We're So Excited

On February 21, the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County hosted its highly anticipated Love is Love Gala at the Desmond in Malvern. The event, now a beloved annual tradition, served as both a celebration of love and a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community in Chester County—something especially important during these turbulent times. This year’s theme, "Boogie and Bling: A Disco Ball," took the crowd on a fabulous journey back to the 1970s, where glitter, sequins, and funky grooves ruled the dance floor.

Attendees embraced the theme by donning their finest 70s outfits, from bell-bottom pants and platform shoes to sleek white suits and vibrant sequins that sparkled under the lights. Go-go dancers, dressed in dazzling attire, greeted everyone at the door, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Guests entered the ballroom to delicious passed hors d'oeuvres and a spectacular ‘70s soundtrack until dinner was served. 

One of the night's most touching moments was when the Equality Alliance presented its annual awards. This year, two individuals received recognition for their unwavering contributions to the LGBTQ+ community of Chester County—Bridgette Barbera-Byrne received the Community Partner award and Rhys Carter received the Volunteer of the Year award. Board members also shared sentiments about how this event positively impacts the community and what that support means during this uncertain political climate, bringing tears to the eyes of many guests who understand first-hand the importance of equality, inclusivity, and a safe, welcoming space.

The highlight of the night was when Roxanne Rohls and Ophelia Hotass took the stage for an iconic, show-stopping drag performance full of ‘70s and ‘70s-inspired hits that had everyone singing along. As the performance concluded, the dance floor officially opened, and guests of all ages—dressed to the nines in their disco best—hit the floor to dance until the house lights came up. 

The event also featured a silent auction, which brought in over $3,000 for LGBTQ+ services in Chester County. Of course, none of this would be possible without the night’s incredible sponsors Venerable, State Farm, and RE/MAX Main Line, showing their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all. A special thank you as well to Matlack Florist, PFLAG, Triton Soap and Skincare, and The Desmond for their in-kind donations that made this event such an incredible success. In total, over $14,000 was raised to support vital resources to members of the LGBTQ+ community in Chester County.

-Laura Preby

The LGBTea of Chester County: Community Partner Award

Next month on February 21st, The LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County (LGBTea) is hosting its annual gala, The Disco Ball: Boogie and Bling, at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern.

Each year, we honor a member or group within our community with the prestigious Community Partner Award.

In 2024, we were thrilled to present the award to Free Mom Hugs Pennsylvania - Philadelphia Chapter.

Free Mom Hugs is not just an organization; it’s a movement of love, compassion, and unwavering support. Throughout the 2023, they were a constant, uplifting presence at every LGBTea event, regardless of its size.

Whether offering hugs of all types, kind smiles, fist bumps, or even high waves (because hugs aren’t for everyone), the volunteers of Free Mom Hugs make you feel seen, valued, and embraced. Their dedication to showing up and inspiring others is why they were so deserving of this recognition.

But what drives this incredible group? What inspires these volunteers to give so selflessly of their time and love? To find out, I had the opportunity to interview three amazing huggers: Cindy, Jenn, and Kate.

The Heart of Free Mom Hugs

For Jenn, the journey began with her daughter’s coming out. “I’m not great with words, but I can fight with what I have—love and positivity,” she shares.

Cindy also found her way to Free Mom Hugs as a way to channel fear and uncertainty into pride and celebration. “It gave me a way to connect with others and show up for the community. It’s been life-changing.”

Kate, a queer mother herself, joined Free Mom Hugs to give back after her own challenging coming-out experience. “I didn’t have the support I needed in my late teens. Now, I want to ensure others feel celebrated and loved.”

Memories that Stay with You

Cindy recalls the moment at her first Pride event when someone yelled, “The moms are here!” and people ran to her for hugs. “It was a spark of joy mixed with the poignant emotions of those who needed love.”

The most unforgettable moments for Jenn, are when someone collapses into her arms, overwhelmed by the feeling of being truly seen.

Kate shared a touching memory of a nonverbal autistic teen who hugged her—a gesture his mother said he had never done with anyone else. “These moments remind us why we do what we do,” she says.

The impact of their work is felt deeply, not just by those they hug but by the huggers themselves.

More than Just Hugs

The mission of Free Mom Hugs extends far beyond physical embraces. “We’re here year-round, whether it’s attending weddings for those without family support, helping school GSAs, or offering pom-poms as portable hugs,” Cindy explains.

Jenn adds, “Even if you’re not a hugger, you can still make a difference. A smile or a wave can mean just as much.” Kate echoes this, emphasizing that love comes in many forms.

Join us at The Disco Ball

This year, we’re excited to once again honor a deserving member of our community with the Community Partner Award, and this year, we’ve added the Outstanding Volunteer Award. Who will receive these recognitions? Find out by joining us at The Disco Ball: Boogie and Bling!

