November, 2015 News (89 Articles with 383,090 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for November, 2015 Cast members of Rocky Horror at GEAE Gives Back to PACA on Oct 14. Performances run through October 31 at 1505 State St, Erie PA. Photo by Mike Mahler.
This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus
Category for this issueCalendar & Upcoming Events
Calendar of Local GLBT Events |
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Local and Regional News
Erie Gay News Distributors
Erie Gay News is very proud that we are approaching our 23rd anniversary of keeping our community informed! The distributors of our monthly print edition are listed at https://www.eriegaynews.com/printedition/placestoget.php. We are happy to list those who carry EGN! If you are currently a distrbutor, we ask that you email us at info@eriegaynews.com or call us at (814) 456-9833 to let us know that we are getting you the correct number of copies before Friday, November 20. Additionally, if you are not currently a distributor, but would like to be, please email or call us by November 20. Thanks!
Intersections of Equality Symposion Postponed to April 30, 2016
Due to circumstances beyond Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE)'s control in Harrisburg, the Intersections of Equality Symposium, scheduled for November 7, has been postponed until April 30. Dr. Rachel Levine will still be the keynote speaker. We regret any inconvenience to reservation holders, whose registration payment for the November 7 event will be refunded.
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,
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.
Breast Cancer Weekend recap
The 10th Annual Breast Cancer Weekend raised $2,588 for StringsforaCURE® the weekend of October 2-4 at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA!
Violence Against Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals at a Historic High
As LGBT History Month comes to a close, and the holiday season waits right around the corner, we are made aware of those whose need to live as their authentic selves required facing more than a disapproving stare. Coming out, itself a wonderfully life-affirming act, frequently opens a person up to negative reaction. The very visibility of activism takes bravery beyond measure.
Entertainment and Travel
Dracula the Musical?
October will go from spooky to loony when Arlene's Broadway on Buffalo in Conneaut presents "Dracula: The Musical?" by Rick Abbot.
Political, Activism and Legal
HRC Condemns Ben Carson's Latest Attack on Transgender People
WASHINGTON - November 5, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the latest attack on the LGBT community by leading GOP candidate for president Ben Carson, who suggested in an interview that transgender people be required to use separate bathrooms.
Failure of HERO Highlights Need for Discrimination Protections, Especially for LGBTQ Immigrant Community
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 4, 2015 - Yesterday, the city of Houston voted down the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), that provided recourse to marginalized communities, especially those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ), when facing discrimination.
HRC Sends Letter to NFL Commissioner Following Repeal of Houston Equal Rights Ordinance
WASHINGTON - November 4, 2015 - Following the repeal of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, today Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to request an emergency meeting to discuss the future of nondiscrimination protections in the city. Super Bowl LI is scheduled to take place in Houston in 2017.
Houston: HERO Repeal
"Our team is deeply disappointed in this loss. It feels personal to many of us who have seen or experienced discrimination based on race, ability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or gender identity. We all deserve the freedom to live without discrimination so we can provide for ourselves and our families," said Rebecca Isaacs, executive director of Equality Federation. "What I know for sure, though, is that there will be very valuable lessons learned through this defeat and as more Houstonians and Americans get to know and embrace gay and transgender people as their friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues, the tide hurls towards justice and equality."
Equality PA Endorsed Candidates Win Big
Harrisburg - November 4, 2015 – Equality PA congratulates the endorsed candidates who won their important elections yesterday:
Houston Fails to Affirm Non-Discrimination Ordinance
NEW YORK - November 4, 2015 -Houston voters last night failed to affirm an ordinance that would have secured much-needed protections from discrimination for the people of the fourth largest city in the country.
California Civil Rights Coalition Prepared for Battle Following Houston LGBT Vote
San Francisco, CA (November 3, 2015) -- Following the loss of a ballot referendum that would have upheld the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), a coalition of California civil rights and LGBT organizations is cautioning supporters to prepare for a similar fight against a potential anti-LGBT ballot initiative in California.
First-in-the-Nation: LGBT-Certified Businesses Now Included in One State's Diversity Efforts
Washington, D.C.- November 3rd, 2015-- The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, is proud to announce the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, under the leadership of Governor Charlie Baker, as the first state in the nation to issue an executive order including certified LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) in contracting and procurement opportunities alongside women and minority owned businesses. For LGBT citizens in Massachusetts, this policy provides fair and equal access to business contracting opportunities that cultivate innovation, create jobs, and drive economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.
