December, 2025 News (63 Articles with 46,313 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for December, 2025 Performers gather at The Zone on November 14 to honor the late MC Buddy/Buffy Lynn Hayes/Arthur Dobson
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
TransFamily of NW PA Celebrates Transgiving Potluck
On Saturday, November 22, TransFamily of NW PA celebrated their annual Transgiving Potluck at Erie Food Co-Op. 1346 W 26th St, Erie, PA. The group provided turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Everyone had a great time enjoying delicious food and wonderful company!
Thank You and Goodnight, MC Buddy: A Memorial Drag Show
A memorial drag show for the late D.J. and proud emcee, Arthur "Buddy" Dobson, was held at The Zone. 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA, on Friday, November 14th. Buddy Dobson was a fixture in the Erie queer nightlife, DJ-ing alongside Joe Totleben. Dobson also performed under his drag alter-ego, Buffy Lynn Hayes, and was a former Miss Erie.
Erie Observes Transgender Day of Remembrance
Members of the TransFamily of NWPA welcomed members of the community to the Unitarian Universalist Church in Erie on Thursday, November 20, for the local Transgender Day of Remembrance service. This year, a total of 57 names were read for those whose lives were cut short by violence. Sadly, this is by no means the true number of the lives that were lost. Violence against the trans community - particularly transgender women of color and those living at the intersection of multiple forms of marginalization - is really underreported. The names of those remembered this year are listed below.
November Aging With Pride Dinner at Valerio's
On Wednesday, November 19, Aging With Pride had their monthly dinner at Valerio's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, 724 Powell Ave, Erie, PA. Aging With Pride dinners are usually the last week of the month. The next dinner will be the annual holiday dinner at a member's home on December 18, and then a brunch at Give a Crepe CrepErie, 1909 Chestnut St, Erie, PA on January 24. 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.
Who Wants to be a Drag Star, Meadville Season 2 Premieres
Who Wants to be a Drag Star, Meadville's bi-monthly drag competition series hosted by Cherry Falwell, is back and bigger than ever for season two. Round one was held on Saturday November 19th at Voodoo Brewery. Head judge Lady Travesty and guest judges Snarebear and Shea D'Heaux made up the judges panel. Five drag performers (Angelica Starlight, Marina Flowers, Ophelia Payne, Sunny Rae Rex, and Ruby Skye) battled it out for their spot in the spring finale. "Drag Star is a great way for newer performers to showcase their talent and find their footing on stage," said Cherry Falwell. "The competition is open to all genders and all types of drag - queens, kings, things. I can't wait for round two. We have more kings competing than ever before."
Making History: The Aging with Pride Legacy Project
The Aging with Pride Legacy Project continues to gather historical records of the LGBTQ+ community in Erie. To date, a collection of artifacts: newspaper articles, photographs, posters, flyers, buttons and even a journal have been catalogued in a collaborative effort to create a formal LGBTQ+ archive at a local university. Such an archive provides a record of community evolution, strengths, challenges, successes and identity.
OddCity Announces Noob Night Sign-Ups & New "OddTV Labs" Studio Tour Series
OddCity Entertainment is gearing up for an exciting winter as we open sign-ups for Noob Night Spring 2026, our debut platform for brand-new bands, musicians, and rappers. Noob Night gives rising artists their first chance to perform in front of a large audience of fans, promoters, and venue owners - all within our signature corporate punk/corporate goth aesthetic. Each participating act receives the Noob Bible, OddCity's insider guide to navigating the underground music scene.
Mark Hoovler named to the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council
Mark Hoovler has been appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to Pennsylvania's Long-Term Care Council. The council provides recommendations to improve regulations, licensing, financing and the delivery of long-term care services to the state's elderly.
Pip-Skey's Foundation's 3rd Annual Bark and Boo(ze) Basket Raffle Raises Over $6,000 to Support Homeless Animals
Jamestown, NY - Pip-Skey's Foundation for Homeless Animals, Inc. is proud to announce the tremendous success of its 3rd annual Bark and Boo(ze) Basket Raffle, held on October 19, 2025, at Sneakers Bar. This year's event raised more than $6,000 to support the organization's mission of aiding local homeless, neglected, and at-risk animals.
