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Reel Pride Kick-Off Party & Silent Auction

  • Written by Jason Scott

reelpride 2015

Mark your calendars!!

REEL PRIDE 26's KICK-OFF PARTY will be held Friday, August 14th! 

Held in the amazing venue of our Festival Partner THE PAINTED TABLE, located at 1211 N Wishon Ave. We hope to see all of our members & festival sponsors/donors. Pick up your Festival Passes; Enjoy the food stylings of THE PAINTED TABLE STAFF; Have a drink at The Reel Lounge. From 5:30pm to 9pm

Still want to donate an item for the Silent Auction? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Need to purchase a Festival pass? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or VISIT US AT OUR WEBPAGE: www.reelpride.com

Murdered transgender victim's name revealed in sign in sheet

  • Written by Trans-E-Motion

TEM Sign inThe Fresno Police Department, would not confirm that "CASEY" aka Kenton Haggard was a part of the transgender community and often regards her disrespectfully as "A Man in a Dress"; that further insults and infuriates the Transgender community.

At first in looking over the unclear footage presented to the community for verification of identification; Trans-E-Motion wanted to provide concrete proof that "Casey" was in fact a member of the trans-community. In a long search, Trans-E-Motion has gone through archived records for concrete proof that Casey was in fact actively participating in our community as an authentic Transgender individual. Trans-E-Motion found a sign in sheet with "Kenton (Casey) Haggard" for one of our support groups.
**Attached you will find the sign in sheet described. We have blocked the other names for protection of our members. **

At this time we are asking The Fresno Police Department, ALL news media to acknowledge "Casey" Haggard by using female pronouns and addressing her in the proper respect she deserves under the current Death and Dignity Laws of California for Transgender individuals. Although her CA DMV license may not have reflected at the time, or any medical records which may exist. This could include having seen a therapist for being Trans, or pharmacy records for hormone therapy. These factors may not reflect now, Casey's process; but there is that possibility that she was in the begining stages of the process, and given her life was cut short was not able to complete her goals.

The Board of Trans-E-Motion

Update: According to the interview by channel 21 with Trans-E-Motion after seeing the support group document which indicated that Casey was identifying a transgender, the Fresno Police Department said last night the death in dignity law will be respected from this point forward in the investigation of Casey Haggard and it is being investigated as a Hate Crime and for everyone to be on the lookout for a Gray or Silver 2002 to 2005 Saturn Vue SUV, with a large dent in the passenger side door. If you see a vehicle that fits this description, do not approach or confront anyone. Please contact the Fresno Police Department or call crime stoppers 559-498-STOP with the information as to the location of the vehicle. Please be careful, safe, and use good judgement.

AFER to close up, send funds to HRC

  • Written by Jason Scott

In an email sent to supporters, American Foundation for Equal Rights Executive Director, Adam Umhoefer reveals they are closing up shop. And, expresses his trust in HRC along with a note that they are sending any remaining funds to the Human Rights Campaign:

afer logoTogether, we made history.

Nearly six years ago, the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) was created with the specific mission of arguing for marriage equality before the U.S. Supreme Court and to, while doing so, dramatically advance the American conversation on equality.

And we accomplished that … and so much more.

We returned marriage equality to California—our nation's most populous state—and, later, to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

With David Boies and Ted Olson as lead counsel, we smashed the partisan barrier that traditionally divided supporters and opponents of marriage equality. Namely, we brought prominent conservative voices to the debate and proved that marriage is not a partisan issue, but an American issue.

We put equality on trial. For the first time ever, a federal court heard evidence as to why denying gay and lesbian Americans the right to marry is unconstitutional. And, more importantly, for the first time, we forced our opponents to make their best cases, under oath, as to why marriage bans based on fear and hatred should stand. And we shared that story with the world.

But, perhaps, most importantly, we drew a line in the sand. We demanded that every American—whether a regular citizen, an editorial board writer, a member of Congress, or a Supreme Court justice—not only listen to the stories of Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo—the brave plaintiffs fighting for justice—but that they also take a side.

The results were extraordinary. We saw Americans nationwide stand up to support equal marriage. We saw it in the opinion pages of our newspapers. We saw senators scrambling to change their public positions. And we saw it from millions of ordinary people who proudly posted the “equal sign” logo of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) as their Facebook profile pictures, and turned the Internet red.

Today, because of you—and the pioneering work of organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Freedom to Marry, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), Lambda Legal, and the National Council for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)—this group of brave plaintiffs and legal teams have finished the work and won every American the right to marry who they love.

