December, 2024 News (42 Articles with 12,247 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for December, 2024 Performers at GASE Behrend Drag Show on Nov 1. 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
Lake Erie Gala 25th Anniversary
The Erie Sisters and Brothers hosted another successful Lake Erie Gala at the Sheridan Bayfront Hotel from November 13th through the 17th, 2024. This year, we celebrated our 25th annual Lake Erie Gala with 90 beautiful ladies, their spouses, significant other/supporters! The Lake Erie Gala attracts crossdressers, transgender persons, and their loved ones from across North America and beyond our borders.
Bears Do Dinner at Torero's
On November 7, 2024, Bears Do Dinner held their monthly dinner and get-together at Torero's Authentic Mexican Restaurant, 1940 Douglas Parkway, Erie, PA. The next Bears Do Dinner will be Monday, December 9, at The Boardroom Dining & Spirits, 4353 West Ridge Rd, Erie, PA.
NW PA Pride Alliance in Meadville Halloween Parade
On October 26, 2024, NW PA Pride Alliance marched in Meadville's Halloween Parade. Meadville's Halloween Parade is the largest nighttime parade in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The contingent was well-received, and NW PA Pride Alliance members proudly carried their banner and threw glowsticks to the crowd.
Full Spectrum Housing opening in Youngstown, OH
What has been over a 5-year project for Full Spectrum Community Outreach in Youngstown, OH, has opened, offering the area's first LGBTQIA+ Adult 30-90-day Transitional Homeless Shelter. This shelter will be the first of its kind within a 40-mile radius of the Mahoning Valley. Currently, there is no 100% safe and accepting shelter in the valley, making those LGBTQIA+ individuals either living on the streets or in shelters that do not support them.
TransFamily of NW PA Holds Vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance
TransFamily of NWPA hosted a vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie on November 20th, 2024. This was a community event in which we commemorated the lives of transgender people whom we have lost over the past year. There was time, both before and after the vigil, in which people helped support each other during this day. Transgender Day of Remembrance was created in 1999 to honor the memory of transgender people who were taken by violence.
Saving Our LGBTQA+ History In NWPA
Many LGBTQA+ people live in Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania. We have our friends, our families, and our social groups. We also experience many of the same problems social isolation, physical and mental health issues, poverty, and housing. But we do lack one very important thing in our communitya record of our lives and our community over time, a community-based archive that brings us all together to celebrate our similarities and our differences and to ensure that our stories, our culture is not forgotten or overlooked in the history of Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania. There are LGBTQA+ Archives throughout the United States and here in Pennsylvania including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg.
NW PA Pride Alliance October Meadville Happy Hour
NW PA Pride Alliance held its monthly Meadville Happy Hour at Julian's Bar and Grill on October 23, 2024. The next Meadville Happy Hour will be Thursday, November 27. The December Meadville Happy Hour will be one week earlier than usual on December 18 because of the holidays. NW PA Pride Alliance is skipping Erie Happy Hour at Oasis Pub and Tiki Bar for January because of the holidays.
Pony Express Offers Many Services
Pony Express, located at 1903 West 8th Street, is an independently owned and operated packing, shipping, printing, and business services center. Owners Dave and Terry Grab purchased the business in 2001. Dave worked alongside the previous owner for several months before the purchase, so they were ready to go on day 1. The professional staff is ready to assist you with all your shipping needs and provide a variety of other services. Harley (pictured) can often be found on the countertop waiting to greet customers.
OddCity's 2nd Annual Rainbow Fest Planned for April 5, 2025
OddCity Entertainment is excited to announce the upcoming second annual Rainbow Fest, scheduled for April 5th, 2025, and we invite your support to help make this event a success! Rainbow Fest is Erie's premier day festival celebrating LGBTQIA+ talent, featuring a diverse lineup of queer bands, vendors, drag performers, and artists. Last year's event achieved remarkable results, raising $1,000 for Compton's Table, a local organization dedicated to supporting Erie's queer community, and welcoming over 150 attendees. This success demonstrates the vibrancy and resilience of our underground DIY music scene, characterized by acceptance and love. Rainbow Fest is seeking sponsorships, volunteers, performers, and vendors that represent Erie and surrounding areas' queer community for 2025. For more information on how to apply to be a part of Rainbow Fest, visit www.oddcityentertainment.org or OddCity Entertainment's Facebook page.
City of Erie Earns 100 on Human Rights Campaign's 2024 Municipal Equality Index
Erie, PA - November 21, 2024 - Demonstrating a continual commitment to equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the City of Erie has earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for the third year in a row. The MEI is a nationwide evaluation of 506 cities that examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people who live and work there.
