Pride Rally was a Big Success

by Erie Gay Pride, Inc.

Erie's LGBT community showed its pride Saturday, Aug. 25, as nearly 200 individuals participated in this year's Erie Gay Pride March/Rally.

About 100 people got the event rolling by marching down State Street from The Zone Dance Club to Perry Square where the rally was held. Several of the city's most talented Drag Queens got to ride in style in a limousine generously donated by a local funeral home. There was also a Pride float using a truck and trailer donated by another very generous supporter.

Steve Glassman, chairman of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, was the featured speaker at this year's Rally. Other speakers were Rev. Rick Moyer of Community United Church, Rev. Steve Aschmann of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, Tammy Johnson from SafeNet and Tara Reynolds from the Women's Law Project in Pittsburgh.

The Master of Ceremonies for the Pride Rally was Buddy Dobson, "The Glowsorcerer," who also entertained. Entertainment was also provided by singer David Shaffer, as well as Miss Erie 2002 Michele Michaels, Miss Puerto Rico Kathern Glamour, Mistress Vanety and T.J. Knight.

A variety of vendors and information booths from numerous community organizations were set up around Perry Square as well.

This year's Pride March/Rally was organized by Erie Gay Pride, Inc., Erie County's newly incorporated LGBT organization.