January, 2023 News (61 Articles with 37,348 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for January, 2023 PA Thrive Partnership staff/supporters in front of AIDS quilt panels at the Erie County HIV Task Force's World AIDS Day Program on December 1, 2022. Photo by Michael Mahler.
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
Opening reception for As I Am, An Exhibition of Work by LGBTQIA+ Youth in Erie on January 19
Penn State Erie, the Behrend College and Compton's Table are proud to present As I Am, an exhibition of artwork made by youth in our local LGBTQIA+ community. Please join us for an opening reception on Thursday, January 19 from 5-7pm in the upper hallway of the Kochel Center at Penn State Erie. The show will be visible from January 17 until February 24.
WQLN NPR Marks Major Milestone on January 7th Half-Century Celebration in the Making
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Erie, Pa - On January 7th at 6pm, WQLN NPR will celebrate 50 years of providing public radio programming in Erie, Pennsylvania. We'd like to invite you to join us for cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres in the rarely seen rehearsal hall at the newly renovated Warner Theatre. Prepare to be wowed by this charming space.
A Look Back at 2022 for Erie's LGBTQIA+ Community
Erie Gay News looks back at 2022 for our region's happenings and news for the year. Erie returned to having in-person Pride Fest in June with a record breaking 5,000 or so attending! Nearby communities in Ashtabula OH, Jamestown NY and Warren PA held in-person Pride festivals. Erie Gay News celebrated our 30th anniversary. 2022 had some wonderful happenings, collaborations, and progress! We also will have an updated LGBT history page for our region, which covers events from the 1960's up to the end of 2022.
2022 in videos
Check out our video gallery for 2022! There were conferences on LGBTQ aging & housing as well as other topics, videos supporting trans youth, and more!
2022 - A look back in photos
Check out our photo gallery for 2022! Erie, Ashtabula, Jamestown, Meadville, and Warren held in-person Pride festivals. There were several HIV testing events, several LGBTQ community gives back events. Erie Gay News is proud to have photo galleries for not only 2022 but years dating back to 1995!
SisTers PGH launches TGNC Youth Collective
TGNC Youth Collective is a space where young TGNC folk can express their creativity while creating a collaborative initiative that aims to improve service delivery outcomes for TGNC young people through the delivery of activities that build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills in TGNC youth. We are now accepting inquiries for our program, TGNC Youth Collective for 2023. Inquiries must identify as a trans woman, trans man, or gender, nonconforming sibling between the ages of 15-23 and live in Pittsburgh/Allegheny County.
As I Am: An exhibition of work by LGBTQIA+ youth in Erie to run Jan 19-Feb 24, deadline to submit is Jan 13
Penn State Erie, the Behrend College and Compton's Table are proud to present As I Am, an exhibition of artwork made by youth in our local LGBTQIA+ community. The deadline to submit is Friday, January 13, and the show will run from January 19 to February 24.
PBS's Independent Lens Celebrates the History of LGBTQ+ Comics With the Television Premiere of "No Straight Lines," on January 23, 2023
From Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Vivian Kleiman ("Color Adjustment") comes an in-depth look at the evolution of queer comics, starting in the 1970s when LGBTQ+ stories were not in popular culture. Through the careers of No Straight Lines" makes its television debut on PBS's Emmy Award-winning documentary anthology series INDEPENDENT LENS on January 23, 2023, at 10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings). The film will also be available to stream on the PBS Video app.
Erie Gay News Celebrates 30th Anniversary - Community Spotlight #1
Erie Gay News (originally known as Erie Gay Community Newsletter) is celebrating our 30th anniversary in December, 2022! Originally known as Erie Gay Community Newsletter, it was a project from Bridges, an LGBTQ coalition early 90's. After a dance/fundraiser held at the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie earlier in the year, the organization saw the need for a local LGBTQIA+-focused publication to inform the community about local events and resources, as well as the upcoming 1993 March on Washington. There had been an explosion of local groups in the early 90's.
NWPA Pride says thank you for an amazing 2022!
2022 has been a tremendous year for the NW PA Pride Alliance. Thankfully, with COVID-19 numbers lessening and the development of new vaccines, we were able to bring back some of our annual events, and with the help of some new friends, we expanded what was offered this year.
