February, 2026 News (41 Articles with 45,547 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for February, 2026 LGBT Funds of Erie Community Foundation welcomed representatives from several area organizations at the Community Conversation at Erie Community Foundation on January 13. 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
Dr. Tyler Titus elected president of Erie City Council
On Wednesday, January 7, Erie City Council unanimously elected Dr. Tyler Titus council president. With this election, they became the first openly transgender person in the commonwealth to hold that position. Titus, a former Erie School director, was elected to Erie City Council in 2023 and served as vice president in 2025.
Last month's LGBT Fund event considered a major success
It was billed as a Community Convening that took place on January 13 at the Erie Community Foundation. Organized by the LGBT Fund of the Foundation, the event brought together leaders of local organizations, businesses, religious congregations, and others who serve and support the Erie region's LGBTQ+ community.
In Memory of Char
Our community is mourning the loss of Char Brower on January 13, 2026, a 21-year-old non-binary person whose life was defined by compassion, curiosity, and a deep commitment to dignity for all. Char moved through the world with care and intention, making people (and animals) feel seen, valued, and safe.
David Duguay Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David A. Duguay, 49, of Cranesville, who passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Bears Do Dinner #135 at Golden Wok
Bears Do Dinner held its 135th meet-up for dinner on Wednesday, January 7, at Golden Wok, 3202 Pittsburgh Ave, Erie, PA. The next Bears Do Dinner will be on Tuesday, February 11th, at Wooden Ladle Ramen & Rice Bowl, 4753 West Lake Rd, Erie, PA.
Meeting with Mayor Devlin
From Peter Genco: As a city of Erie resident, I had the opportunity to meet with our new Mayor, Daria Devlin, on January 9, 2026. I spent most of our time talking about Aging With Pride. Mayor Devlin was pleased with the work we are doing, including our monthly programs, Legacy Project, archives project, our recognition awards, and our cooperation with organizations in other cities. She was also happy to hear about Bears Do Dinner, which has been meeting since 2013!
Journey: Healing Together's 4th Annual Winter Solstice Event
December 20th was Journey: Healing Together's 4th annual Winter Solstice event, a night of light and community. Folks from Erie County showed up to an office transformed: dark halls illuminated with hand-crafted paper lanterns and rooms full of people and warmth.
Community Spotlight: ABCs of Building Better Lives
Dedicated to creating safe, affirming spaces for healing and growth, ABCs of Building Better Lives offers compassionate and inclusive support to people from all walks of life, including members of Erie's LGBTQIA+ community. Located at 4320 Dexter Avenue, this holistic counseling practice helps individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges with dignity, understanding, and professional expertise.
Ohio's Only LGBTOIA+ Homeless Shelter
Youngstown, OH - Full Spectrum Community Outreach has been informed by Dara of TransOhio that its planned emergency shelter will be the only LGBTQIA+ homeless shelter in the entire state of Ohio. While the organization initially believed this distinction applied regionally, this confirmation underscores a much broader and more urgent statewide need. This milestone positions Full Spectrum Community Outreach as a critical lifeline for LGBTQIA+ individuals across Ohio who face disproportionate rates of housing instability, discrimination, and violence, particularly transgender and gender nonconforming people.
"The Way We Were": The Aging with Pride Legacy Project Interviews Begin
The Aging with Pride Legacy Project continues work on the development of a formal historical archive capturing the development and evolution of LGBTQIA+ culture in Erie. While newspaper articles, timelines and photographs set the historical stage of an archive, recorded oral histories add dimensions of personal experience, motivation and an emotional context connected to past events.
PFLAG Chautauqua Newsletter
Based in Jamestown, the PFLAG Chautauqua Chapter connects LGBTQ+ people, families, and allies across Chautauqua County. Each month via our newsletter, we share local community updates, advocacy news, upcoming events, and resources that support LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones. We also meet every 2nd Wednesday of each month for in-person support groups and starting in February we will be having in-person and online support groups! Sign up for the newsletter here to stay informed, connected, and supported locally.
The deadline for the February 2026 print edition (issue #363) of Erie Gay News is Monday, January 12, and it will be available on Tuesday, January 20!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 363, cover-dated for February 2026), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late January 2025 and beyond by Monday, January 12. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, January 20.
Entertainment and Travel
Tickets to THE BOOK OF MORMON On Sale This Thursday at 10AM
(Erie, PA) -THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, makes its Erie debut at the Warner Theatre June 17 & 18. Beginning this Thursday, January 22 at 10AM, tickets will be available online at BroadwayInErie.com, in person at the Erie Insurance Arena Box Office (809 French Street) and by phone at 814.452.4857. Box Office hours are Monday - Friday 10AM - 5:30PM and Saturday 10AM - 2PM. Ticket buyers are reminded that the Erie Insurance Arena Box Office, ErieEvents.com, and BroadwayInErie.com are the only official retail ticket outlets for all Broadway in Erie performances.
