pdf format - Community Link
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pdf format - Community Link
NEWS LINK Project of Community Link, Inc. GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATION August 19, 2011 Issue XII, Volume XVI, Number 192 FREE monthly GLBT publication * Since 1995 * www.CommunityLinkFresno.com New Pride Center Formed in Stockton A diverse coalition of San Joaquin County LGBT leaders announces the formation of San Joaquin Pride Center, a non-profit organization. The mission of the San Joaquin Pride Center is to serve the diverse LGBTQQIA community in San Joaquin County and the surrounding areas by creating a safe and welcoming space, by providing resources that enrich body, mind and spirit, and by educating the public on tolerance and respect for all people within the LGBTQQIA community. San Joaquin County is the only urban hub in Northern California without a pride center to serve its community. With reports of local discrimination, violence and harassment within the County, it is imperative there be a safe space for members of the LGBTQQIA community to find council and support. The Center will offer information on anti-bullying programs, as well as support groups, medical and psychological referrals, and peer counseling, in addition to serving the spiritual and religious needs of the community. The Board of Directors is certain they can open the San Joaquin Pride Center within three to six months. To kick start their efforts, the Center has announced a grassroots capital campaign called The Fabulous Five Hundred. This campaign will utilize crowdsourcing via online social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter to raise $5000 through $10 donations. Each $10 donor will get his/her name displayed on a poster that will be framed and displayed at the Center in perpetuity. Those interested in supporting the Fabulous Five Hundred Campaign should visit our website. Currently, our Officers include: Chair - Martina Virrey (previously with Central Valley Stonewall Democratic Club and the San Joaquin County chapter of Marriage Equality USA); Vice Chair - Christine Osbourne (previously PRIDE Alliance at University of Pacific); Treasurer - Elena Kelly (Stockton Transgender Alliance, Marriage Equality San Joaquin, Chair of the Peace and Justice Network); Secretary - Al Madeiros (Gay-LesbianStraight Education Network, and previously Rainbow Alliance at CSU Stanislaus). Our Board Directors are: Lynn Green; Uneke Chanel (Imperial San Joaquin Delta Empire); Matthew Craig; Carlos Davalos. And the Pride Team consists of: Executive Director - Nicholas Hatten (CV Stonewall, AIDS Walk San Joaquin); Volunteer Coordinator - Brian Wick (Delta Pride at San Joaquin Delta College); Webmaster - Mike Du Pont. sanjoaquinpridecenter.weebly.com Wins case against TSA by Angela R. Brooks Please come out and support Community Link's Bowl-a-thon 2011, Sunday August 21, 2011 at 2:30-4:30 . At Cedar Lanes, 3131 N.Cedar Ave. This year the Bowl-a-thon has a 50's theme and is their big summer time fundraiser. Put a team of 3-4 players together, each team is asked to make a minimum $25 donation and each bowler must pay $8 for their two games and shoes. The big questions are who will the top strikers, the team that raises the most money, which bar will take the Pins and Cocktails trophy, who will get the best game, who will take the worst game, which team will have the most creative team name, best bowling outfits, best in theme costume, and who will be the King Pins and Queen Pins. The Bowl-a-thon is in a beautifully air conditioned building. Food, drinks and cocktails available from the cafe. All bowlers and guests are entered into a Prize Raffle free of charge. Call Jeff at 486-3463 and reserve a lane for your team today. What's Happening with the Prop. 8 Case to see what happened during Prop. 8's public trial. AFER will be back