May, 2025 News (42 Articles with 21,324 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for May, 2025 Odd Atrocity performs at Rainbow Fest 2025 on April 5 at Basement Transmissions. Photo by Michael Mahler.
This began publication in December 2002 after a hiatus
Category for this issueCalendar & Upcoming Events
Calendar of Local GLBT Events |
|
 |
|
Local and Regional News
Celebrating Trans Joy!
On Monday, March 31, TransFamily of NW PA invited community members to a gathering in Erie's Perry Square to commemorate International Transgender Day of Visibility. This year's celebration included local speakers and a walk around Perry Square, followed by a social time with light refreshments. If you would like support or receive more information about resources in the area, reach out to them at their website, transfamilynwpa.org.
Voters Guide for the Primary Election on May 20
Candidates for Erie County Executive, Erie County Council, Erie City Mayor, and Erie City Council were asked about their positions on LGBTQIA+ issues. Their responses appear below. A reminder that the last day to register to vote in this year's primary election is May 5. The last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 13, and PA's primary election will be on Tuesday, May 20.
Erie Queer Community Unites for Second Harvest Food Drive
On Saturday, May 10, from 11 AM to 1 PM, the Erie Queer Community will come together once again to support local families through their Second Harvest Food Drive. Hosted at Central Outreach Wellness Center, located at 3104 State St, Erie, PA, this meaningful event invites all members of the community to donate non-perishable food items. All donations will remain local and be distributed by the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW Pennsylvania, ensuring that the support stays within our region.
Mayor Schember and Chief Len Trott announce Erie Fire Department Recruitment Process
April 17, 2025 - Mayor Joe Schember and Chief Len Trott announced today that the City of Erie Fire Department is now accepting applications. There are more vacancies than usual expected this cycle and this is an excellent opportunity for those who are interested in becoming a firefighter to join a team-oriented, rewarding career in public service. The City of Erie Fire Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Drug take-back event set for Saturday, April 26, 2025
Erie, PA - April 15, 2025 - The Erie Police Department is partnering with UPMC Hamot and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor to host two local collection sites for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at City Hall and the UPMC Hamot main lobby. This is a safe way for residents to dispose of prescription drugs. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain in their original container with the cap tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
Behavioral Health Services Now Available at SisTers PGH
We are so excited and honored to announce that Sisters PGH is now offering FREE behavioral health services for trans and nonbinary folks in Pittsburgh + Allegheny County.
Annual Tire and Electronics Recycling Event Saturday, May 3
Erie, PA - April 14, 2025 - The City of Erie is holding its annual tire and electronics recycling event Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City of Erie Municipal Garage Complex, 1926 Holland St. The event is free to City of Erie residents.
Rainbow Fest: A Celebration of Pride and Community
Rainbow Fest was more than just an event - it became a vibrant celebration of love, equality, and individuality. Held on April 5, 2025 in the heart of downtown Erie at Basement Transmissions, this year's OddCity Entertainment Pride festival brought people together for a day filled with connection, creativity, and unforgettable moments. Attendees came to embrace the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, support local artists and performers, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that Rainbow Fest had to offer.
May 16th is National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day
National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day is Friday, May 16, 2025. Established in 2015 by Baltimore's Chase Brexton Health Services, National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day gained national recognition through social media and the numerous contributions made by LGBTQ+ seniors. There are approximately 2.7 million LGBTQ+ adults aged 50 and older in the United States.
Erie VA Medical Center Coffee Social for LGBTQ+ Veterans This Friday
The Erie VA Medical Center will have a coffee social for LGBTQ+ veterans this Friday, April 18, at 10 AM at the Erie VA Veteran Canteen, located in the Erie VA basement at 135 E 38th St., Erie, PA 16504. The Coffee Social is meant to bring Erie's local LGBTQ+ Veterans together to connect and foster ongoing relationships of support and friendship. Veterans will learn about VA services available including: Hormone treatment, Substance use/alcohol treatment & tobacco cessation treatment, Treatment and information on prevention of sexually transmitted infections/PrEP, Mental Health, and Fitness (Diet and Exercise). For more information, contact Brittany Miklos at 814-844-5944. This event is open to all LGBTQ+ Veterans in all counties served by the Erie VA. LGBTQ+ Veterans interested in enrolling in VA Healthcare are encouraged to attend.
