Erie Gay News is very proud that this print edition marks our 350th issue and our 32nd anniversary! Our first issue came out in December of 1992 as a side project of Bridges, the Pride organization in Erie during the early 1990's. Part of the impetus for a monthly print publication was promoting cooperation for the then-upcoming April 1993 March on Washington. Today, we distribute Erie Gay News to over 100 locations in the NW PA, W NY, and eastern OH region. Print copies are sent each month to legislators, candidates for public office, and also LGBTQIA+ archives across the USA (including ONE Archives in Los Angeles, Gerber Hart in Chicago, Stonewall Archives in Florida, Pat Parker Vitto Russo Library in New York City, and Sexual Minority Archives in Massachusetts. Additionally, we send copies each year to two international LGBTQIA+ archives: IHLIA in Amsterdam and ArQuives in Toronto.

Picture it: Erie, PA 1995. The City of Erie was preparing to celebrate its Bicentennial. The newly energized LGBTQ+ community took a group photo on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse in October of that year to go in the Bicentennial Time Capsule that now is in  Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing at the foot of State Street. The October 1995 photo was the very first Family Photo the local community had taken as a community open to the public. The tradition of taking a group photo has continued at the Pride Picnic and other events. 2025  will mark the 30th anniversary of this historic event, and Erie Gay News is organizing another Family Photo on October 11, 2025 (National Coming Out Day) on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse between 11 AM and 1 PM. All groups and LGBTQ+ and supportive individuals are invited to participate. We want to show how the strength and diversity of the community have grown over the past three decades. We need YOU to make this happen.

TransFamily of NW PA hosted their annual TransGiving Potluck at Compton's Table, 3401 State St, on Saturday, November 23. TransFamily provided a welcoming space for members of the trans community and their supporters to come together to enjoy a meal and socialize in a friendly way. The organizers mentioned how happy they were to see not only returning friends but new faces as well. The potluck was delectable, and everyone had a wonderful time.

While 2024 proved to come with its own set of challenges, the NW PA Pride Alliance is happy to continue its work to improve the visibility of the Queer/LGBTQIA+ community in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Bears Do Dinner held its December meet-up for dinner at The Boardroom Dining & Spirits, 4353 W Ridge Rd, Erie, PA. The next Bears Do Dinner will be on January 8 at Saigon Nights, 2430 W 8th St, Erie, PA.

A peer-led support group for LGBTQ+ adults is now meeting on the first Saturday of each month upstairs in a private room at the Franklin Library, 421 12th St, Franklin, PA, 16423. The meeting is ADA-accessible via elevator. Please wear a face mask for the safety of the immunocompromised and disabled members of our community. Masks will be available at the group if you forget yours! To find out more about the group, browse https://lgbtvenango.com/ or check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567949807569 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lgbtvenango/

Various upcoming performances and events for spring of 2025.

Snowmageddon couldn't stop these comedy queens! The Miss Great Lakes Comedy Queen pageant, a preliminary to National Miss Comedy Queen, was held in Buffalo on November 30th. Contestants were judged in several categories including comedic talent, a sports themed presentation, and outrageous evening gown. The queens were also tasked with showcasing their improv skills to sell a mystery product in the 60 second spokeswoman category.

As the holiday season draws near, we find ourselves reflecting on themes of love, family, and togetherness. While this time can be a joyous celebration for many who gather with friends and loved ones, it can also shine a light on painful realities for those who may feel unsafe or unsupported. One significant issue affecting our LGBTQ+ community, often overlooked, is domestic violence.

Are YOU ready to slow down, reflect, and connect this winter? Winter is the perfect time to turn inward, nurture your well-being, and set intentions for the year ahead. This season, Journey To A Trauma Informed Life invites you to join us at 201 W 11th St, Erie, PA, for group therapy sessions designed to inspire creativity and self-discovery in a supportive environment. Registration closes on December 29, 2024. Sessions start on January 13, 2025. All groups are in person. Sessions are FREE for UPMC for You members. Ask Journey to a Traum Informed Life about other insurances.

The Erie Sisters and Brothers hosted another successful Lake Erie Gala at the Sheridan Bayfront Hotel from November 13th through the 17th, 2024. This year, we celebrated our 25th annual Lake Erie Gala with 90 beautiful ladies, their spouses, significant other/supporters! The Lake Erie Gala attracts crossdressers, transgender persons, and their loved ones from across North America and beyond our borders.