2007-01 EGN

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January 2007 October 2003

EGN

Erie Pride weekend pages 9-12

Erie Gay News

Local couple adopts baby

BYKOTA not meeting

Congratulations to Mark and Jim who adopted a newborn infant male, born November 20, 2006. He was born prematurely and will be in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a few weeks. Mark and Jim are alternating visits to the hospital to learn about care and feeding and to generally bond with him. The baby’s name is Bryce and Mark and Jim expect to bring him home later this winter.

The cross-denominational LGBT spirituality group known as BYKOTA (Be Ye Kind To One Another) will not be meeting over the next year. For further information you can contact the group’s spiritual leader, Lyta Seddig at holylistening@alltel.net bykota@eriegaynews.com.

Drenched Fur set to return! from Gary Snyder After two successful years of bringing the bear community to life in Erie, we’re at it again. The committee has begun the leg work for the 2007 version of Drenched Fur. The fun filled weekend si Friday, March 30 thru Sunday, April 1. This year's headlining entertainer will be none other than Los Angeles comedian Bobaloo! This year we are pleased to be bringing one of the most recognized names in the bear community of talent. Bobaloo has been lighting up the national gay comedy scene for the past five years, playing sold-out shows in cities across the US, and soon internationally at the New Bears' Eve celebration in Berlin. Not only will Bobaloo be hitting up DFIII in 2007, he also will be popping up at some of the biggest bear runs around, like Texas Bear Round Up, International Bear Rendezvous and Bear Pride. Feel free to check out his website at bobaloorox.com for info on him, his interests and his soon to be released CD and DVD! If you would be interested in helping or joining the committee (even simply volunteering) feel free to contact Gary (DFIII Run Coordinator) at (814) 384.0463 or gnsnyder@drenchedfur.com. The next DFIII committee meeting will be held at the Avalon Hotel on Sunday, January 7 at 2 PM. So join in the fun for planning one of Erie’s premiere events!

Papa Joe’s opens 2nd location Papa Joe’s Pepperoni Cafe now has a second location, at 3826 West 26th Street (at Powell Avenue). Like the downtown location, Papa Joe’s West is smoke-free and air-conditioned, serving the same great menu selections. The pleasant, roomy dining room seats 60 people. Papa Joe’s West is open Monday through Thursday 7 AM - 9 PM, Friday till 10 PM, Sunday 9 AM to 10 PM. and Sundays 3 PM - 8 PM. Phone 835-3360, fax: 835-3362.

Chuck (aka Vanitay) and Jo Hyatt at the second Papa Joe’s location, at 26th & Powell. (Note EGNs on counter!)

EGN

In This Issue... We Are All Shepherds ............................................. 4 New Year events ....................................................... 6 Calendar .................................................................. 7 On stage ................................................................... 10 “2006 – The Year of the Test�................................ 11 National News Briefs ............................................... 12 Regularly meeting ...................................................... 15

Classified Ads are now available for as little as $10 for 30 words! See page 10 for more info.

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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 Ad Design: Mike Lipiec Deadline for next issue: Jan. 15 (Monday), will be out night of Tuesday, Jan 23. 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.

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RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY

We Are All Shepherds by Rev. Richard A. Moyer,Pastor, Community United Church Christmas is a good time to go back to churchespecially if you haven’t been there for a while. To be sure, I know all the reasons for not going. Church hierarchies and assemblies make all kinds of judgments about homosexuality. Gay and lesbian people have been told by some churches that they have a “disorder.� Other church denominations seem to elevate homosexuality to a level where it is considered to be the worst sin imaginable. Their belief is sincere and they are certain that God judges some sins more than others. Gossip and divorce, for example, are also frowned upon by the Bible, but, according to many Christians, they don’t seem to be as offensive to God. In reality, what they are saying is that those sins are far less offensive to them! But that is another issue. I want to get back to my original concern: “Will you go to church at Christ-

