October, 2021 News (45 Articles with 30,930 total views)

On the cover of the print edition for October, 2021 20th Annual Miss Erie Pageant at The Zone Dance Club on September 10, 2021. Photo by Michael Mahler.

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Up to date listing of events and meetings.

Local and Regional News

Board Members sought for NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc

NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to fill positions with our board of directors. NWPA Pride Alliance is seeking to diversify its membership to best address the needs of the LGBT community, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences are welcome to apply. All positions are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are looking for people who want to become more involved with the LGBT community, working with our members to extend outreach to the community as a whole.
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Jamestown Pride to hold J-Pride Coffeehouse event at the Robert H. Jackson Center

The Jamestown Pride Committee will hold its annual J-Pride Autumn event 7:00-9:00 p.m., October 15th at the Robert H. Jackson Center. The event will feature speakers, entertainment, coffee and snacks from the Labyrinth Press Company, and an open mic with prompts to tell your story! There will also be door prizes with extra entries for sharing your story or donating to next year's Pride Festival.
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New state historical markers to commemorate LGBTQ+ history

LGBT History Month is being celebrated with the unveiling and dedication of two new state historical markers on Sunday October 10 at 2 PM in Harrisburg. These are the first two markers with an LGBTQ+ history theme to be installed in Pennsylvania outside of the City of Philadelphia. The markers were approved earlier this year by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The ceremony will be held on the front steps of the Pennsylvania state capitol.
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Pride Youth Alliance of Crawford County Halloween Party

Pride Youth Alliance of Crawford County is having a Halloween Party on Sunday, October 31, from 2 to 2 PM at Active Aging, 1034 Park Avenue, Meadville, PA. Join the fun and celebrate with us There will be prizes for best costume for various age brackets at 3 PM, games and crafts at 4 PM, and a 50/50 raffle and basket auction at 5 PM, as well as food and drinks.
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First Large Scale Survey Aimed at LGBTQ+ Women Who Partner With Women Launches

First Large Scale Survey Aimed at LGBTQ+ Women Who Partner With Women Launches
September 13, 2021….New York, NY…...The National LGBTQ+ Women*s Community Survey recently launched, a community-based research and organizing effort to learn from the experiences of women who partner with other women and gather groundbreaking data. Garnering 5,200 respondents to date, this unique effort is led by veteran queer, lesbian, bi, trans, nonbinary, researchers and activists. The survey is designed to discover all we know and do not know about the life experience of LGBTQ+ women who partner with women. Aiming for 20,000 participants at www.lgbtqwomensurvey.org, the study will be in the field until December 15, 2021.
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Grow to Succeed Presents: We do Recover Speaker Jam on Oct 3

Grow to Succeed is a project of Sisters Pgh run by Marilyn Blackburn a transwoman that lived and survived the experience of addiction she decided once she got clean and sober to do what was necessary to help her community this program helps with support groups one on one sessions and resources to help folks grasp their sobriety and keep it while learning the important tools they need for a successful road to recovery. On October 3rd Grow to Succeed will be having our very first We Do Recover Speaker Jam this is an event you will not want to miss.
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PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs meeting on August 21

On August 21, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held their quarterly meeting at the Governor's Regional Office in Pittsburgh. Executive Director Rafael Alvarez Febo reported on essential policies and executive orders that included the Department of Transportation changing gender markers on driver's licenses, supporting trans youth, and working with the Pennsylvania Human Relation Commission to update the definition of sexual discrimination to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. State departments and agencies are working on collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data with other types of demographic data because knowing who we serve tell us how to serve.  Executive orders are expected to support equal access to fertility therapy and cross-agency cooperation for name changes.
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Voters Guide

Voters Guide
Candidates for Erie County Executive, Erie County Council, Erie City Mayor, and Erie City Council were asked about their positions on LGBTQIA+ issues. Their responses appear below.
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Mayor's LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council meeting on September 8

The Erie City Mayor's LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council met on September 8 via Zoom. Chief of Staff Renee Lamis provided an update on American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. These funds will be spent on services for those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, infrastructure, those negatively economically impacted by COVID-19, and historically underserved populations. A representative from the LGBTQIA+ advisory council will serve with representatives from other mayor's advisory councils/populations on a council of advisors for input on funding.
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Rupaul’s Drag Race star Tatianna is Coming to The Zone Dance Club!

