Local Community Resources & Support
Connecting you with vital services and support networks directly within Erie County and its immediate vicinity. Use the categories list to quickly jump to specific types of resources.
Categories
Advocacy & Community Centers
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Erie County Human Relations Commission
Administers the Erie County HRC ordinance to ensure equal opportunities in employment, housing, and public accommodations for all, including LGBT individuals.
(814) 451-7021
Also: Legal Services
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Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE)
GEAE is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies in Northwestern Pennsylvania. They work to strengthen the community's voice, improve quality of life, and provide educational programs, social events, and advocacy efforts.
(814) 229-1974 | info@greatereriealliance.org | PO Box 522, Erie, PA 16512
Also: Education & Youth Services, Social & Support Groups
Pride Organizations & Events
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An organization associated with Erie Black Pride, highlighting intersectional community efforts to "Get Involved!" with the LGBTQIA+ community in Erie.
eriepride365@gmail.com
Also: Advocacy & Community Centers
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A key organization in uniting and celebrating the Queer community in Erie and Crawford Counties. Its mission is to enhance visibility, foster unity, and promote acceptance through a variety of diverse events and programs. Hosts major Pride events, "Queer Open Mic" and "Erie Queer Happy Hour" events.
(814) 314-9075 | info@nwpapride.org | PO Box 11448, Erie, PA 16514
Also: Social & Support Groups
Publications & Media
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The primary print and online news resource specifically targeted to GLBT individuals in Erie and the surrounding regions of Northwestern PA, Western NY, and far Eastern Ohio. Features an extensive directory of resources, community news, and information.
(814) 456-9833 | info@eriegaynews.com | 1115 West 7th St, Erie PA 16502-1105
Queer-Owned / Affirming Businesses
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A tattoo studio located in Erie, listed as an LGBTQ-friendly establishment.
(814) 314-9652 | Gentleone444@gmail.com | 5006 Iroquois Ave, Erie, PA 16511
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Celebrated as Erie's only dedicated Queer bar, positioned geographically between Cleveland and Buffalo. Provides a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, offering entertainment. Actively partners with community organizations.
info@thezonedanceclub.com | 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA
Also: Social & Support Groups
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VisitErie features several "Partner Spotlights" on its dedicated LGBTQIA travel webpage, recognizing businesses as LGBTQ-friendly and welcoming establishments. Examples: U Pick 6, ASCEND Erie, Five Iron Golf, Oliver’s Beer Garden, Mazza Vineyards, The Cove Bay-Side, Tia Book Cellar, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales.
Also: Social & Support Groups
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Whee! Studios is a queer-owned and operated graphic design and web development studio. Specializing in inclusivity and creativity, the studio creates impactful branding, visual identities, and marketing materials for businesses and organizations. They focus on delivering high-quality solutions that capture the unique essence of each brand.
patrick@wheestudios.com
Arts & Culture
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Dramashop is a non-profit community theater in Erie, PA, dedicated to challenging and entertaining audiences through unique theatrical experiences. They focus on new and contemporary works, offering performance opportunities and fostering a vibrant arts community.
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A prominent community theatre in Erie, PA, dedicated to enriching lives through high-quality theatrical productions and educational programs. The Erie Playhouse values community engagement, artistic excellence, and strives to foster a welcoming environment for all participants and audiences.
(814) 454-2852 | info@erieplayhouse.org | 13 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501
Also: Queer-Owned / Affirming Businesses
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PACA (Performing Artists Collective Alliance)
PACA provides a vibrant hub for the performing arts in Erie, PA, offering a unique venue for various theatrical, musical, and artistic events. They foster collaboration among artists and aim to enrich the cultural landscape of the community.
(814) 790-8800 | info@paca1505.org | 1505 State St, Erie, PA 16501
Education & Youth Services
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Compton's Table is a non-profit organization in Erie, Pennsylvania, dedicated to creating a safe, affirming, and empowering community for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. Named in honor of the 1966 Compton's Cafeteria riot, a pivotal moment in transgender activism, the organization works to eliminate systemic inequity and empower queer youth and young adults to be agents of change. They offer programs like "True North," an independent living program for queer youth, and partner with local businesses to raise funds for their initiatives.
(814) 580-8185 | info@comptonstable.org
Also: Mental Health Services
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Gender and Sexuality Equality Club (GASE) - Penn State Behrend
A student club at Penn State Behrend that promotes a safe and accepting atmosphere for exploration and dialogue around gender and sexuality.
behrendgase@gmail.com
Also: Social & Support Groups
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A student organization at PennWest Edinboro (formerly Edinboro University) serving LGBTQ+ students.
Also: Social & Support Groups
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Penn State Behrend - Services for LGBTQ+ Students
Offers services including all-gender restrooms, LGBTQ+ career resources, and LGBTQ+ affirming health services through the campus Health Center. The Educational Equity & Diversity Office provides support.
