Celebrate Aging with Pride Award to Erin Phillips of Erie Reader

by Peter Genco

Aging with Pride (AWP) acknowledges individuals and/or businesses who demonstrate their commitment to assisting the "seasoned" members of the LGBTQ+ Community. On November 30, 2025, AWP presented a Recognition Award to Erin Phillips, Managing Editor of Erie Reader. She wrote an article in the June 2025 issue titled "Aging With Pride: Erie's Queer Senior Social Club". She interviewed several members of AWP and provided a well-received informational article about the group and the social needs of the elders in our community.

About the Author

Pete

Pete G (he/him) volunteers with Erie Gay News as a way to give back to the community. Now retired, he enjoys having more time to devote to local LGBTQ+ organizations and events. Pete serves as the 2026 chair of Aging With Pride Erie and is active on several of the organization's committees. He also organizes Bears Do Dinner, a monthly dinner group that has been bringing people together since 2013. Pete studied at SUNY Buffalo and the Universität Würzburg, earning BAs in German and Linguistics as well as a master's degree in Library and Information Science. He speaks German, enjoys cooking, and sells Pampered Chef products.