Erie Gay News on Bluesky and Other Social Media Platforms
Erie Gay News is on several social media platforms. In addition to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ErieGayNews and our Facebook discussion group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/8425024033, we have a new handle (@ErieGayNews.com) on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/eriegaynews.com. You can also find us on Instagram (handle is ErieGayNews) at https://www.instagram.com/ErieGayNews/, Threads (handle is also ErieGayNews) at https://www.threads.net/@eriegaynews. Additionally, Erie Gay News has a profile on Tumblr at https://eriegaynews.tumblr.com/ and on Mastodon at https://mastodon.social/@ErieGayNews. Please follow and like our profile wherever you find it! Our main website is https://www.eriegaynews.com.
Who Wants To Be A Drag Star Kicks Off With A Bang
Who Wants To Be A Drag Star, Cherry Falwell's all-new drag competition show, kicked off the season with Round One on Saturday, November 16th. The sold out event was hosted by Meadville Council on the Arts in the theater above the Market House in downtown Meadville and featured a pop up bar by Cussewago Creek Distillery. Four newcomers to drag (Veronica Ville, Emerald Rose, Velvet Viper, and Hydroxyzine) were given five minutes of open stage time to impress the judges and the audience. "I encouraged the contestants to show us what makes them unique. They could lip sync, juggle, sing live, do stand up comedy, anything they wanted as long as it was entertaining," said Falwell. Additionally, contestants were given a surprise on-stage challenge where they had to construct a garment or accessories using five random household items in front of the audience and then model their drag on a dime.
Compton's Table Chat & Chill
This month marks the return of one of Compton's Table's signature programs, Chat & Chill, a twice-monthly, loosely structured gathering featuring themed activities and conversations. Adults 18 and older meet the first Thursday evening of every month; youth aged 13-17 meet the second Thursday evening of every month. For more information or to register to attend next month’s Chat & Chill, visit www.comptonstable.org.
Peace, Love and Warmth in Perry Square
About 35 to 40 people attended the Peace, Love and Warmth event at Perry Square on November 16. The event was organized by Char Newport Michalek. "I named the event Peace, Love and Warmth, because everything we do has to be from a place of peace and love," said Michalak. "Sometimes it might be necessary to mobilize and do what we need to do. Peace and love doesn't make us doormats."
Compton's Table Hosts Post-Election Gathering to Support Queer Community
On November 6th, as the nation absorbed the results of an election marked by over $20 million spent on anti-trans ads, Compton's Table opened its doors to the local queer community. The gathering provided a space for understanding, processing, and coming together during a time when many are feeling the weight of fear and uncertainty.
Bringing Us Together: Weekly Statewide Zoom LGBTQ Meeting
In order to provide a forum for support and discussion for Queer leaders and community members across Pennsylvania, William Way Center in Philadelphia has begun a weekly Zoom meeting on Mondays at 5 PM. Folks can stop in, share how they are doing, and connect with others. This can be a great way to collaborate and also find emotional support. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a similar Zoom check in, and many found this to be a great source of comfort. To find out Zoom meeting details, contact William Way Executive Director Chris Bartlett at cbartlett@waygay.org
GASE Behrend Drag Show on November 1
The Gender and Sexuality Equality Club at Penn State Behrend hosted the "Halloween Drag Show" on November 1st, drawing a crowd of around 120 attendees. The show was hosted by the comedic Debbie the Drag Queen and featured a lineup of talented performers: Monica Mod, Vivian Vendetta-Sinclaire, V-Master Chad, and Maya Bizness. The event also featured a costume contest, with winners dressing up as Howl from Howl's Moving Castle and Misa Amane from Death Note. They won prize baskets from Purrista Cat Cafe and Werner Books. GASE would love to thank the performers, DJ, Purrista Cat Cafe, Werner Books, the Lion Entertainment Board, Erie Gay News, and everyone who came out to support the show!
Pip-Skey's Foundation Celebrates Success at the 2nd Annual Barks and Booze Fundraiser
Jamestown, NY On October 13, the 2nd Annual Barks and Booze Fundraiser took place at Sneakers Bar, marking a remarkable year of fundraising for Pip-Skey's Foundation for Homeless Animals, Inc. The event exceeded all expectations, featuring over 50 raffle baskets, two exciting 50/50 drawings, and a $1,000 cash prize drawing! The turnout was fantastic, with increased participation and funds raised compared to last year.
Deadline for December 2024 print edition (issue #349) of Erie Gay News is Friday, November 15, comes out Tuesday, November 26!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 349, cover-dated for December 2024), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late November 2024 and beyond by Friday, November 15. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, November 26.
