June, 2017 News (78 Articles with 278,757 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for June, 2017 ERIE PRIDEFEST HAPPENS JUNE 24 The annual celebration happens in June this year, and the festival will return to Perry Square. More info about 2017 Erie PrideFest on June 24 is here.Photos are from PrideFest 2016; left is booth for NW PA Pride Alliance, at right are marchers entering the park. NW PA Pride Alliance is the organizer for the event.
This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus
Category for this issueCalendar & Upcoming Events
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Local and Regional News
All Wheel Poker Run in Honor of Local Transplant Patient
Erie, Pa., May 31, 2017 - Tim Robison is fighting for his life. In 2004, he was first diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and by 2008 he began having to use oxygen at night. His disease progressed from there, and now he is dependent on oxygen 24 hours a day. Doctors say a lung transplant is critical to his survival.
GEAE Progress Towards Equality on June 11 at Erie County Courthouse
Progress Toward Equality: An educational event in solidarity with the National Pride March movement. This free and open-to-the-public event is being organized by Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and will highlight the progress made right here in Erie, PA, and what we are still working to gain. Please join us on Sunday, June 11 on the Erie County Courthouse steps (140 W 6th St, Erie PA) from 11AM -1 PM. This event will kickoff a month's worth of events throughout the city.
Erie Gay News new ad rates
First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who has ever advertised with Erie Gay News! The support of our advertisers has been what has enabled us to keep our region's community informed about LGBT news and events for almost 25 years now and we are deeply grateful for being a part of making that possible. We are glad to inform our community about the great news and events of our community. We are one of only three community LGBT print publications in Pennsylvania, the other two being Philadelphia Gay News and Central Voice PA from the Harrisburg area. Cleveland and Pittsburgh no longer have LGBT print publications, so Erie Gay News takes a lot of pride in informing our region. Erie Gay News has had the same rates for ads since December of 2002, and rising printing and postage costs necessitate that we need to update our rate to reflect those realities.
GEAE Afternoon for Equality on June 11
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality will host their signature event, Afternoon for Equality 2017 on Sunday June 11th starting at 2 pm at 21 La Rue Dix, 21 W. 10th St., Erie. Each year, LGBT Community Progress Awards are given to companies or people whose work has advanced LGBT equality and understanding. This year, the fundraiser will focus on the LGBT family, and in addition to the community recognition, GEAE will award scholarships to students entering college or technical school in the fall. Tickets for Afternoon for Equality are $50 and can be purchased here.
General McLane High School Wins Caring Place Contest
EDINBORO, PA (May 16, 2017) – General McLane High School’s Caring Club placed first in Highmark Caring Place’s Awareness Raising Project for National Child Grief Awareness Day. Forty-five schools entered the contest.
Western PA PFLAG Regional Training for Support Group Facilitators Discussed
During the last Western PA regional meeting, we discussed hosting a region-wide training for support group facilitators. This training would be open to anyone who is interested from your chapter, regardless of being a board member, officer, chapter member or none of the above. I encourage you to spread the word to anyone who may be of interest in becoming a support group facilitator for your chapter. The training consists of practical information and role plays to help new facilitators learn the skills to become an effective group leader. On many occasions, becoming a support group facilitator can be a great first step to finding new individuals to join the board of your chapters. Please get in contact with Mitchell R Hortert at mrhortert@gmail.com if you and your chapter are interested in this idea and I will begin to make arrangements in the next few weeks.
Deadline for June 2017 print edition (issue # 259) of Erie Gay News is Monday, May 15
For the next print edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 259, cover dated for June 2017), please send in calendar events, news items, and other info for late May 2017 and beyond by Monday, May 15. We expect that the next print edition will come out on Tuesday, May 23.
Pride Day at Waldameer Park & Waterworld on Sunday, June 25
We had so much fun last year, we're doing it again! NW PA Pride Alliance will be hosting Pride Day at Waldameer Park and WaterWorld on Sunday, June 25, the day after PrideFest. End your Pride Weekend with unlimited rides and slides at a discounted price!
