September, 2023 News (78 Articles with 102,357 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for September, 2023 Friends at 30th Annual Erie Pride Picnic. 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
Eerie Horror Fest Announces First Wave of Films and Pitch Competition Finalists
August 25, 2023 - Erie, Pennsylvania - The Eerie Horror Fest is excited to announce their First Wave of Official Film Selections as well as the Pitch Competition Finalists.
Eerie Horror Fest Announces Filmmaker Mark Pellington and Special Screening of the Mothman Prophecies
August 22, 2023 - Erie, Pennsylvania - The Eerie Horror Fest is proud to announce American filmmaker, photographer, and artist, MARK PELLINGTON, will be in attendance at this year's epic event. On Friday, October 6th, the Fest will be screening his 2002 cult-classic, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Debra Messing, and Will Patton. Pellington will join the festival's pop-culture sociologist, Dr. Rhonda Matthews, for an in-depth Q&A immediately following the film. In addition, Pellington will take part in an industry panel on Saturday, October 7 and be available for meet and greet sessions where he will have original photos and storyboards from his various projects available for purchase and autographs.
Compton's Table Back to School True Style
On Sunday, August 20th, Compton's Table hosted its second-annual Back to School Shopping Spree and School Supply Giveaway. For the first event co-sponsored by Macy's at the Millcreek Mall, queer youth nominees were invited on a private $250 shopping spree at Macy's. There, they could shop for gender-affirming clothing, accessories, and grooming products in a safe, supportive environment, plus take advantage of the Macy's team's expert style advice. Then, Compton's Table opened its doors to the community, distributing backpacks, school supplies, and gently used clothes from their studio at Central Outreach Wellness Center. Following two successful years, this dual back to school giveaway has become one of Compton's Table's signature events.
30th Annual Pride Picnic
Summer is the traditional time for family picnics. For 30 years, the Erie Queer Community has been able to gather with their natural families or even their families of choice to share some good food, enjoy the beauty of Presque Isle, and network with local agencies assisting the queer community as well as take advantage of free screenings from the Central Outreach mobile unit.
Erie Community Continues to Give!
This year's annual Erie Gives event was held on Tuesday, August 8, and while it had a rocky start due to some technical issues and a fire alarm near the end of the night, it was a good day for local nonprofits throughout the area. All told, $8,268,471 was raised, benefiting 493 local nonprofits. Among those who helped are the local Queer nonprofits listed below.
Rain was not able to dampen the Pride spirit in Meadville
NW PA Pride Alliance hosted its second annual Meadville Pride and Street Fair Saturday, June 29th. Opening ceremonies were held in Diamond Park, co-hosted by NW PA Pride President Alex Sphon and TransFamily of NW PA Board Member Eli Skelton.
Underdog BBQ
This month I visited Underdog BBQ, a local business with a unique history, to talk with owner Ashley Messenger. The story begins in 2019 when entrepreneur Glenn Stearns came to Erie as part of the television series Undercover Billionaire. With only $100 in his pocket, he was given just 90 days to create and grow a business to a worth of one million dollars.
Warren County Pride Volunteers at Warren County Fair
Warren County Pride, Incorporated (WCPI) team members volunteered at the 93rd Annual Warren County Fair in Pittsfield, PA. Seven members of the inclusive team joined up and covered twenty-one shifts across a week’s time as they worked together selling admissions at the gates, checking wristbands, and helping the fair team. Warren Pride was happy to receive a warm welcome from the Fair team, and volunteers wore Warren County Pride-themed shirts and rainbow outfits while working the fairgrounds.
Ashtabula Pride, Inc. Formed
Ashtabula Pride, Inc. was founded in June 2023 by Rebekah Beeman and Michael Riffe as a new vision and focus for the county’s Pride festival. The first festival was started in 2020 by the late Pastor Bill Daywalt, Pastor John Werner, Librarian A.J. Petro, and Drag Queen Mona Lotz (Riffe), who met weekly to transform Daywalt’s plan of a Pride Picnic into a much larger event, a PRIDE FESTIVAL! In just a few weeks, those four and a select number of volunteers orchestrated the first annual Pride Ashtabula County festival, attended by over 3,000 people of all ages and walks of life! Immediately following the festival, the four and their volunteers formed the LGBTQ Coalition of Ashtabula County Inc., focusing on outreach and education for the county.
