September, 2018 News (57 Articles with 180,638 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for September, 2018 BELTING IT OUT AT THE SHOW TUNE SING ALONG The Sing Along at the Speakeasy event was presented by Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) and Room 33 Speakeasy August 14. Attendees enjoyed favorite songs, prizes, food, and drinks at Erie’s brand new downtown hotspot Room 33.
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
Annual NW PA NOW Fundraising Auction on October 6
Mark your calendars and see the date to attend NOW's annual fundraising auction party on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Come join the fun is once again celebrate Northwest Pennsylvania NOW's annual auction at the beautiful Goodell Gardens and Homesteadon on Route 6N in Edinboro. The fun begins at 4 PM and last until whenever. NW PA NOW Board member Tracie Andrews and her musical partner, known as The Flapjacks, will provide musical entertainment for the first hour. You don't want to miss this chance to gather with other feminists for great food and drinks in excellent company. We'll provde the food, wine, beer, soffits, and a lot of laughs. It's $10 per person and that fee will be waived for anyone who contributes an auction item.
26th Annual Pride Picnic
NW PA Pride Alliance held the 26th Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle. About 200 people attended. There was a delicious potluck buffet, a raffle, and great times!
Crime Victim Center reaches out to clergy abuse victims
In light of the release of the Grand Jury report on clergy sex abuse, we want to let victims know help is available. Crime Victim Center of Erie County offers a variety of services and our counselors are specially trained to handle child and sexual abuse.
Erie County Human Relations Commission seeking new director
The Erie Times-News reports that Erie County Council wants to restructure the Human Relations Commission. staff. The proposeed changes would involve reducing the staff from three to two-an executive director and a full-time secretary, with the County retaining a solicitor to handle legal disputes.
Wolf Administration announces PA's Inaugural LGBTQ Aging Summit Oct 9-10
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announces that registration for Pennsylvania's Inaugural LGBTQ Aging Summit is now open. The summit will be held on October 9-10, 2018, at Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, in Harrisburg, PA. To learn more about Pennsylvania's Inaugural LGBTQ Aging Summit or to register your attendance, visit ltltrainingpa.org.
Mercer County school district new restroom policy
Lakeview School District in Mercer County will permit students to use restrooms of their gender identity.
Fall TV series premieres
Premieres of some TV and web series you may want to check out.
PA Human Relations Commission accepting LGBT discrimination complaint
HARRISBURG, Aug. 16, 2018 – Members of the legislature's LGBT Equality Caucus today welcomed a state agency's decision to interpret existing law on sex discrimination to protect LGBT people from discrimination, as several courts and agencies have already done. Members of the caucus provided public comment last year in support of the change.
NW PA Pride Alliance Fifth Annual Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves
On Monday, July 23, 2018, NW PA Pride Alliance held their fifth annual Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves in UPMC Park, 110 E 10th St. Everyone had a great time hanging out!
2nd Annual TransFamily of NW PA Picnic
On Saturday, July 21, 2018, TransFamily of NW PA held their second annual picnic at the Glenwood Park picnic. About 50 people attended. There was great food, a raffle, and everyone had a wonderful time!
NW PA Pride Alliance Float in Millcreek 4th of July Parade
NW PA Pride Alliance and friends once again had a float in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade in 7/4/2018. The float was very well-received. There as been an LGBT presence in the annual Millcreek parade since 2006.
Governor Wolf establishes First PA Statewide LGBTQ Affairs Commission
Harrisburg, PA - August 6, 2018 – Governor Tom Wolf today will sign an executive order creating the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, the only one in the nation.
Deadline for September 2018 print edition (issue # 274) of Erie Gay News is Monday, August 13
For the next print edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 274, cover dated for September 2018), please send in calendar events, news items, and other info for late August 2018 and beyond by Monday, August 13. We expect that the next print edition will come out on Tuesday, August 21.