before Chief Judge James Ware in District Court on August 29 regarding its motion to release the video recording. Over 21,000 people have signed our open letter calling for the release of the tapes. Have you? Go to: http://act.afer.org/site/PageServer?page name=Open_Letter&s_src=C01_releas etapes&s_subsrc=email Aug. 29: Release the Tapes Hearing American Foundation For Equal Rights (AFER) is back in District Court, this time for a hearing about allowing the public to see video of the historic Prop. 8 trial. The Prop. 8 defense is trying to hide what happened. Because this case affects the civil rights of millions of Americans, AFER believes everyone should be able to see the trial for themselves. September 6: Oral Arguments in California State Supreme Court When the federal District Court ruled that Prop. 8 is unconstitutional, the California Attorney General, who represents official state interests, decided not to appeal the decision. The official proponents of Prop. 8, who intervened in the case, appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Before the Ninth Circuit issues a ruling, the California State Supreme Court needs to determine if, under state law, the proponents of Prop. 8 are able to step into the shoes of the State and appeal. Oral arguments before the California Court will be televised. Help Release the Tapes Release the Prop.. 8 Tapes What is the Prop. 8 defense trying to hide? The American people have a right “8” Broadway Premiere of “8”: Sept. 19 Dustin Lance Black uses actual court testimony in “8,” new play to shed light on what happened during the Prop. 8 trial. Join AFER and Broadway Impact for an exclusive reading and fundraiser. The new play by Academy Awardwinning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, “8” chronicles the historic federal trial of Prop. 8 using the official court record and Black's own interviews and observations. For those you who can get to New York or have travel plans already join the American Foundation for Equal Rights along with Broadway Impact for an exclusive, one-night-only reading on Broadway to benefit the fight to win marriage equality in federal court. Following its premiere, “8” will be licensed to community theaters and college groups in an effort to inform and engage people in our fight for equality. The Transgender Law Center won a settlement with the TSA in July of 2011. The Transgender Law Center represented Ashley Yang who worked for the TSA at the Los Angeles International Airport. Ashley lives her life as a woman and her California driver's license states she is female. The TSA forced Ashley to dress like a man, and even pat down male passengers before she was fired her in July 2010. Ashley wore a wig to hide her long hair and was subjected to sexual harassment by passengers. Ashley Yang worked for the TSA for almost two years as a woman. One of her co workers saw her use the female restroom and complained. Ashley was fired for not complying with male work standards not job performance. Masen Davis the Director of the Transgender Law Center stated that “No one should have to choose between their gender and their job”. The TSA is currently sending their managers to gender sensitivity training. The Transgender Law Center is working with the TSA to update their policies regarding transgender employees. TLC’s Ninth Anniversary by Angela R. Brooks The Transgender Law Center is holding their ninth anniversary party on Sept 16, 2011 at the End Up. The VIP reception is form 6p-7p and the main event is from7p-9p. Alexandra Byerly and Dr. Nick Gorton will be receiving the Vangaurd awards. Ticket prices range from $50-$150. Call 415 865 0176 X307 for tickets. “One Nation Under the Rainbow” Logo Cntest The Pride Parade group has chosen “One Nation Under The Rainbow” has the theme for 2012 event and is holding alogo contest. Logo submissions must be RECEIVED by October 