October, 2024 News (64 Articles with 53,387 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for October, 2024 Volunteers at Macy's and Compton's Table Back To School event on August 25.
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 Mayor Joe Schember Issues Proclamation Recognizing LGBTQ History Month
Erie City Mayor Joe Schember has issued a proclamation recognizing LGBTQ History Month. LGBTQ History Month is observed every October.
Who Wants To Be a Drag Star Is Looking For New Drag Performers
Have you always wanted to give drag a try? Are you a new queen, king, or performer looking to break into the local drag scene? Sign up for round one of Who Wants To Be A Drag Star and show us what you’ve got to earn your spot in the spring finale. Who Wants to Be a Drag Star is an all-new drag competition hosted by Cherry Falwell with head judge Travis Smith. It is open to drag performers of any gender who are 18 or over. Round one will be on November 16 in downtown Meadville. Email MeadvilleDragStar@Gmail.com for info or to sign up. If you’re interested in performing, reach out ASAP - we only have five spaces available for the first round!
Erie Pride 365 Training Information
Erie Pride 365 has expanded its efforts to promote inclusion and safety in the region by offering new training programs on workplace diversity and S.O.G.I.E. (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression). These trainings, which religious organizations can also use, aim to address gaps in understanding around gender identity and sexual orientation in various settings, helping to create safer and more inclusive environments throughout Erie and its surrounding communities. By offering educational programs catering to professional and religious groups, Erie Pride 365 is working to reduce discrimination and foster a culture of respect, positioning itself as a key player in driving positive social change in the area.
Board Member Candidates Sought for NWPA Pride Alliance
NWPA Pride Alliance is looking for applicants to join our all-volunteer board of directors for our new term beginning in January 2025. We are looking for individuals across all walks of life inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identifications, marital status, ethnic backgrounds, and educational experiences who want to become more involved with the queer community in Northwest Pennsylvania. Applicants should reside within a 50 mile radius of the city of Erie.
Aging With Pride Dinner at BrewErie at Union Station
On August 29th, Aging With Pride had their monthly dinner at The Brewerie at Union Station, 123 W 14th St, Erie, PA. Aging With Pride dinners are usually on the last Thursday of the month. The next dinner will be on September 26 at Thai Taste Cuisine, 35 Peninsula Drv, Erie, PA. In addition to monthly dinners, Aging With Pride meets twice a month for planning and discussion, as well as a book club on the third Saturday of the month and a game night on the second Wednesday of the month.
2024's Miss Erie is Crowned
All hail the queen! On August 16, a new inductee to the Miss Erie Pageant was crowned. This year, Cherry Falwell, Katrina Twerk Island, and Snarebear took to the Zone Dance Club's stage to duke it out for the title. Before a new winner was crowned, 2023's reigning Miss Erie performed before crowning her successor.
Bears Do Dinner at Wooden Ladle Ramen & Rice Bowl
On September 12th, Bears Do Dinner had their 120th outing at Wood Ladle Ramen & Rice Bowl,4753 W Lake Road, Erie, PA. The food and company were both excellent! The next Bears Do Dinner will be on Monday, October 7, at The Brewerie at Union Station, 123 W 14th St, Erie, PA.
Eerie Horror Fest Announces Tales From the Hood with Director Rusty Cundieff, Full Programming Schedule, and More
Erie, PA - September 2024 - The Eerie Horror Fest is thrilled to announce a special screening of the influential horror anthology Tales From the Hood on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This landmark film, blending chilling horror and pointed social commentary, will be followed by an insightful Q&A session with the film's director, Rusty Cundieff, moderated by Professor of Sociology Dr. Rhonda Matthews, renowned for her work on race and media. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the enduring cultural significance of this 1995 classic, which continues to resonate with audiences nearly 30 years after its premiere. The conversation promises to engage attendees with thought-provoking discussions on race, social justice, and the powerful role of horror in addressing real-world issues.