Entertainment and Travel
Broadway In Erie presents Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations - Tickets on sale Fri Nov 29
Erie, PA Broadway in Erie is thrilled to announce that single tickets for the Broadway smash hit musical AIN'T TOO PROUD THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, will go on sale this Friday, November 29.
VisitErie Wins Gold and Silver PRSA/NWPA Niagara Awards - Total Solar Eclipse Initiatives Recognized
Erie, PA: VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization, earned gold and silver honors at the 2024 Public Relations Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania (PRSA/NWPA) Niagara Awards. The organization received a gold Niagara Award in "Community Relations" for its Total Solar Eclipse initiative and a silver award in "Integrated Communications" for the S.H.I.N.E. Eclipse Community Campaign. The awards were presented during the ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 21, at The Brewerie at Union Station. VisitErie President and CEO John Oliver accepted the awards alongside Marketing Manager Mary Morgan.
Stewart Taylor Flashes Back to the Future in Electrifying New Single and Music Video, "Even"
Pop artist Stewart Taylor is set to release the music video for his new single "Even," an explosive dance-pop anthem inspired by a tumultuous relationship. Driven by honest lyrics and compelling visuals, "Even" explores the rollercoaster of love and conflict, capturing the highs and lows of a relationship headed for the rocks. With a distinct European dance-pop vibe courtesy of Romanian hitmaker MADS, and a futuristic visual, the music video will premiere on Vevo on Tuesday, November 26.
Brian Falduto Releases Original Holiday Song, "Christmas Solo" A Jingle for Singles Spending the Holidays Alone
Country music crooner Brian Falduto is bringing a fresh and uplifting perspective to holiday music this season with his first original jingle, "Christmas Solo." This playful, country-pop tune shines a spotlight on those who find themselves alone during the holidays, reframing solo time as an opportunity for self-love and celebration.
Runyon Canyon, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, and the WeHo Bar Scene: Walking in L A (Your WeHo Car Free, Care Free Weekend)
I recently visited Southern California and had a fun time. The weather is always good, but the winter is the best coming from cloudy and cold climates like mine. I flew nonstop into LAX and survived without a rental car. It's a lot more relaxing. I stayed at the Ramada Plaza in West Hollywood (and the Renaissance LAX and the Anaheim Marriott). All three were excellent and affordable -- increasingly important in this expensive region.
Political, Activism and Legal
GLSEN Denounces Passage of Ohio Law Targeting Trans Students Bathroom Use
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 27, 2024) GLSEN - the leading national organization working on LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 education - condemns Governor Mike DeWine's (R-OH) decision to sign SB 104 into law. SB 104 includes a bathroom ban provision that prohibits the more than 8,500 transgender K-12 students in Ohio from using restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity, as well as at colleges and universities. The bathroom ban provision was attached to a noncontroversial bill on the college credit plus program, bypassing the normal legislative hearing process.
Court Upholds Missouri's Ban on Essential Health Care for Transgender Missourians
Jefferson City, MO - November 25, 2024 - Today, in a ruling largely copying a brief submitted by the State and ignoring thousands of pages of a transcript not yet provided to the parties that reflects nine days of testimony in the case, a Missouri Circuit Court has refused to halt enforcement of SB 49, Missouri's discriminatory law that bars transgender adolescents from receiving gender-affirming medical care and prohibits Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming medical care for transgender people of any age. The law penalizes health care professionals who provide such care to minors with the loss of their medical licenses. The ruling came in Noe v. Parson, a lawsuit challenging the law filed by Lambda Legal, the ACLU of Missouri, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.
Join the Erie County Democratic Queer Caucus!
Mark your calendars! The Erie County Democratic Queer Caucus is meeting on Monday, December 9th, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We're kicking off plans for the 2025 local elections and need your ideas, energy, and voices to make a difference. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just stepping into activism, there's a place for you here.
Landmark Transgender Justice Case is before the Supreme Court
On the heels of the election, the ACLU's legal team is busy preparing for oral arguments in front of the Supreme Court in the Landmark Transgender Justice Case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, which could have far-reaching implications on our bodily autonomy. The ACLU, along with Lambda Legal, is representing transgender youth, their families, and a Memphis-based medical doctor, in a challenge against Tennessee's ban on hormone therapy for transgender youth. Legal counsel is arguing that the ban is a clear violation of the Equal Protection Clause. Of note, U.S. v. Skrmetti will be a major test of whether the Court is willing to stretch its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, to allow states to ban other health care like IVF and birth control. ACLU Leadership Forum is providing a Zoom Webinar on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, 4-5 ET/ 1-2 PT.
