August, 2022 News (73 Articles with 48,242 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for August, 2022 On July 23, over 200 people came to Meadville Pride & Street Fair by NW PA Pride Alliance. Photo by Rex Apps.
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 Celebrates 30 Years of Pride
All the colors of the rainbow were once again flying proudly in Erie on the afternoon of Saturday, June 25, as the Erie region came together to celebrate Pride. The parade stepped off from The Zone Dance Club with roughly two thousand participants traveling along West 18th Street before turning north on State Street and ending in Perry’s Square for the Annual Pride Fest, marking 30 years of Pride events for Erie.
Pride Flag Display for 2022
For June 2022, Steve Huefner once again did a fantastic job in getting Pride flags displayed by Erie area businesses, churches, and organizations. The initiative began in 2018, when about 30 places displayed a Pride flag for June, and has since grown to almost 100! 2022 marks a return after 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Please remember to support those who support our community!
Meadville Pride celebrated by NW PA Pride Alliance
A mother came up to Alex Sphon, President of NW PA Pride Alliance, at the street fair to give him a hug and thank him for the Meadville Pride which was celebrated on Saturday, July 23. In talking with her, he found out her ten year old child had just came out as transgender. She has never seen her child feel truly at home in public till today’s event.
Journey to a Trauma Informed Life Celebrates New Location at 201 W 11st St - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Aug 26
Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, LLC is celebrating our new home at 201 W 11th St, Erie PA, 16501, and launching our new nonprofit: Journey: Healing Together. They purchased the site in March 2022 and immediately began renovations. The nonprofit and for profit will co-locate to maximize community collaboration. They are excited to invite you into their new space and celebrate the healing journeys to take place there. They will be hosting the open house on August 26, 2022 with tours, refreshments, and giveaways. The ribbon cutting will take place at 10:00 a.m.
Warren County hosts Pride for 2022
Warren County Pride continues to grow. Back in 2020, the gathering fit inside General Joseph Warren Park and now it is occupying nearly half of Betts Park. The new expanded location allowed vendors and sponsors to set up in the grass on either side of the parking lot, while scheduled events took place inside a central pavilion.
Crawford County Pride on 7/9
As a wrap-up to the third year of the best and only grassroots Crawford County Pride, we had wonderful performers, featuring Odd Atrocity, vendors galore with notables such as Trisha’s Treasures and Marie Loose booths with Pride shirts, Community Outreach of Erie and one hell of a drag show featuring Cher Michaels, Reba MacIntosh and Misha Michaels. Wonderful activities such as bubble making, chalk art, Drag Story Time and poster making accompanied the politics of Democratic PA Senate candidate Ria Czech and myself, chair of the Libertarian Party of Crawford County, Pennsylvania
Back to School in True-Style August 21st
Back to School in True-Style: Compton’s Table is excited to offer a fantastic opportunity made possible by our local Macy’s at Millcreek Mall. On August 21st, Macy’s is opening their doors to Compton’s Table and selected youth for a private shopping event with store credit! You read that right - free clothes & private shopping event! If you know a youth or young adult who would benefit from this opportunity, please fill out the nomination form on our website, www.ComptonsTable.org
29th Annual Pride Picnic Aug 13
This event is free and open to the public, so bring your buns down to the beach and see what's cooking! The Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance, inc. would like to invite you to join us for the Erie Pride Picnic 2022 on Saturday, August 13th at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle (near Beach 7) from 1 to 6 PM
Respect for Marriage Act Passes House and Heads To Senate - Contact Sen. Toomey
The United States Senate will soon be taking up the Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the House 267-157 (with all 220 Democrats and 47 Republicans voting in favor) on July 19, 2022. The region's western Pennsylvania House members, including Kelly and Thompson, voted no.
Compton's Table Drag-tastic Youth & Young Adult Event Aug 2
Compton's Table is hosting Drag-tastic Youth & Young Adult event at their new location, 1505 State St, Erie, PA. On Tuesday, August 2nd from 5-9 PM, you will learn how to build your drag character, design your costume, do your make-up, work the crowd, and put it all together on the stage for a drag show! This event is for queer youth 20 years & under to let loose in a safe, affirming space. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Allies can attend to support the performers. Masks will be required. Performers may take them off while on stage. Registration is a MUST even if you are not performing. Head over to www.ComptonsTable.org to sign up!
