NW PA Pride (356 Articles with 1,943,700 total views)
The NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. works to improve visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersexed and Ally/Asexual (LGBTQIA) community. It also facilitates communication and collaboration between groups and individuals within the region's LGBTQIA community and the greater region's community, while respecting individual and group identity.
June, 2023
Community Spotlight #6: NW PA Pride Alliance
In 2010, several factors led to the creation of the Pride Planning Committee, which would become the NW PA Pride Alliance. Erie Gay Pride Inc, which had been the organizer of the local Pride from 2006 to 2009, reorganized as the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and changed its focus. With there not being a Pride Fest for 2010, a group of volunteers got together on January 16, 2011, at the Plymouth Tavern to begin planning events for that year.
Erie Pridefest 2023 - Parade Gathers at 11th Street!
Pridefest will take place this year on June 24th. We will gather on 11th St between Peach and French St from 11- 12 and step off to march to Perry Square at 12. Please note that this is a change in location from years past.
Erie's Queer Happy Hour at Oasis Pub on May 3
NW PA Pride Alliance held their May Erie's Queer Happy Hour on May 3, 2023, at Oasis Pub and Tiki Bar,3122 W Lake Road, Erie, PA. The Erie Happy Hour is the first Wednesday of the month, and the June 7 Erie's Queer Happy Hour will be at U Pick 6 Harbor House, 4454 Buffalo Rd, Erie, PA. NW PA Pride Alliance also hosts Meadville Happy Hour on the fourth Wednesday of the month, alternating between Julian's Bar & Grill in odd-numbered months and Cussewago Creek Distillery in even-numbered months.
Queer Food Drive, May 2023
Thanks to 11 different Queer organizations, the Second Harvest Food Bank and those battling food insecurity will benefit from over $500.00 in food and monetary donations collected on Saturday, May 13, at Central Outreach Wellness Center, 3104 State St, Erie, PA.
May, 2023
Erie Queer Community Food Drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank
The Erie Queer Community hopes to help those with food insecurity on Saturday, May 13, as they collect food and donations at Central Outreach Erie, 3104 State St. Individuals will be able to drive up, and volunteers will be on hand to help unload their donations. Pasta and sauce, as well as canned goods are encouraged, and any nonperishable or dry goods would be accepted too.
Erie's Queer Happy Hour at U Pick 6 Public House on April 5
On April 5, 2023, NW PA Pride Alliance held their second Erie's Queer Happy Hour at U Pick 6 Public House, 4575 W Ridge Rd, Erie, PA. There were wonderful conversations and terrific food. NW PA Pride Alliance will continue hosting Erie's Queer Happy Hour on the first Wednesday of each month and Meadville Happy Hour on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
NW PA Pride and Whee! Studios helping to show your PRIDE!
We are getting close to the start of another Pride season in NW PA and the NW PA Pride Alliance has once again partnered with Whee! Studios for the 2023 Pride apparel that can be purchased today at NWPAPride.org, or at the Erie and Meadville Pride Fests. Available this year will be shirts in both pink and black, along with tank tops and hoodies in black.
April, 2023
2023 Pride Fest and Parade Registration
NW PA Pride Alliance will host Pridefest this year on June 24. We will gather at 11th and State Street (NOTE! NEW LOCATION!), Erie, PA, from 11-12 and step off to march to Perry Square at 12. If you are interested in having a table or being a group looking to register for the parade, please visit NWPAPride.org/pride-registration. There is no charge to be a parade unit; a table is $15 and includes an 8' long table and two chairs. You may bring your own up to 10' by 10' canopy/tent. Tables are limited, so please secure your table before the June 1 deadline. Please note that we have sold out of tables, and any new table requests will be on a waiting list.
NW PA Pride Launches Erie Queer Happy Hour
NW PA Pride Alliance hosted its first monthly Erie Queer Happy Hour at Oasis Tiki Bar, 3122 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA, on Wednesday, March 1. The next Erie Queer Happy Hour will be Wednesday, April 5, at UPick 6 Publix House, 4575 W Ridge Rd, Erie PA. More info for future events is on NWPAPride.org.
March, 2023
LGBT+ Community Gives Back Boots and Coat Drive
When a fire broke out at Erie's St. Patrick’s Haven, other local shelters were asked to help take on more to help bridge the gap in meeting the needs of those in our community. One of those shelters is Community Shelter Services, located at 655 W 16th St in Erie. They are currently low on supplies, including bedding, paper products, and coffee.
LGBTQ Happy Hour in Meadville for January
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, NW PA Pride Alliance had their monthly Meadville LGBTQ Happy Hour at Julian's Bar & Grill, 299 Chestnut St. The event is open to LGBTQ people, as well as allies and friends. Meadville LGBTQ Happy Hour is the fourth Wednesday of the month. It alternates between Julian's Bar & Grill in odd-numbered months and Cussewago Creek Distillery, 993 Water St, in even-numbered months.
NW PA Pride Alliance Launches Erie Happy Hour March 1
NWPA Pride is proud to launch a new monthly Queer Happy Hour in Erie, PA. We will hold a Happy Hour at Oasis Pub at 3122 W Lake Rd this month. This event will be held in the backroom at Oasis. For more information, please visit NWPAPride.org. Meadville Happy Hour will continue on the fourth Wednesday of each month, and Erie Happy Hour will be on the first Wednesday of each month.
NWPA Pride Alliance Announces 2023 Officers
Erie, PA, - January 7, 2022 -- NWPA Price Alliance is happy to announce the re-election of our 2022 Officers for the 2023 term. Alex Sphon will enter his 8th term as President and 10th term as an officer; Season Crannell will serve her 12th term as Vice-President; Michael Mahler will serve his 8th term as Treasurer and 12th term as an Officer, and Rex Apps will serve his 3rd term as Secretary.
NWPA Pride to Host Erie's First Queer Adult Prom
NWPA Pride Alliance is proud to host Erie's first-ever Queer Adult Prom on Saturday, May 6 at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center Garden Atrium and Terrace. The Prom will begin at 7 PM and conclude at 10 pm. This event is open to anyone 18 years of age and older. Appetizers and cash bar (21+ only) will be available. Music will be provided by DJ Dave Rapp. For the safety of those in attendance, security has been hired.
February, 2023
Have you considered supporting Pride in 2023?
The NW PA Pride Alliance has been fostering equality, respect, and diversity through our events in the Erie region for over ten years. We are grateful for all our supporters who have helped to make this mission a reality. We produce the Erie Pridefest, added the Meadville Pride and Street Fair for 2022, and our annual Pride Picnic celebrated at the Rotary Pavilion on Presque Isle. The Pride Alliance also hosts monthly happy hours in Meadville and soon here in Erie. We also support other local organizations as we shine a light and bring awareness to many LGBTQIA issues throughout our region. The NW PA Pride Alliance is grateful to those who have supported us in the past and would kindly ask that you consider supporting us as we move forward. If you want to become part of this great mission, please go to our website www.nwparide.org. You will see we have new levels for supporting Pride in our local community.
LGBT+ Community Gives back Boots and Coat Drive
The LGBTQIA+ community once again comes together to collect boots and coats for Community Shelter Services of Erie PA. New or gently used boots in all sizes will be accepted as well as new and gently used coats on Saturday, January 28 from noon to 3 PM at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie PA.
NWPA Pride announces Erie Pride Dates
NWPA Pride will once again hold Erie's Pride fest and parade on the final Saturday in June 6/24/23 at Perry Square. The Pride Picnic will be held on 8/12/23 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. Additional events will be announced soon. For more updates, please follow our social media and our new website, NWPAPride.org.
Pride Night at the Otters
NW PA Pride Alliance would like to thank our friends Erie Otters Hockey Club for partnering to host the 3rd annual Erie Otters Pride Night on January 14, 2023!
Ugly Holiday Sweater theme at Meadville Happy Hour on December 28
LGBTQIA+ community members and supporters enjoyed NW PA Pride Alliance's monthly Meadville Happy Hour with an Ugly Holiday Sweater theme at Cussewago Creek Distillery, 993 Water Street, Meadville, PA, on December 28, 2022. Happy Hour is the fourth Wednesday of each month and alternates between Julian's Bar and Grill in odd-numbered months and Cussewago Creek Distillery in even-numbered months.
January, 2023
NWPA Pride Alliance and Erie Otters Hockey Club to host 3rd Annual Pride Night
Join NWPA Pride Alliance and the Erie Otters for their third annual Pride Night at the Erie Otters on Saturday, January 14th. Tickets are only $30.00 which includes a ticket to the game plus an exclusive Otters Pride Hat. Link to purchase tickets available at NWPApride.org.
NWPA Pride Alliance welcomes new Board Members
Erie, PA - December 10, 2022 - NWPA Pride Alliance is happy to announce the addition of five new member to its board of directors, Michael "Debbie" Hipwell, Gwen Elaine, Hazel Selitto, Anita Holland, and Matthew Ciszek. NWPA Pride would also like to welcome Misha Krastins, Casey Main, Travis Smith, and Cassie Ellsworth to our advisory board.
NWPA Pride says thank you for an amazing 2022!
2022 has been a tremendous year for the NW PA Pride Alliance. Thankfully, with COVID-19 numbers lessening and the development of new vaccines, we were able to bring back some of our annual events, and with the help of some new friends, we expanded what was offered this year.
December, 2022
NW PA Pride in Meadville Halloween Parade
On Saturday, October 29, 2022, NW PA Pride had an entry in the Meadville Halloween Parade. The parade had a theme this year of "Under the Big Top." The Meadville Halloween Parade is the largest nighttime parade in Pennsylvania.
October, 2022
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
September, 2022
29th Annual Erie Pride Picnic
Friends, Families and Supporters of Erie’s LGBTQIA Community concluded a day of fun at the Rotary Pavilion on Erie’s Presque Isle. Attendees contributed by bringing a dish to share which accompanied food and drinks provided by the Pride alliance. On August 13th, 200 attendees enjoyed fellowship and laughs amongst the parks many amenities
August, 2022
29th Annual Pride Picnic Aug 13
This event is free and open to the public, so bring your buns down to the beach and see what's cooking! The Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance, inc. would like to invite you to join us for the Erie Pride Picnic 2022 on Saturday, August 13th at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle (near Beach 7) from 1 to 6 PM
Erie Celebrates 30 Years of Pride
All the colors of the rainbow were once again flying proudly in Erie on the afternoon of Saturday, June 25, as the Erie region came together to celebrate Pride. The parade stepped off from The Zone Dance Club with roughly two thousand participants traveling along West 18th Street before turning north on State Street and ending in Perry’s Square for the Annual Pride Fest, marking 30 years of Pride events for Erie.
Meadville Pride celebrated by NW PA Pride Alliance
A mother came up to Alex Sphon, President of NW PA Pride Alliance, at the street fair to give him a hug and thank him for the Meadville Pride which was celebrated on Saturday, July 23. In talking with her, he found out her ten year old child had just came out as transgender. She has never seen her child feel truly at home in public till today’s event.
July, 2022
Erie's LGBTQIA Social Hour at Underdog BBQ on June 8
On June 8, 2022, NW PA Pride was once again proud to partner with Underdog BBQ to prove a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ Community. Underdog offered food and drink specials (both with and without alcohol). We were also happy to be joined by representatives from the Erie Community College sharing the programs they offer. NW PA Pride is excited to continue to partner with local organizations like these to offer these opportunities to our LGBTQ+ Community.
NW PA Pride to host their first Pride in Meadville
NW PA Pride has been hosting Happy Hours in Meadville since December 2021 and were approached by a group of Meadville residents to help make an event for the Meadville area. On Saturday, July 23, from 1 pm to 5 pm NW PA Pride will have their first Pride in Meadville. This event will be held on upper Chestnut Street and Diamond Park, and will include a pride walk, street festival, food trucks, and exhibits by local vendors and artists.
June, 2022
Drag Queen Bingo hosted by Alysin Wonderland at Voodoo, June 1
Your host Alysin Wonderland will be joined by Danyel Vasquez and Rebecca Mae to get your Pride month started with some fun and cash prizes for a Pride Month Drag Bingo Kickoff on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Voodoo Brewing, 716 State St, Erie PA. Doors will open at 5:30, and join us at 6 pm for a Meet and Greet with the cast and games to begin at 6:30 pm Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door. You must be 18+ to attend. Tickets are available at NWPAPride.org.
Drive Your Pride 2022 on June 26
On Sunday, June 26, join NW PA Pride Alliance for a Pride-filled Drive around the beautiful Presque Isle State Park!
Erie Pride Parade and Pride Festival on June 25
Pridefest will take place this year on June 25. We will gather at The Zone Dance Club on W 18th St from 11-12 and step off to march to Perry Square at 12. Once at Perry Square, we will have info tables and vendors and performances by local drag performers and other performers on the Safe Journey Mainstage. Free HIV/STI testing and health screenings will be available in the Central Outreach Erie Health and Wellness Zone. Finally, we will include a first-ever Youth Zone, thanks to our Partners at the Erie Playhouse. This zone will include inflatable children's rides, a story corner, etc.
Erie's LGBTQIA Social Hour at Underdog BBQ on June 8
NW PA Pride is proud to partner with Underdog BBQ to provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community on Wednesday, June 8, from 6 pm-9 pm. Underdog BBQ will have food and drink specials (both with and without alcohol). Weather permitting, the Slushy Shed will be open along with the outdoor patio. The event is open to all ages. We look forward to welcoming everyone.
LGBTQIA & Allies Happy Hour at Julian's Bar & Grill on June 22
The NWPA Pride Alliance hosts a monthly LGBTQIA and Allies Happy Hour on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Join us at Julian's Bar & Grill, 299 Chestnut Street in Meadville, beginning at 5:30 PM. For more details contact Brett Staskiewicz via Facebook or at (814) 720-1737. All are welcome!
LGBTQIA+ Food Drive on April 30
The local LGBTQIA+ community came together to collect food for the Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA. The drive was held at Central Outreach Erie, 3104 State St, Erie, PA, on Saturday, April 30. the group collected 781 pounds and $330 in cash. All food and cash will be used locally to help those in need. A group of volunteers put this event together from NWPA Pride Alliance, Erie Gay News, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), Transfamily of NWPA, Central Outreach Erie, and Compton’s Table. This is the largest community-based food drive of the year for the food bank. If you missed the food drive, you can still donate by reaching out to the Second Harvest Food Bank. We will be holding a Give Back Drive in later summer - more info to come.
Pride Night at the Seawolves on June 23
NWPA Pride is happy to announce the return of Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves on Thursday June 23rd 2022. The Seawolves will be planning the Bowie Baysocks. First pitch is at 6:05Pm from UPMC Park in downtown Erie. A special shirt and ticket package will be available when purchasing your ticket through NWPAPride.org. The ticket and shirt combo will need to be picked up from the Will Call ticket window. Shirt/ticket combos are limited purchase early to guarantee availability. In the event of weather cancelation ticket will be redeemable for any other game the remainder of the season (subject to availability).
May, 2022
Erie LGBTQ+ Social Hour hosted by Underdog BBQ
Thank you to all who attended the social hour on Wednesday, March 30 at Underdog BBQ, 3040 W Lake Rd, Erie PA. Underdog BBQ was a wonderful host. Thank you to our info tables who attended Central Outreach Erie, Journey to a Trama-Informed Life, and UPMC Tobacco cessation group. NW PA Pride was also excited to unveil our new logo. Sales have gone live on our website for this year’s Pride merchandise. Order now and get them to show your Pride when we gather in person on Saturday, June 25 for Erie's Pride in Perry s Square.
Meadville LGBTQIA and Allies Happy Hour at Julian's
On March 23, 2022, NW PA Pride Alliance again held a fun and friendly LGBTQIA and Allies Happy Hour at Julian's Bar and Grill, 299 Chestnut St, Meadville PA. The event included music by "No Wheelman" Darrell Whitney and Ted Watts Jr. The fun continues the 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 9 PM.
NW PA Pride Alliance Meadville Pride Event on July 23
Plans are being made for the very first NWPA Pride Alliance event in Meadville. The date will be July 23, 2022 from 1 pm to 5 pm. This event will be held on upper Chestnut Street and Diamond Park, and will include a pride walk, street festival, food trucks, and exhibits by local vendors and artists. More information to follow. For more information or if you wish to be part of the event, please contact Brett Staskiewicz at 814-720-1737 or stask@zoominternet.net More details to follow!
NW PA Pride Shirts for 2022 Are Now Available!
NWPA Pride is happy to announce that pre-orders have started for this year’s Pride shirt, tank top, and hoodies. Orders will be delivered or shipped in mid-May. All items will be available in adult unisex sizes ranging from small to 3XL. Quantities are limited, so order early. If you have any questions, please email us at President@nwpapride.org.
April, 2022
LGBTQIA+ Community Organized Food Drive
The Erie LGBTQIA+ community will team together for the second annual LGBTQIA+ Food Drive from 10 AM- 2 PM on 4/30/22 at Central Outreach Erie located at 3104 State St, Erie, PA 16508. Non-perishable food items will be accepted along with cash donations. Checks can be made out to Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA. There is an urgent need for canned goods.
NW PA Pride Alliance Meadville LGBTQ Happy Hour at Julian's Bar and Grill for February
On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, NW PA Pride Alliance held a fun LGBTQ Happy Hour at Julian's Bar & Grill, 299 Chestnut St, Meadville PA. The event is open to LGBTQ people and allies and occurs on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
Pride Night with the Erie Otters Returns for 2022
Due to COVID-related delays, the rescheduled Pride Night with the Erie Otters Hockey Team was held on Friday, March 3rd. For this evening, both The Erie Otters and Flint Firebirds players had special tape on their hockey sticks during warm-ups. Pride Board Member Moe Ferrara did the honorary puck drop before the game. Over 60 people attended as part of the Pride Alliance's special shirt/ticket combo. The night not only included many special LGBTQIA+ logos displayed, but the Erie Otters Player took part in a Special Video explaining why Pride Nights are important to them. Finally, during the second intermission, Pride President Alex Sphon joined the radio broadcast booth for an interview about why Pride Nights are so important for sports.
Tables at Pride Fest on June 25
NW PA Pride Alliance invites you to participate as a table at this year's Pride Fest! The event will be held on Saturday, June 25, from 1 to 3:30 PM in Perry Square at W. 6th and State, Erie, PA. Not only are we returning to in-person for Pride Fest, but 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Pride events in Erie!
March, 2022
Drag Bingo Hosted by Alysin Wonderland At Voodoo Brewing Erie
With a drag queen singing live, some high kicking, splits, and flips, this is not your grandmother's church bingo. No, it's Drag Bingo hosted by Alysin Wonderland at Erie's Voodoo Brewing, in the historic Boston Store downtown, the first Wednesday of the month. Doors open at 5:30, and bingo begins at 6:30. Cash prizes are awarded to all winners, and you get treated to some amazing drag performances throughout the night. Please note that the drag bingo with Alysin Wonderland at Voodoo Brewing originally scheduled for March 2 has been canceled, and the next one should be April 6.