Voters Guide next month
Please note that the next issue of Erie Gay News, which will come out the night of Tuesday, October 22, will feature our Voters Guide. The Queer community must show up to vote in every election, and the November 5 national and state election is no exception. We will have responses from our LGBTQIA+ candidate questionnaire that we hope will enable you to make an informed choice when you go to the polls. Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM on Tuesday, November 5. The last day to register to vote in the upcoming election is October 21, and the deadline to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot is October 29.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month in Erie!
LGBTQ+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, as well as the history of gay rights and related civil rights movements. It was founded in 1994 by Missouri high school history teacher Rodney Wilson. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. As of 2022, LGBT History Month is a month-long celebration specific to Australia, Canada, Cuba, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States.
August NW PA Pride Meadville Happy Hour
NW PA Pride Alliance hosted another enjoyable Meadville Happy Hour on August 28, 2024, at Julian's Bar & Grill, 299 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA. Meadville Happy Hours are the 4th Wednesday of each month at Julian's. In addition, NW PA Pride Alliance hosts an Erie Happy Hour on the first Wednesday of each month at Oasis Pub & Tiki Bar, 3122 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA.
20th Anniversary Pink Party Benefit Coming Soon
The 20th annual Pink Party for breast cancer awareness is on the horizon! Join us on October 4th and 5th! The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA, will have auction items such as breast cancer merchandise and a fabulous bake sale. The auction winners will be drawn on Friday and Saturday in a live feed. Follow Michelle Michaels on Facebook for details about the live feed.
Aging With Pride Members Volunteer with Voices for Independence No Limits Field Day
Several Aging With Pride (AWP) members assisted with the Voices for Independence No Limits field day on August 24th. Members distributed water and snacks and helped with the kettlebell event. For more on Voices for Independence, see https://www.vficil.org/
3rd Annual Macy's and Compton's Table Back To School
On Sunday, August 25th, Macy's teamed up with Compton's Table for a back-to-school bash that was anything but basic. Thirteen queer youth and young adults strutted through the aisles, handpicking gender-affirming clothing, accessories, and school supplies that screamed, "This is me!" And the best part? The entire store was theirs.
SisTers PGH is Hiring!
We are looking for someone dedicated to the work we do at SisTers PGH to serve as Executive Liaison. We're also offering a relocation package for those who may not be currently based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Please see below which states apply to the relocation package.
Ace Week is October 20-26
It's almost that time of year again! Ace Week 2024 is from October 20th to the 26th, A week that is all about Asexual representation, activism, education, and celebration. Grab yourself a slice of cake and join the fun. For more information about Asexuality, check us out at Asexual Outreach, An Asexual nonprofit organization that serves both the United States and Canada. An organization that I proudly serve as a board member
Local non-profit supporting animal rescues to hold second annual fundraiser & raffle
Jamestown, NY - Pip-Skey's Foundation for Homeless Animals Inc. is proud to announce its second annual Halloween-themed fundraiser supporting its mission to provide financial support to local animal shelters, rescues, and pet owners. On Sunday, October 13th, from 2-6 pm, Pip-Skey's will hold an event at Sneakers Bar, 100 Harrison Street in Jamestown, to continue their fundraising efforts for animal rescues in Chautauqua, Warren, and Cattaraugus Counties. This event will feature music, basket raffles, 50/50, a door prize, and a grand prize raffle of $1,000! Pre-sale tickets for the grand prize are available at Sneakers Bar and online through Pip-Skey's social media pages.
Pride on the Rocks Oct 11-13
Philly on the Rocks is celebrating National Coming Out Day (Oct 11th) all weekend. Philly on the Rocks is at 401 West 18th St, Erie, PA. They will have Queer featured bands and solo musicians, as well as local Queer artists and vendors.
