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Rex AppsRex Apps (he/him) began his involvement with the newsletter by volunteering at the monthly folding/distribution parties. This then led him to contribute to the publication with writing and photos. Rex has previously served as an officer with the NW PA Pride Alliance from 2021 to 2024. He studied English at Gannon |
Erie Gay News Volunteer!
Rex Apps has volunteered for Erie Gay News for 128 issues!Articles (68)
February, 2026
Dr. Tyler Titus elected president of Erie City Council
On Wednesday, January 7, Erie City Council unanimously elected Dr. Tyler Titus council president. With this election, they became the first openly transgender person in the commonwealth to hold that position. Titus, a former Erie School director, was elected to Erie City Council in 2023 and served as vice president in 2025.
January, 2026
Spreading the Tea: Erie Gay News Catalogued in International and Domestic Queer Archives
Recently, editor Michael Mahler mailed out packages containing copies of all twelve 2025 monthly editions of Erie Gay News bound for their new international homes. The packages are part of the continued record of queer life in this region at IHLIA LGBTI Heritage in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and also The Arquives in Toronto, Canada. For more than 30 years Northwestern PA, Western NY and Northeastern OH's queer residences have been able to rely on Erie Gay News as a source of news, events, information, support and affirmation. Each month, roughly 1,300 copies of the newsletter are printed, folded and then distributed to 120 distribution sites. If you, your company, or your organization would like to let the wider queer community know about an event you have had or will be having, send the newsletter your articles or information.
December, 2025
Erie Observes Transgender Day of Remembrance
Members of the TransFamily of NWPA welcomed members of the community to the Unitarian Universalist Church in Erie on Thursday, November 20, for the local Transgender Day of Remembrance service. This year, a total of 57 names were read for those whose lives were cut short by violence. Sadly, this is by no means the true number of the lives that were lost. Violence against the trans community - particularly transgender women of color and those living at the intersection of multiple forms of marginalization - is really underreported. The names of those remembered this year are listed below.
TransFamily of NW PA Celebrates Transgiving Potluck
On Saturday, November 22, TransFamily of NW PA celebrated their annual Transgiving Potluck at Erie Food Co-Op. 1346 W 26th St, Erie, PA. The group provided turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Everyone had a great time enjoying delicious food and wonderful company!
November, 2025
Transgender Day of Remembrance at the UU on Nov 20
The first Transgender Day of Remembrance was held in 1998 when Gwendolyn Ann Smith organized a memorial vigil for Rita Harter, a trans woman who was murdered. Since then, communities have come together to honor those who have been lost and to advocate for a world where transgender and non-binary people are no longer targets for violence and hate.
August, 2025
Rain was not enough to dampen smiles at Warren Pride
The 6th annual Warren County Pride was celebrated on Saturday, June 14, at Betts Park in Warren, PA. The day started out a bit soggy with rain in the area, but it was not enough to deter those who came out to celebrate. The family-friendly event featured entertainment, games, contests, food, and merchandise vendors with music provided by DJ Sabine and musician Kaylie Williams.
TransFamily celebrates annual picnic
Good food and conversations were shared at the annual TransFamily Picnic held on Saturday, July 12. This year's picnic was held at the pavilion on Beach 11. Beverages, hamburgers, and hot dogs were provided by TransFamily of NWPA, and guests brought dishes to share.
May, 2025
Celebrating Trans Joy!
On Monday, March 31, TransFamily of NW PA invited community members to a gathering in Erie's Perry Square to commemorate International Transgender Day of Visibility. This year's celebration included local speakers and a walk around Perry Square, followed by a social time with light refreshments. If you would like support or receive more information about resources in the area, reach out to them at their website, transfamilynwpa.org.
January, 2025
NW PA Pride Alliance wraps up a busy 2024
While 2024 proved to come with its own set of challenges, the NW PA Pride Alliance is happy to continue its work to improve the visibility of the Queer/LGBTQIA+ community in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
October, 2024
Intersex Awareness Day
The annual Intersex Awareness Day will be celebrated on Saturday, October 26. On this day back in 1996, the first public demonstration of intersex people took place in Boston, MA, at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
September, 2024
Erie Community Continues to Give!
