October 2003 Erie Pride weekend pages 9-12
EGN
November 2005
Erie Gay News
Adoptions From The Heart Honors
local adoption pioneers Joey And
Jeff Grego
ERIE, PA, - Oct. 18,2005 - Adoptions From The
Heart (AFTH), a licensed, non-profit agency offering
domestic and international adoptions, will present Joey
Grego with a Pioneer in Adoption Award as one of
seven honorees to be honored for his contributions at
AFTH’s 20th anniversary gala in November, National
Adoption Month. Joey will also accept the award for
his partner Jeff Grego, who died in a small plane crash
in late August. The couple became AFTH’s first same
sex parents when they adopted Zoey and Clay, now
teenagers, Adoption pioneers who paved the way for
second parent adoption in Pennsylvania, Jeff and Joey
took their cause to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
for the belief that everyone, regardless of sexual ori-
entation, has the right to adopt their partner’s chil-
dren. The pair claimed victory when second parent
adoption became legal in Pennsylvania. That same year,
they received the “People of the Year” award from
the Philadelphia Gay News.
“These are two people who had an impact on
society, not just the adoption community. Jeff’s loss is
tremendous, but his legacy will live on,” said Maxine
Chalker, MSW, LSW, founder and executive director
of AFTH.
Since opening in 1985, AFTH has gone from
facilitating just 16 adoptions to nearly 500 domestic
and international adoptions in 2004, and from no bud-
get to a record $5 million. With 12 offices, AFTH is
licensed in PA, NJ, DE, VA, WV, and NY and is ap-
proved to place children with families in CT. It is one
of the largest placing agencies for domestic infants on
the East Coast and coordinates international adoptions
with 10 countries.
—Adoptions from the Heart
More community news on page 4!
Pride March and Rally p. 18
Raphael’s Tavern welcomes you
Raphael’s Tavern, 363 West Eighth Street, is the
first smoke-free tavern in Erie. The tavern’s owners
also want the GLBT community to know that every-
one is welcome at Raphael’s.
The bar is open Tuesday through Sunday, 3 PM
to 2 AM. They are located at the corner of 8th & Chest-
nut Streets.
Zone raises $$$ for Katrina Victims
The Zone raised $202 dollars from the sale of
the red crosses for the Katrina hurricane relief fund
and the owners, Bob and Lou, matched the donation
for a total of $404 - every little bit helped!- thanks for
your support from the Zone!
—from Jared
Erie Pride March October 15, 2005
2
Erie Gay News - November 2005
EGN
Erie Gay News
Erie Gay News
1115 West 7th St.
Erie PA 16502-1105
Phone: (814) 456-9833
Fax: (270)423-6217
www.eriegaynews.com
Editors: Deb Spilko and Mike Mahler
Ad Design: Mike Lipiec
Deadline: the 15th of each month.
The Erie Gay News is published monthly as a source of
news, events, information and support for gays, lesbians,
bisexuals, transgendered people (GLBT’s), their families,
friends & supporters in the Erie and NW PA Area.
We welcome and encourage all readers to submit timely
news, comments and opinions of interest to local
GLBT’s for publication in these pages. We will consider
for publication any nonfiction article, blurb or illustra-
tion graphic which upholds this spirit. Please include
your contact information with any piece that you
submit.
We will not publish any material which promotes hatred
or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation,
gender identification, race, religion, age, class, physical
ability or any other reason. We do not support the
exploitation of minors.
Views and opinions expressed in this publication don’t
necessarily represent those of the EGN staff.
Copyright 2005 by Erie Gay News.
EGN Ad Rates
call 456-9833 or email [email protected]
Deadline for ads is the 15th
Ad Size Price/Issue Dimensions
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Thank You:
To Dale, James von Loewe, Brian Lonyo,
Chris Strayer and Bob for folding; Dale, Chris
Strayer, James von Loewe, Jerry McCumber, John
& Paula King & Dave S for distribution; and Bob
for proofreading. Mike Lipiec for ad layout & etc.
Thanks! If you’re interested in helping out, con-
tact Michael Mahler at (814) 456-9833 or
[email protected] for date/time.
In This Issue...
PFLAG News........................................................ 6
Obituaries ................................................................7
Calendar .................................................................. 7
New Ad Program .................................................... 11
Contest..................................................................... 11
On stage ................................................................... 12
World AIDS Day Erie County events ..................... 13
National News Briefs............................................... 15
Erie Pride 2005 March & Rally............................. 18
Cover Photo: Marching down State
Street for the 2004 Erie Pride March/
Rally. Photo taken by Jayk.
3
Erie Gay News - November 2005
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4
Erie Gay News - November 2005
(continued from cover)
Community News
Buffalo’s “Cause for Celebration”
moves to Statler Golden Ballroom
The gala annual fundraiser for AIDS commu-
nity Services of WNY— “Cause for Celebration”—is
moving! Look for one of Buffalo’s favorite events No-
vember 5th, 2005 at the beautiful Statler Golden Ball-
room in downtown Buffalo. This year’s theme is “Sat-
urday Night Fever at Studio 54” so dig those platform
shoes out of the attic and start practicing your disco
dance moves! There will be live music, dancing, spe-
cial entertainment, casino gaming, our famous art auc-
tion, luscious desserts and much more! Pre-Cause par-
ties are, of course, welcome throughout the year, so
call us at (716)847-0340 for more information.
If you don’t have an outfit for Cause yet,
DivineFinds vintage boutique is offering a 15% dis-
count when you mention Cause for Celebration.
DivineFinds is located at 220 Lexington Avenue, just
off the Elmwood Strip in Buffalo.
www.divinefinds.com/
—AIDS Community Services of Western New York
New bar opens in Olean, NY
A new bar has opened up in Olean New York.
