August, 2021 News (60 Articles with 60,604 total views)

On the cover of the print edition for August, 2021 Jasse Camacho Vera performs at Virtual Pride Fest on June 26. Photo by Bobbie Fenno.

This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus

Go to issue for

Category for this issue

Calendar & Upcoming Events

Calendar of Local GLBT Events

Up to date listing of events and meetings.

Local and Regional News

Obituary for Robert A. Schoenberg 1944-2021

Obituary for Robert A. Schoenberg 1944-2021
Robert A. Schoenberg, 76, passed away on August 2, 2021 at KeystoneCare, a residential hospice in Wyndmoor, PA, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Erie, PA on August 14, 1944, Bob graduated from Erie's Academy High School and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester. He received his Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania in 1968 and worked in his early career at the Elwyn Institute and at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. He returned to Penn in 1976 and, while working full time, earned a Doctorate of Social Work in 1989. In 1982 he was named the University's first point person for lesbian and gay issues, only the second person in the nation with such responsibilities at a college or university. That position evolved into what is now Penn's LGBT Center, which he led for 35 years.
Read more...

PennDOT Announces Annual Highway Safety Survey

PennDOT Announces Annual Highway Safety Survey
?Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking motorists' input on traffic safety and driving behaviors through its annual online Highway Safety Survey found at www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.
Read more...

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) FAQ

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) FAQ
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is available for renters of residential properties who are at risk of eviction or utility shutoffs due to hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords can apply for assistance on behalf of tenants and receive assistance directly if the tenant is eligible. If you are in need of assistance, don't wait. Apply today.
Read more...

Back to School Drive on August 16

On Monday, August 16. NW PA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Northwest Alliance, and Community United Church will host a Back to School Drive from 4 to 8 PM at Community United Church, 1011 W 38th St, Erie PA. Donated items will go to Safe Journey and Multicultural Community Resource Center
Read more...

GEAE 10th Annual Afternoon for Equality on August 15

Join Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) on Sunday, August 15 from 4 to 8 PM at the Erie Yacht Club, 1 Ravine Drv, 16505, as we celebrate our 10th year of Afternoon for Equality, moving towards LGBTQ equality. In times like these it's important we stand up for LGBTQ rights and dignity. There will be friends, speakers, scholarship awards, updates on GEAE's work, and news on upcoming events. Enjoy food, wine, beer, and cool jazz by the Stephen Trohoske trio. Tickets are $60. There is strength in numbers. NOW is the time to show your support! Get your ticket today.
Read more...

Pittsburgh Black Pride Week 2021 August 27 -29

Pittsburgh Black Pride Week will be celebrated from August 27- 29, 2021. On Friday, August 27th, from 7 PM to midnight, there will be an Opening Reception and Old School Dance Party at P Town Bar, 4740 Baum Blvd. On Saturday, August 28th, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, there will be a Community BBQ and Vendor Fair in Schenley Park  - Prospect Shelter, at the corner of Prospect Dr and Hobart St. Sounds by DJ Pillz Ebony. On Sunday, August 29th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, there will be a Brews and Book Bags Day Party and School Supplies Drive at 5801 Video Lounge & Bar, 5801 Ellsworth Ave. For more information, visit their website at www.pghblackpride.org
Read more...

"A Look Back, A history of the LGBTQ+ Community in Erie, PA" Exhibit at Blasco Library

"A Look Back, A history of the LGBTQ+ Community in Erie, PA" had its second run at The Blasco Library from June 1st through June 30th. This local LGBTQ+ history display was first exhibited during Pride month of 2019. The exhibit was refreshed and expanded. It was located on the second floor of the library, close to the LGBTQ+ juried art exhibit.
Read more...

Gay Day in Diamond Park on July 11

Gay Day in Diamond Park on July 11
On Sunday, July 11, 2021, Meadville, PA, had its second Gay Day in Diamond Park. Glenn Tuttle for Meadville Mayor and volunteers organized the event, which included vendors, food trucks, community groups, drag performers, and story reading. Candidates for office spoke, including Nerissa Galt for Penncrest School Board, Rianna Czech for PA State Senate District 50, and Glenn Tuttle for Meadville Mayor. Galt is running a write-in campaign as a Democrat for this fall's general election, Czech is running as an openly transgender woman for the Democratic nomination next spring, and Tuttle is running as a Libertarian for this fall's election.
Read more...