GLAD Weighs in on Fisher v. UT-Austin in Amicus Brief Supporting Race as a Factor in Admissions
November 3, 2015 - Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) joined Lambda Legal, National Women's Law Center and other partners in filing an amicus brief yesterday in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief supports UT-Austin's use of race as a factor in undergraduate admissions.
Department of Education stands with high school student who is transgender
CHICAGO - November 2, 2015 – Despite efforts by the school district to justify their behavior, the United States Department of Education today issued a landmark ruling recognizing that Palatine High School District 211 is discriminating against a female student on the basis of her sex. The Department issued its findings after a lengthy investigation concluding that the District is in violation of federal law for denying a student access to a gender-appropriate locker room for changing clothes, simply because the student is transgender. Despite protestations from the District over the past two weeks, the Department today made clear that the school is engaging in harmful discrimination.
A Developmental Perspective on Relational Bullying at Behrend on Nov 5
ERIE, Pa. – Oct. 28, 2015 – According to stopbullying.gov, approximately 28 percent of U.S. students in grades 6–12 have experienced bullying. Even more troubling is the fact that approximately 30 percent of young people have admitted to bullying others. Bullying is a prominent issue, but how do family, peer relationships and media factors affect a child's likeliness to bully others? That's the question Jamie Ostrov is attempting to answer. Ostrov, an associate professor of psychology at University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, designs research activities that attempt to understand the development of subtypes of aggressive behavior in children. He will discuss his research when the Colloquium Series in Psychological Sciences and Human Behavior returns to Penn State Behrend.
In Debate, Carson Refuses to Take on Drug Company That Puts HIV Patients at Risk
WASHINGTON - October 29, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, issued the following statement after Ben Carson was asked in the debate last night and refused to say they would take action against companies like Turing Pharmaceuticals for outrageous and fundamentally unacceptable price increases. Turing's CEO Martin Shkreli is infamous for recently raising the price of Daraprim -- a crucial and often lifesaving treatment by 5,000 percent.
Amicus Brief Argues that Treating Transgender Students Equally in Bathrooms is Crucial for Adolescent Development
(San Francisco, CA, October 29, 2015)—Being able to use the same bathroom as other students at school is critical for the healthy development of transgender adolescents, says an amicus brief filed on behalf of medical and mental health associations by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and Goodwin Procter LLP in G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board. The case, filed in federal district court in Virginia by the American Civil Liberties Union, involves Gavin Grimm, a 16-year-old transgender Virginia boy whose use of the boys' room prompted the school board to enact a policy excluding transgender students from using the same restrooms as their peers.
HRC Commends Obama Administration for Legal Support of Trans Student Challenging His School's Restroom Policy
WASHINGTON - October 28, 2015 – Today, in response to the news that the Obama administration has filed a brief with the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals supporting a transgender student's challenge of school policy banning him from using restrooms that comport with his gender identity, Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), released the following statement:
Immigration Equality Lauds Second Circuit Court Decision Ensuring Bond Hearings for Immigrants in Detention
New York, NY - October 28, 2015 -- Today, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, which exercises federal jurisdiction in six districts within the states of Connecticut, New York, and Vermont, issued its decision in Lora v. Shanahan, finding that a statute permitting indefinite detention for immigrants accused of certain criminal acts was unconstitutional.
HRC Foundation and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Join Forces to Prevent LGBTQ Teen Substance Abuse
WASHINGTON - October 28, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids released Preventing Substance Abuse Among LGBTQ Teens, an issue brief focusing on helping parents, educators and other youth-serving professionals understand the unique challenges – including bullying and family rejection – faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth that contribute to their heightened rates of substance abuse.
New Report: Only Half of LGBT Americans Protected from Employment Discrimination
Denver, October 27, 2015 — A new brief released today by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) reveals that a shocking 70% of the geographic area of the United States lacks any city, county, or state employment protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, with comprehensive employment protections concentrated in just 30% of the country geographically.
