December 2005 October 2003 EGN Erie Pride weekend pages 9-12 Erie Gay News
BYKOTA Meetings donated cookies for the event, Nanci and Kathy. And BYKOTA (Be Ye Kind To One Another) is a finally, to all those who attended, those we knew and cross-denominational Christian group of/for LGBT those who were new to us, Thank You. people—encompassing spiritual nurture, discussion of —Fran, Malcolm and Lori LGBT issues, and mutual support. All are welcome! It meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month Sep- PFLAG NWPA Workshop Helps tember - June (except in January the 2nd and 4th Mon- days), from 7 to 9 PM. at the Unitarian Universalist Train Educators Parish House in Meadville, 346 Chestnut St (on Dia- A workshop entitled “Understanding Diversity mond Park, corner of Chestnut and South Main). of our Youth”, was held at PSU, The Behrend College Contact [email protected] or (814) 724-1832 for on November 9. It was sponsored by Behrend’s additional information. Women’s Studies Program and the PFLAG Northwest- To sign up for the BYKOTA email list, browse ern PA Representative. The purpose of the workshop to http://bykota.eriegaynews.com was to foster understanding of GLBT students and —from Lyta Seddig provide honest discussion about their experiences; help participating educators identify anti-GLBT harassment and its scope; and develop effective strategies to end Thanks from SHOUT Outreach harassment and create a safe and equitable learning On October 14, an HIV awareness evening was (continued on page 4) held at Trance Dance Club. Shout Outreach cospon- sored this event with Trance to accomplish two things. One was to increase awareness about HIV and the other to raise money to bring some of the National AIDS Quilt Panels to Erie for the many World AIDS day events. Due to the cuts in funding to HIV prevention, bringing in the panels would not work with our bud- gets. Part of the money raised will help defray the cost of the quilts and was given to the Erie County De- partment of Health. The rest of the money will be spent on another awareness evening at Trance. The evening will include a reading from Paul Rudnick’s “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” on December 1, for the World Aids Day observance. Shout Outreach would like to thank Lee, Tim, and their staff for all their help and their “open door policy” to SHOUT Outreach. We would like to thank Chuck and Ginny’s for their very gracious donations of food. We would also like to thank the entertainers. Greg, Scott, Ralph and Don doing “YMCA” as the Their talent was so freely given and added so much to Village People at the October Menspace the event. We would also like to thank the ladies who PHOTO: Mike Mahler In This Issue... EGN Obituaries ...... 4 Erie Gay News Calendar ...... 5 Having a New Year event? ...... 10 Erie Gay News New Year’s Eve...... 10 1115 West 7th St. On stage ...... 11 Erie PA 16502-1105 Buffalo United Artists presents the WNY premiere of Phone: (814) 456-9833 “Naked Boys Singing!” ...... 11 Fax: (270)423-6217 World AIDS Day events ...... 12 National News Briefs ...... 15 [email protected] Exercise Equality ...... 17 www.eriegaynews.com A More Accepting Kind of Church ...... 18 Stop Santorum ...... 19 Editors: Deb Spilko and Mike Mahler Ad Design: Mike Lipiec Deadline: the 15th of each month. Cover Photo: Greg, Scott, Ralph and Don do- The Erie Gay News is published monthly as a source of ing “YMCA” as the Village People at the Octo- news, events, information and support for gays, lesbians, ber Menspace. Photo taken by Michael Mahler 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- EGN Ad Rates tion graphic which upholds this spirit. Please include your contact information with any piece that you 1/4 submit. page 1/2 We will not publish any material which promotes hatred (vert) or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, 1/2 gender identification, race, religion, age, class, physical (horizontal) 1/8 ability or any other reason. We do not support the exploitation of minors. Views and opinions expressed in this publication don’t Ad Size Price/Issue Dimensions necessarily represent those of the EGN staff. Eighth$30 1-5/8” high X Copyright 2005 by Erie Gay News. ($27 prepaid) 2-7/8” wide Quarter$50 3-1/2” high X ($45 prepaid) 2-7/8” wide Thank You: Half $90 3-1/2” high X To Dale, James von Loewe, Christina, Chris (horiz) ($81 prepaid) 6” wide Strayer and Todd B for folding; Dale, Chris Half $90 7”high X Strayer, James von Loewe, Jerry McCumber, John (vert) ($81 prepaid) 2-7/8” wide & Paula King, Lois, Nathan, Christina, Maureen Page$160 7-1/2” high X Koseff & Todd B for distribution. Mike Lipiec for ($144 prepaid) 6” wide ad layout & etc. Thanks! If you’re interested in helping out, contact Michael Mahler at (814) 456- call 456-9833 or email [email protected] 9833 or [email protected] for date/time. Deadline for ads is the 15th
2 Erie Gay News - December 2005 (5,(·61(:(67 6*745&#; '$1&(&/8% 018'/$'4VJ 6(59,1*7+(*$< 7+(/(6%,$1&20081,7< #HVGT[QWIGV[QWTVWTMG[UVWHHGF 5DVSEHUU\6WUHHW %WORCTV[YKVJWUCV6TCPEG (ULH3$ '$1&(&/8% ¶7,67 9LVLWRXU:HEVLWHDW ZZZWUDQFHGDQFHFOXEFRP 5#06#%.#75 5#674&#;018'/$'4VJ KUEQOKPIVQ 5JCICFGNKE8CNNG[QHVJG&QNNUŏU2CTV[ 64#0%' 2TK\GUHQTVJG$GUVŏU1WVſV &TCI5JQY*QV5RQVU 7+( 6*745&#;&'%'/$'4UV2/ &GEGODGTVJ (4''#FOKUUKQP9QTNF#+&5&C[ CPF 5*1761WVTGCEJ#YCTGPGUU2CTV[ &TCOCVKE4GCFKPIQH &GEGODGTVJ 7KH0RVW)DEXORXV6WRU\(YHU7ROG6($621 4 Erie Gay News - December 2005 Calendar This calendar is also online at and Blacklights!” (814) 452-0125. www.eriegaynews.com/calendar.html www.thezonedanceclub.com. Nov 26 - “Shagadelic Valley of the Dolls 60's Nov 23 - “The Guys” get together at Moonsense Party” at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, 5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Informal get together Erie, PA. “Prizes for Best 60’s Outfit! Drag Show Hot to hang out at this local coffeeshop. Contact: Michael Spots.” Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: Mahler. Email: [email protected]. Browse to [email protected]. Browse to http://menspace.eriegaynews.com. www.trancedanceclub.com. Nov 23 - Equality PA (Southwest Region) meets Nov 26 - “Pump It Up Party” at Zone Dance Club 7 PM. Support group to empower and support our 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Do you Pump It? We want GLBTQ community, Ginger Hill UU Congregation, to watch! Guys—Prize for sexiest 6-Pack. Ladies— 174 S Main Street, Slippery Rock. Contact: Reid. Prize for best Junk in the Trunk! ” Phone: (814) 452- Phone: (724) 735-4407. Email: 0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. [email protected]. Nov 27-28 - Mr. Leatherman Weekend (Toronto) Nov 23- Family Reunion at the Zone Dance Club, www.mrlt.com/mlt_weekend/index.htm 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA) Everyone is coming Home Dec 1 - World AIDS Day - See area events on pages for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Catch up with old 12 and 13. friends and family for a night of Dancing and Fun at Dec 2 - Vertigo Party (Butler, PA) Lyndora Firehall, the Zone! Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to 114 Whitestown Road, Butler, PA. “We supply every- www.thezonedanceclub.com. thing Cups, Ice, Mix, just BYOB” [email protected]. Nov 24 - Thanksgiving Day at Zone Dance Club www.webspawner.com/users/vertigov. 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “We open at 8:00—Join us (continued next page) for an after-dinner drink and dance off all those ex- tra calories!” Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. Nov 24 - Thanksgiving Day at Trance 1607 Rasp- berry St, Erie, PA. “It’s R&B night at Trance!” Con- tact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: [email protected]. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.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 1R0HPEHUVKLS 1R5HWXUQ'DWH 029,( :K\5HQW:KHQ Erie Gay News - December 2005 5 Presque View Apartments West Fourth & Raspberry Streets—Erie, Pennsylvania g enin Op r mbe ece D 5 200 CALL 814.453.3130 FOR MORE INFORMATION NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS INCOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY One Bedroom apartments starting at $403 Two Bedroom apartments starting at $476 Three Bedroom apartments starting at $546 Plus gas & electric x Pet Free Community x Appliances x Washer/Electric Dryer Connections x Patio/Balcony x Window Treatments 2-Bedroom x Off-Street Parking Presque View Apartments Property Manager—Joseph Szymczak Email: [email protected] Fax: 8143453-3132 A HANDS Managed Community 6 Erie Gay News - December 2005 Calendar Dec 4 - ALIVE Art Auction fundraiser for AIDS Dec 11 - Menspace meets (Gordon & Bill's, Edin- at Moonsense Cafe 5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 2 PM - boro, PA) 6 PM. Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: 5 PM. Sponsored by Alive, a new organization to raise (814) 456-9833. Email: [email protected]. AIDS awareness. Proceeds benefit: Erie County Browse to http://menspace.eriegaynews.com. Health Dept. to fund AIDS education, local HIV sci- Dec 11 - Lake Erie Alliance for Democracy entists to find a vaccine, Counseling and testing Phone: (LEAD) meets 218 E 11th St, Erie, PA. 6:30 PM - 8 (814) 868-1783. Email: [email protected]. Browse PM. Contact: Cindy Purvis. Phone: (814) 453-4113. to www.moonsense.net. Email: [email protected]. Browse to Dec 4 - Encore Presentation of Dramatic Read- www.erielead.org ing of Paul Rudnick's "The Most Fabulous Story Dec 11 - Performance: Signer/Songwriter Carrie Ever Told" at Trance Dance Club Free admission. Sample at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, 8:30 PM. 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Contact: Lee. Erie, PA. 9 PM. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: Email: [email protected]. Browse to [email protected]. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. www.trancedanceclub.com. Dec 12 - PFLAG meets Unitarian-Universalist Con- Dec 7 - Always Our Children meets Catholic Chari- gregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie, ties, 329 W. 10th St, Erie, PA. For Catholic parents of PA. 7 PM - 8:30 PM. Contact: Mark H. Phone: (814) GLBT children Phone: (814) 456-2091. 454-1392 (John). Email: [email protected]. Dec 7 - Be Ye Kind One To Another (BYKOTA) Dec 13 - Hospice Support group for those dealing meets Unitarian-Universalist Parish House, 346 with loss Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 E 10th Chestnut St, Meadville, PA. 7 PM - 9 PM. “We are a (continued on next page) cross-denominational Christian group of/for LGBT people – encompassing spiritual nurture, discussion of LGBT issues, and mutual support. All are welcome!’” Contact: Lyta Seddig. Phone: (814) 724-1832. Email: 021'$<1,*+76$5(21'$<1,*+76$5( [email protected]. &ROOHJH,'1LJKWDW7UDQFH,'1LJKWDW7U Dec 10 - “Madonna Mix-A-Thon Party” at Zone 'DQFH%DU'RRUV2SHQDW30 Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “We will be Real Estate Services 0QY 7 ;QWŏTGKPC Linda Foll Johnson, GRI, RRS '$1&(&/8% Associate Broker 6(59,1*7+(*$< 7+(/(6%,$1&20081,7< 5DVSEHUU\6WUHHW 814-864-3200 ext 325 (ULH3$ or 814-397-0615 '$1&(&/8% [email protected] %QOGQWVQHVJGEQNF Erie Gay News - December 2005 7 Calendar St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Also meets Dec 22 at 10 AM. Dec 16 - Denise Russell at Zone Dance Club (814) 456-6689. [email protected]. 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Your favorite funny lady Dec 14 - “The Guys” get together at Moonsense is back for a great Holiday Show. Get here early... 5442 Peach St, Erie, PA. 7 PM. Informal get together tables fill up fast. Holiday humor, songs and fun!” to hang out at this local coffeeshop. Contact: Michael Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to Mahler. Email: [email protected]. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. http://menspace.eriegaynews.com. Dec 17 - 10% Network Christmas Party At John Dec 15 - Deadline for January 2006 edition of Erie S's, 201 Lakeview Ave, Jamestown, NY. Contact: Gay News EGN, 1115 W 7th St, Erie, PA. Contact: Martin. Phone: (716) 484-1661. Email: jtown- Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: [email protected]. Browse to http:// [email protected]. Browse to gayjamestownny.com/. www.eriegaynews.com. Dec 17 - “Naughty or Nice Christmas Under- Dec 16 - Friday Night Drag: “Studio 54 ’05 ” at wear & Pajama Party” at Zone Dance Club 133 Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Santa Claus is coming to the 11 PM. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Zone and he wants to know who is naughty or nice. [email protected] ww.trancedanceclub.com. Dance the night away at our 7th Annual Christmas Dec 17 “Studio 54 ’05 Dance Party” at Trance Underwear and Pajama Party...Prize for Sexiest Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. “1st & outfit. Gifts to those who participate... Coal to those second Prizes for best 70’s outfits.” Contact: Lee. who don't! Come sit on Santa’s lap and tell him (814) 456-3027. Email:[email protected] how bad you have been. Holiday drink specials, www.trancedanceclub.com. giveaways, prizes and fun! Happy Holidays from 7KH1RUWKZHVW3HQQV\OYDQLD7KH1RUWKZHVW3HQQV\OYDQLD 5XUDO$LGV$OOLDQFH5XUDO$LGV$OOLDQFH ³:HSURYLGHDFFHVVWRWHVWLQJHGXFDWLRQDQGPHGLFDO¿QDQFLDODQG VXSSRUWLYHVHUYLFHVWRWKRVHLQIHFWHGZLWK+,9$,'6LQ1RUWKZHVW 3HQQV\OYDQLD´:LWK&OLQLFVLQ(ULH:DUUHQ&ODULRQ&OHDU¿HOG6HQHFD 6KDURQ*UHHQYLOOHDQG)DUUHOOVWDIIHGE\+,9VSHFLDOLVWV6XSSRUW*URXSV DUHDOVRRIIHUHGSOHDVHFRQWDFW6XHDWWKH&ODULRQRI¿FHIRUWKDWLQIRUPDWLRQ )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQFRQWDFW 1RUWKZHVW3$5XUDO$LGV$OOLDQFH &ODULRQ2I¿FH 6WDWH6W6XLWH 5RXWH6XLWH 5HQDLVVDQFH&HQWUH &ODULRQ3$ 0HHW6KDURQ3HWHUVRQ51 (ULH3$ RU 6KDURQKDVEHHQZLWKWKH$OOLDQFH RU IRU\HDUVVKH¶VMXVWRQHPRUHRI WKHGHGLFDWHGSHRSOH\RX¶OO¿QGDW ³*(77(67(' <281(('72.12:´ WKH$OOLDQFHZDLWLQJWRKHOS\RX ('8&$7,21,67+(.(<7235(9(17,21 2IUHFHPRVH[DPLQDFLRQHVPqGLFDVDGHPjVGHVHUYLFLRVPqGLFRVHGXFDWLYRV¿QDQFLHURV\GHDSR\RSDUDORV TXHHVWDQLQIHFWDGRVGH9,+RGH6,'$GHQWURGHOQRURHVWHGH3HQVLODQLD+D\FOuQLFDVHQ(ULH:DUUHQ&ODULRQ &OHDU¿HOG6HQHFD6KDURQ*UHHQYLOOH\)DUUHOOFRQSHUVRQDOHVSHFLDOL]DGRHQHOWUDWDPLHQWRGH9,+ +jJDVHXQH[DPHQGHO9,+ 8VWHGQHFHVLWDVDEHU 8 Erie Gay News - December 2005 Calendar the Zone.” Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to Dec 24 & 25 - “Santa Claus is Coming to Trance” www.thezonedanceclub.com. Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Dec 21 - Open Circle for Yule/Winter Solstice “You are cordially invited to spend Christmas with Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 your friends and Santa at Trance! There will be a New Perry Highway, Erie, PA. 7 PM - 10 PM. “Orga- surprise Christmas Show.” Contact: Lee. Phone: nized by GLBT-friendly Covenant of Brighidshaven. (814) 456-3027. Email: [email protected]. Doors typically open at 7 PM, ritual typically at 7:30 Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. PM. Bring a dish to pass for the potluck feast. Please Dec 25 - Christmas Day at the Zone Dance Club note that a $3 donation is requested to help defray 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “We will be open at 8 the cost of renting the space.” For information con- o'clock for a relaxing night with friends and family. tact Jeremy by email at [email protected]. (or a chance to slip away and have some real fun!) Browse to www.u-n-c-l-e.org. (814) 452-0125. www.thezonedanceclub.com. Dec 21- Be Ye Kind One To Another (BYKOTA) Dec 28 - Equality PA (Southwest Region) meets meets Unitarian-Universalist Parish House, 346 Ginger Hill UU Congregation, 174 S Main St, Slip- Chestnut St, Meadville, PA. 7 PM - 9 PM. “We are a pery Rock, PA. 7 PM.Reid at (724) 735-4407 cross-denominational Christian group of/for LGBT [email protected]. people – encompassing spiritual nurture, discussion Dec 31- 2nd Annual Snow Ball at Trance Dance of LGBT issues, and mutual support. All are welcome!’ Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. “Wear your whit- Contact: Lyta Seddig. Phone: (814) 724-1832. Email: est white. With our very special guest star Melissa [email protected] St. John. Free champagne and food buffet. Check Dec 23 - “Divas in Toyland Holiday Show” at Zone out our website to see pictures of last year’s Snow Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “The Sexy Ball.” Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. Email: Ladies of the Zone, along with the Diva Dudes in- [email protected]. Browse to vite you and your friends to come enjoy an Enchant- www.trancedanceclub.com. ing Evening of Christmas Magic! Show starts at 10:30 Dec 31 - New Year's Eve Blast! at Zone Dance so get here early for a good seat.” Phone: (814) 452- Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Don't miss out on 0125. Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com. Erie's biggest and best gay New Years Eve party!! Dec 24 - Christmas Eve at Zone Dance Club 133 Champagne toast, buffet, party favors and give- W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Come enjoy a few Holiday cock- aways. Wear red or black—or dress in glamorous tails with friends and relax and enjoy the beautiful holiday attire! Happy New Year from the staff of Holiday sights and sounds of the Season. Prizes, give- the Zone.. Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to aways, and reindeer games, and Santa might just show www.thezonedanceclub.com. up and hand out a few gifts.” (814) 452-0125. www.thezonedanceclub.com. (continued on next page) $GVJCP[4QDUQP %2%%.%59 52200$7(:$17(' 2KPG5V /DUJHIXUQLVKHGURRP$OOXWLOLWLHVLQFOXGHG ,COGUVQYP0; 1RQVPRNHUSUHIHUUHG 2JQPG DTQDUQP"OUPEQO &DOO-HII+LOODW 0QYEGTVKſGFKP.KHGEQCEJKPICUYGNN CUNKEGPUGFKP5QEKCN9QTM CFXCPEGF URGEKCNV[KP4GNCVKQPUJKR%QCEJKPI OHDYHPHVVDJH %#..(14(4''5#/2.' Erie Gay News - December 2005 9 Calendar Jan 4 - Always Our Children meets Catholic Chari- Jan 21 - Menspace meets (Rich's, Erie, PA) 7:30 ties, 329 W 38th St, Erie, PA. Support group for PM. Monthly social group for gay/bi men. Contact: Catholic parents of GLBT children (814) 456-2091. Michael Mahler. (814) 456-9833. Jan 8 - Drag 101: The Drag Queens at Trance [email protected]. Browse to http:// Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Part of menspace.eriegaynews.com. Moonsense/Trancesense series. Contact: Lee. Phone: Jan 21 - “Snow Ball: 7th Annual Winter White (814) 456-3027. Email: [email protected]. Party” at Zone Dance Club 133 W 18th St, Erie, Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. PA. “Prizes, Giveaways, Contests, and an Avalanche Jan 9 - PFLAG Erie/Crawford County meets Uni- of fun!” Phone: (814) 452-0125. Browse to tarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New www.thezonedanceclub.com. Perry Highway, Erie, PA. 7 - 8:30 PM. Contact: Mark Jan 23 - Drag 101: The Drag Kings at Trance Dance H. Phone: (814) 454-1392 (John). Email: Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. Part of Moon- [email protected]. sense/Trancesense series. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) Jan 10 - Support group for those dealing with loss 456-3027. Email: [email protected]. Browse Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 E 10th St, Erie, to www.trancedanceclub.com. PA. 7 PM. Also meets Jan 19 at 10 AM. Phone: (814) Jan 25 - Be Ye Kind One To Another (BYKOTA) 456-6689. Email: [email protected]. meets Unitarian-Universalist Parish House, 346 Jan 11 - Be Ye Kind One To Another (BYKOTA) Chestnut St, Meadville, PA. 7 - 9 PM. Contact: Lyta meets Unitarian-Universalist Parish House, 346 Seddig. (814) 724-1832. [email protected]. Chestnut St, Meadville, PA. 7 - 9 PM. Contact: Lyta Seddig. Phone: (814) 724-1832. Email: [email protected]. Jan 13 - Friday Night Drag: “Around the World in New Year’s Eve an Hour” at Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St, Erie, PA. 11 PM. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456- Below are some early listings for events and places of GLBT 3027. Email: [email protected]. Browse to interest. Please let us know about additional events by www.trancedanceclub.com. December 15. Jan 14 - Pizza & Porn Party Rob & Jon's, 18 Lake- Dec 31 - “Playhouse Bouquet” Erie Playhouse, view Drv, Jamestown, NY. 7:30 PM. Phone: (716) 484- 13 W. 10th St., Erie PA. “A potpourri of Broad- 1661. Email: [email protected]/. Browse to way and Hollywood musical magic.” Full orches- http://gayjamestownny.com/. tra, and David Matthews hosts. 7:30 PM. (814) 454-2852. www.erieplayhouse.org/ Dec 31- Trance Dance Club: Annual White Party: New Year's Eve Party 1607 Raspberry Having a New Year St, Erie, PA. With Extra Special Guest: Melissa St. John. Contact: Lee. Phone: (814) 456-3027. event? Email: [email protected]. Browse to www.trancedanceclub.com. We can list it for free in the next issue (Dead- Dec 31 - Zone Dance Club: New Year's Eve line Dec 15) Blast 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. “Don't miss out Events needn’t be parties, and needn’t take on Erie's biggest and best gay New Years Eve place at midnight. In the past we have listed party!! Champagne toast, buffet, party favors and New Year’s afternoon, New Year’s Day, and giveaways. Wear red or black—or dress in glam- so on. We’ve also listed religious services, orous holiday attire. Happy New Year from the cultural events, and more. So if you want to staff of the Zone.. Phone: (814) 452-0125. get the word out, be sure to let us know! Browse to www.thezonedanceclub.com 10 Erie Gay News - December 2005 Buffalo United Artists presents On stage the WNY premiere of “Naked Selected area cultural events that may be of interest to GLBT audiences. Boys Singing!” Nov 18 - Dec 17 - “Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild from Buffalo United Artists Christmas Binge” Roadhouse Theatre, 145 W 11th “Naked Boys Singing!” (NBS), conceived by St, Erie, PA. 8 PM. “Comedy written by Christopher Durang, based on the characters from the classic Dick- Robert Schrock, is a musical comedy revue featuring ens novel “A Christmas Carol.” All shows Friday and an original score of songs celebrating the splendors Saturday nights at 8 PM and, we will even be running of male nudity. Schrock and a team of 12 acclaimed it for the weekend after Thanksgiving, and, as always, writers, including Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch, affordable Roadhouse prices.” Reservations: (814) have written a bouncy (no pun intended) and fabulous 456-5656. Email: [email protected]. Browse to musical revue that reminds us that clothes alone do www.goerie.com/roadhouse. not make the man. Nov 25 - Rob Thomas in concert Playhouse Square NBS is a traditional musical revue, in the vein in Cleveland. www.robthomas.com of Vaudeville and high-camp American musical the- Dec 1 & 4 - Dramatic Reading of Paul Rudnick’s ater. Its main point is to celebrate the splendors of “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” Trance male nudity in comedy, song and dance. Musical num- Dance Club 1607 Raspberry St., Erie PA 9 PM. bers range from the screamingly funny (like the open- Dec 3 - Cyndi Lauper in concert with special ing number “Gratuitous Nudity” or the circumcision- guests Jill Sobule and Sandra Bernhard Lakewood based “Bliss of a Bris”) to poignant and moving num- Civic Auditorium, Lakewood OH (Ticketmaster). bers. There are 15 songs in NBS making this 80-minute Dec 10 & 11 - “Home for the Holidays with tribute to the human male, fly by in a rage of laughter Amanda Post” “Erie’s premier holiday tradition re- and nudity! The original New York production of turns to the Warner with none other than everyone’s NBS opened in 1999 and it is still playing at off- favorite newsworthy entertainer, Ms. Amanda Post.” Broadway’s Dodgers Theater. www.eriephil.org/upcoming.cfm NBS opens in Buffalo on Saturday, November Dec 17 & 18 - North Coast Men’s Chorus presents 19 and plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM., and Sun- “Tree Chic” Waetjen Auditorium, Cleveland State days at 7 PM through December 4. University, 2001 Euclid Ave, 800-766-6048, Tickets are $25.00 for VIP seating, $20 for gen- www.ncmchorus.org, [email protected] eral admission, $16 for BUA members Dec 31 - “Playhouse Bouquet” Erie Playhouse, 13 NBS is directed and choreographed by Michael W. 10th St., Erie PA. “A potpourri of Broadway and Walline, musical direction by Michael Hake, starring Hollywood musical magic.” Full orchestra, and David Joey Buchecker, Kurt Guba, Matthew Crehan Hig- Matthews hosts. 