August, 2025 News (66 Articles with 60,803 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for August, 2025 Marchers with the giant Pride flag at the Erie Pride Parade on June 29. 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
Be a Part of History: Erie Family Photo on National Coming Out Day
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Erie's first Family Photo, and Erie Gay News is inviting YOU to be part of this historic moment. On National Coming Out Day, Saturday, October 11, 2025, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies will gather on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM to celebrate decades of strength, diversity, and progress. At the heart of the event is the Family Photo, which will be taken right at noon. This will be a powerful and unforgettable visual testament to our community's resilience, unity, and pride.
TransFamily celebrates annual picnic
Good food and conversations were shared at the annual TransFamily Picnic held on Saturday, July 12. This year's picnic was held at the pavilion on Beach 11. Beverages, hamburgers, and hot dogs were provided by TransFamily of NWPA, and guests brought dishes to share.
Prime Timers Pittsburgh join Aging with Pride Erie in Celebrating Erie Tall Ships 2025
Over the days of August 21st through August 24th, members of Pittsburgh Prime Timers, a chapter of Prime Timers Worldwide, will be traveling to Erie to attend the Erie Tall Ships Festival as well as socialize with Erie’s own Aging with Pride members. Prime Timers Worldwide is an international social organization for older gay and bisexual men with chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Planning has been occurring for several months, and it is anticipated that approximately twenty Prime Timers will travel to Erie for the events. In addition to Tall Ship events, Prime Timers and Aging with Pride members will meet for a joint dinner meeting on Thursday, August 21st, at the Wooden Ladle Restaurant and then meet for a picnic on Friday, August 22nd, at Presque Isle State Park. Other joint activities may be planned as the Tall Ships event draws closer.
Fierce Queens, Fabulous Fun, All for a Cause!
Venango Pride invites you to join them for Make America GAY Again - Drag Fundraiser! Dancing, drag, light refreshments, and a great time in downtown Oil City alongside the First Friday celebrations on August 1, for a 21+ adults-only event at Cork N' Screw Wines, 237 Seneca St, Oil City, PA.
Screening of 'Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine' on Saturday, September 20
Luther Memorial in association with the Jefferson Educational Society, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, NWPA Pride Alliance, Compton's Table, Erie Community Foundation, and Erie LGBT Fund will host a viewing of the documentary film 'Matt Sheperd is a Friend of Mine' on Saturday, September 20, 4:00 pm at 225 W 10th St, Erie, PA. In attendance will be the producer of the film, Linda Karn, and special guests Judy and Dennis Shepard.
Rain was not enough to dampen smiles at Warren Pride
The 6th annual Warren County Pride was celebrated on Saturday, June 14, at Betts Park in Warren, PA. The day started out a bit soggy with rain in the area, but it was not enough to deter those who came out to celebrate. The family-friendly event featured entertainment, games, contests, food, and merchandise vendors with music provided by DJ Sabine and musician Kaylie Williams.
Erie Gives '25 for Local Queer Nonprofits
Mark your calendars because Erie Gives will take place on Tuesday, August 13, from midnight to midnight! Erie Gives is an inspiring community-spirited event started in 2011. It's where thousands of donors from across the country - and globe - give to hundreds of local nonprofits. To date, Erie Gives has raised over $66.3 million for local nonprofits, thanks to the support of sponsors and donors. Last year, a record $9.7 million ($1.4 million more than 2023) donated to 513 nonprofits.
Compton's Table Open House
On July 17, Compton's Table hosted a community Open House from 5-7 PM, welcoming a supporters and allies into our space. The event aimed to introduce more of the Erie community to the vital work happening at Compton's Table.
Community Shines at Ashtabula Pride 2025
A joyful crowd filled Walnut Beach on Saturday, June 21, as the Ashtabula Pride Festival returned in full celebration for 2025. The lakefront park was alive with color, music, and community spirit as locals and visitors gathered to honor love, identity, and inclusion.
Erie Pride Weekend 2025
What a fantastic weekend celebrating Pride in Erie. From all of us on the board at NWPA Pride, we want to give a huge thank you to everyone who came out to Pride on the Bay and the Pride Parade. It was incredible to see our community come together with so much energy and love.
Trans Social Hour events in Meadville
On June 2nd, Trans Social Hour held a full-day gathering at Woodcock Overlook-a peaceful spot with a pavilion, grills, restrooms, and a scenic swing overlooking the water. Members and allies of the local trans community came together to relax, connect, and share stories in a safe, supportive space.
