September, 2024 News (49 Articles with 25,984 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for September, 2024 Snarebear, Pissi Gabune, Cherry Falwell, and Debbie with Meadville Pride attendees in Diamond Park on July 27, 2024. 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
Journey to a Trauma Informed Life Fall Group Therapy Registration Deadline EXTENDED!
Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, 201 W 11th St, Erie PA, has extended the registration deadline to Friday, September 6 for Group Therapy starting the week of Monday, September 16th!
Eerie Horror Fest 2024 Announces Lisa Frankenstein, Jenna Davis, Morning Shrieks Family Programming, and More
Erie, PA - August 2024 - Eerie Horror Fest is thrilled to announce another full day of spooktacular events on Saturday, October 5th, packed with family-friendly fun, special guest appearances, and late-night thrills. Held at the historic Warner Theatre in downtown Erie, PA, this year's festival promises an unforgettable experience for horror fans of all ages.
31st Annual Pride Picnic
Summer is the traditional time for family picnics. For 31 years, the NW PA Pride Alliance has hosted the Erie Pride Picnic, most recently at the Rotary Pavilion on Presque Isle on August 10, 2024. This year, roughly 160 were able to attend, receive information from local community groups, and take a chance to win one of the many raffle baskets on hand.
Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Meeting and Reception
On August 8, 2024, the Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs traveled from across the commonwealth to attend their quarterly meeting in the PA State Library in Harrisburg! Afterward, we had the joy of meeting with the other advisory commissions at the Governor's Residence for a night of camaraderie, celebration, and strategizing! Stay tuned for some big things, and make sure to follow all commissions to stay up to date with ongoing initiatives! The Governor's Commissions are listed at https://www.pa.gov/en/governor/governor-shapiro-s-commissions.html, with links to their social media. The six commissions are the Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, the Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs, The Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, the Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, the Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, and the Advisory Commission on Women.
Aging With Pride Dinner at Wooden Ladle
On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Aging With Pride met for their monthly dinner at Wooden Ladle, 4753 West Lake Road, Erie, PA. The restaurant was very welcoming and even had balloons with the group's initials and rainbow decorations by the table. The food was excellent! The group usually goes out for dinner together on the last Thursday of each month at a different restaurant.
Erie Community Continues to Give!
This year's annual Erie Gives event was held on Tuesday, August 13, lasting a full 24 hours. All told, $8,695,723 was raised to benefit 513 local nonprofits. Among those who benefited are the local Queer nonprofits listed below.
Meadville Pride
NW PA Pride Alliance hosted the third annual Meadville Pride in Diamond Park on Saturday, July 27. Board president Alex Sphon hosted opening ceremonies. Attendees were then treated to drag performances by Debbie, Pissi Gabune, Snarebear, and Meadville's own Cherry Falwell.
Erie Pride 365 Pride in July Block Party
On July 27, 2024, Erie Pride 365 proudly hosted its inaugural "Pride in July" block party, joining forces with Central Outreach, Erie's Black Wall Street, and Compton's Table for a vibrant celebration of diversity. The event featured captivating performances by Shea D'Heaux, Valerie R Valentino, Rocky Switch, Nancy Boys, and headliner Mook Dawg. Attendees enjoyed a dynamic mix of local vendors, food trucks, and an emphasis on voter registration. "Pride in July" showcased local talent and highlighted the importance of community engagement and inclusivity.
Registration now open! Group Therapy Fall Session
from Journey to a Trauma Informed Life: As summer winds down, we're looking forward to the cozy days of autumn and the start of our fall group therapy sessions! We invite you to join us in a supportive and compassionate space where we can connect, share, and grow together. Our sessions offer a chance to be part of a community that values every voice and every story. Let's embrace the transformative power of connection this fall.
Coffee Social for LGBTQ+ Veterans
The Erie VA Medical Center LGBTQ+ Program and Peer Support are hosting a Coffee Social for LGBTQ+ Veterans Friday, October 18 at 10 a.m. at Perkins Restaurant (4403 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509). The Coffee Social is meant to bring Erie's local LGBTQ+ Veterans together to connect and foster ongoing relationships of support and friendship. The group will start off with facilitation by Erie VA staff, Brittany and Alisha, with the goal to be an independently run community Veteran group for like-minded individuals. Please call Brittany Miklos at 814-844-5944 or Alisha Mackey at 814-860-2174 for more information and updates on event location and time. This group will plan to meet on the 3rd Friday of every month. Times are subject to change based on availability. For more information and updates, visit www.erie.va.gov or https://www.facebook.com/VAMCErie/
Compton's Table Launches Mural Project
On July 31st, Compton's Table hosted a mural planning event that brought together over a dozen queer youth and young adults, dedicated board members, and two enthusiastic community volunteers. The gathering focused on mapping out a revamp design for Compton's Closet, a crucial service that Compton's Table is eager to reopen.