LGBTQ+ Youth Programs On Break for the Summer

The LGBTQ+ youth programs organized by Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life, and Compton's Table are taking a break this summer. Monthly programming will resume in the fall. It is expected that there should be a whole school year calendar rolled out in mid-August.
Read more...

Queer in July Cookout

Queer In July cookout on Saturday, July 3 was a successful event at Central Outreach Wellness Center, 3104 State St, Erie PA, with just under 100 attendees throughout the event. Many folks received wellness screenings and gained access to prep. Erie’s New Ballroom Scene leaders performed as well as local Drag Artist. We look forward to collaborating with LGBTQErie for more events this fall. For more about LGBTQErie, find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LGBTQERIE or their website at https://www.lgbtqerie.com/
Read more...

Hundreds gather for Warren County Pride, "Proud to Be Me"

Saturday, June 26, was proclaimed "Warren County Pride Day" in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Gov. Tom Wolf. In the proclamation, the governor wrote, " I encourage all Pennsylvanians to celebrate this important observance and continue to work towards true liberty and justice for all."
Read more...

Zone Drag Events

The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, is proud to host Rebecca Mae's Watch Party for "RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 6" every Thursday. Doors open at 8 pm, watch party starts at 9 pm, followed by a live performance from Rebecca Mae.
Read more...

Erie Virtual Pride Fest

The weekend of June 26th and June 27th was Pride weekend in Erie. This year’s Pridefest was held virtually in collaboration with the Erie Playhouse. It featured performances from the Erie Playhouse actors, local drag entertainment, and speakers ranging from local activists to local and federal government officials. The show can still be watched on the Erie Playhouse YouTube page.
Read more...

Second Annual Drive Your Pride

On Sunday, June 27, 2021, NW PA Pride Alliance organized the Second Annual Drive Your Pride event. About 70 cars decorated in all the Pride colors assembled at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center parking lot and drove around the Peninsula. There was coverage by local TV news.
Read more...

GEAE LGBTQ Juried Art Exhibit Winners

The Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) presented an LGBTQ Juried Art Exhibit, which ran all of Pride month, June 1 - 30 at Blasco Library Supported by a grant from Erie Arts & Culture, the exhibit featured 58 artworks by 28 LGBTQ artists from northwestern PA. There was a variety of styles, subjects, and media in the exhibit, including painting, sculpture, photography, fiber, pastels, drawing, and mixed media.
Read more...

Miss Erie Pageant Returns to The Zone on September 10

On Friday, September 10 at 8:30 PM, the Miss Erie Pageant will return to The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. This year's theme is "Leather, Feathers, and Lace," and we will be honoring our current reigning Miss Erie, Rebecca Mae. The event is sponsored by NWPA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), and The Zone and will also include performances by former Miss Erie title holders. Do you have what it takes to be the next Miss Erie? Packets are now available! Contact Misty Michaels Kall/Joshua Smolinsky via Facebook for a packet or more information! Packets can also be picked up at The Zone.
Read more...

Remember LGBT Community Endowment on Erie Gives

Erie Gives is an opportunity to support the LGBT Community Endowment whose mission is to provide financial support to the organizations that address the community’s unique challenges and to create a positive, thriving environment for all.
Read more...

Drag Queen Brunch on August 1

Drag Queen Brunch on August 1
On August 1, there will be a Drag Queen Brunch at the Saga Club, 3828 Washington Ave, Erie, PA. Tickets are $25 and will include a buffet-style brunch and one complimentary drink. Doors open at 10:30, brunch opens at 11, and the show begins at noon. Performers include Alysin Wonderland, Rose Winters Wonderland, Debbie, and Shari Turner from Cleveland, OH. The event registration should be live soon.
Read more...

More Work to be Done at Penncrest

More Work to be Done at Penncrest
PENNCREST School Board meetings resumed in their typical location Tuesday, July 6. The school board had yet to address the recent anti-LGBTQIA+ comments made by board member David Valesky on social media. Still, it was standing room only as supporters of PENNCREST’s queer youth and of Valesky filled the room.
Read more...

TransFamily Summer Picnic at Glenwood Park on July 24

Join TransFamily of NW PA for our Summer Picnic at Glenwood Park by the Zoo on July 24 from 12-4 pm. TransFamily of NWPA will supply the main meal dishes of pulled pork and vegetarian burgers & dogs. We ask you to bring a side dish and or chips to share and your non-alcoholic beverage of choice.
Read more...

