The Daily Show

  • Written by Brooke

Jon Stewart did an excellent job on speaking up for the gay community. He asked the tough questions and stood his ground with strong convictions. By the way, the man he is interviewing plans to run for President in 4 years, YIKES!

 

 

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They Need Our Help

  • Written by Brooke

My better half and I are big animal advocates. I would like to take this opportunity to speak for those who do not have voices. There is a very real and very sad epidemic happening at our local shelters. Who would have thought the housing market and economy could trickle down and affect animals as well. The Valley Oak SPCA (VOSPCA) reported today that they are in crisis with the amount of puppies they currently have at the shelter and with their foster families. People are losing their homes to foreclosure, etc. and are bringing in pregnant dogs and puppies because they have no choice but to abandon them. They are in such bad shape they are offering adoptions at half of the normal price to try and eliminate the numbers of animals who may have to be euthanized. They are currently having to put down 60 to 70 animals A DAY!! This is a prime example of why it is so very important to spay and neuter our pets. If you are in the market for a new Christmas puppy or companion animal please think of visiting the shelter, the mall site or inquiring about what animals they have in foster care. If you are not in the market for an added family member perhaps you could donate money, items or your time.

The VOSCPA is always in need of the following items:

Canned Dog & Cat Food, Puppy & Kitten Food, Soft Dog Treats, Blankets (no
thermal or electric) and Washable Rugs, Towels for bathing and cleaning,
Paper Towels, Bleach, Stainless Steel Bowls, Grooming Supplies, New or Used
Collars and Leashes

Shelter Information:

Main Shelter
(559) 651-1111
Located at Plaza Park/Airport/Hwy 99
Hours: Monday - Saturday     9-5pm

Mall Shelter
(559) 901-8078
Located in the corner of the Gottschalk's parking lot of mall
Hours:
Mon, Weds, Thurs      1-7pm
Tuesday                     Closed
Friday & Saturday      12-8pm
Sunday                     11-5pm

Lend a paw if you can in any way. Thanks for your support!! And remember,
don't breed or buy while homeless animals die.

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News Article

  • Written by Brooke

I found this article today and wanted to pass it along. I feel this is a must read in our battle for equality. I must say although long, it is very profound.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/172653?gt1=43002

 

Update 12/12/08

Newsweek's recent cover story, -The Religious Case for Gay Marriage" provides just that—debunking all the popular myths.

The response? On the first day, Newsweek was -bombarded" with 20,000 emails in opposition to its article.

Make sure the voices of the religious right aren't the only ones being heard.

Write Newsweek today!!

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/newsweek

 

 

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Fight Back!

  • Written by Brooke

From HRC:

Last Friday's New York Times ran a full-page ad paid for by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty blaming lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender protesters for "violence and intimidation" directed towards the Mormon Church and its members in the after math of California's discriminatory anti-marriage amendment vote. We all know these claims are, at the very least, exaggerations, and at the very worst, outright falsehoods.

Anti- LGBT groups have spread mistruths to defeat us and it's what they are going to keep doing. And I think we've all had enough of it. It's time for us to stand up for the truth.

Read the ad and then join me in sending a message to The New York Times and the Becket Fund calling out the lies in the ad. Click below - it will only take a few minutes.


http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/nytimesprop8  

 

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Your Local List

  • Written by Brooke

Here is the list for local Prop 8 supporters. I have to say in fairness that some contributors listed their employers on the donations but those employers may not necessarily share the same views as the employee. However, some contributors are actually the owners of those businesses, so you will have to use your best judgement. Let's not support those who do not support us! Please don't hesitate to contact me with errors or obmissions. Thanks!

Peace be with you all

 

H8rs in Visalia

H8rs in Tulare

H8rs in Porterville

These generous people supported the No on 8 campaign

 

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Spreading Cheer

  • Written by Brooke

The holiday season is upon us. This is always a good time to think of others and help where we can. There are so many charities that need help year round but especially at the holidays. I just wanted to take a moment and ask that we do what we can to help those in need or those less fortunate if able. If you need help finding a local charity or if you are a family in need or know someone that is, let me know (indianwaters@sbcglobal.net) and I will organize something. If you already have something in motion let us know so we can pitch in.

Happy Holidays to all!!

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PFLAG Meeting Sunday January 18, 2009

  • Written by Administrator

 
Parents Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

  When/Cuando: January 18, 2009
Where/Donde: Family HealthCare Network Administration Building, Entrance on Bridge Street

305 E Center Street, Visalia
Voicemail/Telefono: (559) 579-1101
Email/Coreo Electronico: info@pflag-tulare-kings.org
Time/Hora: 3-5pm


sunday, JANUARY18TH 3pm-5PM

AT Family HealthCare Network's Administration Office, 305 East Center Street in Visalia (Corner of Bridge and Center Streets)

 Pflag's mission is to provide support, education AND ADVOCACY to all members of our community in a safe and NON-JUDGMENTAL environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GLAD NIGHT AT THE BLITZ EXPANDED TO SAT. NIGHTS