Cleveland, Erie, and Pittsburgh LGBTQ Seniors Meet for the First Time
On Friday, Nov. 14th, members of Aging with Pride Erie, Older Wiser Leaders (OWLS) of the Persad Center, Pittsburgh, and Rainbow Pioneers from the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland met for the first time to get to know each other, discuss mutual concerns, and plan for the future. Hosted by the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, approximately 30 people came together for discussions, lunch, and a wonderful afternoon spent at the Cleveland Art Museum. Everyone agreed that there should be more collaborative planning in the future as people discussed issues facing older LGBT individuals in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.
Warren County Pride Members at Annual Christmas Walk
Members of the Warren County Pride event team will host a street-side booth at the Warren County, PA, annual Christmas Walk on Friday, December 5th, 2025. Stop by for holiday cheer and free rainbow candy canes!
City of Erie earns perfect score of 100 on Human Rights Campaign's 2025 Municipal Equality Index
The City of Erie has again earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI). This is the fourth year in a row that Erie has achieved a perfect score.
Erie County Human Relations Commission to Host "Next in Line: Being Black (and Young) in Erie" Panel
CARIE Presentation on Medicare Fraud Prevention to Aging With Pride
On Saturday, November 15, members of Aging with Pride heard a speaker on Medicare fraud prevention at Werner Books and Coffee. 3608 Liberty, Erie, PA. Monica Vanderhoof, a volunteer with CARIE (Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders), presented information on how to detect and protect yourself from fraud. She also answered several questions from the audience.
Werner Books Food Drive
Out of care and concern for our neighbors who may be facing food uncertainty this season, Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie PA, is distributing food to the little free pantries around Erie during the months of November and December. They invite you to bring in nonperishable contributions to help fill little free pantries around town, which can be dropped off in the basket located in the cafe. They are forever grateful to the Erie community for always taking care of their neighbors during times of need.
Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Virtual Town Halls for Mental Health Professionals
The Governor's Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs* will hold two virtual town halls in December to hear specifically from Mental Health Professionals serving LGBTQ+ communities.You may attend either the session on Thursday, December 4 at 6:30 PM or the session on Friday, December 5 at 12 noon. Both sessions are expected to last 90 minutes. Your contact information is secure and will not be shared with anyone outside of this meeting. This event is held on Microsoft Teams and will not be livestreamed or recorded. *The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding LGBTQ Pennsylvanians' experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to LGBTQ Pennsylvanians' needs.
Community Spotlight: Crime Victim Center of Erie County
In the heart of Erie County, a quiet but powerful force has been working for over five decades to support survivors of crime: the Crime Victim Center (CVC). Founded in 1973 by Joan Martin, the agency began as the Erie County Rape Crisis Center after Martin's family member survived a sexual assault. With no services available at the time, Martin set out to build the support network her family needed but could not find.
Celebrate Aging With Pride T-Shirts on Sale at Werner Books and Coffee
Celebrate Aging with Pride t-shirts are now available at Werner Books and Coffee in the Liberty Plaza (3608 Liberty Street). Local artist Kem Brazda created this colorful design to celebrate older members of the LGBTQIA+ community. T-shirts are available in purple or black, in sizes ranging from small to 5X extra large, and are priced at $25 each. Proceeds benefit Aging with Pride, an organization of senior LGBT+ members and allies that develops and sponsors social/recreational, and educational events to promote healthy leisure activities, community, and an active, enjoyable lifestyle.
Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Virtual Town Hall for Parents of Transgender Youth on Mon, Nov 17
The Governor's Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs* is holding a virtual town hall on Monday, November 17 to hear specifically from parents of Transgender youth. (This includes all children, whether minors or adults.)
Penn State Behrend GASE Halloween Drag Show
On Friday, October 31, the Gender and Sexuality Equality Club (GASE) and Lion Entertainment Board (LEB) of Penn State Behrend presented their annual Halloween Drag Show in McGarvey Commons. Debbie Does Drag hosted the event. Additional performers were Vivian Vendetta-Sinclaire, Katririna Twerk-Island, Riley Poppyseed, and Clinica DePrecious. The evening also featured a costume contest with prizes.
Bears Do Dinner # 133 at Erie Brewing Co. (West)
Bears Do Dinner held its 133rd meet-up for dinner on November 3 at Erie Brewing Co. (West Side), 4102 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA.. The next Bears Do Dinner will be on Tuesday, December 9 at Oasis Pub & Tiki Bar, 3122 West Lake Rd, Erie, PA.
