November, 2025 News (57 Articles with 51,665 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for November, 2025 30th Anniversary Erie Family Photo, taken on Oct 11, 2025 at Erie County Courthouse.. Photo by R Frank Media
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
Aging With Pride Movie Night: The Hunger
On Friday, October 17, Aging With Pride held a screening of The Hunger (1983) at Erie Movie House, 3424 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16505. Members brought snacks, and Erie Movie House provided free popcorn.
Transgiving to be celebrated on November 22
The holidays are a time to come together with friends, family, and chosen families. TransFamily of NWPA will once again host their annual Transgiving meal from 2-5 PM at the Erie Food Coop, 1341 W 26th St, Erie, PA. The board will provide turkey, mashed potatoes, and beverages; all others are asked to bring a dish to pass.
GEAE Afternoon for Equality
On Sunday, October 12, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) hosted its signature annual event, Afternoon for Equality, at the Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center. GEAE hosts this event as a significant fundraiser that helps empower GEAE to support the region's LGBTQ+ community and its allies through educational programs, social events, and service opportunities. These programs and events strengthen our voice, improve the quality of life in northwestern Pennsylvania, and propel us toward our mission to create a safe and welcoming community for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This annual event was moved to October to help celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day! Guests and sponsors of GEAE gathered for friendship and equality amongst autumnal flowers generously provided by Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses, while being treated to heavy Italian/Mediterranean hors d'oeuvres by Make It Fabulous Catering and music by the Stephen Trohoske Trio.
Pink Party Recap: You Helped Raise $3800!
Thank you, Erie! We are simply blown away by your generosity at Michelle Michaels' Pink Party Benefit Weekend at the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, the weekend of October 3. Together, our community raised an amazing $3800 for Linked by Pink, a wonderful local organization supporting those with breast cancer.
Transgender Day of Remembrance at the UU on Nov 20
The first Transgender Day of Remembrance was held in 1998 when Gwendolyn Ann Smith organized a memorial vigil for Rita Harter, a trans woman who was murdered. Since then, communities have come together to honor those who have been lost and to advocate for a world where transgender and non-binary people are no longer targets for violence and hate.
Aging With Pride Book Club - Red, White & Royal Blue
Aging With Pride gathered for their monthly book club on Saturday, October 18, at Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA 16508. October's book selection was Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. Steve led a lively discussion that covered several topics. Next up on November 15 is Lamb, The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore. Aging With Pride Book Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at Werner Books. Members pick out which book to read.
Beyond the Closet: Why Coming Out Still Matters
On National Coming Out Day 2025, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) hosted the first session of GEAE's educational series titled Beyond the Closet: Why Coming Out Still Matters. Presenter Brandon Wiley, founder and CEO of Opened Eyes, discussed the importance of coming out from a counseling perspective to a group of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. After the presentation, a warm and open conversation continued where people freely shared their own experiences with coming out, whether stories of happiness or difficulty. This educational session was then followed up with GEAE's annual Afternoon for Equality the following day; a true celebratory weekend during LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day! Please visit GreaterErieAlliance.org to find out more about our upcoming events and education programs!
Voters Guide for the General Election on November 4
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 general election is October 20. The last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is October 20, and the general election will be on Tuesday, November 4.
Aging With Pride at LGBTQ+ History Month Panel at Slippery Rock University
As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, members of Aging With Pride (AWP) participated in a panel discussion with Slippery Rock University students and faculty. Lauren Shoemaker, PhD, Co-Director of the Gender Studies Program at SRU, organized the October 16th event.
Erie's Queer Community Gathered Together for 30th Anniversary Family Photo
The Erie queer community came together to make history on October 11 and celebrate the 30th anniversary of Erie's first Family Photo, held in honor of National Coming Out Day. What began in 1995 with just 32 people has grown into a beloved tradition that embodies visibility, connection, and pride.