Mixers is at 204 Coleman Street, Olean, NY
14760 They are open Wednesday - Saturday 4 PM to
close Sunday Noon - close (716) 372-1004
PFLAG NWPA rep meets with Curt
Sonney
On September 22nd, a small delegation of
people who live in the 4th legislative district of PA
visited with Curt Sonney, Republican, who is our rep-
resentative in the PA House of Representatives. We
discussed legislative issues regarding equal rights for
GLBT people. He was open minded regarding that
issue. We made him aware of previous attempts by
Representative Birmelin and other members of the
PA legislature to attach anti-gay amendments to vari-
ous bills in order to diminish equal rights for GLBT
people. A lesbian member of our group requested help
regarding a legislative matter and he was very recep-
tive to her request. Mr. Sonney supports the concept
of equal opportunity in employment, housing and
public accommodations, as articulated in Erie County’s
Human Relations Commission Ordinance, which spe-
cifically bans discrimination based on sexual orienta-
tion and gender identity.
—Maureen
Lambda Ball on Nov. 12
The theme if the 18th annual Lambda Ball is
“An Evening in Paradise.” The Ball will be held on
Saturday, November 12 at the Grand Ballroom, Pitts-
burgh Hilton and Towers, in Pittsburgh PA. This is a
black tie event. There will be cocktails, dinner, danc-
ing, silent auction, and live entertainment by “After
Dark.” For ticket information call (412) 521-5444 or
visit www.lambdapgh.org Contact the Pittsburgh
Hilton at (412)391-4600 for special Lambda Ball room
rates. Proceeds benefit The Lambda Foundation. The
Lambda Foundation exists to foster for the Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People - educational,
social, cultural, health and artistic projects and pro-
grams in the Greater Pittsburgh Area through grants
and scholarships to organizations and individuals. The
Lambda Foundation was incorporated in 1983. The
first grants were awarded in 1984. Over the past 20
years the Foundation has raised nearly a half a million
dollars and has granted back to the community over
$500,000. (General Grants, Lambda Scholarships, Pitts-
burgh Tavern Guild Frank Borelli AIDS Fund, Buzz
Pusateri Alpha to Omega AIDS Fund).
—Lambda Foundation
James von Lowe and Pride organizer Dan Burdick at the Oc-
tober 15 Erie Pride March and Rally.
5
Erie Gay News - November 2005
Community News
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World AIDS Day at Cascade United
Methodist
The 17
th
Annual World AIDS Day observance
will be held at the Cascade United Methodist Church
located at 1001 West 21
st
Street. A worship service
entitled “A Candlelight Service of Love and Assur-
ance in the Face of HIV and AIDS” will be held Thurs-
day, December 1
st
at 7 PM in the church sanctuary. A
time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the
service. The United Methodist Church celebrates
“Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors.” All
are welcome! God loves us unconditionally and wel-
comes us as we are and where we are. For more infor-
mation you may call Rev. Russell Shuluga at 452-3364.
or 452-2870.
—from Cascade United Methodist
Pride March/Rally planning for next
year
Meeting for next year’s Pride March/Rally set
for Panera’s in Yorktown Plaza, 2501 W 12th St, Erie
PA for Sunday, November 13 at 2 PM. Contact Michael
Mahler at (814) 456-9833 or info@eriegaynews.com
for more info.
—from Mike Mahler
More Light Presbyterian weekend
Join with a group of More Light Presbyterian
(MLP) members and supporters for a reflective week-
end in the country an hour north of Pittsburgh, Penn-
sylvania. Called “Sharing Our Journey: Sojourning To-
gether” the regional conference will be held Novem-
ber 11-13, 2005 Camp Crestfield-Slippery Rock, PA
(Just off I-79). Our program will be built around sto-
ries as told by GLBT folks and their families and re-
corded by the Community House Church Learning
Center. Listen for the disclosive spaces and reflective
points in these stories. Hear them as modern parables.
Hear success stories from high schools and colleges.
Celebrate our creation in God’s image in creative wor-
ship. Free time to explore the Slippery Rock Creek
and camp trails….rest…talk. What to expect: Two
nights in a warm bed. Five delicious meals. Get to know
people in a richer way and come home richer for it.
For information, and to register online, go to
www.mlp.org email [email protected]
——from More Light Presbyterians
Erie Pride & March Gallery
can be viewed online at
www.eriegaynews.com
6
Erie Gay News - November 2005
Obituaries
Susan Terese (Senger) Wolf
Loving Mother, Grand-
mother, Partner and Friend.
Susan Terese (Senger) Wolf,
age 58, of Erie, passed away
September 9, 2005, sur-
rounded by her family.
Born July 11, 1947, Sue
was the daughter of the late
Macarius J. and Theresa A.
(Sirak) Senger, Jr. She enjoyed
watching all of her
grandchildren’s activities such
as sports, acting in plays or just playing in the back-
yard. Sue was an avid bowler in several leagues and
served as President of one league for 20 years. She
was a member of several social clubs, including the
Sportsmen’s Athletic Club, CYS, and South Erie Turn-
ers. Sue loved music, attending many concerts on the
bay at the Liberty Amphitheater. She loved to roller
skate, and was a member of McDowell class of 1965.
Preceding her in death were her parents and an infant
brother Jerry Senger. Survivors include her partner of
17 years, Joyce Haas, Sue’s three children; two sons,
Brian Wolf and his wife Kim and Sean Wolf, all of
Erie; a daughter Michele (Wolf) Baumgratz and hus-
band Greg of Girard; eight grandchildren, a sister
Patricia Wright of Erie and a brother Macarius “Mark”
Senger III of Erie. Several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and
Nephews also survive.
Burial was in Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation, 1030 State St., Erie, PA 16501.
PFLAG News
from PFLAG Erie & Crawford Counties
Chapter
We extend our gratitude to Author Marc Adams,
Executive Director of HeartStrong, INC. and to all
those in attendance at the October 10th meeting. Marc
shared his personal story and the mission of
HeartStrong, INC. “HeartStrong is a non sectarian or-
ganization established to provide outreach to GLBT
and other persons adversely affected by the influence
of all denominations of religious institutions.
