July, 2026 News (34 Articles with 64,191 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for July, 2026 Compton's Table board members at A Knight to Remember Erie Youth Prom on May 30.
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
'We Are Better Than This': Residents Confront Erie City Council Over Decorum, Leadership
Erie City Council chambers were full on Wednesday, June 17, as community members turned out in large numbers to address concerns over respect, representation, and decorum in public office.
TransFamily Picnic July 11
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for the annual TransFamily Summer Picnic on Saturday, July 11th, from noon to 5 PM. This year's picnic will be at Glenwood Park on Glenwood Park Ave. For additional information, visit their Discord server.
Erie Pride 365 to Host Block Party Celebrating Community, Culture on Saturday, August 8
Erie Pride 365 is hosting a new Pride celebration in downtown Erie this summer, bringing together community organizations, advocates and residents for a celebration of culture, connection and community.
Drag Star Season 2 Finale
The season two finale of Who Wants To Be A Drag Star was held at Firehouse Tap and Grille in Meadville, PA, on Saturday, June 13th. Six contestants competed for the title of Drag Star: Ophelia Payne, Lew D'Ness, Jodi Patron, Ruby Skye, Jawz Onda Flor, and Velvet Viper.
Community Spotlight: Herb & Honey Bakery
What began as a 200-square-foot bakery kiosk inside Urbaniak Brothers during the height of the pandemic has grown into one of Erie's most beloved community-centered businesses. Founded by Erie native and self-described "local queerdo" Jessica Schultz in November 2020, Herb & Honey Bakery has become known not only for its award-winning artisan baked goods but also for its commitment to inclusion, local food systems, and community care.
Erie Queer Community Back to School Drive
As students and families prepare for a new school year, several LGBTQ+ and allied organizations are coming together to help ensure local youth have the supplies they need to start the school year successfully. A Back-to-School Supplies Drive will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026 with donations benefiting Compton's Table, a local organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in the Erie region. Community members are encouraged to donate new school supplies such as notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, backpacks, calculators, binders, tissues, and other classroom essentials. Every donation, large or small, can help ease the financial burden many families face as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The drive is being organized through a collaborative effort involving Aging With Pride, ASCEND Climbing/Queer Scouts, Bears Do Dinner, Central Outreach Wellness Center, Compton's Table, Erie Gay News, Free Mom Hugs of Northwest Pennsylvania, the LGBT Fund of the Erie Community Foundation, NW PA Pride Alliance, Presque Isle Rise Up, and TransFamily of NW PA.
Another Successful "Ted" Talk in Erie
Wednesday, June 17th, brought Ted Hoover, Director of Education and Training from the Persad Center, to the Erie Center for Arts and Technology. Sponsored by the Erie Gay News, Compton's Table, The LGBT Fund of the Erie Community Foundation, Presque Isle Rise Up Indivisible, Aging with Pride, and Bears Do Dinner, the topic for the talk was "LGBTQ+ and Law Enforcement". Ted has been a popular presenter locally on LGBTQ+ culture, health, legal rights, and history. He shared a history of LGBTQ+ rights, laws, and Federal acts that impact us today. The attendees learned about the legal definition of "hate" crimes and the evolution of legislation to address them. Ted also shared some tips regarding reporting crimes against LGBTQ+ people and the use of social media. The presentation was made possible by funding through the Persad Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the second licensed LGBTQ+ mental health clinic in the nation. Thanks to Compton's Table for securing the location and sharing some Pride-related giveaways, and the LGBT Fund for providing refreshments.
Bears Do Dinner #140 at ippa Pizza Napoletana
Bears Do Dinner held its 140th meet-up for dinner on Thursday, June 11th, at ippa Pizza Napoletana, 22 North Park Row (inside the Flagship City Food Hall), Erie, PA. The next Bears Do Dinner will be on Tuesday, July 11th, at Luminary Distillery and Eatery, 8270 Peach St, Erie, PA.
Jamestown Pride 2026 Celebrates Community, Love, and Equality
On June 13, Downtown Jamestown was filled with Pride as community members from near and far gathered to celebrate Jamestown Pride 2026. It was a vibrant day filled with community, entertainment, and a powerful message of unity. This year's theme, "Courageous Together, Proud Forever," highlighted the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
Aging With Pride Dinner #33 at Wooden Ladle
On Thursday, May 28, Aging With Pride had its 33rd monthly dinner outing at Wooden Ladle Ramen and Rice Bowl, 4753 West Lake Road, Erie, PA. Aging With Pride dinners are usually the last week of the month. The next dinner will be on June 25 at BrewErie at Union Station, 123 W 14th St, Erie, PA. 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. There is also a coffee hour at Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty, on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1 PM.