Entertainment and Travel
Pride Journey: Rochester, New York
Nestled 90 minutes from Niagara Falls and just off of the southern shore of Lake Ontario in the Finger Lakes region of New York, you'll find the truly limitless city of Rochester. Known for numerous festivals and events throughout the year, immense history, world class museums, and its inclusive hospitality, New York State's third largest city has something for everyone. I recently explored the city for myself and my expectations were consistently exceeded. My visit coincided with Rochester's Pride Fest. The inclusiveness of the city is apparent, and I felt welcome from the start. "Roc Pride," as it's known, is one of the largest Pride festivals in the state outside of NYC. Complete with events, music, and a parade, there's plenty to experience during this week-long celebration.
VH1 Greenlights New Season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars"
NEW YORK, NY – August 22, 2018 – VH1 today revealed that "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" has been greenlit for a new season. Audiences will get to catch their favorite queens as they return for a second chance to earn the crown and a place in the "Drag Race Hall of Fame." "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 10 and "RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked" earned a combined 12 Emmy Award nominations this year – a record for VH1 – and both shows were greenlit for new seasons earlier this year.
Political, Activism and Legal
India's Colonial-Area Ban On Same-Sex Relations Is Repealed
(New York - September 6, 2018) Today the Supreme Court of India made the historic decision to repeal the ban on same-sex relations. The colonial-era Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code made sexual behavior "against the order of nature" illegal and punishable by imprisonment and served as a model for similar laws across the British Colonial Empire.
Senate Should Not Even Be Considering Trump's Extreme Nominee
WASHINGTON-DC - September 4, 2018: With Donald Trump now an unindicted co-conspirator in multiple crimes against the United States, it is unconscionable that the Senate is still set to hold hearings for his right-wing nominee to the US Supreme Court.
ACLU - Kavanaugh on LGBTQ issues & Religious Refusals
Highlights from ACLU commentary and analysis on Brett Kavanaugh. Below are quotes related to Kavanaugh and LGBTQ issues, the use of religion to discriminate, or other separation of church and state items. As a matter of policy, the ACLU does not endorse or oppose nominees to the Supreme Court.
California Legislature Passes Bill to Provide Teachers with Tools and Training to Support LGBTQ Students
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 29, 2018 - The California Assembly passed AB 2153 - legislation to provide the state's teachers and school staff with the tools and training they need to support their LGBTQ students - Wednesday evening with strong bipartisan support, following a similarly bipartisan 33-3 vote in the Senate on Monday. The bill is authored by Assemblymember Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) and sponsored by Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, and now heads to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.
Statement on Death of Jamel Myles by Executive Director, David Johns, National Black Justice Coalition
Denver, CO - August 29, 2018 -- Yesterday, several news outlets reported that Jamel Myles, a 9-year-old in Denver, died by suicide four days after coming out to his classmates and consequently becoming a target of rampant bullying. Following this tragic news, David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), released the below statement
First Bisexual U.S. Senate Nominee Kyrsten Sinema to Face Anti-LGBTQ Challenger Martha McSally
Washington, DC - August 28, 2018– Tonight Democratic primary voters in Arizona made U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema the first openly bisexual person to be nominated for U.S. Senate by a major American political party. The historic achievement was especially notable given Republican primary voters chose anti-LGBTQ candidate Martha McSally to face her in November. The race is of national significance because of its potential to be the deciding factor in whether Democrats take the U.S. Senate on Election Day.
Historic Victory for LGBTQ U.S. House Candidate Lauren Baer Continues Rainbow Wave
Washington, DC - August 28, 2018 – Openly LGBTQ candidate Lauren Baer won her primary for a U.S. House seat and is on-track to becoming the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from Florida. The seat is considered pivotal to Democrats' efforts to retake the House, and she will face Republican anti-LGBTQ incumbent Brian Mast in November. Baer will also be the first openly LGBTQ mother to serve in Congress if she wins on Election Day.
Governor Brown Signs Bill to Support LGBTQ Seniors
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 24, 2018 - Earlier today, California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 2719, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) and co-sponsored by Equality California and SAGE. This new law adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to the definition of elderly communities to be given priority consideration for programs and services administered through the California Department of Aging.
