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PRIDE SATURDAYS & ILLUSIONS Drag Show 2.0

  • 14 April, 2016
  • Written by Jim Reeves

Join us for the Double Bday PARTY!!! This Saturday night 4/16/16.
PRIDE SATURDAY'S & ILLUSIONS Drag Show 2.0 Presents Emily Reiff & Mel Plata's Bday Bash!!! @Republik Lounge & Night Club in Visalia. Special Midnight Performances by The Dynamic Duo Trance Former & Zoey Sapphire. Special guest performances by Priscilla McNamara. We are Visalia's ONLY LGBTQ night club scene. Dj Mike V. in the mix. Great drink specials. VIP bottle service available. No cover before 10pm $5 after. 21 & over. Brought to you by Promoter & Producer Orlando Molina Gonzales.

Republik NIghtclub 115 N. Locust, VIsalia

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"Family" Friendly non-profit retreat

  • 03 April, 2016
  • Written by Jim Reeves

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Fresno City issues Transgender Day of Visibility Proclamation

  • 02 April, 2016
  • Written by Jim Reeves

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Visalia getting LGBT Center

  • 27 March, 2016
  • Written by Jim Reeves

For those landing here from my blog Alternating Currents, sorry for the error in the link!

Here is the correct link.  This will take you to the Times Delta article. (Gannett's program won't let me go back in and correct an error once a blog is posted. They really need to fix that!)

Opening in May, theSOURCE (http://thesourcelgbt.org), promises to be an important reSOURCE and focal point for the LGBT community.  Serving Tulare and Kings Counties from the main office in Visalia, and with satellite offices planned in Tulare and other cities, it will become the hub of activities, referrals, information, social activities, history, and more.  With contacts and advice from  one of California's premiere LGBT organizations, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, theSOURCE will provide a central clearinghouse for the gay community and our allies.  With special focus on LGBT youth services, transgender issues, and improving access to mental and physical health services, it will be a safe place for young and old to learn and grow.  

From the webpage of theSOURCE LGBT Center:

Our MISSION is to provide spaces within our communities for the LGBT+ population to Learn, Grow, Belong, Transform, Question +Support.  Our VISION: cultivate new resources through advocacy, partnerships and fundraisingto unite and advance the LGBT+ community in Tulare & Kings Counties.

Fundraising for theSOURCE has rocketed, with the group's initial $5,000 goal nearing achievement in a few short weeks.  Hosted at a Crowdrise site, online donations can be made here.  Amounts over the $5,000 goal will be directed towards operations and activities of the new center.

On Saturday, March 27, 2016, the VIsalia Times Delta highlighted the new group and it's founders, in a bold and extensive article in the "Inspire" section.  That article can be seen here.  

theSOURCE will be located at 208 W. Main, Suite B, Visalia. (downstairs at the Montgomery Plaza). Stay tuned for hours of operation.  Facebook here.  Webpage here.  Mail to theSOURCE PO Box 188, Visalia, CA 93279  

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Hillary steps in it

  • 13 March, 2016
  • Written by Jim Reeves

At Nancy Reagan's funeral service on Friday, March 11, Hillary Clinton made comments to the media that created a firestorm in the LGBT community. While speaking to MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell, Clinton said

"The other point that I wanted to make too is, it may be hard for your viewers to remember how difficult it was for people to talk about HIV/AIDS back in the 1980s. And because of both President and Mrs. Reagan — in particular Mrs. Reagan — we started a national conversation when before nobody would talk about it, nobody wanted to do anything about it. And that too is something that I really appreciate with her very effective, low-key advocacy. But it penetrated the public conscience and people began to say, "Hey, we have to do something about this too."

It took only moments for Twitter to explode.  

The anger, hurt, and confusion about her comments were profound. How could anyone who had been such a strong supporter of the LGBT community, at least recently, make such an erroneous statement? The Reagan Adminsitration had laughed when reporters asked about the HIV/AIDs crisis sweeping the nation, and Mrs. Reagan had even refused to permit the White House to intervene to help their friend, actor Rock Hudson.  Hudson had asked the White House to use it's influence with a French military hospital's management, to permit him to receive treatment there.  The hospital had refused, since Hudson was not a French citizen.  Mrs. Reagan refused, apparently not wanting to have it seem the White House was using it's influence inappropriately.  It seemed like calculated politics when Mrs. Reagan wanted the press to report that the President had called and spoken to Mr. Hudson as his health failed.  There was no "low-key advocacy" from the Reagans, and it was late in the President's second term before he even publically spoke about the epidemic.

