Although the weather is a tad damp, the protest rally against California's Proposition 8 scheduled for today (Saturday, November 15) at 1:30 PM at the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA, is still ON! This is a chance to be a part of a historical nation wide event. I believe that there is enough of an overhang on the porch at the courthouse that we should have a somewhat sheltered area. Please be alert when you arrive. Bring an umbrella and a commitment to equality for all! Marriage equality is too important to let a few raindrops slow us down!

ERIE PA - A group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and straight citizens will take to the streets of Erie to protest the passage of Proposition 8, California's anti-gay marriage amendment, as well as other anti-gay ballot initiatives in Arkansas, Arizona and Florida.

Every day since Election Day, thousands have protested up and down streets in cities across California, including in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento. A national, grassroots coalition of LGBT activists have followed in their footsteps.

On Nov. 15, 1:30 p.m., in large cities and state capitals across the country, Pro-Equality supporters will raise public awareness of the need for LGBT equality in marriage and in other civil rights.

SmartNails.com is giving away a free nail care kit, valued over $60 if purchased separately. To enter, just fill out the form at www.eriegaynews.com! Entries must be received between November 7 and November 28.

The kit includes a micron crystal file, 3 micron crystal pads, a moisturizing oil pen, concentrated nutrient cream and a leatherette carry pouch. See the full details here.

I have a friend who is a one-issue voter. I have the greatest respect for him, and he and I have been friends for years. He is intelligent and well-read. But when it comes to voting, he has only thought in mind. He’s going to vote for the candidate who is against abortion.

Even though I’m pro-choice and I believe a woman should have the right to make her own decision without government interference, I still respect my friend’s opinion.

The problem I have is that he doesn’t seem to take anything else into consideration. Important issues in the presidential race such as the war, the economy, and the environment all take a back seat to the candidates’ view on abortion. It seems to him that nothing else matters. He even has a bumper-sticker on his car that say, “I Vote Pro-Life.”

Recently church politics was in the news when the Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Episcopal Church voted to separate itself from the national church. The clergy vote was 121 to 33 in favor of leaving the denomination.

As the election nears and as many people’s thoughts and efforts begin to be geared toward November 4, we feel it is critically important to lok back at the state of LGBT issues in Pennsylvania and the historic progress the LGBT community has made in Harrisburg this legislative session.

In early 2007, a record number of bipartisan co-sponsors came together to introduce House Bill 1400 and Senate Bill 761, legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based upon one’s sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Representative Dan Frankel (D-Pittsburgh) and Representative Chris Ross (R-Chester County) as well as Senator Patrick Browne (R-Allentown) worked tirelessly to promote these bills to fellow legislators and enlist support across the aisle, and from every corner of the state. Local activists and organizations, such as Erie PFLAG, called and met with their officials, and as a result brought unprecedented visibility to this issue.

In the tradition of the hilarious Harvey Korman and Tim Conway sketches from the old Carol Burnett Show, “The Queen of Bingo” tells the tale of Sis and Babe, two sisters on the other side of 50 who want to add a little fun and excitement to their lives ... but where to find it?? Bingo!!

“The Queen of Bingo” explores the worlds of Bingo, family ties, diet crazes, widowhood, hot flashes and winning! The audience joins in the fun during the “Middle Bird Special”—a real Bingo game in which some lucky audience member wins a free 10 lb. frozen turkey!

The Oil City Gay-Straight Alliance is sponsoring a costume ball--“Night of the Living La La’s” on November 1 at the Latonia, 1 East First Street, Oil City, PA. The event starts at 8 PM.

The cost is just $5. It’s a BYOB event. Anyone not in costume may be subject to harassment by the Latonia Ghosts.

This event, publicized as a gay-straight alliance event, says that this is a welcoming event for the GLBT community. If you are straight and welcoming—come have a good time.

Crime Victim Center will be the site of an art/jewelry show and sale from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6. Local glass artists Edie Fisher and Steve Wernecke from GlassWear, etc. will be back this year with their beautiful and unusual glass pieces. Some of the items that can be seen and purchased include: dichroic necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, watches, kiln-formed glass vases, candle shelters, clocks, mirrors, lamps and key rings. You can preview Edie’s and Steve’s work on their web site at www.glasswearetc.com.

GlassWear, etc. will be donating 20% of the sales that evening to the Center. For more information, call (814) 455-9414.

PLEASE JOIN Mercyhurst Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) AND Professor Melissa Surawski, Ph.D. for a Presentation and Discussion on Historic & Recent Social Psychology Theories on Homosexuality on Tuesday, October 21st at 7:00pm in 313 Hirt.

The Mercyhurst College Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is an RSCO that provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere for anyone standing for equality, individuality, and pride in oneself. Our goal is to foster a group of people who share the desire to spread a message of tolerance, acceptance, and unity on campus. We welcome all students regardless of their orientation--gay, lesbian bisexual, straight, transgender, or those who are still questioning their sexuality. We also support people who do not feel comfortable or ready to "come out" to their peers.

Afterwards, from 8-9 PM, GSA will carve pumpkins in the commons outside of the Union. Some pumpkins provided by the Multicultural Center!

Come alone and make friends or bring a friend.

Eight years ago Meshu Tamrat and Tesfay Tekalu were performing gymnastics for their own survival in the dusty streets of Awassa Ethiopia. Now they lead one of the most famous youth programs in Ethiopia - The Awassa Youth Campus. They have brought their One Love AIDS/HIV Awareness Theater to hundreds of thousands of people in the markets of Ethiopia, worked for the UN in Sudanese refugee camps and in October will come Jamestown on as part of a USA fund-raising tour.

Wednesday October 1, 2008 7: 00PM

If you enjoy dancing & singing & having a great time, come out and be a part of the next Rocky Horror Show at Theatre 145.

We need people who can get the crowd dancing in the aisles, singing at the top of their lungs and having the greatest time ever.

Theatre 145
145 West 11th Street
Erie Pa 16501

814-873-5069

www. thetheatre145. com

All you need to bring is yourself and some friends who want to be a part of this year' s production.

McPherson Fields will be presenting Wood Spirit Gathering on Saturday, October 4. This is located at 1591 Jackson Center-Polk Rd, Stoneboro PA 16153. It’s an outdoor gathering of all wood spirits, faeries, gnomes, satyrs and Medieval-friendly humans. Musical guest is Glitter Pussy. Please bring musical instruments for playing. The event is for people 21 and over. It is clothing-optional and BYOB. There will be classes in nature walk and plant identification at 1 PM and 4 PM. There will also be classes in Shia-tsu massage. Special guests include Menspace and Pittsburgh WANG (We Are Naked Guys) from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Costumes are encouraged! Leather, Latex, Fur, Toys, all welcome.

The cost is $10 for all day or $5 after 5 PM.

On Sunday, October 19, 2008, at 10:30 AM Marc Adams will be the featured speaker at the Unitarian Church of Jamestown, 1255 Prendergast Ave., Jamestown NY.

Adams is the author of nine books, including his autobiography, The Preacher’s Son. It is his story of growing up gay the son of a fundamentalist Baptist minister, his time as an ex-gay, his life as a student and employee of Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University and his coming out and his journey to becoming a Unitarian Universalist.