City of Erie Fire Department Now Accepting Firefighter Applications
Erie, PA April 11, 2025 The City of Erie Fire Department is now accepting applications for the position of firefighter. This recruitment period is open from Friday, April 11, 2025, through Sunday, April 27, 2025. Interested candidates must submit their applications online at efd.erie.pa.us/recruitment.
Community Spotlight: Aging With Pride
On the first and third Sunday of the month, you can find a group of fun, active, senior members of the LGBTQ+ community gathering as Aging With Pride plannnig social activities, outings and events, savoring delicious refreshments, and laughing and enjoying each other's company. Aging With Pride is an organization that was first formed in 2017 but had its rebirth after COVID in 2022. The group was founded by Dale Allgeier after he had become aware of the need for older LGBTQ+ community members to have a forum to connect, and plan and host social, recreational and educational activities and events.
Bears Do Dinner #126 at Tandoori Hut Indian Cuisine
Bears Do Dinner held its 126th meet-up for dinner on April 3 at Tandoori Hut Indian Cuisine, 2605 Washington Ave, Erie, PA. The next Bears Do Dinner will be on May 6.
April Erie Queer Happy Hour at Ugly Tuna Tavern
NW PA Pride Alliance welcomed the community to Erie Queer Happy Hour at Ugly Tuna Tavern, 1012 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA, on Wednesday, April 2. Folks had a wonder time chatting with others. Erie Queer Happy Hour will be cycling between different locations. Next will be Lavery Brewing Company, 128 W 12th St, Erie, PA, on Tuesday, May 6, from 6 to 8 PM. Please note that this month's Erie Queer Happy Hour will be on the first Tuesday of the month,rather than the first Wednesday. Meadville Happy Hour is still the fourth Wednesday of each month at Julian's Bar & Grill, 299 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA.
Warren County Pride Fundraiser - Out Like A...
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Warren County Pride's fifth annual Spring fundraiser took on new form in 2025. Playing on the later-than-usual date, "Out Like a..." invited participants to show their wild sides. The newly warm weather gave a playful feeling to the evening. Lions, lambs, and other animal prints were popular themes in both decor and attire. Welcomed by local favorite Jessica Rabbit, performers Willa DeWhisp and Kristy Kreme traveled from Buffalo and Pittsburgh, respectively, to share their sass and skills.
Aging With Pride Dinner at Oasis Pub and Tiki Bar
On March 27, Aging With Pride had their monthly dinner at Oasis Pub & Tiki Bar, 3122 West Lake Road, Erie PA. Aging With Pride dinners are usually the last week of the month. The next dinner will be on April 29 at Colony Pub & Grill, 2670 W 8th St, 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 the second week of the month.
March Meadville Happy Hour
NW PA Pride Alliance held its Meadville Happy Hour on March 26, 2025, at Julian's Bar & Grill, 299 Chestnut Street. Meadville Happy Hours will continue to be held on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Julian's. Erie Queer Happy Hour has returned and will now be rotating through four different establishments. The next Erie Queer Happy Hour will be on Tuesday, May 6, from 6 to 8 PM at Lavery Brewing, 128 W 12th St, Erie PA.
Union Members Stand Up in Defense of Transgender Rights
SAN DIEGO, CA On Friday, March 21, executive board members of OUTreach, the constituency group for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (2SLGBTQ+) community members and allies who are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union, voted unanimously to take a vocal stand in solidarity with the transgender community. The vote, which was taken at their biannual convening, comes amidst a concerning influx of attempts across North America to limit, revoke, and erase the rights and contributions of transgender people.