It didn't take long for Hillary to Tweet a retraction.

Many noted there was no '-H' on the Tweet, to indicate Mrs. Clinton had sent it herself.  This comment did little to stem the tide of critizism heaped on her comments.  A lot of blogs and articles were written, expressing the horror her comments brought back to many who lived through and lost loved ones during the Reagan administration.  It took another day for a more thorough mea culpa to be posted.

The pain from her comments is still intense for many, and the apology seems, to some, incomplete.  It may take a while for those feelings to subside, and for her words to be accepted.  

I doubt this will seriously erode her support among most of the LGBT community, at least not for younger members who have no direct experience with the losses of the 1980s.  For older gays, especially men, it may take some time.  Some may abandon her campaign completely, the horrors of that time being just too much to bear again.  

Regardless of how she came to make such comments, we do know she has fought for LGBT rights, publically and repeatedly.  Whether she has truly evolved, or has simply made a political calculation, her support is a positive thing in the policital and social realms.  If her memory of the 80's, the Reagans, and HIV was really what she told MSNBC, she at least knows now the reality, and how it still affects people.  One can harp on the 'purity' of her stances, but the simple fact is she has supported the LGBT community effectively, and for some time now.  We should not toss her out because she got something (important) wrong, but hold her feet to her apology and continued support of our community.  

President Obama expressed frustration with the activists harassing him at public functions, but he also said it was necessary for those in power to be constantly reminded, and to be held accountable.  

Hillary Clinton has learned that the LGBT community, and our straight allies, will do just that.

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PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties offers scholarships

  • 14 February, 2016
  • Written by Jim Reeves

Kathryn Hall, M.D., President of PFLAG Tulare & Kings Counties, has announced that the LGBT support, educational, and advocacy group is offering $500 scholarships to Tulare or Kings County students who will be in an accredited college, university, or vocational trade school in the fall of 2016.
Information requested of applicants include questions regarding membership in school and community based organizations, such as a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance clubs at school), Scouts, or other school clubs or service groups.  Applicants will be asked to write a 500 word essay on their activities in support of LGBT issues, and to tell the scholarship committee what honors they've received, difficulties they had to overcome, and other issues that reflect on their relationship to the LGBT community.  Applications are open to students who are LGBT and their straight allies.
Last year, Tulare-Kings PFLAG awarded $500 scholarships to two Kings County students. They look forward to this year's crop of students working to further their education and service to the LGBT community.
Applications MUST be received by April 30, 2016.  Students should check with school counselors responsible for scholarship information for an application.
Applications can be sent to your email address, send a request to: pflagtularekings@gmail.com
The Tulare-Kings Counties PFLAG website is here.
The PFLAG national website is here.

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Valentine Dinner & Dance Evening

  • 30 January, 2016
  • Written by Administrator

Valentines Party! February 13. Singles and couples. Don't miss this very special Dinner and Dance evening put on especially for our LGBT community and friends. It starts with a Meet and Greet at 4:30p in the Visalia Wyndham Hotel Bar. 6pm no host cocktails in the ballroom. 7pm dinner and then dance until midnight. Purchase tickets on line at e-clubhouse.org/sites/visaliapride or purchase dance tickets at the door at 8:30pm.
Full event ticket $47.
Dance ticket only $16.
Raffle, Games, Prizes, Fun and a chance to party with your friends and community. Stay the night at a special low rate of $89. Call the Wyndham Visalia for reservations and use code VPLC. Breakfast party on Sunday at 9am in the Hotel. Stay and play. Sponsored by the Visalia Pride Lions, a non-profit community service organization. We are the second of 4 LGBT Lions clubs in the U.S..
Grand Prize:
40 inch Samsung LCDHD TV will go to the lucky winner on Saturday night.

Valentine Flyer 3 Gay

 

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Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus accepting applications for 2016 Internship and Fellowships

  • 08 January, 2016
  • Written by Jim Reeves

 

The Victory Institute's Victory Congressional Internship and Victory Congressional Fellowship are developing the next generation of out public leaders. The Summer 2016 Victory Congressional application process is now open!

Each summer, the Victory Congressional Internship brings outstanding LGBT college students to Washington, D.C., for an intensive leadership program, including:

  • An eight week Congressional internship with a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus or an LGBT-friendly member of U.S. Congress to learn firsthand about the federal legislative process
  • An educational and leadership development program to learn about the legislative process and careers in policy-making

Applications for Summer 2016 are due Monday, January 25, 11:59 pm Pacific Time (Tuesday, January 26, 2:59 am Eastern Time)

https://www.victoryinstitute.org/programs/victory-congressional-internship

https://www.victoryinstitute.org/programs/victory-congressional-fellowship

Thanks to Slade Childers for the information.

