There’s a book in my library entitled “Great Church Fights.” It was written in the late 1970’s by a pastor who had witnessed many disagreements and misunderstanding in his own church. The stories he relates are humorous, pathetic and down right ridiculous.
On Thursday, February 18, about 30 people attended a GLBT legislation and legislative advocacy meeting at Craze Night Club. Presenters included Jesse Salazar, who heads Senator Bob Casey’s statewide LGBT and Latino affairs, Gary van Horn and Thomas C. Waters from Delta Foundation in Pittsburgh, Mary Styn the aide from Senator Arlen Specters’s Erie office and Kyle Hannon from Senator Casey’s Erie office.
Last night, I drove home in the first significant snow storm of the season. The wind was blowing across the country roads and the visibility was almost zero. It would have been a laborious drive on a dreary evening had it not been for the houses aglow with Christmas lights. The colored lights reflected off the newly fallen snow.
As we are going to press, we just got word that KINSEY SICKS will be at Penn State Behrend on March 25 at 8 PM in Erie Hall. Also, Barney Frank says that ENDA is likely to be voted out of committee and go to the House floor for a successful vote in March. He is less sure that the needed 60 votes in the Senate are there and urges GLBT voters to lobby both House and Senate members. So, please call the local offices of Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter and Representative Dahlkemper - who have all said that they would vote for ENDA on the floor - and urge them to use their leadership skills to build support for ENDA among their colleagues.
“I let the cat out of that bag at work that I’m gay… and things aren’t the same anymore. I mean, nothing worth a discrimination suit or anything, but I need this job and I feel so awkward the way some of the guys are avoiding me. They make jokes when I’m turned away…”
(Ankara, February 22, 2010) – The recent murders of two transgender women in Turkey highlight an ongoing pattern of violence and the urgent need for stronger protection measures by the government, four Turkish and international human rights organizations said today in a letter to Turkish authorities.
On Sunday, February 21, 2010, the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA had their 3rd Sunday of the month drag show, FACE. It was also organizer and co-emcee Michelle Michael's birthday and friends and family turned out. Photos are by Michael Mahler. For more about the Zone, browse to http://www.thezonedanceclub.com.
From Empire State Pride Agenda: After being stalled in the Legislature for 17 years, the New York State Senate has finally joined the Assembly in passing the Family Health Care Decisions Act that enables a loved one to made health care decisions when the patient is not able to do so. The bill places a same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partner, just like a spouse, ahead of a surviving child or parent in making these decisions. Governor Paterson has said he will sign the bill into law when it is sent to him.
MEDIA, PA - Today, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Joe Sestak sent a letter to President Obama requesting that he impose a moratorium on dismissals under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" while the Pentagon conducts its year-long review of the policy.
Sydney, Australia – More than 5,000 artists and athletes have already registered to participate at Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 Sports & Cultural Festival (www.games-cologne.com) and every day the numbers grow. Now, Australian Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham has announced he will travel up to Germany to be part of Cologne's edition of the Gay Games.
There was a screening of the documentary, Out in the Silence at Patterson Library in Westfield New York, and attended by about 65 people on Friday, February 19. During the discussion period after the film, Lynn Johnson thanked panel member and Jamestown NY City Council President Greg Rabb for providing a safe space for GLBT students 18 years ago when she was a student at Jamestown Community College.
At its recent meeting, February 26-28, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Board of Pensions approved extending benefits to the partners in same-gender relationships, a first in the life of any Lutheran denomination.
From VodPod: The Obama Administration called Uganda to task as the African nation considers a law that would criminalize homosexuality. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.
