October 2004 October 2003
EGN
Erie Pride weekend pages 9-12
Erie Gay News
What Do You Say? The question that went to the Erie GLBT email list this month was “For whom are you voting for President and why?” I am voting for Kerry... It’s the first time I will ever in my life vote for president. It’s the first time so many gay issues have been in politics for president and feel my vote may actually count. [src] I will vote for John Kerry because another 4 years of Bush will ruin this country even more than the last 4 years. Marc Goodman
John Kerry. Like the real world we live in, if you can’t perform to satisfaction, you no longer are employed. Plain and Simple - GNS George Bush, We need a decisive leader, not a liberal wimp in these times. Jim (continued on page 4)
I am very undecided. I am Democrat, but I just don’t have a feeling of trust regarding John Kerry. [Anonymous] I am voting for Kerry and Edwards. The reason for this is that I do not believe it is the President’s responsibility or duty to force an amendment through to change constitutional laws dealing with whom I wish to have by law as my life long partner. This is the first time I have heard of the United States Constitution being changed to restrict a group’s rights and freedoms instead of expanding a group’s rights and freedoms. Marriage has always been handled at the state level and that is were it needs to remain Franco Tompeterini I am voting for John Kerry. The reason is a vote against Bush! I work for a Federal welfare program and George wants to dismantle Head Start. This Social Welfare program has been successful since the early 60’s and the current administration is trying to destroy it. “A Professional Republican” If on election day PA is certain to go for Kerry; I will vote David Cobb. Otherwise it’s Kerry (however reluctantly) Larry Sawdy
Carrie and Danielle at rally for Kerry in Perry Square on September 4
EGN
In This Issue... What Do You Say? ................................................. 1 Calendar .................................................................. 7 On stage ................................................................... 10 Pride March/Rally on Oct 3 .................................... 11 Rally speaker ........................................................... 11 National News Briefs ............................................... 13 In the Front Row ...................................................... 15 PFLAG News ........................................................ 16 Community .............................................................. 17 This & That ........................................................... 19 Michael Dithers ....................................................... 19
On the Cover... Carrie and Danielle at the Kerry rally in Perry Square. Photo by Deb Spilko
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Erie Gay News
Erie Gay News 1115 West 7th St. Erie PA 16502-1105 Phone: (814) 456-9833 Fax: (270)423-6217 info@eriegaynews.com www.eriegaynews.com Editors: Deb Spilko and Mike Mahler Graphics/Layout: MAL 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 illustration 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 2004 by Erie Gay News.
Thank You: To Dave Amy, Brian Bohrer, James von Loewe, Peter, Deb Spilko & Tim for folding. Dave S, Marshall Snyder, James von Loewe, John & Paula King, & Jerry McCumber for distributing. Bob & Julie for proofreading. MAL for additional ad layout & etc Thanks! If you’re interested in helping out, contact Michael Mahler at (814) 456-9833 or info@eriegaynews.com for date/time.
Erie Gay News - October 2004
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What Do You Say? (continued from front page) I am voting for Kerry-Edwards. The reasons are: I want a President who understands first hand the horrors of war; I want a President who fights for lower income and lower middle class workers rather than big businesses; I disagree with President Bush on going to war with a country who was only a threat to our country and who did not directly attack us; I agree with Kerry-Edwards on Health insurance program; I disagree with President Bush on raising fees on social security benefits; Under Bush the federal gov’t has grown in size and our public debt has skyrocketed. I disagree with Bush that we need a constitutional amendment to restrict gay rights to protect the sanctity of marriage. Jim Blynt 755 East 24th St. Erie, PA 16503 John Kerry or a Green candidate - because we’ve seen what Mr. Bush has done, and now it’s time to give someone else a shot at getting this country back on the right road again. Peace to all - Lynne S. I’m voting for John Kerry. I fear what four more years of the Bush Administration will do to the environment, to peace in the world, to our social services, and to civil rights for gays and others. Kerry’s agenda appears to be balanced and reassuring. —Shari I’m voting for John Kerry. The other candidate is the actual flip-flopper. In one breath, he says he supports freedom and liberty for all - and in the next breath he condones writing discrimination into the Constitution. Reid Ahl, Harrisville PA
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I am voting for John Kerry because he supports an education plan that makes sense for the children of this country. His ideas are innovative and will help students overcome obstacles established during the past four years. I also believe he will lead this country in the right direction economically. Most importantly, President Bush lacks any nondiscriminatory policies regarding gay civil rights. David M. Edinboro I myself am looking at Kerry; I feel that a man like him can undo what damages were done to the United States. There is too much being Intermixed right now, and i think a man, who Applies himself for the “people” is a good man for this Job. For too long the United States has meddled in other worldly affairs other than its own, in Mere amount anyway.... Iraq was a good and bad idea, the outcome could have been different, and so could the start. But this is a fact of fate, things happen for a reason... Have you ever thought that maybe the Clinton cabinet may have known all about the Threats, and it was perhaps the Republicans? What better than them to Convert the Masses to believe they themselves could not have been... After all most Bureaucratic men and women, are republicans, include wealthy upper class Americans, and the like. Anyway... I like Kerry. He can see that many things in today’s world are being debated that shouldn’t, like Gay Rights and Civil Unions... Why must it bother the church so much that it demands its support from our Government, another Highly religious Catholics group, the Republicans... Marriage, a sacred word meaning the joining of man and woman in the name and duty of love, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health,
