December, 2023 News (53 Articles with 56,550 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for December, 2023 Yellow Brick Roads first "I Celebrate With Pride" event at Bullfrog Bar. 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
Applications Open for First of Its Kind LGBTQ+ Fellowship for Nurse Practitioners at Callen-Lorde
NEW YORK (November 29, 2023)-Beginning December 1, 2023 through February 1, 2024 Callen-Lorde, the global leader in LGBTQ+ health, will be accepting applications for its groundbreaking Keith Haring Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Fellowship. Applications are encouraged from across the country with the goal of increasing quality healthcare for LGBTQ+ people in every corner of America.
Halloqueen at PennWest Edinboro
On Friday, October 27th, Identity, PennWest Edinboro's GSA, hosted their annual Halloween party, Halloqueen. They celebrated the spooky season with food, music, and games. Their costume contest was won by two people, both winning $15 gift cards and musical chairs, where the prize was also awarded. The event lasted from 6 to 10 pm, with snacks and music.
Halloween Drag Show at Penn State Behrend
Penn State Behrend GASE & LEB hosted the Halloween Drag Show and Costume Contest on Friday, October 27. Debbie Does Drag hosted the festivities , and students were treated to performances by Vivian Vendetta-Sinclaire, Monica Lexin, Ryder Slowly, Sassy Sascha, and PSB alum Shea D' Heaux.
LGBTQIA+ Recovery Support Group Meetings at Safe Harbor
LGBTQIA+ Recovery Support Group is now meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5 to 6 PM at UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor, 1330 W. 26th St. Erie, PA 16508. Their mission is to provide a supportive and empowering space for LGBTQIA+ individuals who are dealing with substance use disorders. They strive to create an inclusive, strengths-based community where participants can find understanding, acceptance, and inspiration to overcome any challenges they may be facing. Through support, education, and resources, they aim to foster personal growth, resilience, and long-term recovery. For more information about the LGBTQIA+ Recovery Support Group, please call 814-451-2246. This project is funded, in part, by the Erie County Opioid Settlement Funds.
Aging With Pride Book Club – City of Night
On November 18, Aging With Pride had their book club meeting at Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA. The group discussed John Rechy’s City of Night. Book club is on the third Saturday of each month at 1 PM.
Yellow Brick Roads Holds First "I Celebrate With Pride" Event
The Yellow Brick Roads LGBTQ+ Ally Organization, aka "YBR," held its inaugural "I Celebrate with Pride" event at the Bullfrog Bar, 3864 Peach St, Erie, PA, on November 17, 2023. The event gave individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters/allies the opportunity to mix and mingle. It was an evening filled with good food, drinks, dancing, and great people. We are already working on plans to organize other adult events across the city, and my son, Jalon Howard, is planning a youth event soon.
Zone Flow Contest - Win $100
The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, will be giving away $100 for a contest for posting your video from a Thursday night Flow event. The deadline to submit is December 31, 2023.
Showing Pride In Meadville
Members of NW PA Pride Alliance recently participated Saturday, October 28 in the 56th Annual Meadvile Halloween Parade.
Packed and Lively Halloween Events from the Zone Dance Club
The Zone Dance enjoyed a lively Halloween celebration between October 27th, October 28th, and Halloween. The three-night celebration started on a Friday with a Diva's Performance hosted by Misty Michaels Kall, featuring the divas of Erie. Next came Saturday evening, featuring a dress to impress with a costume party contest. Prizes included $50, $75, and $100 to the three best customers registered. Each night saw a significant spike in revenue, with bustling crowds ready to take on the night. Lastly came the second costume content held on Halloween night, featuring a viewing of the new season of The Boulet Brothers Dragula hosted by Miss Erie herself, Shea D'Heaux.
Compton's Table Hosts Book Fair with Werner Books
On October 19-21, Compton's Table held a book fair at their studio in collaboration with local bookshop Werner Books. The owners and staff at Werner Books curated a thoughtful selection of titles centering queer voices and experiences, including many books that have been challenged or banned from schools and public libraries. The event also included a special family-friendly story hour featuring local drag artist Alysin Wonderland.
Erie Votes - A Roundup of the Results of the 2023 Municipal Election
As the diverse voices of Erie County came together at the ballot box, the anticipation surrounding the election results grew. Now, let's delve into the outcomes that will shape the future of local governance, reflecting the collective decisions made by the community in this pivotal electoral moment.