Deadline for May 2025 print edition (issue #354) of Erie Gay News is Monday, April 14, comes out Tuesday, April 22! This will include our Voter's Guide!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 354, cover-dated for May 2025), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late April, 2025 and beyond by Monday, April 14. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, April 22. Please note that this issue will include our voter's guide for the primary election on May 20. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, May 5, and the last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is Tuesday, May 13.
Congratulations to Debbie Does Drag!
Erie is shining bright! Our very own Debbie Does Drag has claimed the crown, winning the prestigious title of National Miss Comedy Queen 2025. She was crowned by her drag mother and last year's title holder, Vivian Vendetta-Sinclaire. This is a momentous occasion, and we're sending a tidal wave of congratulations to this incredibly talented performer.
Entertainment and Travel
The Making of an Artist: Joseph Plavcan and Students on View at Erie Art Museum
The Erie Art Museum is thrilled to present the third installment of a rotating exhibition series that features Plavcan's work created between 1936 and 1980. Located in the Donna Nicholas gallery, this show features Plavcan's work in capturing a city in the midst of change. It highlights his impact on the next generation of Erie artists and art teachers. Featuring work from his renowned students such as Wilda Sundberg, Don Lord, Dan Burke, John Silk Deckard, John Vahanian, and David Seitzinger, this exhibition explores the relationship that Plavcan had with his students and how they shaped each other's art practices. Also included were students who inspired Plavcan and were inspired by Plavcan to explore color theory, such as Alberta Cifolelli, Vitus Kaiser, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Roy Ahlgren, and Carl Sundberg.
Political, Activism and Legal
Federal Judge Orders Temporary Relief to Six Plaintiffs in Challenge to Trump Administration Policy Barring Updates to Sex Designation on US Passports
BOSTON - April 18, 2025 A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction today after finding that an executive order by President Trump and a State Department policy prohibiting updates to sex designations on passports is likely unconstitutional and in violation of the law. The preliminary injunction requires the State Department to allow six transgender and nonbinary people to obtain passports with sex designations consistent with their gender identity while the lawsuit proceeds. Though today's court order applies only to six of the plaintiffs in the case, the plaintiffs plan to quickly file a motion asking the court to certify a class of people affected by the State Department policy and to extend the preliminary injunction to that entire class.
ICYMI: Human Rights Campaign Health Expert Slams Trump's HHS Cuts: "We're Choosing to Go Backwards"
WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 16, 2025 - Health and LGBTQ+ advocates are sounding the alarm over sweeping harmful public health cuts orchestrated by the Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration. The dismantling of HIV prevention infrastructure and public health research capacity could mean a resurgence in preventable disease outbreaks, disproportionately affecting LGBTQ+ communities. HRC Senior Public Policy Advocate Matthew Rose, spoke with Christopher Kane of the Washington Blade for an article published today.
Bold Letter Demanding UPMC Continue Saving Trans Lives Sent by 75+ Public Officials and Dozens of Leading LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Organizations Across PA
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - April 16, 2025 - Nearly 80 public officials and 38 organizations have joined in a letter sent to UPMC demanding the healthcare system continue saving the lives of transgender youth. The letter calls for UPMC to resume full basic medical care it had provided for over a decade to young patients who are transgender. Signatories to the letter include House Speaker Joanna McClinton, co-chairs of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Reps. Jessica Benham and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, and nearly all members of Pittsburgh City Council. This strong letter organized by TransYOUniting and the Pennsylvania Youth Congress supporting gender affirming healthcare reflects not only backing for trans youth in Pittsburgh, but across the entire commonwealth. Nearly a quarter of the Pennsylvania General Assembly is publicly backing transgender youth through this statement.
Lambda Legal and LDF Urge U.S. Naval Academy to Reverse Decision to Remove 381 Books from Library Collection
April 15, 2025 - Today, Lambda Legal and the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Superintendent Yvette M. Davids urging the U.S. Naval Academy to reverse its decision to remove 381 books discussing race, gender, and sexuality from its Nimitz Library collection. In the letter, Lambda Legal Chief Legal Officer Jennifer C. Pizer and LDF Director of Strategic Initiatives Jin Hee Lee express the organizations' deep concern over the decisionissued as a verbal order from the Defense Secretary's officeand emphasize the urgent need to reinstate the removed books to safeguard the constitutional rights of the institution's cadets.
