June, 2019 News (54 Articles with 83,790 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for June, 2019 Some of the approximately 70 attendees who attended The E3 Youth LGBTQA Summit April 12-13.
This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus
Category for this issueCalendar & Upcoming Events
Calendar of Local GLBT Events |
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Local and Regional News
Erie VA Medical Center LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator guest speaker at VETX Speaker Series on June 13
The Erie VA Medical Center's LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator will be the guest speaker at the VETX Speaker Series at the Blasco Library June 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be a brief lecture highlighting the LGBT+ Veteran community followed by a Q&A session. All Veterans, their family members, and anyone in the community wanting to learn how to better serve our Veterans are invited to attend. For more information, please contact the Erie VAMC LGBT VCC, Kimberly Hackbarth, at Kimberly.hackbarth@va.gov or 814-860-2074
Erie VA Medical Center hosting LGBT+ Pride Month Celebration on June 25th
All Veterans, their families and the community are invited to the Erie VA Medical Center's LGBT+ Pride event June 25 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the second floor conference rooms of the main facility located at 135 E 38th St., Erie, PA. We will celebrate the achievements of LGBT+ Veterans and their perseverance that led to the ability for Veterans to openly serve! There will be a brief presentation followed by a resource fair of both VA and local programs/organizations. For more information, or if you are an LGBT+ Veteran who would like to be recognized at the event, please contact the Erie VA Medical Center's LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator, Kimberly Hackbarth at 814-860-2074 or Kimberly.hackbarth@va.gov.
Report: E3 Youth LGBTQA Summit on April 12-13
The E3 Youth LGBTQA Summit took place on April 12-13, 2019 at Strong Vincent Middle School. The event was possible because of the two prime sponsors Community Care Behavioral Health and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, as well as several other local donors (Systems of Care, Erie Education Association, Giant Eagle, and State Farm). The focus of the Summit was to strengthen the supports for LGBTQA Youth in the community through engagement and education. The event kicked off with a free concert on Friday evening with opening act DreamStates, a duo based in Akron, Ohio taking the stage before the headliner, award-winning Ryan Casatta, a California-based musician.
Southern Tier Queer Peers meets Tuesdays at Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County
The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County has started a new community support group called Southern Tier Queer Peers (STQP), Tuesdays from 5:30-7PM at the Gateway Center, 31 Water St, Suite 7, Door 14, Jamestown NY. This group is open to all, and will focus on the particular struggles that face the LGBTQIA+ community.
Conversion therapy ban ordinance Erie City Council first reading vote unanimously in favor
On Wednesday, May 15, Erie City Council had a first reading of a proposed conversion therapy ban for attempts to change sexual orientation or gender identity for minors. Speaking in favor of the conversion therapy ban were Rose Surma and Michele Tome. The first reading’s vote was seven in favor of enacting the ban with zero opposed, and all public commment was in favor of the ban. City Council will be discussing how the ban will be implemented with mental health providers prior to the second reading on June 5 at 9 AM.
Keira DeSantis remembered
Keira Kristine DeSantis, who passed away on April 2, 2019 due to complications from gender confirmation surgery, was a gift to the Erie transgender community, and in fact, the transgender community across the globe. She accepted herself as a transgender woman two years ago and began a full sprint towards transition, with the goal of making it happen as quickly as possible. During that time, she became a member to board of directors of Transfamily of NWPA and served on the Transgender Task Force at UPMC, both of which she was immensely proud to do.
Rainbow Family Storytime Events At Blasco
Families & Children Ages 4-12 | Storytime Room at Blasco Public Library, 160 E Front St. Erie PA. On Facebook: Erie County Public Library: Join us for a storytime series just for LGBTQ+ families and their allies! Our librarians will showcase LGBTQ-friendly books from our collection and lead the group in upbeat music, movement, and art activities. Light refreshments will be served.