-Taylor Jade

Original post

LGBT Equality Alliance: 2024 Year in Review

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on an incredible year of growth, connection, and progress for the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County. This year has been one of our most impactful yet, thanks to the dedication and passion of our community members, supporters, and volunteers. Here are some highlights from this transformative year:

Major Milestones Achieved

Fundraising: With the support of our generous donors, successful fundraising campaigns, and events, we raised over $60,000 exceeding our financial goals and ensuring continued support for our programs and initiatives.

Leadership: We expanded our board of directors, bringing on dynamic individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise. Their leadership has strengthened our vision and strategic planning.

Event Attendance: A whopping 20,000 people found their way into Phoenixville for PrideFest Chester County 2024.

Programming: This year, we introduced exciting new opportunities to connect and engage, including:

• Gayme Nights: A fun and inclusive space to unwind and connect with others in the community.

• Proud Readers Book Club: Offering a platform to explore literature that celebrates and amplifies LGBTQ+ voices.

• New Support Groups: Providing safe spaces for individuals to share experiences, find resources, and build community.

• Regular Office Hours: We are pleased to be open on Wednesdays and First Fridays from 3 - 7 p.m. and the last Saturday of the month.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The gains we’ve made in 2024 serve as the foundation of what’s to come. We’re thrilled to announce plans for 2025 that include:

New Events: We’re diversifying our event offerings to ensure there’s something for everyone in our community.

Mental Health Programming: Recognizing the importance of mental wellness, we’ll be launching targeted programs and resources to support mental health.

As we celebrate our successes this year, we also look forward with excitement to the opportunities ahead. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Here’s to an even brighter 2025!

Transgender Awareness Week

We are not a topic for debate or some headline in the news, we are more…

We are vital members of the communities where we live and work. From delivery drivers and engineers to doctors and retail workers, we contribute in countless ways—but above all, we are human.

As a delivery driver, every interaction with the countless people I meet each day gives me the opportunity to represent not only the company I work for but also the transgender community.

This provides a unique chance to break down barriers, as for some, I may be their first encounter with a transgender individual. It allows me to show that we are dedicated, hardworking, and here to make a difference—just like anyone else.

In a world where misunderstanding and misinformation persist, our visibility as transgender individuals is powerful.

We’re not just here to get by- we’re here to live freely, share our journeys, and encourage others to do more than just exist, but to live.

—Taylor Jade

Our statement about United Sports on October 31, 2024

“Make America Healthy Again: Save Women’s Sports” event being hosted by United Sports in Downingtown:

This event is anti-trans propaganda poorly disguised as “helping spread the word about voting.” The conscious choice United Sports made to host this event is an antithesis of United Sports claim that can be found on their website: “conduct within the facility should be in the spirit of good sportsmanship.” Sportsmanship referencing fair and respectful conduct of others. United Sports has made the decision to host an event that promotes anti-trans rhetoric, promoting beliefs that seek to further hateful rhetoric and harm members of our community. This is not a political rally. And this is not about a political party. This is about denying the humanity and rights of transgender individuals in our community. The choice to host this event shows us United Sports attitude towards its LGBTQ+ patrons and members of the community. Believe their actions. Trans rights are human rights. Make your plan to vote on Tuesday. Community members and patrons who have concerns about USTC hosting this event can send an email to USTC management at TvanBeuren@unitedsports.net.

Every Vote Matters: What’s at Stake for the LGBTQ+ Community this November

The upcoming November election holds significant implications for LGBTQ+ individuals nationally, in Pennsylvania and in Chester County. While the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County does not endorse or oppose any candidates or parties for office, we feel it is important to educate our community about issues that may affect the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s an overview of what’s at stake for the LGBTQ+ community, ongoing legislative developments and how you can make an impact. 

Project 2025

According to the ACLU, “Project 2025 is a federal policy agenda and blueprint for a radical restructuring of the executive branch authored and published by former Trump administration officials in partnership with The Heritage Foundation, a longstanding conservative think tank that opposes abortion and reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, immigrants’ rights, and racial equity. Project 2025’s largest publication, “Mandate For Leadership,” is a 900-page manual for reorganizing the entire federal government agency by agency to serve a conservative agenda.” Key policy points from Project 2025 include:

• Reversing or weakening existing LGBTQ+ protections, including efforts to dismantle non-discrimination laws, restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare, and undermine rights related to marriage and family

• New legislation that targets transgender individuals, restricts their participation in sports, and limits their access to public facilities aligned with their gender identity.

• Influencing the appointment of judges who are likely to rule in favor of conservative interpretations of the law, which can affect how LGBTQ+ rights are adjudicated. This includes appointing judges to federal courts and state benches who may be less supportive of LGBTQ+ rights.

• New laws and policies that could increase the likelihood of discrimination and marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people.

• Rescinding of new LGBTQ+ Title IX protections and dropping ongoing discrimination investigations. 