LGBTQIA+ Social Hour Hosted by NWPA Pride Alliance at Underdog BBQ 3/30/21 from 6 pm-9 pm
NWPA Pride is proud to partner with Underdog BBQ to provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community for a social to be held on Wednesday, March 30 from 6 to 9 PM. Underdog BBQ will have food and drink specials (both with and without alcohol).
February, 2022
2022 PA LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment Launched
NWPA Pride Alliance is proud to be part of a coalition of LGBTQIA+ organizations collecting responses for the 2022 PA LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment.
NW PA Pride Meadville Happy Hour 4th Wed at Julian's Bar & Grill
The NWPA Pride Alliance hosts a monthly LGBTQ Happy Hour on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Join us at Julian's Bar & Grill, 299 Chestnut Street in Meadville, beginning at 5:30 PM. On February 23, Julian's will feature Meadville's own '50 miles to Empty' playing from 6-9 PM. For more details, see our Facebook page or contact Brett Staskiewicz via Facebook or at (814) 720-1737. All are welcome!
NWPA Pride Alliance announces 2022 Officers
Erie, Pa, - January 8, 2022--- NWPA Pride Alliance is happy to announce the re-elections of our 2021 Officers for the 2022 term. Alex Sphon will continue to serve as President, Season Crannell as Vice-President, Michael Mahler as Treasurer and Rex Apps as Secretary.
NWPA Pride Alliance President Encourages Community to Participate in 2022 PA LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment
NWPA Pride Alliance is proud to be part of a coalition of LGBTQIA+ organizations collecting responses for the 2022 PA LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment.
NWPA Pride’s Drag Bingo At Voodoo Brewing Co. Hosted By Alysin Wonderland on February 2
This isn’t your Great Aunt Gertrude’s Bingo; this is Bingo with a Twist. Alysin Wonderland. NWPA Pride Alliance and Voodoo Brewery will be hosting a bingo every first Wednesday of each month at Voodoo Brewery, 101 Boston Store Place, Erie, PA. February 2 is the next Bingo!
Winter Coat and Boot Drive 2022
We had an excellent turnout for the coat and boot drive! We collected at Community United Church, 1011 W 38th St, Erie PA on January 19, 2022, over 35 pairs of men’s and women’s boots, and double that amount in winter coats. In addition, we received hats, scarves, gloves, and much-needed cans of ground coffee for Community Shelter Services. Diane Lazette, Executive Director of the shelter, was very grateful for the donation, saying there was an immediate need, especially for the winter boots. After we dropped off the donation, Diane invited us to take a tour of the shelter. It is hard to find the words for the emotions that we experienced that afternoon. Community Shelter Services provides a safe, clean, and warm place for people in need in our city. And there are many opportunities and ways to help support the shelter. Check out their website a communityshelter.org Participating organizations included TransFamily of NW PA, Erie Gay News, Community United Church, NW PA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Central Outreach Wellness Center Erie, and The Zone Dance Club.
January, 2022
2022 Erie Otters Pride Night on January 28
NWPA Pride is happy to partner with the Erie Otters to present our second annual Pride Night at the Erie Otters on Friday, January 28th. Doors open at 6 PM, and puck drop is at 7 PM. Tickets are only $25.00, including a ticket to the game plus an exclusive Otters Pride T-shirt.
Become a 2022 NW PA Pride Donor
NWPA Pride Alliance is grateful to all our 2021 donors who supported us during another challenging year. For the second year in a row, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we joined forces with the Erie Playhouse and other local partners in Erie County to host a Virtual Pride celebration. We sincerely hope to change that in 2022. All of us cannot wait to be back in Perry Square, and our goal is to do just that in the upcoming year, providing it is safe to do so according to local and federal guidance. While we cannot wait to have a huge celebration of Pride again, we will continue to monitor all our options for an in-person event. Mark your calendars now: we will be hosting Pride on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, followed by the Drive Your Pride parade on Saturday, June 26, 2022.
NWPA Pride Alliance welcomes new Board Members
Erie, PA, December 9, 2021--- NWPA Pride Alliance is happy to announce the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors, Patrick Hiller, Leroy Oglesby, Shay Crosby, and Brett Staskiewicz. Also happy to welcome to the Advisory board, Eli Coppock, Nahtana Klingensmith, and Raven Cammarata.
Winter Coat and Boot Drive 2022
The Erie LGBTQIA+ community will team together for the second annual Winter Coat and Winter Boot Drive on 1/19/22 from 6-8 PM at Community United Church at 1011 W 38th St in Erie PA. New and gently used coats and boots will be donated to Community Shelter Services. There is an urgent need for boots in men’s sizes 10-13 and women’s sizes 7-10. This event is organized by NWPA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Erie Gay News, TransFamily of NWPA, Community United Church, Central Outreach Wellness Center - Erie, and The Zone Dance Club.
December, 2021
NW PA Pride Thanks 2021 Donors and Supporters
NW PA Pride Alliance is grateful for the wonderful donors and supporters who helped to bring Pride to Erie. Once again, we were forced to not have an in-person event for this year’s Pride, while that may have been the case, we are looking forward to an even larger in-person event for 2022.
October, 2021
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
September, 2021
Erie County announces mobile COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics for the week of Aug. 9, includes Pride Picnic on Aug 14
Erie, PA - County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie County Department of Health announce that Erie County is currently categorized as having a substantial transmission rate of COVID-19, which means it has 50 to 99.99 positive cases per 100,000 people. For this category, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing masks indoors for all, including for those fully vaccinated and those who are immunocompromised. There will be a free mobile vaccination clinic organized by the Erie County Department of Health, available to the residents of Erie County at the 28th Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, August 14. No insurance is needed and walk-ups are welcome.
HIV & STI Testing on Aug 30
There will be free and confidential HIV and STI testing on August 30, 2021, at Liberty Plaza from 5 to 8 PM. Each person tested will receive a Central Outreach shirt, Dickey’s BBQ coupon, and a $20 Giant Eagle gift card.
NW PA Pride Alliance Hosts Annual Picnic at Presque Isle
On August 14th, 2021, NW PA Pride Alliance held the 28th Annual Pride Picnic at Presque Isle. The event was located at the Rotary Pavilion, next to Beach 7. The LGBTQIA community of Erie was invited for a day of fun, friends, and food provided by the Pride Alliance. The event was also a part of 814 Day. A day dedicated to the city of Erie and the communities that make it possible.
August, 2021
Back to School Drive on August 16
On Monday, August 16. NW PA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Northwest Alliance, and Community United Church will host a Back to School Drive from 4 to 8 PM at Community United Church, 1011 W 38th St, Erie PA. Donated items will go to Safe Journey and Multicultural Community Resource Center
Erie Virtual Pride Fest
The weekend of June 26th and June 27th was Pride weekend in Erie. This year’s Pridefest was held virtually in collaboration with the Erie Playhouse. It featured performances from the Erie Playhouse actors, local drag entertainment, and speakers ranging from local activists to local and federal government officials. The show can still be watched on the Erie Playhouse YouTube page.
Miss Erie Pageant Returns to The Zone on September 10
On Friday, September 10 at 8:30 PM, the Miss Erie Pageant will return to The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. This year's theme is "Leather, Feathers, and Lace," and we will be honoring our current reigning Miss Erie, Rebecca Mae. The event is sponsored by NWPA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), and The Zone and will also include performances by former Miss Erie title holders. Do you have what it takes to be the next Miss Erie? Packets are now available! Contact Misty Michaels Kall/Joshua Smolinsky via Facebook for a packet or more information! Packets can also be picked up at The Zone.
Pride Night with the Erie Seawolves on August 12
NW PA Pride Alliance and Erie Seawolves are happy to announce the return of Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves on August 12 at 7:05 PM at UPMC Park, 110 E 10th St, Erie, PA! This year we have teamed up to create a new shirt that will come with your ticket to the game.
Second Annual Drive Your Pride
On Sunday, June 27, 2021, NW PA Pride Alliance organized the Second Annual Drive Your Pride event. About 70 cars decorated in all the Pride colors assembled at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center parking lot and drove around the Peninsula. There was coverage by local TV news.
July, 2021
NWPA Pride Alliance presents Pride Day at Waldameer 2021!
We're doing it again! End your Pride Picnic Weekend with Pride Day at Waldameer on Sunday, August 15, with unlimited rides and slides at a discounted price of $31 (normal price $43.00)
Pride Picnic on August 14
NWPA Pride is happy to announce the 28th Annual Pride Picnic will be held this year! This event is free and open to the public, so bring your buns down to the beach and see what's cooking! The Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance, inc. would like to invite you to join us for the Erie Pride Picnic 2021 on Saturday, August 14th at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle (near Beach 7) from 1 to 6 PM.
June, 2021
2021 Pride Shirt and Yard sign now available!
This summer NWPA Pride are bringing back the Pride shirt and tank tops. This design is a remastered version of the 2020 Shirt contest winner from Whee! Design. This summer there is also a limited edition Pride yard sign that will be available for a small donation. Shirts, tank tops, and yard signs available in limited quantities at NWPApride.org. Also look for Social media announcements for special in person popup shops during June. Any questions please email President@nwpapride.org
Cybersecurity Workshop on May 13
On May 13, 2021, organizations including Erie Gay News, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Lake Erie Counseling, LBT Women of Erie, Northwest Alliance, NW PA Pride Alliance, Pennsylvania Equality Project, Safe Harbor, SafeNet, and TransFamily of NW PA partnered on a Zoom presentation on cybersecurity by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Security. George Dillman, Consumer Outreach Specialist for PA Department of Banking and Securities, presented ways to keep safe online and to avoid scamsWe will continue to pursue collaborative opportunities to keep our local LGBT community informed, safe, and healthy!
Drive your Pride on June 27
Join us on Sunday, June 27 for Drive Your Pride to show our pandemic friendly pride! This is a privately organized way to reclaim the experience of a parade. Decorate your car or vehicle as your personal parade float--flags, streamers, signs, be creative! Just make you are able to safely obey all the rules of the road! We will all drive together around the peninsula. Meet at the parking lot of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at 1pm and then "step off" at 2:00. We urge you to use good COVID safe practices. Please share this event and invite your friends! This should be fun! Event will be rain or shine. This event is not affiliated with the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.
FREE HIV Testing at The Zone on June 4
This will be the second of four HIV testing events in 2021 organized by NWPA Pride Alliance, Northwest Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, City Of Erie, Erie Gay News, Dickey's BBQ, and more. Northwest Alliance will be conducting free and confidential using their new Mobile Testing Unit. Testing available to those 14 years of age and up with no parental consent required. We will use rapid testing using a finger prick, and results will be given after 2 minutes.
May, 2021
Equality for PA Series: NW PA
What impacts and barriers does Pennsylvania face due to the lack of statewide LGBTQ+ protections? This was the main question of a Facebook Live event held on April 1st by Representative Brian Sims. The panel consisted of Alex Sphon, Dana Rasmussen, and Leroy Oglesby. Collectively they represent the following local LGBT+ organizations: City of Erie LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, NW PA Pride Alliance, and TransFamily of NWPA. While the city and county of Erie have specific protections from LGBTQ+ discrimination, there are Pennsylvania cities and counties which do not. Among the items discussed were; importance of an LGBTQ+ council, access to health care including mental health, housing, public accommodations, employment, and safety.
Erie LGBTQIA+ Community to Celebrate PrideFest Virtually for a Second Year
ERIE, PA, April 7, 2021- The NWPA Pride Alliance, Inc., has announced that the upcoming PrideFest scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2021 will be held virtually for the second year in a row. Given the continued uncertainty surrounding in-person gatherings amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization voted to host a virtual event out of an abundance of caution.
Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA on March 20 Collects 954 pounds and $500
On Saturday, March 20, 2021, the Erie LGBTQIA+ Community came together to host a food drive benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA. Erie Gay News, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Northwest Alliance, and NWPA Pride Alliance collected the donations from 10 am to 2 pm. Nine hundred fifty-four pounds of nonperishable foods were collected as well as $500 in cash donations.
Please Help Support Pride Events in Erie!
NWPA Pride Alliance is grateful to the supporters of 2020. Last year due to Covid-19 we were forced to be flexible and partner with community partners to host a Virtual Pride in partnership with Erie Playhouse. For 2021 we are anticipating the same need for flexibility as we monitor the ongoing pandemic. We hope to be able to have some kind of in person event later this summer if it is safe. Either way, we will be hosting Pride as a virtual event on June 26th, 2021, and then host a Drive Your Pride parade on Sunday, June 27, 2021, similar to last year's event. We are already hard at work planning multiple options. We hope to be able to count on our community's support this 2021 Pride season. The support of individuals and organizations in our community has been the catalyst for furthering the Alliance's mission: Improving the visibility of the LGBTQIA community and facilitating communication and collaboration between groups and individuals.
April, 2021
April 27 HIV Testing Event in Perry Square
On Tuesday, April 27th, from 5-8 pm, there will be a Mobile HIV Testing event at Perry Square using Northwest Alliances' new HIV mobile testing van. NWPA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Erie Gay News, and The Northwest Alliance, together with Dickey's BBQ Pit, The City of Erie, and The Zone Dance Club, will be hosting a total of 4 testing events this year. Free HIV testing will be available to anyone 14 years of age and older using a rapid 2-minute test. Those who got tested were given a $5 Country Fair gift card and a coupon for a free sandwich at Dickies BBQ. If you are unable to attend the event and would like to set up a time to get tested, please contact Emily Crofoot at Ecrofoot@clarion.edu or (814) 454-3811.
May 13 Cybersecurity Workshop
On Thursday, May 13, at 7 PM, the PA Department of Banking and Securities will be presenting a virtual workshop - Cybersecurity - Keeping Yourself Safe Online. To register for the event and get the Zoom link, fill out the form at http://bit.ly/cyberworkshopreg.
Pride Shirt Advance Sales Due April 2
NWPA Pride Alliance is happy to announce the return of Pride Shirt, Tanktop, and new this year Hoodies. Whee! Design won the shirt design contest. This year we have a pre-order program that will be the only way to guarantee you can get the items you would like. Local pick-up will be arranged in May 2021, and shipping is available to anywhere in the United States. Hoodies will only be available via pre-order. All items are available in sizes Small up to 3XL. Please visit NWPApride.org for more information and to order yours before April 2nd.
March, 2021
Cybersecurity Virtual Workshop on May 13 - Co-hosts Sought
On May 13, the PA Department of Banking and Securities will be presenting a virtual workshop - Cybersecurity - Keeping Yourself Safe Online. Organizations including NW PA Pride Alliance and Erie Gay News are partnering to promote this important educational opportunity. We would love to have additional co-hosts of the event, whether LGBTQ-focused or not. The only responsibility for being a co-host is to promote the event to your organization's social media or website. Co-hosting organizations will be listed on the event page and in promotional materials. This is a similar collaborative effort as the Zoom presentation on the 2020 Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment results. If your organization wants to partner, contact Michael Mahler at info@eriegaynews.com or (814) 456-9833.
Food Drive on March 20
On March 20th from 10 am-2 pm, NWPA Pride Alliance and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality will continue their Give Back Events with Food Drive Benefiting the Second Harvest Book Bank of NWPA. They have also teamed up with Erie Gay News and Northwest Alliance, and other Erie LGBTQIA+ groups for this event. A donation of non-perishable food items can be made by just driving up to the parking lot of Greater Erie Alliance for Equality at 301 W 10th Street in Erie. (corner of W10 and Myrtle) If you are unable to donate and would rather make a monetary donation, please visit https://nwpafoodbank.org
Please Contact US Senator Pat Toomey about Voting YES for the Equality Act!
As members, friends, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community of Pennsylvania, you may all be aware that today the Equality Act passed the US House of Representatives. This Act amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in areas of public life, such as employment and housing. Recent polling has shown upwards of 83 percent public support for the Act. President Biden has pledged to sign this Act when it passes Congress, so now is the best time to achieve this long sought now. The Act now heads to the Senate. Here is where we need your help.
February, 2021
2020 Health Needs Assessment Zoom presentations on Feb 25
The Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center will present an overview of the 2020 Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment focused on Erie. There will be two sessions, both on Thursday, February 25. The first session will be at 1 PM and primarily targets health and human services professionals, and the other session will be at 7 PM, which will mainly target community members. However, anyone is welcome to go to either or both sessions. They are both expected to last about 45 minutes. The link to register for the 1 PM session is here, and the link for the 7 PM session is here.
Coat and Boot Drive on Dec 21
On Monday, December 21, 2020, The Greater Erie Alliance, NW PA Pride, and NW Rural AIDS Alliance joined forces to hold a warm coat and boot drive to benefit individuals served by the Ryan White Program. The drop off site was hosted by the Gem City Dinor, 3545 West 12th Street in Erie. Owners Elaine Reed and Rich Hodges were happy to open their doors to host the coat/boot drive.
Hundreds of Organizations (Including Several Based in Erie) Back Dr. Rachel Levine's Nomination to be Assistant Secretary of Health
Following the historic nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine by the Biden Administration for Assistant Secretary of Health, hundreds of organizations across the United States, including several based in Erie, have joined together to urge the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm her to this position.
January, 2021
NW PA Pride Alliance New Board Members
NW PA Pride Alliance welcomed new board members Tabitha Wolf and Bobbie Fenno on December 4. They join current board members Alex Sphon, Season Crannell, Rex Apps, Michael Mahler, Diana Ames, Andrew Caswell, Moe Ferrara, Anthony Gressley, Julie Lebow, Michael Mooney, and Steve Wadsworth. Also, Andi Fair and Leroy Oglesby joined the advisory panel.
URGENT Coat and Boot Drive on December 21 at Gem City Dinor by GEAE and NW PA Pride Alliance
There is an urgent need for warm boots and coats in our community! On Monday, December 21 from 3:30 to 7:30 PM Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, NWPA Pride Alliance and Gem City Dinor are coordinating the effort to gather these items. Donations will go to individuals living with AIDS/HIV. Used items in good condition are welcome. DROP OFF DONATIONS AT GEM CIT, 3545 W 12th St, Erie PA 16505! Each donor will receive a voucher for a free pint of soup from Gem City Dinor!
December, 2020
Blanket and Sock Drive for Ryan White Program on Oct 29
On October 29, 2020 NW PA Pride Alliance and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) teamed up to host at Blanket and Socks drive. Thanks to the support of the Erie LGBTQIA+ community over 200 blankets and dozens of pairs of socks were donated to the local individuals served by the Ryan White Project. Both organizations hope to continue partnering on Giving Back events into 2021.