A Peer Support Group for GLBT youth & their allies ages 14-19 is co-sponsored by GA Family Services of Jamestown and Gay and Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York. Meetings are held in the cafetorium at the GA Learning Center, at 200 Gustavus Avenue in Jamestown NY, 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Upcoming meetings are March 10, and April 28. For more info contact Deb at G.A. (716) 969-1873 or (716) 665-2116. or browse to www.glyswny.org
From LA Times: There was an elephant in the San Francisco courtroom where lawyers contested the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the California law that prohibits the marriage of same-sex couples. One key issue should influence every aspect of the Perry vs. Schwarzenegger proceedings yet remained unspoken: What makes people gay? Is it a choice or is it innate?
CHUCKIE AND THE RACK is a musical journey performed in concert/cabaret style filled with an array of songs and stories inspired from Mr. Basil's life and career. This evening showcases Basil's dynamic vocals with a diverse repertoire and featuring local veteran performers Kerrykate Abel, Loraine O'Donnell, and Sheila Connors (aka THE RACK) on back up vocals. It features three and four part harmonies that are simply mind blowing....and you never know who else may show up
Philadelphia "Equality Forum 2010 with Africa as the international focuswill be our best-ever annual forum," stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum. The weeklong national and international summit will be held from Monday, April 26 to Sunday, May 2 in Philadelphia. There is no registration fee and all substantive panels are free.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rev. Rizi Nasele Timane' and the Gospel Truth Music Ministry (http://www.rizigospel.com) are voicing their support for Uganda's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and their distress at the new perils that the community faces under the country's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We all face choices that can have a positive or negative effect on the community or people around us. Even if the choice is silence or inaction it can have an impact. It is up to all of us to work towards ending hate crimes and violence. It is evident that if the number of hate crimes occurring in our schools everyday is to be decreased then attitudes and the school climate must change.
Philadelphia, PA - This is an open letter on behalf of the board, staff and volunteers at EqualityPA (formerly Equality Advocates Pennsylvania). We felt that the time was right to bring you, our constituents, allies and supporters up-to-date on all the progress we have made to date in restructuring, rethinking, and remaking EqualityPA into a truly statewide organization!
Erie Gay News is giving away 10 downloads of Big Muscle Remixed by DJ Bill Bennett. To enter, just fill out the form here between February 23 and March 16.
To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Selma Marches, Equality Forum will unveil Life Magazine photojournalist Dan Budnik’s image of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King in Selma in March 1965. The reception of African American and GLBT leaders will take place on Monday, March 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Equality Forum office, 1420 Locust Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia.
There will be a FREE concert by the Renaissance City Women's Choir on Tuesday, March 30 2010 at 8 PM, with a reception to follow at Dr. William P. Alexander Music Center - Recital Hall @ 110 Kiltie Road, Edinboro, PA 16444.
There was a delightful concert by folk duo emma's revolution at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie PA on Saturday, February 6, 2010. Many in the local peace activist and progressive communities, as well as members of the LGBT community, had a great time enjoying the wonderful music. Please note that the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie has a new Facebook fan page!
WASHINGTON, March 3 — Legislation to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members was introduced today in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), along with 11 other co-sponsors. Lieberman, Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Roland Burris (D-Ill.) held a press conference today to discuss the repeal effort and introduce the bill
From Keystone Alliance/GayLife Newsletter: Recently in our community, a series of multisponsored, free and confidential HIV tests took place at Lucille’s, 520 Washington St., Johnstown, on Wednesday evenings in January and early February.
Journalist Mikey Rox has a proposal. Getting hitched can make your bank account bleed Benjamins. The hemorrhage begins with the proposal, as you seek the most unexpected and exciting way to ask your intended if he or she is willing to take the plunge. Billboards, JumboTrons and banners towed by a Cessna are all popular approaches to popping the question. (Cliché, yes, but popular nonetheless.) And they can leave you broke before you say "I do."
Baltimore, MD -- Equality Maryland and the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland applauded an opinion released today by the Office of Attorney General Doug Gansler that states that marriages of same-gender couples validly entered into in other jurisdictions may and should be honored here at home. The Attorney General’s opinion relies on longstanding legal precedent that says couples who have been legally married in another state are treated under Maryland law as validly married, even if that marriage could not performed in the State of Maryland.
