Transfamily of NWPA (65 Articles with 107,236 total views)
TransFamily of NWPA is a support group created to serve the transgender community of Northwestern PA and the surrounding region.
March, 2024
Transgender Day of Visibility
On Saturday, April 6, join TransFamily of NWPA at noon in Perry Square to commemorate Trans Day of Visibility. They will be celebrating trans lives, raising awareness about trans experiences, and building a community of powerful allies. This event also serves as a chance to uplift trans voices and work towards a world where everyone, regardless of gender identity, has the right to live authentically and without fear.
January, 2024
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania would like to thank everyone who gathered together at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life or via Facebook Live for this year's Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). TDOR is when we gather together to remember our Transgender siblings lost to anti-transgender violence. It is up to all of us to remember them since their killers, law enforcement, and the media often seek to erase their existence.
TransGiving celebrated at the Compton's Table
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania once again hosted the annual TransGiving on Saturday, November 25, at Compton's Table in the Central Outreach Building on State Street. The meal was a potluck style, with members of the TransFamily board providing the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and dressing. Great conversations among new and old friends helped make this event a cherished part of the holiday season.
November, 2023
TransFamily of Erie's Annual TransGiving Potluck on November 25
Join us on November 25 for our annual "TransGiving Feast" potluck meal to show thanks for our chosen family! It will occur at Compton's Table (inside the Community Outreach Center, 3104 State St. Erie, PA) from 2-5 pm. Transfamily of NWPA will provide the turkey, stuffing, and drinks. Please bring a dish to share, and we hope to see you there
Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 in Erie
Join TransFamily of NWPA on Monday, November 20th for Transgender Day of Remembrance. We will come together to remember and honor our transgender siblings that have been lost to senseless acts of anti-transgender violence, marginalization and stigma by reading their names and short bios aloud. The vigil will be held at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life, 201 W. 11th Street, Erie PA at 7:30 pm. It will also be live-streamed on our Facebook page for those who can't attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
October, 2023
TransFamily of NWPA Holds Summer Picnic
One of the summer's best traditions took place on August 19th, with TransFamily of NWPA holding its annual picnic on August 19th at Presque Isle State Park. The organization celebrated eleven years of supporting trans joy and family bonds. It brought together people from the transgender and gender-diverse community for an afternoon of fun, community, and even kayaking! TransFamily of NWPA continues to demonstrate acceptance of people for who they are and promotes how our differences make us special. The best part was the shared potluck meal and sweets for everyone in the hope they continue to form a deeper understanding of one another.
August, 2023
TransFamily NWPA Summer Picnic on Aug 19
TransFamily will have our yearly trans picnic on the 19th of August from noon to five at Presque Isle at site 001-#1 pavillion. TransFamily will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, and vegan options. Please bring your favorite dish to share and a list of ingredients, and join us in celebrating 11 wonderful years of supporting the trans community!
July, 2023
TransFamily of NWPA Erie Meetings Moving to Compton's Table Office in July
After pausing regular support group meetings for Pride in June, TransFamily of NW PA will move their Erie meetings to Compton's Table, 3104 State Street, Erie, PA, beginning in July. The Erie meetings are on the fourth Saturday of each month from 2 to 5 PM. Compton's Table office is in the same building as Central Outreach Wellness Center. TransFamily of NW PA additionally has a meeting in Meadville at Empowerment With Grace LLC, 941 Federal Ct Ste 104 (across the street from Julian's Bar & Grill) on the second Saturday of the month, from 2 to 5 PM.
May, 2023
Trans Day of Visibility Walk Around Perry Square on March 31
On March 31, 2023, TransFamily of NW PA held its second annual Trans Day of Visibility Walk Around Perry Square. Local media covered the event, and elected officials and candidates attended. Organizers discussed the importance of trans people being visible in the face of increased legislative attacks on their dignity.