NW PA Pride Alliance Thanks Donors and Supporters
2020 was certainly a challenging year. NW PA Pride Alliance is grateful for wonderful donors and supporters like you who helped us bring Pride to Erie. Like the rest of the world, changes had to made quickly to ensure the health and safety of the community. Although we were able to host the first ever Pride night with the Erie Otters in January 2020, many other events were changed or canceled.
PA LGBTQ Townhall on December 9
The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBT Affairs will host a Pennsylvania LGBTQ Town Hall on Wednesday, December 9 from 6 to 7:30 PM on Facebook Live. Join Us and speak on issues affecting you and the LGBTQ+ community. Visit facebook.com/PACLGBTQ to join via Facebook Live. Speakers required to register by December 7 by December 7 at https://forms.gle/1QBxkS1gikzR8ZEA8
November, 2020
Blanket and Sock Drive for Ryan White Program on Oct 29
The Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, NWPA Pride Alliance, and Transfamily are gathering warm blankets and socks to benefit individuals served by the Ryan White Program. There is a great need in our community for these items. This is the third year we have gathered donations- past support has been tremendous and we hope we can count on a great turnout this year! Donations can be dropped off on October 29 from 2:30 to 7:30 at 301 West 10 Street, in the GAEA office parking lot. located at the corner of 10th and Myrtle Streets.
Mobile HIV Testing Event on Oct 13
On Tuesday October 13th a first of its kind Mobile HIV Testing event took place in the Liberty Plaza parking lot using the new HIV mobile testing van. This event was spearheaded by NWPA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, and The Northwest Alliance, together with Dickey's BBQ Pit and Transfamily of NW PA. Free HIV testing was available to anyone 14 years of age and older using a rapid 2 minute test. Those who got tested were given a $5 Country Fair gift card and a coupon for a free sandwich at Dickies BBQ. The organizers look forward to hosting similar events in 2021 and beyond. If you missed the event and would like to set up a time to get tested please contact Emily Crofoot at Ecrofoot@clarion.edu. Photos by Andrea Shaffer.
October, 2020
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
Erie HIV Mobile Testing at Dickey's BBQ Pit on October 13
First time partnership between the Northwest PA Rural AIDS Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, NWPA Pride Alliance and Dickey's BBQ. Northwest Rural AIDS Alliance will be conducting free and confidential using their new mobile testing unit on Tuesday, October 13 from 6 to 8 PM in the parking lot at Dickey's BBQ in the Liberty Plaza, 3716 Liberty St, Erie PA. Testing is available to those 14 years of age and up with no parent consent required. Northwest PA Rural AIDS Alliance will use rapid testing using a finger prick and results will be given after 2 minutes.
September, 2020
2020 Virtual Pridefest Held on June 27
NW PA Pride Alliance hosted 2020 Virtual Pride Fest on Saturday, June 27. Because of COVID concerns, it was not possible to be held in person this year. Speakers/presenters included US Sen. Bob Casey Jr, County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Leroy Oglesby, and Erie City Mayor Joe Schember. Live performers in the webcast included Misty Michaels Kall, Lovin Heart, Rebecca Mae, Priscilla Godzilla, Debbie, and Austin Kulyk. Pre-recorded performers included Snarebear, Porshaa Lejayy, and various performers from the Erie Playhouse. Emcees included Samiar Nefzi, reporter for Jet 24/Fox66; Lovin Heart/Alex Sphon President of NW PA Pride Alliance; and Toney Gressley, Entertainment Director for NW PA Pride Alliance. The viewing audience over the course of the event averaged around 175, with a maximum of 250.
Local LGBT Nonprofits Benefit From The Region's Generosity
Tuesday, August 11, was the annual Erie Gives Day which raised $6,287,202, surpassing last year's record of $5,569,161. The amount will be shared among 422 nonprofits from around Erie County. Our own LGBT community will benefit from gifts that were given for Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE)- $10,465, LGBT Community Foundation- $5,814, and NW PA Pride Alliance- $970.
July, 2020
2020 Virtual Pridefest on June 27
NW PA Pride Alliance will be hosting 2020 Virtual Pride Fest on Saturday, June 27 beginning at 2 PM. The link to the Zoom webconference will be at the event page on their Facebook page and also the event will be posted to Facebook after it is over. Expected speakers/presenters include US Sen. Bob Casey Jr, County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Leroy Oglesby, and Erie City Mayor Joe Schember. Live performers in the webcast include Misty Michaels Kall, Lovin Heart, Rebecca Mae, Priscilla Godzilla, Debbie, and Austin Kulyk. Pre-recorded performers include Snarebear, Porshaa Lejayy, and various performers from the Erie Playhouse.
June, 2020
2020 Virtual Pridefest on June 27
Due to COVID-19 a large gathering will not be permitted in NWPA this June. We have partnered with the Erie Playhouse to bring you a Virtual PrideFest on Saturday, June 27 from 2-5 PM. Info on how to join and participate to come soon.
May, 2020
Pride Fest Postponed
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current prohibitions on public gatherings as per CDC/PA Department of Health guidance, we have decided to err on the side of caution and officially postpone the 2020 PrideFest and Parade scheduled for June 27th. Please know this decision was not an easy one but we have to keep everyone's safety in mind.
March, 2020
Tables at Pride Fest on June 27
NW PA Pride Alliance invites you to participate as a table at this year's Pride Fest! The event will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 1 to 5 PM in Perry Square at W. 6th and State, Erie PA.
February, 2020
Become a 2020 NW PA Pride Donor
This year the NW Pennsylvania Pride Alliance Inc is already hard at work to make 2020 special for the entire community. We look forward to having our Pride Fest on June 27, the Pride Picnic on August 8, and other events planned throughout the year.
NW PA Pride 2020 Pride Logo Design Contest
NW PA Pride Alliance will be accepting design entries through March 1 for the 2020 Pride logo. This year, artists are free to come up with their own theme celebrating local LGBTQIA Pride! There is no limit to the number of entries per person that can be submitted, nor is there an age limit. Elements that should be/are intended to be white should not be transparent in your design. The design we select will receive a free shirt and a $100 Visa gift card.
NW PA Pride Board Update
NW PA Pride Alliance welcomes new board members Juilie Lebow, Moe Ferrara, and Rex Apps, as well as returning board members Alex Sphon (President), Season Crannell (Vice President), Michael Mahler (Treasurer), Diana Ames, Andrew Caswell, Anthony Gressley, Casey Main, Michael Mooney, and Steve Wadsworth. Rex Apps was elected as secretary. Thanks to all board members for their service and here's to a great and exciting 2020!
January, 2020
NW PA Pride Looks Back at 2019
Thanks to our donors and community partners, 2019 was a great year for the NWPA Pride Alliance! This year's Pride events were special because 2019 was the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which were the start of modern Pride events.
November, 2019
NW PA Pride and Identity in Edinboro Homecoming Parade
On Saturday, October 12, members of NW PA Pride Alliance and Identity, Edinboro University's LGBTQIA+ student organization marched together again in Edinboro's Homecoming Parade. The theme for 2019 was art, and members of Identity costumes included LGBT artists including Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring.
October, 2019
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
September, 2019
27th Annual Erie Pride Picnic
NW PA Pride Alliance held the 27th Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle. About 300 people attended. There was a delicious potluck buffet, a raffle, the annual Family Portrait, and great times! As the PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs had met in Erie the previous day, some members of the commission stayed in town to go to the picnic and presented Erie's LGBTQ community with a proclamation from Governor Tom Wolf recognizing Pride.
August, 2019
2019 Pridefest Again Sets Record
NW PA Pride Alliance held a very successful Pridefest on Saturday, June 29. It is estimated that at least 2,500 people attended the event, an all-time record for a local Pride event, and even larger than the record set last year.
27th Annual Erie Pride Picnic Presented by Erie Insurance on Saturday, August 10
This event is free and open to the public, so bring your buns down to the beach and see what’s cooking! The Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance, inc. would like to invite you to join us for the 27th Annual Erie Pride Picnic Presented by Erie Insurance on Saturday, August 10th at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle (near Beach 7) from 1 to 6 PM. Hot dogs, meatballs, potatoes, soft drinks, water and table settings are provided. Please bring a side dish, dessert, or salad to share. Food will be served from 2 to 4 PM. Note that state law does not permit alcohol in the park and we respectfully ask that you abide by rules the good folks at Presque Isle State Park have set for everyone’s safety.
NW PA Pride Alliance LGBT Float in Millcreek 4th of July Parade
On Thursday, July 4, NW PA Pride Alliance and friends had a float in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade. The float was well-received. There has been an LGBT presence in the Millcreek 4th of July parade every year since 2006.
Painting With Pride on August 20 at Dramashop
NWPA Pride Alliance, Inc. and Dramashop team up to present a joint fundraiser, Painting With Pride. The event, hosted by instructor Angela Howell, will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30 PM) at Dramashop (.Renaissance Center - 1001 State St - Second Floor) This event is "bring your own drinks and snacks". (a limited selection of non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase). Tickets are $35, which includes all painting supplies, are available here and MUST be purchased prior to 12:01am on 8/15/2019. Put an end to your ordinary day and sip your way to a masterpiece.
Pride Day at Waldameer on Sunday, August 11
We had so much fun last year, we're doing it again! End your Pride picnic Weekend with unlimited rides and slides on Sunday, August 11 from 11 AM to 10 PM at Pride Day at Waldameer at a discounted price of $29.00. (normal price $41.50)
Rebecca Mae Crowned Miss Erie 2019; Lifetime Achievement Award for Michelle Michaels
On Friday, June 21, NW PA Pride Alliance sponsored the 2019 Miss Erie Pageant at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA. Rebecca Mae was crowned Miss Erie 2019, and Alysin Wonderland was First Runner Up. Other performers at the pageant were Rhiannon Angelina, Valerie Valentino, Misty Michaels Kall, Lovin Heart, Danyel Vasquez, Veronica Lace, Michelle Michaels, and Buffy Lynn Hayes. Additionally Michelle Michaels was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for 25 years of fabulousness. Also, NW PA Pride Alliance is pleased to announce that going forward, the winner of the talent portion of the pageant will receive the Michelle Micheals Talent Award.
July, 2019
Table space available for Perry Square EAST for Pride Fest - Must Register by June 25
Due to an unprecedented demand for organizations and businesses to participate in Pride Fest on Saturday, June 29, NW PA Pride Alliance has been able to secure Perry Square East as additional space. Organizations and businesses wishing to bring their own table and chairs may do so at no cost, but must register and be approved by no later than Tuesday, June 25. Please contact Michael Mahler at mmahler@nwpapride.org for registration details. Existing organizations and businesses that have already paid will have tables and chairs proved for them and be placed in Perry Square West. NW PA Pride Alliance is excited to grow Pride even further this year!
June, 2019
Miss Erie Pageant at the Zone Dance Club sponsored by NW PA Pride Alliance on June 21
NWPA Pride Alliance is happy to partner with The Zone For the return of the Miss Erie Pageant In 2019. This pageant has over 20 years of history and is a title that has been held by some National Title Holders. This year's theme is "Show your Colors" This year's prize package will total nearly $1,000 in value! This will be open to queens both local and from around the country. 21+ event This will be held at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. 11 PM
Pride Night 2019 with Erie Seawolves June 17
This year’s Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves will be bigger than previous years. This year, along with a ticket to the Buck Night game on June 17, you will also receive a limited edition Erie Seawovles shirt with a rainbow bandana. Tickets are online now and will be available until 11:59pm on May 27th. Prices are 1 ticket/shirt for $20 or two tickets/shirts for $35. This event is family friendly. Buck night Specials include $1 Smith Hot Dogs, 12oz. Pepsi fountain. Hosted by NW PA Pride June 17 at 7:05 PM at UPMC Park, 110 E 10th St, Erie, PA) 7:05 PM. (814) 314-9075
Pride Parade and Fest on June 29
Pridefest will take place this year on June 29th. We will gather at The Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, from 11-12 and step off to march to Perry Square at 12. Once at Perry Square we will have info tables and vendors along with performances by local drag performers and other performers. This event is family-friendly and open to all ages at no cost.
March, 2019
Tables at Pride Fest on June 29
NW PA Pride Alliance invites you to participate as a table at this year's Pride Fest! The event will be held on Saturday, June 29 from 1 to 3:30 PM in Perry Square at W. 6th and State, Erie PA. Set-up will begin at 11AM. All tables are expected to remain set up until the end of the festival. Registering for tables for those who had a table at last year's Pride Fest began in January, and table registration for everyone else begins on March 1. The cost to participate is $15 per table and must be paid in full by Saturday, June 1.
February, 2019
Become a 2019 NW PA Pride Donor
This year the NW Pennsylvania Pride Alliance Inc is already hard at work to make 2019 special for the entire community. We look forward to having our Pride Fest on June 29, the Pride Picnic on August 10, and other events planned throughout the year. The support of individuals and organizations in our community has been the catalyst for furthering the Alliance's mission: Improving the visibility of the LGBTQIA community and facilitating communication and collaboration between groups and individuals. We are asking for your support in 2019 as we celebrate Pride in NWPA. Donors like you make it possible for the Alliance to organize, sponsor, and/or host events such as the Pride Festival and the Pride Picnic. The Alliance also participates in various community events to promote awareness of LGBTQIA issues, and supports the efforts and activities of other groups dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA community.
NW PA Pride 2019 Pride Logo Design Contest
NW PA Pride Alliance will be accepting design entries through March 1 for the 2019 Pride logo. This year, artists are free to come up with their own theme celebrating local LGBTQIA Pride! There is no limit to the number of entries per person that can be submitted, nor is there an age limit. Elements that should be/are intended to be white should not be transparent in your design. The design we select will receive a free shirt and a $100 Visa gift card. But first, there are a few rules. Your design must be on the front of the shirt, in the area indicated on the little shirt template we'll provide. You can download the template as a PDF (here), as a PSD (here), or as a TIF (here for Windows or here for Mac). We will also be glad to provide you with our logo to use (or not, it's up to you) (logo is here in color or here in black and white), but you do have to use the colors in the logo in your design. The preferred format is an Adobe Illustrator Vector File (or something we can convert to that format), 300 dpi, with the canvas size being a maximum of 9 1/2" wide by 15" tall.
December, 2018
NW PA Pride Alliance: Thanks for a great 2018
Thanks to our donors and supporters, 2018 was a great year for the NWPA Pride Alliance. We celebrated Pride this year with our theme, "Remember the Past, Create the Future." This year's Pride Fest set an all-time record for attendance - over 1,500 people attended, making it the largest Pride event in local history. We were honored that Erie City Major Joe Schember and his staff walked in the Pride Parade, and that the Mayor spoke at Pride Fest. In addition to the City of Erie painting a rainbow crosswalk between City Hall and Perry Square, the Mayor also chose to announce the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council (which included board members of NW PA Pride Alliance) during Pride Fest. We were very much honored that our event was chosen to make this historic announcement. We were also very pleased to have a great time with everyone who came to the 26th annual Pride Picnic in August.
November, 2018
Edinboro Homecoming Parade on September 29 included Identity, NW PA Pride Alliance
On Saturday, September 29, 2018, Edinboro University held their annual Homecoming Parade. The theme was Boro at the Beach. Identity, Edinboro's LGBTQIA+ student group marched in the parade with a group costume of "Dad's Hawaiian Vacation" with a contingent from NW PA Pride Alliance.
October, 2018
"The Laramie Project" opens Dramashop season
Dramashop's 2018-2019 season will open with The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Techtonic Theatre Project.
2nd Annual HeART Show Nov 11
NWPA Pride Alliance will again host the HeART Show, an art auction consisting entirely of original works from the Erie region's LGBTQIA community on Sunday November 11th at The Zone Dance Club (133 West 18th St) from 7pm - 10pm.
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
September, 2018
26th Annual Pride Picnic
NW PA Pride Alliance held the 26th Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle. About 200 people attended. There was a delicious potluck buffet, a raffle, and great times!
NW PA Pride Alliance Fifth Annual Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves
On Monday, July 23, 2018, NW PA Pride Alliance held their fifth annual Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves in UPMC Park, 110 E 10th St. Everyone had a great time hanging out!
NW PA Pride Alliance Float in Millcreek 4th of July Parade
NW PA Pride Alliance and friends once again had a float in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade in 7/4/2018. The float was very well-received. There as been an LGBT presence in the annual Millcreek parade since 2006.
August, 2018
2018 Pridefest Historic Success
NW PA Pride Alliance held a very successful Pridefest on Saturday, June 30. It is estimated that at least 1,500 people attended the event, an all-time record for a local Pride event, and even larger than the record set last year.
July, 2018
26th Annual Pride Picnic on Aug 11
The Pride Picnic is free and open to the public, so bring your buns down to the beach and see what’s cooking! NW PA Pride Alliance would like to invite you to join us for the 26th Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, August 11th at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle (near Beach 7) from 1 to 6 PM.
5th Annual Pride Night at Erie Seawolves on July 23
NW PA Pride Alliance is excited to bring you Pride Night at the Seawolves for its 5th year! This year, it will be held on Monday July 23rd at UPMC Park, 110 E 10th St, Erie PA, Game starts at 7:05pm. To get your $8 tickets, just print the voucher here and submit it to the box office no later than one week before the game (Monday, July 16th) and your tickets will be waiting for you at Will Call.
Painting with Pride 4 on July 12 at Dramashop
NWPA Pride Alliance, Inc. and Dramashop team up to present a joint fundraiser, Painting With Pride. The event, hosted by instructor Angela Howell, will be held on Thursday, July 12 at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30 PM) at Dramashop (Renaissance Center – 1001 State St – Second Floor). This event is "bring your own drinks and snacks" (a limited selection of non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase). Tickets are $35 (plus service charge), which includes all painting supplies, are available here and MUST be purchased prior to 12:01am on July 10. Put an end to your ordinary day and sip your way to a masterpiece.
Pride Day at Waldameer August 12
We had so much fun last year, we're doing it again! NW PA Pride Alliance will be hosting Pride Day at Waldameer Park and WaterWorld on Sunday, August 12, the day after the Pride Picnic. End your Pride Weekend with unlimited rides and slides at a discounted price!
June, 2018
Pridefest and March June 30
Erie Pridefest and March will take place this year on June 30th. We will gather at The Zone Dance Club on 133 West 18th Street 11AM to noon, and step off at noon to march to Perry Square. Once at Perry Square, we will have info tables, vendors and local drag performers, bands and other performers. For the fifth consecutive year we will also have HIV and STI testing provided by the Erie HIV Task Force. Pridefest is Smoke and Vape free for the second year in a row, thanks to the Erie County Health Department. This event is free, family friendly, and open to all ages.