 

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My Best Christmas Ever

  • 22 December, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

 

Best Christmas Ever – 1971
I wrote this back in 2007, for my personal blog on MySpace.
******
We were telling Christmas stories at work the other day, and I told my “best Christmas ever” story.  After I told it, I thought it might make a good blog, so here it is.

The location: Visalia California, the house on Divisadero Street, just down the block from the junior high I attended (now called a “Middle School” for reasons known only to the bureaucracy of schools).

The year:  1971   8th grade  Jim is 14 and knows Santa’s secret identity.
Top item on the Christmas wish list:  A 10-speed bike.

I had spent MONTHS hinting, suggesting, begging, pleading, and pretty much making a pest of myself asking for a new 10-speed.  Each time it came up, the parents made it clear that they were just too much money, and I was “not going to get one…. sorry.”  Well, Mom said “sorry”, Dad just said “NO”.  They wouldn’t budge. Not even a “maybe”, or a “we’ll see”.  Always “NO”.  By around December 15th, I had pretty much written off the bike, since, as we all know very well, parents don’t lie to their kids!  I don’t recall if I had a back-up wish list or not, and can’t recall anything else I might have asked for or wanted, but I do recall wistfully wishing there really were a Santa, because if there was, I might very well get that bike!  {Big sigh}
Well, Christmas rolls around, and despite being a worldly wise and mature 14 year old (aren’t they all?) I had a bit of trouble getting to sleep Christmas Eve.  I finally drifted off, and didn’t hear any commotion in the living room all night.

The time:  the crack of dawn, Christmas Morning.

I woke before anyone else, even my two younger sisters.  The sun was up, but just barely.  I tiptoed down the hall, turned the corner into the living room, and stood there in utter shock.  There, in front of the tree, was a brand new, shiny green Schwinn 10 speed bike!  ( I know, you saw that coming, but stay with me)

 

I sat on the end of the couch, and stared at it for probably 15 minutes.  I just could not believe it.  They had so completely convinced me that I was not going to get the bike that I was just totally blown away.  I finally noticed that I was sitting there in my underwear, and I was starting to get cold.  I decided to jump back in bed, so I made my way back to my bedroom.  I laid there in bed for a few minutes, not even able to really believe the bike was there.  In fact, I was so afraid that it was just wishful thinking, or a dream, that I got up, went back into the living room and touched the bike, just to be sure it was real!  I went back to bed for a while, and waited for everyone else to get up.  While I lay there waiting, I was just in seventh heaven.  I got my bike!
That also set the stage for never completely  believing my parents again when they said no…..  but I don’t  think they thought of that at the time!
Oh, and the very first time I rode that bike, later that morning, I promptly ran into the back of a parked car, while trying to watch the gears change!

Good Christmas holidays before and after, but this is the one that I will always think of first.  I hope your holiday will be a good one.

 

 

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World AIDS Day December 1

  • 01 December, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

Since the beginning of the AIDS pandemic in 1981, 78 million people have contracted HIV, and 39 million have died. In 2014 alone, 1.2 million people succumbed to AIDS.  70% of all people living with HIV, 25.8 million, live in sub-Sahara Africa.  Only 41% of individuals world-wide have access to anti-retroviral therapy.

In 1988, The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day.  It “is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.” (Wikipedia)

In the United States, the CDC estimates that more than 1.2 million persons age 13 and over are HIV positive. CDC also estimates that 12.8%, or approximately 156,000 of them are unaware of their status.  Over 658,000 have died of AIDS since the pandemic began.

Once a death sentence, HIV infection is now a treatable (but not curable) condition, manageable with increasingly effective medications.  In July of 2012, the FDA approved Tenofovir/emtricitabine (trade name Truvada) to be used as a pre-exposure prophylaxis. This medication, when taken daily, can reduce the risk of HIV infection by 99%. Awareness of Truvada, also known as PreP, is spreading, and people considered at high risk of exposure to HIV are urged to consult their medical practitioners about using PreP to prevent infection.

