Amazing end to an amazing week....

Last night, the week culminated in a candlelight vigil honoring the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard. We had a wonderful lineup of speakers including: Rev. Martha Munson , Dr. Cyndy Anderson, Bob Holmes, Chris Campf, Nicole Peterson, Brian Wells, Diana Shaheen, Kim Welter, Rev. Jim Ray, and a musical tribute by Rob Joki.

Personally, I was moved by every single one of the speakers. Each of them did a wonderful job providing information and sharing personal experiences.

Here are a few pics of the speakers...




After the speakers were done there was a moving performance by Robert Dennick Joki and a candlelight vigil. Here are some pictures...


Oh yeah there was a dessert buffet and I must say GRAPES + CREAM CHEESE + CRUSHED UP BUTTERFINGERS = "OH NO SHE DIDN'T" I think I personally ate about 4 lbs of that!


Here are some pictures of the COME OUT DANCING event from the night before.



(***I just wanted to say that this was a celebration of the GLBTQ community & our AMAZING allies, so I must include this disclaimer appearance on this website does not imply sexual orientation, if any one's picture appears on this blog and you would like it removed please contact us and we will remove it immediately.****)

Pride Week...

It is hard to believe that Pride Week is more than half way complete. The events that I have attended for the Mahoning Valley Pride Week have been emotional, educational and enlightening. For me, the thing that I have felt the most is a feeling of unity. At a few of the events I have heard the phrase used, "You are family." To me that phrase has left a lasting impression. More than one attendee has said that they were worried about feeling like an outsider, but after that they said that they were welcomed and it was apparent to them that we were all a family.

If you can make it to any of our events we urge you to do so. I guarantee that you will leave feeling educated, proud, and with an overwhelming sense of family.