Famous drag queen Tatianna be appearing at The Zone Dance Club,133 W 18th St, Erie PA, on October 23rd, 2021! Tatianna appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 2, and All Stars 2, the latter which she received runaway success. The event will be hosted by Rebecca Mae, along with special guests such as Luna Skye and Indie Skies. House cast queens such as Misty Michaels Kall, Priscilla Godzilla, Shea D’Heaux, and Pissi Gabune will also be performing. The 4:30 PM to 7 PM event prohibits smoking. Doors open at 4 PM. The second showing (9PM to 11:30PM) will allow smoking. A meet and greet will follow immediately after each event. Doors will open to the general public at 12 am. $5 cover for those who do not come to either show.
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We have a winner! 2021 Miss Erie Pageant Recap

The 2021 Miss Erie pageant was filled to the brim with local talent and a dazzling showcase. On September 10, patrons, and queens near and far flocked to the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, for the 20th annual Miss Erie pageant. Five queens competed for the coveted title and succeed the glamorous Rebecca Mae. This year’s theme was "Leather, Feathers, and Lace". The panel of judges included Michelle Michaels at the head of the table, renowned hairstylist Thom Haraczy, Erie Playhouse staple Moe Ferrera, graphics designer Patrick Hiller, and Ashley Lauria.
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Ace Week 2021, October 24 - 30

Ace Week, formerly known as Asexual Awareness Week, was founded in 2010. This International movement began as an awareness campaign to encourage LGBTQ+ communities to support the ace community. The community uses the word ace to encompass anyone who fits within the spectrum of asexuality. An asexual person experiences little to no sexual attraction and/or sexual desire.
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White House virtual event commemorating 10 years since the end of Don't Ask Don't Tell

On Monday, September 20 from 12-12:30 pm ET, the White House is hosting a virtual event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the end of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy to talk about the legacy of this policy, highlight the LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans serving in the Biden-Harris Administration, and discuss other steps the Administration is taking to advance LGBTQ+ equity for servicemembers and veterans. This event will feature LGBTQ+ government officials who served under Don't Ask Don't Tell, including Undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones, the first out lesbian to serve as undersecretary of a military branch, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness Shawn Skelly, the highest-ranking out transgender official in Department of Defense history, Secretarial Advisor on Equity and Deputy Director for Energy Justice at the Department of Energy Shalanda Baker, a former Air Force officer who was discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and Assistant Secretary in the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs Kayla Williams. This event will be moderated by Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel Gautam Raghavan.
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Compton's Table offers AFFIRM - Queer Youth Support Group

Compton's Table has a new queer youth support group called AFFIRM. It is a CBT-based group to learn stress management and coping skills while connecting with other queer youth. There are two sets of online Zoom meetings being offered from September through November.
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Intersex Awareness Day on October 26

Intersex Awareness Day on October 26
The annual Intersex Awareness Day will be celebrated on Monday, October 26. This is the date back in 1996 when the first public demonstration of intersex people took place in Boston, MA at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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15th Annual Pink Party Weekend at Zone Oct 9-10

The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA, will be hosting the 15th Annual Pink Party Weekend on Saturday, October 9, and Sunday, October 10. All proceeds go to Linked By Pink, a 501c3 nonprofit located in Erie, PA, that assists young breast cancer patients and their families as they go through a breast cancer diagnosis. There will be a Chinese auction and bake sale on both days and a Pink Party Benefit Show on Sunday, October 10 at 9:30 PM. After the show on Sunday, we will pull the tickets for the basket. You need not be present to win. We will have other party favors and some shots to help raise money for the Saturday night Pink Party. The Pink Party Benefit Show on Sunday, October 10, will replace what would have been the usual monthly Face show for October.
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PFLAG Westfield NY meetings resume

PFLAG Westfield NY has resumed meeting the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM at the Patterson Library, 40 S Portage St, Westfield NY 14787. For more information contact Patricia via email at aoede2149@yahoo.com, or by phone at (716) 450-9055.
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New Office Location for Lake Erie Counseling as of Oct 3

New Office Location for Lake Erie Counseling as of Oct 3
After 25 years at the same location, Lake Erie Counseling Inc. will be moving its office as of October 3. The new location is 1932 West 8th Street, Erie PA. Lake Erie Counseling Inc., a private psychotherapy practice established in 1994 was the first practice in Erie to specialize in and promote gay affirmative and empowering service to LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families.
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Center for Media Innovation celebrates history of queer media in Pennsylvania with special event

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University is hosting 50 Years of Coming Out, a celebration of the history of queer media in Pennsylvania, on Oct. 11 - National Coming Out Day.
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Erie Gay News Editorial Board Call for Applications

Erie Gay News Editorial Board Call for Applications
Erie Gay News is proud to have served the region’s LGBTQIA+ community since 1992. We have formed an editorial board that meets virtually every month to discuss potential articles, distribution, social media presence, and other ways to maintain and improve the publication. We invite those interested in sharing this crucial work to submit applications to be a part of our editorial board. If you want to volunteer, please email a resume and cover letter to info@eriegaynews.com by Friday, November 19, 2021.
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Lake Erie Gala Attendee Registration begins September 15, 2021!