Meadville Halloween Parade
On October 25, 2025, NW PA Pride Alliance marched in Meadville's Halloween Parade. Meadville's Halloween Parade is the largest nighttime parade in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The contingent was well-received, and NW PA Pride Alliance members and friends proudly carried their banner and threw glowsticks to the crowd.
Compton's Table "Witch, Please: A Queer Gayla"
On Friday, October 24th, Compton's Table hosted "Witch, Please: A Queer Gayla," the organization's second annual gala fundraiser. The sold-out event was held at the Erie Art Museum. Guests enjoyed an evening of community, altruism, and fun, featuring cuisine by Van's Catering, tarot readings, an auction of works by queer and trans artists, and performances by regional drag artists Debbie and Shea D'Heaux. The Compton's Table board presented its second annual Safe Space of the Year award to Herb and Honey Bakery. Ember and Forge was honored with the Ally of the Year award.
October Meadville Happy Hour
NW PA Pride Alliance held its Meadville Happy Hour on October 22, 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, December 3, from 6 to 8 PM at Ugly Tuna Tavern, 1012 Peninsula Drv, Erie, PA.
The deadline for the December 2025 print edition (issue #361) of Erie Gay News is Saturday, November 15, and it will be available on Tuesday, November 25!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 361, cover-dated for December 2025), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late November 2025 and beyond by Saturday, November 15. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, November 25.
Job Opening via United Way for Community School Director Supervisor
Please note that the United Way of Erie County has a job position open for Community School Director Supervisor . Submit your Resume & Cover Letter at UnitedWayErie.org/Jobs. A resume and cover letter are required to be submitted via email to jobs@unitedwayerie.org by COB on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Medicare Fraud Presentation by Senior Medicare Patrol on Nov 15
On Saturday, November 15, at noon, Aging With Pride will host a Medicare Fraud Presentation by Senior Medicare Patrol at Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA. Please join guest speaker Monica Vanderhoof of Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for a special presentation on Medicare Fraud Awareness and Prevention. Medicare loses nearly $100 billion a year to fraud, which affects YOUR premium costs and access to care. Join SMP to fight back!
Entertainment and Travel
Your DC Holiday Weekend: 2 Holiday Markets, 27 Bars, and the Free Museums Make DC a Perfect Winter Destination
Washington, D.C. is dressed up for the holidays. 2 holiday street markets (Dupont Circle and downtown on F Street by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery/Museum of American Art are necessary in the most walkable (and gayest) city in America. Plus, the crowds are gone tourists are exceedingly rare during this off season).
Pura Vida with Pride: Exploring LGBTQ+ Culture in Costa Rica
Costa Rica may be known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the ever-present philosophy of pura vida-the "pure life"-but it's also one of the most progressive and inclusive destinations in Central America when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and culture. With same-sex marriage legalized in 2020 and a growing queer community thriving in both urban and coastal regions, the country offers a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates diversity amid natural beauty.
Your Seattle Weekend: Orca whale watching, 14,000 foot volcanoes, and exploring Capitol Hill
The Pacific Northwest never fails to amaze. And this trip was no exception. I saw 2 pods of Orca whales on the ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle. The boat cut power to 7 knots while we watched the whales.
'POV' Unravels Assumptions About International Adoption, Reunion, and Queer Kinship in Between Goodbyes
Brooklyn, N.Y. - October 21, 2025 - POV, the multi-Emmy, Oscar and Peabody Award-winning documentary series, presents Between Goodbyes, the feature debut of first-time director Jota Mun, and produced by Mun, Zoe Sua Cho, and Barb Lee. The film follows a queer Korean adoptee reconnecting with her original mother in Seoul, as she unravels decades of silence, stigma, confronting long-held regrets, and cultural misunderstandings with tenderness, humor, and resilience. As a fellow queer Korean adoptee, Mun's lived experience brings personal insight and uncommon intimacy to a story that reframes conventional narratives about adoption and kinship.
What's New in the Desert: Your Palm Springs Getaway Guide
I was in Palm Springs for the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Global Convention. Over 750 attendees from 32 countries attended-a new record. And this is despite the drop in large corporate sponsorship support (as has also been seen at Pride events). A highlight was the IGLTA Foundation fundraiser at the Dinah Shore estate (owned by Leonardo Di Caprio). It sleeps 16 and has 6 bathrooms and can be yours for around $5,000 a night.
