July, 2025 News (76 Articles with 76,440 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for July, 2025 Attendees for Gays Eating Garlic Bread in the Park hanging out at Flagship City Food Hall after the event was moved due to rain. 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
32nd Erie Pride Picnic Aug 16
NW PA Pride Alliance will host the 32nd Annual Pride Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion on Presque Isle (near Beach 7) from 1 to 6 PM on Saturday, August 16. This event is free and open to the public. While NW PA Pride Alliance will provide meat and beverages, they ask individuals to bring something to share. What you bring could be as simple as a bag of chips, a tray of cookies, or even a dish you have made.
Erie City Council Passes Pride Month Resolution, Reaffirms Support for LGBTQIA+ Rights
On June 18th, Erie City Council unanimously passed a resolution recognizing LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and reaffirming the city's commitment to inclusion, equity, and human rights. Introduced by Council Member Dr. Tyler Titus, the resolution comes at a time when queer and transgender communities across the country are facing a dramatic rise in hostile legislation. More than 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced in 2024, many of them aimed at transgender youth and access to gender-affirming care.
Meadville Pride on the Diamond on July 26
Get ready, Meadville! Meadville Pride on the Diamond is happening Saturday, July 26th, from 1 PM to 5 PM at Diamond Park!
Erie Pride 365 Block Party to return Saturday, August 9th at noon
Erie Pride 365, in collaboration with Erie's Black Wall Street, Compton's Table, and Central Outreach Wellness Center,will hold the second annual block party on Saturday, August 9th at noon in Perry Square to spotlight the intersection of Black excellence, queer liberation and accessible healthcare. The event will feature live DJs, musical performances along with drag shows and other queer entertainment. Food trucks, local vendors and artisans will also be on hand. Central Outreach will also be offering free wellness screenings. For more information, check out www.eriepride.org
Erie, PA The LGBTQ+ Legacy Project
Aging with Pride will be present at several local Pride events. We welcome your participation in the LGBTQ+ Legacy Project. Please stop by our table and participate. It began in 2017 when a brown cardboard box the size of a milk crate arrived. This box, a virtual time capsule, held tattered newspaper articles, old photographs, journals as well as informal organization meeting minutes describing the development and history of the LGBTQ+ community in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Jamestown Pride 2025: A Celebration of Joy, Inclusion, and Community
Jamestown, NY Pride 2025 was truly a day to remember! Several members of the Erie Gay News Board, Andrea, Bobbie, Kim, Michael, and Rex, had the pleasure of attending and were thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming event.
Six Points of Light – Pride Rocks
Hello there, Erie! You may see colorful rocks all over parks, roads, stores, and more places! We at Sixpointsoflight are painting rocks with our Pride Colors and inspirational messages on each one, and we are placing them all over Erie to spread love, light, and positivity to our wonderful community. If you are an ally and flying our Gay Pride Flag, you may just get a knock on your door with a thank you note and an inspirational message for you also from one of our members. You, too, can join the PRIDE ROCKS movement by creating your own colorful stone gems and placing them out in the world or creating a message of appreciation or positivity for others. In the meantime, look for the colorful love all over and fly our flag. We will be by to appreciate you and give love! OH, and look for us on Facebook and #Sixpointsoflight on TikTok to see our inspirational and motivational videos there, also! Email sixpointsoflight@gmail.com. BE YOU! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AS YOUR TRUE SELF!
TransFamily of NW PA Summer Picnic on July 12
Join TransFamily of NW PA in celebrating another year of creating and supporting trans joy and family bonds at our annual summer picnic on Saturday, July 12, from noon to 5 PM at Presque Isle State Park! We will be at Beach 11 Pavilion this year. We provide drinks, hot dogs, hamburgers, and vegan options. Bring your favorite dish to share! Contact us if you have any questions!
Bears Do Dinner at Underdog BBQ
Bears Do Dinner held its 128th meet-up for dinner on June 9 at Underdog BBQ, 2714 W 8th St, Erie, PA. The next Bears Do Dinner will be on Wednesday, July 9 at Syd's Place, 2992 W Lake Rd, Erie PA.
