August, 2024 News (38 Articles with 23,604 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for August, 2024 Erie community comes out to celebrate the annual Erie Pride Parade organized by NW PA Pride Alliance on Sunday, June 30th, along State Street. Photo by Andrea Shaffer.
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 Pride Parade
Erie community comes out to celebrate the annual Erie Pride Parade organized by NW PA Pride Alliance on Sunday, June 30th, along State Street. Photos are by Michael Mahler, Rex Apps, and Andrea Shaffer.
7th Annual TransFamily Picnic
TransFamily of NW PA held its seventh annual picnic at the Perry Monument Pavilion on Presque Isle on Sunday, July 14. There was good food and great company! The family-friendly event has been a long-cherished local tradition. TransFamily of NW PA has been serving the region for twelve years. Find them on their Facebook page or at https://transfamilynwpa.org/
Bears Do Dinner #117 - Samurai Kitchen + Sushi
On Wednesday, July 17, Bears Do Dinner met for their monthly outing at Samurai Kitchen + Sushi, 2767 W 12th St, Erie, PA, 16505. Their next dinner will be on Tuesday, August 13.
Guest speaker on Medicare for Sep 22 Aging With Pride meeting
Enrolling in Medicare or making changes during open enrollment can be a challenge. Ron Crist, a Medicare Specialist with HUB International, will be our guest speaker on September 22nd at 1 PM. Ron has a lot of experience and has advised many on making choices without a bias toward one company/plan or another. If you are interested and not routinely in attendance but plan to come, RSVP to kemlynb@gmail.com. We hope this will be welcome information for all of us Aging with Pride.
Compton's Table Back To School
As Erie Gay News was going to press, the annual Compton's Table and Macy's Back to School dates had not been finalized. Sources indicated that it will most likely be the third week in August. After confirming the dates, Compton's Table will have more information on its website and social media pages. This event helps get Erie queer students to get free backpacks with school supplies and gently used clothing. Also, Macy's will open its doors to Compton's Table for the third year and welcome selected youth to a private shopping event with store credit! You read that right - free clothes & private shopping event!
Mother Nature vs Pride and Safety
The challenge with bringing together our LGBTQIA+ family for pride is that inevitably we cannot make everyone happy. That was apparent before, during, and after this year's Pride on the Bay 2024 Pridefest hosted by Northwest PA Pride Alliance. Ultimately a concern for the safety of attendees, vendors, and volunteers due to a tornado watch resulted in ending the delayed event. As someone who has hosted, organized, coordinated, participated in, and volunteered with gatherings from a handful to thousands of people, this was not easy nor could it be.
Local Queer Nonprofits Participate in Erie Gives 2024
Erie Gives will take place on Tuesday, August 13, from midnight to midnight. This is a great day to help your favorite nonprofits. Last year, a record $8.2 million was donated to 492 nonprofits. The local LGBT nonprofits participating in this year's campaign are Compton's Table, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), Journey: Healing Together, The LGBT Community Endowment, and NW PA Pride Alliance.
Pride Day at Waldameer Park and Water World
Bring your friends and family to celebrate summer with the NW PA Pride Alliance at Waldameer Park and Water World on Sunday, August 11. You can purchase discounted tickets for $35 (regularly $48) at nwpapride.org.
Compton's Table Starting Another True North Cohort
Compton's Table is starting another True North cohort beginning September 3 for four consecutive Tuesdays from 6-8 pm. True North is a program for young queer people who are building up their independence. It is entirely free! Register at https://comptonstable.org/truenorth
Journey 5 Year Celebration on July 26
Join us on Friday, July 26 from 5 to 8 PM at 201 W 11th St, Erie PA to celebrate Journey's 5th anniversary, a trauma-focused therapy collective dedicated to the new global majority: BIPOC, Q+, and New American communities. We've created a safe space for those historically marginalized from mainstream treatment, serving Erie and beyond. And we want to celebrate with YOU!
Aging With Pride Dinner at Primanti Bros
Aging With Pride held its monthly dinner on June 27 at Primati Bros in the Millcreek Mall. The event was also a fundraiser, with a percentage of the bill going to the organization. Aging With Pride gets together for a monthly dinner at a different area restaurant each month. In addition, the group also has a variety of social opportunities for LGBTQ+ seniors in the area. Check them out on Facebook or at https://www.agingwithprideerie.org
Pride Flag Vandalized at Moxi Salon
On June 27, as Pride month was about to end, a petty vandalization of a pride flag occurred at Moxi Salon on W 8th Street. Owner Sarah McMillan was informed that the pride flag adorning the front of her salon had been ripped down.
A Night of Celebration and Support: "40 Shades of Purple"
On June 21st, Compton's Table celebrated with a vibrant gathering at the "40 Shades of Purple" event, marking the 40th birthday of our founder. This special evening brought together over 130 attendees, including community members, supporters, and advocates, all united in our mission to empower queer youth and young adults.