HeartStrong is also committed to educating the pub-
lic about the persecution of GLBT’s and others at re-
ligious institutions. HeartStrong is a volunteer 501(c)(3)
educational nonprofit organization. All donations are
tax-deductible as allowed by law.” HeartStrong can be
reached: WEB: www.heartstrong.org; Email:
heartstrong@heartstrong.org; Telephone: (206)388-
3894; Mail: P.O. BOX 2051, Seattle, WA 98111; AOL
keyword: HeartStrong. People are able to subscribe
to “HS Report”, a monthly Newsletter & Calendar.
Thank you, Marc Adams!
Some these adverse affects include reparative
therapy, expulsion, humiliation, suicides, and negative
therapy. Marc’s enthusiasm and 100% dedication to
HeartStrong is helping to share the mission and stop
the continued persecutions and discrimination inside
religious institutions.
So, if you are reading this and having an issue
coming out being in a religious institution, HeartStrong
is a resource of help. You are not alone and deserve to
receive positive messages about your identity.
Meeting Notes:
Our next PFLAG meeting is November 14th,
the second Monday of the month from 7 PM - 8:30
PM Support Group at the Unitarian Universalist Con-
gregation of Erie, 7180 Perry Hwy (Rte 97). Take Exit
27 off I-90, go North (left) about a half mile. Church
is on the left). We hold the support session to end at
8:30 PM The PFLAG Board meets from 8:45 PM -
9:15 PM following the monthly meetings. Please plan
to remit your new or renewed membership dues of
$25.00 by November 14th meeting week. See you on
November 14th! Thank you.
Contact us: PFLAG Erie & Crawford Counties,
P.O. BOX 8914, Erie, PA 16505-0914. PH: John: (814)
454-1392. Write: pflagerie@eriegaynews.com
The Erie Gay News welcomes obituaries,
memorial tributes, and announcements of me-
morial websites.
To learn more about how to submit these
items, please contact the editors at Erie Gay
News, 1115 West Seventh Street, Erie PA
16502 (814) 456-9833. [email protected]
7
Erie Gay News - November 2005
Calendar
This calendar is also online at
www.eriegaynews.com/calendar.html
Oct 29 - “2nd Annual Trance Fantasy Halloween
Masquerade Party” at Trance Dance Club 1607
Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Theme is “Dead and Fabu-
lous” Monster Mash Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-
3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to
www.trancedanceclub.com.
Oct 30 - Pittsburgh Boat Cruise Station Square, 1
Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA. 5 PM - 9 PM. Board-
ing starts at 5 PM. The boat leaves at 5:30 PM, and
will be back at 9 PM. Costume judging, gift giveaway
on boat, and additional costume judging at area Pitts-
burgh bars after the boat cruise. Tickets are $20 in
advance, $25 (if available) at the boat. Advance tick-
ets can be purchased at the Zone, 133 W 18th St,
Erie and all Pittsburgh area bars. Sponsored by Pitts-
burgh Tavern Guild. Phone: (412) 355-7980. Browse
to www.stationsquare.com.
Oct 31 - “Halloween Night” at Zone Dance Club
133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Stop in for our famous
Monday Madness with Mad-Man Matt and DJ
Sparkplug...A monstrously good time. Halloween
drink specials and more! The only way to remove the
Monday Curse and have some fun.” Phone: (814) 452-
0125. www.thezonedanceclub.com.
Oct 31 - “Halloween Night” at Trance Dance Club
1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. “The Rocky Horror Pic-
ture Show will be shown on the screens at Trance!”
Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email:
lee@trancedanceclub.com.” Browse to
www.trancedanceclub.com
Nov 1 - Last day to apply for absentee ballot for
PA General Election
Nov 2 - ‘The Guys’ get together at Moonsense 5442
Peach St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Informal get together to
(continued on next page)
Oct 26 - Equality PA /SW Region meets (Slippery
Rock, PA) 7 PM. Support group to empower and
support the GLBTQ community, at the meeting place
of the Ginger Hill Unitarian Universalist Congrega-
tion, 174 S Main Street, Slippery Rock. Contact: Reid.
(724) 735-4407. Email: butlerdiversity@yahoo.com
Oct 26 - Open Circle for Final Harvest/Samhain/
Halloween Unitarian Universalist Congregation of
Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Spon-
sored by Covenant of Brighid's Haven, GLBT friendly
Eclectic Pagan group. Contact: Jeremy. Email:
prosperotter@yahoo.com.
Oct 29 - “Black Widow’s Ball” Halloween Party
at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Erie's
Biggest Gay Halloween Party in the Zone's own 7th
Annual Haunted Bar! - The Black Widow's evil drones
have finished weaving her webbed palace just in time
for our Halloween Bash! Pick your poison at the Black
Widows Bar or join your friends as you dance the
night away into her Evil Web. Wear Black or Dress in
Costume! Give-aways, Glowsticks and Cash Prizes for
Best Costume! She will lure you and your friends into
the Zone for a night of Fright and Fun!... as that is
the Curse of the Black Widow!” Phone: (814) 452-
0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com.
Oct 28 - “Bewitched” Halloween Show at The
Zone 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Come watch as
witches, warlocks, and wizards keep you spellbound.
Gaze into your crystal ball and watch the Black Widow
prey her next victim. Break her curse with magical
spells cast through the eerie fog by our Diva’s An-
gelica, Taylor, Vanessa, Mistress Vanite’, and Melody.
Also keeping you mystified are our own exclusive Diva
Dudes. The tale begins at 10:30 PM but the story lasts
all weekend. ”
Oct 29 - GayJamestown NY Gay Association Cos-
tume Ball and Benefit Mark and David's, 403 Lake-
view Ave, Jamestown, NY. RSVP, BYOB, costume and
your favorite libation. Sumptuous Buffet. Adults only.
For the new GayJamestown NY Gay Association.