June Erie Queer Happy Hour at The Zone
NW PA Pride Alliance welcomed the community to Erie Queer Happy Hour at The Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th, Erie, PA, on Wednesday, June 4. Some Aging With Pride members attended, including birthday girl Karen, who also came with members from Temple Anshe Hesed. Erie Queer Happy Hour will be cycling between different locations. Next will be Room 33 Speakeasy and Cafe, 1033 State St, Erie, PA, on Tuesday, July 2, from 6 to 8 PM. Meadville Happy Hour is still the fourth Wednesday of each month at Julian's Bar & Grill, 299 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA. And of course, NW PA Pride Alliance hopes to see you at Pride on the Bay at Liberty Park on Saturday, June 28, as well as the Erie Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29.
SafeNet Announces Garden Fiesta to Celebrate 51 Years of Service to the Erie Community
Erie, PA - June 11, 2025 - SafeNet, Erie's only state-recognized domestic violence agency, is thrilled to announce its 51st Anniversary Celebration: Garden Fiesta, taking place on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Big Backyard at 1702 French Street.
Aging with Pride Fundraiser
The local Aging with Pride group is doing a Fundraiser with Pampered Chef. Anyone can make a Pampered Chef purchase using the following link, and Pampered Chef will donate up to 30% of the sales to Aging with Pride (Erie). Orders must be placed by Thursday, August 28, 2025. The Online Order Link is www.pamperedchef.com/party/awperie2025
Applications for the Miss Erie Pageant are Due August 17
Have you decided on a dress yet? It's never too early to get your creative mind going. To be considered for the title of Miss Erie 2025-26, you must submit your application by August 17. The application fee is $50.
Pittsburgh OWLS Visit Erie
On May 18th, the OWLS group (organized by Persad Center) was hosted in Erie by Aging with Pride. Both are Seniors Groups in the LBGTQ+ community. The visit was discussed initially via a Zoom Meeting between the two groups. Everyone met at the Wooden Ladle for some socialization time and lunch. After lunch, some people headed to the Maritime Museum while others did a quick drive around Presque Isle State Park. Finally, everyone met back up at Romolo's on W 8th Street. The Pittsburghers had their first experience with Sponge Candy. Many enjoyed the Cafe at Romolo's before returning to Pittsburgh. The local Aging with Pride group will head down to Pittsburgh later in the summer to visit our new friends and take a daytime riverboat cruise.
Community Spotlight: ASCEND Erie
ASCEND Erie opened in 2023 and is one of three locations owned by ASCEND, which was founded in Pittsburgh. ASCEND gyms take a holistic approach to fitness, promoting climbing alongside a full yoga schedule and a fitness area. The indoor climbing gym is the first of its kind in Erie, offering Erieites access to bouldering (climbing without a harness on shorter walls), auto-belays, top roping, and sport climbing (climbing with ropes on walls as tall as 52 feet). In addition, the gym provides a "third space" for folks from every area and background within the county. It costs nothing to show up and exist in this space.
Aging With Pride Movie Night: Milk
On Friday, May 16, 2025, Aging With Pride members got together at Erie Movie House, 3424 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA, 16505 to watch 2008's Milk. The Oscar-nominated biopic focuses on San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk, one of the first openly LGBTQ people elected to public office and his assassination in 1978. Aging With Pride members also enjoyed snacks and socializing.
EGN Distributor Check-In: Expect to Hear From Us
We at Erie Gay News are always working to keep our distribution network running smoothly and make sure our community has access to the news and resources they count on. As part of this effort, our team member David will be personally reaching out to all of our current distributors over the coming weeks.
May Meadville Happy Hour
NW PA Pride Alliance held its Meadville Happy Hour on May 28, 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. NW PA Pride Alliance is also hosting Pride on the Bay at Liberty park on Saturday, June 28 and the Erie pride Parade on State Street on Sunday, June 29. Erie Queer Happy Hour rotates through four different establishments. The next Erie Queer Happy Hour will be on Wednesday, July 2, from 6 to 8 PM at Room 33 Speakeasy, 1033 State St, Erie PA.
Aging With Pride Dinner at Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro
On Thursday, May 29, Aging With Pride had their monthly dinner at Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro, 1402 W 10th St, Erie, PA. Aging With Pride dinners are usually the last week of the month. The next dinner will be on Thursday, June 26, at Give a Crepe La CrepErie,1909 Chestnut Street, 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 Thursday of the month.