The theme for World AIDS Day for 2015 is “The Time To Act Is Now“.  The United States government has a dedicated website, here, for information and resources to fight HIV/AIDS.  President Obama has issued the following proclamation:

More than three decades ago, the first known cases of HIV/AIDS sparked an epidemic in the United States — ushering in a time defined by how little we knew about it and in which those affected by it faced fear and stigmatization. We have made extraordinary progress in the fight against HIV since that time, but much work remains to be done. On World AIDS Day, we remember those who we have lost to HIV/AIDS, celebrate the triumphs earned through the efforts of scores of advocates and providers, pledge our support for those at risk for or living with HIV, and rededicate our talents and efforts to achieving our goal of an AIDS-free generation.
Today, more people are receiving life-saving treatment for HIV than ever before, and millions of HIV infections have been prevented. Still, more than 36 million people around the world live with HIV — including nearly 3 million children. My Administration is committed to ending the spread of HIV and improving the lives of all who live with it. In the United States, the Affordable Care Act has allowed more people to access coverage for preventive services like HIV testing, and new health plans are now required to offer HIV screening with no cost sharing. Insurance companies can no longer discriminate against individuals living with HIV/AIDS or any other pre-existing condition. Additionally, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Ryan White CARE Act, which established the Ryan White Program — a program that helps provide needed care to the most vulnerable individuals and touches over half of all people living with HIV in America.
To further our fight to end the HIV epidemic, my Administration released our country’s first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy in 2010. The Strategy provided a clear framework for changing the way we talk about HIV, and it offered a critical roadmap that prioritizes our Nation’s response to this epidemic and organizes the ways we deliver HIV services. Earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order to update the Strategy through 2020, focusing on expanding HIV testing and care, widening support for those living with HIV to stay in comprehensive care, promoting universal viral suppression among individuals infected with HIV, and increasing access to preventive measures, including pre-exposure prophylaxis for people at substantial risk of acquiring HIV.
Additionally, the primary aims of the Strategy include reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities, because HIV still affects specific populations disproportionately across our country. Certain individuals — including gay and bisexual men, Black women and men, Latinos and Latinas, people who inject drugs, transgender women, young people, and people in the Southern United States — are at greater risk for HIV, and we must target our efforts to reduce HIV-related health disparities and focus increased attention on highly vulnerable populations. My most recent Federal budget proposal includes more than $31 billion in funding for HIV/AIDS treatment, care, prevention, and research. We are also making great progress toward achieving a greater viral suppression rate among those diagnosed with HIV, and in the last 5 years, we have made critical funding increases to ensure more Americans have access to life-saving treatment.
We cannot achieve an AIDS-free generation without addressing the pervasive presence of HIV throughout the world, which is why our Nation is committed to achieving the goals laid out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to reach more people living with HIV, promote global health, and end the AIDS epidemic. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has helped save lives across the globe and has made significant impacts on the number of new HIV infections by strengthening international partnerships and expanding essential services for preventing and treating HIV. This year, I announced new targets for PEPFAR that aim to provide almost 13 million people with life-saving treatment by the end of 2017. The United States is also committing resources to support PEPFAR’s work to achieve a 40 percent decrease in HIV incidence among young women and girls in the most vulnerable areas of sub-Saharan Africa. This is a shared responsibility, and America will remain a leader in the effort to end HIV/AIDS while continuing to work with the international community to address this challenge and secure a healthier future for all people.
Working with private industry, faith communities, philanthropic organizations, the scientific and medical communities, networks of people living with HIV and affected populations, and governments worldwide, we can accomplish our goals of reducing new HIV infections, increasing access to care, improving health outcomes for patients, reducing HIV-related disparities, and building a cohesive, coordinated response to HIV. On this day, let us pay tribute to those whom HIV/AIDS took from us too soon, and let us recognize those who continue to fight for a world free from AIDS. Let us also recognize researchers, providers, and advocates, who work each day on behalf of people living with HIV, and in honor of the precious lives we have lost to HIV. Together, we can forge a future in which no person — here in America or anywhere in our world — knows the pain or stigma caused by HIV/AIDS.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2015, as World AIDS Day. I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to provide support and compassion to those living with HIV.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA

Hysteria and anti-LGBT animus have highlighted much of the response to HIV and AIDS over the years.  In the 1980’s, it took the death from AIDS of a personal friend of President Ronald Reagan (fellow actor Rock Hudson) to spur his administration to begin dealing with the disease. ACT UP and other groups had to conduct aggressive and constant actions to insure progress in research and development continued. Even today there is still much hatred and fear directed at the gay community over HIV/AIDS. A fundamentalist Christian preacher in Arizona recently promoted the execution of gays as a way to have an “AIDS free world by Christmas” (completely missing the fact that the vast majority of those infected with HIV/AIDS are heterosexuals living in Africa).

World AIDS Day reminds us that the pandemic is far from over, but the end is now in sight. With more research, education, and treatment, HIV/AIDS will be defeated.