2017 Erie PrideFest Celebrates 25 Years of Pride in NW PA
Pridefest will take place this year on Saturday, June 24, in the traditional Pride month. We will gather at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA from 12-1 and step off to march to Perry Square at 1. Once at Perry Square, we will have info tables and vendors along with entertainment including drag performers and many more. For the fourth consecutive year, we will also have HIV and STI testing provided by the Erie County HIV Task Force.
Entertainment and Travel
Logo Study Names Most Out & Proud Brands: Hilton, Anheuser-Busch, Marriott, Google and Apple
New York, NY – May 30, 2017 – Despite our changing times, America's leading companies and brands are proudly remaining out and proud, with more companies including LGBTQ people and families in mainstream advertising and marketing than ever before.
TCM & FilmStruck To Celebrate Pride Month With Extensive Programming Lineups Dedicated LGBT Programming in June
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and FilmStruck will celebrate Pride Month this June with extensive movie lineups dedicated to exploring LGBT themes in cinema. Honoring a number of LGBT actors and artists whose talents helped them overcome the roadblocks they faced because of their orientation or gender identity, TCM will spotlight Gay Hollywood, hosted by entertainment journalist Dave Karger and author and historian William Mann, every Thursday in June, and FilmStruck will present a Gay and Lesbian Cinema showcase, hosted by film critic Alonso Duralde.
The Erie Art Museum to Participate in Blue Star Museums
May 20, 2017, Erie, Pennsylvania – The Erie Art Museum is one of more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense.
Erie Museums Announce Discounts for Low-Income Families
May 12, 2017-The Erie Art Museum and the expERIEnce Children's Museum are proud to be a member of the Museums for All program, a signature access program of the Association of Children's Museums (ACM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to encourage families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. The program will enable low-income families to visit the art museum and children's museum for a minimal fee of $2 per person with the presentation of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Museums for All is part of the museums' broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all.
Ancient Ink: Photographs by Mark Perrott Exhibit at Erie Art Museum
April 11, 2017, Erie, Pennsylvania – The exhibition ANCIENT INK by photographer Mark Perrott opens June 23, 2017 and will be on exhibit in the Erie Art Museum's Bacon Gallery through January 28, 2018. Mark Perrott has spent decades documenting the ever-expanding tribe of tattooed Americans. He made his first portraits at Island Avenue Tattoo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1979, and since then has explored tattoo parlors all across America. In his current series, ANCIENT INK, Perrott turns his camera to the now increasing tribe of highly decorated, aging, and graying baby boomers. Through large scale (50"x50") photographs and accompanying interviews, Perrott introduces the viewer to dozens of individuals, including Brian, a retired steelworker and "ink addict" from the 1970s; Marge, a 74 year-old former Cleveland police officer; and Henry, an 87 year-old WWII era Navy veteran. "These subjects," Perrott says, "speak of resilience, loss, transformation, mystery, and the emancipation that sometimes comes with growing old."
Political, Activism and Legal
Equality California: Resistance is part of our heritage as LGBTQ Californians
Los Angeles - In honor of June Pride month, Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement: "Last November's election of Donald Trump dispelled any illusion that our battle for full equality is over, and this year's Pride marches will represent an expression of resistance and grim determination from a community that has been the target of discrimination, lack of acceptance and hostility.
Over a Dozen KY Communities to Host LGBTQ Pride Events
(Louisville, KY) More of Kentucky will be celebrating LGBTQ Pride this year than ever before. More than a dozen communities across the commonwealth are set to host LGBTQ Pride Festivals and events, beginning this weekend as the Pride Month of June commences, and running through October with the first-ever Bowing Green Pride and Capital Pride in Frankfort.
TLC Applauds Senate Passage of SB 179, to Enable Accurate Identity Documents
May 31, 2017 - SB 179, the Gender Recognition Act advanced out of the California state senate today. Transgender Law Center (TLC) is proud to have drafted and sponsored the legislation which will empower more transgender, intersex and nonbinary people to more easily obtain state-issued identity documents that accurately reflect their gender. The bill is being authored by Senators Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and is sponsored by TLC and Equality California.