Compton's Table Partners with Macy's for Back-to-School Shopping Spree
Compton's Table is once again teaming up with Macy's for its annual Back-to-School Shopping Spree this August, offering queer and gender-expansive youth and young adults in Erie a chance to kick off the school year with confidence and style. The event provides young people with the opportunity to shop for clothes, school supplies, and essentials-all in a supportive, affirming environment.
Compton's Table Sets $6,000 Goal for Erie Gives Day - Ice Cream Celebration If Met
Compton's Table is gearing up for Erie Gives Day on Tuesday, August 12, with a goal of raising $6,000 to support its year-round work with queer and gender-expansive youth and young adults in Erie. Compton's provides life-affirming programs, resources, and spaces that empower queer individuals to thrive - and we're asking the community to help make that possible.
Bears Do Dinner #129 at Syd's Place
Bears Do Dinner held its 129th meet-up for dinner on July 9 at Syd's Place, 2992 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA. The next Bears Do Dinner will be on August 5 at Samurai Kitchen + Sushi, 2992 W 12th St, Erie, PA.
Katrina Twerk Island: Miss Erie 2024 reflects on her year she wore the crown
"My goals as Miss Erie were to unite, demonstrate kindness, encourage, as well as make the Miss Erie Pageant visible to Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. I feel I accomplished these goals. I worked very hard to do so. I am proud and honored to hold the title of Miss Erie. Erie was the place of my first ever appearance as Katrina Twerk Island. I encourage the next Miss Erie to be kind and respectful to your community and beyond.
2025 Erie Pride Parade - A Fun Time for All
On Sunday, June 29, 2025, NW PA Pride Alliance organized the annual Erie Pride Parade. Many organizations and people gathered to march down State Street in a beautiful display of the tremendous spectrum of the local community. People's Pride Erie hosted a fun and informal gathering in Perry Square at the end of the Parade, and there were food vendors at the end of the parade route. Photos are by Michael Mahler and Andrea Shaffer of Erie Gay News.
Compton's Table Annual Gala Art Auction
Compton's Table, a local nonprofit committed to uplifting Northwestern Pennsylvania's queer community, is putting out a call to LGBTQIA2+ artists for its upcoming Gala Art Auction this October. Open exclusively to queer-identifying artists, the auction will serve as a centerpiece of the organization's annual fundraising gala, spotlighting original artwork that celebrates queer creativity and expression. Participating artists may submit up to five original pieces in a variety of media. Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, woodwork, and mixed media are all welcome.
Pride Day at Waldameer Park & Water World
Get ready for some summer fun! Our annual Pride Day at Waldameer Park and Water World is happening again! Join us on Sunday, August 17th, for unlimited rides and slides at a special discounted price of just $35. It's the perfect way to spend a day with friends and family at one of Erie's favorite spots.
Erie County Human Relations Commission Launches "Being Black in Erie" Panel Series Race, Place & Belonging Series Kicks Off July 17 at Blasco Library
ERIE, PA - The Erie County Human Relations Commission (ECHRC) invites the public to the launch of a new panel series titled Race, Place & Belonging: Being Black in Erie. The first session will take place on Thursday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the H.O. Hirt Auditorium at the Blasco Library, 160 E. Front Street, Erie, PA.
Triangles Film to Begin Production in Pittsburgh
Triangles, a film directed by Rich Cummings and produced by Matt Foukes will begin production this month in Pittsburgh.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Compton's Table Needs Volunteers for the Renaissance Fair
Greetings, Noble Friends of Compton's Table, We're looking for volunteers to join Compton's Table at the Gem City Renaissance Fair in Frontier Park on Sunday August 31st! We'll be there signing in guests as they arrive-and we could use some friendly faces to help out. Volunteer shifts are just 2 hours each and run between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM
PINN Kicks Off Community Surveys to Build a More Inclusive and Connected Neighborhood at Foot of Presque Isle
ERIE, PA (July 8, 2025) - The Presque Isle Neighborhood Network (PINN), a newly formed community development nonprofit, is inviting residents and business owners within its footprint to help shape the future of the neighborhoods surrounding Presque Isle State Park through two public surveys open now through July 31, 2025.