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. Your opinion matters and we look forward to hearing from those who are interested. If you want to volunteer, please email a resume and cover letter to info@eriegaynews.com by Friday, October 31st, 2022.
Compton’s Table New Home
Compton’s Table has a new home, PACA, 1505 State St, Erie, PA! We are building out this space to reach even more youth with AFFIRM, Compton’s Closet, and future programming. We will have an open house at the end of August and look forward to opening our doors for the community to come to check out what we have going on and what’s in store for the future. Be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates!
TransFamily Picnic Aug 20
The annual TransFamily NWPA picnic is coming up this August on the 20th, running from 11 am to 3 pm at Glenwood Park, and we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary! There will be games, food, and fun! Please feel free to bring food to share. We look forward to seeing all of you!
Local LGBT Nonprofits Participate in Erie Gives 2022
Erie Gives will be taking place on Tuesday, August 9, from 8 am to 8 pm. This is a great day to help your favorite nonprofits. The local LGBT nonprofits participating in this year's campaign are listed below. The minimum gift is $25. There is no limit to the amount of money you may give. There is no limit to the number of organizations you can donate to in a transaction. Donations can be made via check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Sorry, credit card gift cards will not be accepted.
Joey Grego "Opening for JG Art at City Gallery"
Join us Friday, July 29th from 5-10 pm at City Gallery, 1503 State Street, Erie PA, as we Present Joey Grego's latest & most expressive work!!! This show will give a clear look into styles of art expression. The rich colors, techniques & textures will touch all your senses!
Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta applauds historic move to remove homosexuality from PA Crimes Code
HARRISBURG, July 8 - State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., praised the fact that homosexuality has been removed from the PA Crimes Code by the PA General Assembly. The bill now awaits the governor's signature.
Pennsylvania HIV Planning Group Stakeholder Meeting - Erie on July 20 at Courtyard by Marriot
The statewide HIV Planning Group (HPG) and Pa. Division of HIV Disease want to hear from you! Join us on July 20th for a town hall to learn more about the HPG, Integrated HIV Plan for Pennsylvania, and to share your views on improving local and statewide planning for HIV-related issues in Northwestern Pa. The event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott - Erie Ambassador Conference Center, 7792 Peach Street, Erie, Pa, 16509 from 3 to 7 PM. Please join us in person or participate online! Preview the agenda at https://tinyurl.com/HPGJulyAgenda22. FREE dinner provided for those who come in-person! Please register online by July 13 at https://tinyurl.com/HPGJulyTownHall
Deadline for August 2022 print edition (issue #321) of Erie Gay News is Friday, July 15, comes out Tuesday, July 26, and Will be at Pride Picnic on August 13!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 321, cover-dated for August 2022), please send in in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late July 2022 and beyond by Friday, July 15. We expect that the next edition will come out on Tuesday, July 26. This issue will be on display at the 29th Annual Erie Pride Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle on August 13!
LGBTQ Affairs Commission, Stakeholders Denounce Legislation to Bring Discriminatory "Don't Say Gay" Bill to PA
Harrisburg, PA - June 22, 2022 - Today, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs and education and youth advocates denounced Senate Bill 1278, a copy-paste version of Florida's discriminatory "Don't Say Gay" bill that would harm students and set back human rights in Pennsylvania.
Entertainment and Travel
VH1 Announces Second Season of "RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race" to Premiere Friday, August 12th at 8:00pm ET/PT
NEW YORK, NY - July 18, 2022 - VH1 today announced the second season of "RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race'' will premiere Friday, August 12th at 8:00pm ET/PT. Filmed in front of a live studio audience, nine celebrities from all walks of life have agreed to leave their famous identities behind as they fully embrace the miracle of drag. It will be kept secret who each contestant is until they are asked to sashay away, allowing viewers to focus on their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.
Pride Journey: Provincetown
I think it's safe to say that I found my new happy place. I had visited Provincetown, Massachusetts once before during the winter season and even then, I enjoyed my time there. Of course, P-Town is much slower during the colder months than it was during my most recent visit, but I still enjoyed the small-town charm of this iconic coastal destination.
All An Act Theater Presents "Rule of Three" by Agatha Christie Aug 19 - Sep 4
All An Act Theater Presents "Rule of Three" by Agatha Christie Aug 19 - Sep 4. Three Stories of Intrigue from the Mistress of Suspense! Three Directors! Three Casts! Note: Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required to attend performances. You may use a copy of your vaccination card or a picture of the card on your smartphone. If you are unvaccinated, a negative covid test (including home tests) that is less than 72 hours old from the performance date is also acceptable.