Erie Gay News - October 2004
What Do You Say? to love and protect, until death do them part. Tell me, for two men, who can not feel any better with one another, than any man and woman can do for free? Why must this be an alienated right of a small group of Minorities, who just want to live life as a Normal Man, Woman, and Citizen? I believe our forefathers once wrote, “For life liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” But does that Still Remain as the basis of Today’s Democracy? Kerry may not be the Best Choice for a Man to lead this Country, he may not be the smartest man either, but he is certainly a wiser Choice than our Incumbent Leadership. I am a small man in a large sea of many “People” It is time that our Country started listening to Us, and less of the Rich, Pompous, Domineering, and arrogant, not to mention.... GRAND OL’ PARTY! Jayda Kyd John Kerry—because we need a change and someone that will work for the people and not AGAINST them. Janice I could write a book about why I’m voting for John Kerry, but it basically comes down to the fact that George Bush has been a terrible President in so many ways. Of course, we all know that Bush is antigay, that’s obvious, but there is so much more. Bush is the first president in 75 years to see a net loss of U.S. jobs during his administration. In 2003, some 1.3 million more Americans were living at or below the poverty level than in 2002. Nearly 43 million Americans have no health insurance coverage, a fact that drives up health
care costs for the rest of us. Next year, Medicare premiums for the elderly will go up 17%! This year’s national debt will be the largest in U.S. history. Air quality standards in the U.S. have been lowered, increasing air pollution and acid rain. Bush is opening our pristine national forests and wilderness areas for commercial logging/mining ventures and off-road thrill seekers. We are spending billions of dollars overseas fighting a war that has claimed thousands of lives and was launched by a President who lied to us time and again to justify a personal vendetta. John Kerry may not be perfect, but I trust his honesty, his integrity and his leadership abilities. Bob H. I will be proudly voting for John Kerry. This country has been in a spiral downward in many areas including funding for education, healthcare for everyone and I could go on and on. I believe if another president was in the White House right now 9/11 would not have happened and lives would not be lost to that war in Iraq that Bush seems to think needs to be in and the opinion of the rest of the world about us Americans would not be so low. After seeing the movie " Fahrenheit 9/11" I couldn't believe all the information that came out including he and his father’s ties to certain families in Saudi Arabia and all the money involved, and yet we can't have affordable healthcare for everyone. The one thing that stands out the most to me in that movie is when he was at that elementary school (continued next page)
Real Estate Services Linda Foll Johnson, GRI, RRS Associate Broker 814-864-3200 ext 325 or 814-397-0615 lfjohnson@howardhanna.com
Erie Gay News - October 2004
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What Do You Say? with the kids and he was told what was unfolding at the Trade Center, and he just sat there with no expression and no immediate response and went on with what he was doing. I wonder if he knew something like this was going to happen? This country can't survive 4 more years of what we have now, and we need serious change. I heard someone say not too long ago that we need to hold the next president accountable for what he promises in his campaign. Maybe that is not such a bad idea. Everyone reading this please exercise your right to vote. Everybody's vote counts. Dave Amy I am a Democrat but I vote issues not across party lines, and yes being Gay is a big issue but I don't let any one issue make my decision for me. The following will tell a lot of you who I am,...... I along with being Gay am a avid hunter & sportsman and a member of the NRA, (go figure-lol) yes I know the NRA endorses the Republican party for obvious reasons and that is the ONLY issue I like about the Republican party. Being a member of the NRA I get a lot of mass mailings from the Republican party etc., and I fill out all their questionnaires, though I'm sure they don't like my answers, that being said I still am going to vote for Kerry and here are my reasons and frankly I'm surprised that the Democrat party does not let the public know........ For one under Ole George W. we are NOT honoring the European Alliance limits on air pollution; the good ole boy from Texas has the Republican Big Business interests and pocketbook as his primary concern; big business is polluting our land, sea and air more then ever!!! Secondly a Republican friend asked me "would you rather have tax cuts or pay more taxes?" implying that Bush is cutting taxes and Kerry will raise them, my response was "if people are working, and have GOOD jobs, not minimum wage jobs (because under Bush all the jobs are going overseas) we don't mind paying taxes but when we don't have jobs or lose jobs like what has happened under the Bush Administration, that's when taxes are more of an issue. I believe in fighting terrorism and I'm not opposed to striking first if there is NO doubt that it is indeed a genuine present threat to our citizens. How6
ever I don't like our troops over there dropping more now than before we declared victory, the continued loss of our family, friends and citizens I find totally unacceptable. Then yes there is the Gay issue, MY GOD!!! (and yes I believe in God) how on earth are we a threat to anyone else, to anyone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family or lifestyle. It simply seems like ignorance to me. For those who say it is wrong according to the bible, well there is lot more in the bible they are not mentioning but that would be getting too detailed; the bottom line it is NOT something we chose; it is who we are, it is how God created us, and God loves us all, therefore, if God created us Gay and Loves us all equally; God must be OK with us being Gay so what our fellow man has to say is irrelevant. All Americans should be treated equally regardless of race, religion or religious ideals or sexuality. We cannot have any one group dictating how another lives their lives nor have any group judge anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life or ideals unless they affect them personally. At least it does generally get easier as each generation as a whole gets more excepting. So as long as we keep the Religious nuts and Bush out of the White House there is Hope. So for the pollution issues, Jobs issues, for our troops and the Gay issues............ VOTE KERRY FOR PRESIDENT ............or God help us all Gay & Straight Rich