Pride Night 2019 with Erie Seawolves June 17
This year’s Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves will be bigger than previous years. This year, along with a ticket to the Buck Night game on June 17, you will also receive a limited edition Erie Seawovles shirt with a rainbow bandana. Tickets are online now and will be available until 11:59pm on May 27th. Prices are 1 ticket/shirt for $20 or two tickets/shirts for $35. This event is family friendly. Buck night Specials include $1 Smith Hot Dogs, 12oz. Pepsi fountain. Hosted by NW PA Pride June 17 at 7:05 PM at UPMC Park, 110 E 10th St, Erie, PA) 7:05 PM. (814) 314-9075
"Boy Erased" at Bourbon Barrel Jun 19
On Thursday, June 19, Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State, Erie PA will show "Boy Erased" as part of their Film Grain Dinner and a Movie series. The event is sponsored by Greater Erie Action for Equality (GEAE).
Gov. Wolf: Pennsylvania Must Protect LGBTQ Citizens from Violence, Discrimination
Harrisburg, PA - May 21, 2019 - Across the country, there has been an alarming trend of violence against LGBTQ citizens, especially trans women of color. Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs today reaffirmed its support for the LGBTQ community, denounced this violence and urged the approval of pending bills to provide LGBTQ citizens additional protections from hate crimes and ensure comprehensive, non-discrimination protections.
Erie Regional GSA meeting to plan for Pride parade and festival June 6
Erie Regional GSA will meet at Blasco Memorial Erie County Public Library, 160 East Front St.Erie, PA on Thursday, June 6 from 6 PM - 8 PM. We will be finalizing our plans for the Pride parade and rally on June 29.
Regional LGBTQ Art Exhibit Throughout June Sponsored by Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) at Erie Art Gallery?
The Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) is pleased to present a juried LGBTQ art exhibit during Pride month, June 1-30, 2019, at the Erie Art Gallery. The exhibit includes works by LGBTQ artists from Erie, Cleveland, Akron, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and areas between and beyond. Jurors were Sharon Louden, Artistic Director of Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution, and Hrag Vartanian, art critic, editor-in-chief, and co-founder of the online art magazine, "Hyperallergic." The exhibit will be a first for the Erie region. GEAE is proud to sponsor the exhibit and grateful to Erie Arts & Culture and SafeNet for their support. Erie Art Gallery is located at 24 West 8th St., Erie, PA. Exhibit hours are Wednesdays thru Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Please contact the gallery if you have any questions at (814) 246-3111 or email info@ErieArtGallery.com. The opening reception is June 1, 7-10 p.m. Free and open to the public.
A Look Back: LGBTQ+ Community in Erie Exhibit at 419 Artifacts Throughout June
There wiill be an exhibit of local LGBT history called A Look Back: LGBTQ+ Community in Erie that will be on display for the month of June at 419 Artifacts, 419 State St, Erie, PA. Jun 1-30. It opened with a reception June 1 from 1PM-4PM. 419 Artifacts is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. Contact: Dale Allgeier. (814) 454-4946.
Miss Erie Pageant at the Zone Dance Club sponsored by NW PA Pride Alliance on June 21
NWPA Pride Alliance is happy to partner with The Zone For the return of the Miss Erie Pageant In 2019. This pageant has over 20 years of history and is a title that has been held by some National Title Holders. This year's theme is "Show your Colors" This year's prize package will total nearly $1,000 in value! This will be open to queens both local and from around the country. 21+ event This will be held at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. 11 PM
Drag Queen Story Hour at 419 Artifacts on June 29
419 Artifacts will be hosting a Drag Queen Story Hour at 419 State St, Erie, PA. 10 AM - 11 AM. Alysin Wonderland will be reading stories. Contact: Dale (814) 454-4946
Pride Parade and Fest on June 29
Pridefest will take place this year on June 29th. We will gather at The Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, from 11-12 and step off to march to Perry Square at 12. Once at Perry Square we will have info tables and vendors along with performances by local drag performers and other performers. This event is family-friendly and open to all ages at no cost.
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality After Pride Party June 29
Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State St, Erie, PA will be hosting an After Pride Party from 4:00 pm to 7:00 on June 29th with entertainment provided by Rebecca Mae! Sponsored by Greater Erie Alliance for Equality.