Pride Journey: Salt Lake City
For years I have heard about Salt Lake City's thriving LGBTQ community, but I had yet to experience it firsthand. The Advocate even called Salt Lake City, one of the ten 'Queerest Cities in America.' Recently, I had an opportunity to travel to the Beehive State with my good friend and internationally known EDM musician Joey Suarez, where we had a chance to revel in the city's attractions and culinary scene and see what all the hype was about.
Sculpture Exhibition Opening at Erie Art Museum on July 21
ERIE, Pa. - The Erie Art Museum opens a new exhibition on Thursday, July 21st, 2022. "Ole' Say Can WE See?" by artist Garry R. Bibbs begins on the Dana and Pete Zaphiris Family Patio with an outdoor sculpture, Humanity's High Hurdle. The exhibition continues inside the Museum in the Main Gallery, which will feature Bibbs' sculptures, 2D prints, and a video interview of the artist. A reception to celebrate the exhibition opening will be held from 5-8 pm. Light snacks, live music, and a cash bar will be available. Professor Bibbs will provide a casual tour of the exhibition at 6 pm. Regular admission applies, members can attend free.
Buffalo United Artists proudly presents Alley of the Dolls
Kicking off our 30th Season, BUFFALO UNITED ARTISTS presents, 'ALLEY OF THE DOLLS', a loving parody of the cult classic film. The play runs July 9-31 on Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 PM at Alleyway Theatre Mainstage, 1 Curtain up Alley, Buffalo, NY, 14202. THE ULTIMATE 'SUMMER CAMP' EXPERIENCE! Here is the shocking, candid story of the dazzling glitter and gutter realities of show business as it has never been told before…with SEQUINS and WIGS and DRAG QUEENS…OH MY! Starring Jimmy Janowski, Renee Landrigan, Matt Refermat, Christopher Standart, Michael Blasdell, Dan Urtz, Alex Anthony Garcia and Michael Seitz. Directed by Chris Kelly. Tickets are $30.00 general admission/, and $25.00 for student and members. For more info www.alleyway.com or 716-852-2600 or www.buffalounitedartists.org
Political, Activism and Legal
Human Rights Campaign Mobilizes More than 170 Businesses & Over 20,000 Supporters in Support of Respect for Marriage Act Senate Vote
WASHINGTON - July 28, 2022 - As the U.S. Senate prepares for a vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is mobilizing 173 major businesses representing over 5.3 million employees, its more than 3 million highly engaged members and supporters, and the nation's 62 million "Equality Voters" to call on the Senate to pass the bill. The Respect for Marriage Act is legislation that would nationally codify federal marriage equality by guaranteeing the federal rights, benefits, and obligations of marriages in the federal code; repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings are recognized by all states.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses John Fetterman for Senate
HARRISBURG - July 28 2022 - Today the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its endorsement of John Fetterman for U.S. Senate. HRC PAC is committed to engaging its volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize more than three million Equality Voters across Pennsylvania in support of Fetterman and other pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot.
BACKGROUNDER: As Senate Prepares for Vote on Bipartisan 'Respect for Marriage Act', Pennsylvanians are Mobilizing in Support, Urging Sen Toomey to Vote in Favor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - July 27, 2022 - As the U.S. Senate prepares for a vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, Pennsylvanians in communities across the state are mobilizing to urge Sen. Pat Toomey to vote in support of the bill. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is activating a grassroots army of 3.1 million members, volunteers, and supporters nationwide to mobilize voters in states across the country, including the more than 3,006,825 Equality Voters in Pennsylvania - who are among the more than 62 million Equality Voters in the nation made up of LGBTQ+ people and allies who prioritize LGBTQ+ equality at the ballot box. HRC has maintained a full-time, on-the-ground staff in Pennsylvania for several years, building coalitions, mobilizing around elections, and training a highly-engaged grassroots network.
Florida Families and Advocacy Groups Sue to Block the Florida Law Known as "Don't Say Gay"
(Orlando, FL, July 26, 2022) - Late yesterday, Lambda Legal, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Southern Legal Counsel (SLC), and private counsel Baker McKenzie filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Florida enacted House Bill 1557, commonly referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" law.