This year's annual Erie Gives event was held on Tuesday, August 13, lasting a full 24 hours. All told, $8,695,723 was raised to benefit 513 local nonprofits. Among those who benefited are the local Queer nonprofits listed below.
August, 2024
Local Queer Nonprofits Participate in Erie Gives 2024
Erie Gives will take place on Tuesday, August 13, from midnight to midnight. This is a great day to help your favorite nonprofits. Last year, a record $8.2 million was donated to 492 nonprofits. The local LGBT nonprofits participating in this year's campaign are Compton's Table, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), Journey: Healing Together, The LGBT Community Endowment, and NW PA Pride Alliance.
Pride Day at Waldameer Park and Water World
Bring your friends and family to celebrate summer with the NW PA Pride Alliance at Waldameer Park and Water World on Sunday, August 11. You can purchase discounted tickets for $35 (regularly $48) at nwpapride.org.
June, 2024
Area Pride Celebrations
Check out all of the wonderful Pride celebrations taking place in our region!
March, 2024
Erie's Queer Community Annual Boots and Coat Drive
Members of the Erie Queer community stand with boots and coats collected Saturday, February 10, at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life. Items collected were donated to Community Shelter Services of Erie PA.
Pride Prom 2024
The Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center Garden Atrium and Terrace will host NWPA Pride's Annual Queer Adult Prom on Saturday, May 25. The Prom will begin at 7 PM and conclude at 11 PM. Appetizers and a cash bar (21+ only) will be available. DJ Dave Rapp will provide music. Tickets are now available at nwpapride.org
February, 2024
Celebrate Hockey Is For Everyone with the Erie Otters!
NWPA Pride has partnered once again with the Erie Otters to host Pride Night with the Otters. The game will be Saturday, March 16, as the Erie Otters host the Saginaw Spirit. Special packages for the game include a ticket and commemorative shirt will only be available through our dedicated link. Like and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see when the link for tickets goes live.
January, 2024
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.
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.
December, 2023
Halloween Drag Show at Penn State Behrend
Penn State Behrend GASE & LEB hosted the Halloween Drag Show and Costume Contest on Friday, October 27. Debbie Does Drag hosted the festivities , and students were treated to performances by Vivian Vendetta-Sinclaire, Monica Lexin, Ryder Slowly, Sassy Sascha, and PSB alum Shea D' Heaux.
Showing Pride In Meadville
Members of NW PA Pride Alliance recently participated Saturday, October 28 in the 56th Annual Meadvile Halloween Parade.
November, 2023
Hoping to empower others, one queer book at a time
Some of Erie's Queer community worked together to collect many queer books for distribution throughout the area via the Little Free Library System. In conjunction with Banned Book Week, which ran from October 1-7, books were collected at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life on the evening of Tuesday, October 3.
Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 in Erie
Join TransFamily of NWPA on Monday, November 20th for Transgender Day of Remembrance. We will come together to remember and honor our transgender siblings that have been lost to senseless acts of anti-transgender violence, marginalization and stigma by reading their names and short bios aloud. The vigil will be held at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life, 201 W. 11th Street, Erie PA at 7:30 pm. It will also be live-streamed on our Facebook page for those who can't attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
September, 2023
30th Annual Pride Picnic
Summer is the traditional time for family picnics. For 30 years, the Erie Queer Community has been able to gather with their natural families or even their families of choice to share some good food, enjoy the beauty of Presque Isle, and network with local agencies assisting the queer community as well as take advantage of free screenings from the Central Outreach mobile unit.
Erie Community Continues to Give!
This year's annual Erie Gives event was held on Tuesday, August 8, and while it had a rocky start due to some technical issues and a fire alarm near the end of the night, it was a good day for local nonprofits throughout the area. All told, $8,268,471 was raised, benefiting 493 local nonprofits. Among those who helped are the local Queer nonprofits listed below.