7:30 PM. (814) 454-2852. gins, Christopher Stephen Parada, Marc Sacco, and www.erieplayhouse.org/ Doug Weyand. Jan 20-21 - Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus Presents: “A No one under 18 admitted. Winter’s Tale” 8 PM All performances at Alleyway Theatre, One Curtain Up Websites/email lists for area Alley, in the heart of Buffalo’s Theatre District. For reserva- performers tions, call (716) 886-9239. Tickets: $20.00 general admis- sion, $16.00 for BUA Members, $15.00 for students, Lim- Bob Bearfield www.bobbearfield.com ited VIP seating $25.00 www.buffalobua.org Jocelyn Porter Project www.jocelynporterproject.com Leah Zicari www.leahzicari.com Two Girls Alone http://twogirlsalone.iuma.com email list: [email protected]. Erie Gay News - December 2005 11 World AIDS Day events fidelity. No longer blissful, Adam and Steve break up Shout Outreach and Trance Dance only to be reunited as two of the wise men at the Na- Club create an Erie Premiere: Paul tivity. Rudnick’s The Most Fabulous Story In Act Two, Rudnick brings us to the contem- porary themes of AIDS, artificial insemination, and Ever Told questions about modern religion. It’s the late 1990’s “Funny it is…consistently, rapaciously, amidst the holiday season madness of Manhattan, New deliriously…easily the funniest play in town.” —Vari- York. Here we re-encounter our favorite couples along ety with some new friends; the naive Mormon, an acerbic In celebrating World AIDS Day on December Santa, a Go-Go Elf and the infamous Jewish lesbian 1, Shout Outreach and Trance Dance Club introduce Rabbi from cable access TV. Adam and Steve are to- the Erie Community to the wit and wisdom that is gether again, and Steve is HIV positive. It’s Christmas Paul Rudnick. Rudnick has penned many great screen- Eve, and even though Jane always thought of herself plays thru his growing career including Sister Act, Jef- as the butch one, she’s nine months pregnant! The two frey, In & Out and last year’s remake, The Stepford women want to marry and ask Adam and Steve to join Wives. them in the ceremony. But the ceremony is interrupted But before writing film scripts, Paul Rudnick was as Jane gives birth, and Steve confides to Adam that turning the world on its ear with his irreverent and his medication isn’t working and that he’ll probably famously funny stage comedies. In 1998, Rudnick de- not survive much longer. cided to rewrite the Bible’s Old Testament into a re- Please join us for two dramatic readings by some telling of queer proportions while tackling difficult ta- of Erie’s greatest ‘family’ entertainers with this fan- boo subjects and this is the blessing, The Most Fabu- tastically fun comedy and great entertaining at Trance lous Story Ever Told. Dance Club, 1601 Raspberry, Erie, PA. Show dates Act One recounts the major episodes of the Old and times are Thursday, December 1 at 9 PM with an Testament, only with a twist: Instead of Adam and encore presentation on Sunday, December 4 at 8:30 Eve, our lead characters are Adam and Steve, and Jane PM. ADMISSION IS FREE! and Mabel, a lesbian couple with whom they decide to —from Gary start civilization (procreation proves to be a provoca- tive challenge). Act One covers the Garden of Eden, an ark, a visit with a highly rambunctious Pharaoh and World AIDS Day at Cascade United finally even the Nativity. Along the way, Mabel and Methodist Church Adam discover (or invent?) God, but Jane and Steve The 17th Annual World AIDS Day observance are skeptical. This brings about the Flood, during which will be held at the Cascade United Methodist Church Steve has a brief taste of bestiality while inventing in- located at 1001 West 21st Street. A worship service entitled “A Candlelight Service of Love and Assur- ance in the Face of HIV and AIDS” will be held Thurs- ','<28.12:"$5(<28685("&$1<287(//" day, December 1st at 7 PM in the church sanctuary. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the service. The United Methodist Church celebrates “Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors.” All *(77(67(' are welcome! God loves us unconditionally and wel- 6+2872875($&+ comes us as we are and where we are. For more infor- mation you may call Rev. Russell Shuluga at 452-3364. RIIHUV)5((DQGFRQ¿GHQWLDOWHVWLQJ or 452-2870. )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ&DOO)UDQRU0DOFROPDW +,9LVH[SHQVLYH /RYH&DUHIXOO\ 12 Erie Gay News - December 2005 World AIDS Day 2UDO+,97HVWLQJ Selected local events Selection of local events in observance of World Aids Day. /2&$/75($70(17 This listing includes public or GLBT-interest events; full list 6WD\6DIH available at www.eriegaynews.com 8VH3URWHFWLRQ by Patty Puline Hosted /co-sponsored by Erie County Department *HW7HVWHG of Health. 2005 Theme: “STOP AIDS. KEEP THE PROMISE.” *HW7UHDWPHQW November 26 - Gaudenzia Crossroads SHOUT Program Booker T. Washington Center 1720 Hol- land Street Red Ribbon Night/Talent Show Open to Public 5:30 PM 11/26/2005 - 12/10/2005 -Erie County Department RI of Health NAMES Project: AIDS Quilt Display Site: 606 West Second Street, Erie PA. Contact: Steven QHZ R. Simmelkjaer Phone: (814) 451-7875. Email: [email protected] +,9 November 30 - Gannon University World AIDS LQIHFWLRQV Day Observance December 1 - Cascade United Methodist Church DUHEHWZHHQ 1001 West 21st Street, Erie PA. “Candlelight Service 0HQ:KR+DYH of Love and Assurance in the Face of HIV and AIDS.” 7 PM in church sanctuary. 7 PM. 6H[ZLWK0HQ December 1 - Trance Dance Club 1607 Raspberry &RPPXQLW\ St., Erie PA. Poetry Reading. Dramatic Reading of +HDOWK1HWRIIHUV Paul Rudnick’s “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.” 9 PM. Free admission )5((2UDO+,97HVWLQJ December 4 - Moonsense Cafe - ALIVE Art Auc- 3ULPDU\0HGLFDO&DUH tion/ Erie County Dept. of Health Fund- +,96SHFLDOW\&DUH raiser for ALIVE organization which promotes HIV 'HQWDO6HUYLFHV awareness and research. 5442 Peach Street, Erie PA. (814)868-1783. 9LVLRQ&DUH 1R,QVXUDQFH December 8 - Mercyhurst College World AIDS 1R3UREOHP Day Observance Program 8 PM. December 10 - Erie County Department of Health STOP At Marsha Hall Learning Center 1841 East :H&DQ+HOS 18th Street (Harbor Homes Area) Remembering the Spirit of Julia, Emory, Don Paul, Kelvin and Others &DOOH[ *Special Presentation honoring a beloved case man- IRUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ ager, friend Jeffrey Charles Grego. Open to Public. 