  • Written by Slade
Starting Saturday, December 6th, the Blitz will be having a 2nd GLAD (gay and lesbian night).
Join us for expanding our local community, (if so inclined).
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CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

  • Written by Brooke
 
 
 
Image We gathered Sunday in Visalia to march for equality and justice. We started at COS and walked
Mooney Boulevard
 to
Caldwell Avenue
 and back again. We braved the cold and opposition for about two hours. I would guess about 100 people from the community came out to show support and fight for what is constitutionally ours. We had lots of support from the passing public and of course those who continually drove by with the standard epithets of -fag, faggots, and dykes". I was almost happy to hear a -queer", what a change from the norm! Oh, those simple minded people who think they are actually hurting us with those words. If we were ashamed to be who we are, we certainly wouldn't be out walking for recognition. But I digress……  

 
 

 

 
We walked in the night with our candles flickering of hope. We walked in the night with our heads held high and our determination higher. At some point I looked down at my children and thought, -I am marching for them; I am marching for all children". I was walking to insure they can grow up in a world where they are able to live and love freely with no boundaries, consequences or discrimination. I wish that for all of the people who were there that night and all of those who weren't.

 
 

 

 

I feel in my heart that we must not stop this civil rights movement. We must move forward without hate and violence. We need to be sure that our voices continue to be heard. We need to unite and not let this fire die. Just because the election is over, our journey is not. I am so proud of all of you and all that has been accomplished over the years and I look forward to the changes yet to come. Through persistence we will find victory. Peace be with you all.

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Read more: CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

RESPONSE TO PROPOSITION 8

  • Written by Jamie Garza

Visibility & Thoughtful Financial Control
List of businesses and individuals who used your money to treat you unfairly:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-moneymap,0,2198220.htmlstory
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-metro-prop-8,0,2463893.htmlstory
When we do not have a majority, the only way we can answer marginalization is by visibility and thoughtfully controlling where our money is spent.
Email:  speechadvice@yahoo.com about upcoming events in our sister cities  that will help us acquire fairness and civic equality

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The Summer of 2008: BownAThon 2008

  • Written by Slade

The RAINBOWlers of Tulare County had a fun time attending the BOWLATHON2008 in Fresno back in August.   Tori, Jennie, Michael, Kyle, David and Slade were ‘representing' the RAINBOWlers and since it was a Costume Event, a few of us dressed up for the Event.

This was a fundraiser for Fresno's Community Link and it was a very successful event.  We saw Catwoman, aka Paris of the Knights of Malta, the Village People who were representing the Red Lantern and others who were gayly adorned with so many other various fun and a few ‘frightening' costumes.

Here are some photos we took and more can be seen at www.communitylinkfresno.com .

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Read more: The Summer of 2008: BownAThon 2008

Support those who support us

  • Written by Jesse

If you know of any businesses that are GLBT friendly, please let us know. We want to support those businesses who support us.

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LGBT Night at the Blitz

  • Written by Rainbow Produktionz

 

Every Wednesday join us for "Gay Night" at the Blitz, located at:

115 North Locust Street in Visalia

Good times with good people, see you there!

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Meet Somebody New (part 2)

  • Written by Slade

Image 

This is the second in a series of interviews where we all get to know someone new within our Community. Nate Rodriguez is a local Activist with Rainbow Productions.  So everybody, meet someone new:

There are a lot of people here in Visalia that know who you are but for those who don't know you, how would you describe your self? 

I like to describe myself as outspoken and believe no person should be judged by what they like. I like to organize events for the community and to be involved with it!

     Tell us about your involvement with Gay Night at the Blitz. How did it get started and what's going on with it? 

      I knew the owners and they had been asking around about doing something different for the bar.  I told them about a gay night!  He thought I was joking because no other club in Visalia has been successful so he finally approached me and said yes. So our first night was Nov. 28 (my 23rd B-day).  Now I had some help spreading the word about it and I'm able to coordinate the gay night and advise the owners on what the gay community likes in the best form that I can. 

     We also know there is an Exotica night at the Blitz.  Rumor has it they have asked you to join the show? Think you will ever do it?

      I have thought about doing drag and mentioned it to friends, but no The Exotica show has not come to me about the joining them.  If the rumor should present itself, yes, I have been asked to do a porn movie for bilatinmen.com and I have said yes! I will be doing a video for them because I want to experience life to the fullest that I can and here's a different aspect of it!

     What music do you listen to and who are on your ipod?

     I listen to everything mostly Trance/house, Latin dance and more. As far as music I own rock, techno, some Spanish and hip hop.

      Some very important GLBT issues are going to be decided by voters like the constitutional Amendment to ban Gay Marriage on the upcoming November ballot.   People in the 18 to 25 year old age range don't vote in large numbers.  Does that concern you?

     Yes, and I really hope that they vote on this issue especially it being a BIG part of not only theirs but their friends lives!! No person should have the say on who can love who no matter what religion or belief.

Are there any events coming on the Horizon that you are involved with that our community should know about?

     I have been working on Clubpapi's first appearance to the valley plus, I have organized a cruise with carnival cruise lines in October called "Pride Sailabration"! They are accommodating to the gay community and allowing me to do events on board the ship.