Attendee registration opens this Wednesday, September 15, 2021 for Erie Sisters annual event, Lake Erie Gala! Mark your calendars and revisit the updated website (http://www.lakeeriegala.com) to register and see what's new in the line up. Early Bird Pricing will end September 30! So don't delay...
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Deadline for October 2021 print edition (issue #311) of Erie Gay News is Monday, September 13, comes out Tuesday, September 21

Deadline for October 2021 print edition (issue #311) of Erie Gay News is Monday, September 13, comes out Tuesday, September 21
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 311, cover-dated for October 2021), please send in online events, news items, and other info for late September 2021 and beyond by Monday, September 13. We expect that the next edition will come out on Tuesday, September 21. Please note: This issue will contain our Voters Guide for the November 2 Municipal General Election.
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Entertainment and Travel

Alabaster at PACA Sep 24-Oct 9

PACA, 1505 State St, Erie PA, is presenting 6 performances of Alabaster on Fridays and Saturdays from September 24 through October 9. Doors open at 7:30 PM and show is at 8 PM. Livestream will NOT be available. The play is a darkly comical, southern drama about love, art, and the power of women.
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Sex Education Season 3 Premieres Friday, September 17 on Netflix

Sex Education Season 3 Premieres Friday, September 17 on Netflix
It's a new year, Otis is having casual sex, Eric and Adam are official, and Jean has a baby on the way. Meanwhile, new headteacher Hope (played by Jemima Kirke) tries to return Moordale to a pillar of excellence, Aimee discovers feminism, Jackson gets a crush and a lost voicemail still looms. Prepare for commitment animals, alien phenomena, vulva cupcakes and much more of Madam Groff.
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Political, Activism and Legal

Lambda Legal Seeks to Add Two Additional Transgender Plaintiffs to its Challenge to West Virginia's Unlawful Ban On Health Care Coverage

(Charleston,WV - September 23, 2021) Today, Lambda Legal filed a motion seeking leave to add two additional plaintiffs-a Medicaid participant and a public employee-to its federal class-action lawsuit challenging West Virginia's blanket exclusion of health care coverage for transgender people in West Virginia's Medicaid and state employee health plans.
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Human Rights Campaign Endorses Dr. Tyler Titus For County Executive

ERIE, PA - September 22, 2021 - On Thursday, the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its endorsement of Dr. Tyler Titus for Erie County Executive. Dr. Titus would become the first transgender county executive ever elected in the United States, marking the highest executive office any transgender person in the United States has ever held.
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Pennsylvania Coalition Trans Youth Rally in Harrisburg September 30

Pennsylvania Coalition Trans Youth Rally in Harrisburg September 30
On Thursday, September 30 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM, there will be a Pennsylvania Coalition for Trans Youth Rally on the steps of the PA State Capitol Front Steps, 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg PA.
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Chambersburg Adopts LGBTQ-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Ordinance

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Youth Congress is thrilled to share that at their September 20, 2021 meeting, Chambersburg Town Council voted to adopt an LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance. Chambersburg becomes at least the 70th municipality in Pennsylvania to enact local protections for LGBTQ people in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Chambersburg follows the recent enactment of protections in other small Pennsylvania towns in rural areas including Huntingdon, Gettysburg, Shippensburg, and Bloomsburg.
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September 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.
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PFLAG National Recognizes the Legacy of 9/11

Statement from PFLAG National Executive Director Brian K. Bond: "Twenty years ago, undeniable acts of heroism occurred in the face of vicious cruelty. The terrorist attacks on 9-11 upended the world as we then knew it. Yet, the story did not end there. Valiant firefighters, paramedics, and police rushed to the front lines to help, including Rev. Mychal Judge. And passengers like Mark Bingham, who were trapped on a suicide mission to harm, fought back and in doing so saved the lives of countless others. These are just two of the patriotic heroes of that day who were LGBTQ+, and also only two of the victims who lost their lives in the terrible tragedy of 9-11.
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Health

HHS Awards $2.21 Billion in Fiscal Year 2021 to Help Americans Access HIV Care, Support Services, and Medication

October 5, 2021 - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced approximately $2.21 billion in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funding for cities, counties, states, and local community-based organizations in fiscal year (FY) 2021. This funding, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), supports a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care, medication, and essential support services critical to improving the health outcomes of more than 560,000 people with HIV in the United States.
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Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Issues Response to R. Kelly Verdict

Cleveland, OH (September 27, 2021) - Today, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) issued the following response to a jury finding recording artist, R. Kelly guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking. Kelly could face decades in prison.
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Registration is now open for the Virtual 2021 PA LGBTQIA Health Conference Oct 12-14

