The Erie Gay News non profit began as an idea to formalize the decades of work done behind the scenes into going beyond the articles and photos. Creating the EGN non profit allows us to assure we can continue into the future with your support. EGN will continue as both the print and online resources for the NWPA Region. One of our first endeavors was celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first ever Family Photo on the steps of the Erie Courthouse in 1995. Three decades later, so many people turned out and helped us make this happen.
It takes energy and time to bring folks together to advocate for each other. The EGN non profit officers appreciate you, our supporters. Together we bring decades of experience in event planning and journalism. You can help us in various ways, from volunteering at future events to making a financial donation that will cover ongoing costs for not only the EGN as well as our endeavors to uplift others.
Learn more about our officers below:
Rex Apps (he/him) began his involvement with the EGN by volunteering at the monthly folding/distribution parties. This then led him to contribute to the publication with writing and photos. Rex has previously served as an officer with the NW PA Pride Alliance from 2021 to 2024. He studied English at Gannon and is our Secretary for the EGN non profit.
Michael Kenton Mahler (He/Him) has been the editor of Erie Gay News since it was founded in December 1992. He is also a founding member of NWPA Pride Alliance. He serves on the Governor’s Commission for LGBTQ Affairs and is active with Aging with Pride and the Erie County HIV Task Force. He became the first LGBTQ person to be fully out in May 1992 when appearing on local TV coverage. Michael is our Treasurer for the EGN non profit.
Gary Snyder (He/Him), has been involved with Erie Gay News submitting articles since 2005 and began coordinating the Annual Pride Picnic kitchen in 2008. He currently serves as an Advisory Board member of the NWPA Pride Alliance [since 2012]. From 1999 to 2012 he was an active member and then executive officer of the non-profit Burgh Bears social club in Pittsburgh, PA. Currently Gary is employed by the Erie County Department of Health, serving as a community member of the HIV Planning Group in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Along with advising the NWPA Pride Alliance Board, he chairs the Erie County HIV Task Force, serves on the Erie Gay News Editorial Board, and is the President of the AFSCME Union Local 2666. Gary is our President for the EGN non profit.
Bobbie Fenno (She/Her) joined as a contributing editor in 2025, and was been involved with Erie Gay News as a folding volunteer previously. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, a certificate in Project Management, and an Associate’s in Information Technology. Bobbie is also an active member of the LBT Women of Erie group and was also a board member for the NWPA Pride Alliance for four years (2021-2024). Bobbie is our Vice President for the EGN non profit.