April, 2017 News (45 Articles with 150,072 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for April, 2017 DRENCHED FUR 13: Erie’s annual Bear Run has several events still available a la carte.
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
Transgender Rental Bias Revealed through Suffolk Law Housing Discrimination Tests
BOSTON - March 28, 2017 -- Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals responding to apartment ads in Greater Boston were more likely to be quoted a higher rental price, were shown fewer apartment amenities such as storage or laundry, and were less apt to be offered a financial incentive to rent, according to a study conducted by Suffolk University Law School's Housing Discrimination Testing Program.
Drenched Fur 13 is Gonna Time Warp Again
This year's installment of Drenched Fur is looking forward to enjoying the fun of celebrating their theme inspiration with the cult classic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, during the weekend of March 30th thru April 2nd, 2017 The weekend of activities for the bear community and its friends is sold out for full weekend packages. YET there are individual events available for ala carte pricing/choices. For information about these events visit www.drenchedfur.com. Contact: Gary Snyder. (814) 446-2327. info@drenchedfur.com. Note: Drenched Fur events are for adult males 21 and older.
Greenville School District adds unisex bathroom
The Greenville Area School District will include a unisex bathroom in the $17.8 million expansion of Hemfield Elementary School. Sperintendent Mark Ferrara said Greenville wants to be supportive of transgender students and in compliance with state and federal guidelines. But for now they will be "low key." Ferrara said most transgender students prefer that. "They don't want to be a spectacle," he said Info from article in Sharon Herald, 3/3/2017
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
Deadline for April 2017 print edition (issue 257) of Erie Gay News is Monday, March 13 - Early submissions are appreciat
For the next print edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 257, cover dated for April 2017), please send in calendar events, news items, and other info for late March 2017 and beyond by Monday, March 13. We expect that the next print edition will come out on Tuesday, March 21. PLEASE NOTE! Because of staffing schedules, getting your ad or article in even earlier than March 13 is especially appreciated this month! In addition, there will be extra copies of EGN printed this month for distribution at Drenched Fur 13, Erie's annual bear run, being held March 29-April 2.
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) announces new scholarship program for LGBT high school seniors
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) is delighted to offer scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Any LGBT student in Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties is eligible. If you are enrolled in an accredited university, college, vocational, or technical school for the 2017-2018 academic year full-time or part-time, please check out this opportunity.
Entertainment and Travel
Drag Race Shatters Records With Most Watched Episode Ever
New York, NY, March 27, 2017 – Emmy® Award-winning "RuPaul's Drag Race" shattered records on Friday night with its most watched episode ever.* Nearly one million viewers** tuned in for the season nine premiere which tripled the time slot on VH1*** while more than doubling last season's debut. ****
Local Faces and Photos
LBT Women of Erie Leader Nominated for Woman of the Year
Erie, PA - We're happy to share that Kim Conti, one of the current leaders of LBT Women of Erie, is one of five finalists for the Women's Roundtable of Northwest PA Woman of the Year Award. The Women's Roundtable is a networking organization that helps women grow personally and professionally. The annual award recognizes women who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in the Erie community-especially to help other women. Kim was nominated in recognition of her tireless advocacy, activism, mentoring, and volunteer work in the Erie and Erie LGBT Community.
Political, Activism and Legal
ACLU and Lambda Legal Condemn 'Fake' Repeal of HB 2
RALEIGH, N.C. - March 30, 2017 - The North Carolina General Assembly today passed a bill that does not repeal the discriminatory HB 2 law. Instead, it keeps in place the most harmful parts of the law.
Equality Pennsylvania Slams Trump for Gutting Discrimination Protections for LGBTQ Federal Contract Employees
Harrisburg - March 29, 2017- Ted Martin, Executive Director, Equality Pennsylvania spoke out today against the Trump Administration's new executive order that removes the existing requirement for federal contractors to have nondiscrimination policies that cover LGBTQ employees: "Gutting discrimination protections to LGBTQ federal contract employees is the wrong direction for America. Thankfully, Equality Pennsylvania has been able to work with Gov. Wolf to keep us on the right track here in Pennsylvania by protecting state employees and employees who work for state contractors. If jobs are what makes America great, then let's make sure that everyone has equal opportunity to get one, including gay and transgender people."
7th Circuit Court of Appeals Hears Whitaker v. Kenosha Unified School District
(Chicago, March 29, 2017) Today the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in the case Whitaker v. Kenosha Unified School District, involving a transgender Wisconsin student whose school had denied him access to the boy's room. The school district is appealing a preliminary injunction from a lower court granting the student the right to use the boy's room.