Ashtabula Pride on June 15
The 4th Annual Pride Festival of Ashtabula County on June 15 was nothing less than a successful event once again. Hundreds of LGBTQ+ community members and their allies flocked to the shores of Lake Erie at Ashtabula's Walnut Beach, a new location for the event. President and founder Michael Riffe, the event's MC as local drag queen and live singer Mona Lotz, said, "Each year it just keeps getting better. Since our first year at the Hamper Family Farm in 2020, where we were astonished by the nearly 3,000 attendees, to now making our new home at Walnut Beach, we keep growing and growing." Riffe continued, "We had over 100 vendors this year who told us this was their best year yet, some even stating that this was the best festival for sales they had ever been to. We also added some amazing family fun events like the 18-foot blow-up slide and 'ax throwing" game, along with characters like Spider-Man and Ariel from Castel on a Cloud Entertainment." Riffe said another crowd favorite was the balloon artist from Flower Clown Entertainment, who created just about anything the kids could ask for. He said the "smiles on everyone's faces, despite the small hurdles they faced in preparation from local protestors, confirmed the event's need for the community and was worth it all! The day also included entertainment provided by Lotz Productions, which included local and native solo artists like Rob Covert and Sue Hagan, Ohio drag performers, a group of teens singing show tunes from Lakeside High School as well as bands such as Lymewire from Conneaut. Next year's festival is planned for June 21 at the same location. The plans have already begun to expand, making the festival one that will continue to rewrite history for Ashtabula County.
Eerie Horror Fest 2024 Announces Killer Klowns From Outer Space, Pass Information, and More
Erie, PA - July 26th, 2024 - The Eerie Horror Fest returns for another spine-chilling year this October 4th and 5th at the historic Warner Theatre in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. Presented by the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, this multi-day film festival promises a packed schedule featuring a selection of short and feature-length films, workshops, meet and greets, live Q&As, panel discussions, vendors, and more. This event is a must-attend for filmmakers, artists, and genre enthusiasts looking to learn and network amongst industry professionals.
Deadline for September 2024 print edition (issue #346) of Erie Gay News is Monday, August 12, comes out Tuesday, August 20!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 346, cover-dated for September 2024), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late August 2024 and beyond by Monday, August 12. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, August 20.
25th Anniversary Lake Erie Gala
The 25th anniversary of the Lake Erie GALA will be held November 13-17 at Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, 55 West Bay Drive, Erie, PA. The Lake Erie Gala attracts crossdressers, transgender persons, and their loved ones from across North America and beyond. Erie Sisters and Brothers Transgender Support Group organizes this event. Info and reservations are at lakeeriegala.com. GALA was moved back one week in hopes that the earlier date will have better weather. For this anniversary year, the GALA will be moving the format back to being more interactive and social.
Entertainment and Travel
Qian Li Transforms Erie Art Museum Main Gallery with Summoning the Wind
ERIE, Pa. The Erie Art Museum is thrilled to announce our next main gallery exhibition, Summoning the Wind, a collection of works by Qian Li. Li draws from her upbringing in a Chinese coastal billage and her journey of raising a biracial family in the United States, and is deeply inspired by the delicate dance between opposing forces. Through painting, print, video, and installations, Qian Li explores the themes of different dichotomies; stasis and change, the private and the public, memory and lived experience. According to Li, "My creative vision often springs from the realm of dreams, infusing my narratives with a sense of mystery and fluidity across time."
MTV and Paramount+ Greenlight New Seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and Untucked
New York, NY August 16, 2024 Following the launch of RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars and receiving 10 Emmy® Award Nominations across the franchise, MTV and Paramount+ today announced that RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Untucked have been greenlit for new seasons.
