside Joe Totleben. Dobson also performed under his drag alter-ego, Buffy Lynn Hayes, and was a former Miss Erie.
November, 2025
Pink Party Recap: You Helped Raise $3800!
Thank you, Erie! We are simply blown away by your generosity at Michelle Michaels' Pink Party Benefit Weekend at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, the weekend of October 3. Together, our community raised an amazing $3800 for Linked by Pink, a wonderful local organization supporting those with breast cancer.
October, 2024
20th Anniversary Pink Party Benefit Coming Soon
The 20th annual Pink Party for breast cancer awareness is on the horizon! Join us on October 4th and 5th! The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA, will have auction items such as breast cancer merchandise and a fabulous bake sale. The auction winners will be drawn on Friday and Saturday in a live feed. Follow Michelle Michaels on Facebook for details about the live feed.
August, 2024
Pride Flag Vandalized at Moxi Salon
On June 27, as Pride month was about to end, a petty vandalization of a pride flag occurred at Moxi Salon on W 8th Street. Owner Sarah McMillan was informed that the pride flag adorning the front of her salon had been ripped down.
December, 2023
Packed and Lively Halloween Events from the Zone Dance Club
The Zone Dance enjoyed a lively Halloween celebration between October 27th, October 28th, and Halloween. The three-night celebration started on a Friday with a Diva's Performance hosted by Misty Michaels Kall, featuring the divas of Erie. Next came Saturday evening, featuring a dress to impress with a costume party contest. Prizes included $50, $75, and $100 to the three best customers registered. Each night saw a significant spike in revenue, with bustling crowds ready to take on the night. Lastly came the second costume content held on Halloween night, featuring a viewing of the new season of The Boulet Brothers Dragula hosted by Miss Erie herself, Shea D'Heaux.
November, 2023
18th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend raises $3,684.00
This year's Pink Party weekend was October 6-8 at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St. The benefit was a three-night event with $3,684.00 going to Linked By Pink.
October, 2023
A New Miss Erie Is Crowned!
We have a winner! This past August, Former Miss Erie, Debbie, handed down the crown to her successor. The 2023 iteration of the drag pageant brought six contenders to the stage. This year, Debbie, Katrina Island Twerk, Cherry Falwell, Snarebear, Shea D'Heaux and Alysin Wonderland were featured. All showcased their unique drag style to an energetic and supportive packed audience. Notable runways included Katrina's elaborate caution tape dress with working sirens. She left the crowd gagging as she dragged around two body bags as her accessories. Shea D Heaux showcased a The Wiz-inspired traffic cone scarecrow. Cherry Fallwell re-worked deconstructed rugs for a dress.
Pink Party Benefit Weekend on the Horizon
The great Pink Party is almost back! Don't miss out on the opportunity to attend Michelle Michael's annual Pink Party benefit weekend. This event will take place on the evenings of October 6th - the 8th. Basket auctions and a bake sale will be included. A drag show with no cover will be featured on Sunday evening at 9:30.
June, 2023
Erie Gay News Partners with Whee! Pride for Shirts!
Celebrate LGBT pride with some Erie Gay News (EGN) merchandise from Whee Pride. For 30 years, Erie Gay News has worked to connect Erie citizens with the LGBT community. To celebrate and continue EGN's effort to serve the community, Whee Pride has created personalized merch!
March, 2023
Debbie Does Nationals Fundraiser
The current reigning Miss Erie, Debbie, is set to compete in the National Miss Comedy Queen pageant. This March, the pageant will feature 20 other drag artists competing for the title in Orlando, Florida. To help support her trip, a fundraising benefit will be held at The Zone, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. The event will be hosted by Debbie's drag mother, Vivian Vendetta Sinclaire, on Friday, February 24th.
November, 2022
Dragula Titans Brings a Fright to Shudder
Spooky season is upon us! The drag fright fest, otherwise known as The Boulet Brothers' Dragula has announced its new All Stars series, Dragula: Titans. Ten former contestants from the current four seasons of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula, are competing to be the world's first Drag Titan. These queens will duke it out in a special "underworld" set created only for these All Stars queens who showcase Drag, Filth, Glamour and Horror. Prizes include a cash prize of $100,000, the heading spot in the upcoming Dragula world tour.