Ahead of International Anti-LGBT Summit, HRC Takes a Stand For Diverse Families
SALT LAKE CITY – On the eve of an international summit at which thousands of anti-LGBT activists will gather from around the world, the Human Rights Campaign, (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is standing up for LGBT Americans and their families, and against the World Congress of Families (WCF) and its network of affiliates exporting anti-LGBT hate across the globe.
Governor Herbert's support for hate group revealed to constituents
New York/London - Monday 26 October - Thousands of Utahns just discovered that their Governor is welcoming an anti-gay hate group to Salt Lake City. Utahns heard the news directly thanks to a targeted Facebook campaign, crowdfunded by members of All Out, a global movement for the rights of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
October 27, 2015: Pennsylvania Comes Out for Freedom
HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Youth Congress is proud to announce Pennsylvania Comes Out for Freedom: A National Coming Out Day Celebration will be held in the Main Capitol Rotunda on October 27, 2015, at 10:00 AM. This event will be the first-ever LGBT community celebration to take place inside the State Capitol Building.
NY to Become 20th State to Explicitly Protect Transgender People from Harassment and Discrimination
October 22, 2015 - Today, Governor Cuomo is expected to announce that New York will issue statewide regulations to protect people based on gender identity, transgender status, and gender dysphoria. The regulations are comprehensive and will apply statewide to employers and providers of housing, public accommodations, and credit.
TLC celebrates groundbreaking CA prison policy ensuring access to gender-affirming medical care
(San Francisco, CA - October 21, 2015) -- This week, following two landmark cases brought by Transgender Law Center, California became the first state in the country to adopt a policy for transgender people in prison to access gender-affirming surgery. The policy, which took effect Tuesday, sets criteria for transgender people in prison to access care, including a determination of medical necessity by medical and mental health profess
Transgender Student Asks Appeals Court to Stop Virginia School's Discriminatory Restroom Policy
RICHMOND, Va. - October 21, 2015 – Gavin Grimm, a transgender male student in Gloucester County, Virginia, today asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to stop his school district from enforcing a discriminatory policy that segregates transgender students from their peers and requires them to use "alternative private" restroom facilities.
American Unity Fund to Continue Campaign to Reform National Republican Party Platform on Marriage
Washington, D.C. - October 20, 2015- American Unity Fund, the 501(c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the cause of freedom for LGBT Americans, announced it will continue the effort to reform the national Republican Party platform on marriage originally launched by Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry. The $1 million Platform Reform campaign aims to strike five different anti-gay sections of the Republican Party platform and replace them with more inclusive and welcoming language to reflect the differing views on marriage within the Party.
Hillary Clinton Hears GetEQUAL's Demands, Divests From Private Prisons
October 23, 2015 - In August, GetEQUAL state lead Rian Brown and Angela Peoples disrupted Hillary Clinton making a campaign stop in Cleveland, Ohio, demanding that Hillary Clinton divest from private prisons and invest in black trans women. Rian and Angela were acting in solidarity just a few days after Trans Liberation Tuesday, an national day of action organized by our Central Regional Coordinator Elle Hearns and Black Lives Matter to highlight issues facing black trans women.
Gov. Cuomo Extends Discrimination Protections to Transgender New Yorkers
October 22, 2015 - Equality Federation applauds New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who will announce tonight at Federation member Empire State Pride Agenda's gala that he will issue regulations to protect transgender people from discrimination in housing, employment, credit, education, and public accommodations.
HRC Joins More Than 150 Organizations Demanding that Turing Pharmaceuticals Lower Cost of Life-Saving Drug
WASHINGTON - October 22, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, joined 151 other organizations from across the nation in signing an open letter to Turing Pharmaceuticals urging company CEO Martin Shkreli to immediately act on his promise to lower the price on Daraprim -- a crucial and often lifesaving treatment for those living with HIV.
NY Governor Cuomo Takes Bold & Historic Step To Protect Transgender New Yorkers From Discrimination
WASHINGTON - October 22, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for taking a bold step to extend vitally important non-discrimination protections to transgender New Yorkers and visitors in employment, housing, and public accommodations. In a historic move, Governor Cuomo's administration will be issuing regulations clarifying that gender identity is included in the definitions of sex and disability which are protected under current state non-discrimination law.