The 2021 PA LGBTQIA Health Conference will take place virtually this year October 12 - 14, 2021. The conference will feature workshops and presentations addressing the unique health needs of Pennsylvania's LGBTQIA community. In its 4th year, the conference's goal is to provide participants with emerging data, understanding, motivation, and strategies for addressing health disparities, particularly in tobacco with LGBTQIA populations and to Move Forward Together onto a path of equitable rights and inclusive healthcare. For information and to register, go to https://lgbtqiahealth.org/registration.html. The cost is $35, and there are scholarships available.
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PA LGBTQIA Health Conference Honors Janelle Crossley, 2020 Keira DeSantis Award Winner

PA LGBTQIA Health Conference committee honored 2020 Honoree of the Keira Kristine DeSantis Award, Janelle Kayla Crossley, at a presentation on Wednesday, September 8 at the Erie County Department of Health, 606 W 2nd St, Erie, PA. Speaking at the event was Erie City Mayor Joe Schember.
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Invest in Yourself: Your Mental Health is Worth Your Time and Money

How much is your happiness worth? Your peace of mind? Leaving your troubled past behind? We shop around for cars, homes, good deals on washer-driers and new kitchen appliances. We compare new refrigerators (or whatever we're shopping for) on features, price and appearance. We are good shoppers who spend our money wisely. But how do we invest in ourselves?
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PA LGBTQIA Health Conference committee honors 2020 Honoree of the Keira Kristine DeSantis Award, Janelle Kayla Crossley on Sep 8

PA LGBTQIA Health Conference committee will honor 2020 Honoree of the Keira Kristine DeSantis Award, Janelle Kayla Crossley, at a presentation on Wednesday, September 8 at 10 AM at the Erie County Department of Health, 606 W 2nd St, Erie PA.
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Spirituality and Religion

13th Annual Diversity Service at Community United Church - October 24, 2021, 11:00 AM

The staff and congregation of Community United Church, 1011 W 38th St, Erie PA, warmly invite you to join us on Sunday, October 24, at 11:00 AM as we celebrate our thirteenth year as a nationally certified Open and Affirming faith community in the United Church of Christ. As an Open and Affirming Christian congregation, we boldly accept and affirm LGBTQ+ people and relationships. We proudly march in our city’s Pride parade, and we also offer regular educational opportunities on LGBTQ+ inclusion. We are a faith community that grounds our understanding of God in unconditional love-and although we do not claim to be perfect, we do seek to embody that love through radical welcome, helping those in need, honoring boundaries, worship, study, small groups, and standing for restorative justice. Please join us as we celebrate our thirteenth year of Open and Affirming certification.
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Letters, Columnists and Opinion

Is this good news, really good news?

The good news is that Switzerland has legalized same sex marriage by a referendum on the voting ballot. The bad news: 46% of those in Switzerland still do not wish to treat their LGBT citizens with equality. Yes, we've come a long way, but in a country like Switzerland, it's a surprising outcome.
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Rainbow Railroad working to help LGBT Afghans flee country

When the Taliban were in control of parts of Afghanistan beginning in the late 1990's, they made clear that the strictly followed Sharia Law, which according to their interpretation means that those who have sexual relations between members of the same sex are condemned to death. They not only state it, they publicize it. During their rule they went so far as to publish photos of those who were hanged. 
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Contests

Enter to win On The Fringe Of Wild DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!

Enter to win On The Fringe Of Wild DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win On The Fringe Of Wild DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 12 and Tuesday, November 3.
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History

Pandemic Pivot: Museum Launches Major Digital Exhibit for LGBT History Month

Visitors to the Stonewall National Museum and Archives (SNMA) in Fort Lauderdale, one of the largest LGBT lending libraries and collections in the country, dropped by nearly two-thirds because of the pandemic.
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Pro baseball player Glenn Burke refused to live a lie

You could say that Glenn Burke, the first Major League Baseball player to come out, is having a good season. n March, bestselling author Andrew Maraniss published a thoughtful biography called "Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke." And on June 11, 2021, the Oakland A's renamed their annual LGBTQ appreciation event the Glenn Burke Pride Night.
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LGBTQ History Month: Until legal ruling, Disneyland banned same-sex dancers

Deemed the "Happiest Place on Earth" Disneyland sadly didn't live up to that billing for same-sex couples during its first three decades. Opened in 1955 by the late Walt Disney, the family-oriented amusement park was built on a former orange orchard in Anaheim, California.
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Dutch gay man defied the Nazis and saved thousands

In the final days before his execution in July 1943 at the hands of the Nazi party, Willem Arondeus asked his lawyer for one last request: to spread a message after he was gone. "Let it be known," he said. "Homosexuals are not cowards."
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Miscellaneous

America250 to Host LGBTQ+ Community Conversation Webinar September 23

Washington, D.C. -America250, the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary in 2026 led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, will host its next Community Conversation on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 4 pm ET. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies are invited to share their hopes for the America250 celebration. The forum is designed to provide all communities the opportunity to speak into and shape America250 activities.
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