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

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  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.