LGBT Porterville

New Porterville LGBTQ meetup group

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Written by Melissa McMurrey
Created: 29 April 2012

ResizedImage365273-Rainbow

I am pleased to announce we will be starting a new social meetup group for the LGBTQ community and it's supporters. First meeting is this Wednesday at the Starbucks on Main and Olive at 6:30pm.

This is a test pilot group to start off and find out what type of census our community is looking for. Once we get an idea of what we are all looking for as a community we can do spin off's from there such as a bowling league, a book club, or a general support group. Please feel free to chime in with any ideas.

You can follow live updates about this group at either of the following links:

Meetup.com or Facebook

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Spring, The Center, and You!

Unpublished
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Written by Administrator
Created: 24 April 2012
We aren't asking for much. Just a pledge of $10 a month; about the cost of taking yourself and a friend out for a fancy drink or a foo-foo coffee. But, even the smallest donation makes a huge difference!

I'll Chip In $10

 

Spring has come to the Central Valley! Perhaps a bit early, perhaps not on the schedule we had hoped for, but never-the-less, spring is here which means that summer is just around the corner. Here at the Fresno LGBT+ Community Center we are excited about the change of seasons. Summer brings Pride. Summer brings the Laramie Project - 10 Years Later. Summer brings the NoH8 Project to Fresno.

As we pause a moment now to take a slow deep breath of the newly blooming flowers (or a quick breath and then an allergy pill), it is good to remember those goals we set back at New Years, those to-do lists that we were going to work on, the resolutions we might have forgotten, the promises we totally intended to keep...

I know a lot of you thought about being more active in your community in the coming year. I know a lot of you hoped to be able to spend more time at the Community Center or wished to find a way to be more supportive. Well, the good news is that you still have that chance!

Yes, I can contribute $10 to help add more groups, more events, and more places for people to come together, to find solace and community.

Our Fresno LGBT+ Community Center is the only brick and mortar center of its kind between Sacramento and Los Angeles. We service, on average, over 240 calls, over 40 walk-ins, and several dozen email information requests a month. We support our community with an ever expanding lending library of books (fiction and nonfiction), DVDs and even VHS tapes. (The library is in the process of being computerized so you will soon be able to tell, from the comfort of your couch, what titles we have available.)

But we are probably the most proud of the unique and ongoing support and social programs that we are able to host. Currently we provide space over 30 times a month for groups and individuals to come in, get informed, get involved, to meet, and to connect.

As the economy spiraled down and unemployment rose, we know many of our community members struggled financially. But we also know that the need is greater than ever in today's climate of fear and conservative thinking.

Yes, I can contribute $10 to help us answer the phone calls that come in, from youth to the elderly, to transgendered individuals in need of support.

 

This is where you come in.

I would like to invite you to consider becoming a monthly donor to the LGBT+ Community Center. Obviously, we are grateful for any and all one time donations, but as we look towards expansion and providing even more services to our community we want to able to plan, to dream big, and that takes consistent community support.

We aren't asking for much. Just a pledge of $10 a month; about the cost of taking yourself and a friend out for a fancy drink or a foo-foo coffee.

$10 a month can help us keep the lights on, the coffee pot plugged in, and the folding chairs set up for those in our community who need our services.

$10 a month can help our staff be here and able to answer the phone calls that come in, almost daily, from youth that need help with bullying, middle aged community members who need help finding legal advice, elderly transgendered people looking for a friendly ear... basically they all need a way to not feel so isolated and alone.

$10 a month can help us add more groups, more events, and more places for people to come together, to find solace and community.

$10 a month can help us expand our office hours from 20 hours a week (currently) to maybe 25... and then maybe 30...


The possibilities are endless. But we can't do it alone.

All donations are tax deductible, but more than that all donations are essential to helping the center thrive.

Even the smallest donation makes a huge difference.

It's spring. It is time to plant... seeds for tomorrow, hopes for the seasons to come.

Yes, I can contribute $10 to help us expand our office hours from 20 hours a week to 25... and then maybe 30.


Thank you,

Gay Central Valley Board of Directors
Jason Scott, President
Chris Jarvis, Vice President
Kaylia Metcalfe, Secretary
Brooke Burk, Treasurer
Kate Henry, Member
Jaymi Morgan, Member

I'll Chip In $10 a month
Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law

More about the Fresno LGBT+ Community Center:

The Fresno LGBT+ Community Center, which opened in January 2011, currently serves as a safe space, a resource center, an ever expanding lending library, and a meeting site for multiple programs including support groups (AA, CMA, Transgender, Women, Coming Out, etc), social programs (creative, hobby, and community building), and informational workshops (name / gender change, legal rights, etc). The Center also facilitates several community activities such as LGBT themed health fairs and fund raisers, as well as bringing nationally renowned cultural events to the Fresno area such as the San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir, the NOH8 Campaign, the Laramie Project – 10 Years Later, etc.

