November, 2024 News (47 Articles with 38,882 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for November, 2024 Queering The Vote Rally by Erie Dems Queer Caucus on Oct 17. 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
Important Information From Elections Office!
All eligible voters who were approved for a mail ballot prior to the statutory deadline of October 29, but have not yet have received the mail ballot, may come into the Election Office at the Courthouse to be provided a replacement ballot.
Coffee Social for LGBTQ+ Veterans
The Erie VA Medical Center LGBTQ+ Program and Peer Support are hosting a Coffee Social for LGBTQ+ Veterans on Friday, November 22 at 10 a.m. at Panera Bread (4014 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. Times are subject to change based on availability. For more information and updates, visit www.erie.va.gov or https://www.facebook.com/VAMCErie/
Input Needed on Safe Streets and Roads for All
Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the City of Erie is currently working on a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Vision Zero plan to reduce fatal and suspected serious/severe injury cases. As a part of the planning process, the City learned that 14% of speed-related crashes lead to severe results that involve fatal or serious injuries. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 5,603 crashes in the city. Of those, 34 were fatal crashes and 162 were suspected severe injury crashes. High severity crashes tend to coincide with higher speed roadways, due to the greater impact forces of the vehicles traveling at greater speeds.We are seeking public input, and your feedback will help determine priorities. You can visit this WEBSITE to view a storymap that further explains this project and take the survey, or you can click HERE to go directly to the survey. The online survey will remain open for the remainder of this month. However, active engagement will continue throughout the winter months to gather input on recommendations for safety measures.
20th Anniversary Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend raises $3,380
This year's Pink Party weekend was October 4 & 5 at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St. The benefit was a three-night event with $3,380.00 going to Linked By Pink. Michelle Michaels would like to thank the Zone Dance Club owners, Lou, and the entire staff at the bar for unconditionally allowing her to do what she does every year. Over the past 20 years, the event has raised close to $100,000.
Stitch And B*tch At Compton's Table
You're reading that right! By popular demand, Compton's Table is starting a STITCH AND B*TCH! This group will meet at Compton's Table, 3104 State St, Erie, PA, bi-weekly on Wednesdays, beginning on November 13th. Bring your knitting needles, crochet projects, yarn, or whatever you're working on at the moment, and come hang out with us. This event is bring your own materials, and we encourage you to bring anything extra you may have to share with the group!
Aging With Pride Presentation on Medicare
Ronald Crist, Medicare Specialist for HUB International, Inc., came to Aging With Pride's September 22, 2024, meeting at Lake Erie Counseling to present information on options for coverage and answer questions. The meeting was well-attended, and everyone was thankful for the helpful info.
TransFamily of Erie's Annual TransGiving Potluck meal on November 23
Join us on November 23 for our annual "TransGiving Feast" potluck meal to show thanks for our chosen family! It will occur at Compton's Table (inside the Community Outreach Center, 3104 State St. Erie, PA) from 2-5 pm. TransFamily of NWPA will provide the turkey, stuffing, and drinks. Please bring a dish to share, and we hope to see you there!
Chat & Chill Returns to Compton's Table on November 7
It's happening! Chat & Chill is officially BACK at Compton's Table, 3104 State Street, Erie PA, and better than ever. 18+ groups are every first Thursday of each month from 6-8 pm. Each month will have a different theme to keep the conversation going. November's theme is centered all around YOU and caring for yourself. We'll share some tips and ways to explore and care for yourself through journaling. November's meeting will be on Thursday the 7th from 6-8 pm. Registration required at https://comptonstable.org/chatnchill
The Advocate Endorses Kamala Harris for President of the United States
LOS ANGELES, CA (October 15, 2024) The Advocate, the world's leading source of LGBTQ+ news and information, today announces its official endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States. Alongside its endorsement, the outlet releases its comprehensive voter guide which provides crucial information on LGBTQ+ candidates at the federal level. The guide includes resources on registering to vote, finding polling stations, and a side-by-side look at the records of Vice President Harris and Former President Donald Trump on key LGBTQ+ issues, including marriage equality and gender-affirming healthcare.
Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 in Erie - LOCATION CHANGE
Join TransFamily of NWPA on Wednesday, November 20, for Transgender Day of Remembrance. We will come together to remember and honor our transgender siblings who have been lost to senseless acts of anti-transgender violence, marginalization, and stigma by reading their names and short bios aloud. The vigil will be at the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie, PA. A candlelight vigil and name reading will be held from 7-8 pm, with time for refreshments and reflection afterward. Please note that this is a different location than years past and also that the location has changed from when it was announced earlier this month!
Aging With Pride Dinner at Thai Taste Cuisine
On September 26, Aging With Pride had their monthly dinner at Thai Taste Cuisine, 35 Peninsula Drv, Erie, PA. Aging With Pride dinners are usually on the last Thursday of the month, but October and November this year will be one week earlier because of Halloween and Thanksgiving. The next dinner will be on October 24 at Valerio's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, 724 Powell Ave, 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.
All-New Drag Competition Coming To Meadville
An all-new drag competition is coming to Meadville. Local drag queen Cherry Falwell is partnering with Travis Smith and the Meadville Council on the Arts for Who Wants To Be A Drag Star: Round One on November 16th. In each round, drag performers will showcase their individual talents and compete in an on-stage challenge. The winner of each round will advance to the spring finale.
Voters Guide
Candidates for US Senator, US Congress (PA-16), PA State Senate District 49, and PA State House for areas that included Erie County were asked about their positions on LGBTQIA+ issues for the November 5 General Election. The last day to register to vote is October 21, and the last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is October 29.
Deadline for November 2024 print edition (issue #348) of Erie Gay News is Monday, October 14, comes out Tuesday, October 22!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 348, cover-dated for November 2024), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late October 2024 and beyond by Monday, October 14. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, October 22. Please note that this issue will have our Voters Guide for the November 5 General Election.
Entertainment and Travel
Pride Journey: New Jersey
Nestled along the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park has undergone a stunning transformation from a once-sleepy beach town to a vibrant, inclusive cultural hub. Its rich history, eclectic boardwalk, and thriving arts scene have made it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. For the LGBTQ community, Asbury Park holds a special place, offering an open and welcoming environment that celebrates diversity. On a recent trip to the destination, I noticed a ton of pride flags sprinkled throughout the area, hanging from homes and in the windows of area businesses.
The Other Orlando: Eola Park, Ivanhoe District, Arts District, and More
Have you been to the other Orlando? The city has an interesting, walkable downtown including the fabulous Lake Eola Park and the hipster Ivanhoe neighborhood just north of downtown. Plus a lively nightlife scene.
Masquerade at the Museum Returns for 2024 with new Grand Raffle
ERIE, Pa. The Erie Art Museum will host its second annual Masquerade at the Museum on Saturday, October 26th, from 7 pm 11 pm. This year's event includes multiple performances including live music by Danny and the Daddios and dance performances by Seiche Dance Collective and Mercyhurst Dance Department. Additional entertainment includes face-painted masquerade masks by Taradoodles, live drawings by Anthony Carson, the return of Spectral Tales in the Customs House with Stephanie Wincik, Tarot Card Readings, a 360-degree photo booth, and an interactive art experience with guest artist Qian Li.
Danny Will Die Alone Returns for Second Hilarious Season on Dekkoo
The hit Dekkoo Original Series, Danny Will Die Alone, is back with a highly anticipated second season. Building on the success of the first, creator, writer, and star Jack Tracy takes viewers on another laugh-out-loud journey, diving deeper into the complexities of modern dating with a signature blend of outrageous comedy and emotional depth. Fans of the show can expect more of Danny's wild escapades, including episodes tackling polyamory, the concept of being a "side," open couples, and even some taboo topics like fisting and exploring gender norms. "We handle these themes just as indelicately as always," Tracy laughs, promising the same unfiltered approach that made season one so memorable.
