Connections at Community Conversation

By David Gurzenski-Lukes

The second Community Conversation hosted by the LGBT Fund of The Erie Community Foundation on April 27 at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 134 W 7th St, Erie, PA, accomplished what it was designed to do, according to its organizers.

"We never realized the passion this event has created," said Shari Gross, who serves on the board of the LGBT Fund. "It was all about making connections within the LGBT community. I was overwhelmed by the excitement in the room as the presenters told what they were doing to extend their outreach to even more people," said Shari.

A presentation was given to promote the work being done through Radiant Faith, a series of monthly events at the cathedral that centers on faith and its impact on individuals in our community who participate. A representative from Compton's Table discussed the purchase of a building that will allow the organization to host more events rather than renting space elsewhere. A drive to raise funds for the building's purchase collected more than $80,000 in less than six weeks. Another presenter was Gary Snyder, president of the Erie Gay News Editorial Board, who said that the group has become incorporated and has been awarded a 501(c)(3) designation that will help expand its operations far beyond the newsletter. A one-page handout gave brief descriptions of our new community website, the queer community group, the email resources list, the queer community fund drive, the queer community back-to-school drive, and the community spotlight series that runs in the newsletter.

"During open discussion, there was a lot of exchange as to who was doing what in supporting various events and activities," continued Shari. "There was so much energy that came from each other. Previously, we were socially connected more than anything else. Now, there are so many other events that offer other ways to connect. We need each other, now more than ever."

About the Author

David Gurzenski-Lukes David Gurzenski-Lukes has a bachelor's and master's degree in journalism from Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. He has a long career as an editor and communications professional for a number of universities, including UCLA. He was a publications editor for United Way of Greater Los Angeles and community relations director for Pacific Beach Community Hospital in San Diego, California. Since David has been retired, he has written a book, "A Gay Grandfather Grows Up," which details his difficult coming-out journey. While David has only been an Erie resident for a short period, he is already involved with various local organizations, including Aging With Pride. He has two daughters with professional careers. Jennifer is an attorney in Washington, DC, and Julie is a computer programmer in Jupiter, Florida. He also has two grandsons. Drew is a pilot with American Airlines, and Jake is a student at Florida State University.

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