Gay Central Valley and the Fresno LGBT Community Center are staffed by volunteers and volunteer board members. Our programs are also facilitated by volunteers from the community and by volunteer board members. Currently, we have no paid positions. All board members are fiscally supportive of Gay Central Valley and the LGBT Community Center. Several of our board members donate 15-30 hours a week to Gay Central Valley and the Fresno LGBT Community Center.

For a full listing of programs and upcoming events, please visit the Fresno LGBT Community Center’s website at www.fresnlgbtcenter.org

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Dining Out For Equality

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Written by Melissa
Created: 16 April 2012

DOFE

Dining out for equality comes to Porterville!!

This is a great bunch of people to sit down and have a meal with while spreading a message of equality and togetherness with the LGBT community and our straight allies.

This month's lunch will be at Thai Kitchen at 951 West Henderson on Sunday April 22, 2012 12:30 PM.

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Local April PFLAG Meeting

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Written by Brooke
Created: 09 April 2012

pflag

The third Sunday is early this month so join us THIS weekend!

PFLAG Tulare and Kings Countiesis a volunteer group of parents, family and friends of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT). We welcome members of the GLBT community to our meetings and membership. We meet on the third Sunday of each month.

Location:     Family HealthCare Network     305 East Center Street (Corner of Bridge Street)     Visalia (Use the courtyard entrance on Bridge. Pedestrian        gate is in the alley.)
Map: Click here
Next meeting:
Date:     Sunday,    April 15, 2012 3 - 5 pm
Program:

Come meet Brian Anthony Kraemer, the author of Why I Slept With My Therapist, How One Gay Man Tried to Go Straight.

We will meet Brian via SKYPE. It will be an interactive program. We'll be able to see him, and he will be able to see us. We will have an opportunity to ask him questions after he presents his story to us.

Brian Anthony Kramer holds bachelor's degrees in psychology, health science, and social science. He is currently working on a master's degree in psychology. He currently lives in Chico, CA, where he performs as a musician and engages in speaking opportunities.

We welcome everyone!

Flier:
Refreshments will be served

PFLAG provides a safe and confidential space place to talk about sexual orientation    and gender identity, and works to build a society that is healthy and respectful of    human diversity. There is no cost to attend, and membership is optional.
PFLAG Tulare and Kings Counties is a non-profit organization with        501(c)(3) status.
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ENS this Saturday!

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Written by Brooke
Created: 19 March 2012

Expression Not Suppression (ENS) is a free, annual conference in the Fresno area for LGBTQ and straight ally youth (ages 13-21) who are dedicated to creating safer schools and building the GSA movement in the Central Valley. ENS is open to middle and high school students, teachers, and GSA advisors, as well as the larger community. The ENS conference is a chance for LGBTQ and straight ally youth to network and enjoy free workshops on activism and topics related to queer life and safe schools.

Don't miss out on this powerful conference! Gay Central Valley will be there tabling and also hosting a workshop. Lots of information and resources available to youth and adults alike.

Register online HERE.

I also can email you the full ENS packet which contains conference info, schedule, registration and more. Just contact Brooke@GayVisalia.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and request one!

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PFLAG

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Written by Melissa
Created: 18 March 2012

PFLAG

 

Today's program involves SB 48 and the Fair Education Act. Today's program will be very valuable for us as a community to be armed and ready with knowledge on how we can keep LGBT history being taught in schools alive and well. As of late last year SB 48 was signed into affect by Governor Brown mandating LGBT history be taught in California K-12 school curriculum. Currently, opponents of SB 48 are gathering signatures to overturn this historical milestone. 

3:00pm-5:00pm in Visalia

Family HealthCare Network
305 East Center Street (Corner of Bridge Street)
Visalia
(Use the courtyard entrance on Bridge. Pedestrian gate is in the alley.)

If lost call 559-791-8699 for directions

 

http://www.pflag-tulare-kings.org/

 

 

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Watch "8" A Play about the Fight for Marriage Equality

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Written by Administrator
Created: 03 March 2012

Forward to 18 minutes for pre-show presentation. Forward to 30 minutes for the play/production.
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Dining out for equality

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Written by Melissa
Created: 14 February 2012

DOFE

Each month a group of us get together for lunch and chatter in hopes of spreading a message of "we're here, we're queer, and we're just like everyone else"

Dining out for equality is a mix of LGBTQ and straight allies coming together at a local restaurant in hopes of spreading the message of equality. This month we will be Chinese food located at New China 900 Whitley Ave. Corcoran. Sunday February 26th 12:45.