Journey: Healing Together to Host Raise the Roof on December 21
On Thursday, December 21, from 5:30 - 8 PM, Journey: Healing Together will host Raise the Roof Winter Solstice Celebration at 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA. Raise the Roof is an opportunity for the community to support the safe haven Journey: Healing Together has come to be for many in our community. Healing begins once safety and basic needs are established. Until then, people are focused on finding a safe place for themselves and their family. As we gather to honor those who have sought shelter under Journey: Healing Together's roof, we recognize the need for this shelter (both figurative and literal) to be restored. This year, we will observe the Winter Solstice through a celebration of community building as we Raise the Roof of healing over our families and community. The community is invited to share restoration messages through works of art, poetry, spoken word, and song, highlighting their own journey of hope. This collective creative energy will also assist Journey: Healing Together complete its campaign to raise a total of $50,000 to replace our roof. With this much-needed physical shelter covered, Journey: Healing Together can focus on the mission to Unite, Restore, Discover, and Transform.
Community Spotlight #12 - Ashtabula Pride, Inc.
Ashtabula Pride Inc. was founded in July 2023 by Michael S. Riffe (Mona Lotz drag performer) of Ashtabula, OH, and Rebekah Beeman of Conneaut, OH. Before becoming a nonprofit corporation of its own, Ashtabula Pride was formerly known as Pride Ashtabula County, which was Ashtabula County's pride festival under the LGBTQ+ Coalition of Ashtabula County, Inc. Riffe, along with Bill Daywalt, AJ Petro, and John Werner brought the county's first festival in 2021 which welcomed over 3,000 attendees to the festival. Due to the amount of work and planning involved, the Coalition's board decided it would be best to relinquish the festival's ownership and turn it over to Riffe and Beeman to create a new and self-sustainable organization. The two formed a board of directors and an advisory board and began planning the first annual Drag in the New Year, which will be held Dec 31, 2023, at the Conneaut Human Resource Center in Conneaut, OH. The event will include dinner provided by Wade's Pastabilities, raffles, a cash bar, a DJ with Dancing, and a drag show hosted by Mona Lotz. The festival will be held on the 3rd Saturday in June from 11 am-9 pm on Bridge Street in the historic Ashtabula Harbor with vendors, food, and entertainment. To get tickets for New Year's Eve or to become a part of the festival, see the organization's website www.ashtabulapride.org.
City of Erie Earns 100 on Human Rights Campaign's 2023 Municipal Equality Index
Erie, PA - November 16, 2023 - Demonstrating a continual commitment to equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the City of Erie has earned a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's 2023 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for the second year in a row. The MEI is a nationwide evaluation of 506 cities that examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people who live and work there.
Sneakers Bar Raises Over $6,000 for Pip-Skey's Foundation for Homeless Animals
On Sunday, October 21st, Sneakers Bar in Jamestown, NY, held the first fundraising event for Pip-Skey's Foundation for Homeless Animals Inc. The organization's mission is to assist small animal rescues in Chautauqua County with their needs for funding and supplies.
Looking for a good book?!
Interested in reading novels written by trans or gender non-conforming authors, or with trans or gender non-conforming characters? Get out your Erie County Public Library card, because Sexual Wellness PA, LLC would like to recommend one of their favorite trans novels!
Aging With Pride screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show at Erie Movie House
On October 27, 2023, Aging With Pride had a screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show at Erie Movie House, 3424 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA. The group brought snacks, and folks enjoyed watching the movie and socializing.
Aging with Pride goes to Like My Thai
On October 26, 2023, Aging With Pride held its monthly dinner at Like My Thai, 827 State Street, Erie, PA. The group goes out for dinner at a different restaurant on the last Thursday of each month.
SisTers to be featured at Heinz History Center
If you haven't seen the news, the Senator John Heinz History Center will be featuring an exhibit featuring SisTers PGH Founder and Executive Director Ciora Thomas and her tireless work for the TGNC community.
Deadline for December 2023 print edition (issue #337) of Erie Gay News is Monday, November 13, comes out Tuesday, November 21!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 337, cover-dated for December 2023), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late November 2023 and beyond by Monday, November 13. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, November 21.