Erie County Human Relations Commission Announces Open House at New Downtown Location
ERIE, PA (October 14, 2025) - The Erie County Human Relations Commission (ECHRC) is excited to invite the public to an Open House on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Commission's new office located at 24 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16501.
COLORS Unity Looking to Expand Membership
COLORS in Olean, NY, is looking to expand its membership after a brief hiatus due to personal tragedies and health concerns of the co-founders! We are up and running again and would LOVE to make another impact within our area. If you'd like an application, please email us at colors.14760@gmail.com or click the link: https://form.jotform.com/241794365230053
Celebrate Aging with Pride Recognition Award for Werner Books
Aging with Pride likes to acknowledge individuals and/or businesses who demonstrate their commitment to assisting the "seasoned" members of the LGBTQ+ Community. On October 9, 2025, AWP presented this Recognition Award to the owners and staff of Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA 16508. The entire staff of this establishment has warmly welcomed AWP and hosts our monthly Game Night, Monthly Book Club, and other special events for AWP and other LGBTQ+ groups. Shout out to Kyle Churman and his wife, Lauren Shoemaker, owners of Werner Books & Coffee!
Bears Do Dinner #132 at Wooden Ladle Ramen & Rice Bowl
Bears Do Dinner held its 132nd meet-up for dinner on October 8, at Wooden Ladle Ramen & Rice Bowl, 4753 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA. The next Bears Do Dinner will be on Monday, November 3, at Erie Brewing Co. (West Side), 4102 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA.
The film "Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine" comes to town
In October of 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally beaten and murdered. Matthew was tied to a split-rail fence, where two men savagely assaulted him with the butt of a pistol and left him alone to die in a deserted field. The event underscored the issue of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in America. On September 20, 2025, a group gathered at the Luther Memorial Church in Erie to watch the documentary, "Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine," in which several of Matthew's close friends shared how this special young man impacted their lives. The film shows graphic photos taken of Matthew after he was beaten, and the news coverage that followed the tragedy.
IMPORTANT UPDATE for Journey: Healing Together's Canvases of Caring Event This Saturday!
IMPORTANT UPDATE! Canvases of Caring Fundraiser Restructured as Paint & Sip Event on October 11. The upcoming Canvases of Caring fundraiser, hosted by Journey: Healing Together, has been reimagined as a Paint & Sip event to bring the community together in a more interactive and inclusive way. October 11, coinciding with National Coming Out Day, and will benefit Journey's trauma-informed mental health and community wellness initiatives.
Aging With Pride Dinner at McGarrey's Oakwood Cafe
On Tuesday, September 30, Aging With Pride had their monthly dinner at McGarrey's Oakwood Cafe, 1624 W 38th St, Erie, PA. Aging With Pride dinners are usually the last week of the month. The next dinner will be on Thursday. October 23, at Habibi,127 W 14th St, Erie, PA, 16508. Aging With Pride is also screening 1983's The Hunger on October 17 at Erie Movie House at 7 PM, with free admission. 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.
Eerie Horror Fest Announces Full 2025 Lineup of Films, Industry Guests, & More
ERIE, PA - The Eerie Horror Fest will return to the historic Warner Theatre on Friday, October 10th and Saturday, October 11th, delivering two jam-packed days of sinister cinema, educational workshops, special guests, and more. Screenings will take place in the Warner's stunning Rehearsal Hall and 2nd Floor Annex, offering an intimate and immersive festival experience.
September Meadville Happy Hour at Julian's Bar & Grill
NW PA Pride Alliance held its Meadville Happy Hour on September 24, 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 rotates through four different establishments. The next Erie Queer Happy Hour will be on Wednesday, November 5, from 6 to 8 PM at Room 33 Speakeasy, 1033 State St, Erie, PA.
Get ready for the 26th Annual Lake Erie Gala
The Erie Sisters and Brothers 26th Annual Lake Erie Gala takes place November 12th through 16th at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. The event attracts crossdressers, transgender people, their loved ones, and friends from throughout Erie, the surrounding cities, and even other states. The gala originated at the historic Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs. However, in 1917, a kitchen fire broke out and engulfed the 132-year-old building in flames.
