Our History
November 2012
20.) 2nd Annual GEAE Film/Discussion, Gender Redesigner
September 2012
19.) Hosted Gen Silent Director, Stu Maddox reception
August 2012
18.) Sponsored LGBT night at Erie Seawolves
17.) Donor and Participant: Erie Pride Parade and Rally
July 2012
16.) 2nd Annual Afternoon for Equality: LGBT/Military Feature
May 2012
15.) Sponsored Community Safe Zone Training (FBI, county, and local legal), in cooperation with Persad Center
February 2012
14.) GEAE/Erie Art Museum Night
November 2011
13.) First Annual GEAE Film/Discussion, “Lead with Love”
July 2011
12.) Equality PA and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality Fundraiser
In conjunction with Equality PA, the statewide LGBT advocacy organization, GEAE organized a major fundraising event at 21 la rue dix 21 in Erie to enhance awareness of the missions and goals of both organizations. Ted Martin, Executive Director of Equality PA, and Brian Sims, LGBT Athletes and Allies, and Board President, Equality PA, were in attendance.
11.) Donor: Pride Erie Pride March and Rally
While reorganizing our LGBTA non-profit, the Board of EGPI/GEAE agreed to provide some financial support to the newly formed 2011 Erie Pride Planning Committee. A donation was provided for the rental fee for the use of the gazebo in Perry Square.
Dec. 2010 – July 2011
10.) Reorganization as Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE)
Recognizing that its mission had organically shifted in recent years to LGBTA education and service, the Board of Erie Gay Pride, Inc. unanimously voted to reorganized under the new name: Greater Erie Alliance for Equality. The reorganization has included a revision of its bylaws, mission, and board membership.
As Erie Gay Pride Inc. (EGPI):
Feb. 2011
9.) Sponsored “Equality Rocks” with Equality Pennsylvania and the ACLU
Organized a non-partisan presentation on LGBT rights in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The event featured the executive director of Equality PA, Ted Martin, as well as representatives from the ACLU briefing the community on current laws and upcoming legislative issues.
2010-2011
8.) Facilitating the Arrival of the Persad Center in Erie, PA
The Persad Center, Inc. is the second oldest licensed mental health center specifically created to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. It is committed to helping LGBT and HIV+ individuals and the people who love them. As EGPI, our board members have worked with Persad to facilitate its arrival in Erie for greater LGBTA service here.
Feb. 2011
7.) Supported the Ecumenical Diversity Service at Community United Church
Annual LGBT Sunday celebration by Erie’s only Open and Affirming Christian congregation. EGPI board members attended, recognizing the importance of faith voices in LGBT equality efforts.
2010-2011
6.) Fundraiser for The Trevor Project and EGPI
A fundraiser at Kitchen 1201 for the work of EGPI, including a donation for the Trevor Project in light of the tragic string of teenage/young adult LGBT suicide in the fall of 2010.
5.) Co-Sponsor: Chautauqua LGBT Conference
In its second year, the Chautauqua LGBT Conference gathered attendees from New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. EGPI sponsorship helped to provide food and scholarships.
4.) Published: Community Voice
An LGBTA-focused newsletter, supplementing out-gay publications in Erie.
2008-2009
3.) Sponsored: “Come on Out”
Planned social events for the LGBTA community. Including attendance at sporting events, trivia nights, boat rides, picnics, and other community gatherings.
Nov. 2008 – Oct. 2009
2.) Sponsored: EGPI Fundraiser at the Directors Circle
A fundraiser for the work of EGPI, including a presentation of the murder-mystery play, Siblings.
2006-2009
1.) Sponsored: Erie Pride Rallies
Four years of Pride marches and rallies, including entertainment, vendor booths, which support LGBTA visibility in Erie.