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PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties to host Skyler Cooper

  • 12 November, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties will host Skyler Cooper at it's November meeting, Sunday, 11/15.  The meeting will be held at the Educational and Cultural Center, Congregation B'nai David, 1039 S. Chinowth, Visalia, from 3pm to 5pm.  Hear Skyler Cooper speak and watch a screening of  the short film "Hero Mars" as part of November's Transgender Day of Remembrance. Join us for dinner afterward.

From the PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties Facebook page:

Skyler Cooper is a dynamic, talented, and inspirational award-winning artist, who has been acting in film and theater for fourteen years. Cooper is an influential transgender pioneer in the arts and has received critical acclaim for his gender-bending title role in live performances of Othello. Having appeared in the films Elena Undone, The Owls, and The Insomniacs, and television on RuPaul’s Drag U, Skyler was recently voted one of Autostraddle’s 100 LGBTQ People You Should Know. Hero Mars marks Cooper’s directorial debut; he also wrote, produced, and starred in this beautifully cinematic and thought-provoking award-winning short film. Currently Cooper is in development of his next film, Worthy of Survival. The Gulf War veteran says: “My overall life experience has aided in my ability to relate to many different people as an actor, producer, and director. Today I see my experiences as stories yet to be told, stories that I hope will transform to inspirational guidelines for life.”

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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Rainbow Bowling League begins Nov 12th

  • 04 November, 2015
  • Written by Administrator

 

Fun & Friendly competition

Begins November 12th at 6:30pm

$11 per week for 14 weeks

AMF Visalia Lanes, 1740 W Caldwell Ave

 

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Fun & Friendly competition

Begins November 12th at 6:30pm

$11 per week for 14 weeks

AMF Visalia Lanes, 1740 W Caldwell Ave

 

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Local Stories: PFLAG to host speakers for National Coming Out Day

  • 11 October, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

October 11 is/was National Coming Out Day.  2015 marks the 27th annual observance, commemorating the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, held in 1987.  On this day, those still in the closet, whether they are LGBTQ or allies, are urged to step out and tell their stories.  In recognition of NCOD, PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties will host two Visalia residents as they discuss their "coming out".

Since the first NCOD was celebrated in 1988, there has been a sea-change in the way society in general, and the law specifically, views the LGBTQ community.  From the riots in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York City that sparked the modern LGBTQ movement, to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that made marriage equality the law of the land, few would have thought such progress possible.

In 1977, Harvey Milk of San Francisco won election to the City Council as California's first openly gay person to run for office.  During his campaign, and his short time in office (he and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated in their offices on November 27, 1978), Milk often urged closeted members of the gay community to "come out".  He maintained it was the only way for the LGBTQ community to truly advance.  As more people came out over the years, Harvey's words have proven prophetic.  Harvey Milk is recognized in California with a "Special Day of Significance", each May 22nd.

Each October, PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties recognizes Coming Out Day with programs related to the subject.  This year, two Visalia residents will speak, telling their "coming out" stories.  Gail McCarthy, author of a five book murder mystery series, the Alexandria Whitney mysteries, and Jim Reeves (that's me!), 9-1-1 dispatcher, blogger, and LGBTQ activist, will be discussing the coming out process and how it's impacted our lives.  We'll talk about the societies we lived in as we approached our own "coming out", the atmosphere that colored our perceptions, and how being "out" has affected our lives since.

The public is, as always, invited to attend PFLAG meetings.  Admission is always free, and refreshments are served.  This month's will be Sunday, October 18, from 3 pm till 5 pm.  We meet at the Congregation B'nai David, in their Educational and Cultural Center, 1039 S. Chinowth, Visalia.  (Just follow the rainbow flags)

 

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I stand with Planned Parenthood: A Coming Out Story

  • 26 September, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

Guest blogger Jennifer Davis, formerly of Visalia, now resides in Lakewood, Washington, with her wife Joan Davis. Read about their "Big Gay Wedding", at http://blogs.visaliatimesdelta.com/alternatingcurrents/2013/11/03/visalias-big-gay-wedding/

 

