January, 2025 News (37 Articles with 26,243 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for January, 2025 Morticia Monroe and Cherry Falwell at Miss Great Lakes Comedy Queen on November 30.
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
Compton's Table: End-of-Year Giving
This year, Compton's Table celebrated the graduation of three cohorts from our True North program, generously supported by the Erie Community Foundation. Our Chat n Chills continue to foster a warm, inclusive environment for connection and support, while our Open Mic nights showcase and uplift the incredible talents of local queer artists. June we hosted our 40 Shades of Purple Fundraising Event which pulled together over 130 individuals to celebrate founder Tyler Titus' 40th birthday and all that Compton's has accomplished.
2024 - A look back in photos
Check out our photo gallery for 2024! Regional groups held Pride celebrations, fundraisers, and social events to bring the community together! Erie Gay News is proud to have photo galleries for not only 2024 but also years dating back to 1995!
A Look Back at 2024 for Erie's LGBTQIA+ Community
Erie Gay News looks back at 2024 for our region's happenings and news for the year. There were Pride events throughout the region! Groups added new programs, there was activism for the election,and a few groups marked major milestones. We also will have an updated LGBT history page for our region, which covers events from the 1960's up to the end of 2024.
Erie Gay News 32nd Anniversary and 350th issue
Erie Gay News is very proud that this print edition marks our 350th issue and our 32nd anniversary! Our first issue came out in December of 1992 as a side project of Bridges, the Pride organization in Erie during the early 1990's. Part of the impetus for a monthly print publication was promoting cooperation for the then-upcoming April 1993 March on Washington. Today, we distribute Erie Gay News to over 100 locations in the NW PA, W NY, and eastern OH region. Print copies are sent each month to legislators, candidates for public office, and also LGBTQIA+ archives across the USA (including ONE Archives in Los Angeles, Gerber Hart in Chicago, Stonewall Archives in Florida, Pat Parker Vitto Russo Library in New York City, and Sexual Minority Archives in Massachusetts. Additionally, we send copies each year to two international LGBTQIA+ archives: IHLIA in Amsterdam and ArQuives in Toronto.
National Coming Out Day: Erie Family Photo on Oct 11, 2025
Picture it: Erie, PA 1995. The City of Erie was preparing to celebrate its Bicentennial. The newly energized LGBTQ+ community took a group photo on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse in October of that year to go in the Bicentennial Time Capsule that now is in Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing at the foot of State Street. The October 1995 photo was the very first Family Photo the local community had taken as a community open to the public. The tradition of taking a group photo has continued at the Pride Picnic and other events. 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of this historic event, and Erie Gay News is organizing another Family Photo on October 11, 2025 (National Coming Out Day) on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse between 11 AM and 1 PM. All groups and LGBTQ+ and supportive individuals are invited to participate. We want to show how the strength and diversity of the community have grown over the past three decades. We need YOU to make this happen.
TransFamily of NW PA Hosts Annual TransGiving Potluck
TransFamily of NW PA hosted their annual TransGiving Potluck at Compton's Table, 3401 State St, on Saturday, November 23. TransFamily provided a welcoming space for members of the trans community and their supporters to come together to enjoy a meal and socialize in a friendly way. The organizers mentioned how happy they were to see not only returning friends but new faces as well. The potluck was delectable, and everyone had a wonderful time.
NW PA Pride Alliance wraps up a busy 2024
While 2024 proved to come with its own set of challenges, the NW PA Pride Alliance is happy to continue its work to improve the visibility of the Queer/LGBTQIA+ community in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Bears Do Dinner for December
Bears Do Dinner held its December meet-up for dinner at The Boardroom Dining & Spirits, 4353 W Ridge Rd, Erie, PA. The next Bears Do Dinner will be on January 8 at Saigon Nights, 2430 W 8th St, Erie, PA.
LGBT Venango Support Group forming
A peer-led support group for LGBTQ+ adults is now meeting on the first Saturday of each month upstairs in a private room at the Franklin Library, 421 12th St, Franklin, PA, 16423. The meeting is ADA-accessible via elevator. Please wear a face mask for the safety of the immunocompromised and disabled members of our community. Masks will be available at the group if you forget yours! To find out more about the group, browse https://lgbtvenango.com/ or check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567949807569 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lgbtvenango/
Miss Great Lakes Comedy Queen Pageant on Nov 30
Snowmageddon couldn't stop these comedy queens! The Miss Great Lakes Comedy Queen pageant, a preliminary to National Miss Comedy Queen, was held in Buffalo on November 30th. Contestants were judged in several categories including comedic talent, a sports themed presentation, and outrageous evening gown. The queens were also tasked with showcasing their improv skills to sell a mystery product in the 60 second spokeswoman category.
SafeNet and the LGBTQ+ Community
As the holiday season draws near, we find ourselves reflecting on themes of love, family, and togetherness. While this time can be a joyous celebration for many who gather with friends and loved ones, it can also shine a light on painful realities for those who may feel unsafe or unsupported. One significant issue affecting our LGBTQ+ community, often overlooked, is domestic violence.