Research Participants Needed
We are looking for adults who identify as LGBTQ+ who are willing to participate in a research study focusing on work-life balance. To qualify, you must be an adult who identifies as LGBTQ+, and you must be currently employed or have been employed within the last six months. For more information or to sign up, email Molly Minman, Primary Researcher, at minman001@gannon.edu
Drag Me to the Stage Presents: The Kindness Connection on Friday, October 4 at O'Connell & Company, Amherst/Buffalo
Buffalo, NY - September 4, 2024 - Drag Me to the Stage is proud to present *The Kindness Connection*, a special one-night-only cabaret event featuring the beloved "Kindness Queens" of RuPaul's Drag Race, Mrs. Kasha Davis and Nina West. This heartwarming performance will take place on Friday, October 4, at O'Connell & Company in Amherst/Buffalo. Tickets are available for $55, with an optional $20 Meet and Greet add-on for those who wish to meet these extraordinary performers in person. This live-singing cabaret will be accompanied by Andy Pratt on the piano.
Aging With Pride Trip to Science Museum Is Canceled
Please note that the Aging With Pride trip to The Carnegie Science Museum in Pittsburgh that was originally scheduled for this Saturday, September 14, has been canceled. It will be rescheduled for a date to be determined later.
LGBT Fund Open for Applications
The LGBT Fund grant at the Erie Community Foundation is opening for applications on 9/9/24 and will close on 10/16/24.
Deadline for October 2024 print edition (issue #347) of Erie Gay News is Sunday, September 15, comes out Tuesday, September 24!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 347, cover-dated for October 2024), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late September 2424 and beyond by Sunday, September 15. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, September 24.
Entertainment and Travel
Motor City Rebound: New Mid Town Food Hall, New Cork Town Hotel, New Bridge to Canada and More
The rebound of the Motor City continues unabated. The once downtrodden area has transformed itself. A vibrant downtown, a stunning new bridge to Canada, a new food hall in Midtown Detroit, a new hotel in Cork Town, and fun suburbs like Ferndale, Clawson, and Royal Oak are full of things to do.
Pride Journey: Lansing, Michigan
Lansing, Michigan, the state's vibrant capital, is a city brimming with cultural diversity, historical richness, and a rapidly evolving urban landscape. From its renowned Lansing Pride festival to unique dining spots like Veg Head and the dynamic Lansing Shuffle, there is something for everyone in this bustling Midwestern city. Add to this a plethora of attractions such as the Broad Museum of Art, Potter Park Zoo, and the historically significant districts of Old Town Lansing and REO Town, and Lansing stands out as a must-visit destination.
Portland East: Bike Heaven, Rich in History, 95 Neighborhoods to Explore: Your Vacation in Amazing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will surprise you. The city is set on numerous hills as well as at the confluence of three rivers in southwestern Pennsylvania. Its hipster vibrant scene is reminiscent of more popular (but less affordable) Portland, Oregon. It is a young scene due to the universities (Carnegie Mellon, Chatham, University of Pittsburgh, and more). It has a small town feel although it is a big city. And in rich in history including the steel making days where it was dubbed "Hell with the Lid Off" due to the pollution from the mills. Andrew Salk's polio vaccine was invented here as weas Westinghouse's development of electrical machines.
The Erie Art Museum Evolves Joseph Plavcan Exhibition with Adrade, Garber, Speight: In Conversation
ERIE, Pa. With support from Art Bridges, the Museum will display works on loan from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, by artists Edna Andrade, Daniel Garber, and Francis Speight to explore mentorship and its transformative role in personal and community development. Andrade,Garber,Speight:InConversation exhibition opens September 25 in the Nicholas Gallery.
LGBTQ+ Boxing Short PACE Starring Beck Williams (Unprisoned) and Bex Taylor-Klaus (13 Reasons Why) to Screen at Out on Film Atlanta
Atlanta, GA, September 5 2024 - Filmmaker Beck Williams is proud to announce the Georgia Premiere of their latest short film, the intimate, LGBTQ+ boxing drama PACE at Out on Film Atlanta this September. A tale of uncertainty, determination, and acceptance, PACE explores the deeply personal experience of navigate a life altering choice when you don't have all the answers yet. But, through it all, PACE shows there is no finish line in being valid in who we are. PACE will screen at 12:00pm on September 29, 2024 at the Landmark's Midtown Art Cinema. Tickets to the festival can be purchased here.
