Mayor's LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council meeting on September 8

The Erie City Mayor's LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council met on September 8 via Zoom. Chief of Staff Renee Lamis provided an update on American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. These funds will be spent on services for those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, infrastructure, those negatively economically impacted by COVID-19, and historically underserved populations. A representative from the LGBTQIA+ advisory council will serve with representatives from other mayor's advisory councils/populations on a council of advisors for input on funding.

The City of Erie will also be challenging the reported totals of the 2020 US Census, as there were problems in areas of data collection.

Mayor Schember has met with local advocates for health and homelessness about challenges plaguing those who are LGBTQIA and find themselves in need of shelter and services.

Chief of Staff Renee Lamis submitted the report for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI.) New Erie City Police Leason Sgt. Geoff Filuze also attended the September 8 advisory council meeting.

The PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs has set their 2021-2022 meeting schedule, and the summer meeting will be August 12 in Erie, the day before the 29th Annual Erie Pride Picnic. The PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs is also working on passing the Equality Act and needs letters to the editor from business faith leaders and others supporting the passage of this vital legislation.

The 2021 PA LGBTQ Health Conference was discussed. The event will be held virtually October 12-14, and several people from Erie's LGBTQ community are active advisory committee members. Additionally, the 2020 Keira Kristine DeSantis Transgender Advocacy Award was presented to Janelle Crossley of Harrisburg on September 8 at the Erie County Department of Health. Mayor Schember and several members of the Mayor's LGBTQIA+ advisory council attended.

Groups are invited to participate in both staffing the LGBTQ table at the Blues and Jazz Festival being held September 25 & 26 in Frontier Park and also at the 4th Annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk on Monday, September 27 at 6 PM, stepping off from the Arboretum Education Center near the tennis courts in Frontier Park.