Winter Group Therapy Returns to Journey To A Trauma Informed Life
Are YOU ready to slow down, reflect, and connect this winter? Winter is the perfect time to turn inward, nurture your well-being, and set intentions for the year ahead. This season, Journey To A Trauma Informed Life invites you to join us at 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA, for group therapy sessions designed to inspire creativity and self-discovery in a supportive environment. Registration closes on December 29, 2024. Sessions start on January 13, 2025. All groups are in person. Sessions are FREE for UPMC for You members. Ask Journey to a Traum Informed Life about other insurances.
Deadline for January 2025 print edition (issue #350) of Erie Gay News is Monday, December 9, comes out Tuesday, December 17! Early deadline due to holidays!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 350, cover-dated for January 2025), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late December 2024 and beyond by Monday, December 9. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, December 17. The deadline is earlier than usual because of how the holidays fall this year.
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.
Entertainment and Travel
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.
Erie Art Museum's 102nd Annual Spring Show Juror Selected, Submissions Open
ERIE, Pa. - The Erie Art Museum has opened submissions for the 102nd annual Spring Show. Registration began on December 2, 2024, and runs through February 2, 2025. The Spring Show is a juried art exhibition open to any and all artists living, working, or studying within 250 miles of the City of Erie, Pennsylvania.
RuPaul's Drag Race Unveils Trailer and Guest Judges for Splashy New Season Premiering on Friday, January 3rd at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV
(NEW YORK, NY December 12, 2024) MTV today announced the star-studded lineup of guest judges who will join Emmy® Award-winning host RuPaul and mainstay judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews and Ts Madison for the 17th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. The network also released the jaw-dropping trailer for the upcoming season, featuring global pop star Katy Perry as the premiere guest judge airing on Friday, January 3rd. Episodes will follow the 90-minute format and air Fridays at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV.
Pride Journey: Park City, Utah A Mountain Haven of LGBTQ Inclusivity
Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Park City is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a world-class dining and relaxation experience. Originally a silver mining town, it has evolved into one of the most popular destinations in the United States, offering not just world-class ski resorts and summer outdoor activities, but also a rich blend of culture, fine dining, and leisure. Whether you are planning a winter getaway, visiting the renowned Sundance Film Festival, or just a weekend escape, Park City offers something for everyone. Among the many things that make it a premier destination are events like the Park City Wine Fest.
Tickets On Sale Monday for MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2!
Erie, PA Broadway in Erie is pleased to announce the brand-new national tour of Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through 'The Change' will be playing at the Warner Theatre on May 13, 2025.
RuPaul's Drag Race Ruveals the New Queens of Season 17, premiering Friday, January 3rd at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV
(New York, NY - December 4th) - MTV today ru-vealed the cast for Season 17 of the Emmy Award-winning global phenomenon, RuPaul's Drag Race, which returns Friday, January 3rd at 8:00 PM ET/PT with 90-minute episodes. This season, 14 dazzling new queens enter the Werk Room to compete for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" and a cash prize of $200,000 for the winner, sponsored by TodayTix, the theater ticket app.
Political, Activism and Legal
Equality California on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter
LOS ANGELES - December 30, 2024 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang following the news that Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, had passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia: "Throughout his presidency and beyond, President Carter stood up for marginalized communities and individuals, including LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and refugees. He believed that everyone deserves equal treatment and opportunities, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or background. From his support of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts in Africaincreasing access to healthcare and education for those affected by the epidemicto his vocal advocacy for marriage equality, President Carter used his powerful yet humble voice to speak up for all of us. He worked tirelessly to promote peace, justice, and democracy around the world, and his commitment to human rights and equality will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come."
MAP "Wrapped": How LGBTQ and Democracy Policy Changed in 2024
As this unprecedented year of change comes to an end, MAP has taken a comprehensive look at the laws and policies that directly impact our country's voting and elections, as well as the experiences of LGBTQ Americans.
Lambda Legal Urges President Biden to Veto Discriminatory Defense Funding Bill
(Washington, DC, December 18, 2024) Today, the United States Senate passed a new defense spending bill that bans TRICARE, the military's health care program, from covering best practice medical care for transgender children of service members. Kristine Kippins, Deputy Legal Director for Policy at Lambda Legal, issued the following statement: "It is unconscionable that both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives have approved a defense spending bill that singles out and denies servicemembers the ability to obtain critical medical care for their transgender and nonbinary children who suffer from gender dysphoria.
Military Families in Limbo as U.S. Senate Considers National Defense Authorization Act With Anti-Transgender Provision
(New York, NY - December 17, 2024) - GLAAD, the world's leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization, elevated transgender and military voices today in response to the pending National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a federal bill pending in Congress that contains a dangerous and discriminatory provision targeting the dependents of military service members and retirees and their essential health care.