1:30 P.M. 7KLVDGLVPDGHSRVVLEOHE\D)HGHUDO*UDQWXQGHU WKH5\DQ:KLWH&DUH$FWRI Erie Gay News - December 2005 13 :(&$1+(/3 (5,(&2817<+($/7+'(3$570(17 :HVW6HFRQG6WUHHW&RUQHURI:HVWQG &KHUU\6WUHHWV 2UDO+,9 WHVWLQJ QRZ +,9DYDLODEOH 67' &2816(/,1* 7(67,1* 1R$SSRLQWPHQW1HFHVVDU\ :$/.,1&/,1,&6 021'$< 021'$< QRRQ SP DP DP 78(6'$< :('1(6'$< DP SP SP SP +,9 67' 7+856'$< &/,1,& SP SP $SSRLQWPHQWVFDQEHPDGHDWWKHIROORZLQJORFDWLRQV 0XOWL&XOWXUDO+HDOWK (ULH&RXQW\+HDOWK'HSDUWPHQW (YDOXDWLRQ'HOLYHU\ (ULH2I¿FH +LVSDQLF$PHULFDQ 6\VWHP 0+('6 2XWUHDFK6HUYLFHV &RUU\2I¿FH &RXQFLO RU $OOVHUYLFHVDUHIUHHDQGFRQ¿GHQWLDO 6SHFLDOO\WUDLQHGRXWUHDFKZRUNHUVDUHDYDLODEOHIRULQKRPHDSSRLQWPHQWV +,9WHVWLQJRQO\ 14 Erie Gay News - December 2005 National News Briefs by Bob egon electorate a year ago. In January, the measure Limon Finally Released from Jail was challenged in court on several technical grounds. However, their arguments fell on deaf ears as Judge One of the most controversial gay rights legal Joseph Guimond found nothing amiss with Measure cases has come to a happy conclusion with the release 36, and made short work of the legal criticisms brought of Matthew Limon from a Kansas prison. by the plaintiffs. Limon, now 23, was sentenced to 17 years be- hind bars for having consensual sex with an underage In Australia, You’re Free to “Tell” male teenager. The episode took place a week after th Same-sex couples serving in the Australian mili- Limon’s 18 birthday. tary have been granted the same rights and benefits as After numerous court appeals and losses, the heterosexual couples by the Australian government. Kansas Supreme Court finally ruled in favor of Li- Gay rights advocates see the move as the first step mon, but not until after the U.S. Supreme Court or- toward full equality in the military. dered the Kansas courts to review the case in light of In making the announcement, Defense Minis- the landmark Lawrence vs. Texas ruling. That ruling ter Robert Hill said that allowing lesbian and gay ser- struck down state laws banning consensual adult sod- vice members to have equal rights reflected the omy. government’s attempts to ensure all employees were As a result, the Kansas Supreme Court unani- protected from discrimination. mously said that the state’s sentencing laws that sub- “This is a victory for common sense and for ject same-sex teens’ sexual encounters to far harsher equality, but most of all it is a victory for the military punishment than heterosexual teen trysts was uncon- because it makes the ADF a fairer, happier and more stitutional. effective workplace for troops in same-sex relation- Under the Kansas “Romeo and Juliet” law, as ships,” Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group it’s nicknamed, youthful sex offenders can not be spokesman Rodney Croome said. charged under adult sodomy statutes when they are “The least this country can do for its service- involved in consensual sex with other teenagers around men and women is to treat them and their families their own age. However, a section of the law specifies equally, regardless of sexual orientation,” he said. that it only applies to opposite-sex couples. As a re- According to the country’s Human Rights and sult, Matthew Limon was not charged under Romeo Equal Opportunity Commission, complaints of dis- and Juliet, but under criminal sodomy laws and sen- crimination from service members prompted Com- tenced to 206 months in jail. mission members to take up this issue with the ADF In a 19-page ruling, the Kansas justices agreed and the government earlier this year. that Lawrence v. Texas controls the case. Matthew Li- mon was treated far differently than a teenager caught in a heterosexual act, the court wrote, and the state of Alaska Moves to Block Gay Rights Kansas was not able to present a legitimate state inter- Following a state Supreme Court ruling that gay est to justify its unequal policy. public workers should be able to share their employee benefits with their partners, conservative politicians in Alaska are drafting a constitutional amendment Gay Rights Setback in Oregon aimed at same-sex couples. An Oregon judge has dealt a blow to gay couples Republican State Sen. Fred Dyson has proposed in Oregon when he upheld the legality of the voter- an amendment that reads: “No provision of this con- enacted constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, stitution shall be interpreted or applied so to require known as Measure 36. the state or its political subdivisions to extend or as- Measure 36, a single-sentence constitutional sign the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities or ef- amendment limiting marriage to the union of one man and one woman, was passed by 57 percent of the Or- Erie Gay News - December 2005 15 National News fects of marriage to any other union, partnership or Thomas Hall, counsel for the United Methodist legal status.” Church, said the decision provides some relief but is Dyson told reporters the measure would shore “not the end of this whole conversation.” up the 1998 amendment to the state’s constitution that “An issue like this takes so much energy on both outlawed same-sex marriage. He said he was coordi- sides, and takes the focus off a lot of the great things nating his efforts with Republican Gov. Frank the church is doing,” Hall said. “This gives us some Murkowski, who plans to bring the constitutional space so we can hopefully channel our energies into amendment bill to the legislature next session the great things we’re doing.” Stroud, who became an associate pastor at Philadelphia’s First United Methodist Church of Lesbian Minister Defrocked Germantown in 1999, has said she never revealed her The highest court within the United Methodist sexual orientation in documents related to her ordina- Church has defrocked a lesbian minister for violating tion, but didn’t keep it a secret. She said she decided the denomination’s ban on “self-avowed, practicing to come out in 2003 because she felt she was being homosexual” clergy. held back in her faith by not sharing the complete truth The Judicial Council’s ruling comes as the final about her life. step in a church battle involving the Rev. Irene “Beth” Stroud will continue as a lay staff member at Stroud. In December, a church panel rule that Rev. her congregation, preaching, supervising children’s and Stroud, who is in a lesbian partnership, engaged in youth work and conducting pastoral visits. practices that the church has declared incompatible with Christian teachings. That panel’s decision was then overturned by the Northeast Jurisdiction Com- Maine Voters Back Gay Rights Law mittee on Appeals. On Election Day, voters in Maine solidly rejected But the Judicial Council ruled that the appeals a Christian conservative effort to repeal the state’s new committee “erred in reversing and setting aside the gay- and transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination law. verdict and penalty from Rev. Stroud’s trial.” The ballot question read, “Do you want to re- ject the new law that would protect people from dis- crimination in employment, housing, education pub- Keep Informed lic accommodations and credit based on their sexual with your commun i t y ! orientation?” $ In 1998 and 2000, conservatives were success- On ly 20 ful in knocking the law off the books but this time the for a one-year law was supported by 55 percent of people voting. su b s c r i p t i o n ! Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat, said the elec- tion outcome was a sign that Maine is a welcoming place for everyone. The vote “reaffirms the basic values that are intrinsic in Maine,” said Baldacci. “Mainers don’t like discrimination ... if it happens to one person it hap- Please send a check for $20 and pens to all of us.” Name, Address, City, State and Zip Gov. Baldacci had introduced the law, which the (E-mail and Phone optional) to: state legislature quickly passed back in March. All of this year’s election news was not good EG N however. Voters in Texas made their state the 19th to Erie Gay News amend its state constitution to ban same-sex couples 1115 West 7th Stree t Er i e, PA 16502-110 5 from marrying. All information kept in confidence. 16 Erie Gay News - December 2005 Exercise Equality by Caillean Maureen McMahon sense of liberation and freedom that she felt there, PA Gay and Lesbian Alliance the ability to hold a woman’s hand in public, to take a Last night I went out on a dinner date in the romantic walk on the beach. In Lesbian relationships small great lakes city where I live. During the course for most of her adult life, she had, like most of us, of the meal at an upscale restaurant, we smiled, leaned kept her life hidden when out in “the straight world.” forward and exchanged whispers, held hands over the I am done with that kind of behavior. I lived table briefly and even on one occasion touched each most of my life in the “straight world” and find the other’s cheek with dreamy looks in our eyes. In many unspoken imperative to surrender the prerogatives of respects we were not at all different from any other a heterosexual couple unacceptable. couple on a date there with one exception that set us This evening we attended the concert of “Trans- markedly apart from the rest of the diners. We are Siberian Orchestra.” Again, we were like any other both women. couple there, holding hands, the occasional kiss on the Now, for the two of us, this is not a big deal. We cheek, whispers, smiles and walking out at the end have stolen quick little kisses in bars, kissed on the with our arms around each other. No one confronted observation platform on the Bayfront, held hands walk- us or said a word. Perhaps, just perhaps, we might be ing down the street, and I routinely open the car door changing each of the people who see us and helping for her when she is getting in. We do what straight them to look at us as being like every one else. Maybe couples do in public, essentially no more and no less. this kind of exposure will take away the fear that the To date no one has even commented on us other than mention of same sex relationships generate in so many to say hello, smile and engage us in conversation. Most people and win the hearts and minds of more straight people in the mainstream in the city where we live seem allies to stand along side of us as we exercise equality. to accept us as a matter of course. The day before, in a college town in Indiana, a group from a local church there carried signs reading “Gays die, God laughs” on the campus, then marched TM to a gay-owned kitchen supply store and burned the GAYELLOW PAGES rainbow flag. In that light, our dates out in public be- INFORMING THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL come a protest and a symbol. Mind you, we are low & TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY SINCE 1973 key. As I said, we do no more than most straight couples Accommodations, bars, business and not-for-profit resources of our age do on a date in public, but we do no less Separate WOMEN’S and ETHNIC/MULTICULTURAL sections either. There is no chance of our being taken for two USA/CANADA: $16 by first class mail. “women friends” when we are on a date. Al l states and provinces, national headquarters of A friend of mine visited Provincetown over organizations, mail order companies, etc. Women’s Week and came back enraptured with the EAST and SOUTH Edition: $12 by first class mail AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MO, MS, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, TX, US Virgin Is, VA, VT, WV Find us at gay-friendly stores like Body Language, Cleveland 216-251-3330 Rainbow Pride Gift Shop, Buffalo 716-855-0222 and many others at http://gayellowpages.com/2buy.htm Stay updated! For an application to be listed (no charge), current editions and prices, mailing labels, etc., please send a Subscribe to the Erie GLBT Mailing List self-addressed stamped envelope to Renaissance House, PO Box 533-EGN, To subscribe visit www.eriegaynews.com Village Station, New York, NY 10014 212-674-0120 Fax: 212-420-1126 Email: [email protected] http://gayellowpages.com Erie Gay News - December 2005 17 A More Accepting Kind of Church by Brian and Larry cial because it was too controversial although some of A lot of people in the gay/lesbian community the other networks did. Basically what it was saying know that the Universalist Unitarian Church is a very was that if your church won’t accept you our church accepting church. Many also know that the Episcopa- will. Larry and I experienced this firsthand. lian Church is accepting as well although the head- I knew from the way Larry talked about it that lines in the papers and the news show a deep divide going to church was something he missed and the more over the approval of homosexuality when it comes to he talked about it the more I realized that I missed it their leaders. also. We were determined to find a place for the two There is another church located in Erie and in of us to worship. other cities and towns across the nation that many may Larry was Protestant and I was Catholic. I was not realize is very accepting of gays and lesbians; the active in the church both while growing up and once I United Church of Christ. They are so accepting that started attending Mercyhurst College. Both of us grew they have been ordaining gay men for decades accord- up in churches that were not very accepting of gays. ing to Rev. Richard Moyer the pastor of Community We talked to friends to see if they went to church United Church on W. 38th and