Category Archives: Uncategorized

5 ways allies can support LGBTQ family, friends

Supporting LGBTQ people is essential for fostering inclusivity, equality and understanding — and it’s just the right thing to do.

Here are five impactful ways allies can step up and make a difference:

1. Educate yourself

As an ally, it’s crucial to invest time in understanding LGBTQ history, issues, and terminology. This includes learning about different identities and experiences within the community. By becoming knowledgeable, you can challenge misconceptions, provide accurate information, and show genuine respect for LGBTQ individuals’ experiences. This education not only helps you become a better ally but also fosters a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

2. Speak out against discrimination

Discrimination can take many forms, from subtle comments to overt actions. Allies should actively confront and condemn homophobic, transphobic, and discriminatory remarks or behaviors. This involves challenging offensive jokes, biased comments, or unfair treatment in various settings. By speaking out, you help create a culture of accountability and support, making it clear that discrimination is unacceptable. Your voice can be powerful in driving change and fostering respect.

3. Support LGBTQ rights

Advocacy plays a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ rights. Allies can participate by voting for inclusive policies, supporting legislative efforts, and joining campaigns that promote equality. Additionally, supporting LGBTQ organizations through donations or volunteer work helps sustain crucial services and initiatives aimed at improving the community’s well-being. By standing up for LGBTQ rights, you help create a society where everyone is treated equally under the law.

4. Create inclusive spaces

Making every environment inclusive and welcoming for LGBTQ people is essential. This involves implementing and promoting policies that ensure safety and respect, using inclusive language, and celebrating LGBTQ identities. Whether in workplaces, schools, or social settings, inclusive practices help LGBTQ individuals feel seen, valued, and safe. As an ally, your efforts to create inclusive spaces can significantly impact the lives of those around you.

5. Listen and offer support

Being an active, empathetic listener is one of the most important ways to support LGBTQ individuals. Offer a non-judgmental space for them to share their experiences and feelings. Providing emotional support, affirming their identities, and respecting their confidentiality fosters trust and demonstrates genuine allyship. By simply listening and offering your support, you contribute to their sense of acceptance and belonging.

America is not safe for LGBTQ people

Despite advancements in LGBTQ inclusion, many still lack safety at home. By the end of 2023, 75 of 500 anti-LGBTQ bills nationwide became law, coinciding with a five-year high in hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals in 2022.

Here are some key highlights of SafeHome.org’s third annual state safety ranking, which uses legislative analysis and FBI hate crime data:

  • Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Delaware earned A+ grades for their strong pro-equality laws and low hate crime rates.
  • South Dakota, Florida and Wyoming received F grades due to high discriminatory laws and hate crimes. Florida, notably, fell from the 15th-lowest safety score last year to one of the worst.
  • Nearly 50% of states passed new anti-LGBTQ legislation in 2023.
  • Hate crimes against LGBTQ people rose 10% between 2021 and 2022, with a 40% increase against transgender individuals.
  • While 59% of LGBTQ people feel safer due to state laws, 89% believe federal action is necessary for full protection.

The ranking, based on the opinions of 1,000 LGBTQ Americans and information from the Human Rights Campaign, considers parenting freedoms, criminal justice rights, non-discrimination rights, youth protections, and health laws, alongside FBI-reported hate crime frequencies.

Top safe states

  1. Rhode Island: Highest safety grade due to comprehensive protections and low hate crime incidence.
  2. New Hampshire: Low hate crime rates and strong equality protections.
  3. Delaware: Early legalization of same-sex marriage and extensive LGBTQ protections.
  4. Alaska: Elected openly LGBTQ legislator and proposed anti-discrimination bills.
  5. Hawaii: Strong legacy of LGBTQ friendliness and inclusive laws.

Worst states

  1. South Dakota: High rate of hate crimes and many anti-equality laws.
  2. Florida: Drastic decline due to harsh new laws like “Don’t Say Gay.”
  3. Wyoming: Few pro-equality laws and high hate crime rates.
  4. Ohio: High hate crimes and recent “Don’t Say Gay” law.
  5. Alabama: Poor legal environment with many anti-equality laws.