Smashby Releases Empowering New Country Pop Single "Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)"
Smashby, the bold, adventurous out artist known for his genre-blending music and authentic storytelling, is back with his most personal and empowering release to date. His new country pop single, "Love Myself (How I Used to Love You," brings listeners on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the ultimate reward: self-love. The inspiration for the song came from Smashby's very first heartbreak, when old emotions resurfaced for the artist. "It's been a while since that heartbreak," Smashby explains, "but seeing him get engaged last year brought everything back up. It made me reflect on how much energy I wasted on him and how, after a few heartbreaks, I realized that energy would have been better spent loving on myself."
Local Faces and Photos
G2H2 for October
G2H2 held their monthly get-together on Friday, October 4, at Room 33 Speakeasy, 1033 State St, Erie, PA. The group usually meets the first Friday of each month. The next G2H2 on Friday, November 1, will also be at Room 33.
Political, Activism and Legal
Retirement Rankings Say, "Head South." But What About LGBTQ People?
A recent study by Bankrate, a personal financial services review site, looked at the best and worst states to retire and based their rankings on five factors: affordability, well-being, quality and cost of health care, weather, and crime. Their general recommendation emphasized in the New York Times article featuring their analysis? "Head South." This suggestion may be fitting for those over 65 whose decision on where to live is mainly powered by cost of living and warm temps, but for the 2.7 million LGBTQ people ages 50 and over, other factors like what rights a state affords or denies LGBTQ people likely matter just as much, if not more. Including even a minimal consideration of a state's treatment of LGBTQ people would result in a different ranking of states all together.
Reality Check: Leading up to Election Night, Equality is Surging while Anti-Trans Attacks Fall Flat
WASHINGTON With just five days until voting ends, equality remains a winning issue, openly-LGBTQ+ candidates are poised to make history once again, and brazen, cruel attacks against the transgender community are turning off voters. As Vice President Kamala Harris put it during her closing argument this week, "[Trump] is not a candidate for president who is thinking about how to make your life better. Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other. That is who he is, but America that is not who we are." Below are some of the key trends emerging.
The Harmful Legacy of Trump's Anti-LGBTQ+ Federal Judges: Lambda Legal Analysis Reveals Enduring Impact
Washington, DC - October 22, 2024 Today, in the first weeks of the new U.S. Supreme Court's term, Lambda Legal released a comprehensive report detailing the far-reaching consequences of the Trump administration's anti-LGBTQ+ judicial appointees on LGBTQ+ civil rights and civil rights more broadly. Between 2017 and 2020, 234 federal judges were appointed by former President Trumpincluding three U.S. Supreme Court justices. After careful review of their records, Lambda Legal formally opposed 34 judicial nominees, due to their explicit records of anti-LGBTQ+ bias, including the three U.S. Supreme Court Justices.
U.S. Supreme Court Grants Lambda Legal's and ACLU's Request for Divided Argument in Challenge to Tennessee's Transgender Youth Health Care Ban
(Washington, DC October 21, 2024) The United States Supreme Court today granted the petition for divided argument in U.S. v. Skrmetti, the challenge to Tennessee's discriminatory ban on health care for transgender Tennessee youth. The Court Friday scheduled oral argument in the case for December 4, 2024.
State of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvania Town Hall (Northwestern PA) this Thursday at Blasco Memorial Public Library
Please join us for an important forum on the current state of LGBTQ+ civil rights protections in Pennsylvania. All are welcome. Leading national, state, and local LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations are coming together to share the latest policy developments and critical information on the work ahead with our communities. You will be able to ask your questions on LGBTQ+ policy with advocacy experts. The townhall will be held at Blasco Memorial Public Library, 160 E Front St, Erie PA this Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 to 7 PM
Queering The Vote Rally By Erie Dems Queer Caucus
The Erie Dems Queer Caucus hosted a "Queering the Vote" rally on Thursday, October 17, bringing together people from the city, the county, and even canvassers from out of state for the Harris/Walz campaign. The event was a vibrant celebration, but it also raised awareness about the high stakes of the upcoming election.