Zone After Pride Party June 29
To celebrate pride, we're opening our doors right after the festival! Start and end the gayest day of the year with the only gay bar in Erie, June 29 at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA 4 PM - 2 AM
LBGT Protection Bills Intro’d in PA's House, Senate
From Frank Pizzoli of Central Voice: House Bill 1404 by Rep. Dan Frankel and Senate Bill 614 by Sen. Farnese are now in the legislative game. With similar language, they provide basic civil rights for LGBT individuals.
Rep. Brian Sims joins legislators to unveil anti-discrimination legislation
HARRISBURG, May 6 - State Rep. Brian Sims, D-Phila, today partnered with Reps. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., along with Sen. Larry Farnese, D-Phila., to announce the introduction of legislation to help combat discrimination in the commonwealth.
Deadline for June 2019 print edition (issue # 283) of Erie Gay News is Monday, May 13. Special issue for Pride!
For the next print edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 283, cover dated for June 2019), please send in calendar events, news items, and other info for late May 2019 and beyond by Monday, May 13. We expect that the next print edition will come out on Tuesday, May 21.. PLEASE NOTE! This issue will feature our special coverage for Pride month.
Entertainment and Travel
Pride Journey: Bloomington, Indiana
In the heart of Pence country lies a gay oasis that needs to be on everyone's list of places to visit. Bloomington, Indiana is one of the most welcoming and gay-friendly small cities I have ever traveled to, partially due to Indiana University and the LGBT initiatives they have implemented over the past few decades. This coupled with a bohemian lifestyle among residents makes it a great destination to visit for a weekend getaway.
"Fun Home" at Dramashop runs June 7-23
An autobiographical musical based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Alison Bechtel (best known for her comic strip "Dykes to Watch Out For"), follows the main character from childhood to college, as she charts her own course of self-discovery. At the same time, her father is coming to terms with who he is, too. Fun Home was the first Tony Award winner for Best Musical to have an all-female creative team, also won the Tony for Best Score by Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, and was a Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Fun Home runs June 7-23 at Dramashop, 1001 State St. 2nd Floor, Erie, PA.
Political, Activism and Legal
Pennsylvania Name Change Law Challenged on Behalf of Three Transgender Women - TLDEF Applauds Action by Attorneys from Reed Smith
NEW YORK, NY - May 29, 2019 - Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) Pro Bono partner Reed Smith today filed a court challenge to Pennsylvania's name change law, which bars name changes for people who have certain felony convictions. The case was brought on behalf of three transgender women who live openly in accordance with their female gender but are being forced to use male legal names because they were convicted of felonies years ago. Attorneys at Reed Smith became aware of the need to bring this challenge after prior clients referred by TLDEF were denied name changes under the unjust law.
Lambda Legal, Americans United and Center for Reproductive Rights Sue Trump Administration to Block Denial of Care Rule
(May 28, 2019) - Today, Lambda Legal, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a lawsuit challenging the "Denial of Care" Rule issued earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the lawsuit (County of Santa Clara vs. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in coordination with Santa Clara County, the organizations are representing Trust Women Seattle, Hartford GYN, Whitman-Walker Health, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Center on Halsted, Mazzoni Center, GLMA, Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists, Medical Students for Choice and various physicians. Mayer Brown, LLP is serving as pro bono counsel.
Supreme Court Allows School District Restroom Policies Supporting Transgender Students to Stand
WASHINGTON - May 28, 2019 - The Supreme Court today declined to hear Doe v. Boyertown Area School District, allowing school districts to continue to support transgender students by allowing them to use restrooms that match their gender.
Black Trans Women Are Being Murdered in the Streets. Now the Trump Administration Wants to Turn Us Away From Shelters and Health Care.
It has been a horrific week for transgender and non-binary people. Muhlaysia Booker, Claire Legato, and Michelle Simone are Black trans women who have been murdered in the past week. At least five Black trans women have been killed so far in 2019.
