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News

Give OUT Day - Join Us!

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Saturday, 27 June 2020 16:06
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

give out 2020

LGBT Fresno will participate in Give OUT Day, the only national day of giving for the LGBTQ community. The 24-hour online fundraising event brings together the LGBTQ communities and their allies across the United States. Give OUT Day 2020 takes place on June 30, 2020, from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm Eastern. Last year, Give OUT Day raised nearly $1 million to support LGBTQ nonprofits.

The marathon event, which began in 2013, sees thousands of people making gifts to support a diverse cross-section of LGBTQ nonprofits across the country, leveraging social media for support and outreach. The technology platform is provided for free and hundreds of nonprofits have leveraged it to attract new donors, motivate their boards and other supporters, and raise their visibility.

Donate on June 30th

OR make your donation now, it all counts!

Last year we were #2 in our category and received a $1,500 prize!
Let's hit #1 this year!

Calling all volunteers!

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Monday, 15 June 2020 15:11
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

The LGBT Fresno fireworks stand reopens July 1st to July 4th and our volunteer need is extremely dire, especially July 4th. If you are able to join us for one (or more) of our shifts, from: 9:00am-1:30pm, 1:30pm-6pm or 6pm-10:30pm (or any combination) please use this signup form or email/text/call. You can also see the facebook event for more details and the booth location.

Your safety is important to us! Safety measures implemented:

Facial masks will be provided (and are required to be worn at all times).
Facial shields will be provided for volunteers who are interacting with customers.
Hand sanitizer available.
Social distancing will be implemented, as much as possible.

FAX & Clovis Stageline stops close by. Uber rides available to those without transportation.

 

Signup to Join Us!

Kampout 2020 canceled

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Sunday, 14 June 2020 10:04
  • Written by Janet
  • Email

I know that many of you are wondering about Kampout this year in the midst of the COVID pandemic. The Kampout Committee has been closely monitoring the situation since our main priority is keeping you safe and healthy.

Sadly, we have to announce that Kampout 2020 has been cancelled. Due to Forest Service orders, campgrounds are closed, and the state and county are restricting gatherings to less than 50 people.

We want you all to know that we are ready to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Kampout next year…and we hope to see you all there, happy and healthy.

Greetings from Fresno County Public Library

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Sunday, 14 June 2020 10:02
  • Written by Mark Halvorsen
  • Email

A pride book cover display in the window of the Fig Garden Regional LibraryGreetings from your local Fresno County Public Library,

We miss seeing the LGBTQ community and their allies at our events during this pandemic crisis. As we celebrate PRIDE month, you all are on our mind.  We know that our world has been turned upside down, but we want to share with you they your library is still here.  Until we can greet you face to face again, we still have many other ways that we can serve you during these times.

Many of you are tasked with learning new technology or job skills while practicing social distancing.

Some of us are working remotely; many more are seeking employment.  Free access to the database LYNDA is a perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills or learn something entirely new.

Lynda is a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.

Courses offered in LYNDA range from Photoshop and Adobe, to web development and marketing.  You’ll find many different courses in one convenient platform. Track your progress, create playlists, and more!  We’ve helped numerous people benefit from these training options, and hope you will find this helpful as well.

If you’d like to explore our online resources, or you simply desire a book in hand, our vast database can be found on our website; fresnolibrary.org.  In addition, walk-up, curbside checkout, mobile printing and other select services are available.  Hours of service and options vary from branch to branch, please call your local branch to find out hours and services before you go.

Our databases of online resources are free to use, but they do require having a library card number. A few even require being inside the library to be able to use it. If you don’t have a library card at this time, please call your local branch or call our main number (559) 600-7323 (READ) to have a card made for you over the phone.  Details on how to acquire these and more can be found on our website:

http://www.fresnolibrary.org/

Feel free to call your local branch with any needs or questions as well.  We miss you, and thanks for continuing to be our patrons during this difficult time.

Stay safe and we hope to see you soon!

Pride in the time of COVID-19

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Friday, 05 June 2020 07:17
  • Written by Catherine Harris
  • Email

A year without Pride is absolutely unthinkable! Even COVID-19 can not stop the outpouring of love and celebration that Pride season brings out in us. Your favorite pride celebration may have been cancelled, but there are plenty of virtual events still planned for this Pride season.