Eclipsing expectations: My homeownership journey in Erie

For nearly a decade, I had this crazy idea: Owning a home in Erie before the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse.

Yeah, I know, sounds like an odd and unattainable goal.

But hear me out.

At first, it was just a joke I shared with a friend.

Then, life got real in 2020. Pandemics tend to do that to you.

Suddenly, I realized I needed to take charge and make my dreams happen.

So, in 2023, I took the plunge and found a job with an Erie-based company.

As the eclipse drew closer, I could see this goal in sight.

And, in 2023, with some smart moves, a great real estate agent and a sprinkle of luck, I became an Erie homeowner.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the eclipse was my cosmic reward for adulting.

But hey, it sure feels that way. And seeing Erie in the limelight for something other than lake-effect snow (which I love, btw)? Priceless.

So, here’s to chasing dreams, embracing change and snagging a slice of the American dream before the sun’s shadow steals the show.

Cheers to Erie, and cheers to eclipses — they’re not just for werewolves, you know.

Ikea cuts popular discount with rewards card

Ikea is dumping the 5% discount customers currently receive on all purchases with an Ikea Family rewards card.

The company says it’s ending this benefit because, beginning in November, Ikea plans to “refocus” its efforts on “new lower price” offers on “hundreds of products across our range that emphasize everyday affordability.”

All currently enrolled Ikea Family rewards members can continue receiving the 5% discount through Jan. 31.

The discount applies to furniture and decor.

The company has been lowering prices and indicating when those prices were lowered.

Ikea’s 5% discount began in September 2022.

Other popular retailer Target has a similar discount that is tied to its Red debit and credit cardholders.

Target customers who have a Red card can receive a 5% discount in its stores. The company began that program in 2010.

A Cracker Barrel gift shop // Todd Van Hoosear

Are Millennials going to be blamed for Cracker Barrel’s slow demise?

I thought the period of time when Millennials killed everything had ended.

But, apparently, I was wrong.

Cracker Barrel — the country-themed restaurant known for heavy portions and the gift shop — is in the midst of a generational divide.

A majority of its guests (43%) are 55 and older. But the chain’s ever-important 65 and older demographic has not returned to its pre-COVID-19 levels, Cracker Barrel says.

And, apparently, RestaurantBusinessOnline.com thinks all it takes for Millennials is fried pickles and build-your-own-breakfast: “Millennials, lured by build-your-own breakfast and fried pickles, are visiting more often. But the chain’s important 65-and-over demographic remains slow to return.”

Despite raising prices by 8.7%, the company says the price hike, alone, did not contribute to a “meaningful” decline in traffic (3.2% during the third quarter).

Instead, company leaders believe Cracker Barrel’s traffic decline is related to the broader restaurant industry decline in customers.

Even before COVID-19, Cracker Barrel was never on my radar as a place to eat.

When I think of Cracker Barrel, the immediate first thing that comes to mind is having to wait 20 to 40 minutes for a table. When I was younger, the few times we did go, the wait to get a table felt like a purposeful trap to get people to browse the gift shop. (The gift shop is fun, but not when you’re hungry.)

In addition, the meals just always seemed heavy. So much food. So much heavy food on your stomach.

And, as a Millennial who doesn’t eat meat, the Cracker Barrel menu no longer even entices me. It’s meat on top of meat on top of country-style foods with big portions and loads of butter.

I can get great diner-style food at Eat’n Park that caters to my meal preferences for a great price. And it’s food that won’t make me feel guilty later on.

Earlier this year, Eat That Read This put together a story detailing the Cracker Barrel menu items to not get on your next visit to Cracker Barrel. Zero items on this list surprised me.

But I do like the gift shop.

Photo: A Cracker Barrel gift shop // Todd Van Hoosear