Gays Eating Garlic Bread 2025
On May 17, 2025, Gays Eating Garlic Bread 2.0 got rained out, but we adapted impressively! 15-20 people gathered in the park with all the works for great time-seltzer water, games, and a big pride flag to hang out on. and then the storm came. If there's one thing this community needs, it is contingency plans for outdoor events! We were guilty of not thinking ahead, but fortunately, when we agreed upon retreat, Cole had the good idea to go to the food hall. Most people at the park showed up, and we hung out at ippa and played card games, chatted, and had a good time despite being a little soggy. Thank you to the ippa staff for letting us hang out!
Introducing: Riot Coffee
We're thrilled to announce that Riot Coffee is officially on sale, brought to you by Compton's Table and Ember + Forge! Ember + Forge is located at 401 State Street, Erie, PA. This isn't just any bag of beans. Riot Coffee was created to honor the legacy of queer resistance-named after the 1966 Compton's Cafeteria Riot, where trans women stood their ground and sparked a movement by throwing coffee in the face of oppression.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
Do you know what elder abuse is? The U.S. Department of Justice defines elder abuse as: "an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult." This harm can be physical, psychological, financial, or sexual. And it includes neglect and abandonment. June 15th is Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and Aging With Pride wants to remind everyone that seniors do face abuse, even in Erie County. During the first quarter of 2025, the Greater Erie Community Action Committee reported over 900 cases referred to Older Adult Protective Service. A 2020 National Institute of Heath study found that the prevalence of elder abuse in members of the LGBTQ community is double that of the population as a whole. If you suspect elder abuse, report it to Older Adult Protective Service: 814-459-4581, ext 205 (daytime), 814-451-1520 (evening/weekend). Or call the Pennsylvania statewide 24-hour hotline at 1-800-490-8505.
Deadline for July 2025 print edition (issue #356) of Erie Gay News is Sunday, June 15, comes out Tuesday, June 24! This will be at Pride On The Bay on June 28!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 356, cover-dated for July 2025), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late June, 2025 and beyond by Sunday, June 15. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, June 24. Please note that this issue will be at Pride On The Bay on June 28.
Pride, Protection, & Practice presentation by ECHRC on June 26
On June 26th, from, 11:30 am to 1 pm, the Erie County Human Relations Commission will present Pride, Protection, and Practiice in the Admiral Room at Blasco Public Library, 160 E Front St, Erie PA . This presentation will go over what the HRC does with a focus on protected classes: Sex, Sexual Identification, Gender Identification, and Familial Status. There are 1.5 continuing education credits available to social workers as well to those who would like them. The event is open to everyone who registers. Refreshments provided. Register at https://forms.office.com/g/QXzHvh8pVh, by calling: 814-451-7021, or by emailing HRC@eriecountypa.gov.
Journey: Healing Together - Wellness Weekend, Pride Edition
June 20-22, Journey: Healing Together is hosting its monthly Wellness Weekend. This month, we are hosting the Pride Edition of our Wellness Weekends. Journey: Healing Together invests in building community and fostering collective healing. Our Wellness Weekends include fun events such as Game Night, and Crafternoon (a drop-in open art studio and craft circle), and community support groups focused on people's recovery journey.
SisTersPGH 15th Anniversary Gala on June 21
On June 21, 2025, join us in celebrating 15 years of Sisters PGH's unwavering dedication to supporting, advocating, and empowering Pittsburgh's TLGBQ+ community, with a particular focus on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) trans individuals. As a Black trans-led organization, Sisters PGH has been at the forefront of transformative work that directly uplifts and sustains our community. Over the years, we have provided critical rent and utility support, secured housing through our programs, and created welcoming drop-in spaces where trans people can access real-life resources and services. This year, we've taken a monumental step forward by expanding into a new downtown space-The Stonewall Inn PGH-which serves as a vital hub for connection, advocacy, and empowerment. This milestone anniversary isn't just about celebrating our achievements-it's about continuing the impactful work that transforms lives. The two-day celebration includes an engaging Community Day, an elegant Masquerade Gala, and a private VIP Brunch for our valued sponsors. Together, we are building a future where trans people-particularly BIPOC individuals-thrive and succeed in a world that often marginalizes them. We invite you to join us. Whether as a sponsor, a guest, or a community advocate, your involvement is vital to helping us expand and sustain this work. Together, we can create lasting change. Let's celebrate, reflect, and move forward with purpose.