Treasury Department Announces Proposed Rule Change In Light of Nationwide Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - October 21, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the news that the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have proposed new regulations implementing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. According to the Treasury Department, the proposed regulations will clarify "that a marriage of two individuals, whether of the same sex or the opposite sex, will be recognized for federal tax purposes if that marriage is recognized by any state, possession, or territory of the United States. The proposed regulations would also interpret the terms 'husband' and 'wife' to include same-sex spouses as well as opposite-sex spouses."
New Series of Videos Tell Stories of How Lack of Discrimination Protections Affects LGBT People and their Families
Pittsburgh - October 20, 2015 – Today at Persad Center, Equality PA, SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) and the Center for American Progress released a new series of videos telling the stories of how the lack of discrimination protections in Pennsylvania affects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their families in Pennsylvania.
NCLR Response to U.S. Senate Cloture Vote Against Advancing Anti-Immigrant Bill
(Washington, DC, October 20, 2015)— The U.S. Senate voted 54-45 against advancing a federal bill that would have increased penalties for immigrants who reenter the United States after being deported and punished cities that protect immigrants from unjustified deportation.
#BlackLivesMatter Calls for a BLM-Themed Presidential Debate
#BlackLivesMatter network and our allies urge Democratic National Committee chairperson Debbie Wasserman Schultz to allow for more debates amongst Democratic party candidates leading up to the 2016 election, specifically for a #BlackLivesMatter themed Presidential debate.
NCLR and HRC Release Sample Legislation to End Conversion Therapy on LGBTQ Youth
WASHINGTON - October 20, 2015 – Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their families, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, released sample legislation for state legislators and equality groups who want to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy.
Voters Guide
Candidates for Erie County Council and Erie City Council were asked about their positions on GLBT issues. Their responses appear below.
NCLR & Equality Fl Ask Federal Judge to Order Immediate Issuance of Birth Certificates Acknowledging Same-Sex Spouses
(Tallahassee, FL, October 16, 2015)—Today, the same-sex couples who filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida's refusal to add both of their names to their children's birth certificates asked the court for immediate protection for their families.
ME High Court Cites Obergefell in Confirming State Anti-Marriage Law Has No Effect
Stating there is no "sufficient … doubt " about the validity of a same-sex couple's marriage from the date of its celebration, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court has declined to answer a reported question about whether Maine's former anti-marriage law delayed the validity of a couple's marriage licensed in Massachusetts.
New Obama Administration Report Calls for End to Dangerous 'Conversion Therapy' for Minors
WASHINGTON - October 15, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which makes "clear that conversion therapy is not an appropriate therapeutic approach based on the evidence, and explores alternative ways to discuss sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression with young people. "
NCLR Applauds Obama Administration's Groundbreaking Report on Conversion Therapy
(San Francisco, CA, October 15, 2015)—Today the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), released "Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting And Affirming LGBTQ Youth," a groundbreaking new report that provides accurate information about how conversion therapy harms lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The report was released this morning and will be discussed in depth by several of the authors this afternoon at a panel moderated by National Lesbian Rights (NCLR) #BornPerfect Campaign Coordinator and Staff Attorney Samantha Ames at at the Utah LGBT Summit, part of the National LGBT Rural Summit Series, hosted by the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Ogden.
Rand Paul's Solution to LGBT Discrimination: Go Back in the Closet
WASHINGTON - October 14, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to offensive comments by Sen. Rand Paul saying that LGBT people should just go back in the closet if they fear discrimination. Today, at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, Paul was asked whether employees should be able to be fired for being LBGT and responded that "if you are gay, there are plenty of places that will hire you" and "the things you do in your house, if you leave them in your house, they wouldn't have to be part of the workplace."
United We Dream's Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project (QUIP) Launches #NoMoreClosets Campaign
WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 13, 2015 - This week, United We Dream's QUIP program is launching the #NoMoreClosets campaign, a story collection effort that will highlight the intersection of the immigrant rights and LGBTQ movements.
New York Attorney General Answers HRC's Call, Launches Antitrust Inquiry Into Turing Pharmaceuticals' Distribution Pract
WASHINGTON - October 13, 2015 -- Today, at the urging of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the New York attorney general has begun investigating whether Turing Pharmaceuticals, which recently imposed an unconscionable 5000 percent price hike on the life-saving drug Daraprim, may have violated antitrust laws by limiting its distribution. Chad Griffin, President of HRC, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement:
California Governor Signs Landmark Bill Protecting Transgender Children in Foster Care
(San Francisco, CA, October 11, 2015)—California Governor Jerry Brown today signed a landmark bill that protects transgender children in the foster care system.