August, 2022
Erie Gay News Editorial Board Call for Applications
Erie Gay News is proud to have served the region’s LGBTQIA+ community since 1992. We have formed an editorial board that meets virtually every month to discuss potential articles, distribution, social media presence, and other ways to maintain and improve the publication. We invite those interested in sharing this crucial work to submit applications to be a part of our editorial board. Your opinion matters and we look forward to hearing from those who are interested. If you want to volunteer, please email a resume and cover letter to info@eriegaynews.com by Friday, October 31st, 2022.
September, 2021
NW PA Pride Alliance Hosts Annual Picnic at Presque Isle
On August 14th, 2021, NW PA Pride Alliance held the 28th Annual Pride Picnic at Presque Isle. The event was located at the Rotary Pavilion, next to Beach 7. The LGBTQIA community of Erie was invited for a day of fun, friends, and food provided by the Pride Alliance. The event was also a part of 814 Day. A day dedicated to the city of Erie and the communities that make it possible.
Upcoming Events from the Zone Dance Club
These next few months are going to have show-stopping events at the Zone Dance Club! While a few months away, famous drag queen Tatianna will be appearing at the Zone Dance Club on October 23rd, 2021! Tatianna appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race season 2 and All Stars 2, the latter which she received runaway success. The event will be hosted by Rebecca Mae and special guests such as Luna Skye and Indie Skies. House cast queens such as Misty Michaels Kall, Priscilla Godzilla, Shea D'Heaux, and Pissi Gabune will also be performing. Tickets go on sale on August 30th at 5:00 PM.
July, 2021
A Pride Flag of Progress
The newly updated pride flag showcases the LGBTQIA's mission to include and represent the community. As a long-standing symbol of the LGBTQIA community, the Rainbow flag has seen many iterations to include all facets of our community. The newest rendition includes the intersex pride symbol. The intersex flag itself features a yellow channel with a purple circle to represent those who identify as intersex individuals. Intersex designer Valentina Vecchietti worked with Intersex Equality Rights U.K. to incorporate the yellow channel and purple circle into the Progress Flag.
Erie Native Superstar Returns to The Zone
On Friday, June 4th, the Zone Dance Club got a visitor from Glamatron 5000, and her name is Alaska. Erie native, and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 2 winner, Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, hosted a benefit show alongside Rebecca Mae for Erie's Zone Dance Club. Two separate shows were held during the evening. Each sold out within a day of the event's listing.
Jamestown NY Pride, A Beginner's Perspective
Jamestown NY Pride kicked off at 9:30 AM, on Saturday June 12th. Numerous vendors took to Wintergarden Plaza and the Jamestown Public Market to celebrate Pride. As a first timer to a Pride event, it was reassuring to see enthusiastic crowds embrace the LGBTQIA community.
June, 2021
New Events for the Zone Dance Club
Erie's number one gay bar is getting back into the groove, one sequin at a time. Amidst the seemingly tail end of an unprecedented pandemic, the Zone is bringing the queens out of quarantine, with two new events! Rebecca Mae is now hosting weekly shows called Fierce Friday's. Queens near and far will have the opportunity showcase a sickening performance and entertain the crowds. Showtimes will start every Friday at 10 PM. No cover will be required.
April, 2021
Lupe (2019 Film) - Movie Review
"Lupe" offers a unique look into a Cuban immigrant/kickboxer coming to terms with her gender identity amidst a frantic look for his missing sister. Rafael Abarran stars as Rafael, a masculine-presenting Cuban woman who has moved to New York to search for his missing sister, Lana. Along the way, she finds room to explore her burgeoning gender identity as a woman. Not only is she confronted with the fear of how those closest will react to her revelation, but looking for her sister, who has disappeared into the sex work industry.
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Recognizes LGBTQ Seniors as "Population of Greatest Social Need"
A new directive has taken effect for Older Adult LGBTQ people. As of March 1st, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) recognizes Older Adult LGBTQ people as "Greatest Social Need". A more thorough explanation was provided by Secretary of the PA Department of Aging Robert Torres: "The purpose of this Aging program Directive is to recognize and designate LGBTQ older adults as a population of "greatest social need" as defined in the Older Americans Act, in addition to those populations already included in the Act, and to provide guidance on responsive service delivery for LGBTQ older adults."
March, 2021
The Zone is Never a Drag
The Zone Dance Club is wading through lockdown restrictions with the help of RuPaul's Drag Race. Erie's flagship gay bar is open for business again. After a string of openings and closings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bar is experiencing a promising new year. The Zone has been holding viewing parties for weekly episodes of the new season of RuPaul's Drag Race season.
Connect With Us