Compton's Table Art Exhibit
Compton's Table is looking for young artists to display their work at an upcoming art exhibit titled "As I Am." Acceptable forms are digital, print, and canvas media. The show is open to students and those ages 10-25. Art will be collected beginning in December. The show will run from January- February at Penn State Behrend. There will be a gallery opening night. Specific dates and times are being determined as Erie Gay News goes to press. For any inquiries, please email info@comptonstable.org.
GEAE and LGBTQ Funds Host Holiday Celebration
On Wednesday, December 7, the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) and the LGBTQ Funds of the Erie Community Foundation hosted an end-of-year reception at Room 33 in downtown Erie. This is the first time the two organizations have hosted a collaborative holiday event.
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2022
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania would like to thank everyone who gathered together on November 20, 2022 at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life or via Facebook Live for this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance. TDOR is when we gather together to remember our Transgender siblings lost to anti-transgender violence. It is up to all of us to remember them, since their killers, law enforcement and media often seek to erase their existence.
Transgiving celebrated at the Crime Victim Center
TransFamily of Northwestern Pennsylvania once again hosted the annual Transgiving, Saturday, November 26 at the Crime Victim Center on West 18th Street in Erie. The meal'ss a potluck style with members of the Transfamily board providing the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and dressing. Great conversations among new and old friends alike helped to make this event a great part of the holiday season.
2022 Annual Lake Erie Gala hosted by the Erie Sisters and Brothers of Erie Pennsylvania
Despite Mother Nature throwing a temper tantrum, it didn't detour 101 Transgender/Cross Dressing Ladies, their spouses, significant others, speakers, and vendors from attending the 23rd Annual Lake Erie Gala hosted by the Erie Sisters and Brothers at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Property last November.
NWPA Pride Alliance and Erie Otters Hockey Club to host 3rd Annual Pride Night
Join NWPA Pride Alliance and the Erie Otters for their third annual Pride Night at the Erie Otters on Saturday, January 14th. Tickets are only $30.00 which includes a ticket to the game plus an exclusive Otters Pride Hat. Link to purchase tickets available at NWPApride.org.
Erie Gay News Move to Mastodon from Twitter
Because of concerns about the quality and stability of the platform, Erie Gay News is no longer maintaining our Twitter account. We have added an account on Mastodon (@eriegaynews@mastodon.lol), and we continue to keep our Facebook page, the Erie Gay News and Local LGBT Discussion Facebook group, and also our Instagram account.
NWPA Pride Alliance welcomes new Board Members
Erie, PA - December 10, 2022 - NWPA Pride Alliance is happy to announce the addition of five new member to its board of directors, Michael "Debbie" Hipwell, Gwen Elaine, Hazel Selitto, Anita Holland, and Matthew Ciszek. NWPA Pride would also like to welcome Misha Krastins, Casey Main, Travis Smith, and Cassie Ellsworth to our advisory board.
Deadline for January 2023 print edition (issue #326) of Erie Gay News is Monday, December 12, comes out Tuesday, December 20! Our 30th anniversary!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 326, cover-dated for January 2023), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late December 2022 and beyond by Monday, December 12. We expect that the next edition will come out on Tuesday, December 20. This issue marks the 30th anniversary of Erie Gay News!
Entertainment and Travel
Pride Journey: Jacksonville, Florida
The last time I visited Jacksonville, I was probably in my early-mid 20s and living in Orlando. It was a very long time ago. I was eager to visit again as I know much has changed in the city since the early 2000s. If you are ever planning on visiting Jacksonville, I would highly recommend renting a car. Jacksonville is the largest city in the country by land mass and many of its popular attractions are spread out, especially if you want to get a good idea of all the city has to offer.
Erie Restaurant Week Returns January 20-29, 2023
Erie, PA: Erie Restaurant Week returns for its third year, January 20-29, 2023, and features a record number 39 participating restaurants. The annual 10 day event was created by VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization, to highlight and support Erie's diverse restaurants which are important components of Erie's tourism industry. Each contributing restaurant has created a special menu and pricing designed for the event.
Emmy Award-Winning "RuPaul's Drag Race" Announces Guest Judges for Season 15 Premiering Friday, January 6th at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV
(NEW YORK, NY - December 19, 2022) - MTV announced that Emmy® award-winning host RuPaul will be joined by an epic line-up of celebrities to help mainstay judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews and Ts Madison - who has been upped to a rotating member of the judges' panel - as they decide who will stay, lip-sync for their life, or "sashay away." The network also released the much-anticipated trailer for Season 15 of "RuPaul's Drag Race," which teases the commercial-free premiere episode and limited-commercial part two on Friday, January 6th, where the queens will bring their gifts to a talent show with guest judge Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Ariana Grande.
