LGBTQ Wellness Group

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Written by Melissa

Created: 14 August 2011

Beginning July 18, 2011 Porterville will begin a wellness group for LGBTQ persons.
The meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

There was a short break in meetings but meetings are resuming Monday August 14th. Mental health services are very limited and hard to come by in area, especially LGBTQ specific resources. Try and take advantage of this group if you can. It can be very beneficial and empowering to us as individuals and as a community.

They are also looking to start a Transgender specific wellness group for those interested. It would be so amazing to get that kind of support in the Porterville community so be sure to give them a call and let’s make that happen.

Location:

Government Plaza Building
1055 West Henderson Suite-2 Mental Health
Porterville, CA 93257

For more information please contact:
Jacqueline McWalter LMFT
jmcwalter@tularehhsa.org
559-788-1200

Skittles Tryouts

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Written by Brooke

Created: 11 August 2011

The Skittles are gearing up for their fourth season of softball! We will be holding open tryouts for anyone interested in joining the team. If you aren’t familiar with us, we are the only local LGBT co-ed softball team, graciously sponsored in part by Gay Visalia. We play on Friday nights at Plaza Park. The season lasts 10 weeks and our first game is on September 23. There is a small fee (under $25) which will be determined later. No equipment is needed other than your own glove.

We took second place in our division last season. Do you have what it takes to help us achieve first? If so, come out and show us what you got! I forgot to mention that we have a huge following and the bleachers are always filled with our amazing fans. I can’t wait to see you guys, too!

Tryouts/Practice will be held:

Saturday, August 20th and Sunday, August 28th

Whitendale Park in Visalia

11:00 am

Skittles: Friendship, Fans & Fun!

LGBT presence desperately needed at Porterville College

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Written by Melissa

Created: 09 August 2011

Upon my search for LGBT resources at Porterville College I stumbled upon this article:

http://www.portervillecollege.edu/jwiens/OneInChristClub/LoveWonOut2004.htm

It is an article that is filled with inaccurate facts and very harmful statements!

This is just ONE of the harmful statements within the article: “Homosexuality, at its root, is not a sexual problem – it is a gender-identity problem.”

While this article is not blatantly visible on the college’s website it is still embedded somewhere deep within their system that is still searchable by Google search engines. It is not clear if this article is endorsed by Porterville College. However, it is clear is that it is most certainly endorsed by one of the instructors at this institution of higher learning. This instructor is also the advisor for “One in Christ” which is an active faith based club on campus. I assume this is where the listed article is spawning from.

While we are trying to recruit outside help from members of the ACLU, GLSEN, and other heavy hitters there is something you can do!

As residents of Tulare County and/or students of PC we are contacting the administration to get this page removed ASAP!

Here is the contact information:

Dr. Rosa F. Carlson President rcarlson@portervillecolleg.edu

Dr. Ann Beheler Vice President Academic Affairs abeheler@portervillecollege.edu

Steven Schultz Vice President Student Services sschultz@portervillecollege.edu

Dr. Antonia Ecung Dean Academic Affairs aecung@portervillecollege.edu

I’d like to announce that we are creating a Pride Club for Porterville College. Everything is still in the works but as you can see from the article above…our presence is desperately needed at the college. I hope this article lights a fire within you. If you are a current student or would like to volunteer your time please contact me.

Melissa@GayPorterville.com

559-791-8699

Before signing off I want to leave you with two things.

First, this article is linked to a campus club’s page so it is a possibility the article may remain for public viewing based on a potential infringement of the club’s freedom of speech. Again, there is no presence on campus to counter these actions.

Secondly, if a youth or impressionable mind so happen to come across this article please know this article is not based on ANY reliable scientific information. That the article is deeply rooted with a strong bias and it is an opinion NOT FACT! If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning it is so important to know that it is normal and you do not have to have a dysfunctional upbringing as the article suggests.

Since the article has been taken off the Porterville College webpage...you can read a copy of the article here:

http://www.portervillenerd.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Homosexuality_1312936229789.png

The Legal Aid Society.