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mas?� I believe your answer should be an enthusiastic “YES!� And believe it or not, your answer has to do with shepherds. We all know the Christmas story. Shepherds were out in their fields on a peaceful uneventful night when suddenly the heavens opened to display a host of angels. The angels declared to the shepherds that they were to leave their flocks and go to the place of the birth of Jesus – a little cow shed behind an inn where there is no room for Mary and Joseph. We’re talking about shepherds of all people. They were rejected by the religious establishment of their day and were prevented from worshiping in the Temple at Jerusalem. The powerful religious leaders did not want mud and manure from the shepherds’ sandals rubbing off on the Temple floor. And yet, it was the shunned shepherds who were the first to be welcomed into the presence of the child Jesus. Their welcome did not come by bishop decree or a favorable vote taken at a national meeting of denomination. God, himself, welcomed them! Now, maybe you feel like a shepherd. Because you are who you are, you may be thinking that the church doesn’t want you. You may even be right. There are some churches out there that don’t want you. But does that matter? What is important is that God wants you and the church belongs to God, not the humans who make the rules. I’m fortunate that I belong to a church and denomination that has no problem welcoming every shepherd into the temple. Someone reading this may not belong to a church or denomination that welcomes them into their temple. But don’t let that keep you away. Be where God wants you to be. You could always come to the church where I am pastor. We are an accepting church, accepting all shepherds. Our candlelight Christmas Eve service begins at 8 PM. But you can also go to any other church and know that God welcomes you to the birth of his son Jesus as surely as he welcomed the shepherds. Reverend Richard Moyer is the pastor at Community United Church located at W 38th and Cascade.

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New Year events by Deb Spilko

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New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday, so those who want to attend a spiritual observance as part of bringing in the New Year might want to consider visiting one of the welcoming congregations in the area. Visit the Resources section of the Erie Gay News website for a list of welcoming, inclusive congregations in your locale. Here are a couple such congregations in Erie: Community United Church 1011 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 864-4429. Rev. Richard A. Moyer, Pastor. Sunday morning worship 11 AM. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie PA. Services start at 10:30 AM. Rev. Steve Aschmann will be offering thoughts for the New Year and suggestions for different ways to celebrate. Web: www.uuerie.org/

“Hush Up Sweet Charlotte” at Directors Circle Theatre Renaissance Centre, 1001 State St., 2nd floor. One night only on December 31! 6:30 PM dinner, 8 PM show. Comedy with Buddy Pacy and Jeff Rodland. $40 for dinner and show, $15 for show only. (814) 4511153. New Year’s Eve Gala at Erie Playhouse 13 West 10 St. Erie, PA. Ph: (814) 454-2852 ext. 0 7:30 PM www.erieplayhouse.com

Restaurants & Coffeehouses Papa Joe’s Open at their 26th & Powell location 11 AM - 7 PM on December 31. Closed New Year’s Day. (NOTE: the 8th & Chestnut location will be closed on that Sunday.) Phone 835-3360. papermoon Restaurant, gallery & jazz club 1325 State Street, Erie, PA. Phone: (814)455-7766. e-mail: dine@papermoonerie.com www.papermoonerie.com Two Friends Italian Market 827 State St., Erie PA. Phone: (814) 453-2328. Zodiac Dinor 2516 State St., Erie PA. (814) 455-3543. Will be open on December 31, but hours aren’t determined at this writing (you may want to call ahead). Regular hours on New Year’s Day..

Bars New Year’s Eve Blast at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. Phone: (814) 452-0125. Web: www.thezonedanceclub.com. Check EGN calendar for details. Ice Party at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. 8 PM. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Web: www.trancedanceclub.com. Check EGN calendar for details. Sky Club 108 Fairmount Parkway, Jamestown NY. Phone: (716) 661-3212. www.gaybarjamestown.com Sneakers 100 W Harrison St, Jamestown NY. Phone: (716) 484-8816. Mixers 204 Coleman Street, Olean, NY. (716)372-1004 www.mixerspub.com/ Club 441 441 East Market St., Warren OH (330) 3949483. Queen of Hearts Warren OH. Not sure what’s up with their new address. Call before heading over. 6