Civil Rights Organizations File Brief Supporting LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curricula
(Washington, DC - April 11, 2025) - Lambda Legal submitted an amicus brief joined by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, PFLAG, Inc., and the National Women's Law Center to the U.S. Supreme Court inMahmoud v. Taylor, urging the Court to reject a challenge brought by a group of parents claiming their religious rights were unconstitutionally burdened by not being allowed to opt their kids out of reading storybooks that were part of an LGBTQ+ inclusive literacy curriculum in the Montgomery County Public School system.
Government Overreach for Me, No Recourse for Thee: House Republicans Advance Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills as the Economy Burns
>WASHINGTON - April 9 On Wednesday, the House Education and Workforce Committee is scheduled to advance two anti-transgender bills, H.R. 2616 and H.R. 2617, taking power from local schools and placing teachers into a position where they cannot acknowledge the existence of LGBTQ+ people & must 'out' vulnerable students. In response, Laurel Powell, Communications Director at the Human Rights Campaign issued the following statement "Instead of putting our dangerous President in check and tackling the American economy's freefall, House Republicans showed where their priorities lie - giving airtime to junk science and trying to pass more anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Forcing teachers to 'out' trans youth rather than supporting them in coming out to their families and demanding that schools ignore the trans students who sit in their classrooms is a craven attempt to distract people from economic disaster by vilifying children. Even as they fire people whose jobs were to make sure schools have the resources they need, the Trump administration and their allies in Congress continue to attack vulnerable young people to score points with the far right."
SINE DIE: Georgia Lawmakers Ram Through Slate of Hate to End Session
ATLANTA - April 5, 2025 - Georgia's state legislative session came to a close yesterday after a flurry of anti-LGBTQ+ bills were fast-tracked over the finish line. The slate of hate is the latest in a coordinated national campaign to use LGBTQ+ people as a political wedge and curtail rights and freedoms. T
Transgender Servicemembers in Talbott Push Back Against Another Attempt to Implement Trump's Military Ban
WASHINGTON, DC - April 1, 2025 - Today, the plaintiffs, 32 transgender servicemembers and recruits, in Talbott v. USA (formerly Talbott v. Trump) filed an opposition to the government's motion for an emergency stay. The motion for an emergency stay is yet another attempt by the government to move forward with implementation of the transgender military ban stemming from President Trump's January executive order, which had previously been scheduled to occur on March 28. Both the constitutionality of this ban and the lack of any rational reason or data underpinning it have come under fire during this litigation.
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Transgender Military Service Ban
(Tacoma, WA, March 27, 2025) A federal district court today issued a nationwide preliminary injunction immediately blocking enforcement of the Trump administration's executive order banning transgender people from enlisting or continuing to serve in the United States Armed Forces. This is the third federal judge to block the military ban in the last week, following a preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. last week and temporary restraining order issued by the federal district court in New Jersey on Monday. The nationwide injunction applies to not only the lawsuit's plaintiffs but also any similarly situated individual including servicemembers out of the country.
Health
STATEMENT: Advocates Denounce Draconian Cuts to Federally Funded HIV Infrastructure
People living with and vulnerable to HIV, along with HIV providers, scientists, and advocates, face a draconian tipping point: the Trump Administration proposes to radically cut HIV prevention, treatment, and research for life-saving and cost-saving services and interventions. In recent weeks, several offices of critical importance to the national HIV response within the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, have been targeted for severe program and staffing cuts. If there were any doubt of the administration's intent to neuter federally funded HIV infrastructure, this week a leaked copy of the administration's forthcoming FY 2026 HHS budget request would clearly eviscerate funding for HIV prevention, research and other efforts to end HIV as an epidemic.
