Lancaster couple celebrates LGBTQ Pride and honors heritage at White House (2024)

Visiting the White House twice is the highlight of two months of pride, reflection and dedication to push inclusivity forward for an East Hempfield Township couple.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in June are always special for Dr. Efrem Magtagnob and his husband, Damon Myers, but this year was extra special.

On Wednesday, Magtagnob, who is an elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and Myers attended the White House Pride Celebration. It was their second visit to the residence and workplace of the president of the United States in the last two months.

Magtagnob, 41, and Myers, 58, also attended the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Reception at the White House in May, where they met Filipino-American chef Cristeta Comerford, the first-ever Asian American White House executive chef.

“We had an incredible opportunity to connect with many remarkable Asian Americans from across the country, each established and successful in their respective fields,” said Magtagnob, an internal medicine specialist for WellSpan Health who practices in Lebanon County. “The experience was both inspiring and humbling, showcasing the diverse talents and contributions of the AANHPI community. It was our first visit to the White House, but hopefully not out last.”

Magtagnob also said that recognizing and celebrating Asian heritage in the local community is essential for keeping traditions alive and building a strong sense of identity.

“It helps people learn about and appreciate the diverse backgrounds we have in Lancaster and helps bring everyone closer together,” Magtagnob said. “These celebrations create a sense of pride and connection, making the community feel more united and culturally rich.”

“The Democratic Party this year decided to ensure their delegates looked like the country,” Myers said. “Efrem fit the bill and we've been so grateful for all the invitations."

Myers, director of analytics at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York, is a member of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission for LGBTQ+ affairs, is chair of the Lancaster County Democrats LGBTQ+ Caucus and is a member of the LGBTQ Caucus of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee.

Myers also serves on the Mission and Justice Committee at St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster city, where he helped coordinate a Pride service and vigil earlier this month. He also presented a Pride proclamation from Shapiro during the Lancaster Pride 2024 celebration.

Magtagnob, a native of the Philippines, and Myers will celebrate their 10th anniversary in October. They met through a dating app and married in 2014. A year later, Magtagnob applied for permanent residency in the United States. He became a citizen in 2021.

“Being sworn in by the Philadelphia office (of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) was an incredibly memorable experience and one of the proudest moments of my life,” Magtagnob said.

Magtagnob is also particularly proud this month.

“It’s a time to honor the history, struggles, and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals, recognizing the progress made while acknowledging the work still needed for true inclusivity,” Magtagnob said, referring to local events to back up his assertion.

“The incident around the library's Drag Queen Story Hour made it clear that while there has been progress, we still have a long way to go to ensure that all people can be themselves authentically without fear of hate or violence,” he said.

Emailed bomb threats traced to Nigeria, Africa, resulted in the evacuation of parts of downtown Lancaster on the day of a planned March 23 Drag Queen Story Hour at Lancaster Public Library.

Magtagnob noted that members of the LGBTQ+ community have died by suicide due to the daily struggles they faced in relation to their status as LGBTQ+. 

“These were sad, tragic and unnecessary losses,” he said. “So, while there is much to celebrate, the work is not done until all of these threats are neutralized, our laws have been updated to promote fairness, and everyone in our community feels safe being themselves.”

The recent dissolution of the Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition has also sent shock waves through the local community.

Myers was saddened by that news but does see positives here and across the state.

“It was a labor of love for all who were involved,” Myers said of the Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition, “and while it seems clear this chapter is closed, I am confident the individuals involved will find other places to channel their passion. “

“The LGBTQ+ community is struggling nationwide, but the broader community in and around Lancaster has made it clear that there is room for us here .... Lancaster Pride was an amazing success this year and likewise through my work with the Governor's Advisory Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs, I do see hope and love winning out in the long run.”