Pride Night with the Erie Seawolves on August 12

NW PA Pride Alliance and Erie Seawolves are happy to announce the return of Pride Night at the Erie Seawolves on August 12 at 7:05 PM at UPMC Park, 110 E 10th St, Erie, PA! This year we have teamed up to create a new shirt that will come with your ticket to the game.
Read more...

Pride Youth Alliance of Crawford County Meetings

Pride Youth Alliance of Crawford County is a support group for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, friends, and allies. All ages are welcome. We offer a safe space to get together, socialize, and grow. We meet Saturday afternoons at local parks in Crawford County.
Read more...

CVC Victim Advocates Can Help!

Victim advocates are trained to support victims of crime. They offer emotional support, victims' rights information, and assistance filling out crime victim-related forms. Advocates often accompany victims and families to criminal justice proceedings. While sometimes overlooked, personal attacks such as burglary, identity theft, and other "nonviolent" crimes can leave a lasting impression on a person's life. The Crime Victim Center of Erie County offers victim advocacy free of charge, and confidentially. Our staff can also help victims make arrangements with other agencies in the human service system, including emergency shelter and transportation if necessary. The Crime Victim Center strives to serve victims of all crimes through counseling, court accompaniment, and even a guiding hand throughout the court system. Families, friends, and crime witnesses can also find out about how the courts handle both juvenile and criminal cases. The Crime Victim Center has a 24/7 helpline available at no cost and is confidential. Call 814-455-9414 for more information or any questions.
Read more...

Deadline for August 2021 print edition (issue #309) of Erie Gay News is Monday, July 12, comes out Tuesday, July 20

Deadline for August 2021 print edition (issue #309) of Erie Gay News is Monday, July 12, comes out Tuesday, July 20
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 309, cover-dated for August 2021), please send in online events, news items, and other info for late July 2021 and beyond by Monday, July 12. We expect that the next edition will come out on Tuesday, July 20. Please note: if you had paused being a distributor for Erie Gay News during the pandemic, now that things are opening back up again, we would love to have you back! Just let us know and we will be happy to get you copies for distribution again!
Read more...

Entertainment and Travel

Pride Journey: St. Louis, Missouri

On this visit to St. Louis, I wanted to focus on Union Station, a magnificent property located in heart of the city which features an aquarium, numerous dining options, a Ferris wheel and of course the Union Station Hotel. St. Louis is a quick 3.5-hour drive from my home in Indianapolis, so it's a great place for a long weekend getaway.
Read more...

Sylas Dean Releases "Real" A Cyberpunk Pop Fantasia

Sylas Dean Releases 'Real' A Cyberpunk Pop Fantasia
Small town songwriter Sylas Dean releases his first new single; Real, following the debut of his EP American Dreeming. A cyberpunk fantasia with a synthwave influence similar to that of TheWeekndReal is a powerhouse plethora of a revenge anthem with dance undertones.
Read more...

Political, Activism and Legal

Groundbreaking Analysis of Hate Crime Laws Finds Limitations and Opportunities in the Face of Rising Hate Violence

(July 28, 2021)-With a rise in hate violence across the country, a new report from the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and 16 leading civil rights organizations provides a groundbreaking analysis of state and federal hate crime laws. The report features a foreword by Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and Board/Chair President of the Matthew Shephard Foundation.
Read more...

Federal Court Blocks West Virginia Law Banning Trans Students in School Sports

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - July 21, 2021 - A federal court today ruled that 11-year-old Becky Pepper-Jackson must be allowed to try out for the girls' cross-country and track teams at her school, blocking West Virginia from enforcing a law that bans transgender girls and women from participating in school sports. The ruling came in the lawsuit challenging the ban filed by Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of West Virginia, and Cooley LLP.
Read more...

Federal Court Blocks Arkansas Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth from Moving Forward

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - July 21, 2021 - A federal court today issued a bench decision blocking an Arkansas law that prohibits health care professionals from providing or even referring transgender young people for medically necessary health care. The law was set to go into effect on July 28. The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of four transgender youth and their families as well as two doctors.
Read more...