Broadway in Erie presents Dear Evan Hansen October 15 and 16 - Tickets on Sale September 9
Erie, PA Broadway in Erie is proud to present the premiere Erie engagement of the Tony® and Grammy® -winning Best Musical that connected the world, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, at the Warner Theatre October 15 & 16. Performance time is 7:30pm.
Local Faces and Photos
LBT Women Picnic on Sep 7
On September 7th, Kim and Andrea hosted the annual LBT women's picnic at their home. Despite the uncooperative weather, we had a great time with 22 attendees. Friends from Pittsburgh and Buffalo returned to join in on the food and fun. We also welcomed a few new faces, curious to see what our group was all about. Due to the weather, we had to huddle together in the garage, but that didn't stop us from enjoying lots of delicious food, engaging conversations, and laughter. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we are already looking forward to doing it again next year.
Political, Activism and Legal
Trial Challenging Missouri's Ban on Essential Health Care for Transgender Missourians Concludes
Jefferson City, MO - October 4, 2024 - Yesterday, the two-week trial concluded in a lawsuit challenging Missouri's SB 49, a law banning transgender adolescents in Missouri from receiving gender-affirming medical care and banning Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming medical care for transgender people of any age. The law would penalize healthcare professionals who provide such care to minors by the loss of their medical licenses.
Equality California on Governor Newsom Signing SB 729, Expanding Access to Infertility Care Including IVF
SACRAMENTO, Calif. Equality California released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang following the news that Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 729, authored by Senator Caroline Menjivar, which will require large group insurance plans to cover fertility and infertility treatments including IVF as well as expand the definition of infertility to be inclusive of LGBTQ+ family planning experiences: "With increasing attacks on reproductive freedom and IVF across the country, we are immensely grateful to Governor Newsom for once again demonstrating that California is committed to ensuring that all people have the freedom to make personal decisions about their reproductive lives and futures. With Governor Newsom's signature, an estimated 10 million Californians will now have access to the full spectrum of fertility and infertility services, including IVF, and be given the opportunity to become a parent regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status.
Coalition of Independent Newsrooms Form to Cover 2024 Election with a Focus on LGBTQ+ Platforms
In response to the alarming rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and actions across the political landscape, a groundbreaking coalition of 11 independent LGBTQ+ newsrooms has come together to form the Queer News Network (QNN). This initiative aims to provide in-depth and nuanced coverage of the 2024 General Election through an LGBTQ+ lens, ensuring that the voices and experiences of the community are at the forefront of political discourse.
Governor Newsom Vetoes Bill to Improve Access to Gender-Affirming Care
SACRAMENTO, Calif. Equality California and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California are disappointed by Governor Newsom's veto of Assembly Bill 2442 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur co-sponsored legislation that would have required the expedited processing of licensure applications for medical and mental health providers who demonstrate a commitment to offering gender-affirming care within their licensed scope of practice. A signature on AB 2442 would have built on California's long-standing nationwide leadership on LGBTQ+ rights by significantly improving access to care for transgender individuals in California and across the country which is critical to their safety, health, and well-being.
ICYMI: Washington Post Article Outlines How a Second Trump Term Would Roll Back LGBTQ+ Rights and Freedoms
In a newly released Washington Post article, author Hannah Knowles dives into Donald Trump's second-term agenda and the potential impact his reelection would have for the LGBTQ+ community. The article highlights that in his bid for a second term as president, Trump has called for numerous restrictions for LGBTQ+ Americans including removing all federal protections based on gender identity and limiting access to medically necessary, potentially life-saving medical care for the transgender community. The impact of a second Trump term would expand far beyond the doctor's office given his ties to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations and his potential appointment of extremists judges, the consequences of Trump's election could result in a wide-reaching rollback of fundamental rights and freedoms.
