January, 2019 News (40 Articles with 99,073 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for January, 2019 Janice Barcley (left), prosthetics supervisor, Stephanie Hohos-Mahoney (center), speech pathologist, and Kimberly Hackbarth (right), LGBT Veteran care coordinator and public affairs specialist, all with the Erie VA Medical Center, speak to Veterans during an LGBT Care and Services Veteran Discussion Panel November 21, at the Erie VAMC. Veterans in attendance learned about services provided to LGBT Veterans and gave feedback about their care. (VA Photo)
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
A Look Back at 2018 for Erie's LGBT Community
Erie Gay News looks back at 2018 for our region's happenings and news for the year. This year included the largest local Pride event in Erie history, the formation of both the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Panel, as well as the appointment of local community members by Governor Wolf to the newly formed PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, major events, milestones, charity fundraisers and much more! We also will have an updated LGBT history page for our region, which covers events from the 1960's up to the end of 2018.
2018 in Videos
Check out our video gallery for 2018! Among the videos are the 2nd Annual HIV Awareness Walk and the historic 2018 Pride Parade!
2018 - A look back in photos
Check out our photo gallery for 2018! 2018 saw a record turnout for Erie's Pride Fest (as well as a the announcement about the newly formed Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council), LGBTQIA presensce in various parades and community events, the 13th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend at The Zone, the 6th annual local vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance, Drenched Fur 14, GEAE's Showtune Sing-a-long and so much more! Erie Gay News is proud to have photo galleries for not only 2018, but years dating back to 1995!
Erie VA Medical Center holds LGBT Veteran care discussion panel
The Erie VA Medical Center held an LGBT Care and Services Veteran Discussion Panel November 21. The discussion panel, hosted by the facility's Veteran Experience Officers, featured an introduction to Erie VAMC's new LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator, presentations on services available from the prosthetics department and speech rehabilitation, and a guided discussion forum on care.
Report on Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council Meeting
The Mayor's Advisory LGBTQ+ Advisory Council held their second meeting on Friday, November 16. Michael Mahler and Tyler Titus recapped important points from the first meeting of the Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, held on November 2 in Harrisburg. Leah Manino reviewed highlights from the LGBT Health Needs Assessment Stakeholder Meeting that Greater Erie Alliance for Equality had presented earlier in the fall. This was the results of a statewide survey by the PA Department of Health of LGBTQ+ individuals that is conducted online every three years
Lake Erie Gala Held By Erie Sisters and Brothers
The Lake Erie Gala 2018 by the Erie Sisters and Brothers is in the books as a success There was fun by all The event was held November 14-18 at the Bel Aire Clarion, 2800 W 8th St, Erie PA.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Held by TransFamily of NW PA
On Tuesday, November 20, TransFamily of NWPA held a candlelight vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) commemorates the lives of people lost to hate crimes against trans and gender-diverse people. Attendees took turns reading the names of the 28 people who had been murdered in the U.S. alone during the past year. According to the Trans Murder monitoring Project, there were 369 cases of reported killings of trans and gender-diverse people between 1st of October 2017 and 30th of September 2018. About 25 people attended the event, including Erie City Mayor Joe Schember and Erie City School Board member Tyler Titus. The week kicked off with the County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper proclaiming 11/12 -11/19 Transgender Awareness Week. There was coverage by local news station JET24/FOX66. After the vigil, the Crime Victim Center of Erie County held a reception for attendees to connect and discuss their feelings in a safe space. TDOR has been observed since 1999, and this was the sixth local observance for Erie.
5th Annual Transgiving held by TransFamily of NW PA
On Saturday, November 24, TransFamily of NW PA held their fifth Annual Transgiving potluck dinner at Crime Victim Center of Erie, 125 W 18th St, Erie PA. About 50 people attended and enjoyed delicious food and great times together.
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) intern positions
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) is looking to fill two intern positions for the spring and summer. Interested students in Marketing/Communications, Event Planning, or Social Work should send an email of inquiry to geaeinfo@gmail.com.