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LGBTQ Health Fair

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Written by Chris Jarvis
Created: 14 February 2012

lgbt health fair 2012

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Dining out for equality.

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Written by Melissa
Created: 17 January 2012

DOFE

Join us for companionship and lunch in Tulare at Farmer Boys at

1197 East Prosperity Ave, 559-687-9900

 

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VPLC offers LGBT Scholarships!

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Written by Brooke
Created: 17 January 2012

ScholarshipLGBT


Visalia Pride Lions Club Offers Student Scholarships

With a goal of serving our community, the Visalia Pride Lions Club proudly announces the establishment of two scholarships of $500 each for graduating high school seniors or transferring community college students who are LGBT or were raised in an LGBT family. Applicants must live in Tulare County, Hanford, or Lemoore. The scholarship must be used at an accredited post-secondary institution including a college or university and trade school. The student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, worked to affect change for the LGBT community and be actively involved in community service.

Membership in a Gay-Straight Alliance or college Pride club will be considered, but is not required.The scholarship deadline is May 1st; the recipients will be notified by the end of May. Presentation of the scholarships will be made during the VPLC’s anniversary luncheon in June.

For directions and the application, go HERE.

VPLC

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Support and grief counseling

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Written by Melissa
Created: 13 January 2012

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In response to the tragic loss of our beloved EricJames Borges;
Tulare Youth Services Bureau will be holding a support and grief counseling meeting
Friday, January 13 at 4:00pm

There will be both group and individual counseling services available to anyone within the community at no cost.

Counselors available:
Cheryl Lennon-Armas, LMFT and India D. Leal, LMFT 

The address is: 
Tulare Youth Services Bureau
327 South K Street
Tulare, CA 93274
559-688-2043

The following resources are available 24/7

The Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
The National Suicide Prevetion Hotline:  800-273-8255

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PFLAG

Details
Written by Brooke
Created: 06 January 2012

PFLAG

PFLAG Tulare and Kings Counties is a volunteer group of parents, family and friends of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT). We welcome members of the GLBT community to our meetings and membership. We meet on the third Sunday of each month.

Location: Family HealthCare Network
305 East Center Street (Corner of Bridge Street)
Visalia
(Use the courtyard entrance on Bridge. Pedestrian gate is in the alley.)
Next meeting:
Date: Sunday, January 15, 2012 3 - 5 pm
Program:

WHY.........PFLAG? BECAUSE!

When you attend this meeting be prepared for an engaging, informative, and entertaining discussion on the topic: "What PFLAG means to me."

We have a number of interesting speakers who will be addressing this important matter, providing insight into, not only what our organization is all about, but also how it has affected their lives. There will be ideas about what our members and those in attendance expect during the year ahead.

Participation from all in attendance is encouraged. It is thought provoking.....so think about it prior to Sunday, January 15.....Why do we attend PFLAG? What does the organization mean to you?

Hope 2012 is a good year with lots of promise for all.

Refreshments will be served

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2011 Holiday Toy Drive

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Written by Brooke
Created: 15 November 2011

ToyDriveElves

It's that time of year when I ask for your help. Gay Visalia is once again embarking upon our annual gathering of support for the 2011 Holiday Toy Drive benefiting kids in Tulare County foster care. This year there are currently 1800 kids in the system...an overwhelming and disturbing statistic. These kids may have to spend the holidays without their families, without reason to celebrate and maybe even without gifts to open. With your support, we can try to give these kids a reason to smile.

The Visalia Pride Lions Club is joining the efforts again this year, thanks fellow Lions! New this year to help is Gay Porterville. With the help and support of Melissa and all of Porterville, we can really make a bigger impact this holiday season. What we need from you is simple... If you are out shopping, simply pick up a toy for a boy or girl. The ages range from infant to 18. We like to concentrate more on gifts for ages 12-18 as they are the fewest received by the county. All items need to be new and unwrapped. You can contact me, Melissa (Gay Porterville) or the VPLC on the best way to get the toys to us. I, personally, would be happy to pick things up from you. We also will take cash donations and do the shopping for you, how easy is that?!