Entertainment and Travel
Pride Journey: Hawai'i
In 1987, I visited the island of Hawai'i for the very first time. My mother and I decided to join other family members on the vacation of a lifetime. Hawai'i had always been my mother's dream vacation, so she was eager to go. Being seven years old at the time, I don't remember much about that trip with a few exceptions. One notably was having to wrap a hula skirt around my neck because I was too short for it to go around my waist.
New museum and spa highlight your winter vacation in Palm Springs
There's always something new to do in Palm Springs, California and this trip was no exception. The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza is the new museum downtown just opened and show cases the fascinating history and culture of the tribes in this area.
DC nightlife takes off with 5 new bars
Who said gay bars are dead? DC has no less than five new bars with more coming. I sampled a few on my recent visit to the DC/Virginia/Maryland metro area (DMV in DC speak) and checked out the Union Market food hall, walked with the Frontrunners up beautiful Stone Creek Park, and went to the Sunday farmer's market in Dupont Circle. I worked out at the new Gold's Gym on Connecticut Avenue as well. And I toured the Capitol and watched the Senate in action. Finally, I went to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. You cannot beat the off season in DC. The crowds of school kids are gone, the museums are quieter, and there is so much to do.
Everyone Welcome in Historic San Juan
Beaches, great food, a friendly welcoming culture, and lots to see and do in a city founded five hundred years ago make San Juan, Puerto Rico perfect for a holiday. Best of all, it's so easy: no passport needed, your phone and phone plan work, and everyone speaks English as well as Spanish. Did I mention the good coffee and rum?
Tickets for HAIRSPRAY On Sale Friday, November 17
Erie, PA - HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, comes to the Warner Theatre for two performances January 10 - 11, 2024. Performance times are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30PM. Tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY, November 17th beginning at 10AM. Tickets will be available online at BroadwayInErie.com, in person at the Erie Insurance Arena Box Office, and by calling the box office at 814.452.4857.
VisitErie Unwraps "Experiences from Erie" Holiday Gift Promotion
Erie, PA: This holiday season, VisitErie is promoting Experiences from Erie, a holiday gift initiative that encourages shoppers to make short work of their long gift lists and give the gift of a memorable experience. Featuring a variety of unique gift experience ideas, discounts, and special packages designed exclusively for this promotion by Erie-based businesses, Experiences from Erie includes tastes of local flavors, hands-on experiences, and enjoyable family outings. The promotion runs November 14 through December 31, 2023.
LJR Productions Presents All Jazzed Up on November 16
Join us on November 16 for an autumnal evening of jazz standards seamlessly entwined with musical theater songs. Featuring an array of 11 musical numbers, you will hear some classics by Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker and others, along with some favorites from Mean Girls, West Side Story, Into the Woods, and more! This show will take you through ballads that tug at your heartstrings, to upbeat songs that make you want to tap your feet. Come be a part of All Jazzed Up!
Drag Superstar Trixie Mattel Coming to HGTV in Greenlighted Series 'Trixie Motel: Drag Me Home'
New York [Oct. 24, 2023] Glamorous drag superstar and star of the discovery+ series Trixie Motel, Trixie Mattel, along with partner and motel co-owner David Silver, are coming to HGTV with a new renovation project in Trixie Motel: Drag Me Home. Pushing the envelope during their first year as motel mavens, the couple will take the leap into home ownership and cohabitation with the purchase of their dream home in Los Angeles, but it will need some revamping to make it fit for a queen. The four hour-long episodes are set to debut on HGTV in Summer 2024.
Political, Activism and Legal
Groups Threaten Suit over Charlotte County Public Schools' LGBTQ+ Book Ban Policy
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. - November 29, 2023 - The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) sent a demand letter today on behalf of All Rainbow and Allied Youth (ARAY) and PFLAG Port Charlotte urging the School Board of Charlotte County and Superintendent Mark Vianello to end the district's discriminatory ban on books with LGBTQ+ characters and content.