Equality PA Mourns the Loss of Keisha Jenkins, the 18th transgender woman of color to be killed in the US this year
Philadelphia – Earlier this week, it was reported that Keisha Jenkins, 22, is the 18th transgender woman of color to be killed in the United States in 2015. Earlier this year, in May, London Kiki Channel, 21, was also murdered in Philadelphia.
TPP Fails to Address Human Rights Issues as LGBT Rights Regress in Malaysia
Washington - October 10, 2015 – The following is a statement from Pride at Work Executive Director Jerame Davis reacting to news of Malaysia's continued oppression of LGBT people:
Educators Report GLSEN's Safe Space Kit Helps Support LGBT Youth and Improve School Climate
NEW YORK (October 9, 2015) - GLSEN, the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students, today released an evaluation of the impact of its Safe Space Kit. The evaluation surveyed educators who received GLSEN's Safe Space Kit during a recent campaign to send Kits to every middle and high school in the country. The majority of the educators surveyed reported that the Kit increased their knowledge and skills regarding issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. Each Kit is made up of the Guide to Being an Ally to LGBT Students, two Safe Space posters and 10 Safe Space stickers.
HRC Celebrates National Coming Out Day 2015
WASHINGTON - October 9, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is celebrating the 27th annual National Coming Out Day (NCOD) on October 11th 2015. A globally-recognized event, NCOD encourages LGBT people to live open and honest lives, and their allies to support LGBT visibility.
Immigration Equality Celebrates Exec Dir's 1st Anniversary, Expanded Focus on Asylum for LGBT & HIV-Affected Immigrants
New York, NY - October 9, 2015 -- Immigration Equality, the leading organization advocating for and representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and HIV-affected immigrants, today honored its Executive Director Caroline Dessert on her one year anniversary leading the organization.
HRC Previews House Speaker Vote: John Boehner's Anti-LGBT Agenda to Continue
WASHINGTON - October 8, 2015- In advance of today's nomination vote for the new Speaker of the House, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the Congressional Scorecards of all the candidates. Today, House Republicans will nominate a new presiding officer of the House of Representatives who will be second in line to the presidency and have the ultimate say over which bills are debated on the House floor -- and which ones won’t see the light of day.
CA Governor Signs Landmark Assisted Reproduction Law
(San Francisco, CA, October 7, 2015)—Today, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill that updates the state's assisted reproduction laws to ensure that all families are equally protected under the law.
California Governor Signs Bill Protecting Transgender Employees of Companies Working with State
(San Francisco, CA, October 7, 2015)—California Governor Jerry Brown signed a landmark bill that protects transgender people who work for companies doing business with state agencies.
GLAD's Jennifer Levi Testifies in Support of Transgender Equality
October 7, 2015 - Jennifer Levi, Director of the Transgender Rights Project for Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, testified yesterday at the Massachusetts Statehouse in support of a bill providing protections in public accommodations for the state's transgender citizens.
State Rep. Brian Sims Announces Congressional Bid
PHILADELPHIA - October 6, 2015 – On Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania's 2nd Congressional District. Sims, an attorney and civil rights advocate in Center City Philadelphia, has spent his career as a relentless advocate for social, racial, and economic justice. Sims is the first openly gay person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Health
California 'Condoms in Porn' Ballot Initiative Cleared for November 2016 Election
LOS ANGELES (November 4, 2015) Safer sex advocates affiliated with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), and the group, FAIR (For Adult Industry Responsibility), are pleased to announce that the office of California Secretary of State Alex Padilla has completed and cleared a random sample of voter signatures on The California Safer Sex in the Adult Film Industry Act, a statewide ballot initiative that would expand the power of Cal/OSHA and local California public health departments to enforce condom use on adult film sets throughout the state. The Secretary of State's office is projecting 414,423 valid voter signatures on the measure—enough for the Secretary to declare the initiative 'eligible' to appear on the November 2016 election ballot
AHF to Submit 550,000 Signatures for 2016 Drug Pricing Ballot Measure in California
LOS ANGELES (October 29, 2015) Drug pricing advocates affiliated with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) announce they will file close to 550,000 signatures of registered California voters with state election officials by Monday, November 2nd in order to qualify The California Drug Price Relief Act, a statewide ballot initiative that will revise California law to require state programs to pay no more for prescription medications than the prices negotiated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The V.A. generally pays 20% to 24% less than any government program. The advocates intend to qualify the measure for the November 2016 presidential election ballot in California.