Princess of Positivity Pop Keeana Kee is the Future of Festivals
The Dinah, a 33-years strong lesbian pool party, has long been a destination for sapphics looking to unwind. Brooklyn-based lesbian pop superstar, Keeana Kee first appeared at The Dinah in 2023 as a performer. Slated to appear again in 2024 as a celebrity guest, this Latvian-born olive-skinned smile factory is exactly the ambassador an event like this hopes for. Listening to one of her songs is like a short vacation. Her debut single "Coconut Rum and Coke" is a not only a lesbian love story but also summer anthem giving beachy reggae vibes. Poolside revelers at the four-day desert festival will attest a refreshing tropical drink is invaluable.
Queer Bourbon Week, Exploring NuLu, and More-Your weekend in the Bluegrass
Louisville is an interesting mix of unique neighborhoods with a truly one of a kind brand and a Southern regional feel. Despite being just hours from Chicago, you are in the gateway to the South, y'all (yes, they have an accent), Southern charm, Bourbon, horseracing and more.
Buffalo United Artists proudly presents Monsters of the American Cinema
Buffalo United Artists, by special arrangement with Bret Adams, Ltd., is proud to present, 'Monsters of the American Cinema' by Christian St. Croix. The play stars P.K. Fortson and Ayden Herreid and is directed by BUA's Co-Artistic Director Mike Doben. The play runs September 6th through September 28th- Fridays at 7:30 p.m. & Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.) at Compass Performing Arts Center, 545 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, New York 14222. Tickets are $30.00. General Admission Tickets are available at https://MonstersCinema.eventbrite.com or www.buffalounitedartists.org
Pride Journey: Panama City, Panama
Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, is a city where history meets modernity, and nature intertwines with urban life. This bustling metropolis offers an array of experiences, from exploring historic districts to marveling at engineering marvels and savoring world-renowned coffee. Among its many attractions, Casco Antiguo, the Bio Museo, the Panama Canal, and Geisha coffee stand out as must-see highlights.
Your Summer Holiday in the Free State of Florida
Summer is the perfect time to visit the "Free State of Florida" (to use their new moniker). The crowds are gone, and the hotels are a bargain. The breeze off the ocean makes it tolerable and the nights and mornings are nice.
Political, Activism and Legal
Kentucky Families and Civil Rights Groups Urge Supreme Court to Rule Against Discriminatory and Harmful Transgender Health Bans
LOUISVILLE, Ky - September 3, 2024 - Kentucky parents of transgender children and a wide array of civil rights groups have weighed in as the Supreme Court prepares to hear U.S. v. Skrmetti, the challenge to Tennessee's ban on healthcare for transgender adolescents. The families are plaintiffs in Doe v Thornbury, a challenge to a similar law in Kentucky, and are joined by SAGE, National Trans Bar Association, LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York, Mazzoni Center, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF). They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
Lambda Legal Asks Court to Affirm Decision Protecting Transgender Indiana Students
Indianapolis, IN - August 23, 2024 Lambda Legal asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to affirm a lower court ruling that held a public school was not required under Title VII to accommodate a request by an anti-LGBTQ+ teacher to disregard the gender identities of his students because doing so affirmatively disparaged and harmed students. The district court recognized that allowing a teacher to refuse to use names and pronouns consistent with students' gender identities caused real harm to transgender students and disrupted the learning environment.
Victory! Court Strikes Down Last Categorical Disqualification to Military Service for Those Living with HIV
(Washington, DC, August 20, 2024) Today, in a Lambda Legal case filed against the Department of Defense in 2022, a U.S. District Court struck down the last categorical disqualification preventing people living with HIV from joining the U.S. Armed Services, writing: "Defendants' policies prohibiting the accession of asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals with undetectable viral loads into the military are irrational, arbitrary, and capricious. Even worse, they contribute to the ongoing stigma surrounding HIV-positive individuals while actively hampering the military's own recruitment goals.
LGBTQ Equality Maps Updates and Bill Tracking for August 2024
In this rapidly changing landscape, MAP's LGBTQ Equality Maps provide a detailed snapshot of the current state of LGBTQ laws and policies in the United States. See below for state level and local level policy updates as of August 7, 2024.
New Report Reveals Significant Barriers for Trans and Nonbinary Youth in Public Systems; Call for Urgent Reforms
(Washington D.C. - August 13, 2024) National experts alongside a group of transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse ("TNGD") youth with lived experience in child welfare, juvenile legal, and homelessness systems have released a new report highlighting ongoing challenges and harms to young people perpetuated by government-funded systems.