Erie Restaurant Week 2026 Celebrates its 6th Annual Event
ERIE, Pa. - Erie Restaurant Week (ERW) returns for its sixth year, January 22-31, 2026, marking its largest event to date, with more than 70 participating restaurants. Coordinated by VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization, the annual 10-day event showcases and supports Erie's diverse restaurant scene during a typically slower season. This year's lineup features a mix of longtime favorites and 18 new participants, each offering exclusive dishes and special menus available only during Erie Restaurant Week. It's the perfect chance for diners to try something new, explore a different cuisine, or discover a hidden gem they haven't experienced before.
Local Faces and Photos
G2H2 at Lavery Brewing Co
G2H2 held its monthly get-together on January 2 at Lavery Brewing Company, 128 W 12th St, Erie, PA The group usually gathers on the first Friday of each month. The next G2H2 will be on February 6 at Calamari's Squid Row, 1317 State St, Erie, PA.
Political, Activism and Legal
NWLC Leads More Than 100 Groups in Opposing Trump Administration Rule Attacking Trans and Disability Rights
Washington, DC - The National Women's Law Center (NWLC) is leading more than 100 organizations in opposing a Trump administration rule that seeks to weaken federal disability nondiscrimination protections for people with gender dysphoria in critical health and human services. Those joining NWLC in opposing this rule include a broad range of organizations representing numerous movements-including disability rights and justice, racial justice, health, LGBTQI+ equality, and civil rights broadly.
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.
VICTORY: U.S. House Passes All Appropriations Bills Free From Anti-LGBTQ+ Riders
WASHINGTON - January 22, 2026 - Thanks to the leadership of pro-equality members of Congress and the persistent advocacy of the Human Rights Campaign and other organizations, more than 50 anti-LGBTQ+ riders were not included across the dozen final FY 26 appropriations bills that are headed to the U.S. Senate today. Even as MAGA lawmakers in the House - consistent with their relentless obsession with transgender people - pushed to load the budget bills with discriminatory provisions, bipartisan and bicameral negotiators ultimately rid the bills of that language, defeating every anti-LGBTQ+ rider introduced.
ACLU Marks the First Year of Trump's Return with New Report and Video Series
NEW YORK - January 15, 2026 - Ahead of the anniversary of President Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, the American Civil Liberties Union today marked the first year of Trump's second term by releasing a new report titled "Defeat, Delay, Dilute: ACLU Versus President Trump," which examines the organization's successes and challenges against the Trump administration across three main issue areas - safeguarding free speech, protecting immigrants' rights, and defending equal protection under the law - and what they mean for the administration's 2026 agenda.
One Year Into Trump Administration, HRC Releases Campaign Playbook to Go On Offense For Equality in 2026 Midterms and Beat Anti-Trans Attacks
WASHINGTON - January 15, 2026 - After a presidential election cycle marked by relentless anti-trans attacks and one year of a Trump-Vance administration weaponizing government against LGBTQ+ people's health and safety, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) today unveiled a messaging playbook for pro-equality campaigns to effectively define themselves early, fight back against anti-trans attacks, and go on offense with their pro-equality values. Post election analysis and polling from HRC and Global Strategy Group show clear trends: battleground district voters overwhelmingly support nondiscrimination and equality, are weary of politicians inserting themselves in people's personal lives while ignoring urgent crises facing the country, and reject anti-trans fear mongering when candidates push back and define themselves. HRC has compiled these learnings and key messaging recommendations into a tool for campaigns across the country, who will also be supported by HRC's robust electoral program that will engage 75 million Equality Voters across the country.
Supreme Court Concludes Oral Arguments in Historic Transgender Rights Hearing
WASHINGTON - January 13, 2026 - The U.S. Supreme Court today held oral arguments in two landmark cases challenging state laws banning transgender youth from participating in interscholastic and intercollegiate sports. Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Legal Voice filed two challenges, West Virginia v. BPJ and Little v. Hecox, on behalf of two transgender female athletes - one in West Virginia and one in Idaho - who were categorically barred by West Virginia and Idaho state law from participating on the girls' and women's sports teams at their schools.
ACLU Launches "More Than A Game" Campaign in Support of Transgender Youth Ahead of Landmark Supreme Court Cases
NEW YORK - January 12, 2026 - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union announced the launch of More Than A Game, a national public awareness campaign in support of transgender youth and their families and rejecting political efforts to divide women and girls. Ahead of oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court in West Virginia v. BPJ and Little v. Hecox - two cases challenging state laws that ban transgender girls from participating in school sports - More Than A Game responds with a powerful message of unity, fairness, and shared values featuring prominent public figures such as Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Elliot Page, Brianna Turner, Naomi Watts, and a group of young people, including the lead plaintiff in one of the cases, among others.