(LGBT). This is also the 10% Network event for Oc-
tober. Contact: Mark and David, (716) 484-1661,
info@gayjamestownny.com/. Browse to
www.gayjamestownny.com/.
8
Erie Gay News - November 2005
in bed! ...and release all that pent-up energy! What do
you wear to bed? Wear sexy lingerie, silk or sexy paja-
mas, Revealing underwear, or just wear a sheet if you
sleep naked. (No Nudity) Find out what really hap-
pens behind closed doors! (814) 452-0125. Browse
to www.thezonedanceclub.com.
Nov 12 - Lambda Ball (Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh
Hilton Hotel downtown. “This Black-Tie benefit is
the Lambda Foundation’s largest fundraiser and en-
ables us to fund GLBT scholarships and grants.”
www.lambdapgh.org (412)521-5444.
Nov 13 - Pride March & Rally Planning Meeting
Meeting for next year’s Pride March/Rally set for
Panera’s in Yorktown Plaza, 2501 W 12th St, Erie PA
for Sunday, November 13 at 2 PM. Contact Michael
Mahler at (814) 456-9833 or info@eriegaynews.com
for more info.
Nov 13 - Lake Erie Alliance for Democracy
(LEAD) meets 218 E 11th St, Erie, PA. 4:30 PM - 8
PM. Progressive political group Contact: Cindy Pur-
vis. Phone: (814) 453-4113. Email:
cindypurvis@velocity.net. Browse to
www.erielead.org.
Nov 14 - PFLAG meets At Unitarian-Universalist
Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie,
PA. 7 PM - 8:30 PM. Phone: (202) 467-8180. Email:
pflagerie@eriegaynews.com.
Nov 14 - “End of Summer Party” at Trance Dance
Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. "Throw up your
hair and bring out your beach-ware!" College ID
Night! Must be 18 to enter, must be 21 to drink! Con-
tact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email:
lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to
www.trancedanceclub.com.
Calendar
hang out at this local coffeeshop Contact: Michael
Mahler. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to
http://menspace.eriegaynews.com.
Nov 2 - Always Our Children meets Catholic Chari-
ties, 329 W. 10th St, Erie, PA. For Catholic parents
of GLBT children Phone: (814) 456-2091.
Nov 4 - Vertigo Party (Butler, PA) Lyndora Fire-
hall, 114 Whitestown Road, Butler, PA. “We supply
everything Cups, Ice, Mix, just BYOB.” Email:
vertig[email protected]. www.webspawner.com/users/
vertigov.
Nov 5 - Judith Avers performs Moonsense Cafe,
5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 8 PM - 11 PM. Judith per-
formed at the recent Pride Rally Phone: (814) 868-
1783. Email: [email protected]. Browse to
www.moonsense.net.
Nov 7 - College ID Night at Trance Dance Club
1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. “Beginning in Novem-
ber, Mondays will be College ID Night! Must be 18
to enter, must be 21 to drink! Dance your ass off all
night to today's hit music from R & B to Top 40 and
more. Join us on for first on Monday, November 7,
2005.” Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email:
lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to
www.trancedanceclub.com.
Nov 8 - Support group for those dealing with loss
(Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 E. 10th St, Erie.)
7 PM. Also meets Nov 17 at 10 AM. Phone: (814)
456-6689. Email: hospice@velocity.net.
Nov 12 - Bed! Party at Zone Dance Club 133 W
18th St, Erie, PA. “Light some candles, get out the
oils and lube, slip into something sexy, because we
are going to give you a night of sensual foreplay. Are
you ready for a romp in the sheets? Join all your friends
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Frame Wright
Linda Foll Johnson, GRI, RRS
Associate Broker
814-864-3200 ext 325
or 814-397-0615
Real Estate Services
9
Erie Gay News - November 2005
Calendar
Nov 14 - 20 - Erie Sisters Lake Erie Gala (Erie,
PA) Email: eriesisters@eriesisters.org. Browse to
www.eriesisters.org.
Nov 14 - PFLAG meets Unitarian-Universalist Con-
gregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie,
PA. 7 PM - 8:30 PM. Contact: Mark H. Phone: (814)
454-1392 (John). Email: pflagerie@eriegaynews.com.
Nov 15 - Deadline for December 2005 edition of
Erie Gay News
Nov 15 - Open Full Moon Rite Unitarian Universal-
ist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway,
Erie, PA. “Sponsored by Covenant of Brighid's Ha-
ven, GLBT friendly Eclectic Pagan group, celebrat-
ing the Rite of the Full Moon, doors opening at 7
PM, potluck feast to follow. Please note that a three
dollar donation is requested to help defray the cost
of renting the space.” Contact: Jeremy. Email:
prosperotter@yahoo.com.
Nov 18 - Friday Night Drag: “Sex, Drag, Rock 'n'
Roll” at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St,
Erie, PA. 11 PM. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-
3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to
www.trancedanceclub.com.
Nov 19 - Two Girls Alone performs Two Friends
Italian Market, 25 E 10th St, Erie, PA 7:30 PM - 9:30
PM. Phone: (814) 461-9966. Email:
Dec 11 - Menspace meets (Jay’s, 110 Shenango St,
Greenville PA) 7:30 PM. Contact: Michael Mahler.
Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email:
info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http://
menspace.eriegaynews.com.
Nov 19 - “Sisters of Erie After GALA Mixer” at
Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA.
For the Erie Sisters annual Gala. Among the perform-
ers are Lottie Hatfield. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814)
456-3027. Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse
to www.trancedanceclub.com.
Nov 19 - “Party Girl” at Zone Dance Club 133 W
18th St, Erie, PA. “Hosted by Miss Valerie. The Zone
Welcomes all the Ladies from the Erie Sisters Gala
Erie’s First Smoke Free Tavern
(continued on next page)
10
Erie Gay News - November 2005
Calendar
for a night of fun and festivities— it’s time for marti-
nis and mayhem! Let your hair down and party the
night away Miss Valerie—one of the original Erie
Sisters will be hosting a night of fun at the Zone party
favors. Prizes and Fun. Get into the Zone, girls, and
show us you can party! Located right across the street
from the Ramada Inn at 133 West 18th St. —Erie's
Largest gay bar and party complex!” Phone: (814)
452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com.