814-898-7101 | DiversityBehrend@psu.edu | 1 Reed Union Building, Erie, PA 16563-1701
Also: Medical Services, Social & Support Groups
Housing & Homelessness Support
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Erie City Mission (Men's shelter)
Provides emergency shelter services for men. King's Kloset, a clothing service, is also available.
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Erie County Department of Human Services - Housing and Homelessness
Utilizes funding from various sources to support homeless and housing programs. Serves as Erie County's Collaborative Applicant for the HUD Continuum of Care Program and HMIS Lead. Primary point of contact for the Coordinated Entry system.
814-SHELTER (814-743-5837); 814-451-6000 | hsinfo@eriecountypa.gov | 154 West Ninth Street, Erie, PA 16501
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Mercy Center for Women (Women's shelter)
Provides emergency shelter and support services for women and children.
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The Erie Community Foundation - LGBT Fund Grants
This fund supports projects that address various needs within the LGBTQ+ community, explicitly including youth homelessness and housing equality. Grants are awarded to Erie County 501(c)3 organizations or those partnered with a fiscal sponsor.
Also: Advocacy & Community Centers
Social & Support Groups
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Aging with Pride Monthly Support Group (Erie)
A monthly group offering a safe and comfortable space for older LGBT individuals (50+) to find support, friendship, social opportunities, and engage in discussions on issues relevant to seniors (medical/health, housing, legal/financial, discrimination, disabilities, social isolation).
(814) 455-4009 | daleallgeier@outlook.com
Also: Senior Specific
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Erie Sisters & Brothers Transgender Support Group
Established in 1991 as the Erie Sisters, this long-standing group expanded its name and mission to welcome and serve the entire transgender community, including male-to-female (MTF), female-to-male (FTM), genetically or biologically intersexed, and gender-neutral individuals, as well as their spouses and significant others.
(440) 265-8191 | shub1@suite224.net
Also: Transgender Specific
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A series of community-building picnics for transgender individuals and their allies in the Erie area, providing a safe, inclusive, and joyful space for connection, fellowship, and celebration.
Also: Transgender Specific
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A social and support group specifically for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women in the Erie area. Active since 2008 and is open to suggestions for events and activities.
(814) 490-3994 | eriebeans@yahoo.com
Also: LBT Women Specific
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A social organization based on Facebook.
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Live and Let Live - AA Meeting
A support group for individuals in recovery, offering a safe space for discussion and mutual support.
(814) 844-2600 | 1603 W 32nd St, Erie, PA 16508
Also: Recovery Focused
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A vital organization supporting the transgender and gender-expansive community, as well as those questioning their gender, their loved ones, family members, and allies across Northwestern Pennsylvania. Operates peer-to-peer support groups, engages in advocacy, provides education, and addresses discrimination. Holds regular meetings in Erie and Meadville.
(814) 314-9328
Also: Transgender Specific, Family Support
Faith-Based & Spiritual
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Community United Church is an open and affirming congregation in Erie, PA, dedicated to radical hospitality and justice for all. They actively welcome and celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals, offering inclusive worship, community outreach, and opportunities for spiritual growth.
(814) 864-4429 | 1011 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508
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A Lutheran congregation in Erie, PA, dedicated to serving God and neighbor. They strive to be an inclusive community welcoming all people, offering worship, fellowship, and various ministries.
814-864-6831 | mclcoffice1603@gmail.com | 1603 W. 32nd St., Erie, PA 16508
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The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul is a welcoming and affirming congregation in Erie, PA, committed to radical hospitality and inclusivity for all, including the LGBTQ+ community. Their values emphasize belonging, compassion, and justice.
contactus@cathedralofstpaul.org | 134 West 7th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania
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A Reform Jewish congregation in Erie, PA, dedicated to fostering a warm, inclusive, and welcoming community for all individuals and families, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, through worship, education, and social action.
814-454-2426 | Office@taherie.org | 5401 Old Zuck Road, Erie PA 16506
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Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie
A Welcoming Congregation that actively affirms and includes LGBTQ+ individuals. They support LGBTQ+ justice and equality, host inclusive community events, and conduct same-sex weddings, striving for full inclusion in all aspects of congregational life.
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Whispering Lake Grove, ADF, is a Neopagan Druid fellowship based in Erie, PA, providing open-to-the-public ritual worship for high days, educational programs on ADF Druidry, and a welcoming community for like-minded individuals exploring Irish Celtic, Norse-Teutonic, and other Indo-European Pagan traditions.
Medical Services
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A healthcare provider with a location in Erie, offering various health services.
(814) 453-4718 | 3530 Peach St. Suite 120, Erie, PA 16509
Also: Sexual Health Services
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Central Outreach Wellness Center (Erie)
A holistic, multicultural healthcare organization with a strong focus on serving LGBTQIA+, HIV, and Hepatitis C communities. Services include primary care, HIV prevention (PrEP/PEP, ART), comprehensive STI testing, gender-affirming care, Hepatitis C testing, mental health services, and HRA & Anal Pap Smears. Emphasize culturally humble care.