Chances are, if there is an event you have always wanted to join, there is a virtual event that is in the planning stages by that organization. Look at the websites, social media pages or give that organization a call to find out what is in the works for a virtual event. If you are not able to attend an event but you want to support an organization, please consider donating funds.

Whatever you can contribute helps to support the long-term sustainability of organizations, making sure that they are able to continue their mission through this pandemic and afterwards.
GlobalPride2020 is an organization that was launched on April 1 st of this year in order to help ensure that everyone, everywhere gets to celebrate diversity and equality and take part in Pride events. The organization representing the U.S. is InterPride, a major force in increasing the visibility of the LGBTI+ community and awareness about pride. InterPride has maintained a living document of pride events since at least 2012, aptly named PrideRadar, available through their website. 

frp quarantineFresno Rainbow Pride will be having their Quarantine Edition pride event on Saturday, June 6th, from 12pm to 3pm, streamed live on Twitch.

New York City is commemorating its 50 th year of Pride marches, so you better believe they are going to have an over-the-top celebration that, thankfully, will be accessible to us in the central valley via technology.

Don’t give up hope on being able to attend a Pride event in person this year. Once the stay at home orders get released, there will be plenty to celebrate! Physical spaces may look different from years past, but the community connection and love that we share surpasses any mask, plastic barrier or social distance.

There are Pride events that were scheduled for this spring and early summer that have rescheduled to later this year and there are events that are regularly scheduled during the fall that are still considering going on as scheduled, albeit with precautions in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The first Pride of the Americas, celebrating Pride from all of the different cultures and communities in Alaska all the way down to Argentina, was scheduled to be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this April, but has been rescheduled to Fall 2020. Plans for this incredible inaugural international festival include a 5k run, beach parties, a runway fashion show, conferences, symposiums, an award banquet, and of course a parade and fireworks!

Provincetown, MA, holds their Family Week and Carnival in each August. The Las Vegas Pride Parade, which ends on Fremont Street, takes place each October. Closer to home, here in California, there are many, many Pride events that are held later in the year. Laguna Beach has a Pride parade in August. San Jose and Silicon Valley have Pride events in August.
Chula Vista, Los Angeles and Pasadena all have their own Pride events in September. Halloween is not that far away and there are fun Pride events then: West Hollywood and Los Angeles have Halloween Carnival on October 31 st . Out@Magic Mountain and Gay Days @Disneyland are also planned for the fall months. These are just some of the many great opportunities to connect with others and share your pride that are still tentatively planned to take place over the remainder of this year.

Remember: You are not alone! You are part of a community! Stay hopeful!
Connect! Be safe! And stay strong!

We're in this together

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Tuesday, 31 March 2020 13:18
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

We Miss You Green Hearts

All of us at LGBT Fresno miss seeing, interacting and supporting you during this challenging time.

We will resume support and social services just as soon as it is safe to do so. We are still for you via social media, email and text/phone.

Several resources we hope you will utilize until physical distancing is over are:

Online NA meetings. Online AA meetings.

Our Friends at Fresno EOC Sanctuary LGBTQ Resource Center are providing daily virtual meetings:

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12pm to 1pm - 18 and older. 2pm to 3pm - 17 and under. 4pm to 5pm - 18 and older. 5:30pm to 6:30pm - 17 and under. 7pm to 8pm - AA meeting

-Download the Zoom app (it's FREE!) on your phone or computer
-Enter the meeting code located on the flyer or here: 937 458 8733 (AA meeting only code is 284 131 529)
-Familiarize yourself with the platform before hopping on the call, specifically where the mute button is located
-You do NOT have to share your video if you don't want to

Coronavirus Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Tuesday, 31 March 2020 11:20
  • Written by Carolina Castaneda
  • Email