Rain was not able to dampen the Pride spirit in Meadville
NW PA Pride Alliance hosted its second annual Meadville Pride and Street Fair Saturday, June 29th. Opening ceremonies were held in Diamond Park, co-hosted by NW PA Pride President Alex Sphon and TransFamily of NW PA Board Member Eli Skelton.
August, 2023
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.
July, 2023
Come join the Erie Gladigaytors for Monday Night Volleyball!
Not sure what to do on Monday nights? Why not come out to Beach 6 on Presque Isle for some friendly fun in the sun volleyball? Right now, the Erie Gladigaytors ;are planning on starting on Mondays at 7 PM with possibly dinner and drinks afterward.
Community Spotlight #7: Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE)
What began as Erie Gay Pride. Inc in 2006 evolved in 2011 to become the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality. Under the leadership of Bob Howden and Patrick Smith, with the new name came a new focus as well.
Meadville Pride and Street Fair 2023 on July 29
NW PA Pride Alliance will return to Meadville for Meadville Pride 2023. The date will be Saturday, July 29, from 1 - 5 pm. This event will be held on upper Chestnut Street and Diamond Park and will include a Pride March, street festival, food trucks, and exhibits by local vendors and artists. Opening Ceremonies will feature speakers and performances to be announced later. After the Opening Ceremonies, please join us in a Pride March around Diamond Park to the Street Fair.
June, 2023
Community Spotlight #6: NW PA Pride Alliance
In 2010, several factors led to the creation of the Pride Planning Committee, which would become the NW PA Pride Alliance. Erie Gay Pride Inc, which had been the organizer of the local Pride from 2006 to 2009, reorganized as the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and changed its focus. With there not being a Pride Fest for 2010, a group of volunteers got together on January 16, 2011, at the Plymouth Tavern to begin planning events for that year.
Erie Pridefest 2023 - Parade Gathers at 11th Street!
Pridefest will take place this year on June 24th. We will gather on 11th St between Peach and French St from 11- 12 and step off to march to Perry Square at 12. Please note that this is a change in location from years past.
Pride Night at the Seawolves on June 29
The NW PA Pride Alliance has once again teamed up with the Erie Seawolves to host Pride Night. The game will be Thursday, June 29, at UPMC Park, 110 E 10th St. First pitch is at 6:05 PM. To get your special game day packages, go to NWPAPride.org and click the link. Get a free limited edition ballcap when you purchase your ticket through NWPAPride.org.
Queer Food Drive, May 2023
Thanks to 11 different Queer organizations, the Second Harvest Food Bank and those battling food insecurity will benefit from over $500.00 in food and monetary donations collected on Saturday, May 13, at Central Outreach Wellness Center, 3104 State St, Erie, PA.
May, 2023
Community Spotlight #5: Penn State Behrend GASE (The Gender and Sexuality Equality Club)
Trigon, as it was originally called, was founded around 1992 by Dan Ester, a student at Behrend. In 2017, the name was changed to GASE (The Gender and Sexuality Equality Club). The mission remained the same to provide a safe space for exploration and expression of one's gender and sexuality without judgment and to foster a healthy environment on campus for all people of all genders and sexualities.
Erie Queer Community Food Drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank
The Erie Queer Community hopes to help those with food insecurity on Saturday, May 13, as they collect food and donations at Central Outreach Erie, 3104 State St. Individuals will be able to drive up, and volunteers will be on hand to help unload their donations. Pasta and sauce, as well as canned goods are encouraged, and any nonperishable or dry goods would be accepted too.
NW PA Pride and Whee! Studios helping to show your PRIDE!
We are getting close to the start of another Pride season in NW PA and the NW PA Pride Alliance has once again partnered with Whee! Studios for the 2023 Pride apparel that can be purchased today at NWPAPride.org, or at the Erie and Meadville Pride Fests. Available this year will be shirts in both pink and black, along with tank tops and hoodies in black.
April, 2023
NW PA Pride Launches Erie Queer Happy Hour
NW PA Pride Alliance hosted its first monthly Erie Queer Happy Hour at Oasis Tiki Bar, 3122 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA, on Wednesday, March 1. The next Erie Queer Happy Hour will be Wednesday, April 5, at UPick 6 Publix House, 4575 W Ridge Rd, Erie PA. More info for future events is on NWPAPride.org.