New FBI Data: Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes Continue to Spike, Even as Overall Crime Rate Declines
WASHINGTON - September 23, 2024 The FBI today released its annual report looking back at hate crimes numbers for the prior calendar year and for 2023, the hate crime data relating to incidents targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community once again show disturbing, record-breaking numbers. Even as violence in the nation overall is continuing to drop, reports of hate crime incidents targeting people for their sexual orientation or gender identity are rising.
Leading National Civil Rights Organizations to Fortune 1000 Executives: Future Business Success Requires Your Commitment to Workplace Inclusion
WASHINGTON - September 19, 2024 Today, the nation's leading civil rights organizations, representing women, people of color, people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community, issued a call to action to Fortune 1000 executives and board members to remain steadfast in their commitments to workplace inclusion and the inherent risks in abandoning decades-long best practices. Signers on the letter include the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, NAACP, American Association of People with Disabilities, Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC, UnidosUS, National Women's Law Center, National Urban League, the National Organization for Women, and other major civil rights organizations.
Discrimination Survey 2024
On October 1, the Pennsylvania Equality Project is launching a new survey about education and workplace discrimination. The new survey will run while the current Housing Affordability and Sustainability survey progresses. The discrimination survey will focus on issues related to intimidation, harassment, bullying, and other related behaviors in the classroom and the work environment. All survey responses will remain confidential. The survey is open to all Pennsylvanians in the LGBTQ+ community and our allies who have faced discrimination based on perceived sexual orientation and gender identity issues. There are no age restrictions for this survey. Both the Housing survey and the Discrimination survey end on December 31, 2024. To take the survey, go to paequality.com and click on the Survey link at the top of the page. For more information, send an email to info@paequality.com.
Trans Stories are Everyone's Stories: New PSA Campaign from HRC Foundation Aims to Increase Acceptance of Transgender Youth
WASHINGTON Trans and nonbinary teens face the same rites of passage into adulthood as everyone else does, and live far more relatable lives than anti-LGBTQ+ bullies would have you believe. That's the key message of "Daniel Really Suits You," the centerpiece of a new six-figure ad campaign from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that begins today in key media markets across the country. "Daniel Really Suits You" was produced in partnership with BRINK Media Group and Comic Relief US.
Lambda Legal Applauds Historic Senate Confirmation: 12th LGBTQ+ Judge Confirmed Under Biden Administration
Washington, D.C. - September 18, 2024 - Yesterday, in a historic moment for judicial diversity, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mary Kay Costello to serve as a district court judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by a vote of 52-41. Judge Costello, a military veteran, is the 12th openly LGBTQ+ judicial nominee to be confirmed under the Biden administration. This landmark confirmation solidifies President Biden's record of having more LGBTQ+ judges confirmed than any other president in history.
On National Voter Registration Day, Human Rights Campaign Foundation Report Finds More Than 95% of LGBTQ+ Adults are Registered to Vote
WASHINGTON - September 17, 2024 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released findings that show strong majorities of LGBTQ+ adults are registered and motivated to vote in the November 2024 elections. The results come from the annual HRCF 2024 LGBTQ+ Climate Survey, a survey of over 2,400 LGBTQ+ Americans that was completed between Aug. 8-18, 2024. Through our nonpartisan coalition partnership with Pride to the Polls an initiative advancing LGBTQ+ voter engagement HRCF is supporting the LGBTQ+ community as one of the fastest growing voting blocs in the country, with approximately 20 million eligible voters this fall.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Announces Record Participation in Upcoming 2025 Corporate Equality Index, Docks Scores of Seven Companies in Current Ranking
WASHINGTON - September 12, 2024 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation announced that seven companies - Ford, Molson Coors, Tractor Supply Co., John Deere, Lowe's, Harley-Davidson and Brown-Forman - will face significant deductions on their current Corporate Equality Index scores in response to their reflexive, anti-consumer and anti-employee decision to abandon previously-stated commitments to the values of inclusion and responsible corporate citizenship. These handful of rollbacks come as the HRC Foundation is seeing record participation of more than 1,400 companies in the 2025 Corporate Equality Index, due to be released in early 2025. HRC President Kelley Robinson announced this news on CNBC's Squawk Box this morning.