Local Faces and Photos
November G2H2 at Room 33
G2H2 held its monthly get-together on Friday, November 7, at Room 33 Speakeasy & Cafe, 1033 State Street, Erie, PA The group usually gathers on the first Friday of each month. The next G2H2 will be on December 5 at Room 33 Speakeasy & Cafe.
Political, Activism and Legal
ICYMI: Cities Are Holding the Line on Equality Even as Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks Grow
WASHINGTON, D.C. November 21, 2025 - Yesterday, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released new findings from the 14th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI) - the nation's most comprehensive review of LGBTQ+ laws, policies, and services at the city level.
Transgender Federal Worker Sues Trump-Vance Administration Over Federal Bathroom Ban
WASHINGTON - November 20, 2025 - A civilian employee of the Illinois National Guard today filed a class action lawsuit in federal court challenging a Trump-Vance administration policy prohibiting transgender and intersex federal employees from using restrooms aligned with their gender. The complaint was filed on behalf of Ms. Withrow by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of D.C., the ACLU of Illinois, and Democracy Forward.
Remembrance Is Not Enough: HRC's Annual Report Outlines Ongoing Onslaught of Violence Against Trans People Amid Relentless Political Attacks
WASHINGTON - November 20, 2025 - Today, in observance of Trans Day of Remembrance, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) is publishing a new report, Fatal Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People in the United States, which tracks data relating to transgender and gender nonconforming people killed in the last year and provides insight into trends over time.
In New Report, HHS Ignores the Facts & Again Looks to Hand Power to Political Hacks, Not Parents or Doctors
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 19, 2025 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, denounced HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy's so-called "peer-reviewed report" of youth gender-affirming care, a politically-motivated document filled with outright lies and misinformation. This peer response report is similar to the report released in May, which had a predetermined outcome dictated by grossly uninformed political actors that have deliberately mischaracterized health care for transgender youth despite the uniform, science-backed conclusion of the American medical and mental health experts to the contrary.
National Women's Law Center Files Brief in Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Cases Challenging State Bans on Transgender Student Athletes
Washington, D.C. - November 17, 2025 - The National Women's Law Center (NWLC) today filed a friend-of-the-court brief in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B. P. J. cases before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging state laws in Idaho and West Virginia that prohibit transgender girls and women student athletes from participating on women's and girls' sports teams. NWLC is represented by Democracy Forward in this matter.
HRC's 2025 Survey of Cities & Towns: More Places Than Ever Receive Highest Possible Equality Score Amidst Increasingly Hostile Anti-LGBTQ+ Environment
WASHINGTON - November 18, 2025 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation's largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released the 14th edition of the Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only comprehensive nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality in the areas of municipal policies, laws and services. HRC is proud to partner with Salt Lake City, UT and Mayor Erin Mendenhall to launch the 2025 index. Salt Lake City scored '100,' the highest possible, and demonstrated innovation in pushing back on restrictive state-level laws by adopting three official City flags representing LGBTQ+, trans, and Black communities.
Court of Appeals Broadly Affirms Decision Holding Blue Cross Blue Shield Liable for Exclusions in Self-Funded Plans
(Pasadena, CA, November 17, 2025) - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit today issued its decision in a case challenging the administration by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) of categorical coverage exclusions for medically necessary gender-affirming care in hundreds of employer-provided ERISA health plans. In its decision, the court affirmed the district court in every respect but one, remanding the case back to the district court to consider its sex discrimination analysis after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti.
ICYMI: Failure of Anti-Trans Ads Dominates Post-Election Narrative
WASHINGTON, DC - November 10, 2025 - As the fallout from last week's nationwide elections continues to come into focus, one thing is clear: anti-trans ad campaigns were a big loser at the ballot box. In poll after poll, voters said that issues like soaring costs, the education system, health care, and the Trump Administration's mass firings of federal workers were top of mind as they cast their ballots. Nowhere on the radar were anti-trans policies. Electoral alarm bells were ringing so loudly that even Republican leaders warned candidates that "one-note," anti-trans campaigns would fail. On election night, HRC released a memo detailing the impending failure of anti-trans ad campaigns, overwhelming American support for equality, and how pro-equality candidate responses to anti-trans attacks lay out a roadmap to success in elections to come.
Supreme Court Schedules Oral Arguments Over Bans on Transgender Student Athletic Participation for January 13
WASHINGTON - November 12, 2025 - The Supreme Court of the United States has scheduled oral arguments in West Virginia v. B.P.J.and Little v. Hecox for January 13, 2026. The two cases focus on challenges brought by transgender students against laws that categorically ban transgender women and girls like them from athletic programs based on their gender identity.
