February, 2024 News (35 Articles with 36,281 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for February, 2024 LGBT Funds Board Members Bill Gonda, Chuck Scalise (Chair), and Mandy Fauble (Grants Chair), present the annual grant by the LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation to this year's recipient, Compton's table, represented by Dr. Tyler Titus, Founder and Chair of the organization, and board members.
This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus
Category for this issueCalendar & Upcoming Events
Calendar of Local GLBT Events |
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Local and Regional News
Erie's Queer Community partnering for annual winter collection
The Erie Queer Community once again comes together to collect boots and coats for Community Shelter Services of Erie, PA. New or gently used items in all sizes will be accepted, as well as new and gently used coats. Ground Coffee will also be accepted. The event will be held on Saturday, February 10th, from 10 am to 2 pm at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life at 201 W 11th St Erie, PA.
Yellow Brick Roads Karaoke Night
Yellow Brick Roads [YBR] visited the Bizzaro's Ringside Restaurant, 3202 Sterrettania Road, Erie, PA, on Saturday, January 20, to enjoy some delicious food and Karaoke. A group of brave souls navigated through the snow and cold weather to attend the event. The Karaoke and dancing were the highlight of the evening.
Annual Grant Awarded to Compton's Table
After a record number of applications and on the recommendation of its Grants Committee, the LGBT Funds Advisory Board selected Compton's Table as this year's recipient of the Funds' annual grant.
Meadville Happy Hour in December at Cussewago Creek Distillery
NW PA Pride Alliance held its monthly Meadville Happy Hour at Cussewago Creek Distillery, 42243 Water Street, Meadville, PA, on December 27. Meadville Happy Hour is the fourth Wednesday of each month and alternates between Julian's Bar and Grill in odd-numbered months and Cussewago Creek Distillery in even-numbered months. In addition, Erie Happy Hour is the first Wednesday of each month at Oasis Pub and Tiki Bar.
Journey: Healing Together Raise The Roof Winter Solstice Celebration
On December 21, 2023, Journey: Healing Together celebrated the beginning of winter with Raise The Roof - Winter Solstice Celebration at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA. The event included an art show, food, art projects, an intention setting ceremony, and a cozy fire!
Celebrate Hockey Is For Everyone with the Erie Otters!
NWPA Pride has partnered once again with the Erie Otters to host Pride Night with the Otters. The game will be Saturday, March 16, as the Erie Otters host the Saginaw Spirit. Special packages for the game include a ticket and commemorative shirt will only be available through our dedicated link. Like and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see when the link for tickets goes live.
Aging With Pride Dinner at Royal Chopstix
Aging With Pride had a very well-attended dinner at Royal Chopstix Asian Cuisine, 3444 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA, on Thursday, December 28. The group eats together on the last Thursday of the month at a different restaurant. In addition, the group hosts a game night, a book club, and planning meetings.
Aging With Pride Merchandise
Aging With Pride is now offering a variety of Aging With Pride items. Our newest selling partner, Steve's Stuff on Redbubble, offers a wide range of items, including hats, coffee mugs, cell phone cases, notebooks, pet mats, throw pillows, throw blankets, and more. These items can be found at redbubble.com/shop/ap/155059478. We also continue to offer t-shirts, hoodies, and tank tops through Whee! Studios at wheepride.shop/collections/aging-with-pride. Proceeds from these sales are used to support Aging With Pride activities. Visit AgingWithPrideErie.org for a calendar of events and links to our selling partners. Show your support of Aging With Pride by purchasing some of these items!
NWPA Pride Alliance Announces 2024 Events
Officially incorporated in 2012, NWPA Pride Alliance is the driving force behind Pride Events in Erie and Crawford Counties, uniting and celebrating the Queer Community since 1992. Our mission is to enhance visibility, foster unity, and promote acceptance through diverse events and programs to create an inclusive space for all in Northwestern Pennsylvania. For many years, Perry Square has served as the home of Erie PrideFest. After much consideration, NWPA Pride Alliance has decided a new venue would better serve the growing safety needs of the largest one-day festival in the city. On Saturday, June 29, NWPA Pride Alliance would like to welcome you for the next evolution in Erie Pride at the Liberty Park & The Highmark Amphitheater for Pride on the Bay 2024!
Ashtabula Pride on Bridge Street, Ashtabula Harbor on June 15
On June 15, 2024, Ashtabula Pride, Inc. will bring you Pride Festival from 11 AM to 9 PM on Bridge Street in Ashtabula, OH. The event features food, artisans, and more. There will be shops and restaurants participating. Entertainment will be provided by Lotz Productions, with local bands and singers.
7th Annual Full Spectrum Winter Gala on February 24th
Full Spectrum Community Outreach is the Mahoning Valley's LGBTQIA+ Center. We are hosting our 7th Annual Winter GALA, formerly our Annual Holiday, on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm at DiVieste's Banquet Center in Warren, Ohio.