Various Pittsburgh First Night 2007 Wide array of festive indoor and outdoor events. Alcohol-free atmosphere. http://firstnightpgh.com Buffalo - If you like to do a lot of different things on New Year’s Eve, how about a trip to Buffalo’s Allentown district? Considered the center of Buffalo’s GLBT community, there is a nice selection of nightspots, restaurants, coffeehouses and other places, all within easy walking distance. Check out these links: Allen Street site: www.allenstreet.com Buffalo gay bars (features listings and map of places in the Allen area) www.buffalogaybars.com QueeryTV Don’t feel like going out? Check out the TV viewing guide at www.queery.com/tvgayguide/ Celebrating New Year’s Eve Guide from eHow www.ehow.com/sublist_2610.html

Accommodations If you are travelling out of town, here are good sources for finding accommodations anywhere. MotelGuide.com www.motelguide.com/ Hotel Guides US http://hotel-guides.us/

Erie Gay News - January 2007

Erie Yellow Cab 455-4441 © 2007 EGN

Calendar This calendar is also online at www.eriegaynews.com/calendar.html Dec 22 - Shari Gross performs at Raphael's Tavern 363 W 8th St, Erie, PA. 10 PM - midnight. Contemporary blues. Raphael's is a smoke-free tavern. Phone: (814) 454-1879. Email: gaiasong@verizon.net. Dec 22 - Diva Candy Company! Sweet Holiday Show! at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice! The Sexy Ladies of the Zone, along with the Diva Dudes invite you and your friends to come enjoy a tasty evening of Holiday entertainment! Phone: (814)452-0125. Web: www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 22 - Yule Tide Weekend Part 1 at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA. Start your holiday weekend off right with your Trance family. Take a well earned break from all the holiday hustle and bustle. Suck a candy cane and keep your eye on the mistletoe for your chance to grab a kiss from the hottie you’ve seen around all year. Contact: Tim. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: contact@trancedanceclub.com Browse to http:// www.trancedanceclub.com. Dec 23 - Yule Tide Pre Christmas Eve Bash at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Santa Claus and the elves will be stopping by for a night of holiday cheer. Whether you’re nice or naughty, Santa will have something in his sack for you. Contact: Tim. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: contact@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to http:// www.trancedanceclub.com. Dec 23 - Peppermint Ball - Zone's Christmas Party 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. The elves are done decorating and it’s a Candy Cane Christmas at the Zone! Santa

Clause will be handing out gifts and surprises! Wear red or white or dress up in costume! Play a few reindeer games, try our special Holiday shots, and dance the night away on our Video Dancefloor. A Sweet night to enjoy friends and fun! Happy Holidays from everyone at the Zone! Phone: (814) 452-0125. Web: www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 24 - Christmas Eve at the Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. The shopping is done!, Stop in for some fun—we open at 8 PM - Kitchen is open! -2 for 1 wing madness! Phone: (814) 452-0125. Web: www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 25 - Christmas Day at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. We will be open at 8 o’clock for a relaxing night with friends and family. (Or a chance to slip away and have some real fun!) Phone: (814) 452-0125. Web: www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 27 - The Guys get together at Panera's Yorktown 2501 W 12th St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Social group for gay/bi men. Contact: Brian. Phone: (814) 825-6203. Email: eriebrian@gmail.com. (continued on next page)

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Calendar Dec 31 - New Year's Eve Blast at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. Don't miss out on Erie’s Biggest and Best gay New Year's Eve Party! Champagne toast, buffet, party favors and giveaways. Wear red or black or glamorous Holiday attire. Let’s welcome 2007 with a blast! Balloon drop and toast at midnight. Ring in the New Year with friends on our Video Dancefloor. Happy New Year from the staff of the Zone! Phone: (814) 452-0125. Web: www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 31 - 2007 New Year’s Ice Party at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. 8 PM. Doors open at 8 PM. Hottie Dancers, Hot Spots, Ride the Luge Ice Sculpture sponsored by Baileys. Party Hats and noise makers, catered buffet, champagne, and more, this New Year’s Eve. Join us for an elegant evening of fun and dancing as we kick off the New Year! White Attire is encouraged. Contact: Tim. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: contact@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to: www.trancedanceclub.com.