HRC Interim Pres Joni Madison at NOW National Conference: Inclusive Language "Highlights Just How Many People Are Being Impacted" By Attacks on Abortion Access
CHICAGO - July 25, 2022 - On Saturday morning, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Interim President Joni Madison delivered a keynote address on "The LGBTQIA+ Community in the Intersectional Feminist Movement" at the National Organization for Women (NOW) 2022 National Conference in Chicago. In her remarks, Joni highlighted the need for united action between the LGBTQ+ and intersectional feminist movements in the fight against the recent attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access. She also takes on those who claim that inclusive language erases women, saying, "We understand that inclusive language around issues such as abortion access and reproductive rights doesn't erase women -rather, it highlights just how many people are being impacted."
Pennsylvania Equality Project Leadership Change For 2023
At its annual meeting, David Moore, President of the Pennsylvania Equality Project announced to the Board that he will not be seeking a new term as President in 2023. The Board agreed to hold a vote that evening, and selected Matt Haslam to be the President-Elect. His term as President will begin on July 1, 2023. David will be changing positions to become the new Western Pennsylvania Vice President, while Michael Martin has become the new Eastern Pennsylvania Vice President. Jennifer Rahal-Moore has decided not to seek another term in office but will remain a Legacy Board member.
Human Rights Campaign Commends World Health Organization for Declaring Monkeypox a Global Health Emergency
WASHINGTON - July 23 , 2022 -Today, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commended the World Health Organization (WHO) for taking the step to declare the monkeypox virus (MPV) a global health emergency. The designation means the WHO views the outbreak as a significant threat to global health, requiring a coordinated international response. The last time a global health emergency was declared was in 2020, in response to COVID-19.
MAP Report: The National Patchwork of Marriage Laws Underneath Obergefell
MAP's report, Underneath Obergefell, explores the patchwork of marriage laws around the country. The report highlights the fact that a majority of states still have existing laws on the books that would ban marriage for same-sex couples - even though those laws are currently unenforceable under the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell.
PA Coalition Against Rape Highlights Key Bills Passed with State Budget
Harrisburg, PA - July 18, 2022 -- Today, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) highlighted 4 key pieces of enacted bills in Pennsylvania's 2022-23 budget that will help to end sexual violence and increase accountability measures.
LGBTQ+ Organizations Call on CDC to Expand Monkeypox Virus Testing and Vaccine Distribution
CALIFORNIA - July 20, 2022 - Today, a coalition of LGBTQ+ legal and health organizations sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demanding the implementation of a more robust federal response to the burgeoning spread of the Monkeypox Virus (hMPXV) - including greatly expanding access to testing, gaining wider access to available vaccines, and renaming "monkeypox" to "hMPXV" to combat stigma.
New Analysis of LGBTQ-Owned Small Businesses' Financial Health: Nearly Half of LGBTQ-Owned Small Businesses that Applied for Loans Were Denied Financing
July 20, 2022 - Today, the Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR) and the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) released a groundbreaking report on the financial health and needs of LGBTQ-owned small businesses, using data from the Federal Reserve Banks' annual Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS). The most recent SBCS, conducted in 2021, included new questions about LGBTQ ownership of small businesses across the country.
Human Rights Campaign Responds to Federal Judge Temporarily Blocking Trans-Affirming Guidance on Title IX
WASHINGTON - July 16, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) responded to news that a federal judge temporarily enjoined Department of Education guidance affirming that the rights of transgender students are protected by Title IX.
Human Rights Campaign Legal Director at House Judiciary Committee Hearing: "A Domino Effect Could Occur" if Majority Swayed by Justice Thomas on LGBTQ+ Rights
WASHINGTON - July 14, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign's Legal Director, Sarah Warbelow, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary during a hearing about the threat to individual rights in a post-Roe world, specifically highlighting the potential impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on the LGBTQ+ community.Warbelow discussed how the Dobbs decision may affect LGBTQ+ civil rights, including the potential impact on Obergefell v. Hodges and Lawrence v. Texas-her written testimony can be found here.
Bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act Passes 267-157, with 47 Republican Votes
WASHINGTON - July 19, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - today celebrated the bipartisan passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in the House of Representatives. The bill passed 267 to 157 and garnered the votes of 47 Republicans, demonstrating the widespread and bipartisan support for marriage equality. This legislation would guarantee the federal rights, benefits, and obligations of marriages in the federal code, repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings should be recognized by all states. HRC celebrates the House of Representatives for moving this important legislation forward and now calls on the U.S. Senate to pass this important legislation swiftly.