1st, 2011, so we suggest using e-mail to get them to us! The designer of the chosen logo will receive a $100 prize. Artwork will not be returned to the artists and Community Link will retain the right to use ALL logo submissions for additional promotional materials as it sees fit. Continued on page 7 www.CommunityLinkFresno.com Some Answers and Blame in 2010 Greyhound Bus Crash By Dan Waterhouse There are some answers now in the July 22nd Greyhound bus crash that killed six people and injured 22. There's also blame spread around by investigators and prosecutors. The primary blame went to the driver of a SUV that overturned, triggering the collision with the bus and two other vehicles. Sylvia Garay, age 18, had a blood alcohol level of between 0.11 and 0.14 when she flipped her car after missing the northbound offramp from Route 99 to McKinley Avenue. She and her two passengers were killed when the bus slammed into their vehicle. The bus driver and two passengers also died. A young woman, Michelle Kay Cole, has been charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor resulting in injury or death. A young man, Brandon McCullough, Jr., has been charged with a violation of the City of Fresno's social host ordinance. And, the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control has filed an accusation against the liquor store, A-1 Liquor, where Cole admittedly bought the alcohol. The sequence of events that ended in tragedy was triggered shortly before 8:30 p.m. on July 16th when Stephanie Gonzales sent a text message to Garay, inviting her to celebrate Gonzales' birthday on July 21st by going out dancing and getting drunk. Gonzales turned 20 on July 22nd. On the evening of July 21st, according to investigators, Garay drove to Fresno from her home in Dinuba, picked up Vanessa Gonzalez, 19, and Stephanie Cordoba, 20, at their homes. Around 9:15 p.m. Garay, Gonzalez and Cordoba headed to A-1 Liquor, located at Shields and Maroa where they met Daniela Flores, 19, Gonzales, and Cole. Investigators say the group entered the liquor store where Garay and Gonzalez removed four cans of Four Loco from a cooler and took them to the checkout counter where Mohamed Alyafaie was clerking. Cole bought two bottles of vodka as well and paid for the cans of Four Loco. When questioned later by investigators, Alyafaie denied seeing Garay and Gonzalez put the cans of Four Loco on the counter, even though sur- NewsLink Mistress Tawnie Succumbs To Cancer 2 Mistress Tawnie, founder and “mother” of The Group In Fresno (TGIF) died of cancer on July 27. Mistress Tawnie was just looking for friends who shared her interest in BDSM when she travelled from Fresno to Modesto in 1998 to attend the Modesto Discussion Group munch. That trip turned out to be the start of a 13-year journey to build an organization that has helped hun- veillance video showed them doing just that. He also denied seeing Cole hand the cans to Gonzalez as they left the store. Investigators, including Chief Deputy District Attorney Greg Anderson, then confronted Alyafaie, saying that because he had changed his story several times, they did not believe he was telling the truth. After leaving A-1 Liquor, the group drove to McCullough's loft apartment on the edge of downtown where they started drinking. McCullough, who was at the time the boyfriend of Gonzales' brother, told investigators he thought the women had come to his apartment to be more comfortable “because they wanted to take shots.” The group left McCullough's apartment shortly before 11 p.m. and met at Gonzales' apartment, a few blocks from the Starline nightclub in the Tower. They then walked to the club to dance. While at the Starline, cell phone video was shot, showing Garay's level of intoxication to be noticeably higher than in video recorded nearly two hours earlier. The group left the Starline around 1:45 a.m. and walked