NW PA Pride Alliance wraps up a busy 2024

While 2024 proved to come with its own set of challenges, the NW PA Pride Alliance is happy to continue its work to improve the visibility of the Queer/LGBTQIA+ community in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Most notably known for planning and hosting the Erie Pride Fest and Parade, many may be surprised to learn the Pride Alliance works throughout the year looking to enhance visibility, foster unity, and promote acceptance through roughly forty events and programs, creating an inclusive space for all in Northwest Pennsylvania.

The NW Pride Alliance works to foster more opportunities for visibility for the queer community. To that effort, they have partnered with Erie's sports teams for nights out with the Erie Seawolves and the Otters. This year, board members also participated in the PennWest Edinboro Homecoming Parade and the Meadville Halloween Parade.

Monthly, the NW PA Pride Alliance hosted Queer and Ally Happy Hours in Erie and Meadville. Erie's Happy Hour are held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Oasis Bar and Grill. The Meadville Happy Hours are on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Julian's Bar and Grill.

2024 also saw the Pride Alliance host their Pride Prom at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center. The board once again provided a fun atmosphere for those who may not have been able to attend their own prom, or to attend with the person he would have preferred to attend with.

For 31 years, the NW PA Pride Alliance has hosted the annual Pride Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion on Presque Isle. This provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate with their chosen family with good food, basket raffles and a family picture.

Many people may not realize that the NW PA Pride Alliance hosts not just one Pride celebration, but actually two, one in Meadville and the other in Erie. Meadville's celebration took place the last Saturday in July and is held in Diamond Park.

This year for Erie Pride, the NW PA Pride Alliance decided to move from Perry's Square to Frontier Park on the last Saturday in June. Unfortunately, a tornado watch forced the cancellation of Erie's Pride on the Bay. Thankfully, the weather was much improved for Sunday for Erie's annual Pride Parade on State Street as a number of units marched from 11th Street to Perry's Square.

The NW PA Pride Alliance will be gearing up for 2025 here shortly, and the best way to stay in the know is to follow them on Facebook and Instagram and check in at NWPAPride.org.

About the Author

Rex Apps Rex Apps (he/him) began his involvement with the newsletter by volunteering at the monthly folding/distribution parties. This then led him to contribute to the publication with writing and photos. Rex has previously served as an officer with the NW PA Pride Alliance from 2021 to 2024. He studied English at Gannon