Erie pa gay bar
LGBTQIA Travel
Inclusivity and Protections for the Gay Community in Erie, Pennsylvania
Perfect Score on MEI - Capital of Erie
The Town of Erie has scored a ideal 100 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) three years in a row. The MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ people who live, work, and visit there. The MEI considers several vital factors including non-discrimination laws, LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, inclusivity of city services, law enforcement practices, and municipal leadership’s stance on equality.
Erie is one of only five cities in Pennsylvania to receive a flawless score. To learn more about the function and advocacy creature done in the City of Erie on behalf of the LGBTQ+ society, click here.
Legal Protections - Erie County
Erie County offers protections through its Human Relations Commission protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination at businesses countywide. The Erie County Human Relations Commission Ordinance affords individuals reasonable access to any common property, recognizing civil rights based on race, color, familial status, religious creed, ances
In The Zone: Popular bar has been the social hub for Erie's queer community for 25 years
The Zone Dance Club is Erie's only queer bar.
Founded 25 years ago for the city's gay and lesbian community, the bar at 133 W. 18th St. has rebranded itself as a queer bar that welcomes customers from the entire Queer alphabet and beyond.
"You can be who you are here," said Katy Russo, 29, of Erie.
Russo and friends Monica Harden, 28, and Zach Hoffman, 29, also of Erie, were at The Zone for a Pride Week drag show and brunch on Sunday. The three have been friends since high school, "when we were all still in the closet," Russo said.
Russo has been a regular at The Zone for eight years, "since my dad brought me here on my 21st birthday. He was a frequent visitor here and had a lot of drag queen friends — and he was a straight Polish man."
The bar
The Zone Dance Club is not a members-only club, in spite of its name.
The bar is open to ages 21 and older 365 nights a year, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., with a $5 cover charge on Friday and Saturday. Smoking is allowed — there are ashtrays strategically placed on the bar and on tables — though some special events, including quarterly queenly brun
Inside Erie's Beloved Queer Club, The Zone
Amidst the lethargic decline of male lover and queer bars nationwide, The Zone Dance Club in Erie has been a lively hub for the LGBTQIA+ community since 1998. Well-known for its welcoming aura, The Zone provides shelter and entertainment, including drag performances and weekly programming. "We are the only Queer social cosmos in the area," manager Anthony Gressley said. "While we target the Gay community, we welcome everyone."
Erie has been home to many gay and Gender non-conforming bars throughout our history, including The City Squire, Embers, the Silver Slipper, Washington Grill, and the Midtown Lounge. "Erie has had its share of gay bars, usually three at a time. It's only since The Zone that there has been only one," said Harry Miller, a contributor to the Erie Homosexual News.
The Zone has a deep history in Erie, start when former owner Bob Regan, who passed away in 2018, opened the club in Nov. 1998. Regan transformed The Embe
Looking for ways to connect? Want to celebrate our amazing community? Ready to jump in and gain involved? You've found the right spot!
This is your guide to everything NWPA Pride has planned. As we roll into Self-acceptance season and the sunny days ahead, we've got a great lineup of events. Find ways to meet wonderful people, back the community we all love, and just acquire a fantastic time.
Take a peek below and highlight your calendars - we can't wait to notice you there!
Meadville Pride on the Diamond
1PM - 5PM
Meadville Event on the Diamond: Unite us for drag performances, vendors, food, and a dance party hosted by Debbie Does Drag! Saturday, July 26th, 1 PM - 5 PM at Diamond Park. | Study More
32nd Annual Lgbtq+ fest Picnic at Presque Isle
1PM - 6PM
Gather with friends and family at the 32nd Annual Pride Picnic! NWPA Pride Alliance invites you to Presque Isle's Rotary Pavilion on Saturday, August 16th, from 1-6 PM (food 2-4 PM) for a day of collective and celebration. | Study More
Pride Day at Waldameer Park & Rain World
7AM - 11:50AM
Join NWPA Celebration for a fun-filled morning at Waldameer