Looking for a good book?!
Are you 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! >Docile, by K. M. Szpara. In this sci-fi parable about love, sex, money, and abuses of power, we explore a world in which the wealthy and powerful can purchase their fellow humans to serve them as "Dociles," basically human zombies whose zombification is accomplished by taking of "Dociline," a medication advertised to the masses as a harmless way to make what is basically modern-day slavery painless. When our hero, Elisha, accepts a term as a Docile in a desperate attempt to pay his family's debt, he challenges the entire system by refusing to take Dociline while he is under contract to serve the ultra-rich family behind Dociline and the entire corrupt system of power. Will he survive his servitude without losing his sanity? Can an impoverished man who came from nothing bring down the system that runs the entire culture? Find out!
Niagara Pride Announces Partial 2024 Schedule of Events
2024 is shaping up to be a very busy year for Niagara Pride and all of us are very excited about this year's events and activities. We encourage folks to follow us on Facebook at Niagara Pride (serving all of WNY) as well as check out our monthly newsletter for more detailed information about the various events, programs, and activities planned throughout the year.
Chautauqua Institution Launches Transformational Capital Campaign to Coincide with 150th Anniversary
CHAUTAUQUA, NY (Monday, January 8, 2024) - Chautauqua Institution today announces the public launch of Boundless, A Campaign for Chautauqua to coincide with the Institution's 150th anniversary this year. The $150 million campaign is composed of capital projects and initiatives that elevate the Institution's traditional Summer Assembly, expand its role as a year-round convener of world leaders and artists, promote science-based conservation of Chautauqua Lake and bolster its endowment. The campaign commenced January 1, 2021 and is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2026. More than $105 million has been raised to date.
NWPA Pride Alliance Announces 2024 Officers
Erie, PA, January 11, 2023-- NWPA Pride Alliance is happy to announce the re-election of our 2023 Officers for the 2024 term. Alex Sphon will enter his 9th term as President and 11th term as an officer, Season Crannell will serve her 13th term as Vice-President, Michael Mahler will service his 9th term as Treasurer and 13th term as an officer, and Rex Apps will service his 4th term as Secretary.
Erie Sisters and Brothers 2024 Events
The Erie Sisters and Brothers of Erie, PA, an LGBTQIA+ friendly group mainly consisting of Transgender and CrossDressers, are looking forward to another very exciting year ahead.
Deadline for February 2024 print edition (issue #339) of Erie Gay News is Monday, January 15, comes out Tuesday, January 23!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 339, cover-dated for February 2024), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late January 2023 and beyond by Monday, January 15. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, January 23.
NWPA Pride Alliance welcomes new Board Members
Erie, PA, December 26, 2023 - NWPA Pride Alliance is happy to announce the addition of 1 new member to its Board of Directors, Anna Schmitt. NWPA Pride would also like to welcome Stephen Bagnoni and Mulnah Dovat to our Advisory Board.
Entertainment and Travel
Elton John Reaches Milestone EGOT Status After Monumental Win at the 2024 Emmy Awards
LOS ANGELES, CA - January 15, 2024 - Today, world-renowned global superstar Elton John joined Hollywood's elite group of EGOT winners after securing the EMMY Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for his 2022 Disney+ special "Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium."
Milwaukee's A Hoppin'
Milwaukee is a fun vibrant city with its own unique identity. Just ninety miles north of Chicago, it was settled by Germans and their influence persists today. Milwaukee is so well run the Mayor of Portland just came to town to get tips on dealing with the homeless. The historic Third Ward and nearby Walkers Point have many LGBTQ venues to choose from. The stunning architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum's Quadracci Pavilion (designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava) alone makes the city worth a visit. Indeed, the "Cream City" is named for its many buildings of that color. Few U.S. cities have preserved their historic buildings (and repurposed them) as well as Milwaukee has.
VisitErie Unveils 2024 Erie Visitor Guide
Erie, PA: Produced by VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization, the annual Erie Visitor Guide is a complete planning resource for traveling to Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring things to do, festivals and events, and content to inspire travel to Pennsylvania's only Great Lakes Port City. The 2024 guide is a vibrant 72-page publication with a stylish magazine design and includes a variety of feature articles, a comprehensive directory of places to play, eat, shop, and stay, and maps of the Erie region. It is VisitErie's primary promotional piece used to market Erie County's tourism industry. In addition to a print version the free guide is also available online and on the 'Hello Erie' mobile app.
Erie Restaurant Week Returns January 19-28, 2024
Erie, PA: Erie Restaurant Week returns for its fourth year, January 19-28, 2024, and is the largest ever, with more than 45 participating restaurants. The annual 10-day event is coordinated 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 crafted special menu items and pricing specifically for the event.