Deadline to register to Vote is Monday, October 4
Erie Gay News - October 2004
Calendar This calendar is also online at www.eriegaynews.com/calendar.html
Sep 25 - Rainbow Cinema Club: Bent (Peter and Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Erie PA) Feature film will be Bent www.imdb.com/title/tt0118698/ Also showing excerpts from Tackle Happy www.imdb.com/title/ tt0236783/. Email Peter at paguy@gmx.net, browse to http://menspace.eriegaynews.com or call Michael at (814)456-9833. Sep 25 - Erie Sisters meets (Erie PA) Transgender/ crossdresser support group. Contact for location of meeting by email, phone or write to LEG, PO Box 1131, Erie PA 16512-0131 Phone: (724) 368-3793. Email: eriesisters@eriesisters.org. www.eriesisters.org. Sep 25 Comedy Hour with Jose Castigliano at Rascals (Jamestown NY) 701 N. Main (716) 484-3220. Oct 1- Vertigo Party (Butler PA) Meridian Vets Club on S. Eberhart Rd (BYOB). VertigoV@aol.com www.webspawner.com/users/vertigov/index.html Oct 2 - Pre-Halloween Black Party! at The Zone â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get in the mood for Halloween with our kickoff party to awaken the spirits of the night for our 6th Annual Haunted Bar! Wear Black!- black leather- black denim- black lace- black underwear!- just wear Black!! Join your friends as we party the night away!â&#x20AC;? 1711 State St, Erie PA. (814) 459-1711. Oct 3 - Pride Rally Kickoff Party at The Village 133 W 18th St, Erie PA. Oct 3 - Erie Pride March/Rally Meet on steps of Erie County Courthouse at 12:30 PM for Family Portrait, step off for March on State St at 1 PM, and Rally will be at Village Supper Club. See article page 11. Oct 3 - Jazz Brunch at The Village 133 W 18th St, Erie PA 1 PM. Oct 4 - 30 - The Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lair! 6th Annual Haunted Bar! at The Zone â&#x20AC;&#x153;Someone found the Skeleton key and has unlocked the Gates to Hell! The fun continues all month long at the Zone as the bar is transformed into the Fiery Depths of Hell! Explore the Flaming Caves and Hot-moist Caverns, dance in the Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dungeon, have a drink in the Lost-Souls Lounge, or meet a Horny Devil! Join your friends in the fun all month long until the final Gates of Hell-Halloween Party!â&#x20AC;? 1711 State St, Erie PA. (814) 459-1711
Oct 6 - Always Our Children meets Catholic Charities, 329 W 10th St, Erie PA For Catholic parents of GLBT children Phone: (814) 456-2091. Oct 6 - Comedy Performance: Elvira Kurt at Allegheny College (Meadville PA) 7 PM. Elvira has appeared on Comedy Central. Sponsored by Allegheny Gay Pride. Admission is free! Contact: Jessica. Email: dayj@allegheny.edu Oct 7 - Coming Out Celebration at Allegheny College (Meadville PA) 12 PM. Non-Allegheny students welcome! Contact: Jessica. Email: dayj@allegheny.edu Oct 8 - Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Fest at Forward Hall (Erie PA) 2502 Peach Street, Erie PA. 7 PM at Forward Hall. Bands will include Angry Red Planet, Jocelyn Porter Project, The Telefonics, The Date, The Killerinas and 20goto10. Partial proceeds benefit SafeNetâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;since October is Domestic Violence awareness month. Oct 9 - Menspace meets at Brian and Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 Poplar St, Erie PA. 7:30 PM. Tropical/Hawaiian
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Calendar theme. “Everyone should wear theme appropriate attire i.e. Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, sarong, etc. Come and get lei’d!” Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http:// menspace.eriegaynews.com. Oct 11- National Coming Out Day www.hrc.org Oct 11- PFLAG-Erie Meeting Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, 7 PM 9 PM. Speaker: Community Educator from Crime Victim Center of Erie County. The educator will present an agency overview and sexual assault risk reduction program. For more info on this presentation, see page 16 or contact Marcha at (814) 323-6055 or marchadenise@hotmail.com Contact: Maureen Koseff. Phone: (814) 898-8341. Email: pflagerie@adelphia.net. Oct 16-24 - 19th Pittsburgh International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (PILGFF) Annual celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered writers, directors, actors and their work. In addition to offering the latest in big and small screen entertainment, the PILGFF sponsors social events throughout the October festival at some
FINDLEY LAKE, NY
of Pittsburgh’s most popular queer and queerfriendly nightspots. Info: www.pilgff.org or pilgff@aol.com Oct 15 - Deadline for November 2004 edition of Erie Gay News (Erie Gay News, 1115 W 7th St, Erie PA) Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: 814-4569833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Oct 16 - 10% Network meets: Toy Party (Rob & Jon’s, Jamestown NY) Phone: (716) 484-1661. Email: jtown10-admin@eriegaynews.com . Browse to http://jamestowntenpercent.tripod.com/. Oct 17 - 12th Annual Miss Tri-State All-Star Pageant 2005 (Pittsburgh) 8 PM. Combined with 3rd Annual Mr. Tri-State All-Star Pageant 2005. Guest performance by Miss Tri-State All-Star Alumni plus The Legendary Misty Knight Contact: Kierra Darshell. Holiday Inn -North Hills, 4859 McKnight Rd, Pgh. (412) 241-2329 www.kierradarshell.com. Oct 23 - Erie Sisters meets (Erie PA) Transgender/crossdresser support group. Contact for location of meeting by email, phone or write to LEG,
FINDLEY LAKE, NY
Escape to Findley Lake for “Girls” Night Out
3 shops on Main cordially invite you and your friends to an evening of indulgences. WHO: Blue Heron R IO U
S
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tay Inn S robes 2 bath Sutra Kam a et Gif t s
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Inn, Morgen & Company and Wonderments WHAT : The unveiling of new product lines, mini massages fashion show, wish lists, refreshments and pampering WHEN: Friday and Saturday October 22 & 23 WHERE: Main Street, Findley Lake, NY TIME : 5 pm to ? Bringing the FUN back to Findley Lake!