20 0305 opa coronavirus microIt has been nearly three weeks since the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) was confirmed in Fresno. Even with the shelter-in-place order in effect, the number of confirmed cases are rising. As of March 30, 2020, the Fresno County Department of Public Health has confirmed 53 positive cases (Galaviz, 2020). Health officials anticipate the number to keep rising and urge Fresno residents to stay inside to stop the spread. Although there is concern for the general public’s health, many officials are urging more attention to those in the community who are more susceptible to contracting the virus. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) those considered to be at high risk for contracting COVID-19 include:

  • People aged 65 years and older
  • People with chronic lung disease
  • People with moderate to severe asthma
  • People with serious heart conditions
  • People who are immunocompromised (those with cancer and HIV/AIDS)
  • People who are pregnant (CDC, 2020)

An article by the National LGBT Cancer Network addressed LGBTQ+ people’s concern for being at higher risk for COVID-19. According to medical professionals, LGBTQ+ people who are at higher risk are those who use tobacco, are HIV positive, and who have cancer. They explain that members of the community “use tobacco at rates that are 50% higher than the general population” and have “higher rates of HIV and cancer” (Dizon and Jesdale, 2020). These factors leave an individual more vulnerable to the virus. The article also mentions that LGBTQ+ people experience health disparities that affect the impact that COVID-19 has on those members in the community (Dizon and Jesdale, 2020). Health disparities is defined as the difficulty that certain groups experience in having access to health care and high quality of care because of their race, socioeconomic status, age, sexual orientation or gender identity (Healthy People, 2020). This definition reflects the hesitancy people in the LGBTQ+ community may have in utilizing health programs or receiving medical care for fear of being harassed or discriminated against. It is an important factor that people should consider in their efforts to ensure the health and wellbeing of every individual during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important now than ever, for all people to take the precautions to protect their health. It is of equal importance to consider the health of others, especially those who are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. According to the CDC, individuals should clean hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, practice social distancing of at least six feet, and to constantly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces to avoid the spread of the virus (CDC, 2020). If you develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately and avoid contact with others.

Stay informed about COVID-19 in Fresno and the Central Valley by visiting Fresno Bee for updates.

LGBT Fresno launches Support Group

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Saturday, 29 February 2020 14:02
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

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Peer to Peer 21+ Support Group
First Saturdays of each month, 4PM - 6PM
Free, Monthly, No RSVP Required
Ages 21+
Location: Fresno Spectrum Center, 2817 N. Blackstone Ave. Fresno, CA. 93703

LGBT Fresno's Peer to Peer Support Group is a nonjudgmental support group for all LGBTQ community members. The group welcomes people of all genders, including cisgender, transgender, gender non-conforming, androgynous, genderqueer, and other gender identities.

The group seeks to build a stronger community and to increase the visibility and support of all who fall under the LGBTQ umbrella. Closeted or out, monogamous or polyamorous, all are welcome to join as long as other members of the group are treated with respect and compassion. The ultimate goal of the group is to help foster a warm, supportive community of friends.

A Legacy of Hope

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Friday, 21 February 2020 14:17
  • Written by Shana Kaspian
  • Email

Todd Nelson 1968-2019Most of us hope, in whatever small way, we will have contributed to a better world by the time we leave it. Before Fresno resident and human rights activist Todd N. Nelson passed away, he decided to leave a legacy for the causes he cared about most. At a time when the burden of illness would consume many, Todd was considering how he could improve life for others.

Four years ago, after his father died in 2016, Todd realized his home and his health were deteriorating. He reached out for help from his aunt Joyce Rosenwald and her partner Jan Bateman who live in Corvallis, Oregon. The couple helped to arrange health care and assure Todd's home was livable.

They provided him with emotional support and acceptance through his most challenging moments, then agreed to guide him through the process of creating a will and trust. Todd became interested in establishing a trust that would include donations to the organizations he valued. Due to his disabilities, Todd had been on a fixed income for most of his life, limiting the funds he could offer charities. However, after his father passed away, he was left with an inheritance to share.

Todd's desire to leave a legacy became more urgent as his health declined. On March 27, 2017, with the assistance of an attorney, Todd established a trust that would allocate 10 percent of his estate to the LGBT Community Network (the non profit that encompasses LGBT Fresno) and 10 percent to the Human Rights Campaign. This unexpected, comparatively large donation came from an individual who grew up with many challenges.