Current Legislative Landscape

We know that all of these changes to current protections are possible because of the amount of anti-LGBTQ legislation that has been introduced and/or passed at the state level throughout the country already. In 2024 alone, over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures. For example:

• Several states, including Arkansas and Tennessee, have passed laws restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. These laws often ban hormone treatments, significantly impacting the well-being of transgender youth.

• Some states, including Florida, have introduced or passed legislation requiring individuals to use public restrooms that correspond to their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender identity.

• Several states, including Mississippi expanded religious exemptions that allow individuals and organizations to refuse services to LGBTQ+ people based on religious beliefs.

Pennsylvania is Not Immune

In 2023, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed an extension of the state’s anti-discrimination law to protect LGBTQ+ people. The Philadelphia Gay News shared, “The Fairness Act, which would grant statewide anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ people, passed the Pa. House of Representatives in a 102-98 vote. Two Republicans joined 100 Democrats in voting for the bill, HB300, which now heads to the State Senate. It is the first time the bill has passed either legislative chamber in 47 years.” But, the Fairness Act has not been signed into law because the PA State Senate has not even brought the legislation up for discussion due to the political majority of the chamber. Wouldn’t it be great to elect a General Assembly that would protect LGBTQ+ people like the governments in California, Michigan and Minnesota? 

What Can You Do?

• Keep up with developments related to Project 2025 and other legislative initiatives that impact LGBTQ+ rights. Understanding these issues helps in advocating effectively.

• Engage with and support organizations like LGBT Equality Alliance that work with and advocate for the  LGBTQ+ community

• Engage in advocacy efforts, whether through contacting legislators, participating in rallies, or using social media to raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ rights. Stay tuned for details of our new Advocacy Committee coming soon.

• Talk to your friends and family about what’s at stake and encourage them to vote. Share this blog with them directly or on social media as a way to open up the conversation.

• Vote in local, state, and federal elections. PA has an election every year in spring and November. Supporting candidates who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights can help counteract negative impacts from initiatives like Project 2025.

Important Dates:
Deadline to register to vote: Monday, Oct. 21
Deadline to apply for a mail or absentee ballot: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Deadline to return mail or absentee ballot: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 (postmarks do not count)
General Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 am- 8 pm

For more information visit: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/vote.html

Written by Ronna Dewey, LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County board member at-large

The 19th Amendment: A Complex History and the Ongoing Fight for Equality

A Landmark Achievement

August 18, 1920, marks a pivotal moment in American history: the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. This landmark achievement was the culmination of decades of tireless advocacy, protests, and civil disobedience by suffragists determined to secure equal voting rights for women. Figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul are often celebrated for their roles in this historic victory.

A Movement Marked by Exclusion

However, the story of the 19th Amendment is also a tale of exclusion and racial discrimination. While white suffragists fought for their rights, they often sidelined and marginalized Black women and other women of color. Prominent suffragists, including some of the movement's most iconic leaders, made strategic decisions to exclude Black women from the movement, fearing that their inclusion would alienate white supporters and politicians.

Black suffragists like Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary Church Terrell, and Sojourner Truth faced not only gender discrimination but also the pervasive racism of the time. Despite these barriers, they continued to fight for the right to vote, recognizing that their struggle was intertwined with the broader fight for racial justice.

The Reality of Jim Crow

Even after the 19th Amendment was ratified, many Black women in the South were effectively barred from voting due to Jim Crow laws, literacy tests, poll taxes, and violent intimidation. It wasn't until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that these discriminatory practices were significantly challenged, allowing more Black women to exercise their right to vote.

The Importance of Unity

Today, as we reflect on the history of the 19th Amendment, it's crucial to acknowledge both the achievements and the shortcomings of the suffrage movement. The exclusion of Black women from the movement's successes is a reminder of the importance of intersectionality in the fight for equality.

In the current climate, where women's rights are still under threat, unity among all women is more important than ever. Issues such as reproductive, voting and LGBTQ+ rights, gender pay gaps, domestic violence, and workplace discrimination affect women across all races and backgrounds. By coming together, acknowledging past wrongs, and working towards a more inclusive movement, we can ensure that the rights of all women are protected and advanced.

Moving Forward Together

The fight for women's rights is far from over, and the legacy of the 19th Amendment serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. It reminds us of the power of collective action and the necessity of inclusivity. To honor Black and white suffragists who came before us and to ensure a better future for the next generations, we must stand together, united in our diversity, and committed to justice for all.

As we celebrate the progress made, let us also recognize the work that remains. Let us commit to an inclusive and intersectional approach to women's rights, ensuring that no woman is left behind. By doing so, we honor the full spirit of the 19th Amendment and pave the way for a more equitable and just society.

Conclusion

The history of the 19th Amendment is a complex narrative of triumph and exclusion. As we honor this milestone, we must also commit to addressing the injustices that have persisted. By coming together and supporting each other, regardless of race or background, we can continue to fight for the rights and freedoms that all women deserve.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we can ensure that the hard-won rights of the past are not only preserved but expanded to include and uplift every woman.