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) Scholarship applications
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) Scholarship application is now available. If you are a LGBTQA senior who wishes to apply or you know of someone who would like some extra financial assistance, scholarship application is at http://greatereriealliance.com/2018/12/10/2019-geae-scholarship-application-is-now-open/. For additional information or questions, please contact Leah at geaeinfo@gmail.com
Fox Announces Cast For Live Musical Production Of The Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-Winning Musical "RENT," Airing Sunday, January 27
FOX has announced the full cast for the upcoming live musical event RENT, airing Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 (8:00-11:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).. Actress Kiersey Clemons ("Hearts Beat Loud"), Emmy nominee and Tony Award winner Brandon Victor Dixon ("Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert"), singer/songwriter Jordan Fisher ("Hamilton," 2017 winner of "Dancing with the Stars"), actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens ("Second Act," "Grease: Live"), newcomer and singer/songwriter Brennin Hunt ("Nashville"), R&B/Pop superstar Mario (EMPIRE), recording artist Tinashe ("Dancing with the Stars") and performer Valentina ("RuPaul's Drag Race") are set to star in the highly anticipated live musical event. Additionally, Keala Settle will perform the iconic solo from "Seasons of Love" and join the ensemble in the live musical.
Deadline for January 2019 print edition (issue # 277) of Erie Gay News is Monday, December 10
For the next print edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 277, cover dated for January 2019), please send in calendar events, news items, and other info for late November 2018 and beyond by Monday, December 10. We expect that the next print edition will come out on Tuesday, December 18. This will be our 26th anniversary issue!
Entertainment and Travel
Pride Journey: Oklahoma City
To say I fell in love with Oklahoma City would be an understatement. I thoroughly enjoy visiting lesser known cities around the country as you go in with little expectations or preconceived notions. I had visited OKC very briefly a few years ago, but never spent a substantial amount of time there.
Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus to deck the halls of state Capitol Building with musical offerings Thursday
HARRISBURG, DECEMBER 10-The House Democratic Diversity and Inclusion Council today announced The Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus will perform an abbreviated version of their holiday concert at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 13 in the Main Capitol Rotunda.
Political, Activism and Legal
Palm Center Response to DC Circuit Ruling on Transgender Military Ban
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - January 4, 2019 – In response to today's ruling by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals vacating one of four injunctions preventing the Trump Administration from implementing its ban on transgender military service, Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin issued the following statement: "The Mattis policy that the DC Circuit upheld is a full ban on transgender troops that would have the same impact as 'don't ask, don't tell,' undermining readiness by forcing troops to live a lie, stigmatizing them, and prompting the discharge of honorably serving personnel.
Trump's Transgender Military Ban Remains Blocked Despite New Decision Dissolving One of Four Nationwide Preliminary Injunctions
Washington, DC - January 4, 2019-The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today ruled against transgender service members, lifting the district court's order preventing the Trump administration from enforcing its ban on military service by transgender people in Doe v. Trump.
Two LGBTQ Senators and Eight LGBTQ Representatives to Be Sworn In to Most Diverse Congress in U.S. History
Washington, DC - January 3, 2019 – Ten openly LGBTQ people will be sworn-in to the 116th U.S. Congress this afternoon – two to the U.S. Senate and eight to the U.S. House – the most LGBTQ people to ever serve in either chamber. The previous record was held by the last Congress with seven LGBTQ people serving – one in the Senate and six in the House. Half of the 10 LGBTQ members will now be women and two are people of color, up from just two LGBTQ women and one person of color. Five of the members are new to their positions.
Ohio Senate correct to rebuff anti-LGBTQ "Pastor Protection Act"
COLUMBUS OH, December 31, 2018 ––On December 12th after their committee meeting, members of the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee smiled, took pictures with each other, and exchanged collegial pleasantries. After they left the room, any realistic chance of passing HB36, also known as the "Pastor Protection Act," left with them.
Transgender Military Ban Plaintiffs Ask the Supreme Court to Deny the Trump Administration's Premature Request for Review
Washington, DC - December 24, 2018 -Transgender service members challenging Trump's military ban today will file briefs opposing the administration's request that the Supreme Court hear the cases now, before the courts of appeal have ruled. The administration is seeking early review by the Court in three cases challenging the ban: Doe v. Trump, Stockman v. Trump, and Karnoski v. Trump.