A life-long resident of Fresno, Todd was born in 1968. From birth, he was profoundly hard-of-hearing. He was adopted as a one-year-old by Roger and Joni (Joyce's sister) Nelson. His parents divorced, and his mother died when he was 14. Todd struggled with recurrent depression and social isolation throughout his life. In early adulthood, a diabetes diagnosis became an increasingly severe problem. 

Joyce remembers Todd as a "sweet, shy child." She believes that his sexual orientation presented further obstacles to his connections with others. Coming out and engaging in LGBT causes was a gradual process for Todd. The internet became a welcome tool, allowing him to learn about and connect with human rights issues.

Eventually, he reached a point where he was comfortable with his identity and wanted others to be as well. "He wasn't very public, to begin with," Joyce stated, "but more recently, he was proud of being gay." Given Todd's limited connections with LGBT people, Joyce and Jan were undeniably beacons of courage for him. He could count on them to look out for him as they looked out for themselves.

Joyce and Jan met while both were teachers in Albany, Oregon. They became casual friends and often participated in the same community softball and teachers' bowling leagues. One day they realized that they had found soul mates in each other. In May 2014, after three decades together, Joyce and Jan were legally married on Kauai in a small family ceremony. Why did it take so long? 

Laughing, Joyce recalled, "Jan kept asking 'Will you marry me' and I always responded, 'Why ruin a good thing.'" Oregon legalized same-sex marriage that month, so their timing was impeccable. The two are enjoying their home, retirement, traveling, attending sports events, and a relationship that has not been ruined by their marriage. 

They are also missing their nephew. Todd passed away on March 4, 2019. He was buried at the Chapel of the Light in Fresno, where both of his parents are interred. Todd requested this as his final resting place so the family would be, in his words, "together again." He is buried in the rose garden next to his dad. "We are missing Todd, but we don't miss his suffering. The last three years were very hard for him," Jan said.

While reflecting on this time in Todd's and their lives, Joyce and Jan said they would be eternally grateful for the kindness, generosity, and expertise of countless Fresno residents. The couple explained that caregiver Brandon Stephens, lifelong friend Nancy Richardson, realtor Carmela Nyberg, and attorneys Ruth Lind and Stefanie Krause, provided incredible support.
The legacy donation provided comfort, as well. Todd felt pride in knowing that part of his estate would continue to ensure others might not have to wait a lifetime to feel a sense of hope. "I think he would like to be remembered as a gay man supportive of all gay rights," said Joyce. Jan added, "He was very concerned about human rights. He just felt that rights were rights, and all people should be taken care of."

Any donations offered in Todd's memory should be made to LGBT Community Network and the Human Rights Campaign. 
For more information on leaving a legacy donation in your name, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Why I’m audaciously idealistic (I think)

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Monday, 10 February 2020 14:46
  • Written by Micah Escobedo
  • Email

optimisticWe're in the midst of unprecedented disruption, and there's no guarantee that we'll make it to the next century or even mid-century. Institutions are more fragile than we had hoped. The news cycle is a batshit 24-hour cycle of gaslighting by the president and far-right government. Objective facts and reality are questioned to the point of tragic parody.

And yet, I'm hopeful for the future.

I can't explain it, especially at a time when we appear to be going backward at breakneck speed. That hope compelled me to move across the country. It pushes me to keep going, to keep fighting. In other words — it drives me forward on a daily basis. I refuse to let it die, no matter what overpaid pundits or prophets of doom may say.

Of course, I could cite the statistics that show how we're better off now than we've ever been à la Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now. I could mention the fact that this era of instability and transition presents a golden opportunity for transformative change, or that renewable energy's proliferation and global climate ambitions increase by the year, making the worst-case climate scenario less likely as time goes on.

But that's not why I have hope. It isn't really a numbers thing. I've thought a lot about this since Trump won and my sense of optimism was shaken to the core. In one night, much of what I thought I knew about our progress as a country crashed like a house of cards. I felt numb. I, along with millions of others, was terrified of what a Trump presidency actually meant. I basically had a mini-nervous breakdown in the shower the next morning and continued to feel like a zombie for several days. To this day, thinking about November 8, 2016 almost feels like I'm reliving a trauma.