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Jan 1 - New Year's Day at Trance 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. 9 PM. Martini Bar opens New Year’s Day at 9 PM. College ID Night in main club at 10 PM. Come out and celebrate the New Year! Contact: Tim. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: contact@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to http:// www.trancedanceclub.com. Jan 4 - Bonus College ID night at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Thursday becomes an all new additional College ID Night. Martini Bar opens at 9 PM. College ID Night in main club at 10 PM Every Monday and Thursday. Contact: Tim. Ph: (814) 456-3027. Email: contact@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to http:// www.trancedanceclub.com. Jan 10 - Karaoke Night returns at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. 10 PM. Karaoke and Long Islands are back! Every Wednesday at 10 PM in main club with a new database of over 10,000 songs. Contact: Tim. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: contact@trancedanceclub.com. Browse to http:// www.trancedanceclub.com. Jan 13 - Black Party at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA. Doom and gloom party‌‌wear your blackest black! Contact: Tim. Ph: (814)456-3027. Email: contact@trancedanceclub.com. Web: http://www.trancedanceclub.com. Jan 17 - The Guys get together at Raphael's Tavern 363 W 8th St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Social group for gay/bi men. Contact: Brian. Phone: (814) 825-6203. Email: eriebrian@gmail.com. Jan 20 - Menspace meets at Rich's Erie, PA. 7:30 PM. Social group for gay/bi men. Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email:

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Calendar info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http:// menspace.eriegaynews.com. Jan 20 - Bear Night Kickoff Party at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Welcoming all bears from the Tri-state. Bear night to take place on the third Saturday of every month. Phone: (814) 4563027. Email: contact@trancedanceclub.com. Web: www.trancedanceclub.com. Jan 20 - Snowball-Winter White Party! at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. Snowflakes are falling, winter is still here. Join us for our first big party of the New Year! We're white! And dress in layers, because we are going to heat things up! The Zones Original White Party that started 8 years ago! Ph: (814) 452-0125. Web: www.thezonedanceclub.com Jan 23 - Erie Gay News folding/distribution work party. Avalon Hotel & Conference Center (Hunt Room), 16 W 10th St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Help us get out the print edition of Erie Gay News. We will be folding and distributing the copies at the Hunt Room

in the Avalon. It's also a great way to hang out and chat with folks! Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http://www.avalonerie.com. Jan 27 - CD Release Party! at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Resident DJ Jason G spinning Top Local hit dance and r&b. Releasing a promotional mix of hot new music every month! Get here early! Quantity is limited. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: contact@trancedanceclub.com. Web: www.trancedanceclub.com. Feb 7 - The Guys get together at Hookah Cafe 129 W 4th St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Social group for gay/ bi men. Contact: Brian. Phone: (814) 825-6203. Email: eriebrian@gmail.com. Feb 8-11 - Winterstar Symposium: Vision Quest (Sherrodsville OH) “a village of cozy cottages, in a luxury resort setting with nightly theme parties offering drumming and dance, bardic sing-a-longs, rockn-roll and more. Evenings feature entertainment and (continued on next page)

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Calendar

On stage

(continued from previous page) spiritual transformation.� Pagan festival, several presentations on GLBT people and spirituality. 216-3711082, www.winterstarsymposium.com/2007/ Feb 10 - Menspace: '70's Disco Retro Night' at Jeff's 1146 Brown Ave, Erie, PA. 7:30 PM. Monthly social group for gay/bi men. Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http:// menspace.eriegaynews.com. Feb 20 - Erie Gay News folding/distribution work party Avalon Hotel & Conference Center (Hunt Room), 16 W 10th St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Help us get out the print edition of Erie Gay News. We will be folding and distributing the copies at the Hunt Room in the Avalon. Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http://www.avalonerie.com. Feb 28 - The Guys get together at Two Friends Italian Market 827 State St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Social group for gay/bi men. Contact: Brian. Phone: (814) 825-6203. Email: eriebrian@gmail.com.