Erie LGBT+ Elders Observe National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
May 16 was National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day. This year, Werner Books (3608 Liberty Street, Erie, PA) hosted a Sharing Session on May 16. Approximately 20 individuals gathered to share and listen to experiences some of our local elders lived through back in the day. We heard what people went through in the 1960s, 1970s, and beyond, including marches and protests, first gay bar experiences, being closeted, some being disowned by families, work life, early gender reassignment surgery, and more! Many of us, back then, were just trying to survive in a society that seemed to be against us. Most of us did not realize we were paving the way for the generations that followed. I, for one, am happy with what I fought for back then, and I am proud to be a "senior" in the LGBTQ+ Community!
Erie Pride Parade Scheduled For Today is CANCELED Due to Weather - See You at Pride On the Bay on June 27
On June 14, NW PA Pride Alliance noted that there are still spotty thunderstorms in the forecast, so, out of caution, they canceled the Erie Pride Parade originally scheduled for today. Wet is one thing, electrocuted is another.
A Major Celebration for Blane Dessy
On June 7, friends and associates of Blane Dessy gathered at PACA (1505 State St, Erie, PA) to honor a special man who supported the Erie community in a big way. The afternoon celebration drew a large crowd who listened to several poets and performers paying tribute to Blane.
A Knight to Remember: Queer Youth Prom Brings Joy and Connection
More than 60 queer and transgender youth and their allies gathered on Saturday, May 30th, for "A Knight to Remember: Queer Youth Prom", an evening dedicated to celebration, belonging, and community.
The deadline for the July 2026 print edition (issue #368) of Erie Gay News is Monday, June 15, and it will be available on Tuesday, June 23!
For the next Erie Gay News (issue # 368, cover-dated for July 2026), please send in-person and online events, news items, and other info for late June 2026 and beyond by Monday, June 15. We expect the next edition to come out on Tuesday, June 23.
Aging With Pride 3rd Annual Pampered Chef Fundraiser
Aging with Pride Erie is holding its 3rd Annual Fundraiser with Pampered Chef. Anyone who places an order using the listed link will help AWP. Place your Pampered Chef order at any time between now and August 20, 2026. The order will be processed the day you place it and shipped directly to you! Pampered Chef will donate 30% of the sales directly to AWP Erie. AWP Fundraiser Order Link: www.pamperedchef.com/party/awperie2026. For questions about Pampered Chef products, fundraising with PC, or AWP, please contact Pete at 814.384.9785.
LGBTQ BBQ in Ashtabula on June 20 at Walnut Beach
Join us for a family and kid-friendly BBQ hosted by The LGBTQ+ Coalition of Ashtabula County on Saturday, June 20, from noon to 5 PM at Walnut Beach in Ashtabula! Enjoy great food, activities, and the opportunity to connect with friends and allies in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Donations are not required, but are encouraged to help support our programs and future community events. For more info, visit https://linktr.ee/ALGBTQ, email AshCoLgbtq@gmail.com, or call Chris at (440) 344-7310.
TransFamily Logo Contest Extended to August 1
TransFamily of NW PA's logo contest has been extended to August 1. Submitted logos should include the name (TransFamily of NW PA), your own design, and be in a common image format. Take a chance to make your design the logo for a year! Submissions may be sent to TransFamily's Discord Server at https://discord.gg/7aU2wxffnZ or emailed to transfamilynwpabod@gmail.com
Pride Month Display at Werner Books to Benefit Aging With Pride
From Werner Books: June is the time for Pride Month celebrations! Throughout the entire month of June, you can help grow our Pride Garden in the cafe (located at 3608 Liberty Street, Erie, PA) by donating $5 to add a flower to the wall, with proceeds benefiting Aging with Pride. Write your name on your flower with an encouraging message or anything positive!
"LGBTQ+ and Law Enforcement" on Wednesday, June 17, 5:30 p.m., ECAT, Erie
What is the legal landscape for members of the LGBTQ+ community? What are the chief legal issues we are facing as a community of diverse individuals? How does federal hate crime law affect local law enforcement? Ted Hoover of Pittsburgh's Persad Center will address these and other questions in a training session, "LGBTQ+ and Law Enforcement," to be held on Wednesday, June 17, in Erie. Members of our queer community, allies, and all other interested individuals are encouraged to attend.
Entertainment and Travel
LGBTQ+ Guide to Santa Maria Valley: Wine, Beaches & Affordable California Getaways
Psst! Can you keep a secret? There's a hidden gem along California's Central Coast that delivers everything travelers love about the Golden State-award-winning wine, scenic beaches, incredible food, and laid-back charm-without the sky-high prices or overwhelming crowds. Nestled between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria Valley is the kind of destination where LGBTQ+ travelers can truly unwind, connect, and explore at their own pace.