Read more: AFER to close up, send funds to HRC

Boy Scouts of America - Inclusive at last?

  • Written by Jesse D. Rodriguez-Hammond
Boy Scouts InclusionThe Boy Scouts of America, the country’s oldest youth organization, in a landmark decision voted to overturn their ban on gay troop leaders. Being a Scout myself until I was in my early teens; I was excited about this news. The Boy Scouts offer a fantastic opportunity for boys and young adults learn valuable life skills. And where else would I have learned to tie a Clove, Sheet Bend and a Taut-Line knot. 
 
This isn’t the first time that the BSA has overturned antiquated rules. In 1967 they opened up den leadership to men and women. In the 70’s they opened up other leadership posts to women as well. 
 
Even though, I commend the Scouts for doing the right thing or at least starting down the proverbial right path.  Don’t brush up your resume and think you are going to apply to just any troop. The BSA left in a slight loop hole. If the troop is sponsored by a religious organization then they can still enforce the old ban. 
Anyone who knows me, know I have an opinion on EVERYTHING. However, this is where I shake my head. Is the ban truly overturned or is it selective discrimination? 
 
Regardless, this is a great start. In 10 or 20 years all this will be a non-issue. Hopefully by then our more accepting, younger generation will have a better hold of our society, and will have implemented the necessary changes to live in a more equal world.

Vigil in memory of KC Haggard

  • Written by Zoyer Zyndel

There will be a gathering at the Fresno LGBT Community Center (1067 N. Fulton) this evening, Thursday, July 30th at 6pm in memory of KC Haggard, the local transgender woman who was viciously murdered on July 23rd, as well as all other victims of transgender violence across the country.

There will be a march through the Tower District and brief speeches from local community members.

If you'd like to help in making signs for the march please contact Zoyer Zyndel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or KarenAdell Scot This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You can also visit the LGBT Community Center during open hours to make your own signs (we have materials available).

Phone number for the LGBT Center is 559-325-4429. You can also emailGay Central Valley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Chris Jarvis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Local media will be invited to this event.

The march and speakers will take place outside, but the Center will be open with air conditioning, water, snacks and bathrooms. It's supposed to be a hot day but we'll do everything we can to make it comfortable for all.

We encourage people to wear red to signify the rates of transgender violence in the U.S. and use the hashtag #TransRemembranceRed

Everyone is invited to this event so please invite your friends.

Breaking News: Update in the death of KC Haggard

  • Written by Jason Scott

 

Thanks to this video, police say they now have physical evidence from the suspect and a prostitute and pimp who'd be able to identify the suspected murderer of KC Haggard.

Thursday morning, police believe the suspect in this silver Saturn was out looking for sex. Hours later, police say he found it, at a different location.

Local transgender activists say whether fully transitioned or not, Haggard was transgender and targeted for it that morning. 

Police are describing the suspect as an extremely thin 5'9", 5'10" Hispanic male in his mid to late 30s with short dark hair and tattoos on both arms. Police are describing the suspect's car as a silver Saturn SUV with a moon roof and a damaged lower right side. Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.

 

KC Haggard vigil in Fresno

  • Written by Jason Scott
Here is our first memorial vigil for KC Haggard, a transgender woman violently murdered in Fresno California on 7-23-15. Please, please share and wear RED for the next few days and post a serious pic in RED here to commemorate the stolen life of KC. ‪#‎TransRemembranceRed‬ ‪#‎translivesmatter‬



Additional information about the tragic events that led up to this can be found on The Advocate's website.

HIV rates up in Fresno County

  • Written by Jason Scott
 

Health department officials suggest that anyone who isn't sure whether or not they'll test positive, should come in. The process is simple and involves a mouth swab or a finger prick and 30 minutes later your results are in.

Fresno Health Officials say that positive HIV tests are up 6% percent.

 

For free testing days and locations, visit the Gay Fresno calendar. The County of Fresno also has listings.