Love is (Still) Love: Supreme Court Declines to Hear Kim Davis' Challenge to Constitutional Protections for Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON, DC - November 9, 2025 - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to grant certiorari in Davis v. Ermold, where former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis hoped the Court would rehear a lower court's decision awarding damages to a same-sex couple to whom she refused to issue a marriage license, despite a court ordering her to do so, in 2015. As part of her request Davis asked the Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that affirmed Constitutional marriage protections for same-sex couples. As a result, the lower court ruling stands, leaving Davis liable for refusing to abide by existing law and signaling that the Court is, for now, unwilling to revisit or reverse precedent that establishes marriage equality for the LGBTQ+ community. This ruling also underscores that public officials cannot evade accountability under the law by invoking anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs.
Lambda Legal to the Supreme Court: Protect America's Families-Marriage Equality Is an Unbreakable Promise
(New York, NY - Friday, Oct. 7, 2025) Today, the Supreme Court may decide whether to grant or deny cert in a petition seeking to overturn the historic 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges that made marriage equality the law of the land, and to create a religious exemption that gives government employees a license to discriminate. Lambda Legal, which was instrumental in the fight for marriage equality, including litigating multiple lawsuits over the decades, released the following statement from its CEO, Kevin Jennings: "In the United States, we can proudly say that: Marriage equality is the law. "As the Supreme Court discusses whether to take up for review a challenge to marriage equality, Lambda Legal urges the Court to honor what millions of Americans already know as a fundamental truth and right: LGBTQ+ families are part of the nation's fabric.
Fifth Circuit Overturns District Court Decision Blocking Texas Drag Ban
NEW ORLEANS - November 6, 2025 - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit today reversed a lower court ruling that blocked Texas Senate Bill 12 (88R), a state law restricting "sexually oriented performances," including certain drag shows. Although S.B. 12 was declared unconstitutional, the law is now in effect.
Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration To Enforce Discriminatory Passport Policy
WASHINGTON - November 6, 2025 -The Supreme Court of the United States today granted a request from the Trump administration to stay a preliminary injunction in Orr v. Trump, allowing the government to enforce a discriminatory passport policy against transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people while the ACLU's challenge to the policy continues.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund congratulates Erica Deuso on historic win in Downingtown, PA, mayoral race
WASHINGTON - November 4, 2025 - LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is thrilled to congratulate Erica Deuso on her historic win to become mayor-elect of Downingtown, PA. Deuso is the first/one of the first transgender people to be elected mayor in Pennsylvania history.
Equality California Condemns Proposed Federal Rules Banning Critical Federal Funding for Hospitals Providing Transgender Healthcare
WASHINGTON - October 30, 2025 - Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang released the following statement in response to reports that the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are proposing two rules to cut off critical federal funding to hospitals and clinics that provide medically necessary healthcare for transgender patients under 19 and their families: "Families, with their doctors, should have the freedom to decide what health care is right for their child. This ban takes that choice away and puts politicians in the middle of private family decisions. Donald Trump is once again forcing the government into private healthcare decisions that should be between doctors, parents and children.
Health
Unique storytelling event honors World AIDS Day, history of HIV/AIDS in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH-It has been a year of celebration and remembrance for Allies for Health + Wellbeing, as the organization has marked its 40th anniversary in 2025. Allies was founded as the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force in 1985 to meet the needs of people living with and dying of AIDS in our community. Since then, Allies has expanded its focus beyond HIV prevention and care to address the diverse needs of the Pittsburgh community, including primary care, holistic HIV treatment, PrEP for HIV prevention, hepatitis C and STI testing and care, gender-affirming care, and behavioral health care.
Ahead of World AIDS Day, Save HIV Funding Campaign Releases Updated Funding Fast Facts, Announces National Week of Action
WASHINGTON, D.C, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025 - In advance of World AIDS Day, taking place on December 1, the #SaveHIVFunding campaign has released a newly updated Action Alert, and announced a coordinated national week of actionwith partner organizations to call on Congress to reject proposed federal cuts that would jeopardize vital HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs. Save HIV Funding encourages journalists, creators and advocates reporting on World AIDS Day this year to include the story and narrative around the current state of HIV funding and has provided a refreshed list of HIV Funding Fast Facts at the end of this release.
