Letter: Honor the pioneers of Erie's LGBTQ+ movement for justice and equality

Erie Times-News
Updated ·2 min read

Take time to honor Erie's LGBTQ+ pioneers

On May 16th we celebrate National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day. This day is a time to recognize pioneers of the LGBTQ+ movement for justice and equality and to highlight the challenges that remain today. Many LGBTQ+ older adults are at high risk for elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation due to factors such as social isolation, solo aging, past experiences with violence, harassment, and discrimination.

People ride the Erie Insurance antique fire engine during the Erie Pride Parade in Erie on June 24, 2023. Thousands turned out for the parade and subsequent Pridefest events as State Street was closed from 12th Street to North Park Row.
People ride the Erie Insurance antique fire engine during the Erie Pride Parade in Erie on June 24, 2023. Thousands turned out for the parade and subsequent Pridefest events as State Street was closed from 12th Street to North Park Row.

It is time to pay tribute to those who have paved the way for the LGBTQ+ rights and freedom that we have today. Erie has been fortunate to have had numerous elders work on these issues. These individuals include LGBT Community Progress Award winners Harry Miller and Doris Cipolla, as well as Sister Mary Louise St. John who was a founder of the Womynspace Coffeehouse which became LBT Women of Erie. It is time to thank them and the many others not listed for the strides towards equality made over the last several decades. As with other civil rights movements, their work has not been easy. Their struggles and victories are marked by courage, persistence, and passion.

In recent years, LGBTQ+ elders have been instrumental in encouraging the Erie City Council to designate Erie as a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ citizens. Actions like these foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for all Erie citizens. Please celebrate all these individuals on May 16th.

Raising awareness about LGBTQ+ elders, recognizing their accomplishments and struggles, is an important part of National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day. However, it is also important to highlight the needs of those who helped propel the LGBTQ+ equality cause for resources such as health care, counseling, and social services to support them as they age.

Our elders include marchers, protestors, flag wavers, supporters, and cheerleaders who came together to embrace and encourage the movement. But there are also people from every walk of life, doctors, politicians, educators, business leaders, and military personnel who have served as mentors and true trailblazers, risking security and personal safety daily to propel the LGBTQ+ movement forward.

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Please take a moment this May 16 to remember and thank the people who came before us to promote equality for all LGBTQ+ people in Erie and northwestern Pennsylvania.

Submitted by Aging with Pride: Aging with Pride, an organization of senior LGBT+ members and allies, develops and sponsors social/recreational and educational events to promote healthy leisure activities, community, and an active, enjoyable lifestyle.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: May 16th is Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day