back to Gonzales' home nearby. Garay, Gonzalez and Cordoba then drove away from the rest of their group at 2 a.m. Garay crashed her SUV at 2:14 a.m. on Route 99. Investigators say there was no evidence Garay consumed any alcohol while at the Starline. Stephan Mintz, who was the ABC compliance person for the Starline in 2010, commented on the Fresno Bee blog this past July 22nd, “that gay night was trouble from the start. My job there was to keep underagers from drinking in the club. I was really good at my job. My job was also to ensure that any underage person under the influence of drugs or drink was not permitted into the club. I was pretty good at that job. But I was throwing out an average of 26-28 kids per night. Every night I'm sure I missed a couple of kids. Couldn't help it. “There were fights,“ Mintz writes. “There wasn't enough security.” Mintz said the promoter would only pay for four security people. His idea “was to supplement security with Queer Fresno people, who, while striving to help, were also there to dance or drink themselves. We caught people selling drugs. I got in more fight situations than ever before.” “In many ways I'm so glad Queer Fresno's dance night isn't happening anymore. THAT is what led to the problem for Starline. It was just a matter of time before something horrible happened. It just turned out to be the Greyhound bus crash, and while the investigation cleared Starline, it really was just a matter of time” Mintz concluded. dreds find acceptance of their alternative sexuality. The following month, Mistress Tawnie brought together eight of her friends at a Tower District pizza joint for the first Fresno munch. 13 years and 156 munches later, the seeds that Mistress Tawnie planted have grown into an organization of over 350 members that conducts monthly educational and social events. To date, TGIF has spawned groups in at least four other regions. FRESNO GLBT+ EVENT CALENDAR AUGUST 19 Friday 5:30p Art workshop & Potluck @ Fresno LGBT Center 1055 N Van Ness #C, (559) 325-4429, gayfresno.com 19 Friday 6p Men's Mixer @ Café Rousseau 568 E Olive Ave, www.sunapsis.org/lgbt/mixer 19 Friday 6:30p Mariposa Azul - Meeting @ call for location Gaby (559) 266-5650 (Spanish) 19 Friday 7-11p Golden State Bears - Bear Frenzy 17: Meet & Greet @ The Phoenix, 4538 E Belmont, goldenstatebears.org 19 Friday 9p A Bewitching Night - Valley Pagan Pride fundraiser @ North Tower Circle, 2777 N Maroa, northtowercircle.com 20 Saturday 12-5p Golden State Bears - Bear Frenzy 17: Pool Party @ 4710 E Brown, goldenstatebears.org 20 Saturday 7p Gay Central Valley & United Student Pride - Open Mic @ Fresno LGBT Center, 1055 N Van Ness #C, (559) 325-4429, gayfresno.com 20 Saturday 8p Golden State Bears - Bear Frenzy 17: Mr. Golden State Bear & Cub 2011-12 Contest @ The Phoenix, 4538 E Belmont, goldenstatebears.org 20 Saturday 11p Ladies of Seduction - Freestyle show @ North Tower Circle, 2777 N Maroa Ave, northtowercircle.com 20 Saturday Crown Royal Party @ Club Legends 3075 N Maroa Ave, www.clublegendsfresno.com 21 Sunday 11a-1p Golden State Bears - Bear Frenzy 17: Brunch @ Yosemite Falls Cafe, 4278 W Ashlan, goldenstatebears.org 21 Sunday 2:30p Community Link - Bowl-A-Thon 2011 @ Cedar Lanes, 3131 N Cedar, communitylinkfresno.com 21 Sunday Club Xtatic @ the North Tower Circle 2777 N Maroa Ave, northtowercircle.com 23 Tuesday 6-9p Gay Central Valley & ACLU - Dinner For Membership @ Irene's Café, 747 E Olive, www.gaycentralvalley.org 24 Wed. 9a Project: MALE - HIV Think Tank @ 1584 N Van Ness Ave, (559) 287-7666 25 Thursday 2p We C.A.R.E. - Grupo Educativo En Espanol @ Specialty Health Clinic, 290 N Wyate Ln, (559) 459-5101, wecarefresno.org 25 Thursday 7p The Group In Fresno - Munch www.tgifresno.org 26 Friday 8p Essence Family Values Show @ the North Tower Circle 2777 N Maroa Ave, northtowercircle.com 26 Friday 9p Imperial Dove Court - Last Friday Show @ the Red Lantern, 4618 E. Belmont, www.idcfresno.org 26 Friday Malibu's Dream Birthday Party @ the Express 708 N Blackstone Ave, thefresnoexpress.com 27 Saturday Function @ the Express 708 N Blackstone Ave, thefresnoexpress.com 28 Sunday 2p Community Link's Gray Alliance - Potluck Liz or Lupe (559) 287-2428, communitylinkfresno.com 28 Sunday 6p Community Book Group @ Fresno LGBT Center 1055 N Van Ness #C, (559) 325-4429, gayfresno.com 28 Sunday 9p Mariposa Azul - Divas Night @ Los Amigos, 1752 W. Shaw Ave, losamigosmex.com 30 Tuesday 7p The Group In Fresno - sub/slave/bottom Discussion Group www.tgifresno.org 31 Wed. 7p Fresno Rainbow Pride 2012 meet @ Fresno Metro Ministry, 1055 N Van Ness Ave conf. rm,fresnorainbowpride.com SEPTEMBER 1 Thursday 7:15p Community Link's Rainbow Bowling League summer season ends @ Cedar Lanes, 3131 N Cedar Ave, (559) 824-1417, www.communitylinkfresno.com 2 Friday 6p Men's Mixer @ TBA www.sunapsis.org/lgbt/mixer 2 Friday 6:30p Mariposa Azul - Meeting @ call for location Gaby (559) 266-5650 (Spanish) 2 Friday 7p Trans-e-motion - Social Meeting (559) 646-5806, trans-e-motion.org 2 Fri - Mon Red Lantern's 35th Anniversary weekend Fri 10p Fresno's Finest Show Sat 4p Afternoon Red Party Sun 2p Beer Bash, 6pm BBQ, 7:30pm IDC Show, 9:15pm Karaoke Mon 2p Monday Madness, 5pm Free Dinner @ the Red Lantern, 4618 E Belmont, redlantern.info 2 Fri - 5 Mon Labor Day Weekend Malibu White Party @ Club Legends 3075 N Maroa Ave, www.clublegendsfresno.com 3 Saturday 5p Trans-e-motion - Support Meeting (559) 646-5806, trans-e-motion.org 3 Saturday 8p-12a Golden State Bears - Beer Bust @ The Phoenix 4538 E. Belmont Ave, www.goldenstatebears.org 3 Saturday 11p Ladies of Seduction - Kampout Kickoff show @ the North Tower Circle, 2777 N Maroa Ave, northtowercircle.com 3 Saturday Club Flesh @ the Express 708 N Blackstone Ave, thefresnoexpress.com 4 Sunday 9a-2p Weekly Women's Flag Football season starts 10 weeks @ Clinton & Brawley Park, facebook.com/profile.php?id=1570299583&sk=wall 4 Sunday 1p Golden State Bears - Meeting www.goldenstatebears.org 6 Tuesday 6p We C.A.R.E. - English Support Group @ Community Regional Medical Center Sequoia Room E or W, 2823 Fresno St. First-time attendees please call (559) 577-7109, wecarefresno.org 6 Tuesday Rated “R” Superstars LGBT+ softball team season starts @ Fresno Regional Sports Complex, 1707 W Jensen Ave sportsstandings.com/SelectSchedule/aspx?leagueId=1168 continued on page 3 SEPTEMBER 8 Thursday 6p Advertising Submission Information Submission deadline: 1st day of the month All submissions are to be sent via E-mail at [email protected] All Ads must be sized to fit our format. Articles and Calendar infomation All submissions should be Emailed to [email protected] by the 1st day of the month Letters to the Editor Please keep letters brief and to the point; we reserve the right to edit all letters as deemed necessary. Letters must include name and phone number of the writer. Advertising Rates Once (One Month) For Each Ad Business card.......................$15. 1/8 page Ad..........................$30. 1/4 page Ad..........................$60. 1/2 page Ad........................$120. Full page Ad.......................$240. Staff Editor........................................Jeff Robinson Assistant Editor ....................................Kirk C Proofreader...........................Dan Waterhouse Research Editor...................Juan Bustamante Accounts Receivable.............................Kirk C Advertising Coordinator...........Jeff Robinson Calendar Coordinator........................... Kirk C Distribution..Lorraine Wing, Kevin Caldwell, Daniel Corona, Tony O, Whitney W, Don The rate for ad work is $25 Quarterly (Three Months) For Each Ad Business card.......................$13. 1/8 page Ad..........................$25. 1/4 page Ad..........................$50. 