ACLU Statement on Federal Court Decision Granting Treatment to Transgender Woman in Custody of FL Dept of Corrections
TALLAHASSEE, FL - August 22, 2018 – The federal court in Tallahassee today ruled in favor of Reiyn Keohane, a transgender woman currently incarcerated at the Walton Correctional Institution. The ruling responds to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ACLU of Florida, and international law firm DLA Piper after Ms. Keohane's requests for treatment were repeatedly denied by the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) for over two years. Ms. Keohane had been denied hormone therapy and other medically necessary treatment for her gender dysphoria by the DOC. Following the filing of the lawsuit, the DOC began providing her with hormone therapy, but it refused to let her dress and groom as female, as other female inmates can.
Judge Orders Government to Produce Documents Related to Development of Trans Military Ban Implementation Plan
Washington, D.C. August 24, 2018 - Federal District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly today issued a ruling ordering the Trump administration to disclose information about its decision to ban otherwise qualified transgender troops from military service in Doe v. Trump, GLAD and NCLR's case challenging the Trump administration's transgender military ban.
California Senate Passes Bill to Protect LGBTQ Californians from So-Called "Conversion Therapy"
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 16, 2018 - The California Senate passed Assemblymember Evan Low's (D-Silicon Valley) bill to protect LGBTQ Californians from so-called "conversion therapy" in a vote of 25-11. The legislation is cosponsored by Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, and the Trevor Project and would make clear that claiming to be able to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity - or attempting to do so - in exchange for payment is a fraudulent business practice.
Victory Fund Condemns Fox News' Transphobic Attacks on Historic Transgender Candidate Christine Hallquist
Washington, DC - August 16, 2018 – While most news outlets reported on the historic nature of a transgender candidate being nominated for governor by a major American political party, several hosts and guests on Fox News attacked groundbreaking candidate Christine Hallquist because of her gender identity.
Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration Must Release Documents in Transgender Service Member Case
MARYLAND - August 15, 2018 - A federal judge yesterday rejected the Trump administration's effort to shield information it used to implement a ban on transgender people in the military. Stone v. Trump is the ACLU's lawsuit on behalf of a dozen transgender individuals currently serving or wanting to serve in the armed forces.
Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender People in San Bernardino County Jail Gain Rights
RIVERSIDE - August 15, 2018 - For years, a group of people incarcerated in a San Bernardino County jail were locked in their cells for as much as 23 hours a day. They were not permitted to participate in the jail's job training, educational, drug rehabilitation, religious or community re-entry programs.
The National LGBTQ Task Force: Journalism Should Be Protected and Honored
WASHINGTON-DC: August 15, 2018 In the lead up to over 200 news outlets taking a stand against attacks on the free press, the National LGBTQ Task Force is announcing that it will be honoring two out journalists at their annual gala.
LGBT Leaders Respond After Transgender Student is Threatened, Leading to Oklahoma School Closure
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (August 15, 2018) – National LGBT leaders are speaking out against parents in an Oklahoma school district following threats posted on social media against a transgender student. According to reports, parents within the district posted threats against the twelve-year-old transgender girl after it was mentioned that she had been using the girls' restroom in an Oklahoma public school.
First Openly LGBTQ U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin to Face Anti-LGBTQ Challenger Leah Vukmir in U.S. Senate Race
Washington, DC - August 14, 2018 – Tonight Republican primary voters chose Wisconsin state Senator Leah Vukmir to challenge incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin for her U.S. Senate seat – setting up a general election battle between an anti-LGBTQ extremist and the first openly LGBTQ U.S. Senator in American history. For almost two decades Vukmir has voted against pro-LGBTQ legislation and remains opposed to marriage equality and protections for LGBTQ youth. The Wisconsin race is one of the most competitive Senate races in the nation this cycle.
Trans Woman Wins Historic Gubernatorial Primary Victory; Christine Hallquist Is Democratic Nominee for VT Governor
Washington, DC - August 14, 2018 – Democratic primary voters in Vermont selected out transgender woman Christine Hallquist as their nominee for governor, making her the first out trans person to be the gubernatorial nominee of a major American political party. She joins three other openly LGBTQ candidates who received the Democratic nomination for governor this cycle – Kate Brown of Oregon, Jared Polis of Colorado, and Lupe Valdez of Texas – a historic number.