Assembly Member O'Donnell Announces Dignity for All Students Act Amendment, A07738, to Include Private and Denominationa
New York, NY, May 30, 2017 - Assembly Member O'Donnell announced the introduction of A07738, an amendment to his landmark anti-bullying bill, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). DASA was created with the cooperation of the Dignity Task Force to develop guidelines that are consistent with this legislative intent: to combat bullying by fostering inclusive cultures in schools. This amendment will expand the implementation of those protections to private and denominational schools.
GLSEN Responds to 7th Circuit Ruling For Transgender Rights
\(New York, NY) - May 31, 2017 - In response to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling affirming the rights of a transgender high school student, Ash Whitaker, to use the bathroom that matches his gender identity, GLSEN's Director of Public Policy, Nathan Smith, released the following statement: "This ruling justly affirms the rights of transgender students to attend school free from discrimination. The court's message to schools, school districts and states is clear: you must protect transgender and gender-nonconforming students from discrimination and provide an educational environment in which they can thrive. No child should be denied that right, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ability or economic status. GLSEN was deeply disappointed and concerned by the Trump Administration's decision to rescind the Title IX guidance which encouraged schools to protect transgender students. Today's decision is legal vindication of the very need for that guidance. As we have said for some time, federal protections -- including Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment -- apply to all Americans, regardless of gender identity."
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Federal Court Ruling Affirming Rights of Transgender Students
WASHINGTON - May 30, 2017 - Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the unanimous decision of a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirming the right of a transgender student in a Wisconsin public school to use the restroom of his gender identity: "Today's ruling is an affirmation of the rights of transgender students to live their lives free from discrimination. It sends a strong signal to schools, districts, and states that they have an obligation to protect transgender and gender non-conforming students from discrimination, and to provide an educational environment wherein they can thrive.
Groundbreaking 7th Circuit Ruling in Favor of Ash Whitaker, Transgender Student Seeking Access to Correct Bathroom
(Chicago, May 30, 2017) Today the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a groundbreaking ruling in favor of Ash Whitaker, the transgender student plaintiff in Whitaker v. Kenosha Unified School District. In a unanimous decision authored by Judge Ann Claire Williams, the court upheld the preliminary injunction, issued by a federal district court in September 2016, that has allowed Ash, a senior at Tremper High School in the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to use the boys' restrooms at school throughout his senior year without fear of discipline or invasive surveillance by school officials.
73 National Groups Demand OFCCP Remain Intact
WASHINGTON - May 26, 2017 -Today, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Employment Law Project, the National Women's Law Center and 70 national organizations wrote to Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney to urge the Trump administration to abandon its proposal to eliminate the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which is currently part of the Department of Labor, and transfer its functions to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The letter was also sent to congressional leadership.
GLSEN Responds To DeVos' Refusal To Stop School Discrimination
(New York, NY) - May 25, 2017 - While presenting the Department of Education's requested budget, which includes $150 million in public funds to be spent on sending students to private schools, Secretary DeVos left little doubt that she would not intervene if states allowed discrimination. GLSEN's Executive Director, Eliza Byard, and Director of Public Policy, Nathan Smith, released the following statements: "It is appalling that Secretary DeVos could not name a single example of discrimination that would disqualify a school from receiving federal funds," said Eliza Byard, GLSEN Executive Director. "Equality of opportunity for every child is a bedrock American commitment. Living up to that promise is an ongoing investment. Any betrayal of this commitment in the name of "states' rights" and "local control" is a shameful stain on our society and the antithesis of true education leadership. No child in this country should be abandoned because they are disabled, LGBTQ, black or brown, Muslim, an immigrant, because their family is poor, or because they are 'different' in any other way.
New York-LGBT Blasts Bill In Texas Legislature Aimed At Discriminating Against Transgender Kids In Public Schools
May 25, 2017 - The NY-LGBT Network today sharply criticized a bill in the Texas state legislature that would require transgender students to use the restroom of their birth-certificate.
LGBT Equality Caucus backs agency non-discrimination proposals
HARRISBURG, May 25 – Members of the legislature's LGBT Equality Caucus today submitted public comment in favor of a state agency's proposals to interpret existing law on sex discrimination to protect LGBT people from discrimination, as several courts and agencies have already done.
