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.

Some early board members were Michael Mahler, Season Crannell, Chris Dye, Ernie Staaf, Amy and Erin Terrizzi, Alex Bolla, and Diana Ames. Currently, Michael Mahler and Season Crannell remain on the board with Alex Sphon, Rex Apps, Andrew Caswell, Bobbie Fenno, Moe Ferrara, Anthony Gressley, Juilie Lebow, Michael Mooney, Steven Wadsworth, Matthew Ciszek, Hazel Selitto, Michael "Debbie" Hipwell, Patrick Hiller, Anita Holland, Gwen Elaine, and Brett Staskiewicz.

Currently, the NW PA Pride Alliance hosts many events throughout the year. There are monthly Happy Hours in both Erie and Meadville on the first and fourth Wednesdays of the month. These locations are on a rotating schedule, so best to check the NW PA Pride Facebook to find that month's location.

The Pride Alliance also partners with other local organizations to host some annual give-back events. In the spring, they help to collect food for the Second Harvest Food Bank. In the fall, they work on collecting school supplies to help students when they are going back to school. During winter, they work together on the annual Coat and Boots Drive.

Volunteers are welcome to help with our events, especially the Erie Pride Fest, which will be coming up on Saturday, June 24. Please go to NWPAPride.org, and fill out the volunteer form there. Our volunteer coordinator will be in touch.

For a list of all of our activities throughout the year, like us on Facebook and Instagram at NW PA Pride Alliance, or check out our website at NWPAPride.org.