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center Announces Admiral Rachel Levine and Adrian Shanker to be Featured Speakers for 2025 PA LGBTQIA+ Health Summit
Allentown, PA Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is proud to announce that Admiral (ret) Rachel Levine, MD and Adrian Shanker will be joining us as featured speakers at our 2025 PA LGBTQIA+ Health Summit on June 3rd at the Mack Experience Center.
Mon May 19th HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk
The Erie County HIV Task Force invites everyone to participate in the 8th Annual HIV / AIDS Awareness Walk on Monday, May 19th. We will meet behind the stage in East Perry Square, 575 State Street, Erie, PA, at 5 PM. We will walk around North and South Park Row, circling Perry Square, and everyone is encouraged to wear red to help raise HIV awareness. PA Thrive Partnership is providing on-site HIV testing. All ages are welcome, and the event is child and pet-friendly. (Please be prepared to clean up after your own pets.) People participating as organizations are welcome to represent their group/organization. If you don't wish to walk the entire route, you are welcome to join us at any point along the sidewalk around Perry Square.
Become a lifesaving volunteer by giving blood or platelets with the Red Cross
[April 17, 2025] During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross asks donors to help keep the blood supply stable by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now. Type O blood and platelets are especially needed to ensure hospitals are fully stocked with lifesaving blood products this spring.
Go To The Mirror: A Tribute to Louise Hay
From Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: Mirror work is something I first tried about forty years' ago. I went to a workshop where author/teacher Louise Hay encouraged people to talk to themselves in the mirror. I thought it was pretty weird and resisted it, at first. But today I frequently use it in my counseling practice and in my personal life.
Keep the blood supply blooming: Give blood or platelets now
[April 1, 2025] This April, the American Red Cross urges individuals to give lifesaving blood or platelets now as seasonal travel ramps up. The impact of busy spring calendars comes on the heels of an incredibly challenging winter, during which tens of thousands of blood products went uncollected due to weather. With upcoming holiday celebrations and record-breaking spring break travel expected in the coming weeks, donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Mayor Joe Schember on the LGBTQIA+ Community
Since I took office in 2018, my team and I have been on a Mission to Build Opportunity, Restore Hope, and Transform Erie. We have also been working hard to achieve our Vision. One element of that Vision is that we celebrate our rich cultural diversity. An important piece of that is ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued. Imagine what an incredible community we would have if everyone felt celebrated for the unique skills, talents, and perspectives that each one of us possesses regardless of who we love or how we identify or express ourselves.
Here's what you must do
From Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: Like many of you, I'm feeling a bit of whiplash from the sheer speed and scale of the changes President Donald Trump is trying to force through via executive order. Some of you have told me you've stopped watching the news altogether. You've tuned out, shut down, and chosen not to engage. Please don't. Because if you do, he wins. Protest is at the heart of this country. It's in our DNA and when done right, it leads to real change.
Contests
Enter to win Girls with Goals: How women's soccer took over the world!
Enter to win Girls with Goals: How women's soccer took over the world! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, May 6, and Tuesday, May 27.
Enter to win Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale!
Enter to win Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, April 22, and Tuesday, May 13.
Miscellaneous
Pennsylvania Library Association Celebrates National Library Week by Highligting Libraries Reaching for the Stars
Mechanicsburg, PA (April 4, 2025) April 6-12, 2025 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. In honor of this week, the Pennsylvania Library Association is announcing the 2024 PA Forward® Star Library awardees showcasing libraries who are committed to providing quality literacy programming to their communities.
The Shine the Light Report Reveals Urgent Need for Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces for LGBTQIA+ Professionals
As shifting policies and reduced funding for research threaten LGBTQIA+ rights and protections, a new annual study is shedding light on the urgent need for stronger workplace protections, intentional leadership, and active allyship for LGBTQIA+ professionals. Sponsored by Be The Transformational Change Fund, The Shine The Light Report tracks the progress and challenges of workplace inclusion, providing critical insights into the state of equity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ professionals.
Photo Galleries
Advertisers
Volunteers
Connect With Us