Overwhelming Majority of LGBTQ Community Centers Have Experienced Anti-LGBTQ Harassment Over the Past Two Years, Report Finds
October 16, 2024 Today the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and CenterLink released the 2024 LGBTQ Community Center Survey Report, which showed that 73% of LGBTQ centers surveyed reported they had experienced anti-LGBTQ threats or harassment over the past two years, much of which were specifically in response to anti-LGBTQ politics or rhetoric.
DNC Announces Historic Six-Figure Ad Campaign Targeting Over One Million LGBTQ+ Voters in Battleground States and Races
October 11, 2024 - Today, the DNC announced a historic, six-figure paid media campaign targeting LGBTQ+ voters in battleground states and target House and Senate seats across the country. The 'I Will Vote' media campaign, which will reach over one million voters in the first week alone, is the first time the DNC has executed a dedicated paid media campaign targeting LGBTQ+ publications and is a show-of-force as Democrats do everything they can to turn out voters in every community in this election.
NCLR to be the New Home of the National LGBTQ Women's Community Survey Created by the Late Urvashi Vaid
As one of her final acts of activism and exploration in her search of justice, Urvashi Vaid and Justice Work, the social justice research organization she founded, along with the Critical Race Lab at Emory University created the most comprehensive study to date of LGBTQ women. The study was designed to investigate the complex web of discrimination and structural violence faced by women and nonbinary people who partner with women. The results of this study led to the development of a groundbreaking data set for seeing and understanding the lives and needs of queer women. NCLR is honored to become the new stewards of this data and look forward to the policy and programming this data will inform for years to come. LGBTQ women are rich in diverse experience and, due to systems of oppression such as sexism, homophobia, transphobia and racism within our culture, are severely under-studied and resourced.
Health
Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks back this weekend
[Oct. 31, 2024] Daylight saving time ends on November 3 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working.
NEW REPORT: The Pathway Forward for a National PrEP Program
This year, PrEP4All convened over 50 PrEP users, providers, community leaders, health department representatives, and researchers from around the country to discuss best practices for achieving equity in a National PrEP Program. Following meetings hosted at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, PrEP4All has released top level recommendations in our latest report, The Path Forward for a National PrEP Program: Policy and Implementation Priorities. An accompanying summary document is also available. PrEP4All sincerely thanks Arnold Ventures for its support of this critical work.
Dec 2 - Erie County HIV Task Force Hosts World AIDS Day Program
On Monday, December 2, 2024, the Erie County HIV Task Force [ECHTF] will present this year's "Let's Talk About HIV" World AIDS Day program at the H.O. Hirt Auditorium inside the Blasco Library at 160 East Front Street, Erie PA 16507. Doors will open at 5:00 pm, followed by the program at 5:30 pm. This year's focus is on encouraging everyone to talk about HIV and its impact on the lives of Erie County residents.
LGBTQIA+ Health Focus Group
The Erie County Department of Health is in the process of conducting our Community Health Needs Assessment. We are holding focus groups to learn more about the assets and barriers certain populations experience related to their health. We are seeking participants from the LGBTQIA+ community to participate in a focus group on Monday November 25th from 5:30 7:00 PM at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life. Participants will receive a gift card for their time and food and beverages will be provided. To register, please complete this survey: https://arcg.is/1fnaui1 or call 814-451-6769. Registration is limited to ensure that all participants are heard, so please register by 11/18. Thank you.