June Aging With Pride Dinner
On Thursday, June 26, Aging With Pride had their monthly dinner at Give a Crepe La CrepErie,1909 Chestnut Street, Erie, PA. Aging With Pride dinners are usually the last week of the month. The next dinner will be on Thursday, August 21, at Wooden Ladle Ramen and Rice Bowl, 4753 West Lake Rd, Erie PA, 16505. The August dinner includes members of Pittsburgh Prime Timers, who will be in Erie for the Tall Ships Festival. 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.
Statement from the Erie County Human Relations Commission on the Death of Marchello Woodard
from Kristy Gnibus, Director, Erie County Human Relations Commission - Erie, PA — As Director of the Erie County Human Relations Commission, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Marchello Woodard. His tragic death has shaken our community, and we stand with all those who are grieving and seeking clarity, justice, and healing.
June Meadville Happy Hour
NW PA Pride Alliance held its Meadville Happy Hour on June 25, 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 Meadville Pride on the Diamond on Saturday, July 26, and the 32nd Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, August 16 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle. Erie Queer Happy Hour rotates through four different establishments. The next Erie Queer Happy Hour will be on Wednesday, August 6, from 6 to 8 PM at Ugly Tuna Tavern, 1012 Peninsula Drive, Erie PA.
Deadline for August 2025 print edition (issue #357) of Erie Gay News is Monday, July 14, comes out Tuesday, July 22! This will be at Meadville Pride on July 26!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 357, cover-dated for August 2025), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late July, 2025 and beyond by Monday, July 14. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, July 22. Please note that this issue will be at Meadville Pride on July 26.
Special Date and Location for Compton Table's Queer Open Mic for July
The Lamplighters are hosting the Compton's Table Queer Open Mic for July! This month, it's a little different and special- instead of our normal Thursday, we are having it on Friday, July 18th at The 10/20 Collective, 1020 Holland St, Erie, PA! Invite your queer friends and allies and let's enjoy a safe creative space together!
Entertainment and Travel
New Mural by Local Muralist Raeann Krueger Beautifies Customs House Construction
Erie, PA - The Erie Art Museum commissioned local muralist Raeann Krueger to complete a new mural project utilizing the construction barrier in front of the Customs House. The project began the week of the 4th of July, transforming the barrier into a piece of public artwork, and will conclude with a community art project in August led by Raeann.
Community Spotlight: VisitErie
VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization, recently introduced a fresh new brand and tagline: "Good Life. Great Lake." But this change is more than just visual. It's a reflection of a deeper mission to celebrate all the things that make Erie a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive place to live and visit.
Queer Horror Comedy Big Easy Queens Now Streaming on Hulu
LOS ANGELES (June 26, 2025) - Advocate Originals' Big Easy Queens, the award-winning queer cult film directed by Erynn Dalton and written by Robert Leleux, is now streaming on Hulu. The unapologetically queer horror comedy stars RuPaul's Drag Race fan favorite Suzie Toot, popular drag artist Miss Bouvèe, beloved Florida entertainer Jennifer McClain, American Idol alum Matthew Darren, Cuban-American actor Alexander Zenoz, and drag artist Varla Jean Merman. Watch the trailer on the film's website here.
Renaissance City Choir Comes Out with New Name for 40th Anniversary
Western Pennsylvania's only LGBTQIA+ and allies choral group proudly announces its new name: Pittsburgh Pride Choir. Formerly known as the Renaissance City Choir, the choir has been a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's LGBTQIA+ cultural community since 1985. The name change marks a new era - one that clearly reflects the group's identity and mission in a vibrant, visible, and proudly queer-forward way.
AfroPoP series keeps that Pride spirit going
NEW YORK (June 30, 2025) - AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, the Peabody Award-winning series by Black Public Media (BPM) and WORLD, brings two powerful stories featuring LGBTQ+ protagonists to Season 17. The films - Neptune Frost, by Anisia Uzeyman and Saul Williams, and Mama Gloria, by Luchina Fisher - present an Afrofuturistic tale of an intersex hacker and the real-life story of a pioneering trans woman. Presented by Black Public Media, WORLD and PBS Plus, AfroPoP remains the only U.S.-based public media show focused on independent documentaries and narrative films from across the global African diaspora.
Saugatuck-Douglas-Fennville; your weekend in the Art Coast of Michigan
The Art Coast of Michigan (Saugatuck-Douglas-Fennville in Southwest Michigan) has long been the Midwest's answer to Provincetown. Miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, 2 great LGBTQ resorts, and lots of shops and restaurants make it a great vacation destination.