TransFamily of NW PA Adds Meadville Meetings
TransFamily of NW PA has added Meadville meetings on the second Saturday of the month at 2 PM at Empowerment with Grace, 941 Federal Ct Ste 104, Meadville, PA 16335. Empowerment with Grace is in the old post office building across the street from Julian's Bar & Grill. The entrance is on the side of the building. TransFamily continues to hold Erie meetings on the 4th Saturday of the month at 2 PM at Crime Victim Center, 125 W 18th St, Erie, PA. Please note that TransFamily will skip the Meadville and Erie meetings for June because of Pride. Email the group at transfamilynwpabod@gmail.com or on their Facebook page, or at https://transfamilynwpa.org/
March, 2023
Community Spotlight #3: TransFamily of NW PA
TransFamily of NW PA was founded in 2012 by Caitlyn Strohmeyer as a support group for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in Erie and the surrounding area. Group meetings are held every fourth Saturday at the Crime Victim Center, 125 W 18th St Erie, PA, from 2 - 5 pm.
January, 2023
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2022
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania would like to thank everyone who gathered together on November 20, 2022 at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life or via Facebook Live for this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance. TDOR is when we gather together to remember our Transgender siblings lost to anti-transgender violence. It is up to all of us to remember them, since their killers, law enforcement and media often seek to erase their existence.
Transgiving celebrated at the Crime Victim Center
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania once again hosted the annual Transgiving, Saturday, November 26 at the Crime Victim Center on West 18th Street in Erie. The meal'ss a potluck style with members of the Transfamily board providing the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and dressing. Great conversations among new and old friends alike helped to make this event a great part of the holiday season.
November, 2022
Transfamily of NWPA to remember and give thanks this November
On Sunday, November 20, Transfamily of NW PA will continue to honor the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost with a remembrance at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie PA, at 2:00. The names of known transgender people lost since last November 20 will be read at the vigil. It is difficult to accurately know how many have lost their lives because some families or society misgenders those individuals who have passed on. Transfamily will also be hosting their Transgiving at the Crime Victim Center, 125 W 18 St, Erie PA, on Saturday, November 26, at 2:00. This will take the place of their monthly meeting and be a time for the community to come together to share a meal. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and gravy will be provided. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to pass and RSVP via the Transfamily Facebook page.
September, 2022
TransFamily celebrates with annual summer picnic
The afternoon of Saturday, August 20th was a beautiful time for Erie's TransFamily of NWPA to celebrate their 5th annual summer picnic. The picnic, held at the Glenwood Park, also served as a way to celebrate the ten years TransFamily has been working to support the transgender community of northwestern Pennsylvania, as well as those who are questioning, their loved ones, family members, and aliens. They work towards a greater understanding of people who are transgender though advocacy, education and community engagement.
August, 2022
TransFamily Picnic Aug 20
The annual TransFamily NWPA picnic is coming up this August on the 20th, running from 11 am to 3 pm at Glenwood Park, and we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary! There will be games, food, and fun! Please feel free to bring food to share. We look forward to seeing all of you!
July, 2022
TransFamily of NW PA at Pride Fest on June 25
In celebration of Pride month, TransFamily NWPA will be attending Erie Pride on June 25. Unfortunately, this means we will not be holding the monthly group meeting at the Crime Victim Center. However, we have our own table and are marching in the parade, so we hope to see you there marching with us! Happy Pride, everyone!
May, 2022
Erie Celebrates International Transgender Day of Visibility
A walk was held around Perry Square in Erie Thursday, March 31, celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility.
April, 2022
Transgender Day of Visibility Walk Around Perry Square on March 31
Regardless if it’s your first time, you haven’t been with us in some time, or you are with us every time, join Transfamily in Erie for our walk around Perry Square on March 31st at 6:00PM. On Transgender Day of Visibility, we will walk to celebrate trans excellence and to promote trans justice. TransFamily will provide coffee and/or water.
March, 2022
Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31
Internationally, on March 31st, people will celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility as a way to recognize the past, present, and future lives of transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals.
December, 2021
TransFamily of NW PA Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil
On Saturday, November 20, 2021, TransFamily of NW PA held a Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil in Griswold Park. About 25 people attended. The names of 60 trans individuals, many of them people of color, were read by attendees with loving memories by their friends and family.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) Candlelight Vigil on Nov 20 in Griswold Park
TransFamily of NW PA and supporters will gather at Griswold Park, 150 W 14th St, Erie PA on Saturday, November 20 at 4 PM to hear a few remarks and read the names of our transgender, non-binary, & gender non-conforming siblings lost to acts of violence over the last year.