Aging with Pride Pampered Chef Fundraiser
The local Aging with Pride group is doing a Fundraiser with Pampered Chef. Anyone can make a Pampered Chef purchase using the following link, and Pampered Chef will donate 30% of the sales to Aging with Pride (Erie). Orders must be placed by Thursday, August 29, 2024. The Online Order Link is www.pamperedchef.com/party/agingwithpride
Announcing The Stonewall Inn PGH
SisTers PGH is thrilled to announce that The Stonewall Inn PGH, a dedicated space for Transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming care and support, is moving into Emerald City in downtown Pittsburgh.
Job Openings For Erie High United Way Community School Directors (CSD) - Deadline is July 14
Erie High United Way Community School Directors (CSD) are an important part of the building's leadership team. They will work closely with the principal and other lead staff to guide ongoing supports, assess resources and develop an action plan to break down and remove nonacademic barriers to learning. By removing these barriers, students are set up for success academically ... and in life. Each director will have a focus area following the guiding pillars of United Way's Community School Model.
Deadline for August 2024 print edition (issue #345) of Erie Gay News is Monday, July 15, comes out Tuesday, July 23!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 345, cover-dated for August 2024), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late July 2024 and beyond by Monday, July 15. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, July 23.
Entertainment and Travel
Fred Karger at JES, Rocky Horror at Academy Theatre, Witch Perfect at Erie Playhouse, Anthrocon Pittsburgh Donation
Fred Karger at JES, Rocky Horror at Academy Theatre, Witch Perfect at Erie Playhouse, Anthrocon Pittsburgh Donation
Beaches and Peaches in the Art Coast of Michigan - Your vacation in Saugatuck - Douglas, Michigan
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West Michigan's beautiful art communities of Saugatuck and Douglas have been welcoming LGBTQ vacationers for decades and 2024 is no exception. Beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and more along the southwest shore of Lake Michigan just 90 miles from Chicago make this a perfect destination. I have been coming here for years.
Local Faces and Photos
LBT Women's Picnic September 7
The annual LBT Women's Picnic is just around the corner, scheduled for September 7 at Kim and Andrea's home. This event promises good conversations, delicious food, and enjoyable activities for all attendees.
Political, Activism and Legal
Nebraska Supreme Court Upholds State's 12-Week Abortion Ban and Transgender Care Restrictions
LINCOLN, Neb. - July 26, 2024 - A new decision from the Nebraska Supreme Court means that the state's 12-week abortion ban and restrictions on young transgender Nebraskans' medical care will remain in effect.
GLSEN Condemns New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu for Signing Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
GLSEN condemns New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu's recent approval of a series of appalling and discriminatory bills that directly target LGBTQ+ youth, especially transgender youth. These measures are not just a step backward; they are a blatant attack on the rights and dignity of young people, fostering division and perpetuating harm.
New MAP Report Traces Attacks on DEI in Government, Education, and Business
From state legislatures and court houses to Congress, universities, and business board rooms, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, also known as DEI, are under attack in the United States. Far-right extremists and conservative lawmakers are politicizing these initiatives in an effort to regress back to a time when communities of color, women, LGBTQ people and others were marginalized and silenced.
GLSEN Responds to Elon Musk's Decision to pull out of California
July 17, 2024 - Yesterday, Elon Musk announced his plans to move SpaceX and Twitter/X out of California. Musk identified the SAFETY Act which bans schools from outing trans and nonbinary students who opt to use their preferred pronouns in the classroom as his last straw with the state.
FreeShop 2024, Fall Edition
The Pennsylvania Equality Project will be holding Fall FreeShop at the Meadville Public Library on Friday, September 27 from 12:30 PM 4:30 PM and on Saturday, September 28 from 10 AM 4 PM. We are seeking donations of food, clothing, blankets, non-perishable food items, kitchen items, books, toys, games, etc. both days of the event. Anyone who needs the donated items can take what they like for free during both days of the event. There is no cost for admission to this event. FreeShop 2024, Fall Edition is being held at the Meadville Public Library in the Community Room on the Upper floor, 848 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335. For more information, go to our website, https://paequality.com or call (814) 350-6635.
Poetry Mixer at French Creek Coffee & Tea
The Pennsylvania Equality Project will be holding a mixer for the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies at French Creek Coffee and Tea, 285 Chestnut Street, Meadville, from 1 to 3 PM on Saturday, August 17. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring poetry selections that they would like to share with the group. PA Equality Project President, David Moore said that this event is intended to be a non-alcoholic alternative for bringing together the community in Crawford and surrounding counties. For more information, go to our website, https://paequality.com or call (814) 350-6635.