Equality California on Ruling Striking Down Chino Valley USD Forced Outing Policy
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. - September 11, 2024 Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang regarding the ruling from the San Bernardino Superior Court that permanently halts Chino Valley Unified School District from enforcing dangerous provisions of their forced outing policy.
GLSEN, State Advocates Call for Increased Enforcement of LGBTQ-Inclusive Title IX Rule
Washington, DC (September 9, 2024) - Today, GLSEN and statewide LGBTQ+ rights organizations in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin call for the U.S. Department of Education to open federal Title IX investigations into school districts that are rejecting or otherwise failing to comply with updated regulations that went into effect on August 1. These protections prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. As an organization dedicated to creating safe and affirming schools for all students, GLSEN has long advocated for policies that protect LGBTQ+ youth from harassment and discrimination in K-12 learning environments.
Health
STATEMENT: National PrEP Advocates Applaud CDC PrEP Pilot Launch
Thursday, October 4th, 2024- Advocates applaud the announcement of the five jurisdictions to receive funding as part of a first-of-its-kind Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) PrEP pilot. While the original notification of funding opportunity (NOFO) allocated $7M in funds for four jurisdictions, in the face of overwhelming demand from 17 health departments who applied, the CDC increased the investment to $10M $2M each for five jurisdictions a clear sign of the urgent need for more PrEP funding. The initiative has the potential to show how a National PrEP Program , as championed by advocacy organizations all over the US, could transform equitable PrEP access by greatly simplifying cost coverage, expanding access to providers, and creating more effective and community-driven education and awareness initiatives. PrEP4All, PrEP in Black America, HIVMA, and AVAC stand ready to work alongside key stakeholders in the five jurisdictions chosen Baltimore, Houston, Florida, Oklahoma, and South Carolina and provide insights from the last three years of multi-stakeholder discussions led by our organizations.
Red Cross: Blood donors needed now to help combat critical need
[Sept. 23, 2024] The American Red Cross continues to amplify the ongoing critical need for blood and platelets to keep the blood supply stable as fall begins. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, those giving platelets and those who have never given before, are needed now.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Takes Golden Opportunity to Warn STDs are Timeless
LOS ANGELES AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world's largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, which also provides free, comprehensive sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and treatment, is rolling out a new national outdoor advertising campaign reminding older adults that "STDs are Timeless." The ads feature a variety of older couples kissing on the beach with an idyllic golden sunset behind them. The "Timeless" headline is accompanied by the URL for AHF's freeSTDcheck.org website, which makes it easy to find one of AHF's free, nonjudgmental STD testing and treatment locations.
Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer Memorial Blood Drive
[ERIE, SEPT. 16, 2024] The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Erie, Pennsylvania on Oct. 7, 2024, in memory of Ryan Clinkunbroomer, who was a Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy in California. Deputy Clinkunbroomer grew up visiting Erie, which is home to his grandmother's side of the family. The drive will take place on what would have been Clinkunbroomer's 32nd birthday. Another blood drive in Clinkunbroomer's honor will be held in Los Angeles on the same day.
Helping community members with special needs prepare for emergencies
Erie, PA - September is National Preparedness Month. The Erie County Department of Public Safety invites residents of Erie County who may need special or additional support during a police, fire or medical emergency to register in the Erie County 911 Special Needs Registry at eriecountypa.gov/specialneedsregistry.
PrEP4All Statement on Interim PURPOSE 2 Results
September 12, 2024 - Today, Gilead Sciences announced early interim results from its PURPOSE 2 trial demonstrating that among men who have sex with men, transgender, and nonbinary individuals lenacapavir administered as a once every six-month injectable PrEP resulted in an HIV rate that was 96% lower compared with expected background levels of new HIV infections and 89% lower compared with oral TDF/FTC. Following on the early results of PURPOSE 1 in cisgender women in sub-Saharan Africa, which showed no new HIV infections in the lenacapavir arm, the company is prepared to seek regulatory approval in hopes of coming to market in 2025.