Bill to Modernize Discriminatory HIV Criminalization Laws Passes First Major Hurdle
Sacramento - March 28, 2017 – A bill that would modernize California's laws that criminalize and stigmatize people living with HIV today cleared its first major legislative hurdle. The Senate Public Safety Committee approved Senate Bill (SB) 239 by a vote of 5-2. The bill is authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Asm. Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) and cosponsored by the ACLU of California, APLA Health, Black AIDS Institute, Equality California, Lambda Legal and Positive Women's Network - USA. The organizations are part of Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform (CHCR), a broad coalition of people living with HIV, HIV and health service providers, civil rights organizations and public health professionals dedicated to ending the criminalization of HIV in California. SB 239 is also co-authored by Senators Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), Nancy Skinner (D-Berkley) and Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymembers David Chiu (D-San Francisco) and Susan Eggman (D-Stockton.)
VA House Dems Ask Del. Bob Marshall Whether AP Story on Bathroom Bill is 'Fake News
RICHMOND, Va. - March 28, 2017 – The Virginia House Democratic Caucus today asked Del. Bob Marshall whether a new analysis from the Associated Press on the economic impact of North Carolina's divisive bathroom bill is "fake news."
NCLR responds to quiet Trump Administration elimination of LGBT discrimination protections
(March 28, 2017 San Francisco)-Yesterday, the Trump Administration quietly issued an executive order rescinding Obama administration progress toward eliminating LGBT discrimination in the workplace. Previously, former president Barack Obama's Executive Order 13673 took aim at LGBT discrimination by requiring federal contractors to disclose whether they have previously been held liable for discrimination against vulnerable groups, including LGBT individuals. By eliminating this requirement, federal government decisions about which companies to do business with no longer weigh a company's history of LGBT discrimination as part of this decision-making. National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell, Esq. issued the following statement in response:
Anti-LGBT Record of Trump's Nominee for Air Force Secretary Seen as Troubling
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - March 28, 2017 – Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center, released the following statement today regarding President Donald Trump's nomination of former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson as Air Force Secretary: "The nomination of former Rep. Heather Wilson as Secretary of the Air Force raises serious concerns about whether President Donald Trump can be counted on to honor his promise to treat LGBT Americans equally and to provide the armed forces with the best talent to defend this nation. As a member of Congress, Rep. Wilson consistently opposed measures to protect LGBT Americans from discrimination or grant them equal protection under the law. As a senate candidate, Rep. Wilson opposed a bill intended to reduce anti-LGBT bullying, saying that victims should simply be stronger and more 'comfortable with themselves' instead of expecting perpetrators to be held accountable. In the Air Force, where it's imperative to make clear that sexual harassment and anti-LGBT conduct have no place, this is a troubling position for any senior leader to adopt. As Senate members weigh the nomination, they should scrutinize this part of her record and consider whether Rep. Wilson is the right person for a job that requires placing cohesion and merit above personal bias. Wilson has a heavy task in demonstrating to the Armed Services Committee that she is the right person to foster a climate of professionalism and respect for all service members, including LGBT troops and women."
Equality California Legislative Scorecard Hold Legislators Accountable for 2016 LGBT Votes
Sacramento - March 27, 2017 -- Equality California today released its Annual Report and Legislative Scorecard for 2016, giving a snapshot of the organization's programs and achievements in 2016 and rating lawmakers on how they voted on Equality California's highest priority legislation.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Alphonza Watson, a Black transgender woman killed in Baltimore, MD
March 27, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Alphonza Watson, a Black transgender woman, killed in Baltimore, Maryland on March 22nd, 2017. According to media reports, she was shot to death in the early morning hours and two men were witnessed fleeing the scene. Alphonza's mother, Peggy Watson, called her the "the sunshine of our family" and talked about her daughter's love of cooking and gardening. "She was a very caring, passionate, fun person to be around, always in a talkative and playful mood," her mother remembered.
Trump Appoints Anti-Trans Lawyer, Journalist to Lead HHS Civil Rights Office
March 24, 2017 - President Trump has appointed Roger Severino, an extremist right wing lawyer and journalist as Director of the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS/OCR).
Announcing the Sixth Annual Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference!
We are proud to announce that the Sixth Annual Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference will take place May 19-22, 2017 in Downtown Harrisburg! This year, the YAC will be dedicated to "Securing Economic Opportunity for Young LGBTQ Pennsylvanians." The conference will focus on issues around economic justice for LGBTQ youth including: access to quality jobs, non-discrimination in employment, poverty (across rural, suburban, and urban communities), housing instability, and LGBTQ youth homelessness.