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Written by Chris Jarvis

Created: 07 August 2011

The Legal Aid Society – Employment Law Center would like to
immediately speak with gay and lesbian couples who are registered
domestic partners with the State of California (and who did not get
married during the 2008 marriage equality window for whatever
reason).

The LAS-ELC is seeking a class representative to advance the
constitutional rights of such couples in a case about partner benefits
available to public employees in California.In Dragovich v. CalPERS, a class action lawsuit, the Legal Aid Society–

Employment Law Center represents gay and lesbian employees of the
state of California and their legally recognized spouses and domestic
partners who have been excluded from equal access to the popular
CalPERS long-term care program. The couples are suing CalPERS and the
IRS to challenge the constitutionality of federal law that prohibits
the enrollment of legally recognized same-sex partners (whether
married or RDP).

The Dragovich plaintiffs are all couples in which one person is
eligible to apply for the plan and the other person is not eligible.

Any state, local, or regional public employee in California is
eligible to apply for the CalPERS long-term care plan.

CONTACT:
Claudia Center

The Legal Aid Society -- Employment Law Center
180 Montgomery Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94104
ccenter@las-elc.org

(415) 864-8848 (voice)
(415) 593-0093 (fax)
(415) 593-0091 (TTY)
(415) 531-2874 (cell)

Amazing musician!

Details

Written by Melissa

Created: 05 August 2011

Please allow me to take a moment to introduce my dear friend Samara.

Sam is a local lesbian and aspiring young artist. Sam has many mediums in which she displays her artistic flair. One of the most soulful and heartfelt mediums for her is her music and that is as clear as day when you hear her sing! Sam and her band will be performing this coming weekend at Visalia Brew Co.

The musical styling of her band is mostly classic rock and R&B. While most of their songs are covers, the band still adds a certain funk all their own. I try and attend each show because it always turns out to be a fun and relaxing way to end the crazy hustle and bustle of the week. My partner and I will be attending along with a few friends (ahem...single friends) and I'd like to think we are a friendly and easy going crowd. It would be really nice to meet some of you who follow my crazy ramblings.

If the thought of cool, soothing music isn't enough to get you there then you should know Sam's partner always seems to bring along cute and single friends. So, at the very least, you should come for all the cute single friends. Wink...wink...nudge...nudge :)

Bellow a small bio composed by Sam herself:

"Born in raised in Oxnard, California, I am a 25 year old medical student who now lives in Porterville, California because of a quick decision to move to be with my significant other. I've always been into music, since the age of 6, I can remember singing Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" and really believing that musical super star would be me one day. I have pulled most of my inspiration from great musicians like my mom, my dad and my church where I would sing music of the gospel. I've written, produced, and sung on four different Hip Hop, R&B, Soul and soft rock albums of my own, and I am now in a very awesome, very talented, Neo Soul, Classic Rock, & R&B band called "The Utha Side"."

The show is this Saturday August 6th at 9PM. Located at the Visalia Brew Co. 112 West Main Street.

Women's Flag Football

Details

Written by Melissa

Created: 03 August 2011

Are you interested in playing for Tulare County's only women's flag football team? There is still time to join up!

Today marks the first practice for the Tulare County team and practice is being held tonight at 7pm; avenue 140 just off highway 190 here in Porterville.

Keep in mind this is an all women's team but if you are of the opposite gender and still interested in getting involved you can! You would be joining the ranks of their coach Karl Cannon.

If you are interested you can contact Monet Beltrandorianmonet@yahoo.com or myself at 559-781-8699

Tulare County's first game will be against Fresno's Fems N Studz team so stay tuned for more information.

Last chance to check it out!!

Details

Written by Melissa

Created: 27 July 2011

This will be the last weekend RENT is at the Main Street Theater in Visalia.

I had the opportunity to check this play out last week and is was a must see. Someone told me I should bring tissue but I didn't listen. Yes, bring tissue!!

The schedule for this weekend is as follows:

• Friday July 29, 2011 8PM
• Saturday July 30, 2011 8PM
• Sunday July 31, 2011 2PM

The cost per person is $15 and all of the proceeds will be given to a local AIDS/HIV organization. Tickets can be purchased HERE

Team Frostitutes Fundraiser

Details

Written by Melissa

Created: 27 July 2011

Relay for Life team - Team Frostitutes will be holding a yardsale, a lunch from Juicy Burger, AND a carwash to raise funds for their team. Shop, eat, and get your car washed all in one shot. What more could you ask for?