House Passes Defense Bill Including Attack on Military Families' Transgender Youth
WASHINGTON - December 11, 2024 - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a version of the National Defense Authorization Act that would ban coverage for gender-affirming care for transgender youth whose parents are active-duty military personnel. The American Civil Liberties Union is opposing final passage of the defense bill over the inclusion of this health care ban and scoring the vote.
PA LGBTQ Advocates Release Landmark Statewide Legislative Agenda
HARRISBURG, Pa. - PA's only Pennsylvania-based statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization in Harrisburg released its second comprehensive LGBTQ legislative agenda. The LGBTQ Legislative Agenda from the Pennsylvania Youth Congress (PYC) provides a robust narrative on 21 specific priority areas for the General Assembly to advance LGBTQ equality, equity, and inclusion across the commonwealth. In total, 45 individual bills are recommended for introduction this coming session in both the House and Senate. PYC's first legislative agenda was released in December 2019.
Montana Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Families & Doctors, Blocks Ban on Healthcare for Transgender Youth
HELENA, MT - December 11, 2024 - Earlier today, the Montana Supreme Court ruled that SB 99, a 2023 Montana law that categorically bans life-saving gender-affirming care for transgender youth, is unconstitutional under the Montana state constitution's privacy clause, which prohibits government intrusion on private medical decisions. This ruling will allow Montana communities and families to continue accessing medical treatments for transgender minors with gender dysphoria.
Anti-Equality House Republican Leaders Push Healthcare Cuts for Servicemembers' Families in NDAA
WASHINGTON - December 7, 2024 Today, an updated FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was filed in the U.S. House of Representatives with a provision that would prohibit coverage of best-practice, medically necessary healthcare for transgender youth who are the children of servicemembers.
Statement on Oral Arguments in Supreme Court Case Involving Access to Gender-Affirming Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 4, 2024 - Equality California released a statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang following oral arguments at the Supreme Court in the case of U.S. vs. Skrmetti, which concerns the constitutionality of a Tennessee state law banning access to essential medical care for transgender minors: "Transgender youth have been under attack in this country for the past several years, with anti-LGBTQ+ extremists attempting to regulate every area of their lives from which restroom they use to whether or not they can play sports. Most consequential for these already vulnerable youth is the ability for them and their families to access medical care an issue that now sits before the Supreme Court.
Health
Hepatitis A Vaccine Research Study Seeks LGBTQ+ Community Members' Responses
The Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS) is reaching out to LGBTQ+ community members for a 15-20 minute online survey that explores health-related experiences and attitudes towards the Hepatitis A vaccine among racially, ethnically, and sexually diverse individuals. This 15-20 minute online research survey aims to learn more about health-related experiences and attitudes towards the Hepatitis A vaccine. To be eligible for the study. you have to be 18 or older and identify as racially, ethnically, and/or sexually diverse. What we learn will help improve vaccination programs and public health initiatives nationwide. You will have the opportunity to enter a raffle. Please email us at chibps.rutgers@gmail.com if you have questions about this study. Those who complete the survey will have the opportunity to enter to win one of fifty $50 e-gift cards. The survey is available in English and Spanish. The link for the 1520-minute survey is here: https://go.rutgers.edu/siwn7n52
Contests
Enter to win a digital download of F.L.Y.
Enter to win Magic University (Complete Series) by Cecilia Tan (Digital Download)
Enter to win Magic University (Complete Series) by Cecilia Tan (Digital Download). To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, December 27, and Friday, January 17.
Enter to win The Old Man and the Queer: The Transformative Story of a Retired Mayor and the Barber Who Freed Him from Bigotry
Enter to win The Old Man and the Queer: The Transformative Story of a Retired Mayor and the Barber Who Freed Him from Bigotry. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, January 14.
Enter to win Amazing Dog Stories
Enter to win Amazing Dog Stories. To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Friday, December 20, and Friday, January 10. If you love dogs, this is good news. We're giving away a copy of the hot new book Amazing Dog Stories right here. It is reviewed as "quirky, exciting, heartwarming and hilarious." 13 amazing stories about dogs. We've read it...it is Good. You can pick up your own copy of Amazing Dog Stories on Amazon - or win one right here by filling out the contest form below.
Enter to win a digital download of A Christmas Carl: A Gay Retelling of A Christmas Carol by Ryan Field!
Enter to win a digital download of A Christmas Carl: A Gay Retelling of A Christmas Carol by Ryan Field! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, December 17, and Tuesday, January 7.
Enter to win CuirDoRican: Between Queer and Latine
Enter to win CuirDoRican: Between Queer and Latine. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, December 6, and Friday, December 27. Participate in this contest to get a chance of winning a signed copy of "CuirDoRican: Between Queer and Latine"the Spanglish debut poetry workbook by genderqueer Puerto Rican-Dominican writer and poet, Samy Nemir Olivares. CuirDoRican takes you on a journey through childhood memories, family dynamics, gender identity, spirituality, and the pursuit of justice and personal and collective liberation.
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