Jennifer Davis

I feel like I am “coming out” all over again!  Guess what everyone – I not only STAND WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD, I HAVE USED PLANNED PARENTHOOD!!!  OMG, I know… the stigma and shaming associated with this proven effective national healthcare organization is astounding to me.  So many people stand with PP “on principle,” but so few are willing to talk about how they (and/or someone they know and love) have benefited from PP’s services.  To add to that, I do not consider myself Pro-Choice, I am Pro-Abortion.
Over the years, I have benefited from Planned Parenthood & other reproductive health organizations in a number of ways, but let’s cut to the quick, the elephant in the room, the subject everyone wants to minimize, or not talk about at all, or worse, sensationalize it with lies.  I WENT TO PP FOR THEIR ABORTION SERVICES (and other things, but we’ll talk about that in a minute).  I am not embarrassed, nor ashamed, and I have no regrets, none.  And I am grateful beyond words that PP was there for me, and I am willing to fight to insure abortion services are there again if wanted or needed for myself and others.  These assaults on reproductive health care accessibility are not limited to PP, but encompass any organizations or clinics that provide safe, legal abortion services.
Now, let’s get past the sometimes well-meaning but still-offensive questions… It doesn’t matter how old I was or whether or not carrying a pregnancy to term would have “ruined” my life.  It is irrelevant whether or not I was raped or molested, whether or not I had 1, 3, 10 or 100 abortions or how “far along” I was.  It is irrelevant whether or not there were “other” health concerns.  It is irrelevant what my education level is or was at the time.  It is irrelevant whether or not I was using drugs.  It is irrelevant whether or not I did or did not tell my sexual partner (or partners) at the time.  It is irrelevant whether I had the means and the support, financially or otherwise, to have a child.  It is irrelevant if I knew about or was using other forms of contraceptive.  And it is irrelevant whether or not I knew about or considered other options.  
It was not the “hardest decision” of my life; in fact, it wasn’t hard at all; it was one of the easiest.  I do not feel the need to justify having a safe and legal medical procedure, no more than I would need to justify a biopsy, drawing blood, getting a cast, or having an x-ray.   If you really want to know the details of my medical history, you can ask.  I am open to talk about my personal medical experiences with people I choose to discuss such matters.  Beyond that, really, it is none of your damn business.  Now that is out of the way, phew, let’s move on.
I am a mother.  I have the smartest, most beautiful, amazingly creative, intensely funny, interesting daughter, ever (no bias in this statement)!  Being a mother to an adult daughter has not diminished my support of abortion providers, if anything it has strengthened it.  I am a lesbian, married to the most amazing woman in the world (again, no bias in this statement).   For myself, and more importantly, for my daughter and my wife, I stand with Planned Parenthood, and all legal abortion providers, for the fundamental right to reproductive justice; for the freedom of choice in medical decisions; for the ever increasing need for affirming care; for the call to action of intersectionality of progressive causes; for the understanding that the assault on abortion rights is part of a growing and dangerous war on women and self-determination.
I have used Planned Parenthood, and other organizations, for among other things: contraceptives, HIV & STD testing, exams, etc.  Most importantly, I have used PP and other reproductive health organizations as a resource.  PP has always been a resource to share for accurate, up-to-date information and education on reproductive health, affordable health care, safer-sex education and resources, and affirming care for transgender health services.  I cannot adequately express my gratitude and the life-changing, and yes, life-saving information and care PP has provided to me and to so many others I know.  
Planned Parenthood has been a consistent ally in the fight for LGBTQ equality – I cannot think of a Pride event I have attended that PP, and other reproductive health services, were not active participants, providing services, resources and education to the LGBTQ community.  If ever there was a time for intersectionality, for the LGBTQ community to stand up with a consistent ally, it is now, it is with Planned Parenthood and legal abortion providers.
Regardless of your personal choice regarding abortion, the defunding of Planned Parenthood and the exhaustive barrage of legislation to limit access to abortion services, really, has nothing to do with abortion, and I think everyone knows that.  Federal funds are NOT used for abortion services, though I personally think that is a grievous tragedy.  Abortion services make up a tiny percentage of the services offered by PP, though that is irrelevant, even if 99.9% of their operations were abortion services, they should still be supported.  And has been proven so many times, the healthcare services PP and other organizations provide actually decreases the demand for abortion services.   Arguing these points, in many ways, defeats the purpose.  Abortion is not a crime, it is not wrong, it is not bad, and those of us committed to reproductive rights and justice need to stop apologizing for abortions – there is nothing to apologize for!
The assaults on abortion services are about self-determination.  Once again, right wing, religious zealots have the audacity to say, to imply, and to pass legislation based on their belief that I, and millions of women, are not smart enough, are not strong enough, are not moral enough, are not capable of making our own decisions.  They do this through blatant lies, through manipulation, through misinformation, through shaming.  I refuse to be a part of this, and I challenge anyone and everyone to join me in refuting these critics and to stand up.
The assaults on abortion services are about sex shaming.  We live in a society that over-sexualizes, under-sexualizes, de-sexualizes and mis-sexualizes women in so many ways, and then we add the religious bigotry of sex-shaming.  Instead of arguing that federal funds aren’t used for abortions or that only a tiny percentage of PP’s operations are abortion related, we should be clarifying the conversion.  Who cares?  Bottom line, women are sexual, always have been, always will be.  Oh, and so are men.  Sex is not bad.  I can’t believe I even have to say that.  Accurate sex education, access to reproductive health services, and safe, affirming care – this is what these organizations provide, and why all of us need to stand with them.
The assaults on abortion services are about limiting access to health care, especially for disenfranchised women.   Defunding and legislation limiting access to women’s health care services disproportionately harms poor women, women who live in rural areas, women with accessibility and ability issues, women in abusive relationships, undocumented women, young women.  On the same note, given the range of services these organizations provide, it also disproportionately hurts our most vulnerable LGBTQ communities: poor, rural, young, transgender, undocumented, etc.  In many places, cosmetic surgery is more accessible than reproductive health services.  The absurdity of that makes me laugh, and cry.  Even if I do not need their services right now, even if you have never needed these services, standing with Planned Parenthood and legal abortion providers means you are standing with our communities, with all members of our communities.  It is important, it is vital that reproductive health services and education be expanded NOT limited.
The more women, the more people share their experiences of utilizing abortion service providers, regardless for what kinds of services, the less the extremist right can use the lies and the manipulation and the misinformation to advance their agenda.  There is power in our stories, and in our experiences, but only in the telling of them, only in the sharing of them, only in the debunking of those lies and manipulations and misinformation – only in the truth.  So, yes, I stand with Planned Parenthood and all legal abortion providers, and I encourage others to as well, and to share their stories and their truths so that others can use and have access to this important and vital resource.  I refuse to be bullied and shamed, and I hope my “coming out” encourages others to do so as well.
 