Cascade. and if so where they went. Not surprising, a lot of Some may recall an article that appeared in the those in the community do not go to church for the Erie Times-News over a year ago that showed two big obvious reason that we are usually not accepted as a muscular bouncers standing in front of a church with whole. We as individuals may be accepted but when it the velvet ropes allowing only certain people in. None came to accepting the whole gay thing altogether it of the main TV networks would show the commer- was a different matter. We tried different churches but could not find the one that clicked with both our different upbring- ings so we quit going for a while. The article in the Before you travel. Erie Times then appeared one day and we both read it Check out these websites with interest. or Call these Numbers Could the Community United Church be that for weather and travel information. all accepting church out there? all locations: erie county Could Erie have its own MCC (Metropolitan WEATHER UNDERGROUND 452-2000 www.wunderground.com ext. 7669 (snow) Community Church) in the making? And not just one but two! Erie had two of these pennsylvania ROADS AND WEATHER churches. We wanted to find out. It took us a while to htpp://65.246.225.166/site/site.nsf/mainpage get there. For one reason or another we did not make ROAD S 1-888-783-6783 it out the door on Sunday. But finally, we made it. The first one we tried was downtown. It was a new yorkROADS AND WEATHER big beautiful church but there were very few people in www.thruway.state.ny.us/weather/index.shtml it. The next one was the one on W. 38th and Cascade. ROAD S 1-800-847-8929 It was a small church but the people were very friendly ohio ROADS AND WEATHER there. It did help that there were several people there www.buckeyetraffic.org that we knew so it was a lot less difficult to feel like we ROAD S 1-888-264-7623 belonged. We attended for a couple weeks and started to KNOW about your community, read the like it. On one Sunday evening they had a pot luck dinner that we attended. We sat by ourselves near some EG N of the people we knew. While I was away from the Erie Gay News table getting something, the Reverend came over to talk to Larry and one of his first questions he asked was how long the two of us had been together. It was 18 Erie Gay News - December 2005 Accepting Church Stop Santorum by Deb Spilko a sincere question and not asked in way that you felt he was prying. At that moment it was clear we found our church. “And if the Supreme Court says that you have the right We met with Reverend Moyer a couple weeks to [gay] consensual sex within your home, then you have the later to talk about us and the church. It was at that right to bigamy, you have the right to polygamy, you have the time we learned about the decades of acceptance in right to incest, you have the right to adultery. You have the right the church. He told us that his wife came to him and to anything. ... It all comes from, I would argue, this right to asked him if he had a problem with us being gay and privacy that doesn't exist in my opinion in the United States he said that he didn’t. She was glad because the rest of Constitution... Whether it's polygamy, whether it's adultery, where the congregation didn’t either and wanted to make sure it's sodomy, all of those things, are antithetical to a healthy, he didn’t. stable, traditional family.” According to Rev. Moyer just about everyone in —Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), the church knows about us. April 21, 2003, Associated Press interview. If they had a problem with it, it sure does not show. Everyone says good morning when we walk in Next year, America’s worst US Senator is run- and shakes hands or gives hugs. ning for re-election. We’ve talked to others about the church and Yes, Pennsylvania’s own Rick Santorum, major coming some Sunday to give it a try. Some said they homophobe and rightwing extremist, will be running are looking for a different church for one reason or for a second term. another. The way we look at it, why attend and sup- The GLBT community, and all persons con- port a church that does not support you or the way cerned about the direction in which this country is you think and feel? I could not handle the hypocrisy headed, need to take this election very, very seriously. of the Catholic church. And to tell you the truth, now Although this publication generally avoids en- that both of us are going, my week feels more com- dorsing or taking partisan positions, there have been a plete. It was hard to get back into the routine of going couple of races in which the choices were so dire that but once we got into it, is hard to get out of it. a stand had to be taken. Last year’s presidential elec- So if there is anyone out there who is not happy tion was one of those times. And in 2006, the race to with the church they are attending or are looking for a defeat Santorum is another situation that is so extreme church that accepts you for who you are, the Commu- that there is no way that we can or would wish to ap- nity United Church 1011 W. 38th at Cascade is a more pear neutral. accepting kind of church. There is only one service This is not just about Santorum’s strong ho- on Sunday at 11 AM. So even if you were out late the mophobia. It is an entire worldview that is intolerant night before you can make it. There is usually coffee and often cruel, as when—just one week after the Hur- and sweets also to help you wake up. ricane Katrina catastrophe, while thousands were still trapped in hellish circumstances in New Orleans— Santorum proposed that people who “decide” to stay behind should be heavily fined. In the coming months, this column will attempt to keep Santorum’s extremist mission in the minds of WHERE?WHERE? our readers. We will also keep you up on how to get involved—to volunteer for opposition candidates, to CANCAN YOUYOU FINDFIND contribute to this effort, and so on. You can also stay updated by visiting the Stop EG N Santorum Now website, which is maintained by and Erie Gay News for GLBT voters. Stop Santorum Now is at Check Out Our Wesite at: www.eriegaynews.com www.stopsantorumnow.org for our list of locations Erie Gay News - December 2005 19 &'%'/$'4#66*'<10' #/QPVJQH(WP *GNR&GEQTCVG $TKPICP1TPCOGPV HQTQWTVTGG 7KH/DGLHVRIWKH=21( 3UHVHQWV ',9$6LQ72