Gen Silent - A Documentary on LGBTQ+ Elders
Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and be prepared to be moved. The LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation, in partnership with UPMC Western Behavioral Health and Mercyhurst University will host LGBTQ+ Elders and Affirming Community: A Film and Conversation for Erie's Future at Tom Ridge Environmental Center on September 20. Individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, as well as eldercare professionals and anyone with an interest, are warmly welcomed to attend this event spotlighting elders and aging.
Free Narcan Distribution: A Lifesaving Response to Opioid Overdoses
Amid the battle against the opioid crisis, a helpful solution has emerged: free Narcan distribution. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication designed to quickly reverse opioid overdoses, preventing death in critical moments. Narcan works by binding to the brain's opioid receptors, halting effects and restoring normal breathing. Its various forms, including nasal sprays, ensure ease of use. As communities and organizations recognize the gravity of the opioid crisis, programs with free Narcan distribution play a pivotal role in saving lives.
Many Hands Make Little Food Pantries Work
Upon learning about a former president's scheduled speech in downtown Erie, organizers from the local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) sprang into action. With the purpose of countering the campaign event with practical and positive change, the DSA looked to filling the multiple Little Food Pantries in Erie. While political rallies are a platform to express opinions and ideologies, Little Food Pantries address immediate, tangible needs
Pride at The Beach Festival at Conneaut Lake Park + Resort
Conneaut Lake Park + Resort presents Pride Festival at the Beach (and Tiki Bar) Saturday, September 16, 2023, 12 PM - 10 PM
On 'GMA:' Saucy Santana and Big Freedia Talk Queer Representation in Hip-Hop
"Good Morning America" continued its celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop today with a look at how queer artists are influencing the genre, bringing representation and inclusivity to the world of hip-hop.
Community Spotlight #9: Compton's Table
Compton's Table, with its mission to foster a sustainable and affirming environment, has swiftly become a beacon of hope and community for queer youth and young adults in Erie County. Compton's Table was founded in response to the deeply concerning rates of suicide among queer youth in the United States, spurring founder and queer rights advocate, Dr. Tyler Titus, into action.
Erie Residents Collect School Supplies for Children Overseas!
Erie, PA., Aug. 1, 2023-As the school year approaches, shoebox packers are making use of back-to-school prices to purchase gifts and essential items for children in need around the world. Residents in Erie are collecting school supplies, along with personal care items and fun toys, to pack in shoeboxes. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries.
Erie Native Turned International Superstar Drag Queen is Coming Home for Holidays
Erie, PA - You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. I'm telling you why, Alaska is coming to town. Buy your tickets for a very special holiday event. "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like ALASKA …A Christmas Show" tickets are on sale NOW.
Deadline for September 2023 print edition (issue #334) of Erie Gay News is Monday, August 14, comes out Tuesday, August 22!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 334, cover-dated for September 2023), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late August 2023 and beyond by Monday, August 14. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, August 22.
Entertainment and Travel
John Duff Is Ambiguously Not-Not Straight in "Somebody's Daughter" His New Straight-Baiting Single and Video
In "Somebody's Daughter," his crooning ballad about unattainable and momentarily-rewarding sexual relationships, out artist John Duff turns the tables on gay baiting music artists like Harry Styles, Charlie Puth, and Nick Jonas. "Honestly, every artist today is gay baiting and LGBTQ+ media eats it up," he says. "Maluma took off his shirt; give it a grid post! As though every freaking gay isn't posting shirtless pictures every day. It's exhausting. That's why I'm going against the grain in my new song and video - I'm straight baiting. Maybe, now, I can be fetishized too." John Duff's "Somebody's Daughter" is being distributed independently and will be available Friday, September 1 on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms. Its video will available on YouTube.
Alaska 5000 Adds Matinee to Erie Playhouse Appearance
ERIE, Pa. - Due to a sold-out evening show, Alaska 5000 has added a matinee show at 3 p.m. on December 23 to "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like ALASKA …A Christmas Show" at the Erie Playhouse. The matinee tickets are on sale now.