Selected area cultural events that may be of interest to GLBT audiences. Nov. 24-Dec. 23 - “The Santaland Diaries and Season’s Greetings� The Roadhouse Theatre presents two plays by David Sedaris. Nov. 24-Dec. 23, Fri & Sat 8 PM. Reservations 456-5656. Jan 5 - 27 “Love! Valour! Compassion!� presented by Buffalo United Artists (Alleyway Theater). www.buffalobua.org/ Jan. 19-20 - Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus: “Celebrate, 5 years of Pride Concerts� Buffalo NY Call for tickets: (716) 883-1277. Feb 23 - Mar 17 - “Based on a Totally True Story� presented by Buffalo United Artists, (Main Street Cabaret), romantic gay comedy by Roberto AguirreSacasa. www.buffalobua.org OH at Quicken Loans Arena www.theqarena.com Feb 12 - Kathy Griffin in Buffalo NY at Sheas. Presented by AIDS Community Services of Western NY. (716) 852-5000. www.aidscommunityservices.com

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Erie Gay News - January 2007

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“2006 – The Year of the Testâ€? By Darleen Davis Patty Puline Erie County Department of Health In the United States there are currently over one million people living with HIV and approximately 415,000 people living with AIDS. However, according to President Bill Clinton “one third does not know their statusâ€?. Erie has had a cumulative total of 280 AIDS cases since 1982. The Erie County Department of Health is aiming to reduce those numbers through promotion of HIV testing and counseling. It is beneficial that everyone be aware of their status, and this is the year of the test. Many people may ask, “Why get a test?â€? And the answer is: “So you know your HIV status.â€? If you’re negative you can put your mind at ease, but should continue avoiding risky behaviors. If you test positive, there are many things that can be done to help you cope with your positive result. Whether your results are negative or positive, we want to help you make healthier lifestyle choices and begin to reduce high risk behaviors. Only you can make such important decisions in your life. What happens during an HIV test? First, it is confidential, so you need not worry about anyone knowing that you have visited the health department. Second, it’s free, so there is no charge to you or to your insurance company. Third, you do not need to call ahead for an appointment, we have walk-in clinics, and the waiting time is less than 5 minutes on most days. W hat are we looking for in an HIV test? The HIV test currently being used at the health department looks for the presence of antibodies to the virus in the person’s blood. When HIV enters your body, special proteins are produced, called antibodies. Antibodies are the body’s first immune response to infection. So if the test finds HIV antibodies in the blood, it means they may have been infected with HIV. The health department performs two follow-up tests to confirm all positive test results. The Erie County Dept of Health offers free, private and confidential testing and counseling, and provides outreach services in the community. You may have seen us at the gay pride rally, or at the annual picnic. We are part of the community, and outreach is Š 2007 EGN

important to us. Please invite us to events you may be having, and remember that we always have special risk reduction items available in quantities. (Can anyone say condoms?) The Erie County Dept of Health is committed to providing you the necessary items and outreach projects to reduce transmission of HIV/ AIDS. We are currently promoting a program called “Healthy Relationships.� Created by the Centers for Disease Control, and their new DEBI interventions, it is a small group intervention for men and women living with HIV/AIDS, and their partners or family members. This program was developed to enable participants to make informed and safe decisions about disclosure and risky behaviors. In closing, let me echo the sentiments of Bill Gates and Bill Clinton at the International AIDS Conference in Toronto: It is essential to be tested this year for HIV. Did anyone see Barak Obama take an HIV test on stage this year? It was to help promote HIV testing, and to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/ AIDS. Many people are unaware of their status, and may remain infected for years, unaware of the epidemic they are creating for onward transmission. We provide referrals for individual cases of HIV which can lead to proper treatment, care and advice for those infected. If you are interested in Healthy Relationships or an HIV test, please call Patty Puline at 451-6543, or stop by the Health Department. We offer free and confidential HIV counseling and testing at the health department on Mondays from 12:00 Noon - 3:30 PM, and on Tuesdays from 9 AM - 1 PM.

