A group of advocates are planning a Harrisburg rally in late October to pressure elected officials to protect rights for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians.<\/p>\n
Organizers say they\u2019re holding the Oct. 26 event to demand equal rights and access to gender-affirming health care and to shield same-sex marriage. These steps, they say, are all the more important in a time when protections are being rolled back.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe basic rights of LGBTQ+ people are under vicious attack every day across our state and nation,\u201d Jason Landau Goodman, board chair of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress, said in a statement. \u201cThat is why we are coming together to demand action from our government officials.\u201d<\/p>\n
‘Courageous’: Erie father remembered for winning landmark case over same-sex adoptions<\/a><\/p>\n What are the event details?<\/p>\n The event planners say it will begin with a march around the capitol at 1 p.m. Oct. 26. After that, attendees will rally, with speakers to be announced.<\/p>\n Organizers say they are coordinating buses and carpool transportation so as many people can participate as possible. They\u2019ve released a sign-up form so people can opt into updates<\/a>.<\/p>\n More: Erie hospitals issue cautious statements about providing gender-affirming care<\/a><\/p>\n What do organizers hope to accomplish?<\/p>\n The groups involved say they\u2019re demanding action to make sure LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians have equal access to housing, jobs, health care and public spaces.<\/p>\n They\u2019re also condemning health networks, including UPMC<\/a> and Penn State Health, for no longer providing gender-affirming care to minors<\/a> in response to pressure from the Trump administration.<\/p>\n