RSVP and receive a free gift! 716-769-7700 or jbonale@yahoo.com
Erie Gay News - October 2004
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Erie Gay News - October 2004
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PO Box 1131, Erie PA 16512-0131 (724) 368-3793. eriesisters@eriesisters.org. www.eriesisters.org. Oct 24 - 26 - New York & Pennsylvania HIV Conference (Chautauqua County NY) Contact: Michael. Phone: (716) 898-4714. Email: Selected area events that may be of interest to GLBT audiences mchase@ecmc.edu. Browse to http:// aidscenterecmc.org. Rocky Horror in Concert at Roadhouse TheOct 30 - Pittsburgh Boat Cruise PLEASE NOTE atre for Contemporary Arts 145 W 11th St, Erie DATE AND TIME CHANGE! Boarding is from 5 PA “September 24 & 25, October 1 & 2 Rocky PM to 5:30 PM. Boat will be back at 9:30 PM. CosHorror In Concert! All the songs! Live Band! tume judging, gift giveaway on boat, and additional Party afterwards at The Plymouth!” And a nice costume judging at area Pittsburgh bars after the boat prelude to Pride March/Rally on October 3. cruise. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 (if available) roadhousetheatre@yahoo.com at the boat. Advance tickets can be purchased at the www.goerie.com/roadhouse/ Zone, 1711 State Street, Erie and all Pittsburgh area Guido - “Da Musical” New musical based on bars. Sponsored by Pittsburgh Tavern Guild. the roommate comedy Kiss Me, Guido. New PhoeOct 30 - Gates of Hell - Halloween Party at The nix Theatre Company, 95 Johnson Park, Buffalo Zone“ The Devil is hosting our Halloween Party! NY (716)853-1334. and we are going to heat things up! Join your friends The Full Monty: An Erie Broadway Presenfor a sizzling night of devilish fun as we dance the tation October 21 at the Warner Theater, 811 night away in the Devil’s Dungeon! Spirits, demons, State Street Call (814) 452-4857 . and horny devils haunt the caves of the Devil’s LairCabaret Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 West 13th 6th Annual Haunted Bar! - Show off that Hot body!Street, Ashtabula, Ohio. October 29-November Cash prize for best costume! No costume?- Just wear 14. (440) 964-3396 www.ashartscenter.org black and red or something with flames on it! We’re Nov 12 - Dec 4 -Play: Southern Baptist Sissies all going to Hell- so we might as well have fun! Join (Buffalo United Artists, 672 Main St, Buffalo NY) us for Erie’s Best Gay Halloween Party! Only at the November 12 – December 4. Mark, Benny, T.J. Zone! Hot!” 1711 State St, Erie PA. (814) 459-1711. and Andrew were raised in the Calvary Baptist Nov 3 - Always Our Children meets (Erie) At Church where hate is preached in the name of Catholic Charities, 329 W 10th St. For Catholic parthe Lord. The young men explore the challenges ents of GLBT children. (814) 456-2091. and questions that now pervade their lives. (716) Nov 15 - Deadline for December 2004 edition of 886-9239 or www.buffalobua.org. Erie Gay News (Erie Gay News, 1115 W 7th St, Paula Poundstone at JR’s Last Laugh, NovemErie PA) Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: 814-456ber 4,5, 6 1402 State Street, Erie. (814) 461-0911. 9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com Nov 17-21 Lake Erie Gala (Erie) presented by Erie Sisters at Ramada Inn (formerly Holiday Inn DownWebsites and email lists for area town). gala@eriesisters.org www.eriesisters.org “Our performers: annual November bash and one of the most affordGreg Ropp www.gregropp.com able crossdressing weekends anywhere, is a ton of Jocelyn Porter Project www.playerie.com/artfab feminine fun. Last year’s gender-bending event ists/jocelyn_porter/ was fabulous! More than 85 girls attended and we all Leah Zicari www.leahzicari.com had a great time dancing, partying, visiting Veronica’s, Two Girls Alone http://twogirlsalone.iuma.com going on tours...” A number of vendors have been email list: twogirlsalone@att.net. lined up as well. Nov 20 - 10% Network meets: Silent Auction/ Pot Luck (Jamestown NY) Unitarian Church of Jamestown, 1255 Prendergast Ave. Phone: (716) 4841661. Email: jtown10-admin@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http://jamestowntenpercent.tripod.com/ . Erie Gay News - October 2004 10
On stage
Pride March/Rally Rally speaker Green Attorney General on Oct 3 candidate supports
by Michael Mahler Erie will be having a Pride March/Rally on Sunday, October 3. (Please note that this is a Sunday, and not a Saturday!) Because of the importance of the election this year for our community, a major focus will be to get folks registered to vote and enthused about voting, as well as participating in the political process. Speakers scheduled to appear include Dr. Steve Porter, Democratic candidate for US Congress; Marakay Rogers, Green Party candidate for Pennsylvania Attorney General; Tim Dahle, who successfully sued his school district related to harassment he received while in high school, and musical performance by Jocelyn Porter Project. We may be having more features, check at www.eriegaynews.com for updates. We will begin by meeting on the steps of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, at 12:30 PM. After taking the traditional Family Portrait on the steps of the Courthouse, we will step off for the March at 1 PM up State Street. (Last year’s March was the first ever for State Street.) The Rally itself will be held at the Village Supper Club, and should begin around 2 PM. We are planning on having vendors and tables with info from area groups and political organizations. If you would like a table, please get in touch with organizers ASAP! Like all Erie Pride events, supportive straight friends, family members and supporters are most certainly welcome! We are proud to create an inclusive space. Because the Village Supper Club is having one of their yummy Jazz Brunches, we will not only have food on hand for purchase, but those people who are under 21 can attend as well. As at the previous Pride Picnic this year, we will be collecting nonperishable items for the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA. We will also be having door prizes. To enter the drawing, just sign one of the registration forms at the event. We ask for your support and attendance for this very important event! If you would like to be involved with planning, contact Michael Mahler at (814) 4569833 or info@eriegaynews.com. Thanks!