LGBT Older Adults Face Unique Challenges to Successful Aging, New Report Finds
(Denver May 25, 2017)- Today, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and SAGE released a report, Understanding Issues Facing LGBT Older Adults, which aims to increase awareness of the diverse needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders across the country. The report offers a comprehensive look into the experiences of LGBT elders, highlighting the challenges they face across a wide range of topics from health care to financial security and community support, and their resilience in the face of these challenges.
Texas On Verge of Passing Extreme Anti-LGBTQ Laws
Over the weekend a group of Texas legislators pushed through two discriminatory efforts that, if signed by the Governor, could impact the economy of the state and cause harm to LGBTQ people and their families. In a cynical move, because anti-LGBTQ discrimination is widely unpopular, politicians took action last Sunday night, when they thought fewer people would be watching.
Taiwan Votes to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
On Wednesday, 24 May 2017, the Judicial Yuan, Taiwan's highest court, ruled that restricting marriage to only a man and a women was unconstitutional, voting in favor of marriage equality. Taiwan has made history as the first Asian country to vote in favor of same-sex marriage. The 14 grand justices demanded that current laws be amended within 2 years to allow for same-sex marriage, in the event laws have not changed in that timeframe, couples will be able to register their marriage anyway.
Victory Fund Endorses Nine LGBTQ Candidates; Seattle Mayoral Candidate Jenny Durkan Receives Spotlight Endorsement
Washington, DC – May 22, 2017 Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed nine candidates in state and local races. Jenny Durkan, running to be mayor of Seattle, received a spotlight endorsement, and if elected would become the first lesbian mayor of Seattle and just the second woman. Spotlight Endorsements are given to candidates especially well-positioned to breakdown barriers and drive equality forward.
ACLU of Texas Comment of Passage of Anti-LGBT Legislation
AUSTIN, Texas - May 22, 2017- Over the weekend, the Texas Senate voted to pass House Bill 3859 (HB 3859), a bill that would allow child welfare caseworkers and state-funded child adoption and foster agencies to impose their personal religious beliefs on children in their care and disqualify LGBT families from the State-s foster and adoption system. The Texas House of Representatives added an amendment to Senate Bill 2078 (SB 2078) that discriminates against transgender children in public schools.
141 Men Arrested in Gay Sauna in Indonesia
On 21 May 2017 at 8PM, 141 men were arrested by Indonesian authorities claiming they were engaging in a "gay sex party" at Atlantis Gym & Sauna in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. Those arrested were detained by the North Jakarta District Police. Indonesia does not have laws criminalizing homosexuality, except in the Aceh province, however the country does have severe anti-pornography laws which have been used to target LGBTIQ websites and activities.
NCAVP has learned of the possible hate violence homicide of Imer Alvarado, in Fresno, California
May 22, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the possible hate-violence homicide of Imer Alvarado on the night of May 16th in Fresno, California. According to media reports, Imer was fatally shot multiple times, following a dispute with a suspect whom police are currently seeking. Though Imer was dressed in feminine-presenting clothing at the time of his death, friends remember him as being "a beautiful and loving spirit" who was part of the drag community, and say that he identified as a gay man. His life was memorialized in a vigil held by members of the LGBTQ and deaf communities.
Equality PA Supports PAHRC Proposed Guidance to Ensure LGBTQ People Receive Fair Hearings On Complaints
Harrisburg - May 22, 2017 – Equality Pennsylvania submitted a letter to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission this week to show support for their new proposed guidance to treat discrimination against LGBTQ people as sex discrimination. This guidance mirrors the state of current law: that federal courts and agencies increasingly conclude that sex discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Sherrell Faulkner, a Black transgender woman killed in Charlotte, NC
May 22, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Sherrell Faulkner, a Black transgender woman, killed in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to media reports, Sherrell was found beside a dumpster on November 30th, 2016 with trauma from an assault. She passed away from injuries related to that assault on May 16th, 2017. Sherell's cousin took to Facebook to mourn the loss of her cousin and say she was an "angel."