1/2 page Ad........................$110. Full page Ad......................$215. Six Months For Each Ad Business card.......................$10. 1/8 page Ad..........................$20. 1/4 page Ad..........................$40. 1/2 page Ad..........................$80. Full page Ad......................$175. Color advertising now available at an addition $100. to the above rates Advertising Dimensions Business card Horizontal....................... 31/2”w x 2”h 1/8 page Ad 9 3/4”w x 1 15/16”h 2 5/16”w x 7 7/8” h 4 7/8”w x 3 7/8”h Horizontal....................... Vertical.......................... Box.............................. 1/4 page Ad 9 3/4”w x 3 7/8”h 2 5/16”w x 16”h 4 7/8”w x 7 7/8”h 1/2 page Ad Horizontal....................... 9 3/4”w x 7 7/8”h Vertical.......................... 4 7/8”w x 16”h Full page Ad ................................... 10 1/4”w x 16”h Horizontal....................... Vertical.......................... Box.............................. MEDIA SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE Community Link will consider media sponsorships of nonprofit events that are open and free to the community or at reduced rate for advertising for fundraising events that include a donation/addmission charge when a writen request has been submitted to [email protected] no less then six weeks prior to the event. Community Link must be listed on all promotional materials including digital and electronic media sources as a MEDIA SPONSOR. Other terms and conditions to be negoiated on an individaul basis. For further information go to www.comunitylinkfresno.com Content and Advertising Policy The News Link reserves the right to refuse any written content and graphics that are explicitly sexual in nature. Including logos and advertisements. No portrayal of genitalia or real or simulated sexual activities are appropriate for publication in the News Link, Pink Pages, Pride Program or any other Community Link publication. We reserve the right to edit content and ads without notification. Board of Directors Jeff Robinson Male-Cochair & CEO Lorraine Wing Female-Cochair Kevin Caldwell Secretary Juan Bustamante Treasurer Liz Brown & Lupe Gray Alliance Representatives Rachel Wilson David Bergant Youth Alliance Representatives At-Large Members of the Board of Directors: Renee Potik, Kay Taus, Jerry & Ron, Rich Howard, Kirk, Mark McKay, Andrew Strambi Subscribe to News Link today! Yes, I would like to become a subscriber of Get your News Link delivered directly to your address. The News Link comes in a plain envelope, respecting your privacy. We never sell or trade our subscription lists. A subscription is $25.00 per year. 12 issues per year plus any special editions News Link ___Individual - $25. Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Telephone#: E-Mail Address: PICK “NEWS LINK” UP AT: FRESNO Brass Unicorn; Center for NonViolence; College Community Congregational Church; Echo Street Cafe; The Express; First Congregational Church; Fresno Video Exchange; Freso LGBT Center / Gay Central Valley office; Gazebo Gardens; Holy Family Episcopal Church; KAOS Headquarters; Living Room @ West Care; The North Tower Circle; Only For You II; Rasputin Music; The Red Lantern; Revue Coffee House; Tacos Marquitos; Unitarian Universalist Church; Wesley United Methodist Church; Women’s Resource Center @ CSUFresno; Wildcat Enterprises; Yoshi Now! Send your subscription application to: Community Link P. O. Box 4959, Fresno, CA. 93744 BAKERSFIELD AIDS Project; Borders; MCC of the Harvest; Casablanca; The Mint; Wildcat. GOSHEN Wild Willy’s VISALIA Borders, sometimes Visalia Pride Lions Club meetings and PFLAG mtgs. MODESTO Borders; Brave Bull; College Avenue Congreg. Church; Haven Women’s Center; Queen Bean; Stanislaus County Assistance Project; Tiki Lounge; Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County. STOCKTON Borders; Club