Warren County hosts Pride for 2022

by Rex Apps

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.

Speakers for this year's Pride included Rev. Dr. Richard McCarty, Mercyhurst University, Michael Mahler, editor of Erie Gay News, Logan Johnson, who served as emcee for the event, and Rev. Dr. Matthew Scott, Vicar of the Episcopal Mission of Warren.

Pennsylvania Lt. Governor, and U.S. Senate candidate, John Fetterman was unable to attend the event this year as he is still recovering from the stroke he suffered earlier this year. But he did send a prepared statement to be shared at the event.

"I will always stand with the LGBTQ+ community, and the fight continues until we pass equal protection under the law," Fetterman said in a statement. "And I've always said, if you score political points by bullying or belittling gay and trans kids or adults, you need to find a new line of work. As your Lt. Gov. and your next Senator, I'll always support the LGBTQ+ community."

Pennsylvania Attorney General, and gubernatorial candidate, Josh Shapiro also sent a statement.

"Pride is a time to celebrate who we are. And to celebrate the freedom to love who we love," Shapiro said. "But it's also a time to recognize that we cannot take that freedom for granted."

Organizers are already hoping that next year will be even bigger hopefully encompassing All of Betts Park.