marriage equality Marakay Rogers, Green Party candidate for Attorney General, added her voice to that of Green Presidential candidate David Cobb by calling for marriage equality in Pennsylvania. “My opponents are no friends of marriage equality, or of sexual minority civil rights,” Rogers told supporters shortly after taping an interview with Pennsylvania Cable Network. “During the primaries, the Republicans were advertising their opposition to marriage equality in their television campaigns. It’s shocking that the people running for the position charged with defending civil rights in this state would campaign openly against civil rights.” In a prior speech accepting the Green Party nomination, Rogers stated her intent to fight for amendment of Pennsylvania’s civil rights laws to include sexual minority rights. An attorney who works in family law, including second parent adoptions and GLBT custody cases, she has also publicly supported greater protection for adoption rights. Pennsylvania’s appellate courts have reversed position twice on GLBT adoption rights. Rogers, also a Green Party state delegate, had previously introduced the state party’s resolution against 51 anti-GLBT amendments introduced by state representative Jerry Birmelin. The amendments were defeated by Pennsylvania’s legislature although Birmelin has attempted to reintroduce similar legislation. Rogers also recently submitted a comprehensive sexual and gender minority rights platform proposal to the Green Party’s state committee for consideration. A PFLAG member and member of the national Lavender Greens Caucus, Rogers has been endorsed for the Attorney General slot by the Lavender Greens. An attorney in private practice, Rogers is a former intern with the now-defunct Gay Rights National Lobby.
Erie Gay News - October 2004
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Election 2004 POLICY CLARIFICATION: For the entire time that the Erie Gay News has been in publication and on the web, we have never used the publication to work for a specific candidate or party. While we do try to provide information about the stands and voting records of candidates, we have never taken such an active stand as we have with the Kerry campaign. That is because there has never been an election that is so important to people concerned about issues of human rights. We regret if this stand has alienated readers who are not Democrats or Kerry supporters, but in this race, in this election year, we simply cannot do otherwise. ~The Editors
Getting involved If you would like to become involved with other GLBT persons in the Erie area who are volunteering for the Kerry campaign, consider signing onto the GLBT vote email list. The list is to inform people of volunteer activities, but people who are signed on will not be hounded or put on the spot. If you would like to sign up, browse to http://glbtvote.eriegaynews.com. If you don’t have email, call or write Mike Mahler c/o this publication. Also, supporters are always welcome to stop by Kerry headquarters at 10th & State in downtown Erie, for yard signs, buttons, campaign literature or to offer to help out.
Don’t miss the
DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE!
Voter’s registration forms MUST be in the voter’s registration office by
OCTOBER 4
Forms can be picked up at libraries, many gay bars, government offices, and social service agencies. You can also Register Online Residents of any state can register online from the home page of Erie Gay News www.eriegaynews.com
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Events Oct 1- Vote for Change: Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Keb’ Mo’ at Warner Theatre, 803 State Street, Erie PA. 8 PM. Presented by MoveOn PAC, the electoral arm of the progressive group MoveOn. The aim of the show is to rundraise, raise awareness of the importance of voting, and to defeat President Bush. Tickets range from $47.50 to $57.50. Phone: (814) 456-7070. Browse to www.ticketmaster.com. Oct 2 - Concert: Ani DiFranco at Warner Theatre 811 State St, Erie PA. Part of her VOTE DAMMIT! Tour. With special guest Dan Bern. Phone: (814) 4567070. Browse to http://righteousbabe.com/ani/ votedammit.asp Oct 3 - Erie Pride Rally and March See article page 11
Out of town Sep 29 - Rock against Bush Agora Theater in Cleveland Sep 29 Oct 9 - Rock against Bush in Pittsburgh www.punkvoter.com at The World Oct 30 - “Get Out the Vote Rally” & Bar Raid (Cleveland) Union Station / Bounce, 2814 Detroit Ave, Cleveland OH 8 PM. www.clevelandstonewalldemocrats.org
Mahoning Valley LGBT political action group On September 30, 6 PM in the Lounge of the Comfort Inn downtown Warren, Ohio, David Howard, a Representative of the Stonewall Democrats, will be meeting to give guidance and input in the consideration of organizing a LGBT political action group for the Mahoning Valley. Organizations and bars in the Youngstown and Warren areas will be participating. They will also be discussing concerted voter registration efforts for the valley’s LGBT community on October 1, 2, and 3 (cutoff date for new voters is October 4). If you are interested in this gathering, contact: Tristan Hand at dar2dream@webtv.net or Glorianne M Leck at gmleck@ysu.edu.
Erie Gay News - October 2004
National News Briefs by Bob
Gay Republicans Refuse to Endorse Bush In a decisive and bold move, the Log Cabin Republicans, the nation's largest gay Republican organization, voted overwhelmingly to withhold its endorsement of George W. Bush for reelection. This is the first time in its 11-year history that the GLBT political group has not endorsed the Republican nominee for president. The Log Cabin’s national board voted 22-2 not to endorse Bush, citing deep “anger and disappointment caused by the president’s support for an antifamily constitutional amendment.” Patrick Guerriero, the group’s executive director, said “Certain moments in history require that a belief in fairness and equality not be sacrificed in the name of partisan politics; this is one of those moments. There is a battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party, and that fight is bigger than one platform, one convention or even one president.” Guerriero further admonished Bush for using gays and lesbians as a wedge in an election year. “Some will accuse us of being disloyal,” he said. “However, it was actually the White House who was disloyal to the 1 million gay and lesbian Americans who supported him four years ago. Log Cabin’s decision was made in response to the White House’s strategic political decision to pursue a reelection strategy catered to the radical right.” The Log Cabin Republican's move came after the recent GOP convention in New York. In his acceptance at the convention, Bush told Republicans that he will protect traditional marriage from “activist judges” who would allow same-sex marriages. He went on to say that he would continue his fight for the antigay Federal Marriage Amendment, drawing a clear contrast against Democratic opponent John Kerry, who opposes such an amendment.