Statement from NCLR Exec Dir Kate Kendell, opposing Pres Trump's U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch
(San Francisco, CA, March 23, 2017)- Today marked the final day of Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for President Trump's Supreme Court pick Neil Gorsuch. NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell, Esq. issued the following statement in response "As we celebrate our fortieth year securing the rights, liberties and futures of LGBT people, we do so acutely aware that our work is perhaps more important now than it has ever been before. We live under an administration that came to office following a campaign grounded in divisiveness and whose initial actions have targeted transgender students, women, refugees, Muslims, and millions of people who have obtained healthcare under the Affordable Care Act. Under this shadow, the United States Senate is currently considering the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch of the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to fill the vacancy on the United States Supreme Court. We joined our sister LGBT organizations in a letter to the Senate stating our opposition to the confirmation of Judge Gorsuch based on his extreme view that religious liberty can justify discrimination against vulnerable groups, his belief that the meaning of our Constitution is frozen in time, and his skepticism about the very existence of the fundamental liberty and privacy rights that are essential to the equality of LGBT people.
Anti-LGBTIQ Hate Bus Tours The United States
March 22, 2017 - The so-called FreeSpeechBus, is currently spreading its hateful message through the streets of New York City. The organizers behind the bus include the International Organization for the Family, labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the notoriously anti-LGBTIQ group National Organization for Marriage. The bright orange bus is covered in the message, "It's Biology: Boys are boys...and always will be. Girls are girls...and always will be. You can't change sex. Respect all."
20 States Could Ban Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ Conversion Efforts
March 21, 2017 - Equality Federation is supporting legislation in 20 states to protect youth from the harmful, unscientific, disproven practice of sexual orientation and gender identity conversion efforts that are shockingly still in practice today.
Transgender Community Pushes Back as Anti-Transgender Bills Advance in State Legislatures Nationwide
March 20, 2017 - More than 100 anti-transgender bills have been introduced in 29 state legislatures across the country this year, and the transgender community is mobilizing a vigorous nationwide pushback.
Trump Administration Removes LGBTQ Seniors from Federal Care Surveys
NEW YORK - March 20, 2017 – Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, released the following statement after a Center for American Progress report discovered that the Trump Administration erased the LGBTQ community from The National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants and the Annual Program Performance Report for Centers for Independent Living, key surveys that are used to help provide care to American seniors – including disability, transportation, and caregiver support needs.
Trump Administration Proposes Eliminating LGBT Elders from Key Federal Survey
[NEW YORK, NY - March 20, 2017] Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE) announced today that it is launching a nationwide effort to oppose the Trump Administration's proposed erasure of LGBT elders from the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP). Specifically, SAGE opposes changes that would eliminate questions that allow the federal government to assess the extent to which LGBT older adults are receiving federally funded elder services. According to a March 13 notice in the Federal Register, those questions (which have been included in the Survey since 2014) are proposed for elimination in the 2017 Survey. This is the only change the Trump Administration proposes to the Survey.
C-Fam Violates Federal Ethics Laws: Remove Hate Group From U.S. Delegation
(NY, New York - March 19, 2017) -- The hate group Center for Family and Human Rights (C-Fam) has used its place on the official US delegation to the annual United Nations women's rights meeting, Commission on the Status of Women, to fundraise for itself in what appears to be a violation of federal ethics rules. OutRight Action International calls for C-Fam's immediate removal from the US delegation and for the group to be barred from the CSW negotiating room while their actions are under investigation.
Candidate Forum on April 26
On Wednesday, April 26, there will be a Candidate Forum at the H.O. Hirt Auditorium at the Blasco Public Library, 160 East Front St, Erie PA, The event begins at 6:30 PM and is free and open to the public. When arriving, audience members are invited to place written questions in the areas of poverty/mental health, LGBTQ rights, and other topics (health care, election reform, etc) in jars. There will be a moderator, who will ask questions from the jars of candidates for Erie County Executive, Erie County Council, Erie City Mayor, and Erie City Council. Time permitting, candidates for other offices who attend will be given two minutes each to speak. The forum is a joint effort with Keystone Progress Erie, Mental Health Association of NW PA and Erie Gay News.
Equality PA Town Hall on LGBT Issues on March 27!
Save the date for the Erie Town Hall, one in a series of meetings across Pennsylvania being organized by Equality PA about issues facing the LGBT community in 2017. Find out ways to get involved so that you can support LGBT people and take action locally and statewide The event will be at the Crime Victim Center of Erie County, 125 W 18th St, Erie PA on Monday, March 27th at 6:30pm.
Health
HIV & STD Testing at Drenched Fur 13 - Get a FREE Gift Card!