Eerie Horror Fest Announces 2025 Venue Adjustment, Calls on Community Support
ERIE, PA - The Eerie Horror Fest has long celebrated not only the best in genre film and filmmaking, but also the local community that sustains it. For years, the Fest has showcased international submissions, cult classics, industry guests, educational workshops, and more, bringing the world of horror cinema to Erie. This year, however, the Festival faces new challenges. Rising operating costs, compounded by recent cuts to arts funding and the loss of over $10,000 in grant support, have necessitated a difficult decision to ensure the event's success.
The deadline for the November 2025 print edition (issue #360) of Erie Gay News is Mon, Oct 13, and it will be available on Tues, Oct 21 in full color!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 360, cover-dated for November 2025), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late October 2025 and beyond by Monday, October 13. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, October 21. Please note that this will be a special issue and will be printed in full color, a first, to commemorate the historic milestone of the 30th anniversary Erie Family Photo being taken on Saturday, October 11, at 11 AM on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse. This issue will also include our Voters Guide for the November 4 General Election.
Entertainment and Travel
Buffalo United Arts and First Look Buffalo proudly presents The Girl in the Washroom
Buffalo United Artists & First Look Buffalo Theatre Company, in their first-ever theatrical collaboration, are proud to present 'The Girl in the Washroom' by Bella Poynton and directed by Mike Doben. The play stars Stefanie Warnick, Pagie Cummings and Bob Rusch, and is Directed by Mike Doben, It runs October 24th through November 8th (October 24 at 7:30 PM, October 25 at 5:00 PM, October 30 at 7:30 PM, October 31 at 7:30 PM, November 1 at 5:00 PM, November 2 at 2:00 PM, November 7 at 7:30 PM, November 8 at 5:00 PM). at Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center; 705 Renaissance Drive, (off Young's Road) Williamsville, New York 14221. Tickets are $30.00 for General Admission Tickets and $20.00 for Senior Admission Tickets. Tickets available at www.firstlookbuffalo.com
National Coming Out Day Virtual Screening of "Amma's Pride" Launches #StandUpForLove Virtual Campaign
[New York NY October 7, 2025- The Oscar-qualified short documentary, Amma's Pride, is launching a 48-hour global virtual screening event, #StandUpForLove, starting October 11th (National Coming Out Day). The campaign aims to reach at least 100,000 people worldwide, establishing a collective moment for love, marriage equality, and trans rights.
Joey Amato Announces Debut Album Up All Night: A Bold Collaboration Between Human Creativity and Artificial Intelligence
October 7, 2025 - Indianapolis, IN - Songwriter Joey Amato will release his debut album, Up All Night, a groundbreaking project that blends heartfelt lyricism with cutting-edge technology. Every song on the record features original lyrics written entirely by Joey, brought to life using AI-powered music platforms, which provided the instrumental arrangements and vocal recordings for the songs.
'POV' Highlights a Mother Learning to Parent While Confronting the Complexities of Her Own Upbringing in A Mother Apart
Brooklyn, N.Y. - September 9, 2025 - POV, the multi-Emmy and Peabody Award-winning documentary, presents A Mother Apart, a film that follows mother Staceyann Chin, who balances the struggle of being abandoned at a young age by her mother, and as a mother who is trying to change her family's generational cycle of abandonment. Directed by Laurie Townshend (Charley, The Railpath Hero) and produced by Alison Duke (Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story), Ngardy Conteh George (Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story), and Justine Pimlott (Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance), the film celebrates Staceyann Chin's healing journey of becoming the mother she always needed, revealing that compassion and grace are possible-even when the past is marked by loss.