SPLC Action Fund Releases New Report Showing Scale and Influence of Extremist Rhetoric in 2024 Political Campaigns
MONTGOMERY, Ala.- August 7, 2024 Today, the SPLC Action Fund released "Exposing Extremism in Elections," a new analysis of 2024 campaign communications that employ rhetoric crafted by extremist movements and the political hard right.
HRC Equality Votes PAC Launches Website and Video Series on Dangers of the Trump-Vance Project 2025 Agenda to LGBTQ+ Community
WASHINGTON - August 8, 2024 Today, HRC's Equality Votes PAC launched a new website DismantleProject2025.com that details how Project 2025, the blueprint for an unprecedented government takeover by a Trump-Vance administration, would threaten the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community, sending the country's march toward full equality back decades. The website breaks down how the Trump-Vance Project 2025 agenda harms LGBTQ+ people in every area of our livesfrom marriage, to building a family, to healthcare, to education and the workplace. The website will be supported by a digital campaign on HRC's social media channels, in addition to videos where HRC's Senior Director of Legal Policy Cathryn Oakley answers questions on Project 2025 posed by members of HRC's online community. Watch the first video here.
Ohio Judge Rules Against Families and Doctors, Allowing Ban on Gender-Affirming Care to Take Immediate Effect
COLUMBUS - August 6, 2024 Today, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas rejected our challenge to House Bill 68, Ohio's law banning gender-affirming medical care for trans youth and prohibiting trans women and girls from participating in sports. This decision follows a five-day trial that took place during the week of July 15. The plaintiffs are preparing an immediate appeal of this decision.
BACKGROUNDER: What to Know About Back-to-School Season Amid Spike in Anti-LGBTQ+ Bullying, Hate Crimes
WASHINGTON - August 5, 2024 Across the nation, LGBTQ+ students of all ages are returning to school while dealing with an ongoing hostile political climate that often targets trans youth. Despite facing waves of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, like book bans and classroom censorship, HRC Foundation's Welcoming Schools program has provided training to over 13,000 educators nationwide, impacting more than 750,000 students each day. Educators and other youth serving professionals are looking for ways to show up for the youth they engage every day. We know that students cannot thrive at school if they feel unsafe, and far too many LGBTQ+ students continue to face bullying and harassment simply for being their authentic selves kids learn best when their environment is supportive and affirming.
ICYMI: Employees and Customers Speak Out Against Anti-DEI Campaigns
WASHINGTON - August 2, 2024 - This morning, a USA Today article by senior reporter Jessica Guynn explains that as bad actors from the fringe right are taking to social media in bad faith efforts to spread fear and politicize diversity and inclusion initiatives, employees and customers are expressing frustration and concern over shortsighted decisions some companies have made. Although these anti-DEI efforts are not new, they mirror the harmful bills penned by anti-LGBTQ+ politicians in legislatures across the country. But business leaders, employees, consumers, and shareholders largely understand the value in companies committing to and exercising core principles of diversity and inclusion and they are speaking out against those who are flip-flopping on their values.
Appeals Court Sends Case Challenging Iowa's Book Ban and "Don't Say LGBTQ" Law Back to Lower Court, Delaying Relief for Iowa Students
ST. PAUL, MN - August 9, 2024 Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit sent a lawsuit challenging two provisions of Iowa's SF 496 the book ban and "don't say LGBTQ" provisions back to a lower court, allowing the law to take effect just before students go back to school. The appeals court asked the district court to reconsider the law's constitutionality in light of Moody v. Netchoice, a recent decision by the United States Supreme Court.
Parent of Transgender Student is Suspended from Her Job by Florida School Board After Investigation Fraught with Anti-Transgender Bias
COCONUT CREEK, Florida - July 30, 2024 Today, Jessica Norton, the mother of a transgender student athlete and employee of Monarch High School, was suspended for 10 days without pay by the Broward County School Board at the Tuesday board meeting for allegedly violating the Fairness in Women's Sports Act. The school board's decision also stipulated that Norton would have to be moved into a separate job that does not manage or handle student information. Norton and her husband Gary, on behalf of their daughter, brought a lawsuit in 2021 against the Broward County School District, State Education Department, and Florida High School Athletic Association challenging the Fairness in Women's Sports Act, the very law she was suspended for having violated, even though it only applies to schools and not individuals.
Title IX Rule Now in Effect: A Win for LGBTQ+ Student Safety and Inclusion
Washington, DC (August 1, 2024) -Today, the U.S. Department of Education's updated Title IX regulations officially go into effect marking a significant milestone in the fight for safe and inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ+ students. As an organization dedicated to creating safe and affirming schools for all students, GLSEN has long advocated for policies that protect LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination and harm.