New Report Identifies Unique Challenges for LGBT Community Facing Alzheimer's and Other Dementias
CHICAGO, Aug. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LGBT and Dementia – a new issues brief developed by the Alzheimer's Association and SAGE outlines the unique challenges facing LGBT older adults living with Alzheimer's and other dementias and their caregivers. The brief outlines the unique issues that arise when Alzheimer's disease, sexual orientation, and gender identification and expression intersect, allowing advocates and care providers to better meet the needs of LGBT elders and their caregivers facing dementia.
BREAKING: OutServe-SLDN Applauds Congresswoman Speier's Determined Efforts to Protect our Veteran Community
(WASHINGTON) August 13, 2018 – Today, OutServe-SLDN issued the following in response to Rep. Jackie Speier's (D-CA 14) amendment to the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which will be signed today. The Congresswoman's amendment, which at OutServe-SLDN's request was attached to the legislation with bi-partisan support, provides three-million dollars to the Boards of Corrections for Military and Naval Records to increase the number of staff members reviewing applications, to provide for cultural competency training of Board members, and to expand the Board's capacity for review of veterans' applications. Allocation of these funds to these Boards will ensure that they are able to process applications more effectively and more efficiently, providing our veterans with equitable and just relief.
HRC Announces Historic Slate of Pro-Equality Endorsements in State Legislative Races
PENNSYLVANIA - August 13, 2018 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of a record 19 pro-equality candidates in the Pennsylvania State Legislature.
National LGBTQ Task Force Statement on the First Anniversary of Charlottesville Attack
WASHINGTON-DC - August 10, 2018: A year ago, our nation witnessed white nationalists, white supremacists, alt-right, and Neo-Nazis clustered in Charlottesville demanding that Black, Jewish, Muslim, immigrant, nonwhite, and LGBTQ people step aside so that they could "take their country back." As their chief spokesman, Donald Trump justified their abhorrent words and murderous actions and refused to acknowledge their culpability. Now one year later, Jason Kessler and other rally organizers are even more emboldened with plans to bring their message of hate to the nation's capital.
Maysville Passes LGBTQ Fairness Ordinance
(Maysville, KY) With a unanimous vote tonight, Maysville (population 8,866) became the tenth Kentucky city to adopt a Fairness Ordinance, prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, protecting all LGBTQ people. Situated on the banks of the Ohio River in northeastern Kentucky, Maysville is the hometown of popular singer and actress Rosemary Clooney and George Clooney's father, Nick Clooney.
Governments Around the World Are Using Laws to Silence LGBTIQ Civil Society
August 7, 2018 - Today, OutRight Action International launches their latest report, The Global State of LGBTI Organizing: The Right to Register. The report highlights a phenomenon in which governments are trying to silence a growing movement for equality by preventing formation and registration of LGBTIQ civil society organizations. This has been happening amidst an intense crackdown and large-scale arrests of LGBTQ people around the globe over the last year in places like Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, Tanzania and more.
Around the Country, LGBT Community Centers Serve More Than 40,000 People Each Week
Fort Lauderdale, FL August 7, 2018-For many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, LGBT community centers are a critical and sometimes the only local source of targeted social, educational, and health services. According to a new report released today from MAP and CenterLink, The 2018 LGBT Community Center Survey Report: Assessing the Capacity and Programs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Centers, these centers are often understaffed, underfunded, and under resourced, yet they serve more than 40,000 people each week and provide targeted referrals to nearly 5,500 people. Surveying 128 centers located in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the sixth edition of the report provides a crucial snapshot of the centers that provide vital services, programs, and advocacy for LGBT people.
Health
HIV Awareness Walk September 10
On Monday, September 10, Erie County HIV Task Force invites everyone to participate in the 2nd Annual HIV Awareness Walk. We will meet at 5 PM at LEAF building at Frontier Park, near the tennis courts on W 6th St. Please join us in walking to help raise awareness and reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in Erie County. Feel free to wear red and bring your pets! If your organization would like to bring a banner, please do!
The Marvels of Midlife
When I was 20, I thought that my sex life would be over at 40. When I was 30, I thought that my best years were behind me and I'd better find "Mr. Right" and settle down…and fast! At 40, I thought that I was halfway through life and hadn't accomplished much. Finally, at 50, things began to change…for the better.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
LGBT commission makes history - again
History is repeating itself 42 years later. That's where my thoughts were as Jason and I were on Amtrak on our way to a reception at the Pennsylvania's Governor's Residence this past Monday.