Political, Activism and Legal
Lambda Legal With Accompany Creative Launch National Ad Campaign, "All Rise"
NEW YORK, NY, October 16, 2025 - As the Trump Administration pushes its agenda against hard-won legal protections-including marriage equality, parental rights, trans rights, and HIV prevention-Lambda Legal and its attorneys are launching an urgent fundraising campaign, "All Rise." More than a call to grassroots donors, All Rise emphasizes unity, the call to meet a challenge, and the quest to sustain a legal foundation on which LGBTQ+ community members can build their lives openly and with dignity. Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization litigating and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV. The organization has half a dozen offices across the country and every day its lawyers are fighting for LGBTQ+ civil rights, averaging more than 60 cases at any point in time. To launch the "All Rise" campaign, Lambda Legal has partnered with Accompany Creative, the agency named Purpose-led Small Agency of the Year by Ad Age in 2024.
Antwon Womack makes history as the first LGBTQ+ Black person elected in Alabama!
WASHINGTON - October 14, 2025 - LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ+ people to all levels of government, proudly congratulates Antwon Womack on his historic Birmingham School Board election victory. Womack is the first out Black LGBTQ+ person elected in Alabama and will become the second out LGBTQ+ person currently serving in elected office in the state.
Survey: Majority of LGBTQ Adults Report Harm, Mistreatment, and Dramatic Life Changes Since November 2024
Since November 2024-and especially in the months since the beginning of President Trump's second term-anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has increased, violence has escalated, and legislation, executive orders, and other targeted actions have drastically altered the lives of LGBTQ people, especially transgender people. Survey findings from the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and NORC at the University of Chicago show that the majority of LGBTQ adults report harm, mistreatment, and other negative experiences since the 2024 presidential election.
Statewide March and Rally for LGBTQ+ Equal Rights and Equal Care Announced for October 26th in Harrisburg
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Oct. 14, 2025) - For the first time in over ten years, LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians and allies will rally at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to demand action from federal, state, and local leaders to ensure equal protection under the law. This statewide mobilization comes at a time of unprecedented assaults against the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people. The event will begin at 1pm with a march around the State Capitol complex which will be followed by a rally on the Main Capitol steps. Events of the day are supported by LGBTQ+ community and partner organizations throughout the commonwealth.
NWLCAF Condemns Senate Passage of NDAA Containing Anti-LGBTQI+ and Anti-DEI Provisions
WASHINGTON, DC - October 10, 2025 - The U.S. Senate has passed the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes harmful provisions targeting the rights of LGBTQI+ service members and their families and dismantling opportunities and strategies to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the military.
Human Rights Campaign Mourns, Honors, Remembers Black Trans Icon Miss Major Griffin-Gracy
WASHINGTON - October 13, 2025 -The Human Rights Campaign released the following statement on the death of transgender icon and civil rights advocate Miss Major Griffin-Gracy: "All of us at HRC feel a profound sense of loss at the passing of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy," said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. "She held many roles throughout her life: prison reform and civil rights activist, HIV outreach and prevention educator, executive director, executive producer. To many, though, she was best known as 'Mom' -- as she mentored and looked over so many younger trans women in the community. A pillar in our community, Miss Major's lifetime of challenging work fundamentally changed and improved the lives of so many, especially Black transgender women. From Stonewall to her HIV activism to her support of so many transgender and gender nonconforming folks in the South, her legacy is powerful and lasting. We owe her a debt that can never be repaid."
Court Blocks Trump Administration From Restricting Grants That Help Homeless, Survivors of Violence
October 10, 2025 - A federal judge in Rhode Island today blocked sweeping restrictions the Trump-Vance administration imposed on 22 organizations that rely on federal grants to help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, LGBTQ+ youth, and people experiencing homelessness.
Equality California Responds to Trump Demands Regarding University Funding
LOS ANGELES - October 3, 2025 - Following a series of actions by the Trump administration threatening the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC) into complying with certain demands in exchange for federal funding - Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang offered the following response: "Donald Trump continues to bully academic institutions into accepting his administration's anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-democratic agenda. For months, he has been trying to extort nearly $1.2 billion from UCLA and drastically overhaul campus practices on hiring, admissions, support for LGBTQ+ students and staff. Now he's turned his sights to USC where he is dangling the carrot of federal funding and research grant advantages to coerce compliance.