November, 2021
TransFamily of NW PA - Transgender Day of Remembrance
TransFamily of NWPA is organizing an event for Transgender Day of Remembrance. The traditional date for Transgender Day of Remembrance is November 20.
September, 2021
TransFamily Summer Picnic July 24
TransFamily of NWPA held its annual summer picnic on July 24th at Glenwood Park in Erie, PA. There were approximately 50 people in attendance, making it the largest picnic the group has held. Name tags encouraged the sharing of pronouns, vaccination status, and hug status. The main meal dishes of pulled pork, hotdogs, and veggie burgers were complimented potluck style with side dishes provided by those in attendance. The event was scheduled for 4 hours but ran slightly longer as many friends and chosen families, new and old, had their first chance to relax and enjoy each other's company since before the pandemic. We, the TransFamily of NWPA Board of Directors, feel that the event was a huge success. We also look forward to seeing many of you again soon in our monthly support group meetings and in November for Transgiving! Please refer to our website https://transfamilynwpa.org/ for our calendar of events.
August, 2021
TransFamily Summer Picnic at Glenwood Park on July 24
Join TransFamily of NW PA for our Summer Picnic at Glenwood Park by the Zoo on July 24 from 12-4 pm. TransFamily of NWPA will supply the main meal dishes of pulled pork and vegetarian burgers & dogs. We ask you to bring a side dish and or chips to share and your non-alcoholic beverage of choice.
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.
TransFamily of NW PA Opposes Proposed Ban on Trans Youth in Sports
TransFamily of NWPA condemns the introduction of the so-called "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" to the Pennsylvania legislature on April 5, 2021. It is TransFamily of NWPA's position that transgender and gender non-conforming youth deserve the same opportunities as their cisgender counterparts.
January, 2021
Transgender Day of Remembrance Virtual Vigil on Nov 20
Friday, November 20 - TransFamily of NWPA, again, honored our transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming family members lost over the past year due to acts of violence.
December, 2020
Transgender Day of Remembrance (Virtual Vigil) on Nov 20
This Transgender Day of Remembrance event is a virtual memorial vigil. Intended to be a quiet, and contemplative event honoring those we have lost in the past year to acts of violence. TransFamily of NWPA will be presenting a "Reading of the Names". The names of those killed in the United States due to anti-trans violence. The event will be hosted on Zoom.
October, 2020
TransFamily of NW PA Scholarship for Name Change
Do you or do you know someone who needs some help getting their name changed? TransFamily of NWPA is giving funding to go toward any costs for a name change. If you would like to be considered, please fill out the survey here. Please apply by Friday, October 16.
May, 2020
TransFamily of NW PA Zoom Meetings
TransFamily of NW PA will be having their meetings via Zoom starting Saturday, April 25 at 2 PM. Event details are on their Facebook page. As Erie Gay News went to press there was discussion about having virtual meetings more than the usual 4th Saturday of the month. See their Facebook page for updates.
February, 2020
TransFamily Meadville No Longer Meeting; Erie meetings continue
Please note that due to a lack of attendance, TransFamily of NW PA's Meadville chapter will no longer be meeting. Erie meetings will continue as usual the fourth Saturday of each month from 2 to 5 PM at Crime Victim Center of Erie, 125 W 18th St, Erie PA. The student group at Allegheny College is the only known LGBT group in Crawford County.
January, 2020
TransFamily of NW PA Sixth Annual TransGiving
TransFamily of NW PA held their sixth annual TransGiving potluck dinner on Nov 23 at Crime Victim Center, 125 W 18th St. In addition to great food and friends, there was also a Trans Pride flag signed by members and allies, as well as a display of the recent proclamations recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance by Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie City Mayor Joe Schember.
December, 2019
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil on Nov 20
Over 50 people attended the Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil organized by TransFamily of NW PA held on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA on Wednesday, November 20. The names and stories of 37 people who had died in the U.S. due to violence or suicide as a result of transphobia were read by vigil participants, as well as a death that occurred in 2016 but was only positively identified in September 2019.This was the seventh consecutive year that there has been a local observance. After the vigil, TransFamily of NWPA and the Crime Victim Center of Erie County hosted a reception with light snacks to give attendees an opportunity to socialize and process their emotions. There was local media coverage promoting the event, and the Erie Reader sent a journalist to interview participants. Mayor Joe Schember prepresented a proclamation recognizing Transgender Awareness Week to Caitlyn Strohmeyer at his press conference the previous week. Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper also issued a proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance, which was presented at the vigil by Alex Whipple of the Erie County Department of Health.