Entertainment and Travel
Pride Journey: Manchester, England - A Vibrant Tapestry of Culture, History, and LGBTQ+ Pride
Manchester, England, is not only famous for its industrial heritage, music scene, and football clubs-it's also home to one of the most vibrant and historically significant LGBTQ+ communities in the UK. Often referred to as the "gay capital of the North," Manchester has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and celebration, cultivating a culture of inclusivity that continues to thrive today.
Celebrate the queer community with Queer Across America-a YouTube travel series exploring queer areas in each state!
Whether it's a gay rodeo in Arizona, the oldest active drag queen in Oregon, a trans pilgrimage in Nebraska, Pride in New York, or an LGBTQ+ church in Salem--there's a queer community for you!
Jinkx Monsoon Named The 2025 "Logo Legend" - Special tributes from Michelle Visage, Kathryn Hahn and Neil Patrick Harris
New York, NY (June 16, 2025) - Logo today announced the recipient of this year's Logo Legend honorthe one, the only, Jinkx Monsoon!
Pride is Everyday in Columbus
Combine a college town (OSU) with a diverse economy, sprinkle in 35,000 LGBTQ residents and 2 gayborhoods (Short North and German Village) plus several good museums and some great affordable hotels and you are talking about Columbus, Ohio. A Midwest gem. PRIDE is every day in Columbus and so matter of fact. And so amazing for a mid-size city. In the Midwest. Columbus is the largest city in the state of Ohio. Who knew.And a happy fun loving crowd. With more bars than any other city I have been to.
Artist Garry Bibbs Dedicates Humanity's High Hurdle
Erie, PA - Erie Art Museum is excited to announce that the sculpture Humanity's High Hurdle was moved to its new home at the Erie Center for Arts and Technology (ECAT) on Saturday, March 22, 2025. This piece was part of an exhibition titled Ole' Say Can We See, a life survey of Garry R. Bibbs, a sculptor, printmaker, and professor from the University of Kentucky. The show ran from June 2022 through February 2023 in the Museum's Main Gallery. Humanity's High Hurdle has lived at the entrance to the Erie Art Museum on the Peter and Dana Zaphiris Family Patio since the exhibition's close. The sculpture is part of EAM's permanent collection but is on a long-term loan to ECAT.
Summer Fun in Washington (Special World Pride Edition)
Summer is a wonderful time to visit D.C. The museums are free, the crowds are gone, and the hotel rates are more reasonable. The nightlife is incredible with 8 new bars including one that is alcohol free. Yes it can be hot and humid so plan accordingly.
A PRIDE PIVOT: The Queen City Pride Party Steps Up After Buffalo Pride's Canalside Festival Is Canceled
BUFFALO, NY - When Evergreen Health quietly canceled the annual Canalside Pride Festival which follows the parade each year, many were left wondering how Buffalo would celebrate one of its most cherished LGBTQIA+ weekends. But the party is far from over. Thanks to a new partnership between Drag Me to the Stage LLC and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, the community now has a fabulous new destination to gather, celebrate, and thrive: The Queen City Pride Party - a high-energy Pride street party in the parking lots of Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino on Sunday, June 1.
Local Faces and Photos
June G2H2 at Pier 6 Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
G2H2 held its monthly get-together at Pier 6 Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, 6 Sassfras Pier and Restaurant, Erie, PA 16507, on Friday, June 6. The group usually gathers on the first Friday of each month. The next two months will be the second Friday. Because the 4th of July falls on a Friday, the next G2H2 will be on Friday, July 11, at Sloppy Duck, 726 W Bayfront Highway, Erie, PA. The month after that will have two events: first, on Friday, August 8, G2H2 will be at 6 PM at Woody's Backwater BARge & Grill, 110 E Dobbins Landing, Erie, PA, to be directly followed by the Wobbly Pirate Cruise on Scallywags Pirate Adventures. Tickets are $15 for the pirate cruise, and you must register ahead of time at https://www.facebook.com/events/1112245730928393
Political, Activism and Legal
ACLU of Texas, SEAT Will Sue Over S.B. 12 - Texas Law that Prohibits Programs and Discussions Involving Race, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation in K-12
AUSTIN, Texas - June 23, 2025 - The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) announced today that they will sue to challenge unconstitutional aspects of Senate Bill 12, one of the most extreme education bans in the country.