Journalist Mikey Rox interviews his fiance, Everett Earl Morrow, a Naval officer. Please note that the couple is now also competing in the Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding contest. Vote here.
Jackson, MS–The Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition (MSSC) announced that it leading efforts to organize an inclusive and welcoming prom for all students at Itawamba Agricultural High School. The announcement comes in direct response to the IAHS announcement to cancel the school-sponsored prom on April 2, 2010.
With news that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell may be lifted or at least watered down, some GLBT people are considering enlisting in the military. If you are one of those people, I would stongly suggest that you don’t rely solely on military recruiters and their recruiting materials. Here are some sources that can help you to gain a more balanced understanding of what it means to enlist in today’s military. You can link to them from the Erie Gay News website or by looking up their titles with the keyword AFSC (or call the American Friends’ Service Committee National Youth & Militarism Program 215-241-7176).
Save those on the fringes, it’s hard to believe anyone could think that debating, yet again, a state constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage is a good idea. And yet there are some state senators who want to do this dance again.
A joint investigation by the organization Truth Wins Out and the SouthFloridaGayNews.com has revealed that the spokesperson for a New Jersey based national religious group seeking to ‘cure’ homosexuals is a convicted felon.
A vote is expected in the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 16 at 11:30 AM on PA SB 707. This bill would amend Pennsylvania's constitution to ban same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is already legal in Pennsylvania, so this bill is unnecessary. We need to pursuade Sen. Mary Jo White to vote against this bill. Thanks very much to all who called in on Friday to Senator Mary Jo White (814-432-4345) asking her to oppose SB 707! If you failed to get your call in on Friday, please do so on Monday.Click here for a page provided by the ACLU to send an email message to every Senator on the Judiciary Committee to vote NO on the proposed constitutional amendment.
Statement by Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry following the New Hampshire House of Representatives votes rejecting HR1590-FN, a bill that would repeal the freedom to marry, and CACR 28, a resolution seeking to amend the state constitution to restrict marriage:
(New York, February 16, 2010) – The anti-discrimination bill approved by Albanian lawmakers on February 4, 2010, is an important step toward ensuring equality for all, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to Prime Minister Sali Berisha. The bill, which Albania’s government had proposed and promoted, is designed to protect Albanians from all forms of discrimination, including on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
In late August 2008, I had the opportunity to attend the Democratic National Convention. I listened carefully to the speeches of Michelle Obama, Mrs. Clinton, and President Bill Clinton. On August 28, 2008, I listened to Senator Barack Obama outline his soaring vision for America. I heard him speak on how he would address the sinking economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, health care reform, clean energy technology, and job creation. I felt like Senator Obama was speaking directly to me when he said, “I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in a hospital and to live lives free of discrimination”. In my opinion that statement was his promise to millions of LGBT Americans that we were part of his plan to make America a better place and that eliminating those vestiges of discrimination would be an important part of his agenda. Like millions of Americans, I decided that I would work hard to help elect Barack Obama President of the United States.
WASHINGTON, March 3 — Same-sex couples began applying for marriage licenses today in the District of Columbia. The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act was passed this fall by an overwhelming majority of the D.C. Council before Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the measure into law in mid-December. D.C. joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa and New Hampshire in extending full marriage equality to same-sex couples.
Erie Gay News is giving away a copy of A Private Midnight by Scott Fried, signed by the author. To enter, just fill out the form here between March 5 and March 26.