November, 2019
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil on Nov 20
TransFamily of NW PA will host a candlielight vigil on Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30 PM on the step of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA. **NOTE: This event will start promptly at 6:30 pm. We ask that you please arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early to get a candle and join the vigil without disruption.
September, 2019
3rd Annual TransFamily Picnic on July 20
On Saturday, July 20, TransFamily of NW PA held their third annual picnic at the Wilson Picnic Grove at Penn State Behrend. The event included a yummy potluck, great friends, and a raffle.
May, 2019
Erie LGBTQ+ Health Provider Symposium on May 31 at Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center
On Friday, May 31, the Erie County Department of Health, in partnership with UPMC Hamot and TransFamily of NW PA, will present the Erie LGBTQ+ Health Provider Symposium at Crystal Ballroom at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center, behind the Courtyard by Marriott at 7794 Peach St., Erie, Pa. This symposium has been designed to provide up-to-date education to health care providers in order to improve health outcomes in the LGBTQ+ community. New recommendations and guidelines will be addressed through a series of lectures from professionals across the medical, mental health, and public health fields. You can get the event's brochure as a PDF here.
January, 2019
5th Annual Transgiving held by TransFamily of NW PA
On Saturday, November 24, TransFamily of NW PA held their fifth Annual Transgiving potluck dinner at Crime Victim Center of Erie, 125 W 18th St, Erie PA. About 50 people attended and enjoyed delicious food and great times together.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Held by TransFamily of NW PA
On Tuesday, November 20, TransFamily of NWPA held a candlelight vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) commemorates the lives of people lost to hate crimes against trans and gender-diverse people. Attendees took turns reading the names of the 28 people who had been murdered in the U.S. alone during the past year. According to the Trans Murder monitoring Project, there were 369 cases of reported killings of trans and gender-diverse people between 1st of October 2017 and 30th of September 2018. About 25 people attended the event, including Erie City Mayor Joe Schember and Erie City School Board member Tyler Titus. The week kicked off with the County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper proclaiming 11/12 -11/19 Transgender Awareness Week. There was coverage by local news station JET24/FOX66. After the vigil, the Crime Victim Center of Erie County held a reception for attendees to connect and discuss their feelings in a safe space. TDOR has been observed since 1999, and this was the sixth local observance for Erie.
September, 2018
2nd Annual TransFamily of NW PA Picnic
On Saturday, July 21, 2018, TransFamily of NW PA held their second annual picnic at the Glenwood Park picnic. About 50 people attended. There was great food, a raffle, and everyone had a wonderful time!
August, 2018
2nd Annual TransFamily of NWPA Picnic on July 21 at Glenwood Park /Erie Zoo Picnic Area
Can't wait until August to get your picnic fix?! Come to the 2nd Annual TransFamily of NWPA picnic on Saturday, July 21, starting at 1 Pm at the Glenwood Park Picnic Pavilions by the Erie Zoo, because our first picnic last year was so much fun, we decided to have one every year! This event is open to EVERYONE!
July, 2018
TransFamily of NW PA Between the Shades Film Screening Pride Kickoff on June 29
On Friday, June 29, TransFamily of NWPA is very proud to present a free screening of the film, Between the Shades to kick off our Pride Fest weekend! The screening begins at 6 PM at the Erie Movie House, 3424 West Lake Rd, Erie PA.
May, 2018
TransFamily of NW PA Community Discussion on Gender
On Tuesday, March 27, 2018, TransFamily of NWPA held a community discussion on gender at the Blasco library. To recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility, the library also had a display filled with books with trans topics and memoirs available to patrons. Tyler Titus shared his personal experiences, including poetry. Two youth, Jewels and Eli also moved the audience with their stories. About 25 people were in attendance.