Erie Gay News - January 2007

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National News Briefs by Bob

Conservative Jews to Allow Gay Rabbis and Unions The ordination of gay rabbis and the celebration of same-sex commitment ceremonies will be allowed in Conservative Judaism, thanks to a vote by the religion’s highest legal body, the centrist movement in worldwide Jewry. The decision, which followed years of debate, was not without controversy. Traditionalists in the movement have denounced the vote as an indication that Conservative Judaism has abandoned its commitment to adhere to Jewish law. Others celebrated the decision as a long-awaited move toward full equality for gay people. “We see this as a giant step forward,” said Sarah Freidson, a rabbinical student and co-chairwoman of Keshet, a student group at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York that has been pushing for change.

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The vote however, reflects the divisions in the movement. The committee left it up to individual synagogues to decide whether to accept or reject gay rabbis and commitment ceremonies, saying that either course is justified according to Jewish law. “We believe in pluralism,” said Rabbi Kassel Abelson, chairman of the panel, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly. “We recognized from the very beginnings of the movement that no single position could speak for all members” on the law committee or in the Conservative movement. The decision is significant because Conservative Judaism is considered the centrist movement in Judaism, somewhere between the liberal Reform and Reconstructionist movements, which have accepted openly gay clergy for more than 10 years, and the more traditional Orthodox movement, which rejects gay clergy.

Most Gay-Friendly Destinations Gay and lesbian American travelers consider San Francisco and Montreal the most “gay-friendly” tourist destinations in the United States and Canada. These are the results of a new poll conducted by the Travel Industry Association in partnership with Harris Interactive, a market research firm, and Witeck-Combs Communications, a marketing communications firm specializing in reaching the gay and lesbian consumer market. San Francisco was by far rated the friendliest destination for homosexuals in the United States, scoring 76 percent, followed by Key West, FL with 57 percent and Fire Island, NY, with 48 percent. Montreal topped the Canadian list with 44 percent, followed by Toronto with 39 percent and Vancouver with 38 percent. According to the survey, gays say the main criteria for a destination to be considered gay-friendly is a place where homosexuals are safe from harassment, intimidation, threats or physical violence, the survey found. The survey also found that individual gay men spend about $800 in travel costs per trip while heterosexuals spend about $540 and lesbians spend $570. The national online survey was conducted among about 2,020 US gay, lesbian, bisexual and

Erie Gay News - January 2007

© 2007 EGN

National News Briefs transgender travelers aged 21 and older who have taken at least one trip within the past 12 months. Also surveyed were 1,010 heterosexual travelers.

Gay Activists Feared Murdered in Iraq Five gay Iraqi activists were abducted at gunpoint by Iraqi police in Baghdad on November 9 and may have been murdered by death squads. According to the New York Times, the kidnapped men, ranging in age from 19 to 29 were members of Iraq’s clandestine gay rights movement, Iraqi LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender). “For the last few months they had been documenting the killing of lesbians and gays, relaying details of homophobic executions to our office in London, and providing safe houses and support to queers fleeing the death squads,â€? said Ali Hili, a gay Iraqi Muslim who is head of Iraqi LGBT and Middle East spokesperson for the British gay human rights group OutRage! The Times reported that at the time of the police raid, the five men were holding a secret meeting in a Baghdad safe house and were communicating with Hili. “Suddenly there was a lot of noise, then the connection ended,â€? recalls Hili. Just days after these five activists were abducted, Haydar Kamel, 35, the owner of a leading men’s clothing shop in Baghdad, was kidnapped near his home. “Haydar had previously received death threats because of rumors about his alleged homosexuality. For many months, he had financially supported several men who were in hiding after they had been threatened by death squads because of claims that they were gay,â€? said Hili. In another recent raid, Iraqi police arrested four employees of the Jar al-Qamar barber shop in Baghdad, which is popular with gay men. It is feared that the 10 kidnapped men may have been summarily executed. “These disappearances are the latest ‘sexual cleansing’ operations mounted by extremist Islamist death squads, many of whom have infiltrated the Iraqi police,â€? notes Hili. “They are systematically targeting gays and lesbians for extra-judicial execution, as part Š 2007 EGN

of their so-called moral purification campaign. The aim of the death squads is the creation of a fundamentalist state, along the lines of the religious dictatorship in Iran,� said Hili.