VisitErie Reports Fall 2023 Visitor Trends
Erie, PA: VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization, reports its insights on fall 2023 visitor trends spanning September 1 to November 30.
Political, Activism and Legal
Equity, diversity concerns top American Bar Association meeting Feb. 1-5 in Louisville
CHICAGO, Jan. 17, 2024 - Legal measures to achieve a more equitable U.S. justice system, celebrations of champions of diversity and hot-button topics such as qualified immunity and gun control are chief among legal concerns that will be explored at the 2024 American Bar Association Midyear Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, Feb. 1-5.
Fairness PA Position Announcement: State Director
Fairness PA is seeking to hire a State Director. As Pennsylvania's newly formed statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights nonprofit organization, Fairness PA will bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in the Keystone State and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. Fairness PA is a Pennsylvania-based program affiliated with, supported and managed by Fairness West Virginia and Fairness West Virginia Institute, the leading statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization in the Mountain State.
Harvard Business Review Cites Out Leadership CEO's Creation of First-Ever LGBTQ+ Portfolio in Wall Street History
NEW YORK CITY, NY - The January/February 2024 edition of the Harvard Business Review Magazine shines a spotlight on the instrumental leadership of Todd Sears, Founder & CEO of Out Leadership, whose work establishing the LGBTQ+ market made Wall Street history and continues to reshape corporate culture on issues of inclusion and diversity.
Over 275 Bills Targeting LGBTQ Rights Flood State Legislatures
NEW YORK, NY - January 16, 2024 - As states across the country start their 2024 legislative sessions, the American Civil Liberties Union is already tracking 276 bills targeting LGBTQ rights in state legislatures, including efforts to censor LGBTQ-related speech, restricting school policies ensuring the safety of transgender students, and restrictions on medical care for transgender people.
Families and Advocates Urge Appeals Court to Block Oklahoma's Ban on Gender-Affirming Health Care
Denver, CO - January 16, 2024 - Lawyers representing transgender adolescents and their parents will urge the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit to reverse a lower court's denial of an injunction of SB613, an Oklahoma law banning medical care for trans youth, at a hearing Wednesday, January 17 at 9:00 a.m. MT. The hearing can be live-streamed online here.
U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear Challenge to Title IX Victory for Transgender Rights
WASHINGTON - January 16, 2024 - The United States Supreme Court has declined to review a federal court ruling in favor of a transgender student and his family challenging a discriminatory restroom policy at an Indiana public school district.
US HHS Issues Final Rule Replacing Earlier Rule that Allowed Health Care Workers to Deny Care for Religious Beliefs
(Washington, January 9,2924) - Today, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule replacing much of a Trump-era rule that invited any health care worker - including doctors, nurses, EMTs, administrators, janitors, and clerical staff - to withhold medical treatment, information, and services to patients because of personal religious or moral beliefs.
SAGE, UNLV School of Public Health Invites All LGBTQ+ Older Americans to Participate in Groundbreaking State of Aging Survey
SAGE, the world's oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders, has partnered with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Public Health to create a public, inaugural State of LGBTQ+ Aging survey with the goal of better understanding and highlighting the experiences, needs, and resiliencies of LGBTQ+ older people across the country. Survey questions will include a variety of topics, including healthcare, companionship, instances of violence against the LGBTQ+ community, and care plans for growing older. A type of survey of this magnitude and audience has not been done before.
National LGBTQ Task Force Convenes 2500+ LGBTQ and Allied Activists at Annual "Creating Change" Conference in New Orleans January 17-21
New Orleans, LA - The National LGBTQ Task Force is holding the nation's foremost political, leadership, and skills-building conference for the LGBTQ+ movement at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans from Wednesday, January 17 to Sunday, January 21, 2024. In its 36th year, the conference is a mix of Institutes, keynote presentations, annual awards, and more than 100 workshops and caucuses. For complete information and a full schedule see www.creatingchange.org
Lambda Legal Sues to Block Louisiana's Ban on Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Transgender Youth
(NEW ORLEANS, LA -- January 8, 2024) Today, five transgender Louisiana youth and their families sued a Louisiana state agency to stop the harm caused by the recently enacted "Health Care Ban" (HB 648), now Act 466, which prohibits the provision of necessary gender-affirming medical care only for minors who are transgender and punishes health care providers for providing such care in Louisiana.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
2024: The year we end the backlash
It's a new year and I for one am tired of all those doom sayers out there. If you continue spiraling down with your negative views, you're just giving in. What you need to do is fight back. This includes every front, from elections to legislation. Instead of groaning, start organizing, take a look at our history, and recognize our greatest strengths. It's time to unite as a community and for Democrats - which makes up an overwhelming percentage of the LGBTQ+ community - to start voicing strong support for our candidates.
Miscellaneous
2024 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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