ACLU, Lambda Legal Respond to Supreme Court Ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti
WASHINGTON - June 18, 2025 - This morning, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a challenge brought by three transgender adolescents, their families, and a Memphis-based medical provider against a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming hormone therapies for transgender people under 18.
Transgender US Passport Holders Granted Temporary Relief in Challenge to Trump Gender Marker Policy
BOSTON - June 17, 2025 - A federal judge today expanded a preliminary injunction to two newly certified classes of passport holders in Orr v. Trump, a challenge to the Trump administration's policy requiring that passports bear only a person's sex designation assigned at birth, pausing enforcement of the policy for all transgender, nonbinary, and intersex US passport holders.
Discrimination Survey 2025
On June 17, the Pennsylvania Equality Project launched a new survey to determine where discrimination is most frequently occurring in Pennsylvania. 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. The Discrimination survey ends July 31, 2025. 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.
LGBTQ+ PIONEERS Speak out: GLFF Statement
We, the undersigned, former members of New York's Gay Liberation Front and current members of the Gay Liberation Front Foundation, condemn the Trump administration and its supporters in state and local governments for their vicious attacks on our community and on other marginalized communities. The Gay Liberation Front was the first and most radical LGBTQ+ organization formed directly after the Stonewall Uprising in June, 1969. Our guiding message, equal inclusion of all people into society and the body politic, is even more urgent today.
Kansas Attorney General Blocked from Denying Changes to Gender Markers on Driver's Licenses
TOPEKA, KAN. - June 13, 2025 - In a victory for transgender Kansans, a Kansas state appeals court has reversed a district court decision barring the Kansas government from making changes to gender markers on driver's licenses.
Equality California Responds to Attacks Against Immigrant Communities in California; Trump Deploying National Guard
LOS ANGELES - June 7, 2025 - Equality California released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to recent immigration raids across California, and Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles: "Donald Trump's decision to seize control of the California National Guard and launch sweeping immigration raids is a dangerous and deliberate escalation, intended to terrorize communities across our state. These actions are rooted in political theater and will ignite more fear in already vulnerable communities. They are sowing chaos and tearing families apart.
Federal Court Blocks Trump Anti-Equity and Anti-Transgender Executive Orders Targeting LGBTQ and HIV-Serving Nonprofits
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA - June 9, 2025) - Today, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted a preliminary injunction blocking implementation of three of Trump's executive orders that threatened to defund vital health and support services for LGBTQ people, including those living with or at risk of HIV.
PA Fairness Act reintroduced by LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus
HARRISBURG, June 3 - As Pride Month begins, state lawmakers in the Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus on Monday announced the reintroduction of the Fairness Act at a state Capitol news conference.
LGBTQ+ Advocates Condemn Trump Administration's Attack on Transgender Student-Athletes, Urge CIF to Uphold Inclusive Sports Policies
LOS ANGELES - May 27, 2025 - Equality California, TransFamily Support Services, and Our Schools USA released the following joint statement in response to the Trump administration's threat to withhold federal funding from California over the participation of a transgender student-athlete in high school sports. The attack is part of a broader national effort to vilify transgender youth and undermine inclusive policies like those long upheld by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).
Health
Swim season is here! Red Cross shares critical water safety tips for children and families
[JUNE 25, 2025] - Summer is here and the American Red Cross urges families to prioritize water safety education and swim lessons, fostering confidence and lifelong skills that help everyone stay safer in and around the water. Participation in formal water safety and swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.
PrEP4All Statement on FDA Approval of Lenacapavir as PrEP
The long-anticipated approval of lenacapavir as a once every six-month injectable option for PrEP is a welcome development in the fight to end HIV as an epidemic. It is also a testament to the value and power of American taxpayer investment in the research at the National Institutes of Health that set the stage for this groundbreaking advancement. However, the path to access is more perilous than ever for the communities in greatest need of PrEP, and it is far from clear that innovation will triumph over the expensive price Gilead has set for lenacapavir coupled with active efforts by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to dismantle HIV prevention and healthcare systems in America.
Make the world brighter for patients by giving blood or platelets with the Red Cross and goodr
[June 23, 2025] - As the busy Fourth of July holiday week gets closer, the American Red Cross asks donors to celebrate by making a blood or platelet donation appointment to help power the blood supply through mid-summer. While all blood types are needed, donors with type O blood are most urgently needed.