 

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Bakersfield PFLAG welcomes Ben Patrick Johnson, voice-over actor and LGBT activist

  • 24 August, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

Ben Patrick Johnson, famous voice-over actor and LGBTQ activist will be the featured speaker at Bakersfield PFLAG's September meeting.  Johnson will speak Thursday, September 3, 2015, at the First Congregational Church of Bakersfield, UCC, 5 Real Road (at Stockdale Highway).  The PFLAG meeting begins at 7pm.  Facebook event page here.

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Illinois bans "conversion" therapy for LGBT minors

  • 23 August, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

On Thursday, August 20, 2015, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed legislation making that state the fifth jurisdiction to ban "converstion therapy" for LGBT minors (others are California, Oregon, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.).  The law, which goes into effect January 1, 2016, prevents licensed therapists from trying to change the sexual orientation of a person under 18 years of age, or from referring them to any organization or person who would try.  

The usual "parents rights" and "religious freedom" complaints were heard from opponents, but the legislature passed the bill, and the Governor signed it.  

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama said he supported such bans.  

Professional mental health organizations and associations have maintained that sexual orientation cannot be changed, and that attempts can be harmful to the patient.  Religious organizations maintain that people can "pray away the gay", but several leading organizations who claimed to change patients have since closed, and their owners/directors have admitted change had not happened, and that they may have caused more anguish to those who attended their facilities.  

Four states down, 46 to go. 

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PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties to screen "Geography Club"

  • 10 August, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

PFLAG Tulare Kings Counties will screen the comedy "Geography Club" at it's August meeting, on Sunday the 16th.  

From the Internet Movie Data Base:

  • "GEOGRAPHY CLUB" is based on Brent Hartinger's best-selling critically acclaimed novel: "What am I looking for?" asks 16-year old Russell Middlebrook of himself as he heads off on his newest adventure. Russell is still going on dates with girls, while Kevin will do anything to prevent his football teammates from finding out what he is concealing, Min and Terese tell everyone they're really just good friends, and Ike can't figure out who he is or what he wants to be. But the truth is too hard to hide - at least from each other - so they form the Geography Club. Nobody else will discover the truth about them as no other students in their right minds would ever join a club that sounds so boring. Their secrets will be safe from classmates. But are they? "Geography Club" is a smart, fast, moving and funny account of contemporary teenagers as they discover their own sexual identities, dreams and values and not merely live out their parents' desires and ambitions. Russell, Kevin, Min, Terese and Ike may not learn about actual places in their undercover social club, but they daringly explore the danger-filled, clique-mined landscape of Goodkind High School and courageously begin their journey in the exciting, still uncharted terrain of the human heart.