Second Judge Issues Marriage Ruling The state of Washington is rapidly becoming the next gay marriage battleground state as a second Washington Superior Court judge ruled that prohibitions on same-sex marriage cannot survive court scrutiny. Thurston County Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks based his decision on the Washington State Constitution’s Privileges and Immunities clause, which, he argued, provides more protection to the citizens of Washington than does the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection clause. State constitutions are allowed to go beyond the mandates of the federal Constitution, but may not fall short of the national standards. This decision comes a month after another Washington judge issued a ruling in favor of several same-sex couples seeking marriage rights. That ruling called marriage a “fundamental” right for the purposes of constitutional analysis, and that same-sex couples were just as deserving as any others. Hicks went one step further, saying “This court holds that homosexuals are a suspect class, that marriage is a fundamental right and that our state Constitution guarantees more protection to citizens’ rights than what is protected under the Equal Protection clause.”
Home Depot Has Change of Heart Less than a day after the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) chastised Home Depot for offering pet insurance while refusing to cover gay employees’ domestic partners, the popular home improvement company changed its mind. In a memo to all employees, Home Depot said it will now provide domestic partnership benefits for its gay employees. That leaves just three Fortune 500 companies that offer pet insurance but no health coverage for gay partners: Sprint, Waste Management and Ecolab. HRC Education Director Kim Mills said her organization can now change the failing grade it gave Home Depot in the organization's WorkNet Corpo(continued next page)
Erie Gay News - October 2004
13
National News Briefs (continued from previous page) rate Equality Index, which measures how companies treat their LGBT employees. “The only thing keeping the Home Depot from a perfect score is its lack of a nondiscrimination policy covering gender identity,” said Mills, who oversees the index. “We will continue to work with the company to ensure all its employees get equal treatment.”
Court Rules Against Prison Officials in Abuse Case The U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled that seven Texas prison officials may be held accountable for their role in a prison abuse involving a gay prisoner. The prison officials, including administrators of the James Allred Unit in Iowa Park, Texas, have been accused of taking no action to prevent inmate Roderick Johnson from being used as a sexual slave by several prison gangs over a period of 18 months. According to court papers filed on Johnson's behalf, Johnson used every formal avenue available to
him to seek help from prison officials, including filing complaints, requesting investigations and repeatedly asking to be housed in a secure area. As a gay inmate, Johnson had been given such protection in another Texas unit. But the suit claims that Allred officials left Johnson at the mercy of the gangs, telling him to fight back and implying that he enjoyed the treatment he was receiving. Johnson, who has no record of violence and was incarcerated for writing a bad check, eventually wrote to the American Civil Liberties Union, which intervened on his behalf. The individuals sued by the ACLU on Johnson's behalf argued that they enjoyed qualified immunity from the legal action, since they were pursuing their jobs as public employees and had no reason to suspect their actions were violating Johnson’s constitutional rights. Lower courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals disagreed. With this victory, Johnson and his lawyers will be able to return to the Texas lower courts and press the merits of the case.
HIV COUNSELING & TESTING WALK-IN CLINIC
Oral HIV testing now available
No Appointment Necessary
Erie County Health Department 606 West Second Street (Corner of West 2nd & Cherry Streets)
Monday 12 noon - 3:30 pm Tuesday 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
STD TESTING WALK IN CLINIC No Appointment Necessary
HIV Clinic
Erie County Health Department Monday 9:00 am - 11:00 am Wednesday 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Thursday 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Appointments can be made at the following locations: Erie County Health Department Erie Office, Outreach Services (814) 451-6732 Erie County Health Department Corry Office - (814) 663-3891 Hispanic American Council (814) 455-0212 Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System (MHEDS) (814) 453-6229 or (814) 453-4728
STD Clinic
451-6700 14
All services are free and confidential. Specially trained outreach workers are available for in home appointments (HIV testing only).
Erie Gay News - October 2004
In the Front Row Gay movie reviews by Tim and Doug
Latter Days “A walking, talking marshmallow peep”- the perfect description of Christian, the gay LA party boy with not a care in the world by Elder Aaron Davis, the Mormon missionary that can’t deny his attraction to him. Latter Days is probably one of the few gay/ lesbian films out there that presents the subject of religion and homosexuality but gives us an even rarer glimpse inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. What starts off as just another conquest for Christian (we’ve all been there) leaves him feeling that maybe there really is something more - “always dancing with one eye to the door.” For Aaron it’s a realization of what he truly feels and the conflict that will ensue because of his strict religious upbringing – “the first time should mean something more than just a handshake.” It was refreshing to see such excellent performances by relatively unknowns Steve Sandvoss (Aaron) and Wes Ramsey (Christian), not more big name actors cashing in on the ‘I have to play a gay character bandwagon’. Jacqueline Bisset is entertaining as the middle-aged but classy fag hag – “your church doesn’t like alcohol or homosexuals. I don’t think I’ll be join-
Sta y upda ted! Stay updated! Subscribe to the Erie GLBT email list Sign up at www.eriegaynews.com or email info@eriegaynews.com Email list is confidential, and not sold to or shared with anyone.
ing them anytime soon” and Mary Kay Place, but for a brief moment, conveys how intense religious beliefs can affect her ability to accept her son. Tim - After seeing a movie like this, maybe we can all be a little less quick to judge where someone is coming from, family and religion are very powerful influences in our lives, and its not something anyone can easily walk away from. Doug – Strong emotions and interesting relationships brings the movie Latter Days together. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Keith (the AIDS patient) and Christian who volunteers for a Meals on Wheels program to prove that he’s not so shallow. Maybe Christian realizes that he would probably end up like this if he doesn’t change his lifestyle. Yes, the two main characters were outstanding but more importantly they were HOT! An airport motel, gratuitous nudity, icing on the cake for a great movie… Latter Days is available at most local book and video stores.
