The Erie region celebrates and supports the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Intersexed and Ally/Asexual (LGBTQ+) community.
Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally, ALL are welcome!
Erie strives to be a welcoming, equitable, inclusive community where we celebrate our rich diversity of cultures. Everyone has their own individual set of talents, skills, and perspectives. We believe that the color of your skin, the language you speak, the part of the world you come from, the faith you practice, your customs, your sexual orientation, and your gender preference, all make you the unique person you are and that each and every person brings value to our community.
Plan a trip to Erie Pennsylvania and experience a relaxing, stress-free getaway filled with love and acceptance.
Photo credit: David Tamulonis
Perfect Score on MEI - City of Erie
The City of Erie has scored a perfect 100 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) two 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 important 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 perfect score. To learn more about the work and advocacy being done in the City of Erie on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, 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 public property, recognizing civil rights based on race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and disability of the person.
To learn more and read the ordinance, click here.
Sanctuary City - City of Erie
In 2023, Erie, PA declared itself a sanctuary city of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Read more here.
Annual and Regular Pride Events
Celebrate pride in Erie County at these events! For a more comprehensive calendar of LGBTQ+ events and gatherings, click here.
Erie Pride Parade and Pridefest - Celebrate Pride at northwestern Pennsylvania's largest pride parade each June! NWPA Pride Alliance hosts this and several other annual events, including Drive Your Pride at Presque Isle State Park, Erie Pride Picnic at Presque Isle State Park, and Erie Pride Day at Waldameer Park & Water World.
Queer Open Mic - Every third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Compton's Table, a sustainable organization where queer youth and young adults find community, are seen, valued, and affirmed. Hosted by Gwen Elaine. All queer performers are welcome!
Bears Do Dinner - Each month this group picks a new location around the area to enjoy a social dinner. The places and dates/times are based on a group majority and establishment hours of operation. Interested in learning more? Request to join the Facebook group and post a message for information and answers to questions.
LGBTQ+ Board Game Night: 1st and 3rd Friday of each month from 5-7:30 p.m. at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life. Gather with others to engage in some fun board games. Snacks are provided. This is a FREE event. Donations are welcome
Erie's Queer Happy Hour: Every Wednesday of the month, Oasis Pub. 6 - 9 p.m.
Supporting your LGBTQ+ family and friends is so much more than rainbow flags. It is about recognizing and remembering the struggles that the LGBTQ+ community has faced to achieve equal justice and opportunities. There are a number of local and regional organizations that advocate for and provide services to members of this community.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
Chances are, you are planning your trip to Erie. Why not download your free guide that's been put together right here, by those who know the region the best!