"There is only one thing that is stronger than a woman, and that is a group of women, supporting, helping, and befriending each other..."

I am sad to say I'll be leaving Erie to move to Pliladelphia! I have been very priviledged
to know all of you! I hope you will stay in touch, and I'll be watching the internet to see you continue developing the community that you want for yourselves. My best wishes, Barb Sebring
Gay pride

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Advocates of gay pride have used history to point to oppression as well as differing levels of acceptance of homosexuality throughout history. The ancient Greeks did not conceive of sexual orientation as a social identifier, as Western societies have done for the past century. Greek society did not distinguish sexual desire or behavior by the gender of the participants, but by the extent to which such desire or behavior conformed to social norms. These norms were based on gender, age and social status. "Lesbian" derives from the name of the island of Lesbos,which was famous for the poet Sappho, who wrote love poetry to female lovers. Homosexuality in the ancient Roman Empire is considered to have been widespread but was tempered by the complex social systems of the society.
During Medieval times all forms of sexuality began to be repressed by the church as the idea of heaven and hell gained popularity. As technology fell behind simple luxuries such as clean running water and proper sewage became a thing of the past. This caused horrible conditions and disease. People began to believe that they were suffering from the wrath of God, blaming immorality. Any and all forms of homosexuality became not only shameful but punishable by death.

19th century movement in Germany

At the turn of the century in Germany there was an early gay rights movement akin to today's Gay Pride movement. Lead by Magnus Hirschfeld, this movement sought to educate the public and to bring about the repeal of Paragraph 175, a provision of the German Criminal Code begun on the 15th May, 1871, which made homosexual acts between males a crime.

Notable figures in contemporary history

Part of the gay pride movement honors past LGBT figures who prospered despite persecution for their openness and coming out of various perceived closets. There have been notable figures that have fought for or involved themselves in gay rights, or their right to live their lives as they saw fit. Oscar Wilde is amongst the more famous for his writings as well for his imprisonment for the "love that dare not speak its name". Quentin Crisp also battled societal norms to live and love without the fear of arrest. Author of The Naked Civil Servant he has become an icon and camp figure within LGBT communities and symbol of gay pride for many.

The Holocaust

During World War II as Nazi Germany began its domination of Europe many people found themselves being rounded up and sent to concentration camps. Genocide or the mass murder of numerous groups was undertaken. Homosexuals were one of these groups with gay men being marked with a pink triangle badge while lesbians were most often designated with a black triangle.

Modern history of movement
Stonewall riots

The Stonewall riots are generally considered to be the beginning of the modern gay rights movement.

The 1970s

Gay Liberation Front and Gay Activists Alliance in the early post-Stonewall era, coordinated the first year anniversary rally and then the "Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day March" on June 28, 1970 to commemorate the first year anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion.[15] First year anniversary marches organized by other groups were also held in San Francisco and Los Angeles in 1970.
Brenda Howard also originated the idea for a week-long series of events around what is now known as Pride Day; this became the first of the extended annual LGBT Pride celebrations that are now held around the world.
In New York and Atlanta the annual day of celebration to commemorate the Stonewall Riot came to be called Gay Liberation Day; in San Francisco and Los Angeles it was called Gay Freedom Day. Both names spread as more and more cities and towns started holding similar celebrations.
The 1980s



You have made a connection to the lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women of Erie, Pennsylvania. On the pages of this website you will find out all about us, our beginnings, up - coming events that we have scheduled.

You have also found a great resource for social support and professional referrals specifically for like-minded women and the life challenges that many of us face.

Because this website is a wiki, you too can make your own contributions. Once you have joined the site, you can add your thoughts, start a discussion, suggest an activity that you would like to enjoy with the women of your communty,or offer your own special talents!

It has been a long time coming, but we are organizing our community in our home town. In addition to this website, we have an email list at http://womynspace.eriegaynews.com. Sign up for the mailing list and receive announcements regarding events, and current projects we are working on together.

A community does not develope by itself. That requires effort on the part of the members of the community, whether it be as a leader or as a participant. Participation can take many forms. You can participate even as an observer - when you contribute your fedback, input, or support to the activities and efforts of other women in your community who are standing up, being seen, or simply getting together. The strength of a community comes from its numbers, so any effort, no matter how small, adds to the strength of the group as a whole. A strong local lesbian community will serve you, in return. There will be many friends right here for you - if you contribute a little of yourself. There will be many resources right here for you - if you contribute a little of yourself. So give a little effort, either by joining this website, or by joining the e-mail list at womynspace, or by posting a comment here, or by attending one of the gatherings of the lesbian women. Enjoy what so many other women already are enjoying in other cities - their own community!