The Amazon Trail: "What?"
Grandpa Lynch, a retired Railroad Engineer, had big clunky hearing aids. Grandma Lynch needed a pair, though her family said she could hear perfectly well when she wanted to. There was definitely hearing loss on my mother's side, but her parents couldn't have afforded hearing aids if they'd wanted them, which they didn't any more than Grandma Lynch did.
Contests
Enter to win Black Diamond Fall by Joseph Olshan
Enter to win Black Diamond Fall by Joseph Olshan! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 18 and Tuesday, October 9.
Enter for a chance to win Troye Sivan's BLOOM!
Celebrate the new album from international pop sensation Troye Sivan! Enter for a chance to win a download of Troye Sivan's latest album, BLOOM, featuring the hit singles "Dance To This" and My My My!" BLOOM is available August 31. Stream/listen to BLOOM here: https://troyesivan.lnk.to/Bloom. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, September 7 and Friday, September 28.
Enter for a chance to win a Sir Ivan "Get Together" USB card!
Enter for a chance to win a Sir Ivan "Get Together" USB card! Sir Ivan wants everyone to get together! Enter for a chance to Sir Ivan's new smash single "Get Together" produced by Chris Cox. Winners will receive a USB download card with the song, plus remixes! "Get Together" is now available. Download/stream here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/get-together/1409927270. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 4 and Tuesday, September 25.
Enter to win Pretty Man e-book from Riverdale Avenue Books!
Enter to win Pretty Man e-book from Riverdale Avenue Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, August 31 and Friday, September 21.
Enter for a chance to win a BOOK CLUB Blu-ray Combo Pack!
Join the club and see Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen in BOOK CLUB! Enter for a chance to win a BOOK CLUB Blu-ray Combo Pack. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 28 and Tuesday, September 18. BOOK CLUB is available on Digital now; available August 28 on Blu-ray Combo Pack.
Enter to win My Life with James Dean DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win My Life with James Dean DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 28 and Tuesday, September 18.
Enter for a chance to win a THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS prize pack!
Leave the kids at home and get fuzzed up with THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS! No sesame. All street. Enter for a chance to win a THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS prize pack including a t-shirt and mini-poster! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, August 24 and Friday, September 14.
Enter to win Love Songs From A Lolita EP download from Maty Noyes!
Enter to win Love Songs From A Lolita EP download from Maty Noyes! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 21 and Tuesday, September 11.
Enter to win Brotherly Love DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Brotherly Love DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, August 17 and Friday, September 7.
Enter For A Chance To Win A "CRAZY RICH ASIANS" Prize Pack!
Enter For A Chance To Win A "CRAZY RICH ASIANS" Prize Pack! The only thing crazier than love is family! Jon M. Chu ("Now You See Me 2") directed Warner Bros. Pictures' and SK Global Entertainment's contemporary romantic comedy "Crazy Rich Asians," based on the acclaimed worldwide bestseller by Kevin Kwan. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 14 and Tuesday, September 4.
Enter to win Porcupine Lake DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Porcupine Lake DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 14 and Tuesday, September 4.
Miscellaneous
LGBT Chamber Launches New Name, Brand as Keystone Business Alliancee
Harrisburg, PA - August 23, 2018 - Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce unveiled a new brand and name, Keystone Business Alliance – Central PA's LGBT Chamber of Commerce (KBA), yesterday at their networking mixer hosted by LeFevre Funk Architects in Lancaster. The chamber, founded in 2007, serves as the business voice of the LGBT community in South Central Pennsylvania, and has garnered national awards and accolades in just over a decade since its founding.
Small Home Renovations with Big Payoffs
If you're planning on selling your home soon, you want to be able to set your asking price as high as you can. You may need to make a down payment on a new property or make enough from the sale to pay off debts or cover other expenses. Either way, you want to make certain that you get the most out of your home. One way of increasing the property's overall value is to make renovations and remodel certain rooms, but that also means investing more into the house than you may want. Fortunately, there are some small, affordable renovations you can do that add a good amount of value to a property.
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