April, 2018
LGBTQ Youth Group Kickoff on April 21
TransFamily of NWPA is very happy to announce an exciting new LGBTQ Youth Group for the northwest PA region!! Through a partnership the YMCA of Greater Erie, TransFamily is developing a group for all LGBTQ youth that will make use of the YMCA Teen Center at the Downtown YMCA. The LGBTQ Youth Group Kick-Off is Saturday, April 21 from 3-6 PM at the YMCA, 31 W 10th St, Erie PA.
Transgender Day of Visibility events
Each year on March 31st, the transgender community and our allies celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Unlike the Day of Remembrance in November, which focuses on mourning those we've lost, TDoV focuses on bringing attention to the incredible accomplishments we have made in fighting transphobia and cissexism around the world. Given the current political climate and all of the efforts made by our current administration to roll back many of the protections we have gained, celebrating our community through visibility is no small feat. In fact, it is revolutionary!
March, 2018
Mercy Center for Women names honorees
March is Women's History Month, and the Mercy Center for Women celebrates by honoring 11 women this year. The presentation is at Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University on Tuesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. Founder and president of TransFamily of NWPA Caitlyn Strohmeyer was among those being recognized. Honorees in alphabetical order: Sister Mary Paul Carioty; Amy Danzer; Asia Horton Dickerson; Jodie Farbotnik; Jenny Weigold Geerston; Barbara Lewis, RN; Luchetta Manus; Victoria Merski; Reganne O'Brien; Juanita Smith; Caitlyn Strohmeyer.
January, 2018
TransFamily of NW PA holds 4th Annual Transgiving Dinner
TransFamily of NW PA held their 4th annual Transgiving potluck dinner on Saturday, November 25 at Crime Victim Center of Erie, 125 W 18th St, Erie PA. As always, there was great food and even more wonderful company,
TransFamily of NW PA holds Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil
On Sunday, November 19, 2017, TransFamily of NW PA held a Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA. The event was attended by transgender people, as well as their families, friends and supporters. Local TV covered the event. This was the fifth year that there had been a local observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance.
September, 2017
TransFamily of NW PA Celebrates Five Years with Picnic at Erie Zoo
On Saturday, July 29, 2017, TransFamily of NW PA celebrated their five year anniversary with a picnic at the Erie Zoo, 423 W 38th St, Erie PA. The event featured a potluck picnic and great times with members and allies. Local TV News stopped out to cover the event.
July, 2017
TransFamily 5th Anniversary Picnic on July 29!
On Saturday, July 29 from noon to 6pm, join TransFamily of NWPA at the Erie Zoo picnic grounds for a day of fun, food, and friendship to celebrate their fifth anniversary! This will be a pot luck event. TransFamily will supply burgers, hot dogs, and rolls. Bring a dish to share and BYOB! The Erie Zoo picnic area is located directly behind the zoo off of Glenwood Park Avenue. The picnic grounds provide a playground, restrooms, and professional horseshoe pits. You must supply your own horseshoes, so bring them if you've got them!!
May, 2017
New TransFamily Group in Titusville!
TransFamily of NWPA is very happy to officially announce our newest support group for transgender and gender nonconforming people and their loved ones! Staying true to our mission to provide support for the TG/GNC community throughout the Northwest PA region, we have developed a group in Titusville, PA to serve the communities of Titusville, Oil City, Franklin, and surrounding areas.
Planning announced for LGBTQ Youth Program!
TransFamily of NWPA is very excited to announce that we will be creating an LGBTQ Youth Program. The goal is to create a program that offers much needed social opportunities and peer-led support to the LGBTQ youth of Erie County.
December, 2016
Third Annual Transgiving Dinner
On Saturday, November 26, 2016, TransFamily of NW PA held their third annual Transgiving potluck dinner at Crime Victim Center of Erie County, 125 W 18th St, Erie PA. Members of Erie region's transgender community and their family and friends enjoyed a delicious dinner and some great time socializing. Photos are by Melanie Shubitowski.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Held at Bel Aire/Clarion
Members of Erie's Transgender community and allies gathered at the Bel Aire Hotel and Conference Center, 2800 W 8th St, Erie PA on Sunday, November 20, 2016 to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance with a candlelit vigil. This was the 18th annual observance nationally. The event was organized by Caitlyn Strohmeyer, president of TransFamily of NW PA.