March, 2018
Tables at Pride Fest on June 30
NW PA Pride Alliance invites you to participate as a table at this year's Pride Fest! The event will be held on Saturday, June 30 from 1 to 4 PM in Perry Square at W. 6th and State, Erie PA. Set-up will begin at 11AM. PLEASE NOTE: step off for the parade and the start of Pride Fest are 1 hour earlier this year than previous years! All tables are expected to remain set up until the end of the festival. Registering for tables for those who had a table at last year's Pride Fest began in January, and table registration for everyone else begins on March 1.
February, 2018
Become a 2018 NW PA Pride Donor!
This year the Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance Inc is already hard at work to make 2018 special for the entire community. We look forward to having our Pride Fest on June 30, the Pride Picnic on August 11, and other events planned throughout the year. The support of individuals and organizations in our community has been the catalyst for furthering the Alliance's mission: Improving the visibility of the LGBTQIA community and facilitating communication and collaboration between groups and individuals. We are asking for your support in 2018 as we celebrate Pride in NWPA. Donors like you make it possible for the Alliance to organize, sponsor, and/or host events such as the Pride Festival and the Pride Picnic. The Alliance also participates in various community events to promote awareness of LGBTQIA issues, and supports the efforts and activities of other groups dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA community.
January, 2018
NW PA Pride Alliance 2018 Pride Logo Design Contest - Win $100! Theme is "Remember the Past, Create the Future."
NW PA Pride Alliance will be accepting design entries through March 1 for the 2018 Pride logo. The theme for 2018 Pride is "Remember the Past, Create the Future." We hope that your design will include the official Pride theme.
December, 2017
NW PA Pride Thanks 2017 Donors
Thanks to donors and supporters , 2017 was a great year for the NW PA Pride Alliance. We celebrated 25 years of pride this year and embraced this milestone as our theme. With this added focus on the history of the local LGBTQIA community, we honored six groups and one individual with Visibility Awards at Pridefest for their work over the past 25 years. With accessibility in mind, the board made changes to our marquee summer events, moving Pridefest to the last weekend in June and the Pride Picnic to the final weekend in August. In addition to the new date, Pridefest had a new location-the freshly renovated Perry Square. Because of these changes, we attracted roughly 750 people, the largest pride event in NWPA history. And for the second year in a row, Erie Pridefest was covered by MIC Media as part of the Google-sponsored "Small Town, Big Pride" series.
November, 2017
LGBT Walking Unit in Edinboro Homecoming Parade
On Saturday, October 14, 2017, board members of NW PA Pride Alliance marched with members of Identity, Edinboro University's LGBTQIA+ student group in Edinboro University's annual Homecoming Parade. The theme was Superheroes.
October, 2017
25th Annual Pride Picnic recap
On Saturday, August 26, 2017, about 250 people attended the 25th Annual Erie Pride Picnic held at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. The family-friendly event was organized by NW PA Pride Alliance Elected officials attending included Erie County Councilmember Kathy Fatica. Local TV news crew WICU/WSEE covered the event. Organizations represented at info tables at the event included ACLU of PA, Children’s Aid Society of Mercer County, Crime Victim Center of Erie County, Drenched Fur, Erie County HIV Task Force/Erie County Department of Health, Erie County Suicide Prevention Task Force, Families United Network, Inc., Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), Lake Erie Counseling Associates, LBT Women of Erie, Pennsylvania Equality Project, Persad Center, PNC Bank, Safe Kids Erie, SafeNet Center, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, The Cocoa Exchange, TransFamily of NWPA Transgender Support Group, and Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie.
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
September, 2017
NW PA Pride Alliance has LGBT info table at Blues and Jazz Fest
NW PA Pride Alliance once again had an LGBT info table at the Erie Art Museum's Blues and Jazz Fest, which was held August 4-6, 2017,in Frontier Park, Erie PA. This year was the 25th for the popular festival, which draws thousands. NW PA Pride Allliance board members and volunteers had a great time talking with people stopping by.
Pride Alliance Contingent in Edinboro Homecoming Parade info
Please note that NW PA Pride Alliance will have a walking contingent in Edinboro University 's Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 14. This year's theme is "Superheroes." If you would like to march with us, please get in touch with Michael Mahler at mmahler@nwpapride.org.
August, 2017
25th Annual Pride Picnic on August 26
This event is free and open to the public, so bring your buns down to the beach and see what's cooking! NW PA Pride Alliance would like to invite you to join us for the 25th Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, August 26th at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle (near Beach 7) from 1 to 6 PM. Please note that this year's picnic is in August rather than in June.
NW PA Pride Alliance 4th Annual Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves
On Monday, July 17 2017, NW PA Pride Alliance held their 4th Annual Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves at UPMC Park (formerly known as Jerry Uht Park) 110 E 10th St, Erie PA.
NW PA Pride Alliance hosts Painting with Pride at The Zone Dance Club
On Monday, July 10, 2017, NW PA Pride Alliance held another Painting with Pride fundraiser. The venue was The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA. Participants led by instructor Angela Howell had a great time painting a beach scene.
Pride March & Fest Record Turnout
On June 24, 2017, Erie celebrated 25 years of Pride events with the 2017 Erie Pride March and Fest. It is estimated that about 750 people attended the festivities. Both local TV crews as well as the Erie Times News covered the event. MIC.com was back again this year to cover Erie Pride as part of the "Small City, Big Pride" series for Google.
Support Pride in Erie on Erie Gives Day, August 8
The NWPA Pride Alliance, Inc. is committed to providing public events to increase visibility, awareness and a sense of community to the LGBTQIA population of the Erie, PA area. We're hoping you'll help us continue to bring you free and low cost events by supporting us on Erie Gives Day. August 8, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Eriegives.org.
July, 2017
4th Annual Pride Night at Erie Seawolves on July 17
NW PA Pride Alliance is excited to bring you Pride Night at the Seawolves for its 4th year! This year, it will be held on Monday July 17th at Jerry Uht Park, 110 E 10th St, Erie PA, Game starts at 7:05pm. To get your $8 tickets, just print the voucher here and submit it to the box office no later than one week before the game (Monday, July 10th) and your tickets will be waiting for you at Will Call.
Painting with Pride at Zone Dance Club on July 10
Painting with Pride, hosted by instructor Angela Howell, will be held on Monday July 10th at 7pm at The Zone Dance Club 133 West 18th St., Erie, PA. All proceeds benefit Northwest PA Pride Alliance. We'll be painting a breezy beach, perfect for summer. There's no need to bring your own drinks and snacks this time, the fully stocked bar and kitchen will be open! Tickets are $35 and include all painting supplies, and are available here at the provided link and MUST be purchased prior to 12:01am on July 5th. Take some of the Monday out of your Monday and sip your way to a masterpiece.
US Senator Casey congratulates Erie on 25 years of Pride
From US Senator Bob Casey, Jr: I'd like to congratulate the NW PA Pride Alliance and the broader Northwestern Pennsylvania LGBTQ community on 25 successful years of Pride events I want you to know that you have a voice and an ally in Washington. I am here and I am fighting for you. From equality to safety, I'll continue to make sure that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or race, is represented. We must not leave anyone behind.
June, 2017
2017 Erie PrideFest Celebrates 25 Years of Pride in NW PA
Pridefest will take place this year on Saturday, June 24, in the traditional Pride month. We will gather at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA from 12-1 and step off to march to Perry Square at 1. Once at Perry Square, we will have info tables and vendors along with entertainment including drag performers and many more. For the fourth consecutive year, we will also have HIV and STI testing provided by the Erie County HIV Task Force.
Pride Day at Waldameer Park & Waterworld on Sunday, June 25
We had so much fun last year, we're doing it again! NW PA Pride Alliance will be hosting Pride Day at Waldameer Park and WaterWorld on Sunday, June 25, the day after PrideFest. End your Pride Weekend with unlimited rides and slides at a discounted price!
May, 2017
2017 Pride Shirts Now Available!
NW PA Pride Alliance is proud to announce that the 2017 Pride shirts are here! Hot off the presses in your choice of black or antique red, both colors are available in both t-shirt and tank top styles in a cool, comfortable lightweight cotton just in time for spring and summer. This year's shirt commemorating 25 years of Pride events in Erie was designed by Alexandra DeSanti, our contest winner.
NW PA Pride Alliance HeART Show a Success!
On April 27, 2017, NW PA Pride Alliance held thie HeArt Show fundraiser at Scotty's Martini Lounge, 301 German St, Erie PA. The art auction consisted entirely of original works from the Erie region's LGBTQIA comunity. The event raised just under $700.
April, 2017
March for Babies on April 30
On Sunday April 30th, several Erie-based organizations that serve the LGBTQIA community are joining together for a second year to help another organization, March of Dimes. The team, which will consist of members from NWPA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, LBT Women of Erie, Erie Sisters and Brothers, The Table, and TransFamily of NWPA are excited to help March of Dimes, which helps improve the health of babies. This event is family friendly for all ages. Everyone is encouraged to wear either their organization's shirts or rainbow colors. Anyone interested can visit the event page at March of Dimes. If you are unable to walk, donations will be accepted. If you are unable to donate, please considering walking.
NWPA Pride Alliance HeART Show April 27
HeART Show is an art auction consisting entirely of original works from the Erie region's LGBTQIA community. It will be held at Scotty's Martini Lounge, 301 German St, Erie PA on Thursday, April 27 at 8 PM. The donated works will be auctioned off and all proceeds go to helping us here at the NW PA Pride Alliance make Pridefest and all this years events even bigger and better. The event is free and open to the public, the venue is 21+. Please have ID, in accordance with PA state regulation
March, 2017
Become a 2017 NW PA Pride Donor!
This year the Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance Inc is already hard at work to make 2017 and the 25th year of Pride special for the entire community. We look forward to having our Pride Fest in June of 2017 during the traditional PRIDE month, and we have the Pride Picnic and other events planned throughout the summer and fall. The support of individuals and organizations in our community has been the catalyst for furthering the Alliance's mission: Improving the visibility of the LGBTQIA community and facilitating communication and collaboration between groups and individuals. We are asking for your support in 2017 as we celebrate 25 years of Pride in NWPA.
Tables at Pride Fest on June 24
NW PA Pride Alliance invites you to participate as a table at this year's Pride Fest, to be held on Saturday, June 24 from 2 to 4 PM in Perry Square at W. 6th and State, Erie PA. Set-up will begin at noon. All tables are expected to remain set up until the end of the festival. Registering for tables for those who had a table at last year's Pride Fest began on February 1, and table registration for everyone else begins on March 1. The cost to participate is $15 per table and must be paid in full by Thursday, June 1. The cost includes one 8-foot table and two chairs. Checks should be made payable to: NW PA Pride Alliance and mailed to PO Box 11448, Erie PA 16514. The festival will be held outdoors and will take place rain or shine. You may bring a canopy up to 10 x 10 for shade. Electricity is unavailable to tables for this event.
February, 2017
NW PA Pride Alliance new board and officers
NW PA Pride Alliance board now includes Andrew Caswell, Kyle Hannon, Steve Wadsworth, and Jodi Shay. Officers are President Alex Sphon, Vice President Season Crannell, Secretary Daniel Thomas and Treasurer Michael Mahler. Advisory board has also added Christine Temple, Ashton James Smitham and Brittany Arment. You can see a complete list of NW PA Pride Alliance board members here.
January, 2017
NW PA Pride Alliance 2017 Pride Logo Design Contest - Win $100! Theme is 25 Years of Pride
NW PA Pride Alliance will be accepting design entries through March 1 for the 2017 Pride logo. The theme for 2017 Pride is "25 Years of Pride!" We hope that your design will include the official Pride theme. This year’s Pride Picnic will be the 25th anniversary
NW PA Pride Alliance Painting with Pride 2 at Dramashop
On Tuesday, December 6, 2016, NW PA Pride Alliance and Dramashop held Painting With Pride 2, a joint fundraiser at Dramashop, 1001 State St, Erie PA. Thanks go out to Angela, our instructor, and Dickey's Barbecue Pit for the use of tables. The event was well attended and very enjoyable.
NW PA Pride Alliance Thanks 2016 Donors & Supporters
This year was a year of firsts for NW PA Pride Alliance. This was our first full year of being a 501c3. Many things remained the same, but together with the support of our donors and the Erie community, we added even more visibility to the LGBTQIA community. In addition to our Pride Picnic on June 4 and our PrideFest and March on August 27, we added a Painting with Pride night in the spring and early winter, partnered with the Erie Seawolves for our 3rd annual Pride Night, partnered with the Zone Dance Club for a Pride Kickoff party the night before Pridefest, and also partnered with Waldameer Park and Water World for the first Pride Day at the Park the day after PrideFest.
December, 2016
Painting With Pride 2 on Tues, Dec 6
NWPA Pride Alliance, Inc. and Dramashop team up to present another joint fundraiser, Painting With Pride 2. The event, hosted by instructor Angela Howell, will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30 PM) at Dramashop (Renaissance Center – 1001 State St – Second Floor). This event is "bring your own drinks and snacks.". Tickets are $35 (plus service charge), which includes all painting supplies, are available here and MUST be purchased prior to 12:01am on December 4th. Put an end to your ordinary day and sip your way to a masterpiece.
November, 2016
NW PA Pride Alliance, Identity in Edinboro Homecoming Parade
On Saturday, October 8, members of NW PA Pride Alliance and Identity, Edinboro University's LGBTQIA student group, marched in the Edinboro Homecoming Parade. The theme this year as Level Up - Classic Video Games. Season Crannell made themed decorations for the contingent to carry. The parade went through the campus of the university and the streets of Edinboro and was well-received.
October, 2016
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
GEAE After Pride Party
The GEAE After Pride Party, held Aug. 27 at The Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State St, Erie PA, attracted over 100 people, who enjoyed free food and mechanical bull rides from 4:00-7:00PM.
Photos are by Elaine Crandall and Erie Gay News co-editor Deb Spilko
Pride Weekend recap

Pride Weekend was held August 26-28, 2016 in Erie PA. The weekend began with a Pride Kick-Off Drag Show held at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA. Performers at the drag show were Michelle Michaels, Misty Michaels Kall, Lovin Heart, Jill Jameson and Vicky Bendme.Saturday began with the March to Pridefest organized by NW PA Pride Alliance. The step off was at the Zone Dance Club. Parade units included NW PA Pride Alliance, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, Temple Anshe Hesed, LBT Women of Erie, Erie Democratic Coordinated Campaign, General Electric Transportation GLBTA Alliance, Ladyfest Erie, Northwestern High School GSA, Eerie Roller Girls, TransFamily of NWPA Transgender Support Group, and Community United Church. There were 152 people in the parade.
September, 2016
FREE Rapid testing by Erie County HIV Task Force at Pridefest on August 27
The Erie County HIV Task Force will be offering FREE rapid HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis testing at Pridefest from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Pridefest is sponsored by NW PA Pride Alliance. Look for the testing tent sponsored by the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality. Thank you Community Health Net and the Erie County Department of Health for providing the testing. SAME DAY RESULTS AND IT'S FREE!
LGBTQ Info Table at Blues and Jazz Fest
On Saturday, August 6 through Sunday, August 7, members of NW PA Pride Alliance, LBT Women, TransFamily of NW PA, Erie Sisters and Brothers Transgender Support Group, Erie Gay News, as well as individuals staffed an LGBTQ info table at the Erie Art Museum's Blues and Jazz Fest in Frontier Park at W 8th St and Bayfront Highway in Erie PA. The purpose was to help infrm the general community about LGBTQ resources anmd events and part of NW PA Pride Alliance's mission to increase visibility and awareness. People stoppig by the table were friendly and this was a great opportunity to engage with people on a direct, personal level. There has been an LGBTQ table for several years now. Photos are by Andrea Shaffer. The Erie Art Museum has been kind enough to allow us to have a table at the event for several years now.
August, 2016
Dazzling LGBT Float in 51st Annual Millcreek 4th of July Parade
NW PA Pride Alliance had a float in the 51st Annual Millcreek 4th of July Parade, held on Monday, July 4, 2016 along W 12th St in Erie, PA. Friends from TransFamily of NW PA and other members and supporters of the LGBT community also rode on and walked in the contingent. About 20,000+ people typically show up to watch the parade. There has been representation from the LGBT community in every Millcreek 4th of July parade since 2006. The response from spectators was overwhelmingly positive.
Erie PrideFest on August 27
NW PA Pride Alliance will be presenting Erie Pridefest on Saturday, August 27th. The day's events will begin with the Pride March. As always, assembly for the march begins at noon at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, and step off is at 1 PM with the march ending down at the Festival in Griswold Park. Pridefest will begin at 2 PM and will feature performers, speakers and entertainers; as well as vendors and information tables. The Facebook event page is here.
GEAE After Pride Party
The Erie annual Pridefest is always an exciting time for the local LGBT community. This year, the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) is adding to the celebration on August 27 with an After Pride Party at the Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State St, Erie PA from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. GEAE is providing a wide variety of free food for three hours (or until it's gone!), as well as free mechanical bull rides; with a cash bar available. As Pridefest winds down, the After Pride Party will begin! GEAE and the staff at the Bourbon Barrel are enthusiastic about this party, and so we hope that everyone will stop by to continue the celebration of Pride in Erie!
Miss Erie Pageant a Great Night!
On Sunday, June 26, the Miss Erie Pageant was held at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA. The two contests were Danyel Vasquez and Jill Valentine Jamison. Miss Erie 2016/17 is Danyel Vasquez and 1st runner up is Jill Jamison.
Pride Day at Waldameer on August 28!
We can't think of a better way to finish your Pride Weekend than with discounted tickets to rides and relaxation at Waldameer Park and Water World! To join us on Sunday August 28th for some family fun at the 10th oldest amusement park in the US, you just need to Use the handy ticket link below to get your discounted day passes to the main park and newly expanded water park. (You can also reserve your passes with us at Erie Pridefest, August 27th in Griswold Park) Tickets at the discounted rate are $24.50 per person.Then just stop by our reserved pavilion, Coaster 1, to pick up your passes. Enjoy your day in the park with friends and family
Remember NW PA Pride on Erie Gives Day, August 9
The NWPA Pride Alliance, Inc. is committed to providing public events to increase visibility, awareness and a sense of community to the LGBTQIA population of the Erie, PA area. We’re hoping you’ll help us continue to bring you free and low cost events by supporting us on Erie Gives Day. August 9, 2016 • 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Eriegives.org.
July, 2016
24th Annual Pride Picnic Recap
On Saturday, June 4, 2016, over 230 people attended the 24th Annual Erie Pride Picnic held at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. The event was put on by NW PA Pride Alliance.
 Organizations with tables at the event included Canine Partners for Life, Community United Church, Crime Victim Center of Erie County, Erie Sisters & Brothers Transgender Support Group, French Creek Counseling Services, Iadeluca Chiropractic Center, Lake Erie Counseling Associates, LBT Women, Mental Health Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Monacella Massage & Kinesiology, Peace Corps, Persad Center, Sam's Club, TransFamily of Erie Transgender Support Group, Whispering Lake Grove
. Photos are by Andrea and Erie Gay News photographer Deb Spilko.