HRC President Reacts to SCOTUS Oral Arguments in Chiles v. Salazar
WASHINGTON, DC - October 7, 2025 - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments for Chiles v. Salazar, a case challenging the constitutionality of Colorado's state-wide restrictions on dangerous, so-called "conversion therapy" practices for minors based on free speech claims. The 2019 Colorado law protects youth from being subjected to harmful, abusive, and discredited attempts to "convert" their gender-identity or sexual orientation by licensed mental health practitioners. The law aligns with recommendations by every mainstream medical and mental health association in the country. The impact of this ruling could be wide-spread - affecting laws in 23 states and the District of Columbia that protect against dangerous "conversion" efforts that jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of children while undermining the credibility and ethicality of mental health care.
Health
Red Cross: Blood or platelet donation appointments needed now
[Oct. 22, 2025] - The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help curb a drop in donor turnout this fall. Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are asked to book a time to donate at a Red Cross blood donation center or community blood drive to help give hospitals the tools they need to care for patients ahead of the holidays.
Federal 2026 Budget Proposes $1.7 Billion in HIV Funds
While the Federal government is shut down as of this article submission, there is a proposed budget by the House (of Representatives) Appropriations Committee that would make permanent cuts to US HIV treatment and prevention programs by over $1.7 billion. This budget would eliminate all US HIV prevention funding - which nearly accounts for all dollars used in many jurisdictions across the United States. The bill for this proposed budget also reduces the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program by over 20%, affecting lifesaving treatment and medications to more than half of all the people living with HIV in the US.
Community Spotlight: NAMI of Erie County PA
Since its founding in 1984 by David and Joanne Cooper, Don and Carol Shaper, and Jim and Jeanne Hughes, NAMI of Erie County has worked to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment for individuals and families affected by mental illness. What began as a grassroots effort to offer empathy and understanding has grown into a full-fledged countywide resource hub dedicated to support, education, and advocacy.
When to Have Sex?
This is one of the most frequent questions I get from clients/readers who find themselves entering the dating world. This letter is typical.
From Capitol Hill to a global audience - join the #CutsKill Digital Quilt
The #CutsKill Quilt, inspired by the AIDS Memorial Quilt of the 1980s, was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol on September 5, 2025 as a powerful visual installation highlighting the lives at stake if federal HIV funding is cut. The quilt honors the past while warning Congress of the devastating consequences that could follow without immediate action to protect lifesaving care.
Red Cross: Take steps now to support a strong blood supply
[Oct. 7, 2025] - The American Red Cross asks donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets to support patients counting on a consistent blood supply to survive and heal. While emergencies often grab headlines, the need for blood is constant. This is especially true in October, as donation appointments can often drop quickly when people settle into busy fall routines and make plans around upcoming school breaks.
Fire Prevention Week: Protect your family by practicing home fire escape plan, testing smoke alarms
[OCT. 3, 2025] - During Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11), the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania reminds everyone of the dangers of home fires, which claim seven lives every day in the U.S. To help protect your household, test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.
Why I Like Getting Older
by Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: If you believe advertising, getting older is a mistake, a weakness. If you get older and look older, you've done it wrong. This logic works really well for advertising: it creates a lot of scared people desperate enough to buy any product that will keep them from not looking their age.