ICYMI: New Research Indicates LGBTQ People of Color Experience Higher Rates of Discrimination, Underscores Urgent Need for Senate to Pass Equality Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Discrimination inflicts profoundly greater harm on LGBTQ people of color in a wide range of areas, according to recent analysis of scholarly research released by the National Black Justice Coalition, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National LGBTQ Task Force, and Freedom for All Americans. The research underscores the urgent need for the Senate to pass the Equality Act - landmark federal legislation that would modernize and improve our nation's civil rights laws by including explicit, permanent protections for LGBTQ people, women, and people of color - and reveals how LGBTQ people of color experience grossly disproportionate rates of discrimination and as a result poorer mental and physical health, greater economic insecurity, and an increased number of attempts to die by suicide.
Read more...

Fort Mitchell City Council Votes Unanimously for LGBTQ Fairness Ordinance

(FORT MITCHELL, Ky - July 19, 2021.) Just a month after Augusta approved Kentucky's twenty-second Fairness Ordinance, the Fort Mitchell City Council voted unanimously tonight to ban discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations against LGBTQ people. The city, population 8,257, joins two other Kenton County communities with local protections, Covington, one of the first Kentucky cities with Fairness in 2003, and Crescent Springs, which approved their ordinance earlier this year.
Read more...

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Philadelphia Discriminated Against Catholic Foster Care Agency

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Philadelphia Discriminated Against Catholic Foster Care Agency
On June 17, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the City of Philadelphia demonstrated anti-religious bias in refusing to contract with Catholic Social Services (CSS) for recruiting and licensing foster parents because CSS excludes same-sex couples from its licensing process. This runs contrary to the nondiscrimination requirements the City has put forth in its contracts. The Court held the City’s system violated CSS’s religious rights because it permits agencies to obtain exceptions for the nondiscrimination rules for some reasons, but not for religious reasons.
Read more...

Transgender Montanans Challenge New Law Preventing Accurate Information on Government Documents

MISSOULA, Mont. - July 16, 2021 - Amelia Marquez, a transgender woman, and John Doe, a transgender man, filed a lawsuit today challenging a new law that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to correct the sex designation on their birth certificates. Marquez and Doe's case asserts that Senate Bill 280 violates their constitutional right to privacy, equal protection of the law, and due process.
Read more...

7/21: PFLAG National to Honor Sen. Tammy Baldwin at "Moving Equality Forward" Virtual Event

WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, July 21, PFLAG National will honor Sen. Tammy Baldwin with the 2021 PFLAG National Champion of Justice Award during its annual "Moving Equality Forward" event. This ticketed online event will be hosted by Tony Award® winning actor BD Wong and will feature guest appearances by elected officials working to advance equality for LGBTQ+ people on the state and national stage.
Read more...

President Biden Must Do More To Protect Voting Rights

WASHINGTON - July 13, 2021 - Wade Henderson, interim president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after President Biden delivered remarks today in Philadelphia on voting rights: "We welcome President Biden's commitments today and applaud the steps he has taken thus far. He must do even more and use the full weight of his office to protect the freedom to vote and stop the onslaught of un-American, anti-voter scams being pushed across the country. Pennsylvania is just one of many states where politicians have spread lies about an election that trusted officials conducted and verified.
Read more...

Judge Blocks Tennessee Anti-Trans Restroom Sign Law

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - July 9, 2021 - A federal judge today blocked a new law in Tennessee that required businesses and other entities that allow transgender people to use the public restroom that matches their gender to post a government-prescribed warning sign.
Read more...

Survivor Advocate Legal Opinion on Cosby Release

Survivors of sexual violence remain outraged at the decision to overturn Bill Cosby's sentence following his 2018 conviction for three counts of aggravated indecent assault. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) supports survivors such as the brave women that publicly shared their story of sexual assault and was proud to join the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)'s amicus brief against Mr. Cosby's appeal.
Read more...

July 2021 Updates to Equality Maps

MAP's interactive LGBTQ Equality Maps provide a comprehensive look at the current state of laws and policies impacting LGBTQ people across the United States. The Equality Maps offer a state-by-state comparison of the policy landscape and gaps in protections for LGBTQ people across the country. To keep you informed on this regularly changing landscape, here are the updates as of July 2021.
Read more...