     What would you like to see for the future of our community in Visalia?

     I'd like to see more involvement with not only the Gay side but their friends, family and local business's. Every city has its own gay community and should know they can be comfortable with their choice.

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CELEBRATIONS

  • Written by Slade

Got something to CELEBRATE? Let us know so we can announce it for you.

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Meet Somebody New

  • Written by Slade

Image
Melissa & Summer of Hanford, Interviewed by Slade of Visalia

This is the first of a series of interviews where we all get to know someone new within our Community.  To start it off, Slade of Visalia interviewed Mellisa and Summer of Hanford.  So everybody, meet someone new:
1) Recently the Hanford-Sentinel did a story called "Same-Sex couples looking for their place in Kings County".  What type of reaction have you received since that story was published?
 
Melissa: Most reactions are online nowadays so the effect is different. I read a lot of religious talk about how homosexuality is a sin and on the other hand, there was a lot of support. I was glad that so many people were talking about it.
 
Summer: In my personal and professional life I have received wonderful support!! People are still congratulating me on the article.  Online reviews were mixed between religious homophobes and community support.
 
2) Now that Gay Marriage is on its way to becoming legal, are you planning on getting married and if so, how are you going to introduce your other half? (I ask that because it's a interesting question. Some say "partner" some say "husband or wife", some say "spouse".  Clearly we have a choice in the matter of how we address our other 'half')
Melissa: Doesn't every girl want to be married? lol! Yes we want to get married, a date isn't set, but I love looking at wedding dresses. She'll be my wife, my mate, my partner. 
 
Summer:  Yes the plans are starting and I will happily call her my wife.
 
3) What would you like to see happen within the LGBT Community in Hanford and surrounding areas? For example, do you want a bar established or a community center or what?? (Include in your answer a way for local LGBT people to email or contact you).
 
Melissa: I am starting a social club for the LGBTQ community in Kings County. It is in the beginning stages and I am looking for people interested in getting together and meeting new people. I would also like to see LGBTQ events here in Kings County and political support for LGBTQ issues. So if any one is interesting in getting together I can be reached at hanfordlgbt@yahoo.com.
 
Summer:  I would love for a LGBT group to form in Hanford and surrounding areas where we can meet up and hang out.  I think its important for us to have support within each other and also come together as a community.
 
4) Rosie O'Donald does Family Cruises for the LGBT Community with families.  If you could pick a celebrity that sponsored Family Cruises who would you choose?
Melissa: Ellen! She is funny. 
 
Summer:  I have to agree with Melissa on this one, Ellen is hilarious and seems so fun spirited.  I think it would be a blast to cruise with her.
5) The baby boomer generation is soon if not now, the majority of people in this country.  What would you like to see the next generation accomplish or change in this world?
 
Melissa: I want to see the homosexual community come together and embrace all its members. We are quite diverse and diversity can be powerful in both professional and personal growth.
 
Summer:  I would love for the next generation to be free from discrimination and prejudice.  Hate crimes and bigotry have such a broad spectrum and hurt people so much.  People should not be judged based on how they are perceived but instead on whom they are as a person.
 
6) Who is a role model for you and why?
 
Melissa: I can't say that one person is a role model for me. It is the people who do small things for our community that make a difference who I find myself respecting. My personal motto is 'stand up for what you believe in, even if you are standing alone' so it makes sense to me to respect the little acts of ordinary people.
 
Summer:  I think one person I really admire is Oprah Winfrey.  She has such a huge impact on so many people.  She is open minded even through her religious faith, she gives so much, and even through television has touched so many lives in a positive way.
 
7)  There is a song "Waiting on the World to Change".  When you both came out in the newspaper as a couple you helped change the world by being honest and open about your lives and relationship.  Do you think more LGBT people should come out publically or remain as 'closeted' as they want to be?
 
Melissa: I did my Master's research on workplace discrimination among the LGBT subcultures. While conducting the research I studied being out and the affects of being out. There is a lot that goes into that decision. So if some people can't publically become out I understand because it is a personal choice. I think that the more people come out, the better our chances of a societal acceptance. 
 
Summer: Every person has their own struggle with coming out, lord knows I had mine but I would like to see more people come out.  It would benefit our cause and really after one does come out they feel better about themselves because there's no more having to hide.  Surely it takes courage and it's difficult but the more we come to terms with whot we are, the faster others can start accepting us.
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What to do?

  • Written by Kenneth Hooper

 What would you do for our community if you could? Open a bar? Work on building a community center? Start a group or club? Organize a weekly dinner meeting?   

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Welcome to LGBT Visalia!

  • Written by Web Master

 

LGBT Visalia is small non-profit located in Visalia, CA.  Our goal is to reach out and find LGBT+ members who live and work in Tulare County, letting them know there is a place for them!   We believe there is no reason for anyone to feel isolated, unloved, or alone!  We, (along with many other awesome groups!), are here for you!     We shouldn't have to go to a big city to find our space! There are awesome people and great things to do here!   So... let's do it!

LGBT Visalia is for the community, by the community!

 

 

 

 

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