VIDEO: Human Rights Campaign Legal Director at House Judiciary Committee Hearing: "A Domino Effect Could Occur" if Majority Swayed by Justice Thomas on LGBTQ+ R
WASHINGTON - July 14, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign's Legal Director, Sarah Warbelow, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary during a hearing about the threat to individual rights in a post-Roe world, specifically highlighting the potential impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on the LGBTQ+ community.Warbelow discussed how the Dobbs decision may affect LGBTQ+ civil rights, including the potential impact on Obergefell v. Hodges and Lawrence v. Texas-her written testimony can be found here.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation Recognizes 53 Argentinian Companies Dedicated to LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion
WASHINGTON - July 14, 2022 - Today, The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with Instituto de Políticas Públicas LGBT, is releasing its first annual 'HRC Equidad AR: Global Workplace Equality Program' report. This program stands alongside leading South American benchmarking surveys completed in Mexico, Chile and Brazil. These surveys share information about employers who have demonstrated a commitment to LGBTQ+ equality by adopting crucial LGBTQ+-inclusive policies and practices for their employees. In 2022, 53 Argentinian companies participated and 22 earned top marks for their efforts to promote workplace LGBTQ+ inclusion.
GLAAD report fails Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram on LGBTQ safety
July 13, 2022 - GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced the findings of its second annual Social Media Safety Index (SMSI), a report on LGBTQ user safety across five major social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.
ACLU-PA Statement on Hempfield School Board Banning Trans Girls from School Athletics
July 12, 2022 - Tonight, in a 6-2 vote, the Hempfield School Board in Lancaster County became the first school district in Pennsylvania to pass a ban on trans girls participating in girls sports at school.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses Pro-Equality Champions in Pennsylvania House and Senate Races
PENNSYLVANIA - Today the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its initial round of endorsements of nearly four dozen pro-equality candidates running for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. HRC PAC, which also endorsed the Shapiro/Davis ticket, is committed to engaging volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize 3 million Equality Voters in Pennsylvania in support of pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot. HRC's endorsements in Pennsylvania do not reflect a comprehensive list of pro-equality candidates for the General Assembly, but rather the first group of races HRC will prioritize for engagement from volunteers and members in 2022.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses Austin Davis for Lieutenant Governor
PENNSYLVANIA - July 12, 2022 - Today the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its endorsement of Austin Davis's campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. HRC PAC, which also endorsed Josh Shapiro's campaign for Governor last month, is committed to engaging volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize 3 million Equality Voters in Pennsylvania in support of Davis and other pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot.
Comments Now Open for Proposal to Include Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity in Title IX Protections
WASHINGTON - July 12, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - marked the publication today of the U.S. Department of Education's Title IX Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The proposed regulation, which will add sexual orientation and gender identity as enumerated protected characteristics within the Title IX regulation, is now open for public comment for 60 days. The Department is inviting comments from members of the general public and offers a helpful tip sheet on how to compose comments that will have an impact on the rulemaking process.
PA General Assembly Adopts Bill to Remove "Homosexuality" from Crimes Code
HARRISBURG, Pa.- July 8, 2022 - Yesterday the Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously passed House Bill 2125 which will remove 'homosexuality' from the definition of prohibited sexual acts in the state's Crimes Code. The bill now heads to Governor Wolf for his signature.
Texas Court Blocks State From Investigating More Trans Youth and Their Families
July 8, 2022 - Today the Travis County District Court entered a second injunction against the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and Commissioner Masters, barring them from implementing the agency's rule expanding the definition of child abuse to presumptively treat the provision of gender affirming care as child abuse against two more families, Mirabel Voe and her son Antonio, and Wanda Roe and her son Tommy.
GLAAD Responds to President Biden's Executive Order Protecting Reproductive Healthcare and Abortion Access
(JULY 8, 2022) - GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is responding to President Biden's Executive Order on Protecting Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services signed this morning. The order expands protections for medication abortion, contraception, emergency medical services, and patient privacy. The order also makes it clear that the Biden administration will direct legal resources to support efforts to bring court challenges against state and local healthcare restrictions, a fact sheet on the White House website explains.