(814) 619-4009 | 3104 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Also: Sexual Health Services, Mental Health Services
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A provider of medical services in Erie. Recognized as a donor to the NWPA Pride Alliance, suggesting community support.
(814) 455-7222 | chnadmin@community-healthnet.com | 1202 State St, Erie, PA 16501
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Erie County Department of Health (ECDH)
The local public health authority for Erie County, PA. Provides services including information and confidential testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases through its Sexual Health Clinic. Also operates a Family Planning Center.
(814) 451-6700; (814) 315-3375 | 606 W 2nd St, Erie, PA 16507
Also: Sexual Health Services
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Penn State Behrend Health Center
The campus health center at Penn State Behrend strives to provide high-quality healthcare to its sexually-diverse and gender-diverse student communities within an environment of inclusivity and respect.
Sexual Health Services
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Central Outreach Wellness Center (Erie) - Sexual Health
Offers comprehensive sexual health services including confidential STI and HIV testing, access to PrEP and PEP, ongoing HIV care and treatment, and Hepatitis C testing and treatment. Emphasizes a culturally humble and affirming approach for the LGBTQIA+ community.
(814) 619-4009 | 3104 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Also: Medical Services
Mental Health Services
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ABCs of Building Better Lives (Mary Lynn Rote)
Counseling services.
(814) 825-2930 | buildingbetterlives@gmail.com | 4320 Dexter Avenue, Erie, PA 16504
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Dale Allgeier, LCSW (Lake Erie Counseling Associates)
A Clinical Social Worker and Therapist specializing in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including individuals, couples, and families. Facilitates the "Aging with Pride" monthly support group.
(814) 259-8219; (814) 455-4009 | daleallgeier@outlook.com | 1932 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505
Also: Social & Support Groups
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Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, LLC
Founded by therapists who identified a need for trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and LGBTQ+ sensitive mental health services in the Erie community. Offer individual and group therapy. Received grants to support counseling for LGBTQ+ teens.
(833) 487-5769 | 201 West 11th Street, Erie, PA 16501
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Life Balance Counseling And Wellness
Counseling services.
(814) 479-8826 | mtorrellilpc@gmail.com | 823 Filmore Avenue, Erie, PA 16505
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Mental Health Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania
Provides advocacy and support for mental health.
Also: Advocacy & Community Centers
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NAMI Erie County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Provides mental health support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. While not exclusively LGBTQ-focused, it is an important community resource for mental wellness.
(814) 456-1773 | info@namierie.org | 1611 Peach St, Suite 218, Erie, PA 16501
Also: Advocacy & Community Centers
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A Pre-Licensed Social Worker (LSW) offering online-only therapy. Provides compassionate, trauma-informed care and explicitly states a commitment to inclusive care, proudly working with LGBTQIA+ communities, individuals in diverse relationship structures, and those seeking sex-positive, body-positive, or kink-affirming support.
(814) 962-8691
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A mental health provider.
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Stairways Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic
Provides outpatient mental health services.
(814) 454-5686 | 2910 State St, Erie, PA 16508
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Counseling services.
(814) 746-4307 | ThriveTherapySpace@gmail.com | 3910 Caughey Road, Suite 200, Erie, PA 16506
Crisis Intervention & Helplines
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Crime Victim Center of Erie County
Provides a full continuum of free and confidential services to victims and witnesses of any type of crime, including sexual assault, homicide, assault, robbery, and abuse.
814) 455-9414
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Crisis Center at UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor opened in 1993 with a promise to provide quality behavioral health care to the people of Erie County. Since that time, the Crisis Center has grown to meet the needs of diverse groups facing a range of mental health challenges.
General Info: 814-459-9300 | Crisis Services: 814-456-2014 or 1-800-300-9558 | 2560 W. 12th St. Erie, PA 16505
Also: Mental Health Services
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Provides free and confidential direct services to victims of domestic violence, including sanctuary, support, education, and advocacy. Can be a critical housing resource for those fleeing abusive situations.
(814) 455-1774; Hotline: (814) 454-8161
Also: Housing & Homelessness Support
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A peer-to-peer, non-crisis, telephone support service for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
1-877-550-4007
Also: Mental Health Services
Legal Services
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A to Z Law Erie is a female-led intergenerational law firm owned & operated by a mother-daughter team of experienced, compassionate attorneys & peacemakers.
(814) 452-4451 | assistance@atozlawerie.com | 402 W 6th St. Erie, PA 16507-1216
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Identified as an LGBTQ friendly resource.
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Provides specialized LGBTQ assistance, with a strong focus on family law, including adoptions, alternative reproduction matters, and termination of parental rights. Emphasizes the vital importance of legal counsel for protecting children, interests, and assets for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Pennsylvania.
(814) 452-4451 | 402 W 6th St., Erie, PA 16507-1216

Zanele Muholi
If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it will mean that I'm shortchanging myself.