AHF Commends SCRUFF Mobile Dating App For Free STD Testing Ads
LOS ANGELES (October 22, 2015) — Following the explosion of international media attention on a provocative Los Angeles billboard campaign launched in September by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to draw attention to the risk of mobile dating app users contracting STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, the organization applauded SCRUFF, one of the largest location-based dating apps for gay men, for its statements in support of incorporating STD prevention and treatment messaging into its popular platform. During an October 2nd Huffington Post Live webchat featuring Whitney Engeran-Cordova, Senior Director, Public Health Division for AIDS Healthcare Foundation, SCRUFF Founding Partner and Chief Product Officer Jason Marchant said, "We at SCRUFF feel that we definitely have a social responsibility to do what we can to make our users informed not only of potential risks but also of the resources that are available to them, be it for testing, prevention, treatment or support—be it for HIV or any other STIs. "
Climbing syphilis cases in Erie County
Syphilis can be a deadly disease if not treated with a simple dose of antibiotics. Before the discovery of penicillin in the 1940's syphilis was a fatal disease and allegedly responsible for the deaths of many historical figures including Al Capone, Hitler, Mussolini and Ivan the Terrible.The disease was almost eliminated in the year 2000 with few cases diagnosed in the United States but syphilis is now increasing at an alarming rate, particularly among gay and bisexual men.
The Erie County Department of Health (ECDH) is very concerned about this disturbing rise and is working on public awareness campaigns promoting testing, especially to high risk populations
What is Internalized Homophobia and what can I do about it?
The other day I was talking with a client, a well-adjusted gay man, who told me, "I don't think I'm homophobic anymore. I think I've worked all that through."
Getting Back to Our Roots: Engaging People Living with HIV as More than Just Patients
Washington, D.C. - October 14, 2015 – With support from AIDS United's Positive Organizing Project, nine community-based organizations throughout the country will implement innovative approaches to revitalize grassroots mobilization and engagement of people living with HIV. With funding from the Gilead Foundation, the nine grantees will implement programs that improve HIV treatment outcomes by addressing HIV-related stigma and raising awareness of HIV among community leaders and policy makers.
AHF Criticizes Governor Brown for Veto of Hospital HIV Testing Bill (AB 521)
LOS ANGELES (October 11, 2015) Today Whitney Engeran-Cordova, Senior Director for AIDS Healthcare Foundation's (AHF) Public Health Division, issued the following statement on California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. veto of AB 521 (Adrin Nazarian, D, 46th District, Van Nuys), legislation sponsored by AHF that would have required every hospital, if it otherwise draws blood from a patient and the patient is admitted to the hospital from the emergency department, to offer to test that blood for HIV with the patient's consent.
The Clock Keeps Ticking: 14 Days Since Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Promised to Roll Back Outrageous Price Hike
WASHINGTON - October 6, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, once again called on Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli to make good on his unfulfilled promise of Sept. 22 to lower the price on Daraprim -- a crucial and often lifesaving treatment for those living with HIV -- and urged officials to expeditiously investigate Turing's reckless overnight 5,000 percent price increase.
Spirituality and Religion
At Start of Islamic New Year, HRC Releases New Coming Home Guide for LGBT Muslims
WASHINGTON - October 14, 2015 - Today, at the beginning of the Islamic New Year, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a guide to help LGBT Muslims who are seeking to reconnect with their faith and build more inclusive communities.
LGBT Catholics Pray for Church Leaders Meeting With Pope Francis in Rome
WASHINGTON - October 6, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, announced that LGBT Catholics and allied faithful will gather in four U.S. cities to pray the rosary and hold vigils as part of a national effort to send a message of acceptance and inclusion during a bishops' meeting with Pope Francis in Rome.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Regarding: Candidacy of Michael George for State Supreme Court
I am deeply worried about Michael George being elected to one of the three vacancies on the PA State Supreme Court. I write as a victim of a violent crime in Adams County, PA that occurred in May 1988.