Federal Court Allows Transgender Woman to Pursue Claim Under ADA
A federal district court in Pennsylvania has ruled that a transgender woman's employment discrimination claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can move forward. The May 18 opinion marks the first time a court has ruled that transgender people are not categorically barred from seeking relief from discrimination under the ADA.
Rep. Brian Sims co-sponsoring bipartisan Fairness Act to protect LGBT Pennsylvanians
PHILADELPHIA, May 18 – State Rep. Brian Sims, D-Phila., is co-sponsoring the bipartisan Pennsylvania Fairness Act, reintroduced this week in the House by Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, which would protect LGBT Pennsylvanians from discrimination in in the workplace, housing and public accommodations.
Largest Survey of Transgender Life in U.S. Publishes PA Specific Data
Harrisburg - May 18, 2017 – Today, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and Equality Pennsylvania released the Pennsylvania specific data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS). The data reveal disturbing discrimination trends and a range of disparities between transgender people and the general population of the United States in all areas of life.
LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Legislation Re-introduced for the 7th Time in 14 years
Harrisburg – Today, Rep. Dan Frankel (D) introduced the PA Fairness Act (HR-1410). The Senate bill, SB-613, was introduced by Senators Pat Browne (R) and Larry Farnese (D).
Governor Brian Sandoval signs law ending conversion therapy in Nevada for LGBTQ youth
(San Francisco, CA, May 17, 2017)-Today, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed SB201 into law, putting an end to the fraudulent, harmful and unscientific practice of so-called "conversion therapy" in the state of Nevada for LGBTQ youth. Today's bill signing was the result of targeted grassroots advocacy efforts by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Gender Justice Nevada, Kaempfer Crowell, and the Human Rights Campaign. NCLR has been standing up on behalf of survivors of conversion therapy for the past 20 years, and in 2014, launched its Born Perfect campaign-marking a commitment to a state-by-state advocacy campaign to end this practice in each state across the country.
Transgender Law Center Statement on the Release of Chelsea Manning
May 17, 2017 - Transgender Law Center (TLC) executive director Kris Hayashi issued the following statement about the release of Chelsea Manning from Prison today: "We congratulate Chelsea Manning on her release from prison today and wish her well in her new life. Her inhumane treatment in prison – solitary confinement, denial of medical care, punishment for suicide attempts, serving in a male facility – is sadly the typical experience of transgender people who are incarcerated, particularly transgender women of color. TLC remains committed to fighting for all those who are incarcerated."
IDAHOT Statement: LGBTIQ Youth Continue to be Disenfranchised
May 17th has become a day to raise awareness of violations against the rights of LGBTIQ people. It was on this day in 1990 that the the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses as part of the International Classification of Diseases. While much has progressed since that day, LGBTIQ people, and often LGBTIQ youth in particular, continue to face a disproportionate burden of discrimination and violence. Because of society's heteronormative and cisgender expectations, LGBTIQ youth experience abuse at home, discrimination in educational settings, including verbal and physical bullying, and due to regressive laws, like the anti-propaganda law in Russia preventing anyone from speaking about LGBTIQ issues, often lack access to lifesaving information.
State Rep. Dan Frankel reintroduces Pa. Fairness Act with bipartisan support
HARRISBURG, May 17 – State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, co-chairman of the legislature's LGBT Equality Caucus, will reintroduce his proposed Pennsylvania Fairness Act in the House, again with bipartisan support.
National Leaders, Groups File Briefs at Fourth Circuit Supporting Gavin Grimm and Transgender Rights
WASHINGTON - May 16, 2017 - Individuals and institutions from across the country today filed friend-of-court briefs in support of Gavin Grimm, an 18-year-old Virginia high school student who is challenging his school board's refusal to allow him access to the boys' restroom because he is transgender. The briefs in the case, which is currently being considered by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, represent a diverse and extraordinary cross-section of interests, perspectives, and concerns.
Advocacy Groups File Ethics Complaint Against Kentucky Judge Refusing Adoptions to Same-Sex Couples
(Louisville, KY, May 16, 2017) - Today Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Kentucky, Kentucky's Fairness Campaign, and University of Louisville Law Professor Sam Marcosson filed a complaint against Judge W. Mitchell Nance for violating Kentucky's Code of Judicial Conduct by recusing himself from any adoption proceedings involving lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.