This event will be held Saturday August 13th from 6:00am - 5:00pm.

Again, this is a LGBT family and friends team fighting to "kick cancer's butt" so let's help em' out!!

You can "like" Team Frostitutes HERE to get updates on their team or contact Monet for questions at Beltrandorianmonet@yahoo.com

Relay for Life team - Team Frostitutes!!

Details

Written by Melissa

Created: 26 July 2011

In relation to the previous article posted for the Femz n Studz event...this relay for life team will also be at Blackbeards to raise funds for their team by selling some pretty awesome shirts. The team is based out of Porterville and is composed of LGBT folks and family. So please come out and show support for Team Frostitutes.They are walking for a very respectable cause and each dollar raised is a dollar toward the fight against cancer.

If you have questions regarding this team you can contact Monet at Beltrandorianmonet@yahoo.com or you can "like" their page HERE

Femz N Studz

Details

Written by Melissa

Created: 26 July 2011

The up and coming social group Femz n Studz (based out of Fresno) is gearing up for their first annual meet and greet. The event will be held at Blackbeards of Fresno on Sunday August 7th from 1:00-5:00PM costing $15 per person which includes lunch. This is a kid friendly event so the little ones can get in for $7. If you are looking for more information you can contact Femz n Studz at femznstudzoffresno@gmail.com or their facebook page HERE.

Welcome to our Family!

Details

Written by Brooke

Created: 20 July 2011

I’m sure you have all seen that Gay Central Valley has expanded. We are very excited and proud to now be operating Gay Porterville. Already there have been articles posted, an up and running Facebook page and more things that you just don’t know about yet. You might be asking yourselves….who is this Gay Porterville? Well, I’d like to take this time to let you know about the woman behind the curtain, so to speak. It is my honor to introduce Melissa McMurrey, Division Leader of Gay Porterville. Melissa has only been with us for a short time but already has great ideas, great initiative and most importantly, a great passion for her community.

Melissa was raised as an Army brat. She and her family lived in various places throughout her childhood; Georgia, Washington, Germany, and New York, to name a few. She spent a lot of her adult life in Santa Barbara. Being out in the world and coming from a pretty liberal area as SB, you can imagine the culture shock she received moving back to Porterville. Lucky for you however, because that is one of her driving forces. Oh yeah, and to answer the burning question….. Yes, Melissa is gay. She currently lives with her partner of a year. She also has a dachshund named Sadie. She’s an Aquarius, likes long walks on the beach and her favorite color is teal. Did I just take that too far? :)

To give you a better perspective of her, we had a little Q&A session and here’s what she had to say:

What was your biggest adjustment moving back to the valley?

Biggest adjustment would have to be lack of cultured events and/or not having the option to do anything after 9pm locally that doesn’t include alcohol or strippers…although those things can be fun too. (Note to self: Take Melissa out for alcohol and strippers)

What was your motivation in starting up Gay Porterville?

Having been raised in various parts of the world I've had the opportunity to see full acceptance and tolerance of people outside of the traditional norm. Having Porterville to come back to on and off throughout my army brat upbringing made it easy to see how repressed the central valley is and saw what kind of advancements it could make. Porterville being off the beaten path sometimes contributes to the lack of resources we have here.

What do you think the hardest struggle for your area is?

Gosh, where to begin? Lack of LGBT community resources. Lack of understanding by the general population of LGBT issues. I feel that many LGBTQ people in the area think they are alone but don’t realize how many of us are actually here.

Did you find it difficult coming out to your friends and family?