New ABC News Studios Docu-series 'Never Let Him Go' Unearths a Haunting Tale of Anti-Gay Violence and One Brother's Decades-Long Quest for Justice
When authorities found Scott Johnson's body at the rocky base of a cliff in Australia in 1988, they declared his death a suicide. The gay American mathematician's tragic demise and the murky circumstances surrounding it set his older brother Steve Johnson's decades-long pursuit for answers in motion. "Never Let Him Go," a new docu-series from ABC News Studios, paints an intimate portrait of Scott's life and untimely death through never-before-seen evidence from the investigation, personal home videos and rare archival footage from 1980s' Sydney. As Steve's probe gained international attention, it sparked a public reckoning in Australia, shedding new light on a pattern of violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
Erie Eclipse 2024 Happy Hour at Altered State Distillery
Erie is in line for the path of totality for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. As a way to get local residents excited and spread the word about this extraordinary day, VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization, is hosting an Erie Eclipse Happy Hour at Altered State Distillery, Thursday August 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Pride Journey: Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, a city known for its friendly and diverse atmosphere, has emerged as a thriving hub for LGBTQ culture in the Midwest. This vibrant community has grown exponentially in recent years, drawing people from all walks of life to experience its inclusivity, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. In this article, we delve into the rich LGBTQ culture in Columbus, exploring its history, events, organizations, and the city's ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for all.
Erie Eclipse 2024 Happy Hour
Erie is in line for the path of totality for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. As a way to get local residents excited and spread the word about this extraordinary day, VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization, is hosting an Erie Eclipse Happy Hour at Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Thursday August 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
VisitErie Reports Second Quarter 2023 Visitor Numbers
Erie, PA: Erie's visitation numbers continue to trend upward, as evidenced by the latest visitor traffic statistics provided by VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization. Second-quarter statistics show increased hotel occupancy, average daily rate (ADR), and overnight visitation through the months of April, May, and June. These figures trended higher than those compared to the same period in 2022.
All An Act Theater Presents On Golden Pond Aug 18-Sep 3
All An Act Theater Presents On Golden Pond by Earnest Thompson.The play is directed by David W. Mitchell, and stars Michael DeCorte, Lisa Simonian, Josh Gardner, Kerrylee Hinkson, Chad Santos, and David W. Mitchell . Performances are from August 18th - September 3rd. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3. This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the forty-eighth year.
Buffalo United Artists proudly presents A Great Wilderness September 1-23
Buffalo United Artists, by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc., proudly presents 'A GREAT WILDERNESS' by Samuel D. Hunter. The play runs September 1 through September 23, with Friday performances at 7:30 PM and Saturday at 6 PM at the Compas Performing Arts Center, 545 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222.
Original play "Fight Nice" at Arlene's Broadway on Buffalo Aug 25-27
In Fight Nice, an original play, estranged adult sisters struggle to care for their aging mother. After Olivia, a social worker, is arrested on a drug-related charge, she reluctantly agrees to stay with her attorney sister Margo and Margo's wife Kendrah. Their brother takes drastic steps to protect the family--sparking revelations about the past and spurring the sisters toward an uneasy truce. This stark drama explores how conflicting perspectives inform our approaches toward love and caring. Written by Douglas Eric Anderson and directed by Sydne Nielsen, Fight Nice debuts at Arlene's Broadway on Buffalo on Friday, August 25 and runs for one weekend only. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday performance at 2:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door.
'Portal' exploring long-term impact of COVID isolation to stream on 'AfroPoP Digital Shorts', premieres Aug 21
The newest episode of Black Public Media's AfroPoP Digital Shorts premieres on Monday, August 21, with Portal from acclaimed filmmaker Rodney Evans.
Political, Activism and Legal
Acting Secretary Su to induct sweatshop workers, LGBTQ+ trailblazers into Department of Labor's Hall of Honor
WASHINGTON - August 31, 2023 - To celebrate and recognize extraordinary individuals whose distinctive contributions to the field of labor elevated working conditions, wages and overall quality of life of America's working families, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced new inductees into its Hall of Honor.