Emmy Award-Winning RuPaul's Drag Race Ruveals the New Queens of Season 15 Premiering with Back-to-Back Episodes on Friday, January 6 at 8PM ET/PT on MTV
(New York, NY - December 13, 2022) - MTV today ru-vealed the cast for the 15th season of the Emmy award-winning global phenomenon, "RuPaul's Drag Race," returning Friday, January 6 at 8PM ET/PT with a two-part premiere on its new home. The new season ushers in 16 dazzling new queens to compete for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" and a cash prize of $200,000 for the winner - the highest amount in the herstory of the main franchise. Additionally, the upcoming season will feature the landmark 200th episode.
MTV and Paramount+ Greenlight Global Expansion of RuPaul's Drag Race with Global All Stars and Three New Editions in Brazil, Germany & Mexico
(NEW YORK, NY - Dec, 12 2022) - MTV today announced the global expansion of the Drag Race franchise with three new editions in Brazil, Germany and Mexico which will air on MTV/Paramount+ in their respective territories. Additionally, fan favorites from around the world will enter the first-ever Drag Race Global All Stars exclusively on Paramount+ globally. As part of the new expansion, the US series of RuPaul's Drag Race heads to MTV for season 15 on Friday, January 6 at 8:00 PM ET/PT.
Political, Activism and Legal
Federal Court Rules in Favor of Transgender Man Denied Medical Care by UMMS Hospital
BALTIMORE - January 6, 2023 - A federal court ruled today that the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center violated the Affordable Care Act when it denied Jesse Hammons for commonly-performed medical care simply because the procedure was for gender-affirming care. The government-owned hospital claims that providing Hammons with medical care would be a violation of their religious beliefs.
US HHS Issues Revised Rule Striking Earlier Rule that Allowed Health Care Workers to Deny Care for Religious Beliefs
(Washington, December 29, 2022) - Today, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a new proposed rule rescinding much of a Trump-era rule that invited any healthcare worker - including doctors, nurses, EMTs, administrators, janitors, and clerical staff - to deny medical treatment, information and services to patients because of personal religious or moral beliefs.
ACLU of Texas Civil Rights Complaint on Granbury ISD Book Bans Leads to Federal Investigation
DALLAS - December 20, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is opening an investigation into Granbury Independent School District, near Fort Worth, over alleged sex discrimination.
VICTORY: Court Rules that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Cannot Administer Health Plans with Gender-Affirming Care Exclusions
(Tacoma, WA, December 19, 2022) - A federal district judge today ruled that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) cannot exclude coverage for medically necessary gender-affirming care in its administration of employer-provided ERISA health plans. This follows the district court's November 9, 2022, order certifying a class comprised of individuals who were, are, or will be denied pre-authorization or coverage of gender-affirming care as a result of BCBSIL's administration of categorical exclusions of such care.
The Trevor Project Releases New State-Level Data on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, Victimization, & Access to Support
December 15, 2022 - The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people, published its first-ever state-level analysis of LGBTQ youth mental health in all 50 states. Based on The Trevor Project's most recent national survey, which captured the experiences of nearly 34,000 LGBTQ youth ages 13-24 in the U.S., these data provide critical insights into the suicide risk, barriers to mental health care, anti-LGBTQ victimization, and negative impacts of recent politics reported by LGBTQ youth. These data also point to ways in which people can support the LGBTQ youth in their lives by highlighting access to accepting communities, LGBTQ-affirming spaces, and social support among family and friends - protective factors that are consistently associated with lower suicide risk. The Pennsylvania-specific report is here.
LGBTQ Youth Town Hall Sponsored by National and Local Organizations
On November 15, one week after a heated midterm election, over 45 local Pennsylvanians — including young people, parents, and leaders from local and state LGBTQ organizations — gathered at the Erie Center for Arts and Technology as part of a town hall event focused on educating the community about ways that state policies impact LGBTQ young people in The Commonwealth.