Local Faces and Photos
LBT Women's Picnic: Real Connections, Good Vibes
Mark your calendars, pack your lawn chairs, and get ready for a day of laughter, games, and community. The beloved LBT Women's Picnic is back and happening on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM. It will be hosted once again in the welcoming backyard of LBT Women leaders, Kim and Andrea.
July G2H2 at Jr's On The Bay/Sloppy Duck Saloon
G2H2 held its monthly get-together on Friday, July 11, at Jr's On The Bay/Sloppy Duck Saloon, 726 W Bayfront Highway, Erie, PA The group usually gathers on the first Friday of each month. However, next month 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
Equality California Applauds Multistate Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration's Attack on Healthcare Access
LOS ANGELES - July 17 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, applauds California Attorney General Rob Bonta for filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration's latest attempt to restrict access to healthcare for millions of Americans, including transgender people accessing essential healthcare through state and federal marketplace plans. The new federal rule, set to take effect in August, would strip coverage from up to 1.8 million people and exclude gender-affirming care as an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. In response, Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang issued the following statement: "We are grateful to Attorney General Rob Bonta for taking bold legal action against the Trump administration's unlawful and deeply harmful effort to further dismantle the Affordable Care Act. This is not about preventing fraud or increasing efficiency - it's about slashing enrollment, driving up costs, and stripping coverage from millions of Americans, especially transgender people accessing essential healthcare.
Andry Hernandez Romero Released from El Salvador Prison
WASHINGTON - July 19, 2025 - Yesterday, Andry Hernandez Romero, the gay makeup artist and asylum seeker wrongfully disappeared by the Trump Administration, was released from the notorious El Salvador prison CECOT and sent back to Venezuela. Andry sought refuge in the United States after facing threats due to his sexual orientation in Venezuela. The news comes after months of demands from Andry's family, his legal team, and advocates to return him to the United States, as well as persistent refusal from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to verify that Andry was still alive.
ICYMI: Pride 2025 Shines in Defiance of Adversity
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Despite political pressure on corporations, and continued widespread attacks on LGBTQ+ rights in legislatures and courts, Pride 2025 proved that the fight for equality-and the celebration of who we are-is unstoppable. Across the country, millions took to the streets to show solidarity, joy, and unshakable resilience, often in record numbers.
NWLC Blasts Trump Administration Guidance Repealing Protections for LGBTQI+ Students in School Meal Programs
Washington, DC (July 10, 2025) -The Trump administration earlier this week quietly issued guidance repealing anti-discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in federal child nutrition programs.
Equality California Condemns Trump Administration Lawsuit Attacking Transgender Youth in California Schools
LOS ANGELES - July 9, 2025 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to the Trump administration's lawsuit challenging California policies that protect the rights of transgender students to participate in school sports consistent with their gender identity: "This lawsuit is a cruel and baseless political stunt. California law is clear: All students deserve a fair, safe, and supportive learning environment, including the opportunity to play sports. Transgender youth are not a threat, but they continue to be targeted by the Trump Administration in a coordinated campaign of hate and misinformation.
National Center for Lesbian Rights Announces Name Change to National Center for LGBTQ Rights
SAN FRANCISCO - After nearly 50 years as a leading LGBTQ civil rights organization, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) announced today that it is changing its name to the National Center for LGBTQ Rights (NCLR) to better reflect its longtime commitment to advocacy on behalf of the full LGBTQ community.
National Coalition of HIV, LGBTQ+ and Health Advocates Applauds Court Decision Upholding Law that Ensures Access to PrEP &other Healthcare Preventive Services
(Washington, DC - June 27) This Pride Month, we have been inundated by threats to the LGBTQ community-from book bans to attacks on gender-affirming care. But one case before the Supreme Court has stood out in its potential to inflict devastating harm far beyond our community. Kennedy v. Braidwood has been not just an attack on HIV prevention or LGBTQ people-it has been a coordinated effort to dismantle access to no-cost preventive healthcare for more than 150 million Americans.
Supreme Court Will Hear Challenges to Bans on Athletic Participation by Transgender Students
WASHINGTON - July 3, 2025 - The Supreme Court today granted certiorari in two federal court cases involving transgender youth challenging bans on their participation in local school and college sports.
