July, 2019 News (32 Articles with 40,663 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for July, 2019 Pride Flags Abound! Over 80 businesses and organizations are flying the rainbow colors in Erie this month. (Shown on cover is Alkeme on North Park Row). Steve Huefner from Greater Erie Alliance for Equality has been coordinating the effort and providing flags for businesses who want to participate.
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
Over 100 Businesses and Organizations Participate in Pride Flag Display for June
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality's Steve Huefner was able to distribute over 100 Pride flags that Erie area businesses and organizations displayed during June for Pride month, which more than tripled last year's inaugural initiative that had around 30 businesses.
The LGBTQ+ Community gets organized
Until the mid-1970's the LGBTQ+ community was mostly centered around the stolen hours at a gay bar or the cruising area around Griswold Park. A need was seen by several members of the community to organize in numbers to create change, offer support, affiliation, education and advice as well as additional social opportunities.
Erie City Council passes conversion therapy ban 7-0
On Wednesday, June 5, Erie City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting mental health practitioners from conducting conversion therapy on a minor to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. This was the final step for passing the ordinance.
GEAE Afternoon for Equality on July 14 at Erie Yacht Club
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) will host its 9th annual signature fundraising event, Afternoon for Equality at a new location. Please join us Sunday, July 14th from 4-7 pm at the Erie Yacht Club for smooth jazz with the Steve Trohoske Trio, delectable foods, and cool drinks as we honor our 2019 scholarship award recipients. Tickets are $55 each and are available for purchase at greatereriealliance.com GEAE also welcomes sponsorships at all financial levels. Sponsorships help us to fund all of our educational and advocacy programs throughout the year. This includes our scholarship program for LGBTQ high school seniors, the Regional GSA, competency training, and Intersections for Equality. Please consider becoming a sponsor of these programs.
PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Meeting on May 3
On Friday, May 3, 2019, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly meeting in Philadelphia.
SafeNet "Classic Hollywood" Garden Party on July 26
On July 26 from 6-9:30 PM, join your friends at SafeNet for Classic Hollywood: The Golden Era / 7th Annual Garden Party, an evening of food, drinks, music, and fun in SafeNet's beautiful Big Backyard Children's Garden. The space will be transformed into a glamorous garden reminiscent of the ones belonging to Old Hollywood's biggest stars. You won't want to this wonderful event that supports SafeNet's Children's Programming. For more information about the party, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Carolyn at 455-1774 x 235 or ctome@safeneterie.org
Lesbian Literary Conference in Pittsburgh July 10-14
The Golden Crown Literary Society's annual conference is the premier lesbian literary event for authors, readers and publishers. This event brings together readers, fans, writers, editors and publishers to celebrate the best in lesbian literature. Keynote Speaker is Malinda Lp. Special Speaker is Cindy Rizzo. The event will be held Jul 10 - 14 at Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, 600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA Visit goldencrown.org<
History of LGBT in the Media in the Erie area
The first known local article on the new gay liberation movement was published in the local alternative newspaper Sunshine-Aura in 1972, by a gay man who signed the article "Pink Panther". In 1974, Harry Miller and a woman spoke on a WQLN-FM talk show that included an audience call in. The response was so strong that the station allowed the show to run for four hours. This was a first for the subject for area radio. Only first names were used. There was also a series on "Gay Life in Erie" in the Erie Daily Times in 1977. Everyone interviewed used first names only or pseudonyms. In the early 1980's, the Erie Gay Task Force published a newsletter for a few years. In the mid to late 80's, Personal & Affirming Lifestyles (P&ALS) published a newsletter. That group met at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul. From the late 80's to the early/mid 90's, local group Womynspace also published a newsletter.
History of Erie area reaction to the HIV/AIDS pandemic
This was one of the documents written for an exhibit of local LGBT history called A Look Back: LGBTQ+ Community in Erie for the month of June, 2019 at 419 Artifacts, 419 State St, Erie, PA. that had an opening reception on June 1. This was a project of Erie LGBTQIA+ History Project. Erie's LGBT community first became aware of HIV/AIDS around 1981. It hadn't really hit Erie by that point. Because it was much more difficult to be out, and because the Reagan administration didn't even use the word AIDS until 1985, after his friend Rock Hudson had died from the disease. In 1985, WSEE did a 4-part series on AIDS & the Gay Community. It was probably the first local news series to look at the local LGBT community. No one used their full name or face, and the series kept the subject of AIDS and the gay community intertwined, even though it was known then that the disease was no just hitting gay people, and that lesbians were low risk. The fear that they might be perceived as being carriers of AIDS probably suppressed many area gay men from being open about their sexuality.