Public Health Data dashboard for flu, COVID-19 and RSV
Erie, PA - The Erie County Department of Health has launched an online public health dashboard at eriecountypa.gov/health that shows statistics from the monitoring of respiratory diseases in the county, which include flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Log Cabin Republicans: Don't hate them, pity them
To understand the reason for this headline, all you have to do is listen to why LGBTQ+ Log Cabin Republicans say they support Donald Trump. Their main reason for supporting the Republican presidential candidate is that they identify as conservative and believe the candidate represents their conservative values. They feel that Republican values reflect their own more closely than Democratic ones, and that Trump embodies those conservative values.
How to react to a friend who is not voting
From Mark Segal, Philadelphia Gay News - Last week, Jason and I had dinner with a couple we've been friends with for many years. Like us, he's a longtime journalist. Some believe he leans right, but he always claims his opinions are grounded in reason, fact and common sense. He told me that he couldn't vote for Kamala Harris, but also couldn't bring himself to vote for Donald Trump. I must admit, my frustration was apparent, especially because our strong bond has always been based on logic and this stance felt illogical, especially coming from a journalist. He mentioned various reasons, including disagreements with her positions and not knowing who she is.
Contests
Enter to win Malanova Digital Download from Ariztical Entertainment!
Enter to win Malanova Digital Download from Ariztical Entertainment. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, November 19, and Tuesday, December 10.
Enter to win a digital download of Our dad, Danielle
Enter to win a digital download of Our dad, Danielle. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, November 5, and Tuesday, November 26.
Enter to win Hard as Stone: Book One of the SoulShares Series e-book from Riverdale Avenue Books!
Enter to win Hard as Stone: Book One of the SoulShares Series e-book from Riverdale Avenue Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, November 1, and Friday, November 22.
Enter to win Fangsters: Clan of the Jersey Boys e-book from Riverdale Avenue Books!
Enter to win Fangsters: Clan of the Jersey Boys e-book from Riverdale Avenue Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 29, and Tuesday, November 19.
Enter to win Dark Rainbow, Anthology of Queer Erotic Horror e-book from Riverdale Avenue Books!
Enter to win Dark Rainbow, Anthology of Queer Erotic Horror e-book, edited by Andrew Robertson from Riverdale Avenue Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, October 25 and Friday, November 15.
Enter to win The Blood of Kings e-book from Riverdale Avenue Books!
Enter to win The Blood of Kings e-book from Riverdale Avenue Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 22 and Tuesday, November 12.
History
Stonewall story - and jacket - highlights importance of allies
Before he became one of San Francisco's premier press agents, Lee Houskeeper was just another twentysomething in New York City. It was there in the sweltering humidity of the lower Manhattan summer, in 1969, that he witnessed the Stonewall riots.
The Lavender Scare: The Case Against Homosexuals
There is perhaps no more critical election in U.S. history than the one in which Americans vote Nov. 5. Vice President Kamala Harris has said repeatedly as she campaigns that former president Donald Trump poses a threat to democracy as well as to a myriad of aspects of Americans' daily lives. The specter of Jan. 6, 2021 remains vivid for most Americans, so it's not a hyperbolic statement or mere electioneering.
Corporate America's embrace of LGBTQ+ rights shaped history. What's next for allyship?
"The evolution of a company's policies and branding and reputation is a lifelong work-in-progress," said Bob Witek, a pioneering LGBTQ+ business leader and communications strategist. Concepts like DEI are mainstream today, and advertising to LGBTQ+ customers is commonplace but neither were the norm thirty years ago. Witek is one of the trailblazers who supported some of the first major companies in the early '90s to openly welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ people both as customers and as integral members of the workforce.
US medical archive adds SF transgender clinic website
A national repository for historic medical information has added the website of a San Francisco health clinic focused on transgender patients to its collection. It is part of the newly created Sexual and Gender Minority Health web archive that is gathering LGBTQ health resources to preserve them in perpetuity.
The History of Lesbians and Sports
On Sept. 20, 1973, in their so-called "Battle of the Sexes," tennis star Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, in the Houston Astrodome. It was the first time a woman had played against a man in such a venue and it was an historic event with much media hype and an astounding amount of betting in Las Vegas with the odds in Riggs's favor.
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