Honor World AIDS Day at Central Outreach
This World AIDS Day, Monday, December 1, 2025, stop by your local Central Outreach Wellness Center for free food, sweets, and a stigma-free space to celebrate our community and honor World AIDS Day.
I Can Hunt for my Lonely Heart
I don't know what's wrong with me. I have everything I really want or need, but I feel strongly, deeply lonely. I wake up most mornings glad to be alive, but then I end up crying sometime during my morning jog. What's wrong with me? Why do I feel so lonely? Thank you for writing to me. Let's look at your situation: your heart may be lonely even though your mind says, "Everything's okay, will you shut up down there!"
HIV Task Force World AIDS Day Change
Due to the changes in staffing and funding for HIV prevention and care services across Pennsylvania which affected our NW region, the Erie County HIV Task Force along with local member partners will not be hosting the annual World AIDS Day Memorial Event. The reduction of Ryan White funding that supports them created a significant amount of extra work with a reduced workforce for September thru November.
PA Department of Health Cuts Ryan White Funding by 25%
In September this year, the PA Department of Health's Division for HIV Health [DOHH] informed Ryan White grant receivers of a universal loss for 25% less money, going back to July 1st of 2025. Across the Commonwealth, various organizations were given updated budgets with significantly less money for services that Ryan White money covers. These entities were forced to choose how to continue operating thru June 2026 with less pre-planned funds. This resulted in various services being cut out altogether, prevention efforts heavily reduced, and the loss of staff.
Power Up: Give blood or platelets with Red Cross x PAC-MAN
[Nov. 12, 2025] - The American Red Cross encourages donors to Level Up their impact by giving blood or platelets this November. The last two months of the year can be a challenge for many donors trying to juggle regular donation appointments with packed schedules full of seasonal activities and holiday planning. Donors of all blood types especially those with types O negative, O positive and B negative blood and those giving platelets are urged to make an appointment to donate now.
Honoring Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members Across the Globe
[NOVEMBER 10, 2025] - This Veterans Day, the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania celebrates all veterans and active-duty service members. From when they first join the military and for the rest of their lives, the Red Cross stands by service members and their families.
"Dude, I think I'm depressed."
Is it a weakness to feel depressed? What is depression anyway? Does it show up differently for men than for women? These are questions I hear a lot of in my private practice. So many of my male clients talk about depression without really knowing what it is. Depression in men often looks really different than it does in women. If it's true, what does this mean for all you guys out there?
Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks back this weekend
[OCT. 30, 2025] - Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2 and the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working.
Going Spiritual
from Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: When you read about the rich and famous "going spiritual", e.g., going to meditation retreats, studying Buddhism in India, reading (and writing) Spiritual/New Age/Personal Growth books, what the heck is going on? Is this a true search for peace of mind or is it New Age quackery? Is it just another way to make a buck, or is there really something valuable there?
Red Cross offers tips to help kids and pets stay safe this Halloween
[OCT. 27, 2025] - Halloween is creeping up on us, and kids will soon be out in their neighborhoods for trick-or-treating fun. The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania offers tips to help keep kids and pets safe while enjoying the festivities.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
This Stonewall Pioneer Slams Ken Burns Documentary "The American Revolution"
In the 1970s, I launched a campaign to end LGBT invisibility on television. Years later, that mission to show the public who we were expanded to another arena we'd long been written out of: American History. Just as television producers ignored us, so too had historians. Sadly, such erasure is happening again today, this time because of both the glaring absence and defamatory framing of LGBT people in Ken Burns' new PBS documentary "The American Revolution." How can LGBT people be both omitted and defamed in the documentary? Simple: the use of age-old stereotypes.
CNN's David Urban on Marriage Equality
from Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: To know all sides of an issue, it's important to know and be able to debate an issue with respect. So it should be no surprise that some of my friends are Republicans and others are conservatives. It's important to know how they view an issue that affects us in order to counter that position.
History
The Lavender Names Project: Call for Community Photos
Behind every career cut short, every discharge paper, every revoked credential, there's a face, a name, and a history that deserves to be preserved. Lambda Archives of San Diego is proud to partner with the San Diego Opera, the American LGBTQ+ Museum, Up Until Now Collective, and Diversionary Theatre on the Lavender Names Project-a nationwide initiative to collect and preserve the photos and stories of LGBTQ+ people who have experienced government persecution.
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