Proposed legislation would deny bodily autonomy of Pennsylvanians, including survivors of sexual violence
If passed, Senate Bill 106 sponsored by Sen. David Argall (R-Schuylkill) would amend Pennsylvania's constitution. SB 106 claims that Pennsylvania's Constitution grants no rights to abortion, "tax-payer funded" abortion, "or any other right relating to abortion." This legislation has passed 28 to 22 through Pennsylvania's Senate and will now be considered by the State House. Because this bill is a proposed constitutional amendment, it must pass through the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions and then receive the majority vote in a ballot referendum. That means the voters of this Commonwealth will be able to vote directly on whether this bill will become law.
Supreme Court of Wisconsin Allows School Policy Protecting Privacy of Transgender and Nonbinary Students to Remain in Effect
MADISON - July 8, 2022 - The Supreme Court of Wisconsin allowed a school policy, which protects the right of students to use different names or pronouns at school without being forcibly outed by school faculty, to stay in effect while the case goes forward in the lower courts. It also rejected the unusual attempt by the plaintiff parents in the case to keep their identity secret from opposing counsel in the case.
OutRight Action International Welcomes Repeal of Anti-LGBTQ Laws in Antigua and Barbuda
New York, New York - July 5, 2022 - OutRight Action International, a global human rights organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people, today welcomed Antigua and Barbuda's repeal of sections 12 and 15 of the Sexual Offences Act of 1995. The decision, handed down by the Honorable Justice Marissa Robertson, ruled that the law conflicted with Constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, personal privacy, and protection from discrimination.
Court Removes Trump-Era Rule That Eliminated Discrimination Protections
Washington, DC, July 5, 2022 - A federal district court on Wednesday rescinded a discriminatory Trump-era rule that prohibited the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from requiring that service providers in its $500 billion federal grants program not discriminate based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and other characteristics when providing HHS grant-funded services. Democracy Forward and Lambda Legal, along with pro bono co-counsel Cravath, Swaine, and Moore, LLP, filed a lawsuit challenging the rule in February 2021 on behalf of Facing Foster Care in Alaska, Family Equality, True Colors United, and SAGE. Wednesday's order rescinds the rule completely and restores protections in the 2016 Rule.
Lambda Legal: The Supreme Court's Erasure of Essential Rights Demands Urgent Corrective Action
(Washington, DC, July 1, 2022) - Lambda Legal today underscored its joint demand with GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the Transgender Law Center for expanding the U.S. Supreme Court and requiring Supreme Court justices to abide by a code of ethics, along with lifting the filibuster and passing voting rights legislation, by citing numerous specific examples of the Court's legally unsound and devastating upending of long-settled precedents, heedless of the harmful impacts on the American people, all issued in recent weeks.
Human Rights Campaign on DeSantis's "Don't Say Gay or Trans" Law Going into Effect, Targeting LGBTQ+ Youth and Turning Back the Clock on Equality
Washington, D.C. - June 30, 2022 - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's shameful "Don't Say Gay or Trans" law will officially go into effect in Florida on Friday, targeting LGBTQ+ youth and educators across the state by preventing them from having and providing a safe, inclusive classroom. It will block teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ issues or people, further stigmatizing LGBTQ+ people and isolating LGBTQ+ kids.
ACLU-PA Statement on Passage of Bill Banning Transgender Student Participation in School Athletics
HARRISBURG - June 29, 2022 - Today, the state Senate passed House Bill 972, legislation that would ban participation in school sports by transgender students in public schools and state-funded universities and colleges.
New MAP Analysis: How States Rank on Voting & Democracy Compared to LGBTQ Equality
Our ability to have free and fair elections in every state is directly related to many key issues including LGBTQ equality and reproductive rights. The January 6 hearings have shown how close our country has come to losing our democracy. Threats of violence against LGBTQ people, including at Pride celebrations, have increased this month.
Lambda Legal: Supreme Court Today Greenlights More Sectarian Prayer in Public Schools
(Washington, DC - June 27, 2022) - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court continued its alarming and misguided practice of mixing government and religion. It further limited public school officials' ability to protect students from imposition of religion by school authority figures by approving the explicitly Christian exercise of religion of a public high school football coach who insisted on kneeling on the 50-yard-line of a public high school football field at the conclusion of games and inviting the student athletes to join him in Christian prayer.
