Tyler Titus speaks on International Transgender Day of Visibility
Tyler Titus explains the importance of International Transgender Day of Visibility and why it is important here in Erie.
- The goal of the Compton’s Table nonprofit is to provide a safe space and support services for queer and gender-nonconforming people in northwestern Pennsylvania.
- Funds raised will support services like rent assistance and name changes amid increasing community need.
- The event will feature drag performances, an auction, and the announcement of a new fund for young queer people.
With the challenges the queer and transgender community encounter, Tyler Titus, founder of Compton’s Table said that the arrival of its fall fundraiser event is an annual welcoming tradition.
The second annual Compton’s Table Gay-La is scheduled to take place at the Erie Art Museum at 20 E. Fifth St. on Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Titus says that all funds from the Gay-La will go toward supporting the free services they provide to the Erie community.
“More people are needing to reach out to Compton’s for rent assistance, name changes and more,” Titus said. “We’ve seen a big impact on … the entry barrier even in the workforce. So that’s how we’ve had to show up and pivot even more. It puts more emphasis on us raising more money from this gala.”
What is Compton’s Table?
Compton’s Table is a nonprofit located in Erie that curates a safe space for queer and gender-nonconforming people.
The nonprofit works to create a thriving queer community in northwestern Pennsylvania where queer individuals are seen, valued and affirmed while imagining a region where queer individuals are welcomed to show up as their whole selves.
What will the Gay-La entail?
Anyone planning on attending “Witch, Please: A Queer Gay-La” can expect a fun and safe environment, according to organizers.
All food and drink options will be provided by local vendors. The night will include performances by local drag queens Debbie Does Drag and Shea D’Heaux, dancing, an auction filled with queer artist-submitted pieces and awards including “safest place in Erie.”
Personal safety measures for the event are in place with security cameras and a security team, Titus said.
“The Erie Art Museum has been phenomenal,” Titus said. “They are well aware of the political climate and know we just want a safe event.”
New fund to honor Compton’s Table advocate
In addition to established awards, Titus says that Compton’s Table is announcing a new fund to honor an advocate to Compton’s mission.
“We will also announce a new fund in honor of a phenomenal advocate who has not only been pivotal for Compton’s but is involved nationally and was involved in some of the national riots that happened to protest for queer rights,” Titus said.
The fund will focus on making sure that young queer people will have access to safe and affordable housing, assistance getting into technical school or college programs, and to help remove as many barriers as possible for them to live a safe and successful life.
Titus did not disclose more information on the fund as full details will be revealed at the Gay-La.
Battling barriers and discrimination
Titus says events such as this Gay-La are important is because it shows unity while battling discrimination and hate.
“Throughout history, there has always been someone who has been identified as the villain or bad guy,” Titus said. “They are the scary ones that are making everyone’s life horrible. For whatever reason, this administration has decided to make the villain trans people.”
Titus said they are seeing trans individuals having issues with medical records being subpoenaed, difficulty getting passports and access to birth certificates and the National Crisis Help Line being cut. However, Titus said the support from the Erie community is a different story.
“There are a lot of people in Erie who are wrapping their arms around queer people, especially our young people, to make sure they feel seen and protected and uplifted,” Titus said. “This gala just goes to show one of the biggest resistances is laughter and celebration and having a good time. You can’t erase us.”
Titus continued, “We know how to survive as we are resilient, and we deserve moments like this where we come together to celebrate community. There’s way more that connects us rather than separates us and that includes this gala.”
Titus says the best way they can fight back against discrimination and hate is by being present and speaking up. That’s where events and fundraisers come into play.
“By taking up space and refusing to be silent,” Titus said. “We will not back down, we will not be quiet. We want the people who don’t have access to being their authentic selves to be able to step into their full truth. By being visible, by being present and by having so many allies wrap around us, it creates a pathway and safe way for people to come out. It shows us who they are and stands in truth.”
If you go…
- What: Compton’s Table Gay-La
- When: Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Where: Erie Art Museum at 20 E. Fifth St.
- Tickets: $40 per person for sale online at zeffy.com. Titus said online ticket sales are brisk and the event likely will sell out. The fundraising event sold out in 2024 and the 2025 tickets are halfway to a sellout through mid-September.
- More information: Compton’s Table Facebook event page.
Contact Nicholas Sorensen at Nsorensen@gannett.com.