Spirituality and Religion
16th Annual Diversity Service at Community United Church Oct 27
The staff and congregation of Community United Church, 1011 W 38th St, Erie, PA, warmly invite you to join us on Sunday, October 27, at 11:00 AM as we celebrate our sixteenth year as a nationally certified Open and Affirming faith community in the United Church of Christ. As an Open and Affirming Christian congregation, we boldly accept and affirm LGBTQ+ people and relationships. We proudly march in our city's Pride parade and offer regular educational opportunities on LGBTQ+ inclusion. We are a faith community that grounds our understanding of God in unconditional love -and although we do not claim to be perfect, we do seek to embody that love through radical welcome, helping those in need, honoring boundaries, worship, study, small groups, and standing for restorative justice. Please join us as we celebrate our sixteenth year of Open and Affirming certification.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
From one LGBT TV pioneer to another, Greg Berlanti
From Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: This story begins a year before Greg Berlanti was born. So, who is Greg Berlanti? If you watched the Emmy Awards on Sept. 15, you might have felt a sense of inclusion when they announced the recipient of the prestigious Governors Award. It was awarded to Berlanti, the out TV writer, producer and director who is the subject of this column.
Patriots for Kamala
From Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News - My husband, Jason, and I have been wearing "Harris-Walz" shirts in public as often as possible. I've even worn them to events where a suit would usually be expected, and I'm often the only one dressed so casually. But that's the point, right? Wearing a shirt with a message is meant to start conversations
Log Cabin LGBT Republicans & Trump want to annul your marriage
This column is for LGBTQ+ Republican voters who are at risk of losing their right to marriage equality and seeing their marriages made illegal. Do you love your spouse enough to protect your marriage? Let's find out.
Contests
Enter to win Can I Offer You Something? Expert ways to overcome the horrors of organizational feedback!
Enter to win Can I Offer You Something? Expert ways to overcome the horrors of organizational feedback! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, October 18, and Friday, November 8.
Enter to win The Summer With Carmen!
Enter to win The Problem with Men: Insights into Overcoming a Traumatic Childhood from a World-Renowned Psychologist!
Enter to win The Problem with Men: Insights into Overcoming a Traumatic Childhood from a World-Renowned Psychologist! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, October 11, and Friday, November 1.
Enter to win American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era!
Enter to win American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 8, and Tuesday, October 29.
Enter to win The Ghost Guard!
Enter to win The Ghost Guard! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, October 3, and Friday, October 25.
Enter to win Wildfire: The Rise of a Hero!
Enter to win Wildfire: The Rise of a Hero! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 1, and Tuesday, October 22.
Enter to win The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace!
Enter to win The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, September 24, and Tuesday, October 15
History
But the Bible says!": How one mistake accidentally sparked today's anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric
After months of deliberation, David Sheldon Fearon wrote a letter in 1959 to the committee responsible for developing the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible. Fearon, recently deceased, was then a 21-year-old seminary student in Canada who hoped to call attention to a mistranslation he'd discovered.
Miscellaneous
Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Mandelman Announce New Permanent Home for LGBTQ History Museum in the Castro
San Francisco, CA - October 3, 2024 - Today, Mayor London N. Breed and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman announced San Francisco has identified a permanent home for the GLBT Historical Society Museum and Archives in the heart of the Castro neighborhood. Mayor Breed and Supervisor Mandelman will introduce legislation this coming Tuesday to allow for 2280 Market Street to become a full-scale museum, archives, and research center.
Intersex Awareness Day
The annual Intersex Awareness Day will be celebrated on Saturday, October 26. On this day back in 1996, the first public demonstration of intersex people took place in Boston, MA, at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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