Equality California on Attorney General Rob Bonta's Action to File a Lawsuit Against Chino Valley Unified School District
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 28, 2023 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to Attorney General Rob Bonta filing a lawsuit against Chino Valley Unified School District: "Equality California strongly supports Attorney General Rob Bonta's decision to file a lawsuit against Chino Valley Unified School District challenging their recently approved forced outing policy for trangender students. This policy infringes on the rights and privacy of transgender students and sets a dangerous precedent that can lead to discrimination against others.
Judge Grants Kansas AG's Request to Modify Consent Judgment Requiring Nondiscriminatory Transgender Birth Certificate Policy
(Kansas City, Kansas - August 31, 2023) Today a federal judge granted a request from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach to vacate parts of a consent judgment entered by the court in 2019, at the request of the parties in Foster v. Andersen.
Official statement from the Gilbert Baker Foundation: On the Death of Laura Ann Carleton Who Dared to Fly the Rainbow Flag
The Gilbert Baker Foundation http://www.gilbertbaker.com mourns the recent murder of Laura Ann Carleton, gift shop owner in Cedar Glen, CA. Longtime LGBTQ+ ally, Laura was shot dead by a man who complained about the Pride Flag displayed at her store. Carleton leaves behind a husband and nine children.
Texas District Court Grants Injunction to Pause Transgender Youth Medical Care Ban
AUSTIN, Texas - August 25, 2023 - The 53rd Judicial District Court granted an injunction this afternoon to pause the state's unconstitutional medical care ban targeting transgender youth.
Equality California on Hate-Motivated Murder in Lake Arrowhead
LAKE ARROWHEAD, Calif. - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to a violent shooting that occurred in Lake Arrowhead on Friday, August 18 at the Mag Pi clothing store that took the life of business owner and LGBTQ+ ally Laura "Lauri" Ann Carleton: "We join countless others in mourning the loss of Lauri Carleton - wife, mother of nine, and business owner - who took particular pride in being an outspoken ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Our condolences are with her family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Human Rights Organizations Condemn 11th Circuit Decision to Reinstate Alabama Transgender Health Care Ban
ATLANTA - August 22, 2023 - Today, a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision reversing a federal district court ruling blocking enforcement of Alabama's law banning medical care for transgender adolescents. The district court opinion, which was issued last spring, held that Alabama's law likely violated the federal Equal Protection Clause and parents' fundamental right to make medical decisions for their children. Thus far, every single federal district court to hear a similar challenge has ruled similarly, holding that these state bans discriminate against transgender minors and burden their parents' constitutionally protected rights. The 11th Circuit panel disagreed, holding that Alabama's law does not discriminate based on sex or transgender status and is therefore subject only to the lowest level of constitutional review.
Federal Judge Issues Injunction that Restores Health Care for Georgia Transgender Children
ATLANTA - August 21, 2023 -A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction late Sunday halting a provision in Georgia Senate Bill 140 ("SB 140," the "Health Care Ban," or the "Ban") from taking effect while a lawsuit filed by four Georgia families and an organization proceeds.
ACLU and Planned Parenthood File Notice of Appeal After Court Rules Against Single-Subject Challenge
LINCOLN, Neb. - August 18, 2023 - Today, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and its medical director, Dr. Sarah Traxler, filed a notice of appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court following a Lancaster County District Court judge's ruling upholding an extreme bill banning abortion access starting at 12 weeks and restricting gender-affirming care for trans youth.
Women's Healthcare and Human Rights Organizations Urge 6th Circuit to Reinstate Block on Transgender Health Bans in TN, KY
ATLANTA - August 18, 2023 - The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) joined GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the National Women's Law Center (NWLC), Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE), Southern Legal Counsel (SLC) and ten other women's, healthcare and LGBTQ+ organizations in filing an amicus, or friend-of-the-court, brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit urging reinstatement of the court orders preventing enforcement of transgender healthcare bans for adolescents in Tennessee and Kentucky while the legal challenges to those bans continue.
Mental Health Survey by Pennsylvania Equality Project
The Pennsylvania Equality Project is conducting two mental health surveys: one intended for youth ages 13 to 21 attending school and the other for adults aged 18 and older who live in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The surveys are designed to determine the number of people facing mental health challenges within the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies. The survey runs through October 31, with results coming in mid-December. For additional information, please see https://paequality.com/survey.html.