Spirituality and Religion
Radiant Faith: A new LGBTQ+ centered gathering in downtown Erie
The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul in downtown Erie is no stranger to uplifting and ministering to the queer community. The congregation was an early adopter of proactive support; in 1989 they launched an HIV/AIDS ministry, in 1994 they hosted the first of multiple visits of the AIDS quilt to Erie, and even today, many of the weddings held at the cathedral are for LGBTQ+ couples.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
Our History: Embraced, not Erased
from Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: I'll soon be on my way to Virginia Beach, VA, to speak to the Association of National Park Rangers about what the erasure of history means at our national parks - and particularly, the erasure of LGBTQ+ history. Sadly, we've already seen examples of this on the National Park Service's Stonewall National Monument website.
The Ghost of Hotel San Carlos
My friend Jassiel came to Arizona to do research for his PhD project about cultural beliefs regarding paranormal activity. He heard that downtown Phoenix' historic Hotel San Carlos is one of the most haunted buildings in the Southwest. He hired two experienced crews of ghost hunters to assist him. I was brought along as his local sorcerer's apprentice.
October's youth dreams realized
by Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: This October feels like the moment my youthful dreams have come full circle - and as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. When I was young, all I wanted was to understand why society so deeply misunderstood us - why people believed we were the green monsters hiding in the dark closet. Moving to New York, I began to learn the answers. I wanted to scream at the world: Stop oppressing us. Let us live our lives.
Love Without Limits: Polyamory in Erie
ERIE, PA - Picture yourself in a cozy Erie coffee shop, overhearing a conversation about multiple, open, loving relationships-consensual, honest, and fulfilling. Welcome to polyamory, a growing relationship style reshaping how we view love, even in our tradition-rich city.
Contests
Enter to win 300 Letters!
Enter to win 300 Letters! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, Nov 11 and Tuesday, December 2.
Enter to win The Royal We by Roddy Bottum!
Enter to win The Royal We by Roddy Bottum! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, Nov 4, and Tuesday, November 24.
Enter to win When I Picture You!
Enter to win When I Picture You! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 28, and Tuesday, November 18.
Enter for the chance to win an annual subscription to Film Movement Plus!
Enter for the chance to win an annual subscription to Film Movement Plus! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, October 24 and Friday, November 14.
Enter to win Sorry I Keep Crying During Sex
Enter to win Sorry I Keep Crying During Sex by Jesse James Rose. To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, October 21, and Tuesday, November 11.
History
Local laws filled the federal void for LGBTQ+ rights and offer a path forward today
Although no law can truly prevent unfair treatment, nondiscrimination laws act as a deterrent and offer a path to accountability when problems arise. But many state statutes do not explicitly protect LGBTQ+ people - and without federal nondiscrimination laws pertaining to the queer community, most LGBTQ+ people in the United States are left vulnerable.
Li Shiu Tong: The man behind Magnus Hirschfeld
When Chinese medical student Li Shiu Tong met Magnus Hirschfeld in Shanghai during Hirschfeld's 1931 world tour, their relationship - in which Li accompanied and cared for the famed sexologist across continents and the final years of his life - fell quickly into place. Li attended St. Johns University, which ran classes in English and prepared students for life in the international sphere. Growing up in a wealthy family with a banker father who supported his academic pursuits, he had ambitions to study abroad and a sharp interest in Hirschfeld's work on sexuality. The 63-year-old Hirschfeld, who was one of the first public advocates for LGBTQ+ people and who campaigned against laws restricting homosexuality, had a reputation for fancying younger men socially. It would have been career suicide, and likely worse, to admit to any intimate desires beyond that.
From silence to action: Day of Silence co-founder vows 'We're not going anywhere'
Maria Pulzetti said many folks will tell her that their first exposure to LGBTQ+ activism was in middle school or high school, through the national youth movement known as Day of Silence. However, these same folks do not realize a key detail about the annual event until Pulzetti informs them.
The need to preserve LGBTQ+ histories of rural America
"People think of big cities when they think about the LGBTQ community because it's just more visible there," said Barry Loveland, co-founder of the LGBT Center of Central PA History Project, explaining that it's often easier to find and document the stories of queer urban pasts. "The more rural areas, like Central PA - when I started this project 13 years ago, nobody was telling those stories."
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