Public Support for Marriage Equality at All-Time High Approaching the Anniversaries of Landmark Supreme Court Decisions that Contributed to LGBTQ+ Equality
WASHINGTON - June 24, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commemorates the anniversaries of three historic U.S. Supreme Court decisions that led to securing the right to marriage for same-sex couples-Lawrence v Texas, United States v Windsor and Obergefell v Hodges. Since Obergefell cemented marriage equality into law seven years ago, it has quickly grown in acceptance and support. Seven in ten Americans (71%) express support for marriage equality; that number has consistently risen since 2015 when 60% of Americans were in favor of marriage equality. Now, there are approximately 568,000 married same-sex couples, which is 58% of all same-sex households.
Health
Monkeypox Vaccine Available in Erie at Central Outreach
August 1, 2022 - Central Outreach Wellness Center in Erie officially has the monkeypox vaccine, JYNNEOS. The Wellness Center received 15 doses today.
Blood and platelet donors needed now to help prevent a seasonal blood shortage
July 27, 2022 - Just as most cars need to be refueled constantly, so does the nation's blood supply. The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.
HHS Announces Proposed Rule to Strengthen Nondiscrimination in Health Care
July 25, 2022 - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a proposed rule implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)(Section 1557) that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability in certain health programs and activities. This proposed rule restores and strengthens civil rights protections for patients and consumers in certain federally funded health programs and HHS programs after the 2020 version of the rule limited its scope and power to cover fewer programs and services.
LGBTQ Clinic Treating Monkeypox, Covid; Has LGBTQ Flag Burned Outside Office
July 21, 2022 - When Central Outreach Wellness Center in Erie, 3104 State Street, opened for business today, the staff discovered the LGBTQ pride flag that hung outside the office burned.
GLAAD Response to Monkeypox Vaccine News and Releases Community Awareness Information
(New York, NY - July 15, 2022) - GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is responding to an announcement from the federal government adding 2.5 million more doses of the monkeypox virus (MPV) vaccine JYNNEOS to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) over the next year, with an additional 131,000 doses immediately available, and nearly 800,000 more doses available in the coming weeks.
Spirituality and Religion
Community United Church Hosts Summer Art Show Opening
More than two hundred guests were welcomed on the evening of Wednesday, June 22 at the Summer Art Show Opening at Community United Church, 1011 W 38th St, Erie PA 16508. The show celebrates eighteen artists and allies of the LGBTQ community, as well as the themes of liberation and freedom.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Stonewall & Visibility at 34,000 feet up
On my United Airlines flight from London to Newark, when boredom set in during the seven and a half hour trip, I decided to see what they had to offer in their entertainment selection. I was totally surprised to find a "Pride Collection" that featured many LGBT films and more. What was more surprising was to find a documentary that I'm in was included as part of this collection on the flight. It's the Smithsonian channel's "Beyond Stonewall," which showcases the LGBT artifacts and stories behind them that are now part of the Smithsonian American History Museum's LGBT collection, including my items from that first Pride and my personal papers and artifacts from the last 53 years of activism.
A shout out to those who are visible and Heroes
Many of you are the current heroes in the battle of equality, and you might not even be aware of how you helped get us to the small gains we've already achieved, so thank you!
ICYMI: NBC: Opponents Of Same-Sex Marriage Face An Uphill Climb. They Should Give Up.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - July 22, 2022 - In the lead-up to the Senate's vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Interim President Joni Madison published an op-ed in NBC THINK about how the bipartisan vote for the legislation in the House of Representatives demonstrates widespread support for marriage equality - and the uphill climb anti-equality opponents will face if they want to roll back this right. The Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the House XX-XX and garnered 47 Republican votes, will guarantee the federal rights, benefits, and obligations of marriages in the federal code, repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings should be recognized by all states.
What's the bigger threat: language or legislatures?
You're about to be erased, but rather than focus on the real enemy, you're wasting time frightening off the people who might be the foot soldiers at your side. Let me ask a question? What is important to you? Your marriage? Your right to have intimacy with the person you love without the very real threat of being incarcerated? What about getting the surgeries you need to be your true self? What about the right to control your own body? What about the right to not allowing quacks to practice legalized torture, otherwise known as aversion therapy, on LBGT youth?
Contests
Enter to win As Long As I'm Famous DVD from Ariztical Entertainment!
Enter to win As Long As I'm Famous DVD from Ariztical Entertainment. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 16, and Tuesday, September 6
Enter to win Cocoon DVD
Enter to win Fanny: The Right To Rock DVD
Enter to win Fanny: The Right To Rock DVD! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 30.
Enter to win Poppy Field DVD
Enter to win Poppy Field DVD! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, July 22, and Friday, August 12.
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