Governor Kasich issues new executive order to protect all LGBTQ state employees from discrimination
December 19, 2018 - Today, Governor John Kasich issued Executive Order 2018-12K to ensure that all Ohioans, including LGBTQ Ohioans, are protected from discrimination in state employment. Although Governor Kasich had previously issued an executive order on nondiscrimination that included sexual orientation, today's Executive Order clearly prohibits discrimination in state employment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and other protected bases such as race, color, religion, age, and disability.
LGBT Groups Experience Financial Growth and Increased Resources as Movement Combats Attacks by Trump Administration
Boulder, CO, December 18, 2018-In a series of increasingly hostile attacks, the Trump Administration has targeted lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans, attempting to dismantle hard-won protections secured over the last decade. The 2018 National Movement Report, published annually by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), analyzes the first full year under the Trump Administration (Fiscal Year 2017), as well as budget projections for 2018. The report finds that, at the end of Fiscal Year 2017, the participating organizations remain efficient, focused on providing vital programs and services, and are supported by a diverse range of revenue sources. Cumulative in-kind contributions increased by 52%, with multiple organizations reporting that the bulk of these increases were due to donated legal services to advance equality and counter the harmful and discriminatory policies of the Trump presidency.
Federal Court Orders Prison to Provide Medically Urgent Gender Confirmation Surgery for Idaho Trans Woman
BOISE, ID - December 14, 2018 -The U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho issued a preliminary injunction late yesterday in Edmo v. Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC), ordering the IDOC to provide Adree Edmo, a Native American transgender woman, with medically necessary gender confirmation surgery. IDOC and its for-profit medical provider, Corizon Health, have denied Ms. Edmo surgery for more than four years despite her clear and urgent need for it. Corizon has faced allegations in other states for providing medical care so shoddy that it amounts to "cruel and unusual punishment," in violation of the Constitution's Eighth Amendment.
Victory Fund Announces First Round of 2019 Endorsements; Danica Roem and Jolie Justus Receive Spotlight Endorsements
Washington, DC - December 13, 2018 – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, announced its first round of endorsements for the 2019 election cycle. Kansas City Councilmember Jolie Justus, running for mayor, and Virginia Delegate Danica Roem, running for reelection, both received Spotlight endorsements – given to races considered top priorities for the organization. Nine other LGBTQ candidates received endorsement as well, including Lori Lightfoot for mayor of Chicago and Satya Rhodes-Conway for mayor of Madison, Wisconsin.
152 LGBTQ Elected Officials Call on 116th Congress to Act on Four Key Initiatives to Advance LGBTQ Equality
Washington, DC - December 12, 2018 – More than 150 openly LGBTQ elected officials and newly elected officials from across the nation are calling on the incoming U.S. Congress to act on four key initiatives related to LGBTQ equality. The letter was drafted after a closed-door convening of LGBTQ elected officials at LGBTQ Victory Institute's International LGBTQ Leaders Conference last week. The conference is the largest convening of LGBTQ elected officials in the world – with more than 140 elected officials from 26 countries, as well as 400 other advocates and leaders.
NCLR Files Brief Highlighting the Stories of LGBTQ Asylum Seekers in East Bay Sanctuary Covenant v. Trump
SAN FRANCISCO - December 7, 2018 -The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) yesterday filed an amicus brief highlighting the stories of LGBTQ asylum seekers in a case challenging the Trump Administration's "asylum ban" – the rule and presidential proclamation barring asylum for individuals who enter the United States across the southern border outside of a port of entry
Health
Pennsylvania PLHIV Network Being Formed
The Sero Project was established by POZ magazine founder Sean Strub. (www.seroproject.com). Sero is a network of people with HIV and allies fighting for freedom from stigma and injustice. Sero is particularly focused on ending inappropriate criminal prosecutions of people with HIV, including for non-disclosure of their HIV status, potential or perceived HIV exposure or HIV transmission. Sero's HIV criminalization work includes raising public awareness through community education efforts and outreach to mobilize and advocate for reform. In Pennsylvania, and nationwide, we are establishing advisories of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). If you or someone you know is interested in forming a statewide network of people living with HIV and allies to organize and mobilize around HIV-related advocacy issues in Pennsylvania, please contact Frank Pizzoli at frankpizzoli@gmail.com.