Want to listen to some live music that’s not necessarily the Top 40 Pop/Dance Chart hits? Ever thought it would be great to enjoy a private event evening at Splash Lagoon? Well, here is your chance! The bears of Drenched Fur 6 invite you to join them the last weekend of March this month for fun and good times. On Friday, March 26th, 2010, Drenched Fur 6 and Craze Nite Club will be hosting the premier musical event of Bearapalooza. Bearapalooza is a grouping of entertainers from the bear community that perform across the country at various venues/events. For Drenched Fur 6 this year, Bearapalooza will consist of musicians Freddy Freeman, Elijah Black, Kendall and RockCub along with comedian William Brown as emcee. The event kicks off with a cocktail hour at 7 PM, followed by the musical performances from 8 PM until 10:30 PM and the cover charge at the door is just $10. The following night, on Saturday, March 27th, Drenched Fur 6 will be once again hosting an exclusive event at the Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort. The event is from 10 PM until 2 AM and the cost will be $40. If community members wish to participate in the private event at Splash Lagoon, please visit the registration page at the DF6 website. (Advance signup and payment is required).
(New York, February 17, 2010) – Kenya’s government should act quickly to protect people accused of homosexual conduct and groups offering HIV/AIDS services from vigilante attacks, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to Kenyan authorities.
Knowing what to do when you are injured is a critical element in maintaining your overall health and fitness. Obviously if there is a serious injury you are not going to need my advice. You are cutting edge enough to know to phone for help or get to an emergency care center. However, if you suffer a minor injury, such as a muscle strain or sprain, then you can take measures to recover on your own. Apply the RICE acronym which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
When I first moved to the coast I was so excited to be 1) away from the queer-bashing country where we used to live 2) living on the edge of the great Pacific Ocean and 3) among lesbians who had a tradition of welcoming newcomers with open arms that I had boundless energy and enthusiam. [Four] years later reality has taken its toll. My new county hasn't bared any ugly anti-gay fangs, the Pacific continues to be its glorious self and the lesbian community is still warm and buoying. It's just me who's pooped out.
We’re all clear on what we’re supposed to do in order to be happy. Get the right job. Check. The right partner. Check. The right house. Check. The right life with all the proper accoutrements. Check. So how come so many of us get all this stuff (or come close enough) and still can’t relax and enjoy our life?
Sexual ethics has long been dominated by narrow views that have excluded LGBT people, and have made straight non-married people to feel guilty for being active sexual beings. On March 16, we will discuss qualities of holy relationships and relationship boundaries that free us and encourage us to live and do well, as people who are both spiritual and sexual. We will explore how a concern for sexual morality and relationship integrity does not amount to moral or religious authoritarianism. Rather, we will ask what our experience teaches us about ethics, faith, and life at the intersection of spirituality and sexuality. We will explore how the “face” of God meets us in our sexual partners and beloveds. 7-8:30 PM at Community United Church 1011 W 38th St, Erie, PA. Community United Church is an open and affirming Christian congregation. All are welcome who wish to engage in honest, confidential, and safe conversation. Come join the discussion! Contact: Rich McCarty. Phone: (319) 270-5140. Venue Phone: (814) 864-4429. Email: richmccarty@msn.com. Browse to venue web site www.uccwebsites.net/commuceriepa.html.
After a week’s hiatus, it’s wonderful to be with you again! It’s week five of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and if things weren’t competitive enough for you before, they certainly are now. I chatted with California girl – and Scotland native – Morgan McMichaels, whose fashion-forward take on wedding couture landed her in the bottom two, and ultimately made her the queen slated to sashay away.
Richmond - For the third consecutive day on the floor of the House of Delegates, Virginia Democrats stood against the anti-gay efforts of Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who issued a letter to Virginia's public colleges and universities March 4 advising them to repeal nondiscrimination policies protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender faculty, staff, and students.
On Maple Taste & Tour weekend (Mar 20 & 21), 13 area maple syrup producers will open their sugar houses for the public to see how the delicious amber liquid is made, taste free samples, have fun as well as the chance to buy a variety of maple products from syrup to cream to crumb to candy.
From the PBS series Religion & Ethics Newsweekly: Trinity Place is a shelter program for LGBT street youth operated by Pastor Heidi Neumark and Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan. Watch our story on attitudes of churches toward teenagers who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Some accept them, some do not.
