Michael dithers about Pride Fest, Drenched Fur 14, youth group, and more 

Erie Gay News gets congratulatory letters from Sen. Bob Casey and Gov. Tom Wolf, fun time at Flaming Hearts Valentines Day Dance at Mercyhurst, looking forward to Drenched Fur!

I wasn't quite sure when Erie Gay News started 25 years ago that we would be able to keep a local publication going for this long.

What a busy past few months! It was fun walking with the Edinboro students and NW PA Pride in the Homecoming Parade. Two weeks later, I went down to march with Crawford Area LGBT+ and several Allegheny Colege students in the Meadville Halloween Parade. Randy, the organizer for our unit, had said that it was going to be wet and suggested that folks wear a poncho or something. I must admit that I tend to not be very good at costuming, but I picked up both a red ponco and a red clown nose, and told folks that I was Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Raingear. Speaking of costumes, there were some terrific costumes at the Identity/EUP HalloQueen Ball, and also some wonderful performers at the Penn State Behrend Drag Show.

Congrats to TransFamily of NW PA's Caitlyn Strohmeyer on being appointed to Erie County Human Relations Commission. Voters Guide is online, and a computer crash created a challenge for finishing this month's issue.

Erie is celebrating 25 years of Pride in 2017. Also, Erie County HIV Task Force continues to distribute FREE condoms at 25 locations across Erie County. FREE HIV screenings at Drenched Fur on April 1 at the Bel Aire Clarion Hotel and Conference Center.

This issue of Erie Gay News is a personal milestone for a couple of reasons. In addition to being our 250th issue, it also happens to be coming out around the 25th anniversary of when I first became involved in the Erie LGBT community. A lot has changed over the years, and it is truly heartwarming to see all of the progress that we have made together!

Wedding officiant directory published, LGBT Roundtable, Drenched Fur events and new kitties!

Thoughts on anti-discrimination legislation and recent video on street harassment. Also, marriage equality gains.

Visit to Jamestown NY; Drenched Fur 7 and Pride events