Starting a new chapter
From Philadelphia Gay News: One of my favorite movies as a kid (and to this day) was Auntie Mame.
The Amazon Trail: Gen Future
One reason I've been writing all these years has to do with helping us feel good about ourselves. I'd like to think the cultural work that's proliferated from the latter half of the twentieth century through today has contributed to building our strength so we could accomplish all we have. If the pendulum of history swings against us like a wrecking ball from the future, we'll need the writing, the photographs, the women's music—to stay strong, to be queer strong, just as we need it now.
Contests
Win A Chorus Line FAQ by Tom Rowan from Applause Books!
Win A Chorus Line FAQ by Tom Rowan from Applause Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between November 20 and December 11.
Win Star Wars FAQ by Mark Clark from Applause Books!
Win Star Wars FAQ by Mark Clark from Applause Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between November 17 and December 8.
Enter to win BOYSTOWN by Jake Biondi
Enter to win BOYSTOWN by Jake Biondi. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between November 13 and December 4.
Enter for a chance to win the We Love Disney compilation album!
Enter to win the We Love Disney compilation album from Verve Records. Featuring the hottest artists from across the pop, rock, R&B, and country worlds delivering their own unique interpretations of classic Disney songs!
Available NOW as a digital album and as a standard CD, as well as Deluxe CD, Deluxe Vinyl, and a picture-disc set featuring two bonus tracks. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between November 10 and December 1.
Available NOW as a digital album and as a standard CD, as well as Deluxe CD, Deluxe Vinyl, and a picture-disc set featuring two bonus tracks. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between November 10 and December 1.
Win Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life from Agate!
Win Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life from Agate! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between November 10 and December 1.
Win In The Grayscale DVD from Wolfe Video!
Win In The Grayscale DVD from Wolfe Video! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between November 6 and November 27.
Win Get Weird by Little Mix!
Win Get Weird by Little Mix! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between November 6 and November 27.
Win Eastsiders Season 2 DVD from Wolfe Video!
Win Eastsiders Season 2 DVD from Wolfe Video! To enter the contest, fill out the form herehttps://www.eriegaynews.com/news/article.php?recordid=201511eastsidersseaon2 between November 3 and November 24.
Enter for a chance to win a SPECTRE prize pack!
Enter for a chance to win a SPECTRE prize pack! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between November 3 and November 24. MGM and Columbia Pictures present SPECTRE! A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organization known as SPECTRE.
Enter to win On My Mind from Ellie Goulding!
Enter to win On My Mind from Ellie Goulding! “ON MY MIND,” the new hit single from ELLIE GOULDING. Available Now! From the forthcoming album Delirium - Out November 6. Pre-order Delirium and receive "On My Mind" and "Something In The Way You Move" instantly: http://ell.li/DELIRIUMiT. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between October 30 and November 20.
Enter to win REVIVAL from Selena Gomez!
Enter to win REVIVAL - the brand new album from SELENA GOMEZ. Featuring "Same Old Love" and #1 Hit Single "Good For You" ft. A$AP Rocky. Available NOW on Interscope Records: Buy on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/SGRevival. Deluxe fan packages and early access to Revival World Tour tickets: http://smarturl.it/SGRevivalD2C. Sign-up for the latest updates from Selena Gomez: https://www.selenagomez.com/user/register. Top enter the contest, fill out the form here between October 30 and November 20.
Win A Reunion from Ariztical Entertainment!
Win A Reunion from Ariztical Entertainment. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between October 27 and November 17.
Enter to win Confident from Demi Lovato!
Enter to win Confident from Demi Lovato! CONFIDENT, the new album from international superstar, DEMI LOVATO! Featuring the hit singles "Confident" and "Cool for the Summer." Available NOW: http://smarturl.it/dlca1. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between October 23 and November 13.
History
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.
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.
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.
Miscellaneous
Point Foundation, Nation's Largest LGBTQ Scholarship Provider, Ready for New Applicants November 1
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students seeking financial assistance for their undergraduate or graduate school education are encouraged to apply for a Point Foundation Scholarship. Point Foundation (Point) is the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit and currently provides financial assistance and programmatic support to 85 students. Students enrolling in undergraduate or graduate programs for the 2016-2017 academic year are eligible to apply for Point's multiyear scholarship.
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