Outright International Welcomes World Bank Statement on Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act
New York, New York, August 18, 2023 - Outright International joins and supports Ugandan advocates in commending the World Bank for its decision to suspend future loans to Uganda.
Appeals Court Blocks Idaho Ban on Transgender Student Athletes
BOISE, Idaho - August 17, 2023 - The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld an injunction against an Idaho law barring transgender athletes from participating in student athletics. The court found the law likely violates the rights of transgender students under the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Transgender Youth Medical Care Ban Receives Hearing in Texas District Court
AUSTIN, Texas - August 17, 2023 - Civil rights organizations were in a Texas district court Tuesday and Wednesday for a hearing in the lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 14, an unconstitutional medical care ban targeting transgender youth.
Nearly 8-in-10 LGBTQ+ Americans Report Increased Fears for Personal Safety, Further Intensifying an Already Dangerous State of Emergency
WASHINGTON, D.C. - August 17, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released new analyses of data of proprietary questions from Community Marketing Insight's (CMI) 17th Annual LGBTQ+ Community Survey, co-sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and others. The analysis, which reveals the virtually universal impact gender-affirming care bans are having on LGBTQ+ adults, comes just two months after HRC officially declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people for the first time ever. Nearly 8-in-10 LGBTQ+ adults report feeling less safe as a result of gender-affirming care bans, and nearly half report that gender-affirming care bans impact the physical and/or mental health of themselves or their loved ones.
BREAKING: North Carolina Legislators Override Gov. Cooper's Veto of Three Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills
RALEIGH, N.C. - August 16, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned the North Carolina legislature for overriding Governor Roy Cooper's vetoes of three anti-LGBTQ+ bills.
New Report: How Opponents are Enshrining Inequality and Expediting Discrimination Against LGBTQ People
Today the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) released the fourth report in its series, Under Fire: The War on LGBTQ People in America. The latest report, "Enshrining Inequality for LGBTQ People", pinpoints the ways that opponents of LGBTQ equality are eroding existing protections and creating new avenues to allow discrimination.
ACLU and Planned Parenthood Vow Appeal After Court Rules Against Single-Subject Challenge
LINCOLN, Neb. August 11, 2023 - A state court decision issued today means Nebraska's new restrictions on gender-related care for transgender youth and abortion access will remain law for now. The groups challenging the restrictions plan to appeal.
LGBTQ Equality Maps and Bill Tracking Updates: August 2023
MAP's Equality Maps provide a detailed snapshot of the current state of LGBTQ laws and policies in the United States. In this regularly changing landscape, these are the state and local policy updates from mid-June 2023.
New HRC Data Finds Many LGBTQ+ Youth Still Lack Critical Support and Acceptance
WASHINGTON - August 10, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a report in partnership with the University of Connecticut featuring data collected in 2022 from nearly 13,000 LGBTQ+ youth (age 13-18) across the country. The report presents extensive data on LGBTQ+ youth experiences in five domains: LGBTQ+ youth at home; Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) development and milestones; LGBTQ+ youth at school; Mental Health and Well Being; and Hopes, Fears, and Dreams for the Future.
New Report Shows Florida's 'Anti-Woke" Policies Are Costing the State Millions in Business Activity
NEW YORK CITY, NY - With recent reporting indicating that Florida is losing millions of dollars of business as a result of Governor DeSantis' 'anti-woke' bills, Todd Sears, the Founder and CEO of Out Leadership, the premier global LGBTQ+ organization harnessing the power of business to drive equality, today released the following reaction: "Reports of Florida's economy suffering because of Governor DeSantis' radical 'anti-woke' policies should come as no surprise. His radical agenda of banning decades of successful diversity efforts, and even penalizing companies, like Disney, who simply want to support their employees, continue to wreak havoc on Florida's economy. As we have said for years, there are economic consequences to discrimination, and equally there are economic opportunities that come from full inclusion," said Todd Sears, Founder and CEO of Out Leadership. "Florida's score of 50.60 on the 2023 Out Leadership LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index (released June 1, 2023) ranks Florida as among the worst states for LGBTQ+ access and equality-and for business. Florida's high profile 'Don't Say Gay' bill, as well as the numerous anti-LGBTQ+ discriminatory measures supported by Governor DeSantis, have propelled the state into the bottom half of country's equality nationwide."