Equality CA Responds to Congressional Passage of Extremist Reconciliation Bill that Targets LGBTQ+ People, Cuts Medicaid & SNAP, Defunds Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON, D.C. - July 3, 2025 - Today, after the U.S. House joined the Senate in passing an extremist and deeply harmful reconciliation bill, Equality California-the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization-issued the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang: "Today, Congress passed one of the most cruel and dangerous bills in modern history at the direction of Donald Trump and on the backs of the most vulnerable Americans.
HRC President: Supreme Court "Tells LGBTQ+ Students that they Don't Belong," Allows Parents to Opt-Out Students from Reading LGBTQ+ Themed Storybooks
WASHINGTON, DC - June 27, 2025 -Today, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled educators and undermined inclusive curricula promoting understanding and respect for different groups of people in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case concerning parents who claim their religious beliefs are infringed by age-appropriate curriculum and storybooks that feature LGBTQ+ characters and families. This decision elevates the religious beliefs of some parents, who believe that being LGBTQ+ is wrong, over any acknowledgement in the classroom that LGBTQ+ young people and their families exist. It overlooks public schools as places for students to learn diverse perspectives, opens the door for parents to opt-out children for any subject they find "objectionable" and sends a message to LGBTQ+ students and their families that their experiences and stories aren't equally important.
Lambda Legal Alert: Record-Breaking Surge in Help Desk Requests Related to Anti-LGBTQ+ Discrimination Post-Trump
(New York, NY - June 26, 2025) - As Pride Month closes, the national civil rights organization Lambda Legal is sounding the alarm about the intensifying wave of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks sweeping the nation. As of June, Lambda Legal's Help Desk had already received more than 4,300 requests for assistance-surpassing the total number of inquiries received in all of 2024.
Equality California Condemns Department of Education's 'Findings' Targeting Transgender Youth
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - June 25, 2025 - Equality California, the nation's largest LGBTQ+ statewide civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to the Trump Administration's Department of Education announcing that California violated Title IX by allowing transgender youth to participate in school sports: "The U.S. Department of Education's 'findings' are a dangerous distortion of Title IX and a direct attack on transgender youth in California. Let's be clear: this isn't about fairness in sports and never has been - it's about a federal administration weaponizing civil rights laws to target transgender students and force California to comply with their hateful anti-transgender agenda.
Health
Five Relationship Myths (and How to Break Them)
from Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: As a psychotherapist for over twenty-five years, I'd like to share with you five long-held relationship myths and why it's psychologically healthy to break them. Despite the hundreds of self-help books out on the shelves, there's a lot of impractical and impossible advice given by the "experts". I'd like to share my favorite relationship myths with you, in the hopes that, by busting them, any relationship you may be in now - or in the future - will be even better
AHF Applauds Congress for Backing PEPFAR Funding in Bipartisan Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 16, 2025) - AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today praised the U.S. Senate for its bipartisan decision to preserve funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program credited with saving over 25 million lives globally since it was launched under President George W. Bush.
Conversation Cafe on August 26 to Better Understand HIV Care
Join us at the Conversation Cafe on August 26 from 5 to 7 PM! These sessions are part of an effort by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to better understand the needs of people living with HIV, and how well current services are meeting those needs. Share your experience with HIV care, and help us better understand the needs of people living with HIV. Refreshments provided. Participants will be compensated for their time. RSVP to attend at https://www.tinyurl.com/HIVConvoCafe! Contact Kayla Emrick with any questions at kce24@pitt.edu.
FDA Approves Twice-Yearly Injectable HIV PrEP
Recently the US Food and Drug Administration approved Lenacapavir as a new HIV prevention tool. This is a new twice a year injection breakthrough option. Individuals finding it hard to take daily pills, injections can be easier. Cabotegravir was the first injected HIV prevention med. That version, released by ViiV Healthcare as Apretude, is taken other month [about 60 days apart]. The new Lenacapavir takes injections from six to two per year. This new option begins with a combo pill/shot lead-in to start the medicine and then turns into shots only. Studies are being done for even better options including a once per year shot.
Red Cross: Make an immediate difference by giving blood or platelets now
[July 7, 2025] - The American Red Cross urges all donors to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply strong this summer. Type O blood products are most needed on hospital shelves - especially in the face of summer challenges that can quickly cause blood and platelet reserves to drop.