Nov 20 - 7th Annual Transgender Day of Remem-
brance www.gender.org/remember/day/
Nov 20 - “1st Annual Trance Prince and Princess
Contest” at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry
St, Erie, PA. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027.
Email: lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to
www.trancedanceclub.com.
Nov 23 - “The Guys” get together at Moonsense
5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Informal get together
to hang out at this local coffeeshop. Contact: Michael
Mahler. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to
http://menspace.eriegaynews.com.
Nov 23 - “Family Reunion” at Zone Dance Club
133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Everyone is coming Home
for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Catch up with old
friends and family for a night of dancing and fun at
the Zone.” Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to
www.thezonedanceclub.com
Nov 24 - Thanksgiving Day at Zone Dance Club
133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “We open at 8:00. Join us
for an after-dinner drink and dance off all those ex-
tra calories.” Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to
www.thezonedanceclub.com.
Nov 25 - “Black Friday” at Zone Dance Club 133
W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Don't let the horrors of the
Christmas shopping season get you down. Join us for
a night of fun in the dark. Wear black...Glowsticks
and black lights!” Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to
www.thezonedanceclub.com.
Nov 26 - “Pump It Up Party” at Zone Dance Club
133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Find out what we are pump-
ing and have some fun finding out! Do you pump It?
We want to watch!... Guys, Prize for sexiest 6-Pack!
Ladies, Prize for best Junk in the Trunk!” Phone:
(814) 452-0125. Browse to
www.thezonedanceclub.com.
Nov 26 - “Shagadelic - Valley of the Dolls” at
Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA.
Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email:
lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to
www.trancedanceclub.com.
Nov 27-28 - Mr. Leatherman Weekend (Toronto)
www.mrlt.com/mlt_weekend/index.htm
Dec 2 - Vertigo Party (Butler, PA) Lyndora Firehall,
114 Whitestown Road, Butler, PA. “We supply every-
thing Cups, Ice, Mix, just BYOB” Email:
[email protected]. Browse to
www.webspawner.com/users/vertigov.
Dec 4 - ALIVE Art Auction fundraiser for AIDS
at Moonsense Cafe 5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 2 PM -
5 PM. Sponsored by Alive, a new organization to raise
AIDS awareness. Proceeds benefit: Erie County
Health Dept. to fund AIDS education, local HIV sci-
entists to find a vaccine, Counseling and testing Phone:
(814) 868-1783. Email: aliveorg@yahoo.com. Browse
to www.moonsense.net.
Dec 7 - Always Our Children meets Catholic Chari-
ties, 329 W. 10th St, Erie, PA. For Catholic parents
of GLBT children Phone: (814) 456-2091.
Dec 11 - Menspace meets (Gordon & Bill's, Edin-
boro, PA) 6 PM. Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone:
029,(
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11
Erie Gay News - November 2005
Calendar
(814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com.
Browse to http://menspace.eriegaynews.com.
Dec 11 - Lake Erie Alliance for Democracy
(LEAD) meets 218 E 11th St, Erie, PA. 6:30 PM - 8
PM. Contact: Cindy Purvis. Phone: (814) 453-4113.
Email: cindypurvis@velocity.net. Browse to
www.erielead.org
Dec 12 - PFLAG meets Unitarian-Universalist Con-
gregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie,
PA. 7 PM - 8:30 PM. Contact: Mark H. Phone: (814)
454-1392 (John). Email: pflagerie@eriegaynews.com.
Dec 13 - Hospice Support group for those deal-
ing with loss Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 E
10th St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Also meets Dec 22 at 10
AM. (814) 456-6689. hospice@velocity.net.
Dec 14 - “The Guys” get together at Moonsense
5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Informal get together
to hang out at this local coffeeshop. Contact: Michael
Mahler. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to
http://menspace.eriegaynews.com.
Dec 16 - Friday Night Drag: “Studio 54 '05” at
Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA.
11 PM. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email:
lee@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to
www.trancedanceclub.com.
Dec 17 - 10% Network Christmas Party At John
S's, 201 Lakeview Ave, Jamestown, NY. Contact: Mar-
tin. Phone: (716) 484-1661. Email: jtown-
admin@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http://
jamestowntenpercent.tripod.com/.
Contest
Erie Gay News online contest for
Naughty Girls DVD
by Michael Mahler
Once again, there will be an online contest for a
free DVD at www.eriegaynews.com. To enter the con-
test, you will need to enter your name, mailing address
and email address at the page at www.eriegaynews.com.
Please note that if you won in the last contest, we ask
that you give others a chance and not enter this one.
The Naughty Show DVD, where top female com-
ics hit the stage with their naughtiest, bawdiest jokes,
letting fly with whatever is on their dirty girl minds! A
night of raunchy comedy with talent from Comedy
Central, The Tonight Show, NBC, WB, Major Motion
Pictures and America’s top comedy clubs!
There will be 10 copies to giveaway to our read-
ers online. Enter the contest between November 1 and
November 7.
The lineup for this massive performance in-
cludes Lisa Ann Walter (War Of The Worlds, The Par-
ent Trap, Bruce Almighty, Shall We Dance?), Robyn
Montague (Showtime At The Apollo), Stella Stolper
host at The Laugh Factory), Shayma Tash (Hype, The
Tonight Show, The Best Damn Sports Show Period),
Kate Rigg (NBC Late Friday, FOX Family Guy, SEX
TV) and Kim Cea (Kim Cea Live, The News In Re-
vue). And as an added treat, the legendary Naughty
Boys GoGo Team!