As part of Drenched Fur 13, HIV and STD testing services will be provided to local men as a great option on Saturday April 1st between 10am and 2pm. These free and confidential testing services are being provided by the Erie County Department of Health and Community Health Net in the Ambassador Meeting Room at the Bel Aire Hotel and Conference Center, 2800 W 8th St, Erie PA. Even better, individuals getting HIV tests will receive a Country Fair gift card. Guys can use this web link to choose their testing time at the online version OR you can show up between 10am and 2pm to get tested! Tests provided include rapid HIV (saliva sample), rapid syphilis (blood sample) and also chlamydia and gonorrhea (urine sample).
Friendship
Last week I was talking with a close friend. As usual, we covered a wide range of subjects. He brought up the subject of Friendship and suggested I write a column about it, telling me:"Friendship is severely underrated, especially among men". A client of mine told me, "Lovers come and go, but friendships last a lot longer. I'd be sunk without my friends."
Spirituality and Religion
Theology on Tap at Andy's Pub
The Table will be hosting Theology on Tap on Thursday, April 13 at Andy's Pub, 3866 Peach St, Erie PA from 7-9pm. People of all faith backgrounds (and non-faith backgrounds!) are welcome to come and share their thoughts on life, God/Universe, how the world works and human response as we learn from each other and enjoy our favorite beverages. Topics of discussion are raised by participants or generated randomly. This event is open to those 18 and older, but those under 21 may not order alcohol.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Answering Facebook Questions
I asked, you answered. Every so often I ask my Facebook and Twitter friends (about 30,000) to suggest subjects for me to address in this column. Here are some recent suggestions:
The rise (and fall) of an LGBT miniseries
How many of you watched the ABC miniseries "When We Rise"? Not many, according to the ratings.
Contests
Enter to win Love Who You Wanna Love prize packs from JoLivi!
Enter to win Love Who You Wanna Love prize packs from JoLivi! Love Who You Wanna Love, the empowering new single from singer-songwriter JoLIVI. Enter now for your chance to win a Love Who You Wanna Love download card with remixes by Dave Audé and a special Love Who You Wanna Love tote bag! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, April 21 and Friday, May 12.
Enter to win S & M Sally from Ariztical Entertainment!
Enter to win S & M Sally from Ariztical Entertainment! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, April 18 an
Enter to win Did It For Love from Leela James!
Enter to win Did It For Love from Leela James! DID IT FOR LOVE , the new album from acclaimed R&B/soul singer-songwriter LEELA JAMES. ft. "Don't Want you Back", "All Over Again", & Hard For Me." Out NOW: ttp://smarturl.it/DidItForLoveAR. Catch Leela James on Tour! Visit leelajames.com for dates and ticket info! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, April 14 and Friday, May 5.
Enter to win Fierce PDF ebook by Rob Rosen!
Enter to win Silver Eye from Goldfrapp!
Enter to win Silver Eye from Goldfrapp! Silver Eye - the seventh studio album from the iconic duo, Goldfrapp. The band's follow up to 2013’s Tales of Us is rooted in a deep, dark and electronic musical palette — an assertive return from the uncompromising duo! Featuring "Anymore" and "Ocean." To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, April 7 and Friday, April 28.
Enter to win BWOY DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win BWOY DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, April 4 and Tuesd
Enter to win Fair Haven DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Fair Haven DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, March 31 and Friday, April 21.
Enter to win So Good from Zara Larsson!
Enter to win So Good from Zara Larsson! SO GOOD, the new album from international pop star ZARA LARSSON. Featuring the hit singles "So Good," "Ain't My Fault" and more! Available NOW: http://smarturl.it/SoGood_iTunes. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, March 28 and Tuesday, April 18.
Enter to win FAB. remixes from JoJo (feat Remy Ma)!
Enter for the chance to win remixes of FAB. (feat. Remy Ma), the new dance-floor hit from global superstar JoJo! JoJo's new album Mad Love. -- featuring the hit song "F*** Apologies" (feat Wiz Khalifa), "FAB." (feat Remy Ma), and "I Am" -- is available now: http://smarturl.it/madlove. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, March 24 and Friday, April 14.
Enter to win SoulShares Complete Series 7 novel set by digital download Rory Ni Coileain!
Enter to win SoulShares Complete Series 7 novel set digital download by Rory Ni Coileain! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, March 21 and Tuesday, April 11.
Miscellaneous
LGBT Community Survey - Let your voice be heard and enter a drawing to win $50!
Erie Gay News would like to invite you to take a new survey about your opinions and preferences, from an LGBT perspective. You can also enter a drawing to win a $50 cash prize just for filling out the survey! 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.
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