Erie Gay News

Win a signed copy of In The Therapist's Chair by Dr. Jacqueline Simon Gunn. To enter the contest, fill out the form here from August 27 through September 17.

from Crooks & Liars: The Q&A with Harry Reid provided the most touching, spontaneous and affirming moment I've seen at any political conference in a very long time. Joan McCarter was conducting the interview, and led off by handing Senator Reid Lt. Dan Choi's West Point ring, saying that he wanted Reid to have it because it didn't have the same meaning to him that it once did. She then handed him Choi's discharge paperwork.

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First same-sex reference in a rock n roll song? In one verse in Jailhouse Rock (1957), Elvis Presley sings "Number 47 said to number 3,/ you're the cutest jailbird I ever did see/I sure would be delighted with your company/come on and do the jailhouse rock with me." The song was released to coincide with September 1957 release of the movie of the same name, in which Elvis plays a wrongly-convicted man. The song  was performed to an elaborate dance number, and two guys dance together to the verse mentioned here, though one kicks the other in the butt, which apparently made it acceptable. The song was written by the songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, a couple of edgy white kids who wrote a lot of the humorous classics from the 1950s like "Charlie Brown" and "Hound Dog." More noteworthy was that the song made number one in the charts of Rock, Rhythm and Blues and Country, at a time when the country and music did not cross over easily.

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Fon memories of Ashtabula Picnic, Butler Picnic and GLBT table at Blues and Jazz Fest. Congrats to Out in the Silence on Emmy nomination.

Author: Michael Mahler

The movie Out in the Silence was scheduled to be shown July 28 at the Coudersport Library, followed by conversation with filmmakers Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer. There was a fair amount of local controversy before the screening, but the turn out was very good and much useful dialogue happened.

I have to admit that I paid little attention to Anne Rice, the celebrated author, before she was interviewed recently on a television news broadcast. On that program she declared that she “quit being a Christian.” That got my attention!

Common Ground's STRAY (Straight/Gay Alliance) show is being moved to October due to my hand surgery. I will keep you all posted. Please spread the word. Can you step out of your comfort zone and lay down your differences, fears, judgements and ignorance long enough to make a difference and possibly make new friend? No hidden agendas..., just an attempt to fight hate and bring people together.”

Many LGBT buyers mistakenly and understandably assume that the purchase of a condo is no different from buying a typical single family home. But the fact is that condominium ownership has its own exclusive set of rules that are quite different from those that apply to traditional houses.

Harrisburg:  After several months of positive and thoughtful discussion, Equality Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that they have successfully reached agreement on a change in gender marker policy.  "Gender Markers" refer to those ways in which individuals present themselves mostly on official documentation.  For example, on a driver's license your "gender marker" would refer to your name and photograph.

Death is a part of life, yet somehow we all do our best to avoid thinking about it.  Even though none of us gets out of this life alive, it sure is tempting to think that, somehow, maybe we won’t have to.  Illogical?  Sure.  But it’s a way to cope. 

Author: Michael Kimmel

For the second year, Erie’s GLBT community had a table at the Erie Art Museum’s Blues and Jazz Fest. Thanks go out to Ed for help with set up. Among the people helping to staff the table were Laurie Finch, Robert, Jerry McCumber, Paul, Mags, Will Koehler and Charlene Newport. Available at the table were copies of Erie Gay News, as well as info about LBT Women of Erie, Family United Counseling, and the new GLBT Parents group being started, A few people also stopped by to have face photos taken. Virtually all of the interaction was positive and friendly!

Author: Michael Mahler

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On Saturday, July 17, 2010, the Ashtabula GLBT Outreach Alliance held a delightful and friendly picnic in Saybrook Township Park. The potluck picnic featured games, fun, prizes and good times for all. This was the second year that the group had a picnic. About 30-40 people attended the event. Photos are by Michael Mahler of Erie Gay News and Mandy M Lynch, board member of Ashtabula GLBT Outreach Alliance.

Author: Michael Mahler

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On Wednesday, July 21, 2010, the LBT Women of Erie had a fun time holding a Pure Romance party. Pure Romance is an in-home party company that sells a premier line of relationship aids, including lubricants, heighteners, and bedroom accessories. Photos are by Laurie Finch, coordinator for the group. For more info, browse to http://womynoferie.wetpaint.com.

Author: Laurie Finch

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On Wednesday, June 23, 2010, the LBT Women of Erie had a wonderful time playing billiards at Andy's Pub. Photos are by Laurie Finch, coordinator for the group. For more info, browse to http://womynoferie.wetpaint.com.

Author: Laurie Finch

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Various quotes about marriage equality in Mexico.

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Social group for lesbian, bisexual and transgendered women. Meets the 2nd Sunday of month at Presque Isle Gallery Coffeehouse. Contact: Laurie Finch. Phone: (814) 452-6645, cell 450-8804). Email: lbtwomen-owner@eriegaynews.com. For details on these events, visit http://womynoferie.wetpaint.com/

Author: Laurie Finch

The Rainbow Pride Connection event is back at Chautauqua this year, 9 AM - 10 PM Featuring workshops on a variety of topics of interest to the LGBT community, a documentary on the gay & lesbian history of Buffalo, NY, and closing with a cabaret, with delightful local talent. Location is the Bellinger Hall Retreat and Conference Center, 4 S Lake Dr, Chautauqua, NY 14722). Contact: Pat Collins. Phone: (305) 926-5499. Email: pjcollins21@yahoo.com . Browse to www.rainbowprideconnection.net/ for more info or to register.

Author: Pat Collins

The Erie Playhouse kicks off the 94th season with the Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray – opening Sept. 9 and running through Oct. 3. Based on John Waters’ 1988 cult film, the frothy, zippy, lovable musical hit Broadway in 2002 and stayed there for six years, winning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. Hairspray boasts music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. The songs include 1960’s dance-style music along with “urban” rhythm and blues.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Servicemembers United, the nation's largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans, released a briefing memo today that blasted the biased design and derogatory and insulting content of the recent Pentagon survey of military spouses about the impending repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. The survey, which went out on Friday to 150,000 heterosexual military spouses, contained fewer methodological biases than the previous Pentagon survey, although the spouse survey was more inherently derogatory towards gay and lesbian Americans than the previous survey