GLSEN Condemns Nomination of Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education
Washington DC (November 20, 2024) GLSEN, the leading education organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive K-12 schools and learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth, condemns President-Elect Donald Trump's nomination of Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education. McMahon's lack of experience in education and loyalist agenda will endanger Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students in 2025.
GLSEN Responds to Election Results: Urgent Call to Action for LGBTQ+ Youth Protections
Washington, DC (November 6, 2024) - Today, following the election results, where Donald Trump has been declared the winner, GLSEN expresses deep concern over the potential impacts on LGBTQ+ youth and their rights. The re-election of President Trump brings an immediate threat with the implementation of Project 2025, a plan that aims to dismantle critical protections and fundamentally alter the landscape of education and civil rights in the United States.
Equality California Celebrates Yes on Prop 3 Victory
SACRAMENTO, Calif. California voters overwhelmingly voted Yes on Proposition 3 Tuesday evening, which will enshrine full marriage equality in California's constitution once and for all.
Lambda Legal Statement on the 2024 Election
(New York, NY, November 6, 2024) Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings issued the following statement: "We won't sugarcoat this last night's election results were incredibly detrimental to the cause of equality. There is no doubt that many of us feel scared, angry, and perhaps demoralized. And we are not naive: we are entering a seriously dangerous period confronted by a new administration and at least one house of Congress that have made their hostility to our community crystal clear.
Health
World AIDS Day Erie Event Scheduled For This Monday is CANCELLED!
EVENT UPDATE NOTICE: DUE TO THE WEATHER EMERGENCY AND FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, WE ARE CANCELLING THE WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 2ND. We are looking at rescheduling the event at a later date and plan to announce changes as details are confirmed. We appreciate your patience and hope you stay warm and safe as we all dig out from the feet of snow outside.
Joye Dado, MSN, CRNP, AAHIVS, Becomes Credentialed as HIV Specialist Through American Academy of HIV Medicine
Erie, Pa -- Joye Dado, a medical professional with Central Outreach Wellness Center has received her credential as an HIV Specialist, which is professionally designated by the letters "AAHIVS," from the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM). Joye's credential as an HIV Specialist is renewed every three years, and is valid beginning January 1, 2025, expiring on December 31, 2027.
Adagio Health Launches Initiative to Address Health Disparities Among Women Veterans in Rural Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA (November 8, 2024) Adagio Health is proud to announce the launch of its new "Closing the Gap: Health Equity for Women Veterans in Rural PA" project, a comprehensive initiative designed to address the unique health disparities faced by women veterans in rural Pennsylvania.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Sarah McBride passed the first Congressional test: a Republican trap
from Mark Segal - Philadelphia Gay News - Many in our community were quick to criticize Congresswoman-elect Sarah McBride, accusing her of "capitulating" to a new Congressional bathroom rule introduced by Republicans. This rule, which affects only one member of CongressMcBride, its first transgender member mandates that members must use the bathroom corresponding to their biological sex at birth. In essence, it's an anti-trans bathroom rule specifically targeting McBride. To make matters worse, the rule purportedly extends to all bathrooms in the Capitol.
U.S. Speaker of House Mike Johnson just created Trans bathroom rule
From Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News - We love when Republicans make a major misstep. One of the most significant developments for the LGBTQ+ community in the 2024 election was the election of Sarah McBride to Congress from the state of Delaware. Delaware has only one congressional seat, meaning Sarah won the vote of the entire state. She's incredibly popular in Delaware because she gets things done and does so in an eloquent, relatable way. Oh, and one more thing: Sarah is trans, making her the first openly transgender member of Congress.
Statement from Stonewall pioneer Mark Segal
from Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News - As we have done for the past 55 years since Stonewall, we will continue to stand tall, proud, and ready to wage the good fight. This isn't new; there have been times when elections in this country directly impacted our lives. Let's reflect on those moments, the challenges we faced, and how we not only survived but made progress.
Contests
Enter to win a digital download of Dyke The Halls!
Enter to win a digital download of Dyke The Halls! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, December 13, and Friday, January 3.
Enter to win Winter In The City!
Enter to win a digital download of Jingle Balls - A Christmas Anthology by Cecilia Tan!
Enter to win a digital download of Jingle Balls - A Christmas Anthology by Cecilia Tan! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 3, and Tuesday, December 24.
Broadway in Erie presents The Cher Show
Erie, PA - Tickets for the stunning brand-new production of the Tony Award-winning musical THE CHER SHOW will go on sale this Friday, November 22. THE CHER SHOW is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles!
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