Lambda Legal and ACLU of Iowa File Lawsuit To Block Banned Books and "Don't Say LGBTQ" Law
Des Moines, Iowa - November 28, 2023 - Lambda Legal, the ACLU of Iowa, and the law firm Jenner & Block LLP filed a lawsuit today in federal court to block provisions of SF 496, the sweeping Iowa law that seeks to silence LGBTQ+ students, erase any recognition of LGBTQ+ people from public schools, and bans books with sexual or LGBTQ+ conten
Why Mainstream Media Should Cover LGBTIQ events and stories
In a year marked by a surge in anti-human rights backlash, the LGBTIQ community has found itself at the forefront, defending its rights and dignity. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for mainstream media to cover events like Outright International's OutSummit 2023, which is coming up on the 4th of December 2023 in Washington, DC. It's a hybrid event, so anyone from anywhere in the world can reserve their seat. This conference serves as a solution-driven platform, providing a wealth of resources and stories that must be told thoughtfully. Media outlets can play a pivotal role in amplifying voices, fostering understanding, and promoting positive change
LGBTQ and Health Groups to 11th Circuit: Affirm Ruling Striking Down FLORIDA's anti-TRANSGENDER MEDICAID ban
(Tallahassee, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia-- Nov 27, 2023) Today, Lambda Legal, Southern Legal Counsel (SLC), National Health Law Program (NHeLP), Florida Health Justice Project (FHJP), and the law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to affirm a lower court ruling that struck down Florida's anti-transgender rule and statute that banned coverage for evidence-based, widely accepted gender-affirming medical care for all of the state's transgender Medicaid beneficiaries.
AHF Honors First Lady Rosalynn Carter's Lifelong Humanitarian Efforts
LOS ANGELES - AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) mourns the passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter who, together with her husband United States President Jimmy Carter, was a lifelong champion in the human rights movement.
BREAKING: As SCOTUS Says Florida Can't Enforce Anti-Drag Law, Out Leadership Releases Recent Data on Florida Anti-Equality Business Climate
NEW YORK CITY, NY - This year for the first time since Out Leadership began publishing the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index five years ago, the nation's overall average score on LGBTQ+ equality dropped -1.14 points. The net negative rating for the country is largely due to over 500 anti-equality bills introduced at the state level this legislative cycle.
House Pulls Extreme Budget Proposal Attacking Reproductive & Gender-Affirming Health Care
WASHINGTON - November 15, 2023- The Republican leadership of the House of Representatives has been forced to cancel an expected floor vote on an extreme budget bill that funds the Department of Health and Human Services and other departments due to the bill's severe restrictions on access to reproductive health care and gender-affirming care.
What We're Tracking: the Clear Coordination of Opponents' Efforts to Erase LGBTQ People from Public Life
This year has been unprecedented and difficult for LGBTQ people, their families, and their allies. Throughout 2023, MAP has been tracking opponents' tactics - all going back to their broader goal of erasing LGBTQ people from the fabric of society. In a six-part report series, MAP brings together what may feel like disparate one-off efforts to roll back protections or pass a harmful law, but are really part of a coordinated, strategic effort on the part of our opponents.
Oklahoma Families Appeal Ruling Denying Temporary Relief from Ban on Medical Care for Trans Youth
OKLAHOMA CITY - November 10, 2023 - Lawyers representing transgender adolescents and their parents last night urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit to reverse a lower court ruling that denied a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of Oklahoma's discriminatory law banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender adolescents with gender dysphoria.
Obituary: Amber Hollibaugh
Amber Hollibaugh, 77, activist, organizer, author ("My Dangerous Desires: A Queer Girl Dreaming Her Way Home"), self-educated leading public intellectual in the LGBTQ, feminist, sexual liberation, and economic justice movements, died suddenly of complications of diabetes in her home in Brooklyn October 20, 2023. She is survived by her life partner, award-winning novelist Jenifer Levin and stepsons Mak Levin and Van De Laurier.
National LGBTQ Task Force on Election of New House Speaker
"I would be hard-pressed to think of a worse member to be elected speaker of the house, not simply for LGBTQ communities, but for the American people. Many of my family members have resided in the 4th Congressional district of Louisiana for decades so I know from personal experience his track record on civil rights and minority issues is clear and stark as our community continues to find itself under attack.
GLAAD Statement on Pope Francis' Support for Including Transgender People in the Church
(New York, NY, November 8, 2023) -- Today in response to dubia (request for clarity) signed by Pope Francis, the Vatican has indicated that transgender people can be baptized and act as godparents or witnesses to a wedding in the Roman Catholic Church.
Research Institute for Gender Therapeutics (RIGT) to Attend the 24th Annual Lake Erie Gala
[Erie, Nov. 9, 2023] - The Research Institute for Gender Therapeutics (RIGT), a nonprofit pharmaceutical organization dedicated to advancing treatments for gender incongruence, is thrilled to announce its participation in the 24th annual Lake Erie Gala. The event will take place on November 15th-19th at Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel.