Why do I keep the faith alive? What's the use? Maybe I really am naive or delusional, and maybe the jaded-asshole process is still ahead. Maybe it's because I grew up with a belief that I had a duty to live for a purpose bigger than myself. Even though I'm no longer religious, that framework still largely stands. Whatever it is, I keep coming back to the fact that I have an unshakable belief in the human spirit. I know — it sounds ridiculous and corny. But it's true.

Despite the chaos of current events and our collective existential dread for what lies ahead, I won't stop believing—fighting—for a future that I know we can reach. We've defied the odds since our species emerged from Africa 200,000 years ago, and we always seem to come through fires more resilient than before.

We're all part of a story that transcends each of us. Progress is a continuous, generational struggle, one with frequent setbacks. It's maddening when it happens and easy (even natural) to feel like it's all been in vain. It isn't until we step back and see the 30,000-ft. view that we realize how far we've come. My own compulsion to explore boundaries and connect to consciousness is innate in all of us. I know it is.

No matter what 2020 has in store, the beat goes on.

Legalizing gay marriage has caused a dramatic drop in LGBT suicide rates

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Friday, 31 January 2020 21:05
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

Rainbow flags in front of supreme courtIn June 2015 The Supreme Court of the United States declared same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.

The legalization of gay marriage granted over 1100 statutory provisions to same-sex couples, many of them granting rights and privileges previously only afforded to heterosexual couples.

However, the law didn't just benefit same-sex couples who want to get married, it also had a dramatic affect on LGBT youth.

The study was conducted with over 26,000 LGBT youth participants in the 32 states where gay marriage was legalized up through the 2015 Supreme Court decision. The study found that suicide attempt rates dropped 7% among all students and 14% among gay kids after same-sex marriage was legalized in each state.

Ellen Surprises Fresno State Cymbals Player

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Wednesday, 22 January 2020 16:19
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

Ellen shocked Fresno State University student Travis Morris, who recently went viral with a video of him enthusiastically playing the cymbals in his marching band. Travis talked about how he began playing the instrument, and Ellen gave him a much-needed gift.

Drag Bingo returns Feb 1st

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Sunday, 26 January 2020 12:00
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

fresno drag bingoThe Fresno Spectrum Center has Drag Bingo tickets for $10, advance sale. $15 at the door. Proceeds to benefit The Fresno Spectrum Center and Our Saviour's Lutheran church. VIP Tables available, Brunch available for additional purchase. For details call: Fresno Spectrum Center 559-319-8471

 

February 1st 2020 - 11am - 3pm

Our Saviour's Lutheran Church

2101 N Fruit Ave, Fresno 93705

LGBT Board Game Night

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Monday, 30 December 2019 10:55
  • Written by Jose Hernandez
  • Email

Photo with a table covered in board gamesIt can be incredibly hard to make friends, whether you've just moved to a new city or you are just trying to widen your circle, it’s not easy to find people who you can relate to.

That’s why LGBT Fresno hosts various events throughout the year, including a game night every month for LGBT individuals and allies to come together, meet new people and make friends.

The board game night is a twice monthly event for people to have fun playing games and meeting other community members. There are handfuls of games for people to try and plenty of snacks and drinks to enjoy. Games such as Uno, Coup, and Spyfall are available, but there are plenty of other games. Tasty snacks such as cookies and chips are also available for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a board game lover or a casual player, there are fun games of different genres for everyone to enjoy.

On top of board games, occassional raffles are offered where anyone who comes is eligible to win prizes!

It can be intimidating to go to an event where everyone is a stranger, but as soon as you walk in through the door, Kevin greets you with friendly smile and is eager to help welcmoe you. Others welcome everybody with open arms, and pull a seat for you to jump right in. They walk you through the game, if you have never played, and happily explain the rules.

Hosted on the first Wednesday of every month: Fig Garden Regional Library from 6pm to 8:30pm.
Hosted on the third Thursday of every month: Fresno Spectrum Center from 6pm to 9pm.

You can expect to play more fun games and see the same friendly faces. Won't YOU join us?

Read more: LGBT Board Game Night

Thanks for a great year!