New Orleans Always Makes for a Perfect Escape
I never tire of visiting the Crescent City, New Orleans. It is rich French, Spanish, Creole, and Caribbean cultures make for a great food scene. The welcoming LGBTQ atmosphere is another plus. And the French Quarter always amazes.
Surprising Salt Lake: Mountains, Museums, and More
Imagine Denver but instead a city right next to the mountains where you can be skiing or hiking in 20 minutes. An outdoorsy climate with varied geography. Interesting neighborhoods and great transit. Friendly people. And very welcoming. And booming. With a great hub airport just 20 minutes from downtown via the TRAX Light Rail.
Local Faces and Photos
June G2H2 at Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
G2H2 held its monthly get-together on June 5 at Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, 6 Sassafras Pier Third Floor, Erie, PA The group usually gathers on the first Friday of each month. The next G2H2 will be on July 3 at Sloppy Duck, 726 West Bayfront Parkway, Erie, PA.
Political, Activism and Legal
Judge Blocks Idaho Law Criminalizing Transgender People's Bathroom Access
BOISE - June 16, 2026 - A federal judge today granted a request for a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of H.B. 752, a new state law threatening transgender people with up to five years in prison for using public restrooms consistent with their gender identity. H.B. 752 was set to go into effect on July 1; today's order limits enforcement of the law to protect access to some restrooms while the case challenging it proceeds.
Equality California on Trump Justice Department Targeting California School Districts
SAN FRANCISCO - June 9, 2026 - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to the Civil Rights Division of the Trump Justice Department launching investigations into four California school districts over supposed "instruction on sexual orientation and gender ideology."
Florida School District Unlawfully Fires Intersex Public School Teacher
ST. AUGUSTINE - June 15, 2026 - A Florida school district unlawfully violated the rights of an intersex middle school teacher who was fired because he was perceived to be transgender due to the incongruence between his male gender identity and female sex assigned at birth, according to a new filing submitted to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
New York Families Challenge Trump Administration's Latest Attack on Health Care for Transgender Youth
(New York, NY, June 2, 2026) - Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) today filed a federal class action lawsuit challenging the Attorney General's and U.S. Department of Justice's efforts to compel healthcare institutions in New York City, including NYU Langone Hospitals, to hand over the identities and sensitive health information of transgender youth who received gender-affirming medical care between 2020 and 2026.
Health
Perfectionism: the Endless Report Card
from Michael Dale Kimmel of Life Beyond Therapy: Do you feel like you're always judging/critiquing/evaluating yourself? Are you afraid to do something you may not be good at? Are you afraid to take risks? Congratulations! You're probably a perfectionist.
9th Annual HIV Awareness Walk
The Erie County HIV Task Force held the 9th Annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk on Monday, May 18th, 2026, in Perry Square, downtown Erie. Participants at the event enjoyed educational materials on testing opportunities with the Erie County Department of Health. The HIV/AIDS walk reminds the local community that making personal health a priority is everyone's right. The event was sponsored by Central Outreach Wellness Center Erie, Community HealthNet, the Erie County Department of Health, Erie Gay News, Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance, and PA Thrive Partnership. The Erie County HIV Task Force is a collaboration of local organizations and individuals dedicated to educating, supporting, and advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS and preventing the spread of infection. For more information on local services, testing, and free condoms, visit the Erie County HIV Task Force at ECHIV.ORG or follow their Twitter account @EriePAHIV and like their Facebook page, or call 814-451-6700.
Is it Time for Plastic Surgery?
This is a question I often get in my private practice, and I am glad to address it in this column. To me, there is nothing "right" or "wrong" about plastic surgery. It's a tool: it cannot bring you happiness or confidence, it can bring you (temporarily) a different appearance. Remember, ALL plastic surgery is temporary. Eventually, we will all age and our bodies and faces will reflect that. The only alternative would be continuous plastic surgery (see: Cher).
Picking Much Younger Men
Ageism - finding older people unattractive - is a form of self-hatred. It's an easy belief system to buy into; most of us don't give it a second thought. Gay and straight media alike are always pushing youth in the form of (usually) white, hairless, slim but defined, perfect-looking young models with no fat, no wrinkles and no maturity, who sell us products to stay young and desirable. While these "twink" models may be beautiful fantasy objects, with rare exceptions, they're not good partners for a man your age.
Contests
Enter to win Playing Around: Season 1!
Enter to win Playing Around: Season 1! To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Friday, June 26, and Friday, July 18. Entrants are limited to US residents only and must be at least 18 years old.
Enter to win Nemesis Mine!
Enter to win Nemesis Mine! To enter the contest, fill out the form here between Tuesday, June 23, and Tuesday, July 14.
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