They Served With Honor: Human Rights Campaign Hosts Retirement Ceremony for Transgender Servicemembers
WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign Foundation on Jan. 8 hosted an event commemorating the retirement of transgender members of the Armed Forces at the HRC Equality Forum in Washington, DC. The event was presided over by General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army (Ret.) and featured U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride, and others.
Housing Survey on Affordability & Stability in Pennsylvania's LGBTQ+ Community
On January 15, the Pennsylvania Equality Project will be starting year 4 of a five-year study on housing affordability and stability for Pennsylvania's LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. Participants can find the survey on our website paequality.com - click on the Survey button. All survey responses will remain confidential, and we will release only aggregated data following the survey without any identifying information about participants. The survey will run through March 31; results from the survey will be available by May 15, 2026.
Lambda Legal Launches Public Education Campaign on Trans Youth Participation in School Sports
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court will hold oral arguments in two landmark cases challenging state laws banning transgender youth from participating in interscholastic and intercollegiate sports. Lambda Legal, alongside the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), will argue West Virginia v. BPJon behalf of 15-year-old Becky Pepper-Jackson, a West Virginia teen who is challenging that state's discriminatory ban. West Virginia is one of the 27 states that have banned transgender youth from playing school sports.
HRC Foundation Launches Class Action Against Trump Administration on Behalf of Federal Workers and their Families Over Loss of Gender-Affirming Healthcare
WASHINGTON - January 1, 2026 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation initiated litigation against the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on behalf of federal employees and their families. The matter has been filed on a class basis in response to an OPM Carrier Letter directing insurance providers to deny coverage for gender affirming care under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) plans.
And Tango Makes Three Should Return to the Shelf in Escambia County, ACLU Argues
ATLANTA- December 29, 2025 - The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Florida filed an amicus brief in Parnell v. School Board of Escambia County today arguing that the First Amendment prevents the government from removing books from school libraries for ideological reasons.
Health
Severe blood shortage: Red Cross blood supply drops 35%
[Jan. 20, 2026] - The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don't face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O, A negative and B negative blood.
Don't Scratch The Three Year Itch!
from Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: I'm so bored with him." "The excitement's gone". "She's so predictable; I know exactly what she'll do." Sound familiar? These statements are typical of how some of my clients describe their long-term relationships. Those of you who have never had one, pay attention: you may be able to avoid future problems coming your way.
STATEMENT: PrEP Users Applaud CVS and Gilead Agreement on Yeztugo
New York, NY, January 13, 2026- PrEP4All and the PrEP Users Union welcome the news that Gilead Sciences and CVS Caremark have finally reached a deal to include lenacapavir (brand name Yeztugo), a groundbreaking six-month injectable version of PrEP, on CVS's drug formulary. In October, PrEP4All and the Union sent a sign on letter from over 500 PrEP users and supporters to leadership at both companies, urging them to uphold their stated corporate commitments to equitable healthcare, and prioritize access to lenacapavir over profit. The PrEP users' letter secured an unusually transparent response from CVS expressing frustration over the high price set by Gilead for the long acting injectable PrEP.
Prevent a winter blood shortage: Give blood or platelets now
[Jan. 5, 2026] - The American Red Cross is teetering on a blood shortage this winter, which could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now. The Red Cross blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season when winter weather and packed schedules made it even tougher to ensure hospitals have the blood products needed for critical care. Without immediate action, doctors may have to make difficult decisions about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait. Donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed now.
What is "Normal"?
from Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: Recently, I was shocked to hear a new client tell me, "I don't want to be gay, I want to be normal." I have heard other clients say things like: "Most straight men are such a mess, I just want a normal guy" and "Where are all the healthy, normal women in this town?"
Contests
Enter to win Provincetown Stories!
Enter to win Provincetown Stories! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, February 20, and Friday, March 13. Entrants are limited to US residents only and must be at least 18 years old.
Enter to win Limelight!
Enter to win Star Shipped!
Enter to win Star Shipped! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, February 27, and Friday, March 20.
Enter to win The Rebel Wedding Planning Guidebook!
Enter to win The Rebel Wedding Planning Guidebook ! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, February 10, and Tuesday, March 3.
Enter to win Zami: A New Spelling of My Name!
Enter to win Zami: A New Spelling of My Name! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, February 3, and Tuesday, February 24. Entrants are limited to US residents only and must be at least 18 years old.
Enter to win The Nude DVD!
Enter to win Our Ex's Wedding!
Enter to win Our Ex's Wedding! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, January 20, and Tuesday, February 10.
Enter to win Like in Love With You!
Enter to win Like in Love With You! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Friday, January 9, and Friday, January 30. Entrants are limited to US residents only and must be at least 18 years old.
Miscellaneous
LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship Applications are now open
If you know a graduating high school student entering their college freshman year in 2026, LEAGUE Foundation is offering ten scholarships to student supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBTQ+) community.
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