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Sunday, 29 December 2019 10:33
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

We'd like to send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has joined us at events throughout 2019.
This fabulous group of folks joined us at our free Holiday Dinner Party this month.

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Won't you join us at our upcoming events?

LGBT Fresno "adopts" two families this holiday season

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Saturday, 21 December 2019 10:23
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

Thanks to those who have supported us over the year, we were able to "adopt" two families this holiday.

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Thank you and please consider joining us as we begin 2020!

Support your community during Giving Tuesday

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Sunday, 01 December 2019 13:50
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

75456740 2906659736035661 4256491338284924928 n#GivingTuesday is Tuesday, Dec. 3! Can you help LGBT Fresno meet its goal of raising $1,500? It will help pay for support and social services, referral services, events and more that are desperately needed for the most vulnerable LGBT+ community in the Central Valley. Each year we help to fight oppression and lift community members out of social isolation. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Facebook will match all #GivingTuesday donations you receive, doubling your efforts! Ask your Facebook friends to help you raise a relatively small amount, such as $200; if many of our supporters start Facebook fundraisers, we will reach our goal!

Thank you!

https://www.facebook.com/fund/LGBTFresno/

Chosen Family Holiday Party

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Saturday, 30 November 2019 09:39
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

lgbt fresno holiday party
Join us for a fun filled evening of food, friends and games!


This is a no cost event to provide a safe and supportative place for our LGBT+ community to be together and celebrate with friends.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019 from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Yosemite Falls Cafe
4020 N Cedar Ave
Fresno, California 93726

Dinner and non alcoholic drink provided.
Please bring a wrapped gift for our white elephant gift exchange.

Our friends from Fresno Spectrum Center's Drag Bingo will be calling bingo games! No cost to play.

Reservation is required.

Fabulous Christmas Tree Lane Walk

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Saturday, 30 November 2019 09:26
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email

xmas tree lane 2019
Tuesday, December 3rd : Starbucks in Fig Garden
(704 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93704) at 5:30pm, begin walk at 6pm.

Come enjoy the Holiday season with your fellow LGBTQA+ members. As a group we will walk the lane and wear Santa hats. Come early so you don't miss out. We will meet at Starbucks in Fig Garden (704 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93704) at 5:30pm. Look for Sal, holding a "LGBT Community Network" sign! We'll leave and walk across to start at 6pm when the lights turn on each night. We might walk half or whole...the goal is whole. Walk nights happen rain or shine so mark your calendars!

The walk is free but, donations are welcomed and can be made on the walk to Christmas Tree Lane.

Check out www.christmastreelane.com for more information.

FriendsGiving with LGBTFresno

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Tuesday, 19 November 2019 10:12
  • Written by Jason Scott
  • Email
Once again, join us as we'll have an entire party room as our safe environment. There will be plenty of tables and space! Please ask at check in to be directed to the private room. There will be a Greeter to check you in and hand out your rainbow ribbon pendant and have fun and food with us! Thanks to #DaveandBustersfFesno #LGBTFresno
November 20th
6pm - 8pm
Theme: Friendsgiving
*Wait-Staff for No host food and drink will be available for purchase.*
There will be door prizes and picture booth with Love & Thanksgiving props. This is not a couples event, this a come one or come as a pair or group to have fun with us.
1/2 Price Games
Happy Hour 4-7pm.
1/2 Price Cocktails*
$2.50 Domestic Pints
$1 Off 22 oz Drafts
$1 Off Wine Glasses
$3 Off Wine Bottles
If you sign-up for Dave & Buster's Rewards you get $10 FREE game play with $10 game play purchase – just for joining! (Must redeem prior to this date, no game coupon offers valid for 1/2 price games day.)

Resource Center to the Rescue

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Thursday, 14 November 2019 15:53
  • Written by Jose Hernandez
  • Email

Fresno EOCFor some people, it is hard to reach out for help even when they desperately need it. Fortunately, there will always be people and organizations waiting to help no matter what. An example of that is Jennifer Cruz and the organization she manages.

The Fresno EOC Sanctuary LGBTQ Resource Center is a place for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to hang out in a safe place, get much needed resources, and for groups to meet. Jennifer Cruz was hired to be the manager of the center and has worked hard to make it what it is today.