ACLU Comment on "X" Gender Marker Option for U.S. Passports

WASHINGTON - June 30, 2021 - After years of advocacy by transgender, non-binary and intersex people, the Biden administration today announced that the Department of State would begin to issue passports with an "X" gender marker without requiring medical documentation. In January, the American Civil Liberties Union launched a six-figure campaign - its largest ever targeting the federal government on LGBTQ rights - to urge the Biden administration to issue an executive order on accurate federal IDs across all federal agencies. Nearly 100,000 Americans contacted the White House in support of the executive order which is also supported by a coalition of over 80 advocacy organizations and several Congressional offices.
Read more...

OutRight Releases Briefing on Prides Around the World

June 30, 2021 - The annual Pride month, symbolically marked to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots, comes to an end today. However, Pride events take place around the world year-round, and the essence of Pride - affirming the existence of LGBTIQ people and fighting for the protection of our rights - never ends. As such, OutRight marks the end of the month with the release of a new briefing - "Pride Around the World" - providing a global snapshot of what Pride looks like in different countries, documenting both increasing attacks on Pride events, and new Prides.
Read more...

Human Rights Campaign Files Lawsuit Against Florida's Transgender Sports Ban & Announces Future Litigation in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee

WASHINGTON - June 30, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, joined by the law firm of Arnold & Porter, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida, challenging a Florida law banning transgender girls from participating in sports. The so-called "Fairness in Women Sports Act" is one of eight state laws passed this year that restrict transgender girls from participating on girls' athletic teams. Amid the unprecedented attack on transgender youth, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation announced that, in addition to its Florida lawsuit, it will bring a series of legal challenges across the country of anti-equality laws in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Read more...

Human Rights Campaign and SAGE Release First Edition of the Long-Term Care Equality Index

WASHINGTON - June 29, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, and SAGE, the world's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ older adults, released the first edition of the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI). This national benchmarking tool evaluates long-term care communities based on the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ residents and patients. This initial report does not score long-term care communities, but instead includes research data on how many long-term care communities currently have LGBTQ-inclusive policies, and lays out how organizations can participate in the LEI and improve their policies.
Read more...

VICTORY! Alaska Removes Medicaid Ban on Transition-Related Health Care

(Anchorage, AK, June 28, 2021) - The State of Alaska has finalized Alaska Medicaid regulations to ensure medically necessary coverage for transgender Alaska Medicaid recipients. The confirmation comes six months after Lambda Legal and the Northern Justice Project reached a settlement with the State of Alaska in the class-action lawsuit brought in March 2019, on behalf of transgender Alaskans who were denied Medicaid coverage for their medically necessary transition-related health care.
Read more...

Supreme Court Allows Gavin Grimm's Victory to Stand

WASHINGTON - June 28, 2021 - The Supreme Court today declined to hear Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, allowing lower court decisions in support of transgender students to stand.
Read more...

PYC Releases Rankings of Top Pro-LGBTQ Companies and Corporate Shame List for Pride Month

HARRISBURG, Pa.- June 24, 2021 - This Pride Month the Pennsylvania Youth Congress is sharing heartfelt appreciation to the major Pennsylvania businesses that fully endorse LGBTQ inclusion, as well as encouraging public pressure on purported corporate "allies" to come forward to finally do the same.
Read more...

Health

CDC awards $117 million to advance innovation and health equity in federal initiative to end HIV

CDC awarded $117 million to state and local health departments to help rebuild and begin to expand HIV prevention and treatment efforts as the U.S. continues to respond to COVID-19. The awards are part of the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative, which funds 57 priority areas to expand and tailor key HIV prevention strategies to community needs.
Read more...

HHS Announces New National Challenge to Reduce HIV-Related Stigma and Disparities

July 22, 2021 - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the launch of The HIV Challenge, a national competition to engage communities to reduce HIV-related stigma and increase prevention and treatment among racial and ethnic minority people. The HIV Challenge is part of a new partnership between the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) and the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH).
Read more...

Call for Nominations for the 2nd Annual Keira Kristine DeSantis Award for Transgender Advocacy in Pennsylvania

Call for Nominations for the 2nd Annual Keira Kristine DeSantis Award for Transgender Advocacy in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is proud to announce the call for nominations for the 2nd Annual Keira Kristine DeSantis Award for Transgender Advocacy in Pennsylvania. Nominations should be submitted to Jamie MaGee at jamagee@phmc.org by August 15, 2021. The award will be presented at the 2021 PA LGBTQIA Health Conference October 12 -14, 2021.
Read more...

