1980-1989

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

The Freedom Newsletter was a joint publication of MCC Harrisburg and MCC Lancaster. It contains news from both a parishes and a calendar of events. 

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

The Freedom Newsletter was a joint publication of MCC Harrisburg and MCC Lancaster. It contains news from both a parishes and a calendar of events. 

Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC) was created in 1991 as a non-religious, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and social organization in the City of Lancaster. The Coalition was instrumental in getting sexual orientation non-discrimination protection added to the human relations ordinance in 1991, and in creating a new city Human Relations Commission to enforce the ordinance in 2001. The Coalition dissolved shortly thereafter.

The Lancaster Inqueery was the PTC newsletter. Notable articles in this issue are: 

• ''Human Relations Ord. Update''

Marths ''Marty'' Tornblom was born in Utah and was raised in the greater Salt Lake City area as a member of the Mormon Church. She decided to get a degree in education, which led her to teaching. She moved with her family to Harrisburg in 1980, and that began her involvement in the local community and her work around HIV/AIDS. Tornblom started off as a volunteer in the South Central AIDS Assistance Network (SCAAN) in their Buddy Program, which paired a volunteer up with someone who had HIV/AIDS to be their support when needed. She later worked as the Prevention Educator for the organization.

This collection covers materials related to Tornblom's time with the South Central AIDS Alliance Network (SCAAN).

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

The Gayfolio, which after two issues later became The Link, was a gay community newspaper published by MCC Harrsiburg. The main article in this issue is "Election '81 Analysis: Did the gay and lesbian vote affect the outcome?" There is also news about local MCC chapters. 

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

The Link, which was previously titled the Gayfolio, was a gay community newsletter published by MCC Harrsiburg. Note worthy items in this issue are: 

• "Market Square arrests prompt action" (pg. 1) 
• "Pennsylvania NOW Lesbian Caucus Update" (pg. 10)
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Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

The Link, which was previously titled the Gayfolio, was a gay community newsletter published by MCC Harrsiburg. Note worthy items in this issue are: 

• "San Francico will host Gay Olympic Games" (pg. 1)
• "PL/GSN strives to improve conditions for gays" (pg. 9)

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

This newsletter members are updated as to why there has not been a newsletter for a while due to support of the community newspaper, The Link, a calendar of events for April, and general updates. 

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

This newsletter a calendar of events for October was provided, an update on the parish partitioning for Study Group Status, and notifications for a formation of a Lesbian support group and a support group in Williamsport. 

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

This newsletter provides a calendar of events for the month of September and and update on how the parish is doing as an organization.  

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

This newsletter gives a general summary of events int June and July, gave a summary of the parishes discussion on "Inclusive Language," which was a topic at a recent discussion meeting, and provides a calendar of events for the month of August. 

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

This newsletter gives a general update of May's events. 

Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.

In this newsletter a fundraiser is discussed, a round table dicussion was held on minorities in the Gay Community, and a calendar of events for the month of May was provided.

Opened in 1966 in the small town of Spring Grove, PA, Altland’s Ranch was the first official LGBTQ+ bar in the York area, and was the longest running LGBTQ+ bar in the county. Altland’s Ranch was abspace for the LGBTQ+ community to make their own. It was known for hosting drag balls, discos, and particularly Halloween parties.

Altland’s Ranch became more than just a party space, it was also a space for LGBTQ+ community groups to use for programs and became a type of community center for the LGBTQ+ community in the York area. Altland’s Ranch closed in 2016.

Peg (Stoppard) Welch was born in December 1951 near Chester County, Pennsylvania. Peg was a young mother of two and worked at various jobs until joining Parents Without Partners where she met her second husband, Phil. With his help, Peg was able to graduate from Millersville University with a degree in social work, and later worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters, the United Way, the YWCA, and Planned Parenthood. At the YWCA, Peg met her future wife, Delma Welch. Peg was an active member in York Area Lambda, helped to establish the Lesbian Alliance, and was involved in activism to get LGBT ordinances passed with the York City Human Relations Commission.

Delma Welch was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Cardiff, Maryland. Delma began going to National Organization for Women (NOW) meetings in 1975 after becoming interested in feminism. After being in a relationship with a man for 23 years, she met her future wife, Peg (Stoppard) Welch, at the YWCA. Today, Peg and Delma live in York, PA.

These audio recordings are copies of mixed tapes that a Harrisburg resident made in the 1980s for the former La Rose Rouge Bar at 400 North Second Street.

Founded in the early 1970’s, Northeast Pennsylvania Gay Alliance (NEPGA) was a major LGBTQ+ group in northeast Pennsylvania. The newsletter was used to relay monthly meeting minutes and upcoming events.

Publicity materials for the Rainbow Mountain Resort where Pride '82 was hosted. 

Program for Pride '80, a statewide gay rights conference. 

Invitation poster for Pride '80, a statewide gay rights conference. 

Lesbian/Gay Fundraiser at Rosmary's for Pride '80 featuring Sharon Ettinger. 

Lesbian/Gay Fundraiser at Rosmary's for Pride '79 featuring Rainbow's End. 

Brochure and Registration for Pride '80, a statewide gay rights conference.

Exhibit Booth registraion form for Pride '82, a statewide gay rights conference.