“The goal was to open a drop-in type space that would serve all ages of the LGBT community,” Cruz explains. “To provide a safe place for people to be, even like a hangout spot where someone could watch TV, or play games, or hang with friends but also be able to access a case manager.

We’ll be able to provide housing needs assessments; they can get a meal if they’re hungry or a cup of coffee. So, that we’re providing those basic needs before we’re asking what other services you want.”

Apart from these services, the center is also able to help to individuals with other needs by directing them to the appropriate resources. Whether it’s legal or mental help, the resource center can connect people with the assistance they need. The resource center also has space to hold group meetings, such as an LGBTQ+ AA meeting, or a support group for disabled LGBTQ+ individuals. They also host fun events on every third Friday of each month; last month they had a karaoke night where they had around 20 people singing and having fun.

Located on Fulton street, the center is relatively new, but they are already making an impact. Cruz estimates that around 20 people come to the resource center on a weekly basis. She also talked about wanting the center to grow and to be able to provide more services in the future, by getting more grants and by taking advantage of the space their building has.

From an in-house attorney to a massage therapist to even a cafe, Cruz wants to expand the center so it can have as much resources as possible. The resource center wants to do everything possible to help people. They even have a phone number located on their website where people can call or text to get resources if they don’t want to go directly to the center.

“We’re aware of the discrimination that happens,” Cruz says. “Fresno can be a scary place to be for some people. Especially depending on where they fall on that LGBT category. Safety first of course, and we want everyone to have the resources they need.”

Video: Queer Out Awards

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Monday, 04 November 2019 14:02
  • Written by Jason Scott
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Full video of Queer Out Awards, filmed by CMAC.

 

Those honored included: 

• Queer Hero of the Year: Marsha Conant
• Outstanding Queer Nonprofit Organization: Fresno Barrios Unidos
• Outstanding Queer Business: La Vogue Beauty Shoppe
• Queer Youth (Under 18): Tobias Stokes
• Queer Youth (18-24): Kiana Medina
• Contributor to Queer Life through Volunteerism: Zoyer Zyndel
• Inspirational Queer Activist Leader: Robin McGehee
• Ally of the Year: Jennifer Chou
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Peter Robertson

A Helping Hand on Blackstone

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Thursday, 31 October 2019 16:48
  • Written by Jose Hernandez
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Fresno Spectrum Center - Wall ArtWhen news headlines are dominated by disasters and political turmoil; it’s easy to forget the good in the world. It’s even easy to overlook the good happening in our own community; good that community members Randall Velasco-Stoll and Leon Velasco-Stoll are doing.

Founders of the Fresno Spectrum Center, Randall and Leon are here to assist the LGBTQ+ community members and allies as well. They provide resources and a safe space for people to come hang out and meet other members of the community. They provide board games, video games, and books for people to enjoy. The center also provides space for groups to have meetings or trainings. They provide this service for free, but a donation is always appreciated but not necessary.

“We developed a relationship with a lot of other non-profits, and in some cases, have also helped them become more LGBT friendly and become allies,” Randy explains. “So, we can help refer people that may have services; from anything like domestic violence situations or they don’t have enough food in their refrigerator for their family. We can help provide resources and stuff for them to make connections so that they can fulfill those needs.”

Randall and Leon also founded the LGBT Pink Panthers Movement; an anti-bullying organization. Founded around 5 years ago, the Pink Panthers Movement would be the first step into creating the Spectrum Center.

Located near Princeton and Blackstone, the Fresno Spectrum Center was founded by Randall and Leon, but they had plenty of help along the way. One of the biggest contributors, was Leon’s mom.

“It started off as an idea and [Leon’s] mom saying, ‘yeah you guys need to do this,’” Randall explains. “’You need to develop this, Hun, I’m behind you to help you.’ So, that’s how the LGBT Pink Panther’s came about; she was actually on the first board and she was a really big supporter.”

“She kind of helped to bring about that idea through her knowledge and was able to pass that on to us. Plus, we were also able to contact some of our mentors, like my mentors in the community; Jeff Robinson, Peter Robinson.”