Table space available for Perry Square EAST for Pride Fest - Must Register by June 25
Due to an unprecedented demand for organizations and businesses to participate in Pride Fest on Saturday, June 29, NW PA Pride Alliance has been able to secure Perry Square East as additional space. Organizations and businesses wishing to bring their own table and chairs may do so at no cost, but must register and be approved by no later than Tuesday, June 25. Please contact Michael Mahler at mmahler@nwpapride.org for registration details. Existing organizations and businesses that have already paid will have tables and chairs proved for them and be placed in Perry Square West. NW PA Pride Alliance is excited to grow Pride even further this year!
At the forefront of societal change: The political activity of the LGBTQ+ Community in Erie
This was one of the documents written for an exhibit of local LGBT history called A Look Back: LGBTQ+ Community in Erie for the month of June, 2019 at 419 Artifacts, 419 State St, Erie, PA. that had an opening reception on June 1. This was a project of Erie LGBTQIA+ History Project. The LGBTQ+ community in Erie have long been at the forefront of fighting for equal rights and fair treatment for all citizens. Even when they could not be open about their own fight for equal treatment, Erie's community participated in Civil Rights rallies, protests against the Vietnam War, and supported passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. After Stonewall in 1969, and once State Supreme Court decisions in 1972 and 1980 struck down anti-sodomy laws, the nationwide community began to confront discrimination against them more forcefully.
History of Socialization, Drag and Bars in Erie
It was a very different social time and political climate for gays in Erie in the 1950's and 1960's. The threat of being exposed or arrested was very real to many people and gay bashing were as common place as they often are today. Heterosexual owners of many bars did what they could to accommodate gays with certain areas, certain days and times - but when push came to shove, they usually backed down for their own economic reasons.
A Look Back: A History of the LGBTQ+ Community in Erie Opening Reception by Erie LGBTQIA+ History Project at 419 Artifacts
On Saturday, June 1, 2019, Erie LGBTQIA+ History Project held an opening reception for their A Look Back: A History of the LGBTQ+ Community in Erie exhibit at 419 Artifacts, 419 State St, Erie PA. The exhibit runs through June 30, and will also be on display at Pride Fest in Perry Square on June 29. 419 Artifacts is open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1 to 4 PM.
Deadline for July 2019 print edition (issue # 284) of Erie Gay News is Saturday, June 15
For the next print edition of Erie Gay News (issue # 284, cover dated for July 2019), please send in calendar events, news items, and other info for late June 2019 and beyond by Saturday, June 15. We expect that the next print edition will come out on Tuesday, June 25.. PLEASE NOTE! This issue will be on display at Pride Fest on June 25.
Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) LGBTQ Art Show Opening at Erie Art Gallery
On Saturday, June 1, 2019, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) held an opening reception for their juried regional LGBTQ art show at Erie Art Gallery, 24 W 8th St, Erie PA. 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." Exhibit hours are Wednesdays thru Saturdays, noon-6 p.m through June 30. There will be a closing reception on June 30 from 2 to 5 PM.
Entertainment and Travel
Pride Journey: Spokane, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is and has always been one of my favorite places in the country to visit. Natural beauty is around every corner and Spokane is no different. The city, historically overshadowed by Seattle, is going through a bit of a renaissance as of late and creating a vibe and culture that sets itself apart from its larger neighbor to the west.
Cirque du Soleil presents CRYSTAL-the first acrobatic performance on ice-to the Erie Insurance Arena - Seven performances only July 10 - 14, 2019
ERIE, PA (June 10, 2019) - Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to return to Erie, PA with its coolest arena show yet-CRYSTAL. This one of a kind arena production blends circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a whimsical frozen playground where figure skating mingles with acrobatics and aerial feats. CRYSTALwill perform at the Erie Insurance Arena from Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14, 2019 for seven performances only.