World AIDS Day Observance Held at Blasco Public Library by Erie County HIV Task Force
On Monday, December 3, Erie County HIV Task Force presented a World AIDS Day observance at Blasco Public Library, 160 E Front St, Erie PA. Speakers included Erie City Mayor Joe Schember, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, NW PA Rural AIDS Alliance staff member Sonny Concepcion , Community Health Net Ryan White program director Emily Crofoot, and Jim, a local man living with HIV for 36 years. Local coverage was by WICU/WSEE. There were also panels from the AIDS quilt on display at the library, including panels for two Erie County residents.
Are You Emotionally Sober?
Many years' ago, I had a boyfriend who liked to call me late at night, after he'd been drinking too much. He was a sweet, sentimental drunk. Eventually, the romance turned to friendship, he found AA and stopped drinking. But, he never worked on the problems that he drank to escape. He was the same person, just sober.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
The Amazon Trail: "Not a Creature Was Stirring, Not Even a Mouse."
That was true when we brought home our Christmas tree back in 2009 and a poor dead mouse fell onto our living room floor. We've made do with a little artificial tree ever since. But this year we're going all Santa Claus and supporting the local 4H Club which is selling trees at the fairgrounds.
Contests
Enter for a chance to win We Love You, But You're Going to Hell by Dr. Kim O'Reilly?
Enter for a chance to win We Love You, But You're Going to Hell by Dr. Kim O'Reilly! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 29.
Enter to win Scaffolding DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Scaffolding DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, January 4 and Friday, January 25.
Enter for a chance to win the "Dumplin' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack!"
The Dumplin' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is currently available with music by Dolly Parton. The soundtrack features guests including Sia, Mavis Staples, Miranda Lambert, and more! Dumplin' is now available on Netflix and in select theaters. Stream/buy the soundtrack here: http://smarturl.it/dumplinsdtrk. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, January 1 and Tuesday, January 22.
Enter for a chance to win You Always Change the Love of Your Life by Amalia Andrade!
Enter for a chance to win YOU ALWAYS CHANGE THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE (For Another Love or Another Life) by Amalia Andrade! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, December 28 and Friday, January 18.
Enter for a chance to win a digital download of A Christmas Carl: A Gay Retelling of A Christmas Carol by Ryan Field!
Enter for a chance to win a digital download of A Christmas Carl: A Gay Retelling of A Christmas Carol by Ryan Field! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 25 and Tuesday, January 15.
Enter to win Clean Bandit - What Is Love? digital download!
Enter to win Clean Bandit - What Is Love? digital download! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, December 21 and Friday, January 11.
Enter for the chance to receive a Second Act prize pack!
Second Act is an inspirational comedy starring Jennifer Lopez as Maya, a 40-year-old woman struggling with frustrations of not having achieved more in life. As an experienced, quick-witted, perceptive employee, she is passed over for a promotion solely because she doesn't have a college degree. Until, that is, she gets the chance to prove that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts, and that it is never too late for a Second Act. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 18, and Tuesday, January 8.
Enter for the chance to win a Mary Queen of Scots autographed movie poster and prize pack!
Mary Queen of Scots explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan). Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). Each young Queen beholds her "sister" in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth's sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 18, and Tuesday, January 8.
Enter to win I Miss You When I See You DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win I Miss You When I See You DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Tuesday, December 18, and Tuesday, January 8.
Miscellaneous
Welcome Students and Supporters! / 2019 League Foundation Application Period Is Now Open!
Every student has the right and the potential to excel.. The LEAGUE Foundation provides financial resources for America's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer high school seniors entering their first year of institutions of higher learning. U.S. Military Base High School students are eligible to apply also.The scholarship application opens annually in January and closes in April with awards distributed in the summer of each year.
The Risks of Buying a Home As-Is
When browsing real estate listings online, you may come across a property that is absolutely perfect in all regards but one: the listing indicates that the property is being sold as-is. The seller will make no repairs or updates. For some potential buyers, this is an immediate deal breaker. For others, the idea of purchasing a home as-is means a chance at getting it for a price well below listing. Before you purchase an as-is home, you do need to know what risks you are taking on.
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