Pride month contest winners announced

  • Written by Jason Scott

Gay Fresno's Pride Month Winners & Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

Fresno Reel Pride Film Festival
VIP membership pass, two available

Nathan G (1)
Olivia V (1)

Michael Craghead Stables
Certificate for 3 riding lessons

Lydia M

Ficarra Studios
Certificate for Studio Session & 8x10 portrait

Crissy M

Starbucks - Tower district
Tumbler, bag of coffee beans, two starbucks via coffee bags

Jonathan W

Amenities Day Spa & Salon Fig Garden
Certificate for Spa & Salon

Herbert K

Creme de la Cake
One dozen cupcakes

Maria R

Chase Flowers
Certificate for Flowers, valued at $50

Sandra S

RWF Company 
2 sets of three shot/dessert glasses

Apple Lee T

Martini Glass Set
Ashley L

 

Perfect Blend Fine Cigars 
Two certificates for $20 each

Lathan F (1)
Luna (1)

Richie’s Pizza & Hotdogs 
4 pizza slice coupons

Vicki

Merced LGBT Center to close

  • Written by Jason Scott

It is with regret that Gay Central Valley announces our ceasing operations of the Merced LGBT Community Center. Daily operations will end today, July 1st 2015. We are are seeking someone else to take over the project and keep the Merced LGBT Community Center alive.

The Merced LGBT Center was opened in the fall of 2014. Gay Central Valley entered into an agreement with Merced Full Spectrum, an existing LGBT organization in Merced, to oversee and operate the Community Center.

Gay Central Valley worked with Merced Full Spectrum for over a year before the Merced LGBT Community Center opened. Our goal was to build the foundation of Merced Full Spectrum so that a local group in Merced would be behind the operations of the Center while Gay Central Valley would stand as the nonprofit organization and financial manager of the space. Gay Central Valley's goal, from the beginning, was to get behind Merced and provide the structural foundation to support the local efforts to open, operate and sustain an LGBT Community Center.

Unfortunately, after opening the LGBT Center in Merced, the team we had in place in Merced began to choose other paths. Many involved in Merced Full Spectrum left to pursue other avenues and the group began to lose its members. Merced Full Spectrum has now closed down it's group completely. This left Gay Central Valley in the unfortunate position of trying to operate the Merced Center from a distance, which was never our intention.

Gay Central Valley has always had the goal of establishing a presence across the Central Valley but only in as much as those in the various communities are the ones to staff and sustain those entities. While Merced has willing and able volunteers staffing the space, daily operations were crippled by a lack of local management.

We are an organization of volunteers. No one who works for Gay Central Valley is paid, including the board of directors. This means that everyone has a "day" job and other obligations. When we are unable to find people that have the ability and the passion to support a daily community center while maintaining other obligations, it becomes difficult to keep the doors open. Additionally, we cannot sign annual leases if we are not supported by financial contributions that can sustain those costs.

That being said, we would like to see the Merced LGBT Community Center survive. We are seeking another organization to take over the space. Our lease ends August 1st and the property management company would like to have another tenant take over the space at that time. Three of the current offices are under sub-leases, which helps with monthly operating expenses. We ask that any other organization that would be willing to step up and take over the funding and daily operations contact us as soon as possible. There may be funding sources still available in Merced should a group step up to take over the project. We can connect you with those sources.

We put our heart and souls into this project and were able to establish the first ever LGBT Community Center in Merced. We are very proud of that. While that may be ending, it also gives us hope. It's important that we maintain and expand our presence of community centers across the Central Valley of California. Marriage equality is not the end of our battle, it's just the next step. We need spaces where those rejected and disenfranchised can walk through the door and know they are acknowledged.

We would like to thank all former members of Merced Full Spectrum and all the volunteers who have kept the center up and running for the last year. Remember, stay visible and active in your community. You are making a difference!

UPDATE 7/8/15: 

MERCED LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
As you might have read recently, the Merced LGBT Community Center was forced to announce its closure.
However, nothing brings a community together more than a shared cause and we are so glad to report that efforts are currently underway to reopen the Merced LGBT Community Center under a new leadership team!
Please be patient as we secure funding, a new board, and get this site back up and running.
Thank you for your continued support!

Where same sex couples still can't get married

  • Written by Jason Scott

Although the US Supreme court ruled in favor of marriage equality, nationwide, some clerks and state's attorney generals have been a little late to get the news...
state-of-marriage

Data accurate as of 6/30/2015

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

  • Written by Jason Scott

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? Ruling goes into effect immediately. Some states County clerks (not states that already had marriage equality) need time to update forms and procedures.

Read the decision in full


Events in the Central Valley:
Fresno: SCORE Sports Cafe 737 E Olive Ave, Fresno 6pm to 9pm
Bakersfield: Rally at Outback Corner on Stockdale 5-7pm; then PARTY at the Nile Nightclub
Bakersfield: Gay & Lesbian Center of Bakersfield, 902 18th St, 5pm-9pm

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