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Erie Gay News - October 2004
15
PFLAG News by PFLAG-Erie and Crawford Counties Chapter
PFLAG Activities Guest Speaker at Oct. Meeting: We are having a guest speaker at our October support group meeting. This promises to be an extremely interesting and useful lecture, particularly for parents of teens. It is open to the public. We hope we will have good attendance. On Monday, Oct. 11, a community educator from the Erie County Crime Victim Center will present an agency overview and sexual assault risk reduction program. Our meeting is from 7 to 9 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, in Erie (Take exit 27 off of Rte. 90, go north on Rte. 97. Church is about a half mile on the left.) The speaker will begin at 7:30 PM. Refreshments will be served. The presentation will provide information on the role of the Crime Victim Center, how to file claims and access its services. It will also provide information on same-sex domestic violence. The Sexual Assault and risk reduction program will define sexual assault and discuss legislation related to it, as well as provide details about various date rape drugs and how to reduce your own risk of being a victim of them. It will also provide advice on how to deal with a sexual assault crisis.
Get Out The Vote: PFLAG has voter registration forms. If you are not registered to vote, please contact us (898-8341 or pflagerie@adelphia.net) and we will send you a form. If you need an absentee ballot, we can send you one as well. Remember, even if you used to be registered, if you haven't voted in 5 years, you need to register again. If you recently moved, you should register a change of address. Oct. 4th is the deadline for the courthouse to receive them.
Gay Pride March: As other notices in this newsletter have stated, Erie's Gay Pride March is Sunday, Oct. 3rd: 12:30 PM at the Erie County Courthouse, marching up State to The Village Supper Club (18th and Peach), with speakers there at about 2 PM. Then a delicious brunch at The Village. PFLAG supports this event, and is providing door prizes. We will also be registering voters during the brunch.
Support to Youth: PFLAG is working with McDowell High School to support their Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). They have a sponsor, and are meeting regularly. We are grateful that McDowell has a supporting administration. The theme of McDowell's school year is tolerance. It is being emphasized in all aspects of school life at McDowell.
Meeting Notes Our next PFLAG support group meeting is, as usual, the second Monday of the month: October 11. The meeting will be at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Hwy (Rte 97), Erie, from 7 to 9 PM. (Take exit 27 off of Rte 90, and go North about a half mile.) In addition to this regularly-scheduled meeting, PFLAG will hold ad hoc meetings, as needed. (For example, for parents who have just recently been informed that their child is gay, or for spouses of GLBT people.) To contact PFLAG, call Maureen (814-8988341), email us at pflagerie@adelphia.net, or write to: P.O. Box 133, Harborcreek, PA 16421.
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Erie Gay News - October 2004
Community Stairways Outpatient Clinic offers a new GLBT support group. From Mark Davis, LSW Stairways Outpatient clinic on 2910 State Street provides help for residents of Erie County who experience a need for mental health and emotional support. An experienced and professional team of psychiatrists, nurses and therapists work to help clients recover from mental illness to lead healthier and more productive lives of their own choosing. Respect for personal rights and confidentiality are important factors in the success of treatment. The therapists provide individual and group therapy. The team is always exploring ways to meet the needs of their client population. It had been noticed that there was a population with needs not fully addressed. Many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals experience limited places to socialize with others especially if they are uncomfortable in a bar setting or anywhere alcohol is served. A new therapeutic support group called “Rainbow Connections” was organized in September which will give members a safe environment to work on improving self-esteem, build healthy relationships, set boundaries, overcome stigma and discuss current events and how they have an effect on the GLBT community. The group is facilitated by Mark Davis, LSW. who may be contacted at the clinic at 454-5686 extension 239. Anyone currently enrolled at the clinic may be referred to the group by clinic staff. If you are experiencing problems with mental health and need compassionate help from Stairways the first step is to contact Case Management at 878-3440 to set up an intake assessment.
Community Announcements appear for free. Please include contact and attribution information.
SPARC Announces Annual Conference for Philadelphia from Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition SPARC, the Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition, will convene its annual conference on Saturday, October 9, 2004, at Thomas Jefferson University in central Philadelphia. SPARC’s conference theme this year is “Making History: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” The conference will offer specific updates to relevant topics for the GLBT community and offer effective strategies for activists to use in meeting those challenges. Conference presenters will offer personal insight — their collective strengths, skills, and pride have contributed to expanded GLBT acceptance in all facets of our society. Conference workshops will cover topics such as fighting for marriage rights, violence against the transgendered community, recent court cases, and the ongoing fight to pass civil rights protections for Pennsylvanians. Each year the conference rotates to a new location in the state in order to build relationships between activists across the divide of geographic distances. Organizers chose Philadelphia this year to coincide with the city’s OUTFEST celebrations going on Sunday October 10. Each year, SPARC also recognizes an individual whose personal bravery and commitment creates meaningful and unique contributions to our lives. It will be difficult to identify a single individual whose contribution surpasses all others, but it will be exciting to review the many nominations, all of which describe individuals who are champions in their own right. Previous recipients have included Randy Forrester, Jim Huggins, Malcolm Lazin, and Barbara Gittings. Nearby accommodations are available at the Alexander Inn tel. 215-923-1004 and the Rodeway Inn tel 215-546-7000 For more information about SPARC’s annual conference, contact SPARC at (717) 920-9537 or email: sconlan@sparc-pa.org. To access resources to assist you in your own activism, visit www.sparcpa.org.