My First PRIDE
from Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: San Diego's annual Pride Parade began in 1974, when a small group of gays and lesbians paraded without a permit-marching on the sidewalks and stopping for red lights to avoid confrontation with the SDPD. Activists Jess Jessop and Tom Homann had gone to SDPD headquarters to request a permit, but the sergeant-in-charge told them, "There will never be a homosexual pride march in this city. You guys are deviants and queers and if you don't get out of here, we will arrest you."
Red Cross issues advice to stay safe during extreme heat
[JUNE 19, 2025] - Just as summer officially begins, experts are forecasting dangerously high temperatures across Pennsylvania over the next week. The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania urges everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe
PrEP Users' Union Launches Storybank to Uplift Voices of PrEP Users
Building on the #PrEPSaves campaign, PrEP4All's PrEP Users' Union has launched a storybank to highlight the diverse voices of current and former PrEP users. With widespread threats to funding for HIV prevention programs and research, it is more important than ever that PrEP users' experiences are uplifted in HIV prevention policy discussions. We are incredibly grateful to Johns Hopkins University for helping support this project.
8th Annual HIV Awareness Walk
On Monday, May 19, 2025, the Erie County HIV Task Force held the 8th Annual HIV / AIDS Awareness Walk. The Erie County HIV Task Force is a collaboration of local organizations and individuals dedicated to educating, supporting, and advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS and preventing the spread of infection. The HIV / AIDS walk provides a reminder to the local community that making personal health a priority is everyone's right. This year's awareness walk was held at Perry Square. Participants enjoyed educational materials to learn more about testing opportunities with Community Health Net, PA Thrive Partnership, and the Erie County Department of Health at the event. The event was sponsored by Central Outreach Wellness Center Erie, Community HealthNet, the Erie County Department of Health, Erie Gay News, Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance, and PA Thrive Partnership. For more information on local services, testing, and free condoms, visit the Erie County HIV Task Force at ECHIV.ORG or follow their Twitter account @EriePAHIV and like their Facebook page, or call 814-451-6700.
NEW! Save HIV Funding Website + #PrideIsAProtest Action Alert
Save HIV Funding Campaign organizers want to remind everyone that the first Pride was a protest. At savehivfunding.org, we have also launched the #PrideIsAProtest Action Alert at a critical time when advocates are fighting The White House’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” which seeks to slash Medicaid, Medicare, and other programs essential to the wellbeing of people living with and vulnerable to HIV infection. At the same time, the President’s 2026 Budget Request proposes devastating HIV prevention and research cuts. Now is the time for people living with HIV, advocates, allies, and communities nationwide to denounce these cuts and urge their Senators and members of Congress to protect access to healthcare including HIV prevention and treatment, housing, food assistance, and many other critical supports relied on by people nationwide.
Summer blood and platelet donations vital to avoid blood supply impact
[June 9, 2025] - Atlantic hurricane season began this month. Disasters like hurricanes and severe summer weather can disrupt blood drives for several days and impact the momentum of a growing blood supply. Help the American Red Cross plan for the unexpected by making an appointment to give blood or platelets.
A Mid-Year Check-in on your New Year's Resolutions
from Michel Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: Many people make New Year's Resolutions. And most of us forget about them after a few days/weeks. I'd like to suggest that you check in on your resolutions half-way through the year, like now.
STATEMENT: Trump Budget Request Retreats on Ending the HIV Epidemic
The President's FY26 Budget Request released on Friday proposes draconian cuts to HIV prevention, care, housing, and research which would jeopardize decades of effective programs that have consistently delivered outstanding results by saving lives, preventing new cases of HIV, and reducing health care costs. In addition to proposing dramatic funding reductions, the Administration suggests a new health care agency - the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA) - lead on major HIV workstreams without providing details on how this new agency will continue to support and deliver the same high level of HIV programming with outstanding outcomes and valuable returns. Congress must reject these devastating cuts as well as halt efforts to move federal HIV activities into the poorly defined AHA.
Lactation for the Rest of Us: a Guide for Queer and Trans and Parents and Helpers
Jacob Engelsman's, Lactation for the Rest of Us: a Guide for Queer and Trans and Parents and Helpers, was released by Jessica Kingsley Publishers earlier this year. This book is written to be, on the one hand, a modern lactation guide providing basic information which all parents will benefit from. On the other hand, it is a guide with information that specifically benefits members of the LGBTQIA+ communities.This information is arranged in an FAQ format with each question listed in the table of contents, making specific points of interest easy for readers to find and enabling them to skip over that which is not relevant to their personal situation.