Although it was a long journey for the idea of the Spectrum Center to become a reality; they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. They have plans for the future. They are looking to get a grant to fund their Arts and Crafts night, which is hosted on the first Friday of every month. They’re also looking to get a grant for their resource fair. In the future, they want to expand to be able to help more people and provide more services. The Spectrum Center is always looking to help people.

“We just want people to walk in and be like ‘Oh wow, this is going to be okay’, Randall says. “If they read anything or see anything on the bulletin board; they see things that are going to make them feel safer.”

It’s About the Journey

  • Parent Category: News
  • Published: Friday, 25 October 2019 15:24
  • Written by Bryan T Clark
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truck coupleLast month my husband Brian (Yes, his name is Brian also) and I celebrated our thirty-five-year anniversary. I truly can’t believe we’ve been together for thirty-five years! It seems as if it was just yesterday that we were teenagers, sitting on a rock by the river, getting to know one another.

It was the end of the summer, the year was 1984, and I had been secretly lusting over Brian all summer. At the time, I was openly gay, however Brian was a devout Christian and didn’t even know Gay was an acceptable possibility. He was curious and questioning his sexuality as he began hanging out with my group of colorful friends. Our summer social activity was to park along the riverbank at night and party. In the cool California air, for hours we laughed, drank, and played Truth or Dare, until like clockwork, at two a.m., the local sheriff drove out and cleared all the cars away.
The night of September 8, 1984, Brian and I had separated from the crowd and had wandered over to the rocks on the river’s edge. After hours of talking, I finally worked up the nerve to confess my feelings to him. He admitted he had the same feelings, but was unsure about if it was right to act on. That night, I asked him to take a chance, to take a leap of faith, to trust me I promised not to hurt him. He accepted what I asked of him, and that night, we had our first kiss.
For years, we debated whether our official anniversary would be September 8th, or since the clock had struck midnight, and ‘our date’ continued, would the date actually be September 9th.

Twenty-four years later, and after a ruling by the Supreme Court of California, affirming Marriage Equality, on September 9, 2009, while standing before God, our family, and our friends, we were legally married and made the 9th our official anniversary date.
When I first decided to write this month’s blog, I was thinking about how much has changed since that summer in 1984. I would have never foreseen that after a twenty-seven-year career in law enforcement, I would be writing romance novels about gay men.

Every day, I sit down at my computer and get to craft stories about the lives of people, fictional characters that will enter bookstores, libraries, and homes around the world. Although all of my characters are vastly different from one another, they each contain bits of my and my husband’s story within their character.
In Ancient House of Cards, it was our struggle with religion and our relationship with God that was an issue. Sad to say, but the ‘church’ failed Brian and I early on in life, and much of the pain we felt has been irreversible. Before Sunrise is a reflection of the demons within us, and our struggle to keep a lid on them. Life is hard and at times doesn’t seem fair, but you must continue to swim or you will drown. Come to the Oaks echoes our innocence, our belief that our love could transcend all obstacles.

Diego’s Secret is about trusting our hearts even if it meant losing your family. Brian’s family had a very hard time with him ‘Coming Out’ in the beginning. Their love for their son never wavered, and over time their relationship has healed and flourished.

I poured my heart into Escaping Camp Roosevelt. So much of that book were pages from my life. The feeling that you’re not good enough, failure, disappointment and trust, are all things I have struggled with, and to some degree, continue to struggle with.

So, as in life, my characters have to ask themselves, “Is love worth the risk?”. To know that in coming out, they could lose everything and that by choosing love, there is a real chance they could get hurt, have their hearts broken, and still be willing to take the risk. Is this not what we all may have to ask ourselves in this one life that we get?

Romance is about the heart fluttering and the feeling that you just might die if you have to spend a single moment away from the person you love. Now, I am not talking about the mushy stuff our mothers may have read, but real relationship issues, dealing with a moral dilemma that is often surrounded by dishonesty, hurt, risk, and most importantly, real love that makes the struggle worth it all in the end.

Writing romance is so much more than rescuing the damsel in distress, or a cheesy love scene. It is about life, and what we all want… to be loved and to be in love.

Warmly
Bryan T Clark

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