Tennessee Families and Doctors Urge Supreme Court to Block Ban on Essential Health Care for Transgender Youth
WASHINGTON - November 1, 2023 - Transgender youth, their families, and their medical providers today asked the Supreme Court of the United States to block a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender people under 18.
Health
2023 trends: Red Cross responds to growing disaster-driven humanitarian needs
NOV. 20, 2023 - In 2023, intensifying extreme disasters took a devastating toll on people in the U.S. who turned to the American Red Cross for help coping with a record number of billion-dollar disasters.
Red Cross offers steps to help you avoid a cooking fire on Thanksgiving
[NOV. 22, 2023] - Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone's home. The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania offers safety steps everyone can follow if they will be preparing their family's Thanksgiving feast.
Erie County HIV Task Force Hosts World AIDS Day Program Dec 1
On Friday, December 1, 2023, the Erie County HIV Task Force [ECHTF] will present this year's World AIDS Day program at the H.O. Hirt Auditorium inside the Blasco Library at 160 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507. Doors will open at 5:30 pm, and the program begins at 6 pm. This year's focus is on celebrating the lives improved by 'ART' in the Erie region. Collaborating together, the "I am a Work of ART" project is bringing together local providers and clients to show the public about treatment and successes in living with HIV. The word ART this year has a dual meaning. As a medical term, ART is an acronym for Anti-Retroviral Therapy - a combo of meds taken to make HIV undetectable, which creates no risk of transmission to others. ART also represents creativity and imagination through various forms of expression. The ECHTF is collaborating with the Erie County Department of Health, Community Health Net, PA Thrive Partnership, and Journey to a Trauma Informed Life to bring ART to this year's World AIDS Day event.
Vaccines recommended for fall/winter season
Erie, PA - For this fall and winter virus season, vaccines are available for COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These are the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Really, there's reason to cheer?
The world seems to be spinning out of control, and at times, that includes our community. We all know the issues that are taking us on this path, but there is an opposite view if you give yourself time to take a breath and notice. There's absolutely some good news out there and if you're anything like me, you're just plain tired of all the bad news and want something to give you hope for the future. So let's see if we can help you out with that.
Ode to Rue Landau
Rue Landau made history this week by becoming the first OUT person to be elected to Philadelphia City Council. You might think of this as a local story, but it's actually a lesson for other LGBTQ+ candidates around the country. Let's take a deep dive.
The Middle East & LGBTQ+ Speech
This column is usually a joy to write, since it gives me an opportunity to share my views and get feedback and also receive different views that I might not have been aware of. Respectful conversation among people who have different views furthers and creates an atmosphere and an attempt to understand another way of thinking and also why they may have strong beliefs. Without that communication and those conversations, we evolve into opposing camps. That is dangerous, especially when there are issues that divide us.
Contests
Enter to win A River of Golden Bones
Enter for a chance to win a copy of A RIVER OF GOLDEN BONES by A.K. Mulford. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 5, and Tuesday, December 26.
Enter to win Estuaries Digital VOD from Ariztical Entertainment!
Enter to win Estuaries Digital VOD from Ariztical Entertainment. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, November 28, and Tuesday, December, 19.
History
'Raising the Bars' Launched by Stonewall National Museum and GayBarchives
On Monday October 30 2023, the Stonewall National Museum Archives & Library and GayBarchives held a press conference at the Eagle Wilton Manors in Wilton Manors Florida to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative that will revolutionize the documentation of our LGBTQ+ history. The enthusiasm was palpable as business owners, journalists and historians listened to the news. Dubbed 'Raising the Bars', this project is designed to embrace and celebrate the very important role our gay bars have played [and continue to play] in the growth and development of our community. For decades historians have focused on the events, activists and laws that have impacted the LGBTQ+ world, often taking a passive role in the collection of these stories. All too often archives have depended on the posthumous bequeaths of historic documents to grow their collections.
Miscellaneous
SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2024, 13th Annual BAAITS Two Spirit Powwow
San Francisco, CA. On Saturday February 10, 2024, the 13th Annual Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAITS) Two Spirit Powwow will be held at Fort Mason-Festival Pavilion, San Francisco, California, from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
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