A night of raunchy chick comedy, with a trash
talkin’, crazy sexy star powered line up. Starring some
of New York and Los Angeles’ edgiest and raunchiest
comics, The Naughty Show was recorded at the historic
Ivar Theater in Hollywood in December 2004. Fea-
turing 90 minutes of some of the raunchiest female
stand-up comedy to ever grace the stage, The Naughty
Show has it all: sexy women telling it like it is, non-
stop laughter, and an extra treat the audience - The
Naughty Boys GoGo Team!
Also included is almost a full hour of bonus features,
taking a sneak peek behind the scenes and also inter-
views with all the comics and the Naughty Boys!
New Ad Program
Erie Gay News is excited about a new adver-
tising program! Following the recent success of
the online Tracey Ullman DVD contest, we would
like to announce our Featured Advertiser of the
Month program. To be featured, you should have
a item or items to give away. Erie Gay News will
feature your business on our web site, and also
promote the contest in Erie Gay News, as well as
emailing the Erie GLBT list about the contest.
Call us at 814-456-9833 or info@eriegaynews.com
for more details!
12
Erie Gay News - November 2005
On stage
Selected area cultural events that may be of interest
to GLBT audiences.
Oct 15-29 - “The Rocky Horror Show (in concert)”
Roadhouse Theatre, 145 W. 11th St., Erie PA Special
Halloween show and Party $15-VIP $20 BYOB with
proper ID. Reservations (814)456-5656.
Oct 27-Nov. 19 - “Deathtrap” Directors Circle The-
atre, Renaissance Centre, 1001 State St., second floor.
8 PM, no matinees. (814)451-1153.
Oct 28 - Sophie B. Hawkins in concert at The Win-
chester, 12112 Madison Ave. Lakewood/Cleveland,
OH (216)226-5681 Cleveland OH.
www.thewinchester.net
Oct 29 - Kathy Griffin performs Rex Theatre, Pitts-
burgh. 7:30, 10 PM. $27.50. Tickets, info:
Ticketmaster, 323-1919; Dave’s Music Mine, 488-
8800; Rex box office after 8:30 PM. Saturday, Octo-
ber 29th 2005 at 7:30 and 10:00 PM. (Ticketmaster)
Oct 29 - “Kiki & Herb: The Resurrection Tour”
Byham Theater, Pittsburgh. “It’s drag cabaret with
the gut wrenching impact of the best punk rock -
grand, vivacious and sordid”. New York Times. Visit
the Backstage Bar, located in Theater Square for the
pre-show Happy Hour! Presented in association with
The Warhol Museum. www.pgharts.org/
Nov 4 - 2nd Annual Pride Alliance Diversity Con-
cert (Fredonia NY) 8-11 PM SUNY Fredonia (Ma-
son Hall, Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall) Features School
of Music ensembles and various performers, includ-
ing Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus. Free admission, spon-
sored by SUNY Fredonia Pride Alliance & Center
for Cultural Affairs.
Nov 4-27 - “I Am My Own Wife” Cleveland Play-
house, 8500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland OH. “How does
a well-known transvestite survive, and even flourish
in, both Nazi Germany and the Soviet-dominated
Communist dictatorship of East Germany? A Tony
Award and a Pulitzer Prize winner.”
www.clevelandplayhouse.com
Nov 5 - Judith Avers performs at Moonsense Cafe,
5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 8 PM - 11 PM. Singer/song-
writer from West Virginia performs. Judith performed
at the recent Pride Rally Phone: (814) 868-1783.
Email: [email protected]. Browse to
www.moonsense.net.
Nov 5 - Michael Feinstein in concert Quicken Loans
Arena, Cleveland OH www.theqarena.com/publish/
index.html
Nov 18 - Dec 17 - “Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild
Christmas Binge” Roadhouse Theatre, 145 W 11th
St, Erie, PA. 8 PM. “Comedy written by Christopher
Durang, based on the characters from the classic Dick-
ens novel “A Christmas Carol.” All shows Friday and
Saturday nites at 8:00 PM and, we will even be run-
ning it for the weekend after Thanksgiving, and, as
always, affordable Roadhouse prices.” Reservations:
(814) 456-5656. Email: [email protected].
Browse to www.goerie.com/roadhouse.
Nov 19 - Two Girls Alone performs Two Friends
Italian Market, 25 E 10th St, Erie, PA 7 PM - 9 PM.
Phone: (814) 461-9966. Email: [email protected].
Nov 25 - Rob Thomas in concert Playhouse Square
in Cleveland. www.robthomas.com
Nov 15-20 - “Hairspray” Shea’s Theatre, 646-646
Main Street, Buffalo NY www.sheas.org
Dec 1 & 4 - Dramatic Reading of Paul Rudnick’s
“The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” Trance
Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St., Erie PA 9 PM.
Dec 3 - Cyndi Lauper in concert with special
guests Jill Sobule and Sandra Bernhard Lakewood
Civic Auditorium, Lakewood OH (Ticketmaster).
Dec 17 - North Coast Men’s Chorus presents “Tree
Chic” Waetjen Auditorium, Cleveland State Univer-
sity, 2001 Euclid Ave, 800-766-6048,
www.ncmchorus.org, info@ncmchorus.org
Dec 31 - “Playhouse Bouquet” Erie Playhouse, 13
W. 10th St., Erie PA. “A potpourri of Broadway and
Hollywood musical magic.” Full orchestra, and David
Matthews hosts. 7:30 PM. (814) 454-2852.
www.erieplayhouse.org/
Date TBA: “Naked Boys Singing” at Buffalo United
Artists (Buffalo premiere) http://buffalobua.org/
Websites/email lists for area
performers
Bob Bearfield www.bobbearfield.com
Jocelyn Porter Project www.jocelynporterproject.com
Leah Zicari www.leahzicari.com
Two Girls Alone http://twogirlsalone.iuma.com email
list: [email protected].
13
Erie Gay News - November 2005
by Patty Puline
WORLD AIDS DAY December 1, 2005
Observance Schedule
Hosted or co-sponsored by:
Erie County Department of Health
2005 Theme:
“STOP AIDS. KEEP THE PROMISE.”