If you would like more information or want to buy for a specific child, you can do so by visiting the Tulare County HHSA's official toy drive WEBSITE. You can search by age, gender, etc. Print out their star and turn that in with your gift. It will go directly to the child you want. I just ask that all toys being donated through our outreach be turned into us so that we can show the amazing support from our community.

Thank you all so much for your support once again of this great opportunity to help bring joy and happiness to children who may not otherwise have a reason to celebrate. Let's get in the holiday spirit and make this our biggest collection ever!

If your group or organization would like to get involved and help us, please contact me for more information. The more help we have, the more help we do!

From Melissa: I would be more than happy to make house calls and pick up items/donations in the area as well just get in touch with one of us. Also, be sure to stay tuned for an upcoming event to help raise awareness, funds, and collect toys all in one evening of fun. Details coming soon.

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From a Porterville resident...

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Written by Melissa
Created: 15 November 2011

Heather and Vanessa

The following article came to me from a Porterville resident. I was asked to share this story with you in hopes of shedding some light and possibly receive some advice from the community as to what the couple should do, if anything.

Vanessa Bazaldua and Heather Sisemore are embarking a new journey in their relationship. They are pregnant! While most of us in the community find this an exciting time for the couple we unfortunately still live in a society where this type of news is not as celebrated by everyone else.

Hey, Melissa,

I was wondering if you could do me a favor. Me and Vanessa had something crazy happen to us last night. And we want to get this out. Or want to know if we should get this out. We wrote a little article on it. So if you could read it and send advice. Greatly appreciated.

On Saturday November 12th at approximately 2300 hrs. My girlfriend and I (Vanessa) went to a Quinceñera, invited by her friend Gabriella Garcia, at the Kings County Fair Grounds. Currently being nine weeks pregnant I was feeling very nauseous, so I asked Heather to please accompany me to the bathroom. She joined me in a small stall to comfort me, rubbing my back and holding my belongings. After being in there for fifteen minutes maximum, Heather had suggested we go and get some food to see if it would ease my stomach. Before I could even move away from the toilet a security officer was knocking on the stall door. Heather being the closest answered to them telling her that we needed to exit, because I could not be in there, referring to me as a male. After Heather politely assured them that I was a female, she then proceeded to tell them that I was pregnant and not feeling well, also noticing that they had cleared out the entire bathroom. One of the officers then made the remark of "are u sure she is a girl?" Heather again made it clear that I was a female, pregnant, and she was my girlfriend simply taking care of me. Even then, they told her we couldn't be in the same stall, so they asked her to please wait outside. Heather then said she would not leave me alone, and asked if she could please stand outside the stall with the door open. They refused, and a guard then told me that there was nothing wrong with me so I had to leave. I was then very upset and offended, and in tears. As I exit the bathroom, a lady was commenting to a security guard, saying how gross we were. After hearing that, and seeing the guard didn't even hesitate but to agree, I told her I was a pregnant female with my girlfriend, trying to have privacy so that they wouldn't have to see me throw up. After going to the car, bewildered by what had happened and feeling very harassed. Heather went back to talk to the security guard, who she repeatedly told I was a female, and he still continued to call me a him or a boy, and told him that we felt very offended. He then said he was just trying to do his job, and said someone had reported to him that there were two boys in a stall for a long time, she then asked him why after making it very clear to him that I was a female he proceeded into kicking us out, he repeated with "I'm sorry, I was just doing my job." Heather then told him, that his job was to check and see what was going on, and after seeing it was two females, one of them being sick, to make it known that there was no boy in the restroom and that they could be at ease.

Now I understand that not everyone agrees to our lifestyle. Nor are we trying to push our lifestyle on anyone else. I understand that some may confuse me as a boy, by my short hair and my manner of dressing, but I don't mind reassuring people I am a female. Never have I felt as harassed as I did that night. As if I was a human with a deadly disease, that was very contagious. I know that I can't change what happened to me that night, but I want to make sure this is known, and make a difference, so when the day comes and it happens to someone else, they are treated differently, with dignity and respect.

The couple experienced great ignorance this past weekend. It is not fair that any member of our society should have anxiety upon entering a restroom for fear they will be ridiculed and questioned. I get so angry knowing this happens. It strikes a personal cord for me and just wish some people could expand their mind just a tiny bit.

Aside from the events that transpired for them this past weekend, both families of the couple are very open and happy about the pregnancy. The baby's due date is June 15, 2012 and the couple will be registering for domestic partnership in the near future. A big congratulations to the happy couple!!

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  1. New Gender Breakout Group at PFLAG
  2. GSA Youth Summit in Visalia
  3. Porterville college presents...
  4. Lifeguard Workshop
  5. October's PFLAG

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