Kenya High Court Rules that Decriminalizing Same-Sex Relations Contradicts Constitutional Values
(Nairobi, Kenya - May 24, 2019) Today, Kenya's High Court ruled to maintain Sections 162 and 165 of the penal code, relics of the colonial era, which prohibit same-sex sexual activity or "carnal knowledge against the order of nature", and prescribe a jail sentence of up to 14 years for those found guilty. The key argument, which stands in stark opposition to international human rights standards and recent verdicts from other jurisdictions, centered around the fundamental importance of family, as defined by marriage between people of the opposite sex, and argued that decriminalization of same-sex activity would lead to same-sex marriage.
Trump-Pence Admin Announces Plan to Eliminate Important LGBTQ Non-Discrimination Protections in Healthcare
WASHINGTON - May 24, 2019 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization - responded to the Trump-Pence administration's latest attempt to undermine the rights and welfare of LGBTQ people and their families. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing a major change to the administrative rule interpreting Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to remove explicit protections for LGBTQ people in healthcare programs and activities by excluding protections from discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity.
Victory Fund Endorses Mississippi Candidate Carlton Smith; Would Become First LGBTQ State Legislator in the State
Washington, DC - May 23 - LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, has given a Spotlight endorsement to Mississippi state Senate District 10 candidate Carlton Smith - making him a priority candidate for Victory Fund this election cycle. If elected, Smith would become the first openly LGBTQ state legislator in Mississippi history and the only openly LGBTQ elected official in the entire state. Mississippi is one of just five states to have never elected an openly LGBTQ state legislator and one of only four states to have no openly LGBTQ elected officials currently serving.
GLAAD annual film report: LGBTQ inclusion up, drop in racial diversity and zero trans characters
Los Angeles, CA, May 23, 2019 - GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, today released its seventh annual Studio Responsibility Index (SRI), a report that maps the quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ people in films released by the seven largest motion picture studios and their subsidiaries during the 2018 calendar year.
ACLU, Same-Sex Couple Seek to Join Lawsuit to Keep a License to Discriminate Out of Michigan's Child Welfare System
DETROIT - May 22, 2019 - Kristy and Dana Dumont are prospective foster parents who were turned away from two taxpayer-funded child welfare agencies in 2016 and 2017 because those agencies had a religious objection to accepting same-sex couples. The Dumonts sued the state of Michigan for allowing agencies, like the one that turned them away, to use religious criteria to turn away same-sex couples who could provide families for children. In March of this year, the state of Michigan settled the lawsuit and announced that it will require all agencies with state contracts to comply with non-discrimination requirements and accept all qualified families.
Pennsylvania Equality Project President to Speak at Erie County Council Meeting on May 28 about Conversion Therapy Ban
Pennsylvania Equality Project President, David Moore, will address Erie County Council about the need for a ban on conversion therapy across all of Erie County. He will speak with Council at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.
Trevor Project fundraiser at Cold Stone Creamery June 2
It's that time - want some ice cream? Come kick off pride month by getting your scoop at Cold Stone Creamery Erie PA on June 2nd. Just mention "I support the community" to get a dollar off your purchase. 360 Millcreek Plaza Erie, Erie, PA Supports The Trevor Project.
Taiwan Becomes First Country in Asia to legalize Same-Sex Marriage
(Taipei, Taiwan) On May 17, 2019, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, (IDAHOTB) in a historic vote, the Parliament of Taiwan voted to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Asia to do so. This landmark step follows a ruling by the Constitutional Court of Taiwan back in 2017, which ruled that legislation preventing partners of the same sex to marry was unconstitutional and violated LGBTIQ people's right to equality.
Health
Erie County HIV Task Force Bus Shelter Ad Campaign
The Erie County HIV Task Force is excited to announce a bus shelter and bus ad campaign sponsored by the Erie County Department of Health. These ads offer information about HIV and STD prevention strategies happening in our community: (1) promotion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), (2) FREE condoms, and (3) FREE testing sites in our community. The ads will be up through the end of August and link to Erie County HIV Task Force website: echiv.org. The website offers information regarding free and confidential STD and HIV testing. There are multiple testing locations in Erie County, making it easy to know your status! The task force also manages the condom distribution program with an ever growing list of businesses and organizations distributing free condoms. Click here for information about testing and condom locations near you.