ICYMI: American Academy of Pediatrics UNANIMOUSLY Renews its Support of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
New York Times reports that the powerful medical association has doubled-down on its approval of providing gender-affirming care to transgender patients, which proves the medical consensus is rock-solid given the extreme, dangerous climate right-wing extremists have created for healthcare providers
ACLU of Texas Files Federal Complaints Against DFW Area Schools for Anti-LGBTQIA+ Policies
DALLAS - August 10, 2023 - The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas filed federal civil rights complaints Thursday against a fine arts public charter school in Fort Worth and a Fort Worth-area school district for adopting anti-LGBTQIA+ policies.
Idaho Court Temporarily Blocks Restroom Ban as School Year Begins
(Boise, ID, August 10, 2023) - With school set to start next week, a U.S. District Court has temporarily blocked enforcement of an Idaho school facilities law that singles out transgender students for discriminatory treatment.
New podcast episode: Nat'l LGBTQ Task Force Faith Work Director, Rev. Nicole Garcia and Rev. Eric Eldritch, Pride Interfaith Co-Coordinator at Center Faith
We are thrilled to announce the next episode of our podcast Movement Moments: The National LGBTQ Task Force at 50 is live! This month, we're joined by our own Faith Work Director, Reverend Nicole Garcia and Reverend Eric Eldritch, Pride Interfaith Co-Coordinator at Center Faith. Together, they discuss their own faith journeys, the relationship between queerness and spirituality, and why interfaith organizing plays a vital role in LGBTQ liberation.
ACLU of Texas Sues State to Block Unconstitutional Drag Ban
HOUSTON - August 3, 2023- The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas sued the Texas Attorney General and other defendants Wednesday to block the drag ban law, Senate Bill 12, from taking effect September 1. The organization represents plaintiffs The Woodlands Pride; Abilene Pride Alliance; Extragrams, LLC; 360 Queen Entertainment LLC; and Brigitte Bandit.
Historic Commissioning of Nick Harrison, U.S. Serviceman Living with HIV
(Washington, DC, August 7, 2023) - Family, friends, fellow service members and mentors gathered for the historic commissioning of Nick Harrison as an officer in the United States Army at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C. on August 5.
Federal Court Rejects Challenge to Transgender-Inclusive Restroom Policy at Ohio School District
COLUMBUS, Ohio - August 7, 2023 - Today a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio issued a judgment on the pleadings in a lawsuit challenging Bethel Local School District's decision to allow transgender students to use communal restrooms consistent with their gender identity.
Health
Insurance Plans Fail to Comply with ACA's Preventive Services Protections: New Report
SEATTLE, WA - The Consumer Representatives to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) released a report today identifying significant gaps in insurance plan compliance with the Affordable Care Act's (ACA's) preventive services coverage and cost-sharing protections. The report assessed challenges in access to a subset of ACA preventive services: smoking cessation, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV, colorectal cancer screening, and postpartum depression screening.
Asymptomatic HIV
Did you know that HIV has three stages? The first is referred to as Acute HIV Infection which usually develops within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to HIV that creates the infection. Flu-like symptoms can occur during this time; such as fever, headache, and rash. The amount of measurable HIV in the blood is very high and increases the risk of transmitting the virus. The second stage is referred to as Chronic HIV Infection, also called Asymptomatic HIV Infection. This is when the virus multiplies in the body at very low levels. Most individuals don't notice anything or feel sick/ill. In fact, people living with chronic HIV might not have any symptoms at all. However, without medications, the chronic HIV infection tends to advance into stage three around 10 years or longer. This is why it's important to get tested regularly and know your status. The third stage is referred to as AIDS [acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]. This is the disease that develops after HIV has severely harmed our immune system, leading to infections that the body cannot fight off. People living with HIV are typically diagnosed with AIDS if their CD4 count is less than 200 cells/mm3 or if they have specific opportunistic infections. When diagnosed with AIDS, a person can have a high HIV count and transmit it very easily to others. Treatment is key and vitally important at this stage because people with AIDS typically survive around 3 years. Do you know your HIV status? Consider getting tested for free at the Erie County Department of Health. We help get you started on routine testing, and provide information on PrEP for HIV [prevention medicine] and give you FREE condoms with lube. All this is available during our weekly Sexual Health Clinics on Tuesdays 9am-11am and Wednesdays 1pm-3pm. For more information give us a call at the Erie County Department of Health, 814-451-6700.