WATCH: HRC President Kelley Robinson Testifies to U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform On Surging Anti-LGBTQ+ Extremism and Violence
WASHINGTON - December 14, 2022 - Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, just finished testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Reform Committee about the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ extremism and violence in the United States in the wake of the recent Club Q shooting. At the hearing, titled "The Rise of Anti-LGBTQI+ Extremism and Violence in the United States," Robinson discussed the threats facing the LGBTQ+ community, including a rise in online harassment, anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation, threats of violence, and attacks on queer spaces and people, particularly Black and Brown transgender women.
Second Circuit Dismisses Challenge to Connecticut's Trans-Inclusive Student Athletics Policy
NEW YORK - December 16, 2022 - In a victory for transgender youth, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a student athletic policy in Connecticut allowing transgender students to play on the teams most consistent with their gender identity.
WPP unveils Beyond the Rainbow, a new global insights study on LGBTQ+ marketing and its future
December 9, 2022 - Unite, WPP's LGBTQ+ community, and Choreograph, WPP's global data products and technology company, today launched Beyond the Rainbow, a new study into LGBTQ+ marketing and its future. The study surveyed 7,500 LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ people in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to better understand their perceptions and experiences of viewing LGBTQ+ identities in media and advertising. Beyond the Rainbow is intended to equip brands, advertisers, marketing communicators and others in the industry with actionable data and insights to help build a more inclusive future.
The Respect for Marriage Act is an Important Step on the Path to LGBTQ Equality
MAP staff had the honor of watching President Biden sign the Respect for Marriage Act into law yesterday, among colleagues from the LGBTQ movement on the South Lawn of the White House. The Respect for Marriage Act is vitally important - for same-sex couples and interracial couples alike. As we saw with the U.S. Supreme Court decision this year that overturned Roe v. Wade, even some of the most basic, fundamental rights that we depend on are at risk. Today, the overwhelming majority of the country - more than 70% - supports marriage equality and nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people, with broad support across the political spectrum.
Human Rights Campaign: Reports of Texas AG's Attempts to Collect Data on Trans Adults Are a Terrifying Overstep into the Lives and Privacy of LGBTQ+ People
Washington, D.C. - December 14, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, responded to reports of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's purported efforts to collect names and other identifiable information of transgender adults living throughout the state. As originally reported by The Washington Post this morning, the Texas Department of Public Safety received communication from Paxton's office earlier this year requesting a total number of gender marker changes on driver's licenses since 2020, later expressing interest in names and full license numbers as well.
From 1973 to 2023: National LGBTQ Task Force Celebrates 50 Years of Advocacy, Activism, and Organizing for the LGBTQ Community
WASHINGTON, D.C. The National LGBTQ Task Force - the country's oldest LGBTQ advocacy group - celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023, honoring 50 years of advancing freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQ people. This milestone year will recognize and celebrate the Task Force's rich history of driving progress within the LGBTQ community, from its early days lobbying the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality as a mental illness and advocating for AIDS funding to longstanding campaigns to Queer the Census, Queer the Vote, work for trans rights, fight for reproductive justice and bringing an intersectional approach to the LGBTQ movement. Beginning with Creating Change, the Task Force's flagship conference for training and mobilizing queer organizers, the upcoming year serves as an opportunity to reimagine what queer activism can look like.
Human Rights Campaign: Ohio Board of Education's Vote to Reject Federal Title IX Protections is a Shameful Attack on LGBTQ+ Youth
Columbus, OH - December 13, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned the Ohio State Board of Education for its vote taking aim at the protection, privacy, livelihood, and well-being of LGBTQ+ students throughout the state. In a 10-7 vote, the Board chose to resist the enforcement of the Biden Administration's updated Title IX anti-discrimination guidelines designed to preserve the rights of transgender students.
PA Equality Project's Meadville FreeShop 2022 Results
On Monday, November 28, PA Equality Project held the Meadville FreeShop 2022. Generous donors dropped off 7 totes, 15 boxes and 25 bags of clothing, blankets, books, DVDs and CDs, kitchen items, and other household goods. Once on display, the items were free to the public to collect on November 29. PA Equality Project President David Moore said, "With so many needy people in Meadville and Crawford County, our organization wanted to give back to the public as much as we could. We look forward to working with the Meadville Public Library throughout 2023 providing for greater community outreach."