Candlelight Vigil for Orlando Pulse Night Club Shooting at Zone Dance Club at 8 PM Tonight
NW PA Pride Alliance and other area groups and individuals will be holding a candlelight vigil tonight, Sunday, June 12 at 8 PM in front of the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, in memory of the vicitms of the Orlando Pulse Night Club shooting.
Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Orlando Pulse Club Shooting Held at Zone
On Sunday, June 12, about 75-100 members of Erie's LGBT community and their supporters gathered at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, to mourn the tragic deaths of 50 people killed in the Orlando Pulse Night Club shooting, considered to be the worst mass shooting in US history. The event was organized by NW PA Pride Alliance. Speakers included Alex Sphon, president of NW PA Pride Alliance; Rev. Dr. Rich McCarty, senior pastor of Community United Church; Michael Mahler, co-editor of Erie Gay News; and Bob Merski, Erie City Councilmember. Other elected officials attending included Erie County Councilmembers Andre Horton and Jay Breneman.
Mercyhurst to hold prayer vigil for victims of Orlando tragedy
In remembrance of the many victims of last weekend's tragedy in Orlando, including recent high school graduate Akyra Murray who was to attend Mercyhurst North East in the fall, Mercyhurst University will hold a prayer vigil on its Erie campus, 528 E 38th St, Thursday, June 16. The vigil will be held in Christ the King Chapel at 7 p.m. Employees and students are encouraged to join to pray for peace and healing. The public is also invited to attend.
Open Call for Pride Fest 2016 Entertainment
NWPA Pride Alliance is currently seeking entertainment acts for our 2016 PrideFest, being held Saturday August 27th at Griswold Park.
Anyone interested should contact Tony, Entertainment Coordinator, by emailing entertainment@nwpapride.org.
Parade units for March to Pride Fest on August 27
Pride Fest will be held on Saturday, August 27. PrideFest and the Pride March are organized by NW PA Pride Alliance. We will begin assembling at noon in the parking lot of the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie. Step off is promptly at 1 PM. We will go over 18th Street to State Street, down State Street to 13th Street and then into Griswold Park (14th & Peach If you are not marching with a contingent, please feel free to join our NW PA Pride Alliance contingent as we march to Pride Fest We also invite you to be part of the Family Portrait that will be taken in Griswold Park at the end of the march. There is no cost to participate in the March, but contingents are requested to notify us by Saturday, August 20, the week before the event. If you want to be a unit in the March to Pride Fest, please email tables@nwpapride.org.
Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves on July 18
NWPA Pride Alliance is excited to bring Pride at the Seawolves for its 3rd year! This year, it will be held on Monday July 18th at Jerry Uht Park, 110 E 10th St, Erie PA, Game starts at 7:05pm. It's Buck Night, so grab your friends and family and enjoy $1 hot dogs, popcorn, 12oz Pepsi products, and select draft beers while we cheer on our Seawolves as they take on the Harrisburg Senators. To get your voucher or if you have questions contact president@nwpapride.org or call (814) 314-9075. Check out the Facebook event page here. To get your tickets, just print the voucher here and take it to the box office!
Tables at Pride Fest on August 27
NW PA Pride Alliance invites you to participate as a table at this year's Pride Fest, to be held on Saturday, August 27 from 2 to 4 PM in Griswold Park at W. 14th and Peach, Erie PA. Set-up will begin at noon. All tables are expected to remain set up until the end of the festival. The cost to participate is $15 per table and must be paid in full by Saturday, August 20, the week before the event. The cost includes one 8-foot table and two chairs. Checks should be made payable to: NW PA Pride Alliance and mailed to PO Box 11448, Erie PA 16514. The festival will be held outdoors and will take place rain or shine. You may bring a canopy up to 10 x 10 for shade. Electricity is unavailable to tables for this event.
June, 2016
24th Annual Pride Picnic on June 4
This event is free and open to the public, so bring your buns down to the beach and see what's cooking! The Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance, inc. would like to invite you to join us for the 24th Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 4th at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle (near Beach 7) from 1 to 6 PM. Please note that once again this year's picnic is the first weekend in June, rather than the second. You can see the Facebook event page here.
Donations at Pride Picnic for Food Bank of NW PA
As we gather to celebrate Pride on Saturday, June 4, we ask attendees to bring non-perishable donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA At all major Pride events, NW PA Pride Alliance has collected items to help those less fortunate, and we ask your help to keep this tradition going. You may drop off your donations when you check in at the registration table upon arrival at the Pride Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. The picnic runs from 1 to 6 PM.
Erie LGBTQIA Team in March for Babies
On Sunday, May 1. 2016, representatives from various LGBTQ & affiliated groups, including NW PA Pride Alliance, LBT Women of Erie and The Table participated in the March of Dimes fundraiser, March for Babies, which was held at Penn State Behrend. In addition to walking in the march, members of the community donated over $300. Everyone had a good time and was glad to help out a worthy cause!
Get your 2016 Pride Shirt!
We here at the Northwest PA Pride Alliance, Inc. are so glad that you like the contest winning new design for this years Erie Pride shirt. The response has been so great that they're selling out fast, so if you want to have yours in time for Pride Month, now is the time!
Help keep Pride events in Erie free!
We'd like to thank you, each and every one of you who have helped us grow into who we are today. As the Northwest PA Pride Alliance, Inc. heads into our 5th season of Pride events we want to thank you form the bottom of our rainbow hued hearts for all the love and support you've shown us.
Info Table deadline for Pride Picnic is May 28
Does your group or organization want to have an info table at the 24th Annual Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 4? The deadline for info tables is Saturday, May 28 and the Pride Picnic will be at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. The picnic runs from 1 to 6 PM. Please note that selling from tables is not permitted. There is no charge for having a table, but we request that you bring your own table and chairs. To request a table, you may email tables@nwpapride.org, call (814) 314-9075 or fill out the online registration form and request a table here.
May, 2016
In Memoriam: Matthew William Robison

Matthew Robison of Erie, passed away while camping in Idaho. He was 42. Matthew was a strong advocate for human rights. One way that he demonstrated this was his concern for LGBT rights, serving on the Board of NW PA Pride Alliance.
 He was a photographer and artist, and contributed his creative talents to NW PA Pride Alliance and elsewhere.
 He loved nature and the environment, and was kind and compassionate to people and animals alike. The world has lost a gentle and beautiful soul.
Keystone Pride Conference Roundtable
On March 20, the Keystone Pride Conference brought together ten pride organizations from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. NW PA Pride Alliance was represented by board president Alex Sphon and entertainment coordinator Tony Gressley. TransFamily of Erie was represented by their organization's president, Caitlyn Strohmeyer.
April, 2016
Erie LGBTQIA Groups Join Together for March for Babies
On Sunday May 1st, several Erie-based organizations that serve the LGBTQIA community are joining together to help another organization, March of Dimes. The team, which will consist of members from NWPA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, LBT Women of Erie, Erie Brothers and Sisters, The Table, and TransFamily of Erie are excited to help March of Dimes, which helps improve the health of babies. Everyone is encouraged to wear either their organization’s shirts or rainbow colors.
LGBT Roundtable meets
Members of the LGBT Roundtable met Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the Maennerchor Club, 1607 State St, Erie PA. A major goal of the Roundtable is to unite the various organizations serving different members of our LGBT community in order to provide a platform for communication and collaboration. The Roundtable will be meeting later this year.
Painting with Pride
On March 9th, 2016, NW PA Pride Alliance partnered with Dramashop for their first-ever Painting with Pride fundraiser. They are looking forward to another Painting With Pride event this fall. Dramashop is located at Renaissance Centre, 2nd Fl., 1001 State Street, Erie PA 16501
March, 2016
LGBTQ Pennsylvania Steering Committee Meeting
On Saturday, January 30, 2016, groups from across the state met at Project Silk in Pittsburgh for the inaugural LGBTQ PA Steering Committee. The event was convened by Jason Goodman of PA Youth Congress and moderated by Shaashawn Dial-Snowden of LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg) and Voycetress Media.
NW PA Pride Alliance and Dramashop Unite For Joint Fundraiser
NWPA Pride Alliance, Inc. and Dramashop team up to present a joint fundraiser, Painting With Pride. The event, hosted by instructor Angela Howell, will be held on Wednesday March 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 PM) at Dramashop (Renaissance Center – 1001 State St – Second Floor). This event is "bring your own drinks and snacks" (a limited selection of non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase). Tickets are $45 (plus service charge), which includes all painting supplies, are available here and MUST be purchased prior to 12:01am on March 8th. Put an end to your ordinary day and sip your way to a masterpiece.
February, 2016
Become a 2016 Pride Donor!
As the Northwest PA (NW PA) Pride Alliance begins its first full year as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we are delighted to see how much we have grown. The support of individuals and organizations in our community has been the catalyst for furthering the Alliance's mission: Improving the visibility of the LGBTQIA community and facilitating communication and collaboration between groups and individuals. We are asking for your support in 2016 as we enter with a unified theme of "Invite, Unite, Ignite!"
Board members and officers for NW PA Pride Alliance

NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc has begun 2016 with the announcement of its board of directors and officers. Returning to the board this year are Diana Ames, Season Crannell, Chris Dye, Finu Lukose, Michael Mahler, Michael Mooney, Melanie Shubitowski, Alex Sphon and Daniel Thomas.
Suggestion box email for NW PA Pride
It's a brand new year for us at the Northwest PA Pride Alliance. We are committed to providing the best experience to all our community members as well to as our visitors . So to help us better serve you as a community, we'd like a little input from you. What do you like about our events and resources? How could we improve? Anything you'd like to see us add to our events or website? If you don't usually attend our events, why not?
January, 2016
Update on 2016 Pride Logo Design Contest - Win $100!
As mentioned previously, NW PA Pride Alliance will be accepting design entries through February 29 for the 2016 Pride logo.The theme for 2016 Pride is "Invite. Unite. Ignite!" We hope that your design will include the official Pride theme.
There is no limit to the number of entries per person that can be submitted, nor is there an age limit. Please also note that the shirt fabric has alternated between black and ash gray from year to year. If your design requires a specific color for an element, please be sure to include that color in your design. That is, elements that should be/are intended to be white should not be transparent in your design. The design we select will receive a free shirt and a $100 Visa gift card. The template for the logo design, as well as our organization's logo is on NW PA Pride Alliance's web site at www.nwpapride.org. The preferred format is an Adobe Illustrator Vector File (or something we can convert to that format), 300 dpi, with the canvas size being a maximum of 9 1/2" wide by 15" tall.
December, 2015
2016 Pride Logo Design Contest - Win $100!
Who wants $100 and a free shirt? You do! But how?
All you have to do is get creative: We're looking for a new T-shirt design for 2016, and we want to see what you've got. The NW PA Pride Alliance will be accepting your design entries from Dec. 1 through Feb. 29. The design we select will receive a free shirt and a $100 Visa gift card. But first, there are a few rules. Your design must be on the front of the shirt, in the area indicated on the little shirt template we'll provide. You can download the template as a PDF (here), as a PSD (here), or as a TIF (here for Windows or here for Mac). We will also be glad to provide you with our logo to use (or not, it's up to you) (logo is here in color or here in black and white), but you do have to use the colors in the logo in your design. The preferred format is an Adobe Illustrator Vector File (or something we can convert to that format), 300 dpi, with the canvas size being a maximum of 9 1/2" wide by 15" tall. Shirt colors have alternated between black and gray from year to year. If your design has an element that needs to be white, please make it white rather than transparent. There is no limit on the number of entries from a submitter, nor is there an age limit on submitters. Please note! The theme for 2016 Pride is "Invite. Unite. Ignite!" Bonus points for including the theme in your design!
LGBT Roundtable update
LGBT Roundtable Project: Over the past year, a steering committee from the Northwest PA Pride Alliance (NWPAPA), the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), and Transfamily Support of Erie have organized and held three LGBT Roundtable discussions. The committee invited leaders from various LGBT organizations from Erie and the surrounding counties. The roundtable project is off to a great start with about 15 different groups participating!
November, 2015
Archive documents Charlotte LGBTQ history
Archivist and University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) Prof. Joshua Burford stresses that the LGBTQ archive he spearheaded is not a complete history. It is growing, and a complete history of anything is, of course, an impossible task.
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole. The deadline to apply is Saturday, November 21, 2015,
Joe Lobdell: tragedy and triumph of a 19th-century transition
When Joseph Israel Lobdell passed away in 1912 at the Binghamton State Hospital, his death went largely unnoticed. Joe, as he was known, was 82 and had been confined to mental institutions since 1880. In the intervening decades, his siblings had predeceased him.
NW PA Pride Alliance Celebrates 2015 Accomplishments
The Northwest PA (NW PA) Pride Alliance will soon begin its sixth year, and is delighted and proud to share 2015 accomplishments and activities in its annual report. In May, the Alliance achieved an important milestone in the growth of the organization—obtaining 501(c)(3) status. A non-profit status and the generosity of the community will help the Alliance to expand the scope and focus of work in the LGBTQIA community. Other 2015 highlights include the Pride Picnic, Pride Festival, sponsorship of the Miss Erie Pageant, Pride Night at an Erie Seawolves home game, the Millcreek 4th of July Parade, a Marriage Equality celebration, and attendance at the Pennsylvania State Pride Conference.
Three decades ago, AIDS activists set up camp in SF plaza
Thirty years ago this month, two San Francisco men, fed up with government inaction as AIDS decimated the gay community, chained themselves to a federal building within sight of City Hall.
October, 2015
'The Women of San Quentin' comes amid historic changes
A new book chronicling the lives of nine transgender women across the country who have been incarcerated comes amid historic progress for such prisoners.
Dick Leitsch: History is unavoidable
For my friend Dick Leitsch, the last president of the Mattachine Society of New York, who last May turned 80, history was unavoidable. I met Dick in two different periods of my life. At 20, I attended my first and only meeting of the New York Mattachine Society, at the old Wendell Wilkie House near Bryant Park in New York City. He moderated, handsome, stylish, with a soft-spoken Kentuckian polished air. I was turned totally off: Mattachine was strictly out of my world as, new to New York, I struggled to make sense of myself. Two years later, a few months after Stonewall, I joined the Gay Liberation Front. GLF offered me a valid political understanding of why queers were being destroyed in American society, and what we had to do, often rowdy as we were, to change it. Both Dick and Mattachine were loathed by many of my young GLF brothers and sisters, some of whom had been in it and, like unruly kids, resented their dowdier parents.
Lawyer who defeated DOMA to speak at Free Library of Philadelphia
Edie Windsor, charismatic, stylish and articulate, found herself widowed just shy of her 80th birthday. She hadn't yet been married two years to her spouse, Thea Spyer, who died of complications from a heart condition on Feb. 5, 2009.
LGBT History Month - Angelina Jolie - Actress
Angelina Jolie is an Academy award-winning actress whose films include "Girl, Interrupted," "Changeling" and "Maleficent." She is among the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, having cemented her international success portraying such diverse characters as a video game heroine in the "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" franchise and an HIV-positive supermodel in "Gia." She made her directorial debut with the "Land of Blood and Honey," a drama set during the Bosnian war. She also wrote and produced the film.
LGBT History Month - Antonia Pantoja - Educator and Activist
Dr. Antonia Pantoja was an educator and activist dedicated to the improvement of Latino communities through education. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Pantoja spent much of her life living and working in New York City. In 1957, after receiving her master's degree from Columbia University, she founded the Puerto Rican Forum (originally called the Hispanic American Youth Association, or HAYA), which helped promote economic equality.
LGBT History Month - Arthur Dong - Filmmaker
Arthur Dong is an Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker best known for chronicling Asian-American history and LGBT life. He earned an Oscar nomination in 1984 for "Sewing Woman," about his mother's immigration to America from China, which he produced as film student at San Francisco State University. As a result of the film's success, he founded DeepFocus Productions to produce, direct and write projects close to his heart.
LGBT History Month - Barbra Siperstein - Transgender Advocate
Barbra "Babs" Siperstein is the first openly transgender at-large member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Born Barry Siperstein, she transitioned when she was nearly 50 years old. She legally changed her name in 2007. Siperstein is currently a member of the DNC's executive committee. She serves as deputy vice chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee and is the political director of the Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey.
LGBT History Month - Clive Davis - Record Producer
Clive Davis is a record producer who has won five Grammy Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was the president of Columbia Records from 1967 to 1973 before founding Arista Records in 1975. He created J Records in 2000 and is currently the chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment.
LGBT History Month - Dusty Springfield - Singer
Dusty Springfield was an English singer and record producer best known for her sultry, soulful sound. Born Mary Isobel Bernadette O’Brien in London (she got the nickname Dusty for playing football with the boys), Springfield was one of the most successful British female performers in history, with six top 20 singles in the United States and 16 in Europe. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the U.K. Music Hall of Fame.
LGBT History Month - Edie Windsor - Marriage Equality Hero
Edith "Edie" Windsor was the lead plaintiff in the Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor, a landmark legal victory for marriage equality.
LGBT History Month - Edna St. Vincent Millay - Poet
Edna St. Vincent Millay was a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet known for her feminism and social activism. From an early age, she spoke out against injustices against women, often rebelling against authority at home and at school. She published her first poems when she was 15. By the time she enrolled in Vassar College, which was then exclusively female, she was having affairs with her classmates. Her poem "The Lamp and the Bell" is about the love shared between women.
LGBT History Month - Elaine Noble - Politician
Elaine Noble served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for two terms starting in 1975, becoming the first-ever openly gay candidate elected to a state office. Noble says that during her controversial, groundbreaking campaign, her windows were shot out, her car was vandalized, and she and her staff suffered ongoing harassment. She still managed to win the election.
LGBT History Month - Elsie de Wolfe - Interior Designer
Elsie de Wolfe, later known as Lady Mendl, introduced the world to the art of interior design. She saw the home as a medium for self-expression.
LGBT History Month - Emery Hetrick & Damien Martin - Educators
In 1979 Dr. Emery Hetrick and Dr. Damien Martin founded the Hetrick-Martin Institute, a nonprofit organization in New York, originally named the Institute for the Protection of Lesbian and Gay Youth. The doctors created the institute to advocate for at-risk youth aged 13 to 21. The idea came after hearing about a 15-year-old boy who had been beaten and thrown out of an emergency shelter because he was gay.
LGBT History Month - Evan Wolfson - Marriage Equality Advocate
Evan Wolfson is the founder of Freedom to Marry, a group that advocates for samesex marriage rights in the United States. He is one of the first attorneys to publicly champion marriage equality and the author of the book "Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People's Right to Marry." Wolfson was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People. As a lawyer, he argued Boy Scouts of America v. Dale before the Supreme Court.