Lambda Legal Applauds President Biden's Call for Reform of the U.S. Supreme Court
(New York, NY, July 29, 2024) Today, President Biden recognized the crisis to our constitutional form of government caused by the ends-oriented rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court since dominated by justices nominated by former President Trump. President Biden's voice amplified the chorus advocating for meaningful reform, proposing to reimpose essential limits on Executive power, term limits for Supreme Court justices, and an enforceable code of ethics. Lambda Legal Chief Legal Officer Jennifer C. Pizer issued the following statement: "Today, in an important change of position, President Biden added his voice to those calling for significant reform of the U.S. Supreme Court. His respect for separation of powers prompted him for years to resist calls for reform of the Court. But the Trump/McConnell Court majority's decisions brazenly up-ending well-reasoned, decades-long precedent, culminating in the indefensible immunity decision, require strong action. This Court's rulings have become extreme and dangerous to the balance and stability of our form of government, and reform is required if we are to remain a democratic nation of laws, not one essentially subject to monarchs. President Biden's spotlighting of this national emergency is an urgent call-to-action to the Congress and to all of us."
Health
West Nile Virus Testing Results
Erie, PA - August 29, 2024 - The Erie County Department of Health confirms that a mosquito group collected in the City of Erie on Aug. 22, 2024 has tested positive for West Nile virus.
Back-to-school Health Reminders
Erie, PA - As the school year is about to begin, the Erie County Department of Health reminds and encourages all residents of Erie County to stay updated with their flu, COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccinations.
Erie County Mosquitoes Test Positive for Viruses
Erie, PA - The Erie County Department of Health confirms that a mosquito group collected in Waterford Township and a group collected in Millcreek Township on Aug. 1, 2024 have each tested positive for Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV). These are the second and third groups to test positive for JCV in Erie County this year.
Heeding Community Advocates' Calls, CDC Funds PrEP Pilot Program, Allows Funds to Pay for Generic Medications
Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 For the first time ever, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will allow for funding to pay for generic PrEP medications as part of a new supplemental funding opportunity aimed at quickly scaling up equitable PrEP access in four jurisdictions. Advocates have been calling for such an initiative to serve as a pilot for a National PrEP Program for un- and underinsured individuals; a key component of which would involve the implementation of a user-friendly PrEP Pass that could eliminate cost and complexity as a barrier to medications, HIV testing, necessary lab work, and provider visits.
Emergency blood shortage: Red Cross supply drops 25%
[Aug. 5, 2024] The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $68 Million to Improve Access to HIV Care for Women, Infants, Children and Youth
July 31, 2024 - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced more than $68 million in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funding to provide family-centered medical care and essential support services for women with low incomes, infants, children, and youth with HIV. This announcement supports and advances the Biden-Harris Administration's National HIV/AIDs Strategy.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
A personal tribute to Phil Donahue, and my hair.
From Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News While on vacation, I tuned into CNN International and heard the news of the passing of TV legend Phil Donahue. Phil was please note this worda pioneering ally for the LGBTQ+ community, and he deserves to be remembered for it. Following his passing, LGBTQ+ organizations and mainstream media, in their obituaries, referenced this significant moment: "In 1974, before his show reached a nationwide audience, Donahue interviewed the Segal family of Philadelphia (whose gay son Mark Segal became the publisher of Philadelphia Gay News), the first time a family with a gay member was interviewed on broadcast television."
Alex Sphon Stepping Down From NW PA Pride Board at End of 2024
From Alex Sphon: In April, I made the decision to step away from the NWPA Pride Board at the end of 2024. This decision hasn't been made lightly. I'm beyond proud of the growth of this organization over the last 13 years I have served as a board member. During this time, NWPA Pride Alliance became a 501(c)3 nonprofit, navigated a global pandemic and expanded its event calendar from 2 events annually to over 30 events.
Contests
Enter to win Showmance!
Enter to win This Will Be Fun! by E. B. Asher
Enter to win This Will Be Fun! by E. B. Asher! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 10, and Tuesday, October 1.
Enter to win The Summer Between!
Enter to win The Summer Between! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 3, and Tuesday, September 24.
Enter to win Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar!
Enter to win Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 27, and Tuesday, September 17.
Enter to win Song of Myself!
Enter to win Song of Myself! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 13, and Tuesday, September 3.
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