FREE Rapid HIV & Syphilis Testing at Pridefest
The Erie County Department of Health and the NW Alliance will be conducting FREE rapid HIV and syphilis testing at the Erie Pridefest in Perry Square at 6th and State St, Erie PA on Saturday, June 29 th from 12pm-3pm. It’s quick, easy, and relatively painless. You will have your results in as little as 40 minutes. We can also talk to you about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). So now you have NO excuse not to get tested. We’ll see you at Pride on Saturday, June 29th
How to Lower Your Relationship Drama
In my work as a psychotherapist, I see it over-and-over again: a perfectly happy single person meets someone wonderful. They start to date, it gets serious and - boom! - hello relationship drama! Over the past twenty years, how many times have I heard a client say, "I thought I'd worked out my personal problems, but, now there's all this drama and conflict since I met (name of new partner). What do I do?"
MAYbe IT'S THE BEST MONTH!
Ladies and gentlemen of Erie...start your engines! Things are certainly going to heat up in the fifth month of the year. But never mind those warmer temperatures. There are plenty of really cool days in my fabulous forecast to make you feel a whole lot better. And that is good for your wellness.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Stonewall 50 excitement
From Philadelphia Gay News: Around the nation, people are beginning to notice something stirring in the LGBT community.
(Love) Letter to Mayor Pete
Here's a letter to Mayor Pete. This is kind of like the letter that outgoing Presidents leave behind in the Oval Office for the incoming Commander-in-Chief. It's advice from a guy who has a shared experience with you.
The Amazon Trail: Generating
I was sitting on the catio, watching the birds do their aerial mating dances, the bees and their flowers coming into bloom, thinking about regeneration and queer families.
Contests
Enter to win Kanarie DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Kanarie DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, June 18 and Tuesday, July 9.
Enter to win Rambling Stranger CD from Lucy Isabel!
Enter to win Rambling Stranger CD from Lucy Isabel! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, June 14 and Friday, July 5.
Enter for the chance to win Excuse Me While I Slip Into Someone More Comfortable by Eric Poole!
Enter for the chance to win Excuse Me While I Slip Into Someone More Comfortable by Eric Poole! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, June 11 and Tuesday, July 2.
Enter to win Everything Is Free DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Everything Is Free DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, June 7 and Friday, June 28.
Enter to win Cherry Grove Stories DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Cherry Grove Stories DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, June 4 and Tuesday, June 25.
Enter for the chance to win a ROCKETMAN prize pack and soundtrack!
Enter for the chance to win a ROCKETMAN prize pack and soundtrack! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, May 31 and Friday, June 21.
Enter to win Dedicated from Carly Rae Jepsen!
Enter to win Dedicated from Carly Rae Jepsen! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, May 28 and Tuesday, June 18.
Enter to win Game Girls DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Game Girls DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, May 24 and Friday, June 14.
Enter to win The Heirophant's Daughter by M. F. Sullivan!
Enter to win The Heirophant's Daughter by M. F. Sullivan! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, May 21 and Tuesday, June 11. Three winners will be chosen and the grand prize winner additionally gets a Painted Blind Publishing T-shirt.
Enter for a chance to win 'The Cher Show' original Broadway cast recording!
Enter for a chance to win a download of 'The Cher Show' original Broadway cast recording! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, May 14 and Tuesday, June 5.
Miscellaneous
Myths About the Home-Buying Process
As the real estate industry has changed, the home-buying process has, too. Years ago, there were a number of "facts" that buyers, sellers, and agents took at face value. These facts were, for almost every case, true. Today, however, that has changed. While some of these facts are still a part of the home-buying process, others are not. Some were never really that true or that helpful to begin with. Before you begin searching for your next home, it does help to understand these myths and the truths that go along with them.
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