November 23- Dec. 2
AFSCME - Health Department Bulletin Board, Tree
of Hope
November 26
Gaudenzia Crossroads SHOUT Program Booker
T. Washington Center 1720 Holland Street Red Rib-
bon Night/Talent Show Open to Public 5:30 PM
November 29
LECOM World AIDS Day Observance Program 4:00
PM
November 30
Gaudenzia Crossroads In-house Observance
November 30
Gannon University World AIDS Day Observance
Open to Public
December 1
Open to Public:
Cascade United Methodist Church 1001 West 21st
Street, Erie PA. “Candlelight Service of Love and As-
surance in the Face of HIV and AIDS.” 7 PM in
church sanctuary. 7 PM.
Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St., Erie PA.
Poetry Reading. Dramatic Reading of Paul Rudnick’s
“The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.” 9 PM.
December 1
In-House: SCI Albion, Cathedral Preparatory School
for Boys, Erie’s Promise Student Forum, Great Lakes
Medical School, Gannondale Center
World AIDS Day Erie County events
December 2
Mental Health Association 1101 Peach Street Ecu-
menical Service-Quilt Display Tree of Hope - Re-
freshments Open to Public 1:30 PM
December 3
Saint Vincent Health Center World AIDS Day Ob-
servance In-house Program 9:00 AM
December 4
Moonsense Cafe - ALIVE Art Auction/ Erie
County Department of Health Fundraiser for
ALIVE organization which promotes HIV awareness
and research. 5442 Peach Street, Erie PA. (814)868-
1783.
December 6
Booker T. Washington Center/SHOUT 1720 Hol-
land Street World AIDS Day Program 3:30 PM
Open to Public
December 8
Mercyhurst University World AIDS Day Obser-
vance Program 8:00 PM.
December 10
Erie County Department of Health STOP At Mar-
sha Hall Learning Center 1841 East 18th Street (Har-
bor Homes Area) Remembering the Spirit of Julia,
Emory, Don Paul, Kelvin and Others *Special Pre-
sentation honoring a beloved case manager, friend
“Jeffrey Charles Grego” Open to Public. 1:30 P.M.
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14
Erie Gay News - November 2005
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15
Erie Gay News - November 2005
National News Briefs
by Bob
Group Claims Penn State Coach
Harasses Players
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
is demanding that Penn State University officials take
action against women’s basketball coach Rene Portland
for what it called a “decades-long policy of harassing
players whom (she) believed to be lesbians.”
The group sent a letter to Penn State’s president
on behalf of former Penn State women’s basketball
star Jennifer Harris, claiming she was forced off the
team by Portland.
“Coach Portland’s anti-gay recruiting methods
and infamous ‘no lesbians’ policy have continued for
nearly three decades,” said NCLR Regional Counsel
Karen Doering, who is representing Harris. “It is time
for Penn State to step up and put an end to this overtly
illegal activity.”
Penn State has an official policy that prohibits
discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The NCLR claims that Harris, a star Lady Lions
player during the 2004-05 season, was repeatedly ques-
tioned by Portland about her sexual orientation. The
group claims Portland threatened to kick Harris off
the team and allegedly told other players not to associ-
ate with Harris because the coach believed Harris was
gay. Jennifer Harris has since transferred to James
Madison University in Virginia.
Both Portland and the Penn State athletic de-
partment have declined to comment about the accusa-
tions.
Vatican Backs off a Bit on Gay
Priests
The soon-to-be released Vatican document deal-
ing with gays in the priesthood is not likely to be as
severe as first feared.
The Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, has re-
ported that the document will permit gays in seminar-
ies, as long as they have lived chastely for at least three
years.
Earlier reports about the church document lead
GLBT leaders to fear an outright ban on all gay semi-
narians and an ensuing witch hunt. The new report
was reportedly approved by Pope Benedict XVI dur-
ing the summer.
(continued on next page)
Singapore Bans Gay Pride Parades
The government of Singapore has announced
a ban on Gay Pride parades because they conflict with
the conservative values of most Singapore residents.
In making the announcement, Prime Minister
Lee Hsien Loong said, “I don’t think we’re homopho-
bic. I agree … that homosexuals are people like you
and me. But there’s some segment of Singaporeans
who vehemently disagree with that and we have to be
aware of that.”
“Gay Pride — well, you can do that in Sydney,
in London, in San Francisco,” the Prime Minister
added. “But I’m not sure if I want to do that in
Singapore.”
People Like Us, a gay interest group in Singapore,
has called on the government to decriminalize con-
sensual gay sex.
“The government should ask whether the op-
position to gay equality is not a virulently vocal, reli-
giously motivated campaign by a small number of
people that is in no way representative, but merely
Judith Avers performs at Pride Rally at Perry Square. Judith
will be performing at Moonsense Cafe on November 5.
16
Erie Gay News - November 2005
National News
seems so because they have the clout and resources to
make themselves heard,” the group said in a prepared
statement.
Earlier this year the government banned the
Nation party, the biggest annual gay event in Asia. The
party had been held in Singapore since 2001.
Miers Stand on Gay Rights?
The Associated Press has reported that Supreme
Court nominee Harriet E. Miers told a GLBT group
in 1989 that she believed in equal rights for gay men
and lesbians. However, during her campaign for the
Dallas City Council, Miers said she did not believe
Texas should repeal its ban on gay sex. That law was
eventually overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in
June 2003.
During that city council election, Miers filled out
a questionnaire for the Lesbian/Gay Coalition of
Dallas. While her replies were sometimes ambiguous,
she said she would be willing to discuss the need for
barring discrimination on the basis of AIDS and HIV.
She also wrote: “I do consider the AIDS illness as a
serious total community problem.”