Same-Sex Marriage Upheld in Canada A challenge to Canada’s 2005 law allowing samesex marriage has been turned back when the Canadian Parliament threw out a bid by the minority Conservative government to revisit the issue. Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper put forward the motion as part of a campaign promise to his socially conservative backers that he would do so, although most observers expected his effort to fail. Harper’s Conservatives are facing an election next year and had legislators backed the idea of revisiting the law, the move would have become a campaign issue. (continued on next page)

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Erie Gay News - January 2007

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National News (continued from previous page) “We made a promise to hold a free vote and we kept that promise. The result was decisive and we’ll accept the democratic result,” Harper told reporters after the legislators voted 175 to 123 to reject government’s motion. Canada’s same-sex marriage law was passed by the country’s previous Liberal government after a num-

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Check Out Our Wesite at: www.eriegaynews.com for our list of locations

ber of courts ruled that banning gay marriage violated Canada’s charter of rights. Harper seemed to reject the idea of looking again at gay marriage, even if he won a majority government next year. “I don’t see (us) reopening this question ... It’s not our plan,” he told reporters.

Will “Don’t Ask” Fall Victim to Iraq Study Group? On the heals of the Iraq Study Group’s release of its report on the Iraqi war, the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network has called on the White House to reconsider its support of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policies. In a press release reported in The Advocate, the SLDN pointed to a study by the Government Accountability Office that claims approximately 300 language experts, with more than 50 speaking Arabic, were fired under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” ban on LGBT service members. The Iraq Study Group’s report pointed out that the Pentagon and CIA each have an insufficient amount of people with language skills to operate effectively in Iraq, which has hampered intelligence gathering. “As our commander-in-chief, President Bush should be alarmed by the effect this law has on our military readiness,” the group’s executive director, C. Dixon Osburn, said. “The White House must put the success of our military operations ahead of federal bigotry and work with Congress to dismantle the military’s ban.” According to a study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, it is estimated that at least 41,000 gays would sign up for duty if the ban were lifted. Gary Gates, who conducted the study, estimated there are currently 65,000 lesbians and gays serving in the U.S. military.

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Erie Gay News - January 2007

© 2007 EGN

Regularly meeting Always Our Children No Jan meeting, Feb 7, Mar 7, Catholic Charities, 329 W. 10th St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. For Catholic parents of GLBT children. First time attendees should call facilitator before attending meeting. Phone: (814) 456-2091. Deadline for print edition of Erie Gay News Jan 15, Feb 12, Mar 12, EGN, 1115 W 7th St, Erie, PA. Contact: Michael Mahler. (814) 456-9833. info@eriegaynews.com. Butler Area Equality Project Dec 27, Jan 24, Feb 28, Mar 28, Ginger Hill UU Congregation, 174 S Main St, Slippery Rock, PA. 7 PM. Contact Reid at (724) 735-4407 butlerdiversity@yahoo.com. Lake Erie Alliance for Democracy (LEAD) Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, 218 E 11th St, Erie, PA. 7 - 8:30 PM. Contact: Cindy Purvis. Phone: (814) 453-4113. Email: cindypurvis@velocity.net. Browse to www.erielead.org PFLAG Erie/Crawford County Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 12, Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie, PA. 7 - 8:30 PM. Contact: Mark H pflagerie@eriegaynews.com. Phone: John at (814) 454-1392. Support group for those dealing with loss Dec 21 at 10 AM, Jan 9 at 7 PM, Jan 18 at 10 AM, Feb 13 at 7 PM, Feb 15 at 10 AM, Mar 13 at 7 PM, Mar 15 at 10 AM, Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 E 10th St, Erie, PA. Ph: (814) 456-6689. Email: hospice@velocity.net. The Guys Dec 27, Jan 17, Feb 7, Feb 28, Mar 21, Various locations, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Informal get together for gay/bi men at local establishments. Contact: Brian. Phone: (814) 825-6203. Email: eriebrian@gmail.com.

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Helpful numbers Gay and Lesbian National Hotline 1-888843-GLNH www.glnh.org/index_.html Covenant House Nineline (youth) 1-800-999-9999 Trevor Helpline for Suicidal Gay Youth 1-800-850 8078 Erie Hotline (814) 453-5656

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Erie Gay News - January 2007

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