November, 2016
Meadville TransFamily announces location change
The Meadville Transfamily meeting will be held in a new place: CHAPS building, first floor, 944 Liberty Street, Meadville, PA 16335.
Meadville TransFamily meetings are held the second Saturday of the month from 2-5:00 pm We welcome anyone who identifies as gender-variant, their family, friends, and allies of the community
TransFamily of NW PA Seeks Volunteer Youth Co-Facilitator
The TransFamily of NWPA Board of Directors is seeking submissions for the position of volunteer Facilitator/Co-facilitator for the TransFamily Youth group.
TransFamily of NWPA is seeking volunteer board members
If you are interesting in joining TransFamily of NWPA's board, please review the qualifications listed below and submit a personal statement and CV/resume to us at caitlynxpress@gmail.com. This personal statement should reflect how you meet the qualifications listed below, any volunteer or board experience you may have, why you are interested in fighting for transgender equality, and what you hope to bring to the organization with respect to skills/abilities/experience.
September, 2016
TransFamily of NWPA new location for Erie meetings
TransFamily of NW PA Transgender Support Group's Erie chapter now meets at Crime Victim Center of Erie County, 125 W 18th St, Erie, PA. The meeting time remains the same: 2 - 5 PM. The next meeting is Saturday September 24.
May, 2016
Erie Transgender Day of Visibility
On Thursday, March 31, Erie observed the International Transgender Day of Visibility for the first time. Transgender community members and their friends and family came together to talk about the discrimination and difficulties faced by transgender people, but also their strength and growth, and to advocate for Pennsylvania to pass the Fairness Act. Currently, there is nothing at the state level that protects people in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations on the bases of gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. Those categories have been covered by the Erie County Human Relations Commission since March 8, 2002.
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.
TransFamily of NW PA seeks board members
TransFamily is in the process of organizing as a nonprofit under the name TransFamily of NW PA, and we recently began putting together a board of directors. All officer positions are filled, and we are in need of 3 more people to reach our full compliment of 11 board members. Board members are expected to serve for a period of two years.
October, 2015
New group for trans youth
A new support group for transgender youth will be starting in Erie on October 4. The groups will be held from 2pm to 5pm the first Sunday of each month at Lake Erie Counseling (301 West 10th St., Erie PA). All trans youth are welcome! Info: (814) 504-1507 cmn0626@gmail.com or Caitlin: (814) 823-1969. caitlynxpress@gmail.com.
September, 2015
TransFamily of Erie is Expanding
No matter what your feelings are on Caitlyn Jenner, there is no disputing that she is having a very positive impact on our community. She may not know all the right things to say yet, but she is working hard on learning. No one can ask for more than that. Aside from Chaz Bono, she is by far the most high profile person ever to come out as transgender, and she is challenging a lot of people's thinking on what it means to be male or female. Locally, her coming out is making a difference. Since her appearance on ABC with Diane Sawyer, and the resulting local media attention, TransFamily of Erie has doubled in size. Most interesting is the explosion of attendance by trans youth, as well as people from the more rural areas of NW PA. Launched in February 2013, TransFamily started with about eight people, many of whom were already out and part of the Erie Sisters and Brothers. Since then, our group has grown to roughly 60 attendees, with our largest single attendance of 36 in June! Our attendees come from all over northwest PA and northeast OH.
March, 2013
TransFamily of Erie walking team in March for Babies
The TransFamily of Erie Transgender support group is sponsoring a walking team for the 2013 March for Babies taking place on April 28th at 1pm at Presque Isle, beginning at Rainbow Gardens.
August, 2012
TransFamily Support Group starting up this month
TransFamily of Erie is a new support group created to serve the transgender community in western PA and eastern OH and their loved ones. It provides a safe space for all who fit somewhere in the gender spectrum, or are searching. This includes all transgender subcategories (e.g. FTM, MTF, cross dresser, genderqueer, questioning, etc.). Family members of all ages, friends, parents and spouses are welcome at the meetings. Please share this invite with everyone you feel may be interested!
Transfamily of NWPA
TransFamily of NWPA is a support group created to serve the transgender community of Northwestern PA and the surrounding region.
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