Wash. Attorney General Challenges Discriminatory Gendered Dress Code at Alaska Airlines
SEATTLE - December 13, 2022 - Today, the Office of the Washington State Attorney General filed a complaint before the Washington State Office of Administrative Proceedings on behalf of the state's Human Rights Commission challenging the uniform and grooming policies of Alaska Airlines for violating the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). This filing comes nearly two years after American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Washington client Justin Wetherell filed a complaint with the commission, informing it that Alaska Airlines' policies discriminated against the airline's employees who, like Justin, are nonbinary and gender fluid.
New Human Rights Campaign Foundation Report: Online Hate & Real World Violence Are Inextricably Linked
WASHINGTON - December 13, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation - the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - released Online Harassment, Offline Violence: Unchecked Harassment of Gender-Affirming Care Providers and Children's Hospitals on Social Media, and its Offline Violent Consequences, a report showing how anti-equality, online extremists are leading a proactive and coordinated campaign of hate against hospitals and medical providers who offer gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary and questioning youth. According to this new research, accounts like LibsOfTikTok and individuals like Matt Walsh are leading a highly-organized attack campaign; HRC Foundation researchers identified online harassment campaigns against 24 different hospitals and health care providers, across 21 states, between August and November alone. In addition to the report, HRC released a video featuring Dr. Angela Goepferd of Children's Minnesota, discussing the attacks on medical providers.
Outright International Welcomes the Repeal of Buggery and Gross Indecency Laws in Barbados
New York, New York - December 14, 2022 - Outright International welcomes the repeal of Barbados' buggery and gross indecency laws. The oral decision was handed down on December 12th by the Supreme Court of Judicature of Barbados and will be followed by a full written decision in January of next year. Although these laws do not explicitly mention gender identity or expression, law enforcement officials often conflate gender identity with sexual orientation, and, as such, these laws are also used to criminalize gender expression and identities which don't correspond with the norms associated with the sex assigned at birth. Despite the fact that these laws are rarely enforced, they provide legal cover for police abuse and discrimination against LGBTIQ individuals.
HISTORIC VICTORY: The Respect for Marriage Act is Law
WASHINGTON - December 13, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - celebrated today as President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Arguably the biggest legislative win in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality since the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law was repealed in 2010, this legislation will guarantee the federal rights, benefits and obligations of marriages in the federal code for same-sex couples; repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings should be recognized by all states. It also codifies the same rights for interracial couples.
PA Equality Project Announces Two New Board Members
On December 8, at its end of year board meeting, the Pennsylvania Equality Project added Dylan Altemara and Jay Grandis to the Board of Directors. Dylan, from Allegheny County, will not only serve on the Board, but he has also been named as the new Director of Legislative Affairs. Dylan is a former candidate for the Pennsylvania House 49th Legislative District.
STATEMENT: Mpox Working Group Sends Letter to Congress Calling for $900 million in Funding
WASHINGTON - December 6, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with 39 other leading public health, HIV/AIDS, medical and LGBTQ+ organizations, signed on to a letter sent to the Committee on Appropriations calling for $900 million in mpox response funding.
ACLU-PA Statement in Response to Pa. Regulation Banning LGBTQ Discrimination
HARRISBURG - December 8, 2022 - Pennsylvania's Independent Regulatory Review Commission today passed a new regulation from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission defining sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The PHRC is responsible for enforcing the commonwealth's nondiscrimination laws, including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which bars discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Warnock's Win Marks Major Victory for LGBTQ+ Equality
GEORGIA - December 6, 2022 - Georgians re-elected U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock to a full six-year term this evening, repudiating months of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and millions of dollars in anti-LGBTQ+ advertising from his opponent, Herschel Walker, that sought to attack the LGBTQ+ community for political gain.
SCOTUS Arguments in SCOTUS 303 Creative Case; Case Could Have Consequences for LGBTQ+ People and Other Vulnerable Groups
WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 5, 2022 - Today, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments for the case of 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis. The case will either protect the fundamental equality of LGBTQ+ people - or it could set a dangerous precedent giving businesses a license to discriminate.
The Creating Home Roundtable -- Over 60 Pennsylvanians Gathered to Discuss LGBTQ+ Elder Housing
On December 7th, SAGE, partnering with organizations across the state, hosted a virtual roundtable to discuss LGBTQ+ elder housing advocacy efforts in Pennsylvania. The event, Creating Home: A Roundtable to Discuss LGBTQ+ Elder Housing in Pennsylvania, highlighted the need for more affordable and inclusive older adult housing in Pennsylvania.