February, 2023
Pride Night at the Otters
NW PA Pride Alliance would like to thank our friends Erie Otters Hockey Club for partnering to host the 3rd annual Erie Otters Pride Night on January 14, 2023!
January, 2023
NWPA Pride says thank you for an amazing 2022!
2022 has been a tremendous year for the NW PA Pride Alliance. Thankfully, with COVID-19 numbers lessening and the development of new vaccines, we were able to bring back some of our annual events, and with the help of some new friends, we expanded what was offered this year.
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2022
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania would like to thank everyone who gathered together on November 20, 2022 at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life or via Facebook Live for this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance. 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 media often seek to erase their existence.
Transgiving celebrated at the Crime Victim Center
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania once again hosted the annual Transgiving, Saturday, November 26 at the Crime Victim Center on West 18th Street in Erie. The meal'ss a potluck style with members of the Transfamily board providing the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and dressing. Great conversations among new and old friends alike helped to make this event a great part of the holiday season.
November, 2022
la bella to remain open until building sold or end of the year
While the Erie Times-News reported la bella restaurant and catering is closing, there has been an update to that story.
Transfamily of NWPA to remember and give thanks this November
On Sunday, November 20, Transfamily of NW PA will continue to honor the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost with a remembrance at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie PA, at 2:00. The names of known transgender people lost since last November 20 will be read at the vigil. It is difficult to accurately know how many have lost their lives because some families or society misgenders those individuals who have passed on. Transfamily will also be hosting their Transgiving at the Crime Victim Center, 125 W 18 St, Erie PA, on Saturday, November 26, at 2:00. This will take the place of their monthly meeting and be a time for the community to come together to share a meal. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and gravy will be provided. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to pass and RSVP via the Transfamily Facebook page.
October, 2022
Going Back to School in Style
With the start of a new school year there is always a long list of supplies every student needs to have for their first day of classes. This week, with some help from the collaboration of many local entities, those lists seemed a bit more manageable for many LGBTQ+ youth in our area.
September, 2022
Local LGBTQ+ nonprofits benefit from Erie Gives Day 2022
The Erie Community Foundation’s 12th Annual Erie Gives Day capped off another record breaking year for local nonprofits on Tuesday, October 9. Over 7.9 million dollars was raised which was more than just over 7 million last year.
TransFamily celebrates with annual summer picnic
The afternoon of Saturday, August 20th was a beautiful time for Erie's TransFamily of NWPA to celebrate their 5th annual summer picnic. The picnic, held at the Glenwood Park, also served as a way to celebrate the ten years TransFamily has been working to support the transgender community of northwestern Pennsylvania, as well as those who are questioning, their loved ones, family members, and aliens. They work towards a greater understanding of people who are transgender though advocacy, education and community engagement.
August, 2022
Community United Church Hosts Summer Art Show Opening
More than two hundred guests were welcomed on the evening of Wednesday, June 22 at the Summer Art Show Opening at Community United Church, 1011 W 38th St, Erie PA 16508. The show celebrates eighteen artists and allies of the LGBTQ community, as well as the themes of liberation and freedom.
Erie Celebrates 30 Years of Pride
All the colors of the rainbow were once again flying proudly in Erie on the afternoon of Saturday, June 25, as the Erie region came together to celebrate Pride. The parade stepped off from The Zone Dance Club with roughly two thousand participants traveling along West 18th Street before turning north on State Street and ending in Perry’s Square for the Annual Pride Fest, marking 30 years of Pride events for Erie.
Local LGBT Nonprofits Participate in Erie Gives 2022
Erie Gives will be taking place on Tuesday, August 9, from 8 am to 8 pm. This is a great day to help your favorite 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.
Meadville Pride celebrated by NW PA Pride Alliance
A mother came up to Alex Sphon, President of NW PA Pride Alliance, at the street fair to give him a hug and thank him for the Meadville Pride which was celebrated on Saturday, July 23. In talking with her, he found out her ten year old child had just came out as transgender. She has never seen her child feel truly at home in public till today’s event.