As GOP National Convention Kicks Off, Republicans' Dismal Record on LGBTQ+ Rights in the States is Clear
WASHINGTON The Republican National Convention has kicked off with anti-LGBTQ+ extremism at the forefront. As national Republicans tout hateful rhetoric, the scale of anti-LGBTQ+ bills and proposals in GOP state legislatures across the country is alarming and expansive. A second Trump term would only further enable these attacks raising the stakes of elections up and down the ballot this November.
GLSEN Condemns House Republicans for Advancing the Reversal of Vital Title IX Protections for LGBTQ+ Students
Washington DC (July 11, 2024) GLSEN, the leading education organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive K-12 schools and learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth, condemns House Republicans' passage of the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The resolution reverses the Biden Administration's crucial Title IX changes that clarified and expanded protections for LGBTQ+ students. The CRA strips the Education Department of its power to protect LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination in school.
House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus calls for action after murder of transgender teen
HARRISBURG, July 10 After the murder of a 14-year-old transgender individual in Mercer County, members of the PA House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus released the following statement: "We mourn the death of Pauly Likens and refuse to stand idly by while LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians are targeted because of who they are. It's unacceptable that current hate crime laws in our commonwealth are not applied to crimes motivated by a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity.
14-Year-Old Transgender Girl Pauly Likens Brutally Murdered in Western PA
SHARON, Pa. Mercer County officials have confirmed that Pauly Likens, a 14-year-old transgender girl from Sharon who was last seen on June 22, 2024, has been found brutally murdered. The Mercer County Coroner announced on Wednesday that the dismembered human remains found on June 25, 2024 around the Shenango River Lake by Pennsylvania State Police were of Pauly Likens. The Coroner shared that she died by sharp force trauma to her head before being sawed into pieces and abandoned in locations around the lake. DaShawn Watkins, a 29-year-old man from Sharon, was arrested by State Police on July 2, 2024, and has been charged with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, aggravated assault, and tampering with physical evidence involving Likens' death. He is being held without bail at the Mercer County Prison. The suspect's preliminary hearing has been rescheduled for July 25, 2024. Today, July 6, 2024, would have been Pauly's 15th birthday.
U.S. Supreme Court Allows Oregon City's Draconian Ban Targeting the Unhoused to Go into Effect
(Washington, DC, June 28, 2024) The United States Supreme Court today reversed a lower court ruling that had blocked enforcement of an Oregon city's draconian ordinance criminalizing people experiencing homelessness. Lambda Legal, the Juvenile Law Center, the law firm Baker McKenzie, and 223 experts on unhoused youth, including young people who have experienced homelessness, had submitted a friend-of-the-court brief to the Court in the case, City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, underscoring the particular harm the unconstitutional ban posed to unhoused youth, many of whom face rejection and abuse at home and face additional barriers to accessing other housing.
Health
Critical call for blood and platelet donors: Help save lives now with the Red Cross
[July 22, 2024] The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to reinforce the blood supply as much as possible before the summer winds down. Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed to help keep hospital shelves stocked through August.
Erie County Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus
Erie, PA The Erie County Department of Health confirms that a mosquito group collected in Millcreek Township on July 9, 2024 has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first mosquito group to test positive in Erie County this year. At this time, no human cases have been reported in Erie County.
US House Proposes Cuts in HIV Funds
Recently, the US House Appropriations Committee advanced on a party-line vote a legislative package that would slash funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for fiscal 2025 by $7.5 billion, or 6.4 percent, below the fiscal 2024 level. The bill cleared the committee 31 to 25 and now heads to the full House, which is scheduled to vote on it before August. The House's proposal drastically reducing funding to Title X, the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, and other critical programs, as well as the House's inclusion of language restricting access to abortion, limiting care for LGBTQ individuals, and drastically restructuring the National Institutes of Health. This bill would cut the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) injury prevention program and its opioid overdose prevention and surveillance initiative.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
My Harris/ Trump Prediction
You might have thought the headline meant I'd predict who would win the November election, but sorry. It's way too early for that. However, I do have another Kamala Harris and Donald Trump prediction for you.
What President Joe Biden told me
Last week, it was my honor to speak at the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center. It was, to say the least, a star-studded event with Katy Perry, Cynthia Erivo, Adam Lambert, Elton John and President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. There were senators and governors roaming backstage. My remarks were just before Dr. Jill Biden's. When I was an 18-year-old boy standing outside Stonewall on the night of the riot in 1969, I would have never expected to begin a speech 55 years later with "Mr. President, Dr. Biden."
Contests
Enter to win a digital download of Bad Ink - How The New York Times Sold Out Transgender Teens!
Enter to win a digital download of Bad Ink - How The New York Times Sold Out Transgender Teens! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 30, and Tuesday, August 20.
Enter to win a personally signed Mirrorball - Reflections of Dance & Fashion by J. Joseph Pastrana
Enter to win a personally signed Mirrorball - Reflections of Dance & Fashion by J. Joseph Pastrana! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 16, and Tuesday, August 6.
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