Jacqueline Cote & Walmart Announce Final Class Settlement Over Health Insurance Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses of Walmart
BOSTON, May 15, 2017 - A federal judge today approved the $ 7.5 million class action settlement between Walmart and former Walmart associate Jacqueline Cote, that challenged Walmart's lack of health insurance benefits for same-sex spouses of Walmart associates prior to 2014.
NCLR resolves Midwestern trans-inclusive employee healthcare case
(Cincinnati, OH, May 15, 2017)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, along with Gerhardstein & Branch and the Law Office of Scott Knox, announced that they reached a settlement in Rachel Dovel v. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, et al. Ms. Dovel has received insurance coverage for gender affirming surgery, which was previously excluded under the Library’s employee health care plan. In 2016, Ms. Dovel was forced to take out a personal loan to cover the cost of her medically necessary gender affirming surgery when faced with this coverage exclusion. In addition to Ms. Dovel’s health care coverage, as part of the settlement the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, where Ms. Dovel continues to work, agreed to continue to expand the Library’s efforts to build an inclusive and trans positive environment, including expanding materials on LGBT issues.
Bullying of LGBT Employees in Tech Industry: A Cost of Billions
(Portland, OR) May 15, 2017-An April, 2017, study conducted by Oakland non-profit Kapor Center for Social Impact, the Tech Leavers Study-the first of its kind-has taken a detailed look at discrimination in the tech industry, citing an annual loss in the sector of about $16 billion.(1)
AMPA Announces New Scholarship Program to Help Military Spouses Through Higher Education
WASHINGTON - May 15, 2017 - Today, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation's largest non-profit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military spouses and their families, announced the launch of the AMPA Military Spouse Scholarship - a new program aimed to help military spouses pursue their higher education goals. AMPA also announced that Hilton will be the presenting sponsor of the new military spouse scholarship this year.
Let it B: Tel Aviv Pride Parade to be World's First Bisexuality Themed Parade
The City of Tel Aviv-Yafo is excited to announce that the theme of the 2017 LGBT Pride Parade is "Bisexuality Visibility" The parade will be the first large-scale pride parade in the world to ever celebrate the theme bisexuality.
Amicus briefs to 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals request review of rulings that denied LGBT employees
(Washington, D.C. - May 9, 2017) The National Women's Law Center (NWLC) filed amicus briefs in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals that request full panel review of two cases and argue that sexual orientation is protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, NWLC said today. The briefs were joined by 14 other organizations.
Chelsea Manning, Legal Team Statements on Her Upcoming Release From Military Prison
NEW YORK - May 9, 2017 - Whistleblower Chelsea Manning will be released from U.S. military prison next week after serving a seven-year sentence for disclosing classified information that raised public awareness regarding the impact of war on innocent civilians.
With Spike in Hate Crimes, TLC Urges Survivors to Report to Communities Against Hate
Transgender Law Center (TLC) is urging survivors of hate crimes to report incidents to Communities Against Hate, a collaborative project to build a national database on hate crimes, and connect survivors to resources and services. Reports can be made through the website or through a resource hotline: 1-844-NO-HATE (1-844-966-4283).
NCAVP mourns the homicide of Brenda Bostick, a Black transgender woman killed in New York City
May 6, 2017 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) mourns the death of Brenda Bostick, a 59-year-old Black transgender woman, who died on May 4th, 2017 from injuries sustained in an attack on April 25th, 2017 in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. According to media reports, Brenda Bostick was found unconscious with head trauma on Tuesday, April 25th. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she died of her injuries on May 4th, 2017. According to additional media sources, her injuries do not appear to be self-inflicted or caused by a fall and police are investigating her death as a homicide.
Health
Ohio Sues Purdue Pharma, 4 others over OxyContin's Deadly Impact
Columbus - May 31, 2017 – Supporters of the Ohio Drug Price Relief Act today applauded a lawsuit filed by Atty. Gen. Mike DeWine seeking to hold drug companies accountable for helping create the state's devastating opioid epidemic that has claimed the lives of thousands of Ohio residents.
