Queering The Vote Rally By Erie Dems Queer Caucus

The Erie Dems Queer Caucus hosted a "Queering the Vote" rally on Thursday, October 17, bringing together people from the city, the county, and even canvassers from out of state for the Harris/Walz campaign. The event was a vibrant celebration, but it also raised awareness about the high stakes of the upcoming election.

There was plenty of delicious homemade food, complete with a DIY taco bar that included vegetarian options, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Entertainment came in all forms, from speeches by city council member Tyler Titus and Senate candidate Jim Wertz, to inspiring words from local advocacy group, the Erie Spiritual Coalition. Local LGBTQ bands like The Nancy Boys, The Lamplighters, and Odd Atrocity set the tone, and an amazing drag performance by Shea D'Heaux evolved into a full-blown lip sync battle. A costume contest with a cash prize added even more energy to the room.

What really made the event incredible was the feeling of radical joy that everyone shared. New connections were made, and people left with a sense of camaraderie and purpose in these challenging political times. In the midst of all the campaign mailers and texts flooding our lives, this event felt like the much-needed "touching of grass" for local LGBTQ folks. The Erie Dems Queer Caucus created a space for everyone to feel welcome in the political conversation ahead, reminding us all to stay engaged and ready for the upcoming election.