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
by Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy:Clients often ask me, "Should I stay with my partner or should I go?" This is obviously not a question I can answer for them, so I help them look at the big picture - their expectations, the reality of their relationship, their old patterns - to help them make their decision.
MSU study: Friendships between queer people can improve well-being - but there's nuance
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Friendship is essential to well-being. Friends bring joy, a sense of acceptance, belonging and support in times of need. For queer people, finding others who share the same identity can build connection support and solidarity, leading to feelings of validation and acceptance that are difficult to receive from those who do not identify as queer. These communities often serve as familial networks and sometimes as a proxy for traditional family connections for queer people who are distanced from their family.
PA HIV Planning Group Survey on Employment and Career Advancement Needs of People Living With HIV (PLHIV)
The Pennsylvania HIV Planning Group, in collaboration with Temple University and Penn State, is conducting a research survey to better understand the employment and career advancement needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV). We invite you to participate in this brief, anonymous survey-designed to take approximately 10-15 minutes. Your responses are anonymous, so no identifying information is collected related to your responses. Your input will play a crucial role in informing future support programs and advocacy efforts.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
From Chalk to a lifetime
from Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: It was Gov. Josh Shapiro who reminded me that this past weekend marked a powerful triple anniversary. I had just spent two full days greeting visitors at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, sharing my firsthand account of that first night of the riots and the birth of the Gay Liberation Front. I stood in a place that itself was marking its first anniversary, while telling people that this year's march would be the 55th anniversary of Pride. And personally - for me - it was 56 years since I stood on that street, writing in chalk under the direction of Marty Robinson: "Tomorrow Night Stonewall."
The Importance of Local Commissions and County Ordinances Given Lack of Protection for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Under State and Federal Law
Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act does not specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes, nor has there been a trending movement to include them. The federal agency that handles discrimination complaints, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) used to treat the definition of "sex" under the statute to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Further, the US Supreme Court ruled in 2020 in the Bostock v. Clayton County case that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination can constitute sex discrimination under Title VII. Just last year, the EEOC issued guidance to specify that deliberately using the wrong pronouns for an employee or refusing them access to bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity, constituted harassment and illegal discrimination. Now, staff of EEOC are directed to code charges of discrimination as "C", the lowest categorization in the EEOC's system that is usually reserved for meritless charges. Additionally, the EEOC has moved on its own to dismiss seven of its own cases on behalf of workers alleging gender identity discrimination, arguing that the cases now conflict with President Donald Trump's January 20th executive order, declaring that the government would recognize only two sexes as the reason for why it no longer intends to pursue the cases. Civil rights activists have accused the EEOC of illegally defying the Supreme Court and abdicating its duty to enforce anti-discrimination laws by abandoning gender identity lawsuits. This latest decision to bury gender identity complaints leaves people experiencing discrimination at work with limited recourse at the federal level.
Log Cabin Republicans have blood on their hands
from Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: Log Cabin Republicans - and others who continue to support this administration - were warned that its policies would bring real harm to our community. That warning has now come true: the Trump administration has cut funding for LGBTQ+ suicide hotlines, effective July 17.
Pride and History
from Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: Each June, a certain feeling comes over me. While Pride is now celebrated at different times around the country and the world, for me it will always be about June - and that first Pride in 1970 in New York City.
Contests
Enter to win I'm Prancing As Fast As I Can!
Enter to win I'm Prancing As Fast As I Can! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 12, and Tuesday, September 2.
Enter to win Friends With Words: Adventures in Languageland!
Enter to win Friends With Words: Adventures in Languageland! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 8, and Tuesday, August 29.
Enter to win Songs for Other Peoples Weddings!
Enter to win Songs for Other Peoples Weddings! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, August 5, and Tuesday, August 26.
Enter to win Simplicity: A Novel
Enter to win Simplicity: A Novel by Mattie Lubchansky. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, August 1, and Friday, August 22.
Enter to win a digital download of Nights Like This
Enter to win a digital download of Nights Like This by Divya Sood. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, July 29, and Tuesday, August 19.
Enter to win a digital download of Find Someone to Love
Enter to win a digital download of Find Someone to Love by Divya Sood. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, July 25, and Friday, August 15.
Enter to win Single, Out Season 3 DVD!
Enter to win Single, Out Season 3 DVD! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, July 18, and Friday, August 8.
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