BUA Takes 10: Stonewall Edition Final performances this weekend!
In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Buffalo United Artists (BUA) Takes 10 presents a cohesive collection of short works that tell the story of before, during, and after.
Local Faces and Photos
LBT Women of Erie new email
Note new address for LBT Women of Erie: ErieBeans@yahoo.com. Old email account no longer accessible. Their Facebook page is still at https://www.facebook.com/LBTWOMENOFERIE/, and they will be having their annual picnic at Kim and Andrea's on July 20.
Health
Moving Fast; Never Satisfied
This is a tale of two men. The first guy, Carlos* was in his mid-thirties. When I met him, he talked so fast and thought so rapidly that I wondered if he suffered from ADHD (he didn't). The second guy, Daniel* was a little older than Carlos, but had the same way of talking and acting: fast, fast, fast! Everything needed to happen now. He was a man on his way to the top of his profession and he didn't want anything to get in his way or slow him down.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
The Amazon Trail: A Good Start to a Proud Summer
The Police Commissioner of the City of New York apologized on June 6, 2019 for the most publicized raid of a gay bar in the history of the world. Thank you, sir, but fifty years later? And how many raids before that one? How many lgbtq careers ruined, bodies battered, families destroyed? How? Many? Suicides? Still, it was a great gesture and more cause for celebration. It was a good start to summer, to this season of pride.
Contests
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 Friday, July 19 and Friday, August 9.
Enter to win Bound: A Daughter, a Domme, and an End-of-Life Story by Dr. Elizabeth Anne Wood!
Enter to win Bound: A Daughter, a Domme, and an End-of-Life Story by Dr. Elizabeth Anne Wood. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 16 and Tuesday, August 6.
Enter to win The Trigger from Ariztical Entertainment!
Enter to win a digital download of The Trigger from Ariztical Entertainment. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, July 12 and Friday, August 2.
Enter for a chance to win Mark Ronson's highly anticipated album 'Late Night Feelings!'
Enter for a chance to win a download of Mark Ronson's highly anticipated album 'Late Night Feelings!' To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 9 and Tuesday, July 30.
Enter for the chance to win Out in Time: The Public Lives of Gay Men from Stonewall to the Queer Generation by Perry N Halkitis, Ph.D., M.S., MPH!
Enter for the chance to win Out in Time: The Public Lives of Gay Men from Stonewall to the Queer Generation by Perry N Halkitis, Ph.D., M.S., MPH! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between July 5 and Friday, July 26.
Enter for a chance to win Saturday Night Ghost Club
Enter for a chance to win Saturday Night Ghost Club. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 5 and Tuesday, July 23.
Enter for a chance to win the Shout! Factory's Pride month collectible edition Blu-rays!
Enter for a chance to win the Shout! Factory's Pride month collectible edition Blu-rays! To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Friday, June 28 and Friday, July 19. In honor of this year's LGBTQ Pride Month, Shout! Factory is proud to present an eclectic slate of pop culture-defining movies arriving for the first time on Blu-ray.
Enter for a chance to win The Stonewall Reader?
Enter for a chance to win The Stonewall Reader. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, June 25, and Tuesday, July 16.
Enter for a chance to win Escaping Camp Roosevelt by Bryan T. Clark
Enter for a chance to win Escaping Camp Roosevelt by Bryan T. Clark. To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Friday, June 21, and Friday, July 12.
Enter to win a pair of tickets to Spring Awakening from Erie Playhouse!
Enter to win a pair of tickets to Spring Awakening from Erie Playhouse, 13 W 10th St, Erie PA! Five lucky winners will get a pair of tickets to see this delightful musical! Please only enter this contest if you will be in Erie for the run of the show (July 12-28). Winners will need to call in to the box office (814-454-2852 x0), identify yourself as a winner, to make reservations before you come in. Tickets will NOT be sent, just pick them up at the theatre after contacting the box office. The Erie Playhouse will print out the list of winners to have here in the box office, but nothing will happen with the names until the winners call in. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Wednesday, June 19 and Tuesday, July 9
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