LGBT History Month - Frances Perkins - U.S. Cabinet Member
Frances Perkins was the first woman appointed to the U.S. cabinet, serving as U.S. secretary of labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1945—longer than anyone else who held the post.
LGBT History Month - Frank Mugisha - Ugandan Activist
Dr. Frank Mugisha is one of the most famous and outspoken advocates for LGBT rights in Uganda, a country where being gay is a criminal offense. He is the executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) and advocates on behalf of LGBT Ugandans who face prison or even death for being openly gay. He has received both the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and the Thorolf Rafto Memorial Prize for his work.
LGBT History Month - Jack Nichols - Gay Pioneer
In 1961, along with Frank Kameny, Jack Nichols cofounded the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C., the the first gay civil rights organization in the nation's capital. Four years later, Nichols and other members of the organization conducted the first gay rights protest at the White House.
LGBT History Month - Jackie 'Moms' Mabley - Comedian
Born Loretta Mary Aiken, Jackie "Moms" Mabley was one of the first, most successful women to work in comedy. Mabley appeared on popular television variety shows like 'The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour." A veteran of the African- American vaudeville tradition known as the Chitlin' Circuit, the comedian overcame a tragic childhood (her parents were killed and she was raped) to become one of the raunchiest, most beloved comedians of her generation.
LGBT History Month - Jason Collins - Basketball Player
Jason Collins is a retired professional American basketball player who played for 13 seasons with the NBA. During the 2012-13 season, Collins came out in Sports Illustrated before signing with the New Jersey Nets, making him the first openly gay athlete to play on any professional sports team in North America.
LGBT History Month - Laverne Cox - Transgender Actress
Laverne Cox is an American actress, producer and LGBT advocate best known for her role as a transgender prison inmate in the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black." She is the first openly transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy Award for acting and the first to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
LGBT History Month - Michael Sam - Football Player
In 2014 Michael Sam became the first openly gay player drafted by the NFL. The defensive end was drafted by the St. Louis Rams and spent time on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. He signed with the Montreal Alouettes in 2015, but stepped away from the team just months later, citing "personal reasons."
LGBT History Month - Mick Jagger - Rock Star
Mick Jagger is the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, a British rock band whose popularity has spanned more than 50 years. As one of the most influential and charismatic front men in history, Jagger has received many awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and was knighted in 2003. Rolling Stone magazine names him among the top 20 on its List of 100 Greatest Singers.
LGBT History Month - Miriam Ben-Shalom - Soldier
Miriam Ben-Shalom is the first openly lesbian service member to be reinstated by the U.S. Army after she was discharged in 1976 for being gay.
LGBT History Month - Richard Blanco - Inaugural Poet
Richard Blanco is the youngest, the first Latino and the first openly gay person to be named a U.S. inaugural poet. He read his poem "One Today," written soon after the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, at President Barack Obama's second inauguration. He describes the poem as "a unique snapshot of where we are as a country."
LGBT History Month - Robin Roberts - TV Broadcaster
Robin Roberts is an award-winning broadcast journalist and co-anchor of ABC News' "Good Morning America." She became an outspoken advocate for cancer research, after being diagnosed twice with the disease. She won a 2012 Peabody Award for her reporting on the issue.
LGBT History Month - Sahaykwisa - Transgender Native American
Sahaykwisa was a female Mohave Indian shaman (a healer with supernatural powers), who specialized in the treatment of venereal diseases. Scholars have limited information about her life. She was a gender-nonconforming lesbian, or hwame (a female who choses to live as a male), and often told people she had been turned into a man by white man's magic. Sahaykwisa was also a hunter and an industrious farmer— jobs typically performed by men.
LGBT History Month - Staceyann Chin - Poet/Performer
Staceyann Chin is a spoken-word poet and performance artist dedicated to LGBT rights. She has been out since 1998, soon after co-writing and performing in the Tony-nominated Russell Simmons "Def Poetry Jam" on Broadway. She has also appeared in one-woman Off-Broadway shows and at the famed Nuyorican Poets Café. Her work has been featured in more than 21 publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. Born in Jamaica, Chin is of Chinese- and African-Jamaican descent, a subject she has written about often. She appeared on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" to discuss what it was like growing up gay in Jamaica.
LGBT History Month - Tim'm T. West - Performer
Tim'm T. West, born Timothy Terrell West, is a hip-hop performance artist, poet, activist and educator. He has produced nine albums, written extensively about hiphop culture and has been a spokesperson for a new generation of openly gay musicians.
LGBT History Month - Tom Stoddard - Equality Attorney
Tom Stoddard was a lawyer who helped advance LGBT rights in America. He served as an early executive director of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund in New York from 1986 to 1992, where he fought against discrimination in employment, housing, health care and the military. Under his leadership, Lambda became one of the most important LGBT legal organizations in the country.
LGBT History Month - William 'Big Bill' Tilden II - Tennis Champion
Bill Tilden is considered one of the greatest men's tennis champions in history. He was the No. 1 player in the world for six years, from 1920 to 1925. During that time, he became the first American to win Wimbledon.
LGBT History Month - William Rufus King - U.S. Vice President
William Rufus King was the 13th vice president of the United States for six weeks before he died of tuberculosis, making him the shortest-serving vice president in American history. He was the third vice president to die in office.
LGBT History Month for October
Erie Gay News is proud to once again participate in LGBT History Month, a project of Equality Forum. This project is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2015.
P.L. Travers: A spoonful of speculation
P.L. Travers, author of "Mary Poppins," was born Helen Lyndon Goff on Aug. 9, 1899 in the city of Maryborough, in Queensland, Australia, (not in England, as many assume). She moved to England in 1924, and used the name P.L. Travers, an abbreviation of her pseudonym Pamela Lyndon Travers, which she used in her days as a dancer and Shakespearean actor on the Australian stage. Reportedly, her wealthy relatives did not approve of Travers performing, so, being independent-minded, she moved to England where she forged a career as a writer.
Pride Fest Recap
Downtown Erie blazed rainbows on Saturday, August 29, as over 300 members of the LGBT community and their allies celebrated at the Pride Fest and Parade organized by NW PA Pride Alliance.
Transgender Forward
As the gay and lesbian community celebrates marriage equality across the United States, the transgender members of the LGBT community continue to work diligently to place their civil rights front and center, as we move into the next chapter of LGBT equality. To many, it seems as if the transgender movement has come from nowhere in the last decade, but the reality is that transgender Americans have been fighting for civil rights right along with the lesbian, gay and bisexual members of our community for decades. Here are a few key high- lights of transgender people within the tableau of American LGBT civil-rights history:
September, 2015
20th Anniversary Family Portrait To Be Taken at Pride Fest on August 29
It's hard to believe, but 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the first ever LGBT Family Portrait. To celebrate this milestone, everyone is invited to be in the Family Portrait that will be taken at the start of Pride Fest on Saturday, August 29 in Griswold Park, 150 W 14th St, Erie PA. The day will begin with assembling beginning at noon for the Pride Parade from the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th S, step off for 1 PM. The parade will end up in Griswold Park. As we arrive in Griswold, anyone who wants to be in the Family Portrait should gather in front of and facing the stage. A photographer will take the Family Portrait from the stage, and that will then kick off Pride Fest at 2 PM.
Billy Winn performs at Pride Fest on Saturday, August 29
Among this year's performers at Pride Fest on Saturday, August 29 in Griswold Park, we're pleased to welcome Pop/Electronic/Dance - Urban Electro recording artist and Pittsburgh native Billy Winn.
CANCELED - Fall Candidate Forum on September 23 at MHA of NW PA
PLEASE NOTE! Due to the state budget impasse, the candidate forum originally scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2015 by the Mental Health Association (MHA) of NW PA and NW PA Pride Alliance at the Mental Health Association of NW PA, 1101 Peach St, Erie PA has had to be canceled. Our respective organizations apologize for any inconvenience. Erie Gay News will still be publishing a Voters Guide in issue #240, to be released the night of October 20.
Donations at Erie Pride Fest for Erie Food Bank
As we gather to celebrate Pride this Saturday, August 29, we ask attendees to bring non-perishable donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA At all major Pride events, NW PA Pride Alliance has collected items to help those less fortunate, and we ask your help to keep this tradition going. You may bring your donations to the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, between noon and 1 PM, before the Parade steps off at 1 PM. You may also bring your donation to Griswold Park, 150 W 14th St, where Pride Fest will be held from 2 to 4 PM.
Free Health Screening at Pride Fest on August 29
The NW PA Pride Alliance is pleased to offer FREE health screenings again at this year's Pride Fest! Pride Fest will take place on Saturday, August 29th, from 2 PM until 4 PM in Griswold Park, 150 W 14th St, Erie PA. Blood pressure and BMI screenings will be provided by Great Lakes Institute of Technology (GLIT). HIV testing will be provided by the Erie County Department of Health and Community Health Net. In addition to OraSure tests (oral swab; results in 2 – 3 weeks), OraQuick rapid testing will be available (small finger stick; results in 30 minutes). The newest addition to our health and wellness efforts is chair massages, courtesy of GLIT. NW PA Pride Alliance is proud to help everyone in our LGBTQ be happy, healthy, safe, and relaxed! Looking forward to seeing all of you at this year's Pride Fest!
Pride Shirts Discounted for Pride Weekend
Didn't get a chance to get your shirt for Pride yet? You're in luck! NW PA Pride Alliance still has Pride shirts available and they are discounted for Pride weekend! V-neck shirts in sizes small to XL are $13, tank tops in sizes small to XL are $15, and V-neck shirts in sizes 3XL and 3XL. There are also tote bags for $12 and 26 oz metal sports bottles for $15. You can get them at our online store OR you can get them in person at either the Pride Kickoff Show at the the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA this Friday or at Pride Fest this Saturday at 2 PM in Griswold Park, 150 W 14th. Pride merchandise helps NW PA Pride Alliance keep Pride events free! Thanks for your support!
Win Billy Winn The Remixes, The Revisit, & The Unreleased EP!
Win Billy Winn The Remixes, The Revisit, & The Unreleased EP! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between August 25 and September 15. Please note! You can see Billy Winn perform live and in person at Erie Pride Fest on Saturday, August 29 in Griswold Park, Erie PA!
August, 2015
Dr. Rachel Levine to be Pride Fest Keynote Speaker
Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania Physician General, will be the Keynote Speaker at 2015 Pride Fest on Saturday, August 29 Dr. Levine is the first openly transgender appointee to be confirmed to state office.
Erie County rally celebrates Marriage Equality Ruling
On Friday, June 26, 2015, the US Supreme Court issued their opinion in Obergefell v Hodges, which resulted in marriage equality becoming the law of the land. Several organizations held a celebration called Love Wins on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA that night. Organizations represented included NW PA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), ACLU NW PA, NW PA National Organization for Women (NOW), Pennsylvania Equality Project, Community United Church, Keystone Progress, The Table, LBT Women of Erie, and Erie Gay News. Both local TV news crews as well as Erie Times News covered the event for local media. At least 90 people attended the event.
Erie Pride Fest on Sat, August 29
NW PA Pride Alliance will be presenting Erie Pride Fest on Saturday, August 29. The event will begin with the Pride Parade. Assembly for the parade begins at noon at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, and step off is at 1 PM. The parade will proceed to the Pride Fest, which will be in Griswold Park, 150 W 14th St. If your group or organization would like to have a unit in the Parade, please let us know by August 21 by emailling mmahler@nwpapride.org ]
Individuals are very much welcome to be in the parade as well!
Millcreek 4th of July Parade recap
About 17 people participated in NW PA Pride Alliance's float in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade. This was the 50th anniversary of Millcreek's parade and the 10th year that it has included an LGBT contingent. The theme this year was Launching Bottle Rockets in the Backyard and was designed by NWPAPA Vice-President Season Crannell. Float participants helped build the float. Many thanks to Roxanne of Lake Erie Sisters and Brothers Transgender Support Group for the use of the trailer, to Ginger for the use of the truck, as well as for Candy and Steve for driving the truck.
Mobile App for PrideFest for iOs and Android
New for this year's PrideFest is a special app that we are developing that will have updates, info and even photos from YOU! You can install the app onto both iPhones/iOs and Android phones and tablets by browsing to http://my.yapp.us/PRIDEFEST814 on your mobile device.
NWPA Pride Alliance Participates In Its First Erie Gives Day
The Northwest PA (NWPA) Pride Alliance is delighted to participate in its first Erie Gives Day on Tuesday, August 11th! The support of our community has helped us to sponsor and/or host events such as the Pride Rally/Festival, Candidate Forums, and the Pride Picnic. Alliance members also participate in various community events to promote awareness of LGBTQIA issues, and support the efforts and activities of other groups dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA community.
Parade Units and Info & Vendor Tables at 2015 Pride on August 29
The NW PA Pride Alliance invites you to march as a parade unit for the Erie Pride Fest on Saturday, August 29, 2015. We will start assembling at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA at noon, with and step off at 1 PM. All are welcome to march, even if you don't have a float. There is no charge to march or have a float in the parade. The Parade Unit agreement is available as a PDF and as a Word document. Perry Square is currently being remodled. The festival will take place in Griswold Park, 150 W 14th St, Erie PA starting at 2 PM. We invite organizations to participate with information tables. We also invite handmade crafters, direct sales, and other vendor types to participate. The cost of one table and 2 chairs is $15 for both info tables and vendors. The Info Table agreement is available as a PDF and as a Word document.
Pride Fest to be held in Griswold Park
Because of remodeling to Perry Square, NW PA Pride Alliance will be holding this year's Pride Fest on Saturday, August 29 at 2 PM in Griswold Park, 150 W 14th St, Erie PA. We will still be assembling for the Parade at noon at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, and stepping off at 1 PM. Only the location for Pride Fest is being changed for this year.
July, 2015
23rd Annual Erie Pride Picnic recap
NW PA Pride Alliance held the 23rd Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. About 230 people total attended and enjoyed a day in the sun with great food and friends old and new.
There was a tragic auto accident at about 8 AM that morning near Beach 5. The 17 year old passenger was killed and the 21 year old driver was seriously injured. Access to the park was restricted/unavailable for several hours and the start of the picnic had to be delayed until 3 PM.
Staff and volunteers worked very hard to make this a great event for all in probably the most challenging set of circumstances that a local Pride event has faced yet. People who made the Pride Picnic happen include Season Crannell, Chris Dye, Daniel Thomas, Alex Sphon, Kelly Kidd, Melanie Shubitowski, Julie, Collis Allen, Kim and Andrea, Jodi, Gary Snyder, Jeremy Snyder, Jeff Hill, Audrey, Johauna, the group of women who helped free the U-Haul when it got stuck in sand, Matthew Robison, and Deb Spilko.
Decision Day Rally and Victory Celebration TONIGHT at 7 PM
The US Supreme Court has made marriage equality legal nationwide!!! Please join us tonight for a Decision Day Rally and Victory Celebration on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA! A program of speakers is planned. Please feel free to bring banners.
National HIV Testing Day this Friday, June 26!
Know your status! Community Health Net (1202 State Street, Erie PA) is pleased to share its National Testing Day event on Friday, June 26th. Testing will be available from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm. Get tested and receive a 5 gift card (while supplies last). Rapid testing is available! For questions or more information, call 814-455-7222 x477
NW PA Pride is now 501(C)(3)
NW PA Pride Alliance has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to ahave 501(C)(3) status. The effective date of exemption is May 30, 2015. Donations made to NW PA Pride are now tax deductible. NW PA Pride wishes to thank our treasurer, Alex Sphon, for completing the forms and handling the submission for this.
Pride Night at the Erie SeaWolves
NWPA Pride is having a Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves in Jerry Uht Park, 110 E 10th St, Erie PA 16501 on Wednesday, July 8. We will have our own section and welcome any one to come out for a family and friends night at the ball park! A portion of the ticket costs will go directly to NWPA Pride and help us with future events. Tickets will be $9 and you must get a voucher from NWPA Pride prior to purchasing your ticket. Please note that this will also be a special Wednesday Buck Night. If you have any questions please contact Mike Mahler at president@nwpapride.org
See you there!
June, 2015
23rd Annual Erie Pride Picnic
Join us for the 23rd Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 6 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle (near Beach 7) from 1 to 6 PM. Enjoy a great day with friends—it's free! Please note that this year's picnic is the first weekend in June, rather than the second. Start your Pride off right, and then enjoy Pittsburgh Pride or Youngstown Pride the weekend following Erie Pride Picnic
Get Your Pride Shirts and more!
NW PA Pride Alliance is very excited to bring you this year's Pride shirts, as well as some new Pride merchandise! This helps make Pride possible. This year, we will again have V-neck shirts. V-neck shirts are sizes small to 3XL ($18 for sizes small to XL, $20 for t-shirts 2XL & 3XL), and tank tops are sizes small to 2XL ($19 for tank tops sizes small to XL, and $20 for tank tops size 2 XL.) On the back of the shirt are all of the sponsors helping to being Pride to you this year, and a listing of the great events happening in our community! Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted for payment. Shirts can also be ordered online at www.nwpapride.org.
Remembering Ben Heggy
Those of you who saw Erie's Perry 200 Parade or have been to the Millcreek 4th of July parade or the NWPA Pride Alliance's annual Pride Parade the last few years have probably noticed that we had a pretty good sized float rolling down the street behind a big, grey truck. What you may not know is that we had that float because NWPA Pride put out a call for trucks or trailers or pretty much anything that could be decorated and trotted out. The universe answered that call with a message from a man from Seven Springs, PA named Ben Heggy.
May, 2015
Primary Candidate Forum Recap
On Thursday, April 16, NW PA Pride Alliance Inc and the Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA (MHA) jointly held a candidate forum at MHA's office, 1101 Peach St, Erie PA. The forum addressed both LGBT and mental health related issues. Candidates attending included Elvage Murphy for Erie County Court of Common Pleas, John Morgan for Millcreek Supervisor, and Nathaniel Strasser for Magistrate, 5th Ward, as well as Erie City Council candidates Sonya Arrington, Gary Grack, Bob Merski, Rebecca Styn, Richard Wagner, and Jon Whaley. Trish Catalano, candidate for Erie County Council District 5, also participated. About 30 voters attended.
Report on LGBT Roundtable Project
Over the past two months, a steering committee from the Northwest PA Pride Alliance (NWPAPA) and the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) has organized and held two LGBT Roundtable discussions. The committee invited leaders from various LGBT organizations from Erie and the surrounding counties.
There's Power in Our Pride! Annual LGBT Community Survey
We would like to invite you to take a new survey about your opinions and preferences, from an LGBT perspective. There's power in our Pride! Participating in this study helps open doors-and minds-around the world, and influences positive changes for our community. Previous surveys have yielded 45,000 respondents from 150 countries! You may have seen Community Marketing & Insights quoted in the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, etc.
Voters Guide
Candidates for Erie County Council and Erie City Council were asked about their positions on GLBT issues. Their responses appear below.