I actually made a mountain out of a mole hill with this one. I had anticipated some resistance from my retired military gone correctional officer father but he actually was really open to the fact. My dad’s exact words were “I don’t care who you date as long as they treat you right and make you happy”…another favorite quotable from my dad when I first came out to him was in my asking him if he feared I wouldn’t be giving him grandchildren he said “What? Why? Women get inseminated all the time!! You better be giving me a grandkid!” With my mom…I was very fortunate to have the opportunity in coming out to her shortly before she passed away. My mom’s response was “I always knew something was up…especially with the effeminate men you used to date”. Friends… Again, I have been really fortunate in my coming out experience. Most of my friends stated they weren’t surprised and found it exciting. However, I do have one or two friends from high school that have struggled with it. They have voiced their more conservative opinions to me but I take it as a challenge to try and educate them rather than turn the other cheek.

What can the community do to help you in your efforts?

Voice their opinion. Pass any information or leads they may have to me. Voice any ideas they have or resources that I can try and harvest into a community resource or outlet.

What's the one goal that you, Gay Porterville, have for this year?

I have a couple of ideas still brewing that I still need to figure out a means and a plan of action for. I would like to get the LGBT community working on some volunteer projects and other types of community outreach where we are working side by side with other every day people. I also am looking to get a general LGBT support group going to allow people of like mind to get together and chat.

Have you ever been discriminated against for identifying as an LGBT community member?

I've had a few comments and remarks made to me since I've been back in the area but nothing I really cared to hear. I imagine as I become more active in the community more people will recognize and associate me with the gay community possibly making me a target for discrimination. But I am ready and excited for that challenge.

Now that you have people's attention, what would you like to say to them?

That I would like for any member of the community to feel comfortable in approaching me at any time for any reason. I will never judge anyone for their feelings. I am a safe space. I will always do my best to help in any way I can...If I personally can't help I will find the appropriate resources.

I’m excited to have her with us and I’m really glad that the Porterville area has someone who can help continue the growth that has been started. Many of you have already done such great things there, together, you guys will be amazing. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. Connect, share, engage and empower. Melissa is full of ambition and truly wants to bring everyone together for a stronger and better community.

Melissa: On behalf of myself and Gay Central Valley, welcome and thank you for coming aboard. The journey you are embarking upon is not an easy one at times, but I can’t think of a better person for the job.

Get involved Porterville, let her know what you need and how she can help!

Melissa McMurrey

Melissa@GayPorterville.com

559-791-8699

www.GayPorterville.com

Help bring LGBT history into the classroom!!

Details

Written by Melissa

Created: 14 July 2011

UPDATE! Governor Brown has signed the bill into law, Thursday, July 14th!

The history of LGBT people being taught in California’s public schools is currently in the hands of our Governor. The FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful) Education Act (senate bill 48). Gov. Brown has the option to pass or veto this and he is our last stop before this becomes a state mandate. This act has been brought to action by Senator Mark Leno, Equality California, Gay-Straight Alliance Network, and NCLR.

Passing the FAIR Education Act will ensure that our long and rich LGBT history will no longer be overlooked, the contributions of our strong and fearless leaders will no longer be in vain, and the youth of our country will be all the wiser. This act will make LGBT history a regular part of history and social science curriculum.

Also, if passed California will be the first in the country to mandate such an important part of history in schools!! We need to start obtaining bragging rights somewhere, right?

As expected anti-LGBT organizations are pushing hard to veto this bill. They are voicing their opinions loud and clear.

This is where you come in!!

We need you to call Gov. Brown and let him know we want him to sign the FAIR Education ACT. (SB48) Gov. Brown has 5 days to sign the bill and we need to be voicing our wants just as strongly as our opponents are.

Two ways to contact Gov. Brown:

Automated phone system:

916.445.2841 (If lines are busy try again)

Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.

Then Select 2 to voice your opinion on a piece of legislation

If you are calling on senate bill 48 press 1

If you are calling in support of senate Bill 48 press 1

Email:

Submit the following letter to Gov. Jerry Brown

http://www.eqca.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=4025663&aid=16257

This is important!! Please take action!! Spread the word!!

Roller Derby!!

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Written by Melissa McMurrey

Created: 11 July 2011

Sin Cal Derby Vixens are looking to recruit new members to their team. They are a flat track women’s derby team based out of Lindsay/Porterville. They are practicing tonight at Zalud Park basketball courts from 6:30-8:30pm Monday's and Wednesday's. They are also looking for ref’s which is open to both genders if interested. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000651847352