    - Synopsis Written by Edmund Entin 
  • The meeting starts at 3pm, at the Education and Cultural Center, Congregation B'nai David, 1039 S. Chinowth, Visalia. 
    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.
    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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More fun with flags - Missouri county in "mourning" over SCOTUS ruling

  • 13 July, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

dent county courthouse

 

Missouri's Dent County Commissioners, Darrell Skiles (R), Dennis Purcell (R), and Gary Larson (R), have voted, unanimously, to lower the flag of the United States of America to "below half staff" on the 26th day of each month through June 2016.  They are taking this action to, as SalemNewsOnline.com reports,

"to observe one year of "mourning” over the Supreme Court’s June 26 decision that gay couples have the constitutional right to marriage.
The vote came after Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles filed a letter into the public record protesting, “the U.S. high court’s stamp of approval of what God speaks of as an abomination.”
The letter details Skiles’ opposition to gay marriage and proposes lowering of the flags so “all who see these flags at this lowered position be reminded of this despicable Supreme Court travesty,” he wrote.

The commissioners, who are the equivalent of our County Board of Supervisors, took the vote on Monday, July 13, 2015.  Reaction was swift.

Someone has already "updated" the County's Wikipedia page:

Dent County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri.
As of July 13, 2015, Dent County is known as the most bigoted, homophobic, hillbilly county in Missouri. Any tourists looking to do a float trip should patronize an outfitter in one of the surrounding counties, which have nicer floating streams anyway. As of the 2010 census, the population was 15,657.[1] The largest city and county seat is Salem.[2] The county was officially organized on February 10, 1851 by Dustin Counts & Nicholas Berardy, and is named after state representative Lewis Dent, a pioneer settler who arrived in Missouri from Virginia in 1835.

Articles are appearing in media around the country, as Dent County becomes a poster boy for how not to conduct government business.  These commissioners missed the whole "separation of church and state" memo, and would rather insult the LGBT members of their communities (up to 1,500 voters in a county of 15,600).  I suspect they don't care, and probably take some pleasure from the idea.  Since they don't seem to have a Confederate Battle Flag flying to advertise themselves with, they'll simply ignore the Flag Code, and make a political statement with Old Glory.

I wonder if the County Attorney will step in and explain it to them?  I suspect he (or she) already did, and, since the Code does not have the force of law, they just don't care.  After all, to "good" Christians like these, "God's" law trumps the Constitutions they swore an oath to uphold.  Pesky things like that can just be ignored, when you're doing "God's" work, right?

UPDATE:  On Tuesday, Commissioners told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that they intend to rescind their vote out of “respect” for military personnel and veterans.  (no respect was forthcoming towards the LGBT community.)
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/dent-county-commissioners-vote-to-lower-flags-to-mourn-same/article_58fa8323-1a20-5485-94e2-d932b8511483.html

Also posted at Alternating Currents

Image: Dent County Courthouse by Bob Weston 

 

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Visalia Pride Lions present "Heart of a Lion" award

  • 04 July, 2015
  • Written by Jim Reeves

On June 20, 2015, I was honored to receive the Visalia Pride Lions "Heart of a Lion" award for 2015.  Presented at the luncheon to recognize their 5th anniversary,  the award came as a complete surprise.  I had not been aware that I had been under consideration for the award, and when Slade Childers began talking about me, I was speechless.  

After Slade introduced me with a nice bio, I was asked to come forward and was presented with the plaque you see above.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You'd think a blogger would have had more to say, but apparently I need a keyboard to be articulate, at least to say more than "10-4" and "copy traffic"!  All I could say was that "nobody told me this was happening", and "thank you".  

I am honored and thankful to the VIsalia Pride Lions for this recognition.  I will treasure this award, and you can be certain it will be displayed in my home with pride.

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Supreme Court rules 5 to 4 same-sex couples have the right to marry in all 50 states

  • 26 June, 2015
  • Written by Administrator
 

marriage-won-signIn a long-sought victory for the gay rights movement, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the Constitution guarantees a nationwide right to same-sex marriage.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote the majority opinion in the 5 to 4 decision. He was joined by the court’s four more liberal justices.

Justice Kennedy said gay and lesbian couples had a fundamental right to marry.

“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family,” he wrote. “In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.”

 

5-4decision

When marriages begin? Developing...

Read the decision in full
Events in the Central Valley:
Fresno: https://www.facebook.com/events/498243886989305/
Bakersfield: https://www.facebook.com/events/1456320621349978/
Bakersfield: https://www.facebook.com/events/356195121241091

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