Make this Your Summer of Love: Here are some "Love Basics"

Now that we're finally coming out of COVID-19 isolation, many of my clients want to fall in love. For most people, finding love means jumping into the dating game. However, before you start down the path to love, the process is more enjoyable when you're clear on what you're looking for: Do you want to find your life partner? Meet a bunch of new people? Have fun? Get laid? Boost your self-esteem? End your loneliness? Regardless of your reason for meeting new people, here are some "Love Basics" to consider:
Read more...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reported STDs in the U.S. dropped then resurged

New CDC data show that during March-April 2020, reported STD cases dramatically decreased compared to the same time in 2019. However, a resurgence in gonorrhea and syphilis cases later in the year suggest overall STDs may have increased during 2020.
Read more...

Erie County Department of Health Announces Open Call for Public Health Community Advisory Board

Erie, PA - The Erie County Department of Health (ECDH) is inviting community members to help improve Erie County's overall public health efforts by sharing their insights. Interested individuals are asked to participate in the Community Advisory Board (CAB).
Read more...

Blood shortage continues: Red Cross needs donors now

Erie, Pennsylvania (July 12, 2021) - While donors across the country have rolled up a sleeve to give this summer, the need for blood and platelets remains crucial for patients relying on lifesaving transfusions. The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types - especially type O and those giving platelets -are urged to make an appointment to give now.  
Read more...

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center Applauds FDA Advisory Against "Poppers"

ALLENTOWN, PA - July 8, 2021 - In response to an FDA advisory issued late last month, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is discouraging LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians from using nitrite "poppers," commonly used to enhance sexual experiences, especially by men in the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more...

Groundbreaking LGBTQ Cancer Survey Report Released

Providence, RI - June 30, 2021 - The National LGBT Cancer Network has released "Out: The National Cancer Survey", the largest-ever LGBTQIA+ cancer survivor survey. The report is based on findings from over 2700 respondents across the United States, and is a massive step in understanding the ways in which LGBTQIA+ people experience cancer and cancer care.
Read more...

HHS Updates Interoperability Standards to Support the Electronic Exchange of Data on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Social Determinants of Health

July 9, 2021 - OCR is pleased to share that our partners at the HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) today released the United States Core Data for Interoperability version 2 (USCDI v2), a standardized set of health data classes and constituent data elements for nationwide, interoperable health information exchange.
Read more...

Letters, Columnists and Opinion

Pride is about visibility at WPVI

About a month ago, Channel 6 ABC's out meteorologist Adam Joseph contacted me about the station's plans for its employee Pride day event and asked if I'd be their speaker. It would be the last of the almost 20 speaking gigs I've done for Pride month this year, and a great way to end the month. I hadn't realized that it also would mark a major turning point in my life.
Read more...

Contests

Norman the Interested Cat Back To School Giveaway

Norman the Interested Cat Back To School Giveaway
With Back-To-School season around the corner, it's time to get INTERESTED in the NORMAN THE INTERESTED CAT Back-To-School GIVEAWAY, including the four released books and one coloring book in the new series by Cheryl Cage/
Read more...

Enter to win The Wizard of Pride

Enter to win The Wizard of Pride
Enter to win The Wizard of Pride by Ryan Field. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, July 9, and Friday, July 31.
Read more...

History

Tale of the 100 year old Lesbian Rebel

This column is written under duress. Just kidding. It's actually written with great respect to honor the work of one of our community's most esteemed historians, Jonathan Ned Katz, and his latest work which brings to light an incredible story of an almost unheard of lesbian rebel from the 1920's.
Read more...

Workshop in Teaching LGBTQ+ History in Pennsylvania to be held August 4

The Pennsylvania LGBT History Network is presenting a workshop, Teaching LGBTQ+ History in Pennsylvania, on Wednesday August 4, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Designed for social studies and history teachers, Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) student organization advisors, and consultants and students in the education field, the workshop will provide opportunities for attendees to find LGBTQ+ history resources in Pennsylvania and beyond; get ideas from examples of lesson plans, curricula and topics; and learn how to create their own customized lesson plans for their students.
Read more...

Videos

Videos

Photo Galleries

Photos

Advertisers

Advertisers

Volunteers

Thanks

Connect with us