Erie Gay News - October 2004
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Community
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National Drop Out Day
Only $20
Keep Informed
Submitted by Reid October 8 is designated National Drop Out Day for the GLBT community and their supporters. To show we are an important part of the economy, your are encouraged to: a. Take a vacation day at work b. Not use your cell phone c. Not buy anything For more infor mation, visit http:// boycottforequality.org. Please pass this to any and all who might support us in this effort. World AIDS Day information intended for publication in EGN must be received by October 15
for a one-year subscription!
Please send a check for $20 and Name, Address, City, State and Zip (E-mail and Phone optional) to:
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Erie Gay News - October 2004
This & That
Michael Dithers
by Deb Spilko Lesbian comedy performer and writer Elvira Kurt will be at Allegheny College October 6 in observance of National Coming Out Day. She performs at clubs all over North America, on television and in the theater. She’s profiled and showcased in a documentary about lesbian and gay comedy called We’re Funny That Way. She was voted Funniest Female Comedian at the Canadian Comedy Awards, has had two specials on Comedy Central and Elvira Kurt: Adventures in Comedy on the Comedy Network. She’s a hot college act, and has been nominated both U.S. College Comedian and Entertainer of the Year. You can read more about Elvira, and watch her Comedy Central special, at her website at www.elvirakurt.com AIDS Community Services of Western New York will once again be hosting ManSEX 101 in Jamestown, NY. This is a series of fun and informative workshops for men who have sex with men. Topics include Meeting Men, Love, Attraction, Fetishes & Sex, HIV/STD’s and Sex & How to Do It Safely. The workshops (or “party meetings”) are free and open to the public. They take place every Tuesday night 6:30 to 8:00 PM starting October 5 and ending November 23. For more information or to register for the ManSEX 101 program call Tom at (716)664-7855 or email glbt_educator@yahoo.com or tomplace@aidscommunityservices.com Sort of along the same lines... Teenwire has a really well-done online video called How to Use a Condom. The video is done slowly enough that you can practice along with it. Might sound funny, but there are tips that help make condoms more effective in protecting you and your partner. You also might want to look over the rest of the site... it’s from Planned Parenthood, and while it’s mainly of interest to young people who are straight, bi or questioning, the information is sensitive to all sexual orientations. www.teenwire.com/index.asp Finally, I know this is going to sound like nagging for some folks but, if you aren’t registered to vote already, please consider doing so before the October 4 deadline. The outcome of this election will have enormous consequences for our community, for a long, long time to come.
by Michael Mahler A rather hectic month for me. If I make it to the middle of November without turning into a shrieking virago or collapse in a heap, life will be good. I have been going to all the bars to register folks to vote and signing the pink PA-GALA cards. I apologize in advance to those who have been asked multiple times about registering to vote. But, this is too important to let even 1 person be caught. I am amazed by a few people who have just said that they are not voting. It’s astounding that someone can not be willing to spend even as little as 15 minutes to go to the polls for something that will affect them for decades, with the stakes being as high as they are in this election. That sometimes gets counter balanced by folks who were obviously looking to find out where to register to vote, and are glad that all they have to do is sign a form and we take care of the rest for sending it in. I am hoping that the Pride Rally is shaping up well. It’s stuff because things got started so late, and we haven’t been getting huge number of volunteers. Should be alright though. One of the things that I hopes come out of the Pride Rally is for folks to network, which might help some new groups get started, or some old ones become revitalized. I feel really bad that there is no ongoing open social group for women. There are other demographics that probably could also benefit from some organizing. Unfortunately, it is really up to the potential group involved to start something. An amusing exchange at work. I was telling a co-worker about being in Dracula and then playing Cupid in The Eight: Reindeer Monologues after that. I said something about the latter being a good out of maybe having to go to some office holiday functions. Dave looked puzzled and said that he thought most of our customers already knew about me. I giggled and explained that I meant out of attending stuff, not out of the closet. I just read a wonderful snippet on a friend’s blog. The referring person was very annoyed with being aggressively preached at about “the gay devils” on a subway by Fundamentalists. They retaliated by singing show tunes. So, mayhap the next time, I am interrupted by someone “sharing their faith” at me, I will share a little Sondheim back.
Erie Gay News - October 2004
19
Vote - Tuesday - November 2nd TAKE
THIS
AD
INTO THE
V OTING B OOTH !
h t t p : / / w w w. p a - g a l a . o r g
John Kerry, President and John Edwards, Vice-President Local Candidates NORTHWESTERN PA
US Congress (3rd District) Steven Porter - D PA Senate (21st District) Kevan Yenerall - D PA Senate (49th District) Tony Logue - D
Joe Hoeffel U.S. Senate
Jim Eisenhower
Jack Wagner
PA Attorney General
PA Auditor General
Additional Endorsements may be made before the Election. Please check www.pa-gala.org for an updated endorsement list.
PA House (1st District) Linda Bebko-Jones - D PA House (3rd District) Matthew Good - R PA House (5th District) John Evans - R
The Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Alliance (PA-GALA) is the largest LGBT political organization in the state. To join send $25 for individual membership or $35 for a family membership to PA-GALA - PO Box 10834 - Erie, Pennsylvania 16514. Paid for by PA-GALA - Steve Black, Treasurer.