Warren County hosts Pride for 2022
Warren County Pride continues to grow. Back in 2020, the gathering fit inside General Joseph Warren Park and now it is occupying nearly half of Betts Park. The new expanded location allowed vendors and sponsors to set up in the grass on either side of the parking lot, while scheduled events took place inside a central pavilion.
July, 2022
Erie's LGBTQIA Social Hour at Underdog BBQ on June 8
On June 8, 2022, NW PA Pride was once again proud to partner with Underdog BBQ to prove a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ Community. Underdog offered food and drink specials (both with and without alcohol). We were also happy to be joined by representatives from the Erie Community College sharing the programs they offer. NW PA Pride is excited to continue to partner with local organizations like these to offer these opportunities to our LGBTQ+ Community.
NW PA Pride to host their first Pride in Meadville
NW PA Pride has been hosting Happy Hours in Meadville since December 2021 and were approached by a group of Meadville residents to help make an event for the Meadville area. On Saturday, July 23, from 1 pm to 5 pm NW PA Pride will have their first Pride in Meadville. This event will be held on upper Chestnut Street and Diamond Park, and will include a pride walk, street festival, food trucks, and exhibits by local vendors and artists.
June, 2022
May, 2022
Erie Celebrates International Transgender Day of Visibility
A walk was held around Perry Square in Erie Thursday, March 31, celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Erie LGBTQ+ Social Hour hosted by Underdog BBQ
Thank you to all who attended the social hour on Wednesday, March 30 at Underdog BBQ, 3040 W Lake Rd, Erie PA. Underdog BBQ was a wonderful host. Thank you to our info tables who attended Central Outreach Erie, Journey to a Trama-Informed Life, and UPMC Tobacco cessation group. NW PA Pride was also excited to unveil our new logo. Sales have gone live on our website for this year’s Pride merchandise. Order now and get them to show your Pride when we gather in person on Saturday, June 25 for Erie's Pride in Perry s Square.
HB 972 Passes PA House And Now Moves On To The Senate
Tuesday, April 12, the PA House passed HB 972, also known as the "Protect Women In Sports Act," by a vote of 115 - 84. The vote was largely along party lines, with one Republican voting against the bill and four Democrats voting for the bill.
April, 2022
New Gender-Neutral American Siri Voice in iOS 15.4
Apple continues to work on diversity and inclusion with the release of their 15.4 iOS operating system. One of the new features is a new option for the voice of Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.
March, 2022
G2H2 Returns April 1 At Room 33
A local LGBT Happy Hour will once again be returning to Room 33 located at 1033 State St Erie, PA, Friday, April 1 from 6-8 PM.
November, 2021
Dr. Rachel Levine sworn in as four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
Dr. Rachel Levine once again made history becoming the first openly transgender four-star officer in any of the country's eight uniformed services.
October, 2021
Ace Week 2021, October 24 - 30
Ace Week, formerly known as Asexual Awareness Week, was founded in 2010. This International movement began as an awareness campaign to encourage LGBTQ+ communities to support the ace community. The community uses the word ace to encompass anyone who fits within the spectrum of asexuality. An asexual person experiences little to no sexual attraction and/or sexual desire.
Intersex Awareness Day on October 26
The annual Intersex Awareness Day will be celebrated on Monday, October 26. This is the date back in 1996 when the first public demonstration of intersex people took place in Boston, MA at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
March, 2021
Biden nominates Doctor Rachel Levine as Assistant Health Secretary
President Joe Biden made history with the nomination of Doctor Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania's top health official, as his assistant secretary of health. Doctor Levine would become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Tyler Titus announces bid for Erie County Executive
Tyler Titus (they/them/their) the first openly transgender person elected to public office in Pennsylvania, and the current Erie School Board President announced February 10 on Zoom their candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Erie County Executive.
April, 2020
Entertainment Notes
While respecting the call for social distancing, check out these titles of LGBTQIA+ interest! Includes films on Netflix and new books released by Amazon.
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