APA gratified that Florida Dept. of Education will allow teaching of full AP Psychology course
WASHINGTON - August 5, 2023 - Following is a statement by Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association, in response to the decision by the Florida Department of Education allowing high school Advanced Placement Psychology to be taught "in its entirety."
PrEP4All, AVAC, HIVMA, and the PrEP In Black America Coalition Applaud Senate Proposal to Increase Key HIV Funding, Build National PrEP Program
July 28, 2023 - Soundly rejecting House efforts to gut HIV funding, yesterday the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee released its FY24 spending bill which clearly reflects concerted efforts by PrEP activists over the past few months to prioritize support for a national PrEP program. The Senate bill would allocate $616 million in funding for the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE), including a $3 million increase to CDC that specifically "support[s] the building blocks for a national program to increase…PrEP (pg. 60)."
Red Cross: Donation shortfall may impact blood supply
[Aug. 8, 2023] - The American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations in the first two months of the summer, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets in August, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Where do you draw the line at information overload?
August is a time when you're soaking up the sun or winding down on your summer travel. For most, it's a time to get away from it all, including news. But events that affect us continue regardless of the calendar.
Contests
Enter to win The Little Frog's Guide to Self-Care by Maybell Eequay
Enter to win The Little Frog's Guide to Self-Care by Maybell Eequay. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, September 22, and Friday, October 13.
Enter to win INVERSE COWGIRL: A Memoir
Enter to win INVERSE COWGIRL: A Memoir by Alicia Roth Weigel. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 19, and Tuesday, October 10.
Enter to win Liberated: The Radical Art and Life of Claude Cahun
Enter to win Liberated: The Radical Art and Life of Claude Cahun by Kaz Rowe. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, September 15, and Friday, October 6.
Enter to win Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy
Enter to win Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy by Charles Busch. To enter the contest, fill out the form below here Tuesday, September 12, and Tuesday, October 3.
Enter to win Transitory
Enter to win Transitory by J.M. Redmann. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, September 8, and Friday, September 29.
Enter to win Alex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker
Enter to win Alex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 5, and Tuesday, September 26.
Enter to win The Lede to Our Undoing
Enter to win The Lede to Our Undoing by Donald Mengay. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, September 1, and Friday, September 22.
Enter to win Magic University (Complete Series) by Cecilia Tan (Digital Download)
Enter to win Magic University (Complete Series) by Cecilia Tan (Digital Download). To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 29, and Tuesday, September 19.
Enter to win Complete Series - Sex University by Louisa Bacio (on Audible)
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Enter to win Parallel Lies Digital VOD from Ariztical Entertainment!
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Enter to win My Fabulous Disease: Chronicles of a Gay Survivor
Enter to win My Fabulous Disease: Chronicles of a Gay Survivor by Mark S. King. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, August 18, and Friday, September 8.
Enter to win Confessions of a Librarian - a Memoir of Loves
Enter to win a digital download of Confessions of a Librarian - a Memoir of Loves by Barbara Foster. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, August 11, and Friday, September 1.
Enter to win Bumpy Rides and Soft Landings
Enter to win Bumpy Rides and Soft Landings by James Pauley, Jr. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 8, and Tuesday, August 29.
Miscellaneous
2023 LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship Recipients
Dallas, TX - LEAGUE Foundation awarded 13 new college scholarships for 2023. Since its inception in 1996, the LEAGUE Foundation has awarded 220 college scholarships. As one of the nation's oldest LGBTQ scholarship programs, LEAGUE Foundation has given scholarships to students attending different US institutions nationwide.
Gay Author Joey Amato Releases Everyday Investing
NEW YORK, NY - Financial freedom and wealth-building are no longer elusive concepts with the release of the highly anticipated book, Everyday Investing: A Practical Guide to Personal Financial Growth by LGBTQ author, Joey Amato. This comprehensive guide offers readers the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to take control of their financial future.
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