National Coming Out Day: Erie Family Photo on Oct 11, 2025

Picture it: Erie, PA 1995. The City of Erie was preparing to celebrate its Bicentennial. The newly energized LGBTQ+ community took a group photo on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse in October of that year to go in the Bicentennial Time Capsule that now is in  Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing at the foot of State Street. The October 1995 photo was the very first Family Photo the local community had taken as a community open to the public. The tradition of taking a group photo has continued at the Pride Picnic and other events. 2025  will mark the 30th anniversary of this historic event, and Erie Gay News is organizing another Family Photo on October 11, 2025 (National Coming Out Day) on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse between 11 AM and 1 PM. All groups and LGBTQ+ and supportive individuals are invited to participate. We want to show how the strength and diversity of the community have grown over the past three decades. We need YOU to make this happen.

We have already arranged for a professional photographer to take portraits. In addition to the family photo at noon on that day, they will also take pictures of groups and organizations. Plans are still being finalized, but Erie Gay News is requesting groups and businesses that want a picture with their members/staff to register beforehand so that we can be sure that everyone is appropriately recognized.

In addition, we plan on publishing the issue of Erie Gay News with the photos in color (a first). We will shortly announce sponsorship opportunities to help Erie Gay News cover the cost of the photographer and the extra cost of printing in color for that issue.

Erie Gay News welcomes everyone to celebrate this milestone for our region's LGBTQ+ community!

Photos

Also view photos here.