April, 2015
Become a 2015 Pride Donor!
As the Northwest PA (NW PA) Pride Alliance begins its fifth year, we are delighted to see how much we have grown. The support of individuals and organizations in our community has been the catalyst for furthering the Alliance's mission: Improving the visibility of the LGBTQIA community and facilitating communication and collaboration between groups and individuals. We are asking for your support in 2015.
Candidate Forum on April 16
NW PA Pride Alliance Inc and the Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA will be co-sponsoring a Spring candidate forum at the Mental Health Association at 1101 Peach St, Erie PA 16501 on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 6:30 pm. Doors open at 5:30 and parking is available on street and in the Toni & Guy parking lot. Candidates for Erie City and Erie County councils will be invited. Candidates will be asked questions by a moderator and attendees are encouraged to provide questions for the moderator. The event provides constituents the opportunity to meet local politicians and hear their views on topics concerning the LGBTQ, mental health and Erie City & County communities as a whole.
February, 2015
NW PA Pride New Board & Officers
NW PA Pride Alliance is delighted to welcome our 2015 board members. Our newest board members are Kathy Czarnecki-Smith, Finu J Lukose, and Michael Mooney. They join continuing board members Diana Ames, Season Crannell, Chris Dye, Kelly Kidd, Michael Mahler, Melanie Shubitowski, Alex Sphon, and Daniel Thomas. Officers are Michael Mahler (President), Season Crannell (Vice President), Finu Lukose (Secretary) and Alex Sphon.
December, 2014
NW PA Pride Annual Report
As the Northwest PA (NW PA) Pride Alliance begins its fifth year, we are delighted and proud to see how much we have grown in such a short amount of time. We are pleased to share this success by providing our 2014 Annual Report. This report highlights some the accomplishments and activities involved in continuing our mission of improving the visibility of the LGBTQIA community and facilitating communication and collaboration between groups and individuals.
Web Server Crash
The websites of NW PA Pride and Erie Gay News experienced a web server crash on October 3. Here is what was lost, recovered, and not affected:
November, 2014
Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors, as well as establish a volunteer corps to assist with event set up and advisory panel. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
Candidate Night update
About 30 people attended the Oct. 2 "Meet the Candidates" night organized by NW PA Pride Alliance. Candidates attended included Patrick Harkins (PA State House District 1 D-Incumbent), Juanita Shutsa (PA State House District 6 - D) and Chris Mitchell, representing Curt Smith (PA State House District 4 - D.)
Panel Discussion on LGBT Rights at Edinboro University on October 23
One Campus Experience presents a panel discussion on LGBT Rights in Pennsylvania and the US: How Far Have We Come, and How Far Do We Have to Go? The event happens Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 7:00 PM in Butterfield Hall 134 at Edinboro Univesity, Edinboro PA. Panelists: include Reverend Shanea Leonard, Head of Equality Pennsylvania for Western Pennsylvania; T.J. and Wendy Titus, A married couple from Erie who have filed a lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania's marriage laws; and Dr. Robert Rhodes, Professor Emeritus of Edinboro University, representing ACLU Erie. Moderator: Dr. Gerald Hoffman, Professor of Chemistry. Sponsors: President’s Commission on the Status of LGBTQIA and the student organization, Identity. One Campus Experience is program of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education Committee of the President’s University Diversity Council
Voters Guide
Candidates for US Congress PA-3 and PA-5, PA State Senate and PA State House were asked about their positions on GLBT issues. Their responses appear below.
October, 2014
Erie Pride Fest a Fun Day for All!
On Saturday, August 23, NW PA Pride Alliance held Erie Pride Fest. The day began with the Pride parade from the zone down to Perry square. About 150 people participated in the parade. Parade units included Erie Gay News, NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc., ACLU NW PA, Amisha Tribal Belly Dance, Marriage Equality for PA, Erie Sisters & Transgender Alliance of Western NY, Glass Growers Gallery, PFLAG Erie and Crawford Counties, PFLAG Butler, M & J's Lounge, Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville, LBT Women of Erie, Jamestown Pride Society, and Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition.
Web Site Crash and Recovery
On Friday, October 3, 2014, Erie Gay News and NW PA Pride Alliance had a web crash on their shared server. We are working to rebuild the site, and we ask for your patience as we work on this. Many thanks for your support over the years!
September, 2014
LGBT table at Blues and Jazz Fest
On August 2, 2014, NW PA Pride Alliance was proud to once again staff an LGBT info table at the Annual Blues and Jazz Fest in Frontier Park. The Blues and Jazz Fest is organized by Erie Art Museum and other organizations and is attended by over 20,000 people.
The table also had info from Erie Sisters and Mental Health Association of NW PA, as well as cards from Equality PA in support of HB 300/SB 300 for Equality PAs campaign to pass anti-discrimination legislation at the state level.
Thanks go out to Brian Davies, Johauna, Melanie Shubitowski, Julie Flagella, Alex Sphon, Daniel Thomas, Will Koehler and Rex Apps.
August, 2014
NW PA Pride Alliance float in Millcreek 4th of July Parade
About 17 people rode on NW PA Pride Alliance's float in Millcreek's 4th of July parade. There were about 110 units in the parade and about 20,000 people saw the parade.
July, 2014
22nd Annual Erie Pride Picnic
On Saturday. June 14, NW PA Pride Alliance organized the 22nd Annual Erie Pride Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park.Members of the LGBT community and their friends, family and supporters enjoyed a fun day with a great potluck.
June, 2014
2014 Pride Shirts Are Available
NW PA Pride Alliance is proud to announce that 2014 Pride shirts are in! We have both V-neck and tank tops. V-necks are $18 in sizes S-XL, tank tops at $19 in S-XL and V-necks 2XL and 3XL and tank tops 2XL are $20. Help support Pride! Cash and debit/credit cards are accepted.
Decision Day Rally in Erie
With less than 24 hours' notice, almost 200 people turned out in Perry Square on Tuesday, May 20 to celebrate Judge John E Jones III striking down Pennsylvania's so-called Defense of Marriage Act. Marriage equality is now the rule of the land in Pennsylvania, and Governor Corbett has said that Pennsylvania will NOT appeal the federal ruling. Speakers included Mike Mahler of Erie Gay News and NW PA Pride Alliance; Atty. Richard Ruth, legal director for ACLU NW PA; Kathy and Christina Czarnecki-Smith, who married in New York state; Rich McCarty, senior pastor at Community United Church and president of Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and who also read a supportive statement from State Sen. Sean Wiley; Rev. Steve Aschmann of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie; David Moore, founder and president of Marriage Equality for Pennsylvania; Doris Cipolla, who had lost her partner Char to cancer 9 years and 1 month before and who was glad that other PA couples will not have to have similar experiences; Susan Woodland, President of NW PA NOW, and Joshua Szczesny, secretary and co-founder of Marriage Equality for PA. Also in attendance were Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, proud mother of a gay son and also Erie County Councilmember Jay Breneman. Erie Sisters Transgender Support Group also turned out in support. Kathy Dahlkemper announced that a same sex couple had already applied for a marriage license that day. The couple was Michael Tkach, board member of Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and Bill Lechner, who have been together for 29 years. Also in the crowd were attorneys Jason Owen and Alison Scarpitti. Alison is legal counsel for Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and also served as attorney for Wendy and TJ Titus, who drove to Montgomery County to obtain a marriage license when that county was allowing same sex couples to get licenses earlier this year.
May, 2014
Primary Candidate Forum
On Wednesday, April 16, NW PA Pride Alliance and other co-sponsoring groups presented a Candidate Forum on Wednesday, April 16 at 7 PM at First Niagara Bank Community Room, 27 people attended, including candidates Thomas Tarantella (US Congress PA-3 - D), Michael T Muha (PA State Senate 50 - D), Flo Fabrizio (P State House 2 D-Incumbent), Curt Smith (PA State House 4 - D), Juanita Shutsa (PA State House 6 - D) and Wayne Hanson (PA State House 17 - D,) Additionally, Rob McCord (PA Governor - D) sent Jordan and Graham and Ryan Bizzarro (PA State House 3 - D-Incumbent) sent Linda McCabe. There was also coverage by both local TV news crews.
January, 2014
Erie Participates in Buffalo LGBT Community Pride Tree
In The Loop in Buffalo NY announced a first ever LGBT Community Pride Tree, which was open to individuals and organizations in not only Buffalo, NY, but also nearby areas. Several Erie PA area groups chose to participate. NW PA Pride Alliance Vice President Season Crannell made holiday ornaments for NW PA Pride Alliance, Erie Gay News and PFLAG Erie and Crawford Counties, which were included on Buffalo's tree.
December, 2013
Drag Queen Bingo fundraiser a fun time!
On November 9, NW PA Pride Alliance held Drag Queen Bingo at Erie Clown Hall, 512 Kelso Drive in Erie. Many thanks to the Erie Clowns for being so friendly and welcoming, particularly Doodles and Mr. Donut, who prepared yummies. Thanks also to our drag perfomers who gave 110 percent: Michelle Michaels, Velvet Lace, Lovin Heart, and Misty Kall. Thanks to our volunteers, Amy Terrizzi, Erin Moll Terrizzi, Chris Dye, Preston Blood and Christine H! Photos are by Michael Mahler, NW PA Pride Alliance president and also co-editor for Erie Gay News.
November, 2013
Bread Box Award for NW PA Pride Alliance
On Thursday, October 17, 2013, NW PA Pride Alliance board members Season Crannell, Chris Dye and Michael Mahler attended the 25th Annual Bread Box Awards luncheon at the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA, 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie PA. The luncheon recgnizes schools, churches, organizations, individuals, small businesses and large businesses that donate to the food bank. NW PA Pride Alliance is glad to give back to our community!
Meet the Candidates Night
On Thursday, October 3, NW PA Pride Alliance and other co-sponsors held a Meet the Candidates Night at the Avalon Hotel and Conference Center, 16 W 10th St, Erie PA. The event was organized as an informal mixer, and about 50 people total attended. Campaigns and candidates attending included Kathy Dahlkemper (D) for County Executive, Andre Horton (D) and Ned Smith (R) for County Council District 1, Eddie Whiteman (R) for Erie County Sheriff, Joe Sinnott (D-Inc) for Erie City Mayor, David Brennan (D-Inc), John Evans (R-Inc) and Kaz Kwitowski (D) for Erie City Council, and Angela Euell-McNair (D) for Erie City School Director. Co-sponsoring groups included NW PA Pride Alliance, Drenched Fur, Erie Gay News, Erie Sisters, LBT Women of Erie, LGBT Erie, Marriage Equality for PA, Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition, Persad Center, PFLAG Erie, TransFamily of Erie Support Group and Trigon. WICU TV 12/WJET TV 24 covered the story for the evening news. NW PA Pride Alliance wants to thanks the wonderful volunteers who made this possible and the people who turned out to support this event.
October, 2013
Pride Parade and Rally
On Saturday, August 24, about 300 people attended the Pride Parade and Rally put on by NW PA Pride Alliance.
August, 2013
NW PA Pride Float in Millcreek 4th of July Parade
About 15 people rode on the float that NW PA Pride Alliance had in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade, which drew around 20,000 people. Although there has been an LGBT contingent for a total now of 8 years, this is the first year that we were all on a float. Many thanks to Ben Heggy from Seven Springs for bringing up his truck and driving it, as well as for help in decorating. Many thanks to Season Crannell for float design and to Season, Chris, Alex, Preston, Melanie, Julie and others for setup and tear down. We had a wonderful time, and the crowd was incredibly supportive and friendly!
Supreme Court Victory Celebration in Perry Square
On Wednesday, June 26, 2013, the US Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in a 5-4 decision, which prohibited same-sex couples legally married in their own state from reciving federal benefits. Also, Prop 8 in California was dismissed for lack of standing, effectively setting the stage for marriage equality to return to California. The Supreme Court did not rule on the substance of whether same-sex couples could be singled out by state law. These two landmark victories were celebrated by about 30-35 people, who assembled in Perry Square in Erie that evening. Both local news crews and also a photographer from the Erie Times News stopped by to cover the event.
July, 2013
Erie Pride Picnic a fun time for all
On Saturday, June 16, about 215 people got together for food, folks and fun at the 21st Annual Erie Pride Picnic Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. New this year was ox roast to go with the traditional hot dogs.
NW PA Pride float in Perry 200 Parade
On Saturday, May 25, NW PA Pride Alliance participated in the historic Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade. The parade marked the bicentennial of the Battle of Lake Erie, which was part of the War of 1812. There were about 10-12 people on the float, and the spectators were friendly and supportive! There were tens of thousands of spectators and 10,000 people participated in the parade. Special thanks go out to Ben Heggy for providing the truck and vehicle and to Season Crannell for creating the lovely lighthouse logo. Also thanks to Chris Dye for setup and teardown, and to Alex Bolla and Preston Blood for teardown. Photos are by Michael Mahler, co-editor for Erie Gay News.
June, 2013
Candidate Forum a Success
On Thursday, April 18, NW PA Pride Alliance held a candidate forum at the Avalon Hotel & Conference Center, 16 W 10th St, Erie PA for candidates for Erie County Executive, Erie County Council (Districts 2, 4 and 6), Erie City Mayor and Erie City Council. Candidates from both major party were invited. WICU TV 12 covered the event as part of their broadcast that night. About 70 people attended overall.
November, 2012
LGBT Unit in Edinboro Homecoming Parade
On Saturday, October 6, 2012, there was an LGBT unit in the Edinboro Homecoming Parade. The unit was organized by NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. and included members from Erie Sisters. The reaction from the spectators was positive and affirming.
NW PA Pride Alliance Candidate Forum
About 40 people attended the candidate forum co-sponsored by Erie Gay News and NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc on Sunday, October 14 at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA. Joshua Atkinson moderated the presentation. Candidates present included Pat Harkins, PA State Rep - 3 (D); Sean Wiley, candidate for PA State Senate 49 (D); Missa Eaton, candidate for US Congress PA-3 (D); Jason Owen, candidate for PA State Rep District 3 (R) & Kathy Fatica, representing Ryan Bizzarro, candidate for PA State Rep District 3 (D); and Jason White, candidate for PA State Rep District 5 (D). Both local news crews covered the event. Thanks to Joe Totleben, VJ for the Zone, Michael Morrill of Keystone Progress who took video of the event, Michael Coleman for taking photos and NW PA Pride Alliance board members Season, Chris, Amy and Erin.
October, 2012
Pride Parade and Rally a Fun Time!
On Saturday, August 25, over 250 people attended the Pride Parade and Rally. The day’s events were organized by NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. There were three floats and about 14 units in the parade, which stepped off from the Zone Dance Club, went down State Street to Perry Square. The rally in Perry Square had 23 info tables and vendors. Speakers and performers included Rhiannon Angelina, current reigning Miss Erie; Laurie Finch of LBT Women of Erie, who was also celebrating her 11th anniversary with her wife Janice Hanusik that day, Michelle Michaels, local drag icon; singer Collis Allen; Melanie Shubitowski, President of Erie Sisters; Misty Kall, 2011 Miss Erie; Ebony Davis, board member of Greater Erie Alliance for Equality; Lake Erie Belly Dance; Michael Mahler, for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. and Erie Gay News; singer/guitarist Bob Bearfield; Rich McCarty, board member of Equality PA; and singer/guitarist Jay Bones. Once again, the Dunk a Drag booth was a crowd favorite. NW PA Pride Alliance thanks all of the donors and volunteers who made the event such a success! A special thanks to Ben from Seven Springs, PA for providing and driving the lead float in the Parade!
September, 2012
Pre-Pride Parade Performance Party at PACA
On Friday, August 24, several drag performers put on a well-received show to a packed house at the Performing Arts Center & Theater, 1505 State St, Erie PA. Performers included Destiny Divine, Rhiannon Angelina, Michelle Michaels, Nicolai Chase featuring Aiden, and Buffy Lynn Hayes. Thanks to DJ Lunchbox for sound, Michael Coleman for taking photos and Jason for help. The event was a wonderful kickoff for the Pride Parade and Rally the next day, which was organized by NW PA Pride Alliance.
August, 2012
Millcreek 4th of July Parade
For the 7th year in a row, there was an LGBT contingent in the Millcreek 4th of July parade. The parade typically draws around 20,000 spectators and is one of the largest in the region. NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc was the principal organizer. Other groups participating included Erie Gay News, Erie Sisters, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and PFLAG -Erie/Crawford County. There were also a number of individuals who marched with us who weren't particularly affiliated with a group, including openly gay Jamestown NY City Council President Greg Rabb, Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus co-founder Michael Bardo, Mike & Merideth Paff, a young straight couple who brought their 2 sons in a stroller, and LGBT friends from Oil City. About 25 people marched in the LGBT contingent, and the response was quite positive. Special thanks to Michael Coleman for taking photos.
July, 2012
20th Annual Pride Picnic Sets Record
On Saturday, June 18, 2012, the NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. presented the 20th Annual Erie Pride Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle, The event drew over 400 attendees, which sets an all-time record. WICU/WSEE news covered the event. The weather was wonderful and it was a great time for visiting with friends old and new.. Thanks to everyone who made the day such a success!
Drag Queen Bingo raises over $1,000
On Saturday, May 19, the NW PA Pride Alliance held a very successful Drag Queen Bingo at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie to raise money for Pride events. About 72 people attended, and everyone had a great time! Over $1,000 was raised. Our drag performers included Michelle Michaels, Rhiannon Angelina, Misty Kall and Velvet Lace. Thanks go out to our volunteers: Jeff, JR Snyder, Ryan McKane, Eric Linster, Ivy for kitchen duty; Erin Moll, Amy Terrizzi, Mark Hoovler, Preston Blood, Eric Rogers, Shakira Nakelle, DJ Lunchbox, Season Crannell, Chris Dye, Ernie Staaf and Kristen for running the event.
December, 2011
Bread Box Award from Erie Food Bank for Picnic donation
On Wednesday, October 26, members of the Pride Planning Committee attended the 2011 Bread Box Awards at the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW Pennsylvania at 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie PA. Donations had been collected at the 19th annual Erie Pride Picnic held on June 11. This is the 8th year that donations had been collected at the Pride Picnic.
November, 2011
Erie GLBT Contingent in Edinboro Homecoming Parade
On Saturday, October 8, 2011, several members of Erie's GLBT community marched as a unit in the Edinboro University Homecoming Parade. This was the first time for the LGBT community to participate, and we had been invited to march by the University. The parade went through the campus and also through the streets of Edinboro PA. The crowds were friendly, and we got quite a few smiles and waves. Photos are by Michael Mahler, co-editor of Erie Gay News, with editing by Deb Spilko.
October, 2011
Erie Pride Parade & Rally a Great Time!
On Saturday, August 27, about 230 people participated in the Erie Pride Parade & Rally. This year’s Pride events were organized by the Pride Planning committee, which is an informal coalition of groups and individuals.