OXFORD, MS – The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit today against a Mississippi High School that has canceled prom rather than let a lesbian high school student attend the prom with her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo to the event. In papers filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, the ACLU asks the court to reinstate the prom for all students at the school and charges Itawamba County School District officials are violating Constance McMillen’s First Amendment right to freedom of expression.
March 12, 2010 – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) released the following statement regarding Johnny Weir’s confirmation Friday that Stars on Ice has refused to invite him to participate. “Johnny Weir is a two time Olympian and three time U.S. champion. Other athletes of his caliber would be granted the opportunity to perform during national tours like Stars on Ice,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “By choosing not to bring the performances and talent of Johnny Weir to American audiences, Stars on Ice is reinforcing an unfortunate double standard that is too often applied to gay athletes and athletes perceived to be gay.”
The 2010 LEAGUE Foundation scholarship program is now receiving student applications until April 30, 2010. Since 1996, LEAGUE Foundation has continued to grow in its mission of providing financial resources for America’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender youth to attend institutions of higher learning. Now in its 14th year the LEAGUE Foundation has awarded its 79 scholarships and applications have been received from students from all 50 states. Financial support has been received from corporations, individuals, and other GLBT organizations.
NEW YORK, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- With only three sketch comedy troupes currently on television, "The Big Gay Sketch Show" continues to break the rules (and barriers) with laugh-out-loud antics, sassy celebrity impersonations and twisted sketches that will appeal to anyone who's a little askew. The irreverent sketch comedy series from Executive Producer Rosie O'Donnell is back for a new season with returning cast members Paolo Andino, Colman Domingo, Julie Goldman, Stephen Guarino, Jonny McGovern, Kate McKinnon and Nicol Paone. "The Big Gay Sketch Show" premieres Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 10/9c
From GayTravel.com: St. Petersburg was built as Russia’s “window to the west” and it remains perhaps the most “European” part of this enormous nation. Tree-lined avenues, charming bridges, elegant architecture and a network of canals that rivals both Amsterdam and Venice make this the perfect walking city. Even under Soviet oppression St. Petersburg managed to keep a lightness and an air about it that other parts of the country simply could not manage. St. Petersburg is to Moscow what San Francisco is to New York. Culture and nightlife are explosive yet there’s a sense that people aren’t in nearly as big a hurry. As such, this remains Russia’s most gay-friendly city, with venues situated right on the street and not hidden down a back alley. While still not as accepting as the rest of Europe, in St. Petersburg it appears okay to be gay. Cruise down the river Neva to Peterhof - Russia’s Versailles. Wander room after room of the Hermitage - the world’s largest art collection. Sip champagne in a waterside cafe. Whatever you do, don’t rush. This is St. Petersburg - where life will never pass you by.
MEDIA, PA - Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Joe Sestak announced submission of his Housing Non-Discrimination Act to prevent discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals in the rental, sale, or financing of a home. The bill adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the categories that cannot be considered in housing transactions, including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status and disability.
From NPR: Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate, Arabic-speaker and Iraq War veteran, was recommended for discharge under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy after declaring that he is gay. But now, he's been asked to return to training with his National Guard unit. The invitation comes as the Defense Department reviews the possible effects of repealing the military policy, which prohibits openly gay men and women from serving. Host Scott Simon speaks with Choi.
Issue #88 of
the print edition of the current run of Erie Gay News is out as of Thursday, February 25, 2010!
You can pick
it up at several locations. You can also read the articles here. There have been 172 issues of Erie Gay News since the first issue in January, 1993.
Empire State Pride Agenda
Lutherans Concerned
GLYS of Western NY
Equality Forum
Crime Victim Center
Renaissance City Women's Choir
Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition
American Civil Liberties Union of PA
Freedom to Marry web site
Online Petition for Johnny Weir