Becoming More Resilient
from Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: The same bad experience - like getting a traffic ticket or having a fender bender - can happen to two people: one is depressed for a few days, the other bounces back to "normal" within a few hours. What's the difference?
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Asexuality is a Spectrum
The Asexual community is not just people who are sex-repulsed Aces. What if I told you there is a grey area between Allo (Non-Ace people) and the other end? Asexuality is complex and has a variety of stories and experiences. You can be Demisexual, someone who experiences sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional bond with someone; you can be Grey-Ace, someone who may have varying levels of sexual attraction to someone but not completely absent of it. And there are even MORE identities under the Ace umbrella. Just know wherever you are on the spectrum of Asexuality, you are VALID.
Some Good News
By Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: That headline might surprise you. But it shouldn't. Many in our community are deeply saddened - if not alarmed - by the current political climate. The Trump administration has attempted to erase our history, defund critical mental and physical health services, block Pride celebrations, and even cancel performances like the International Gay Chorus at the Kennedy Center during World Pride in Washington, D.C. So yes, you have every reason to feel uneasy. But - and this might sound strange - there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Pride around the world
from Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: You know that old joke, "I'm so old, I'm history"? Well, in my case, it's actually come true. When I served as a marshal at the very first Pride march in 1970, none of us could have imagined that one word - Pride - would someday echo across the globe. We were just a small group trying to be seen. Today, it's a movement felt worldwide.
Why I'm celebrating Gay Pride Month
Here it is again - Gay Pride Month in America, or I should say the world. I'm hearing about so many Gay Pride events going on in major cities in other countries. Who would have thought we would have made such major strides since Stonewall? It is wonderful to see so many gay teenagers today who accept themselves for who they are, and that their families accept them as well.
This year's PRIDE cloud
from Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: As someone who helped marshal that very first Pride in June 1970, I've witnessed its many transformations. It's no surprise to say Pride today doesn't look much like it did back then - even in the city where it was born, New York.
Contests
Enter to win a digital download of The Way from Me to Us
Enter to win a digital download of The Way from Me to Us by Mike Coleman. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 22, and Tuesday, August 12.
Enter to win a digital download of Disgusta
Enter to win a digital download of Disgusta by Faith DaBrooke. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, July 18, and Friday, August 8.
Enter to win a digital download of Hollywood Lesbians: From Garbo to Foster by Boze Hadleigh from Riverdale Avenue Books!
Enter to win a digital download of Hollywood Lesbians: From Garbo to Foster from Riverdale Avenue Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 15, and Tuesday, August 5.
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 Friday, July 11, and Friday, August 1.
Enter to win Blood and Soil!
Enter to win Blood and Soil! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 8, and Tuesday, July 29.
Enter to win Hollywood Gays from Riverdale Avenue Books!
Enter to win Hollywood Gays e-book by Boze Hadleigh from Riverdale Avenue Books! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, July 4 and Friday, July 25.
Enter to win a digital download of The Samurai's Secret - A Tale of Forbidden Love!
Enter to win a digital download of The Samurai's Secret - A Tale of Forbidden Love! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 1, and Tuesday, July 22.
Enter to win Beyond Worship - Meditations on Queer Worship, Liturgy, & Theology
Enter to win Beyond Worship - Meditations on Queer Worship, Liturgy, & Theology by James Admans. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, June 27, and Friday, July 18.
Enter to win Queer Lens: A History of Photography!
Enter to win Queer Lens: A History of Photography! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, June 24, and Tuesday, July 15.
Enter to win a digital download of College Jocks and Frat House Bros - Gay, Erotic Stories from University Life!
Enter to win a digital download of College Jocks and Frat House Bros - Gay, Erotic Stories from University Life! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, June 20, and Friday, July 11.
Enter to win Hover!
Enter to win Hover! To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Tuesday, June 17, and Tuesday, July 8.
Enter to win a digital download of The Book of Everyday Resistance!
Enter to win a digital download of The Book of Everyday Resistance! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, June 13, and Friday, July 4.
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, June 6, and Friday, June 27.
Enter to win My Ordinary Life!
Enter to win My Ordinary Life! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, June 6, and Friday, June 27.
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