Years of Progress to End AIDS Now Threatened
Oakland, CA, 25 May 2017 - Vital programming for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men around the world will be slashed if the President's proposed budget released earlier this week is approved. Over $1 billion in arbitrary cuts to global HIV programs at the State Department and USAID in the President's budget would mean increases in avoidable HIV transmission and more unnecessary deaths. The White House's budget calls for an approximate 17% cut to components of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a complete defunding of HIV at USAID, as well as deep cuts to other life-saving global health programs, including the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis – the leading killer of people with HIV – and family planning and reproductive health programs.
New CHEST Study Looks At HIV And Other Health Risk Differences Between Rural And Urban Gay And Bisexual Men Across The U
A new paper by Dr. Jeffrey Parsons, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Hunter College, and his colleagues at the Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training (CHEST; www.chestnyc.org), identified significant differences between rural and urban gay and bisexual men across the United States on a number of mental health and other factors. As part of their ongoing research on syndemics - a term used to describe how synchronized epidemics in marginalized communities (such as the LGBT community) can reinforce and compound the risk for disease, including HIV – Parsons and his team surveyed 1,033 HIV-negative gay and bisexual men from across the U.S. through the One Thousand Strong project. Among gay and bisexual men, the syndemic conditions that most contribute to HIV risk are intimate partner violence, depression, sexual compulsivity, and polydrug use, and all of these conditions were linked with increased HIV transmission risk behavior in the One Thousand Strong cohort.
SeniorAdvice.com Explores the Challenges of the Aging Transgender Community
AUSTIN, Texas, May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SeniorAdvice.com, one of the nation's top senior housing referral services, released an article on the challenges and progress of the aging transgender community. The company recognizes that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) senior community is currently a very important part of the American population, and that the struggle for acceptance and safety among the transgender community has finally reached the national conversation.
FREE Dental Clinic at Gannon University June 16-17
No insurance required! The (MOM-n-PA) is a large-scale dental clinic where dental treatment is provided at no cost to individuals who are unable to afford dental care. Treatment is provided first-come, first-served and it is expected that several hundred individuals will be attending this year's event, so please come early! Patients do not preregister. The event will be held on June 16 and June 17 at Gannon University's Recreation and Wellness Center, 130 W. Fourth St., Erie, Pa.and doors open at 6AM each day.
Realizing Your Gifts
Recently, I went to a big, fancy dinner at a friend's house. There were about 18 people there and, as far as I know, I was the only LGBT person at the table. I was talking with this really interesting (straight) woman and the topic turned to being gay (don't ask me how). She looked me in the eye and asked me, "What is unique about being gay? What gifts do you bring to the world that straight people don't?"
A Human Rights Analysis of HIV in the Yogyakarta Principles
May 16, 2017 - The past ten years have witnessed tremendous advances for HIV and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) rights globally. However, this progress does not outweigh the horrific instances of violence these groups face throughout the world, such as the targeted persecution of gay and bisexual men in Chechnya, violent crackdowns on HIV service providers for gay men and transwomen in Tanzania, and other injustices.
LGB-Focused Resources Help Stressed Teens Cope
TUCSON, Ariz. - May 15, 2017 - "It gets better." These three words have become a pop-culture mantra for struggling young people in the gay and lesbian community. Yet, simply imaging a better future - however well-intentioned the idea - is not the best coping strategy for teens dealing with stress related to their sexual orientation, and, in some cases, it may even do more harm than good, according to a new study led by University of Arizona researcher Russell Toomey.
New Hepatitis C Infections Nearly Tripled over Five Years
Over just five years, the number of new hepatitis C virus infections reported to CDC has nearly tripled, reaching a 15-year high, according to new preliminary surveillance data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Spirituality and Religion
Faith In America Announces Medical Professionals Traveling to Phoenix for Southern Baptist Meeting
Washington, D.C. - June 2, 2017 --Today, Faith in America announces details regarding medical professionals participating in the unprecedented effort to focus the nation's largest protestant denomination on what they must be doing to not harm and, instead, protect America's teens and kids who are LGBT.