Although Miers make it clear she was not seek-
ing the Coalition’s endorsement, she came to talk with
the group anyway. Coalition member Louise Young
said Miers did not impress her as “a right-wing nut or
anything like that,” nor did she recall Miers taking any
stand on gay issues during her short tenure on the
Dallas City Council.
Miers was a registered Democrat in the 1980s
and give donations to Al Gore’s 1988 presidential cam-
paign and to the 1987 re-election campaign of Texas
Democratic Sen. Lloyd Bentsen.
Subsequently, Miers has become a Republican
and has recently been described as a “born-again Chris-
tian” by her close friend, former Texas Supreme Court
Justice Raul Gonzales. Miers is a member of the evan-
gelical Valley View Christian Church.
Two Gay Men Climb to Enter
“Guinness Book”
Two gay South African men who are HIV+ have
climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, a feat
that may qualify them for the “Guinness Book of
World Records.”
Paddy Nhlapo, who has been HIV+ for 13 years,
and Richard Yell, who has had the virus for nine years,
were part of a four-person team who scaled Africa’s
highest mountain.
“By reaching the summit, Paddy and Richard
appear poised to enter the ‘Guinness Book of Records’
as the first individuals living with AIDS to make the
ascent,” Johannesburg health officials said. The ac-
complishment proves that “AIDS need not limit your
horizons or defeat your dreams,” the officials added.
According to press reports, Nhlapo, who works
on Khomanani, the South African government’s cam-
paign against HIV/AIDS, STIs and tuberculosis, said
he wanted to send a message to the public that “people
living with HIV should never be defined and confined
by their HIV status.”
Chris and a couple of friends at the October 15 Pride Rally
in Perry Square.
17
Erie Gay News - November 2005
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E G N
Erie Gay News
1115 West 7th Stre e t
E r i e, PA 16502-11 0 5
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Ke ep Info rmed
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18
Erie Gay News - November 2005
Erie Pride 2005 March & Rally
Entertainment was beautifully provided by Bob
Bearfield, singer/songwriter from Erie, who per-
formed a great set! [www.bobbearfield.com] Special
guest from Colorado and West Virginia was Judith
Avers, a singer/songwriter. [www.judithavers.com] She
was also terrific and received enthusiastically by the
crowd. Drag King T. J. Knight provided a great num-
ber between the singers and worked the crowd of
happy women! The Rally ended with a special perfor-
mance by Stephanie Callahan of the Jen Foster Group.
Photos and an article speaking positively about
the event appeared on the front page of the next day’s
edition of Erie Times News. The local paper included
photos showing the diversity of the event participants.
Several people used their full names. Local NBC af-
filiate WICU-TV 12 also had coverage.
We also took a Family Portrait. The first Family
Portrait was taken in October 1995 on the steps of
the Erie County Courthouse. Previous photos and
more info is available at www.eriegaynews.com. Erie
Gay News also continued the tradition of taking face
photos of community members who wanted to have
their faces and photos at www.eriegaynews.com on the
Friends and Supporters page. About 25 people took
new or updated face photos.
The next Erie Pride event will be the 14th an-
nual Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 10 at the Rotary
Pavilion at Presque Isle. Planning is also expected to
get underway in early November for next year’s Fall
Pride event. Info about past and future Pride events
can be seen at www.eriegaynews.com/pride. One can
also register for Pride events at that location.
Special thanks to the event sponsors – the Erie
County Department of Health and Identity, Edinboro
University’s organization for lesbian, gay male, bisexual,
transgender, questioning, and ally students. Special
thanks also to the event co-organizers – Patty Puline,
HIV/AIDS Education Coordinator at the ECDH, and
Michael Mahler, co-editor of the Erie Gay News.
Special thanks also to all the speakers and entertainers
with a special thanks to Lee Edmondson, co-owner
of Trance. Finally, special thanks to Bob Regan, owner
of the Zone, for providing food and beverages at the
start of the march. See you all at next year’s event!
—by Dan Burdick and Mike Mahler
Erie Gay Pride March and Rally
Celebrates Erie’s Gay Communities
On Saturday, October 15, 2005, the Gay Male/
Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender and Allied communi-
ties of Erie County came together to celebrate the
successes of the past year and the challenges of the
upcoming year. Fall pride events have been held most
years since 1998, and picnics have been held since 1992.
The organizer this year was Dan Burdick, a faculty
member in the music department at Edinboro Uni-
versity. The March included 60-75 people represent-
ing such diverse groups as PFLAG, Allegheny Col-
lege, Penn State – Behrend, Edinboro University, the
Erie County Health Department, and many others.
Erie City Police led the March down State Street from
the Zone to Perry Square. The crowd at Perry Square
for the rally was estimated at 125 people. The Rally
opened with moving comments by event co-sponsor
and organizer, Patty Puline of the Erie County De-
partment of Health about Jeff Grego, LGBT com-
munity leader who was recently killed in a plane crash.
The keynote was given by Lee Edmondson – co-owner
of Trance. Lee focused on speaking about positive
changes that have happened in Erie in the last 40 years
and gave specific examples of how to move forward.
Other speakers included event organizer Michael
Mahler – co-organizer of the rally and co-editor of
the Erie Gay News, Zach – the first openly gay Home-
coming candidate at Edinboro University, Kate
Ebersole, CPCC, LCSW, of Authentic Lives Coach-
ing, and Mark – the President of PFLAG. Two other
featured speakers were Joy Greco – Republican mem-
ber of the Erie County Council who is also running
for Millcreek Supervisor. She spoke about how the
County Council has supported the civil rights of all
the citizens in the county. She has been instrumental
in the changes enacted by the County Council. Brava
to Joy! Another featured speaker was Joe Giles (D),
Chair of the Erie County Council. He spoke about
how the County Council has put into place budgetary
and administrative details to make the Human Rights
Commission possible. Again, great work by Joe and
the Council! Also speaking was Kahan Sablo, Dean of
Students at Edinboro University of PA (EUP) who
read a supportive letter from EUP President Frank G
Pogue
20
Erie Gay News - November 2005
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