Statement By President Joe Biden on Bipartisan House Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act
December 8, 2022 - "Today, Congress took a critical step to ensure that Americans have the right to marry the person they love. The House's bipartisan passage of the Respect for Marriage Act-by a significant margin-will give peace of mind to millions of LGBTQI+ and interracial couples who are now guaranteed the rights and protections to which they and their children are entitled.
Statement on Brittney Griner Release: National LGBTQ Task Force
"From day one, our hearts have been with Brittney Griner, her wife Cherelle, her family and countless fans. So many raised their voices to call for her return, a movement to #freeBG that included the WNBA, the LGBTQ community around the world and millions of fans and others. Number 42 has been hanging on my wall as a daily reminder of the violence and discrimination Black people, LGBTQ folks and women regularly endure in this country and around the world. After being held for months in a Russian prison on drug charges, we are overjoyed and relieved she has been released today in a one-for-one prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout. We thank President Biden and all those who relentlessly negotiated and advocated for her release and return to her family. Now her jersey will be a celebration and reminder of the resilience of our people and the power of our community
Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equidad MX Recognizes 298 Employers in Mexico For Their Commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
WASHINGTON - December 5, 2022 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) launched the sixth annual HRC Equidad MX: Programa Global de Equidad Laboral, a survey evaluating LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion within major Mexican businesses and multinationals. This year, 252 employers have earned top ratings in the 2023 HRC Equidad MX report, and total participants have increased to 298 from last year's total of 262, reflecting a growing commitment in Mexico to creating LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices in their workplaces. The HRC Foundation's work in Mexico impacts more than 1.4 million employees currently working for inclusive employers nationwide and represents 38 different industries. LGBTQ+ affirming policies are a win-win: workers can achieve their full potential and employers reaffirm their commitment to treating all employees with dignity and respect.
Gov. Wolf Praises New Pennsylvania LGBTQ Anti-Discriminatory Regulations
Harrisburg, PA - December 8, 2022 - Governor Tom Wolf today praised a new regulatory change formalizing nondiscrimination protection for LGBTQ people by the state's regulatory board.
Health
Get in the giving spirit with the Red Cross
[Dec. 21, 2022] - As the final holiday rush arrives, the American Red Cross asks donors to shake up their holiday plans and give blood or platelets now and throughout the end of the year.
World AIDS Day Program Hosted by Erie County HIV Task Force
On Thursday, December 1, 2022, the Erie County HIV Task Force [ECHTF] presented this year’s World AIDS Day program at the H.O. Hirt Auditorium inside the Blasco Public Library at 160 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507. Speakers included City of Erie Mayor Joe Schember, Erie County staff member Gary Snyder, Adagio Health staff member Andi Fair, Community Health Net staff member Kelly Kruize, and PA Thrive Partnership staff member Sonny Concepcion. Local news coverage was by Fox 66 News. In addition to speakers and video segments, one panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt was on display, made possible by PA Thrive Partnership.
Helping Rural and Urban Communities Better Serve People Aging with HIV
If you have an idea for how communities can better support people who are aging with HIV, you could win funding to make it a reality. HHS is looking for interventions and solutions that can be scaled up or down or adapted by communities across the country. Whether rural or urban, most individuals and organizations are eligible to win, and it's easy to apply. Proposals are due January 31, 2023.
Give blood or platelets with Red Cross ahead of hectic holiday weeks
[Dec. 7, 2022] - As more people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside a time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays.
New U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Medical Standards Expand Applicant Pool to People with Chronic Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
December 1, 2022 - The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, a uniformed service of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), publicly announced today that it is changing its medical standards to accept future applicants living with chronic hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Contests
Enter to win Being Thunder DVD
Enter to win Being Thunder DVD! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, January 10, and Tuesday, January 31.
Enter to win Between Us DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Between Us DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 27, and Tuesday, January 17.
Enter to win Apostles DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures!
Enter to win Apostles DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 20, and Tuesday, January 10.
Miscellaneous
2023 LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship Application Period Is Open Now
The LEAGUE Foundation provides financial resources for America's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer high school seniors entering their first year of institutions of higher learning. The scholarship application opens annually in January and closes in April with awards distributed in the summer of each year.
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