Faith in America Releases Plans for Bringing Message of Protecting LGBT Youth to Southern Baptist Convention
Washington, D.C.- May 31, 2017 -- Today, Faith in America announces an unprecedented effort to focus the nation's largest protestant denomination on what they must be doing to not harm and, instead, protect America's teens and kids who are LGBT.
'Glitter+Fire' Will Celebrate The Queerness of Pentecost
(New York, NY) - May 12, 2017 – The coalition behind Glitter+Ash Wednesday is back at it, encouraging Christians to use glitter to express joy in a diverse, LGBTQ-affirming church, this time in a symbolic recreation of the "tongues of fire" on Pentecost Sunday. Glitter+Fire (#GlitterPentecost) was announced today by the Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen, executive director of Parity, and Rev. Elizabeth M. Edman, founder of the Queer Virtue movement, which are co-sponsoring the event.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
The Amazon Trail: A Lesbian Elder's Warning
A friend of many decades, who currently depends on federal assistance for affordable housing, sent me her concerns about the current direction of our government. As a lesbian, a feminist, a woman, a senior with disabilities, and a progressive activist, she feels especially vulnerable right now. She needed anonymity, but gave me permission to share her insight.
Contests
Enter to win Counting for Thunder DVD!
Enter to win Counting for Thunder DVD! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, June 20 and Tuesday, July 11.
Enter to win Heartland DVD!
Enter to win Medusa from Ariztical Entertainment!
Enter to win Medusa from Ariztical Entertainment! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, June 13 and Tuesday, July 4.
Enter to win the Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 Original Broadway Cast Recording!
Enter to win the Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 Original Broadway Cast Recording! Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, the original Broadway cast recording ft. Josh Groban and Denée Benton from the acclaimed musical nominated for 12 Tony Awards! Available NOW: https://joshgroban.lnk.to/GCCastRecording. For tickets to see the show, visit: http://greatcometbroadway.com. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, June 9 and Friday, June 30.
Enter to win Handsome Devil DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Handsome Devil DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 27.
Enter to win The Atheist and the Parrotfish by Richard Barager!
Enter to win The Atheist and the Parrotfish by Richard Barager! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, June 2 and Friday, June 23.
Enter to win With a Twist from Bria Skonberg!
Enter to win With a Twist from Bria Skonberg! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, May 30 and Tuesday, June 20.
Enter to win World Be Gone from Erasure!
Enter to win World Be Gone from Erasure! World Be Gone, the seventeenth studio album from the iconic duo Erasure, is the follow up to 2014 's The Violet Flame, and follows the band’s recent 30th anniversary celebrations. "Love You To The Sky," the first single from the album is Erasure at their swooning love-struck best! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, May 26 and Friday, June 16.
Enter to win Utopians DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Utopians DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, May 23 and Tuesday, June 13.
Miscellaneous
Navy Celebrates 2017 LGBT Pride Month
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy joins the nation in recognizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month throughout June.
The Orlando Ribbon Project Bringing Together the World to Mark One Year Since Pulse Tragedy
ORLANDO, Fla., May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- What began as a simple roll of rainbow ribbon and a box of pins has grown into an international movement to never forget the victims of the worst mass shooting in the country's history, the tragedy at the Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016. As the one year mark of the Pulse shooting approaches, the Orlando Ribbon Project is committed to remembering the 49 men and women who lost their lives that night, those left critically and emotionally injured and supporting the rights of the GLBTQ community. The Project is asking those around the world to don one of their simple, yet profound rainbow ribbons in support on June 12, 2017.
Erie native stands watch aboard USS Oscar Austin as ship arrives in Bulgaria
BLACK SEA (May 15, 2017) - Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Clinton Schaaf, from Erie, Pennsylvania, stands watch at a Mark 38 MODII 25mm machine gun console aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) as the ship arrives in the Port of Varna, Bulgaria, for a scheduled port visit May 15, 2017. Oscar Austin is on a routine deployment supporting U.S. national security interests in Europe, and increasing theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Spratt / Released)
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