September, 2011
LGBT Table at Blues and Jazz Fest
On August 6 & 7, Erie Gay News and LBT Women of Erie for the 3rd year staffed a local LGBT community info table at the 19th Annual Blues and Jazz Fest in Frontier Park in Erie PA. This was a great opportunity to reach out to those not aleady in touch with the community. Photos are by Erie Gay News co-editor Deb Spiko and LBT Women of Erie coordinator Lauie Finch, with photo editing by Deb Spilko. The Blues and Jazz Fest is organized by the Erie Art Museum and other resources.
Zone Diva Benefit for Erie Pride 2011
On August 14, 2011, The divas of The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, put on a special benefit FACE drag show to support Erie Pride 2011 events. Over $250 was raised, and the Pride Planning Committee is very grateful to all of the performers and volunteers who gave of their time to help make Pride events in Erie possible! Photos are by Pride Planning Committee member Danny Tingley, with photo editing by Erie Gay News co-editor Deb Spilko.
August, 2011
Millcreek 4th of July Parade
On Monday, July 4, 2011, about 20 people marched in the LGBT contingent of the Millcreek 4th of July Parade. The parade is one of the largest in Erie County, PA and the spectactors were overall friendly and supportive. This is the 6th year that there has been such a contingent, and it ties with previous year's record. Marchers included both individuals and groups including Erie Gay News, Erie Sisters. LBT Women of Erie, and PFLAG of Erie and Crawford Counties. Photos are by Deb Spilko, co-editor of Erie Gay News. Special thanks to Caitlyn for providing the convertible and decorations for same and Melanie of the Erie Sisters for help with decorating.
July, 2011
19th Pride Picnic Wrap-Up and Thanks!
The 19th Annual Erie Gay News Family Pride Picnic, held Saturday, June 11 at the Rotary Pavilion was a great success! This year, Pride events are being coordinated by the Pride Planning committee, which is a coalition of groups and individuals.
February, 2011
2011 Pride Events planned and scheduled
About 16 people attended the first planning meeting for 2011 Pride events on January 16. The group was enthusiastic and a lot of groups and individuals were represented.
Pride Planning Meeting
About 16 people attended the first planning meeting for 2011 Pride events on January 16.. The group was enthusiastic and a lot of groups and individuals were represented.
September, 2010
GLBT Table at Blues and Jazz Festival
For the second year, Erie's GLBT community had a table at the Erie Art Museum's Blues and Jazz Fest. Thanks go out to Ed for help with set up. Among the people helping to staff the table were Laurie Finch, Robert, Jerry McCumber, Paul, Mags, Will Koehler and Charlene Newport. Available at the table were copies of Erie Gay News, as well as info about LBT Women of Erie, Family United Counseling, and the new GLBT Parents group being started, A few people also stopped by to have face photos taken. Virtually all of the interaction was positive and friendly!
Love Is Not A Crime: Project Mugshot
On Saturday, June 12, 2010, at the 18th Annual Erie Gay News Family Pride Picnic held at Presque Isle State Park in Erie PA, people were encouraged to participate in the Love Is Not a Crime photo project. GLBT people and their friends, families and supporters were all welcomed to have their photo taken. Crystal and other volunteers took photos. Photo editing is by Deb Spilko, co-editor of Erie Gay News.
August, 2010
4th of July Parade sets record
Over 20 people marched as a part of the GLBT community in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade, which was held on Saturday, July 3. Although this was the fifth year that there was a GLBT presence, previously, we had marched as part of the peace and justice contingent. The organizers for the parade were unfailingly gracious and supportive. Quite a few groups were represented, including Erie Gay News, LBT Women of Erie, PFLAG - Erie and Crawford Counties, Erie Gay Pride, and members, friends and supporters of the community.
July, 2010
Thanks to all who made another great picnic!
The 18th Annual Erie Gay News Family Pride Picnic, held Saturday, June 12 at the Rotary Pavilion was a great success! About 330 people, equal to last year's all time record, enjoyed a day of friends, food and fun. We also collected 127 pounds of food and $30 for the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA. Thanks so much for everyone's generosity!
September, 2009
Great Nationwide Kiss In includes Erie
On Saturday, August 15, 2009, Erie PA participated in the Great Nationwide Kiss-In, which occurred on about 50 cities, mostly in the US. The local event was held on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse. 140 W 6th St, Erie PA. This was part of a nationwide reaction to three couples who had been targeted by security and/or law enforcement personnel for simply kissing in public. The event was suggested by David Mailloux and David Badash.
LGBT Table at Blues & Jazz Fest
On the weekend of August 1 & 2, 2009, the Erie Art Museum presented the Jazz and Blues Festival in Frontier Park, Erie PA. Many community-based groups had info booths. There was a GLBT booth staffed by Erie Gay News and LBT Women of Erie. The LBT Women of Erie also had a great time socializing in the field. The GLBT booth was between the political progressive booth staffed by Erie Peace Initiative and Health Care for all, and also the United NeoPagan Council of Lake Erie booth. We all had a wonderful time enjoying the great music and wonderful company!
August, 2009
Marching in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade
On Saturday, July 4, 2009 the Erie Peace and Justice Center marched in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade. Also marching were Erie Gay News and Erie Gay Pride. Photos by Deb Spilko.
July, 2009
17th Annual Picnic biggest yet!
On Saturday, June 13, the 17th Annual Pride Picnic set a record for attendance. We estimate a minimum of 330 people joined us for a day of good friends, food and fun!
December, 2008
Erie joins national day of protest against Proposition 8
On Saturday, November 15 about 80 people stood at the Erie County Courthouse to protest Proposition 8.
August, 2008
2008 Millcreek 4th of July Parade
On July 4, 2008, several groups marched with the rest of the annual Millcreek Fourth of July Parade. Groups included the Green Party of Erie County, Erie Peace and Justice Center, United NeoPagan Council of Lake Erie, Erie Gay News and PFLAG-Erie and Crawford County
Pride Picnic recap
The 16th Annual Pride Picnic held on June 28 was a wonderful success! We had about 300 people join us, which ties with the all-time record for a local GLBT event that was open to the general public.
April, 2008
Voters Guide
Candidates for US Congress (PA - 3rd District) PA State Senate and PA State Representative were asked about their positions on GLBT issues. Their responses appear below.
July, 2007
270 enjoy food and fun at Pride Picnic
Under warm sunny skies, the 15th Annual Pride Erie Picnic took place June 2 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park. About 270 people representing many different aspects of the gay community and their supporters attended this year's event.
4th of July Parade
The GLBT community and its allies have been invited to participate in the Millcreek July 4 Parade. Everyone interested is invited to gather at 10 AM on July 4 around W. 12th St. and Marshall Ave. (the Erie Insurance building and also former site of Lizzy Bordon's.) Look for the Erie Peace and Justice banner, as well as the Erie Gay News banner and the big rainbow banner. The parade will be marching to Erie International Airport.
August, 2006
Marching in Millcreek 4th of July Parade
At the invitation of Tim Reim of the Erie Peace and Justice Center, GLBT folks and their supporters were invited to march with the progressive political contingent in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade. The parade typically draws a few thousand observers.
July, 2006
People Show their Pride at Picnic
Under bright blue skies with a cool breeze blowing off Lake Erie, some 270 people attended this year's Gay Pride Community Picnic at Presque Isle State Park on June 10. The festive environment help foster friendships as people of all ages enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers and a host of excellently prepared side dishes.
November, 2005
Erie Pride 2005 March & Rally
On Saturday, October 15, 2005, the Gay Male/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender and Allied communities of Erie County came together to celebrate the successes of the past year and the challenges of the upcoming year. Fall pride events have been held most years since 1998, and picnics have been held since 1992. The organizer this year was Dan Burdick, a faculty member in the music department at Edinboro University. The March included 60-75 people representing such diverse groups as PFLAG, Allegheny College, Penn State - Behrend, Edinboro University, the Erie County Health Department, and many others. Erie City Police led the March down State Street from the Zone to Perry Square. The crowd at Perry Square for the rally was estimated at 125 people. The Rally opened with moving comments by event co-sponsor and organizer, Patty Puline of the Erie County Department of Health about Jeff Grego, LGBT community leader who was recently killed in a plane crash. The keynote was given by Lee Edmondson - co-owner of Trance. Lee focused on speaking about positive changes that have happened in Erie in the last 40 years and gave specific examples of how to move forward. Other speakers included event organizer Michael Mahler - co-organizer of the rally and co-editor of the Erie Gay News, Zach - the first openly gay Homecoming candidate at Edinboro University, Kate Ebersole, CPCC, LCSW, of Authentic Lives Coaching, and Mark - the President of PFLAG. Two other featured speakers were Joy Greco - Republican member of the Erie County Council who is also running for Millcreek Supervisor. She spoke about how the County Council has supported the civil rights of all the citizens in the county. She has been instrumental in the changes enacted by the County Council. Brava to Joy! Another featured speaker was Joe Giles(D), Chair of the Erie County Council. He spoke about how the County Council has put into place budgetary and administrative details to make the Human Rights Commission possible. Again, great work by Joe and the Council! Also speaking was Kahan Sablo, Dean of Students at Edinboro University of PA (EUP) who read a supportive letter from EUP President Frank G Pogue
August, 2005
Pride Picnic wrap up
Huge thanks to everyone who made the 2005 Erie Pride Picnic such a wonderful success! We had about 300 people attend, about the same/slightly down from last year. This year's Picnic was held on the 4th Saturday, due to a scheduling issue. Next year we will be back to the 2nd Saturday in June. There was a wide diversity of members and friends of the community represented. And keeping up a 13 event streak, we once again had beautiful weather! All 3 local TV news stations reported on the event.
November, 2004
Pride March & Rally
About 120 people showed up for the Erie Pride March/Rally on Sunday, October 3. About 100 met on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse for the Family Portrait. The first ever Family Portrait was taken at that location in October 1995. All 3 local TV news stations had coverage of the March and Rally. The Erie Times News also had a front page story the next day about the Rally. Among the chants that marchers used while walking up State Street were: "What do we want? Equal Rights! When do we want them? Right now!", as well as other chants opposing George W. Bush being elected as President. When the March passed by Kerry/Edwards Headquarters at 10th and State, staff stepped out to greet the marchers.
July, 2004
Pride Picnic 2004 Recap
Huge thanks to everyone who made the 2004 Erie Pride Picnic such a wonderful success! We had well over 300 people attend, a new record over last year's record of 270. There was a wide diversity of members and friends of the community represented. Volunteer Dave Amy remarked that Mother Nature had to be a lesbian as in the 12 years we have been having picnics, we have always had clear and beautiful weather.
October, 2003
Erie Pride 2003
"We had bigger speakers and more drag queens in Perry Square downtown, so people tended to stick around a little longer," Erie Pride organizer Abbey Atkinson said in an interview with the Gay People's Chronicle. "More businesses sponsored us this year, and more came out to the park and participated."
July, 2003
Pride Picnic 2003 Recap
About 270 people, an all time record, came together to celebrate the 11th annual Pride Erie Picnic at Presque Isle, Beach 11 on June 14, 2003. Once again, we had hot dogs and hamburgers and folks brought a yummy assortment of dishes. There were about 225 people at last year's picnic, which was the previous record amount for attendance.
September, 2002
2002 Pride Weekend a Huge Success!
The first Pride Erie weekend was a tremendous success! Many thanks to all those who made it possible. This was the first large scale multiple event/venue weekend and was held September 6-8. The primary organizers were Abbey Atkinson and Trigon, as well as Maureen Koseff PFLAG of Erie/Crawford County.
June, 2002
Pride Erie Picnic 2002 a huge success!
Many thanks go out to everyone who made the 2002 Pride Picnic a phenomenal success! There were approximately 220 people who came, which is an all time record. (There were about 125-150 people at last year's Picnic.) As in years past, people came from Erie, the tristate area and farther. Folks came with their partners, children and family members. We also had a very diverse representation of the GLBT community and our allies.
October, 2001
2001 Pride March and Rally
On October 6, 2001, Abbey Atkinson of Trigon/Penn State Behrend organized a Pride March and Rally. This was Erie's first Pride March. The marchers walked down the side of Peach St from the Village Supper Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA. The rally was held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 Perry Highway, Erie PA and included speakers and info tables.
June, 2001
2001 Pride Erie Picnic Wrap-Up
Between 125, and 150 people attended the 2001 Pride Erie Picnic on Saturday, June 30, 2001 at Presque Isle Beach 11 Pavilion. This was the 9th annual picnic at Presque Isle. They have been held every year since 1992, with the exception of 1993. Most people were from Erie county, but friends from other parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Maryland and even Florida joined us.
July/August 2000
2000 Erie Pride Picnic
About 60 or so people attended the annual Pride Erie Picnic on Saturday, June 10, at the Beach 11 pavilion. The picnic has been held every year at Presque Isle since 1992, with the exception of 1993. Our friends from western New York and Ohio joined us for an afternoon of food, folks and fun.
November, 1999
Erie's Second Pride Rally 10/9/99
About 150 people gathered on Saturday, October 9 for Erie's second Pride Rally. The event opened with an inclusive prayer by Rev. Terry Kime of the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie. A color photo of Rev. Kime was featured in the Erie Times News article on the front page of the local section the next day. Other speakers included Robin Green of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Erie; Dr. Sal Parco of Citizens Against Racism in Erie (CARE); Gary Horton, speaking on behalf of Mayor Joyce Savocchio; Dan Hawes of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), who flew up from Washington DC; and Bob Cogan, of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Erie Chapter. There were more performers this year than last year. HAG Theater of Buffalo presented a scene from a one woman show "The Second Coming of Joan of Arc", local musical favorites 2 Girls Alone and Chris Miller performed, and Clumsi Clemsi, Bobbi B and Sharon Sharalike presented "Bosom Buddies", a drag/clown performance. We also had our traditional family portrait!
July, 1999
Pride Picnic 1999 a success
First of all, many thanks to everyone who helped make the Pride Picnic a success. I am missing names here, but thanks to Brian and Dave for cooking and cleanup, Tina for helping with cooking, Helen and Georgia for clean up and running the 50/50, Coca-Cola for donating pop, Uniflow/Coldraft for donating ice, Tops-Eastside for making a donations towards groceries, and my husband Micheal Miller for stuff too countless to name. There were many people who helped with clean up, set up, and who made donations whose names I did not catch. Many thanks to the 100-120 people who attended and made the day such a pleasure!
November, 1998
Erie's First Pride Rally a Huge Success
Over 300 people showed up for Erie's first ever Pride Rally Saturday, October 10th from noon to 4PM on Perry Square. This was the first public gathering of GLBT people and their families, friends and supporters in local history.
July, 1998
1998 Pride Erie Picnic
We had a great turnout this year for the annual Pride Picnic at Presque Isle, despite some potentially unfriendly looking clouds.
July, 1997
1997 Pride Picnic Wrap up
First and foremost, we should thank all the folks who made Pride Erie '97 such a success. Elaine Hill, coordinator of PFLAG-Erie, gave tirelessly of her time, energy and her own funds. Dave Mulholland helped with planning and setup. Marilyn Borawski, who moved back to Erie after 20 years, called me up a week or two before the event asking what she could do to help0 and dove right in. You go, girl! Thanks to Quality Markets-East Grandview, Wegman's-Peach Street, Tops-26th Street, Giant Eagle-26th and Peninsula and Coca-Cola for donating food and drink. Thanks to Clemens Zehender ("Clumsi Clemsi" the clown) for putting on a thoroughly delightful performance. (Clemens donated this to our community.) Many thanks to the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie for having a beautiful and deeply moving Interfaith Pride Service. Special Thanks to Rev. Terry Kime of the UU and Sr. Mary Louise St. John of the Benedictine Sisters for putting together the Order of Service and to Elaine Hill and Lyta Seddi for their contributions to the service. Kudos to Jeff Hill for cooking at the picnic (and dealing with the Burger Turner of Death.) Thanks to Eric Hetz for giving a ride to a young member of our community. Thanks to my husband, Micheal Miller for making signs, decorations, setup, clean up and putting up with me. Thanks to Deb Spilko for staying at the cabin when the site had to be moved to let others know of the change. Thanks to Marilyn Borawski, Paul Grubbs, Chris Young, and Dave and everyone who helped clean up after the picnic. And you know, as long as the list is, I am certain that there are people that I am still overlooking to thank, for which I apologize. I would like to thank everyone from out community who showed up and celebrated.
July, 1996
PRIDE Growing in Erie
An estimated 125 lesbigays, supporters, and their families attended the 1996 Celebrate Pride! Picnic, making it the most successful pride event in Erie to date.
December, 1995
1995 Family Portrait
The picture you see on this page was taken on Saturday, October 28, 1995 on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse. The portrait was taken by Jay Pees of Impact Photography in Warren, PA and was open to all lesbigay people and our friends, families and supporters. A copy was buried in the Erie PA Bicentennial Time Capsule in 1996, which will be opened again in 2095.
July, 1995
Pride Picnic a Great Time
The League of Gay and Lesbian Voters (LGLV) organized the 3rd annual Erie Pride Picnic at a cabin near Beach 6 on Saturday, June 10, 1995. The principal organizers were Greg Valiga and Elaine Hill. This was a few weeks after the GLBT float that was in the Erie Bicentennial Parade. The flat had been vandalized and rebuilt, and pieces from the float were on display at the picnic.
June, 1995
GLBT Float in 1995 Erie Bicentennial Parade
It's January (1995) and I'm reading an article in the Erie Times about this huge parade the bicentennial commission is creating. Heidi Streich and Larry Sawdy think the community should build a float. The idea has some merit, but I surely do not want to be on any float committee-work with the League keeps me busy enough. I try to kill the idea by mentioning the possibility of violence and I use an old standby-we can't find someone to work with the media when the news breaks. After discussing the idea, Heidi eventually convinces me. I reluctantly agree to call the commission for guidelines and to get a sense of their position.
July, 1994
1994 Pride Picnic
The Bridges Picnic on June 11th was a very pleasant, low-key affair. We did have some folks come all the way from Bradford. Folks had a good time. We had a volleyball game that had to be seen to be believed. It might have appeared to have been a mass tryout for the Athletically-Challenged Olympics. Most important was that we all had great fun, sort of what I heard about the Gay Games-the point is to enjoy the activity and the friendship, and not necessarily to be the Jock from Hell.
January, 1993
1992 Pride Picnic
In June the Pride Picnic was held. The picnic was scheduled for June because that is the month when gay and lesbian pride marches and other observances take place around the country and internationally.
NW PA Pride
The NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. works to improve visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersexed and Ally/Asexual (LGBTQIA) community. It also facilitates communication and collaboration between groups and individuals within the region's LGBTQIA community and the greater region's community, while respecting individual and group identity.
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