Paradise; Peace & Justice Center; San Joaquin AIDS Foundation; San Joaquin County Public Health Services; University of Pacific Pride Center; Valley Ministries MCC. If you’d like to help us with distribution in Hanford, Visalia, Merced / Atwater / Turlock, or Oakhurst - e-mail NEWSLNK!aol.com NewsLink How to reach us by mail: News Link c/o Community Link, Inc. P.O. Box 4959, Fresno, Ca. 93744 News Link's E-Mail Address: [email protected] Community Link's E-Mail Address:[email protected] By phone: (559) 486-3464 We C.A.R.E. - Member Meeting @ Community Regional Med. Center Pacifica Rm, 2823 Fresno St, wecarefresno.org 9 Friday 6:30p Golden State Bears - Game & Movie Night www.goldenstatebears.org 9 Friday Fresno LGBTQ Social Group www.gayfresno.com/social/ 9 Fri - 11 Sun Fresno KampOut 2011 - A Space Odyssey www.kampoutfresno.com 10 Saturday Function @ the Express 708 N Blackstone Ave, thefresnoexpress.com 11 Sunday 2p PFLAG - Meeting @ Wesley United Methodist Church 1343 E. Barstow Ave, www.pflag.org, (559) 434-6540 11 Sunday Imperial Dove Court - 2nd Sunday Show @ the North Tower Circle, 2777 N Maroa Ave., northtowercircle.com 12 Monday 7p Imperial Dove Court - Meeting @ the IDC Club House 4030 E. Belmont, www.idcfresno.org 13 Tuesday 7p The Group In Fresno - Orientation www.tgifresno.org 14 Wed. 9a Project: MALE - HIV Think Tank @ 1584 N Van Ness Ave, (559) 287-7666 14 Wed. 6p Community Link's Gray Alliance - Dinner Night Liz or Lupe (559) 287-2428, communitylinkfresno.com 14 Wed. 6p Stonewall Democrats - Meeting @ Carrows 4280 N. Blackstone Ave, www.fresnostonewall.com 14 Wed - 18 Sun Fresno Reel Pride 2011 GLBT Film Festival @ Tower Theatre, 815 E Olive @ Starline Lounge, 833 E Fern, reelpride.com 16 Friday 5p “It's A Queer Thang” Radio Show - KFCF 88.1 FM www.communitylinkfresno.com and www.kfcf.org 16 Friday 6p Men's Mixer @ TBA www.sunapsis.org/lgbt/mixer 16 Friday 6:30p Mariposa Azul - Meeting @ call for location Gaby (559) 266-5650 (Spanish) 17 Saturday 9a-6:30p Valley Pagan Pride @ Woodward Park Sunset View Shelter off of Audobon, valleypagan.com 17 Saturday 9p Club Papi Grand Opening @ the Express 708 N Blackstone Ave, thefresnoexpress.com 17 Saturday 11p Ladies of Seduction - Harajuku Girls show @ North Tower Circle, 2777 N Maroa Ave, northtowercircle.com 17 Saturday Jeff's Birthday Extravaganza @ Club Legends 3075 N Maroa Ave, www.clublegendsfresno.com 18 Sunday 10a Community Link - Board Meeting www.communitylinkfresno.com 18 Sunday Club Xtatic @ the North Tower Circle 2777 N Maroa Ave, northtowercircle.com 19 Monday 6p Strings and Things knit & crochet @ Fresno LGBT Center 1055 N Van Ness #C, (559) 325-4429, gayfresno.com 19 Monday 6:30p Yosemite Knights - Meeting & Dinner @ Carrows 4280 N Blackstone Ave, www.kofmfresno.com 20 Tuesday 6p We C.A.R.E. - English Support Group @ Community Regional Medical Center Sequoia Room E or W, 2823 Fresno St. First-time attendees please call (559) 577-7109, wecarefresno.org 21 Wed. 6:30p Golden State Bears - Dinner Night www.goldenstatebears.org 22 Thursday 2p We C.A.R.E. - Grupo Educativo En Espanol @ Specialty Health Clinic, 290 N Wyate Ln, (559) 459-5101, wecarefresno.org 24 Saturday NOTown Roller Derby Party @ the North Tower Circle 2777 N Maroa Ave, northtowercircle.com 24 Saturday Function @ the Express 708 N Blackstone Ave, thefresnoexpress.com 25 Sunday 11a Golden State Bears - Brunch www.goldenstatebears.org 25 Sunday 2p Community Link's Gray Alliance - Potluck Liz or Lupe (559) 287-2428, communitylinkfresno.com 25 Sunday 9p Mariposa Azul - Divas Night @ Los Amigos, 1752 W. Shaw Ave, losamigosmex.com www.CommunityLinkFresno.com continued from page 2 3 www.CommunityLinkFresno.com NewsLink 4 Gay Central Valley & ACLU August Fundraising Chris Jarvis - GayFresno.com Gay Central Valley is launching a fundraising effort during the month of August. We will be working within the community, online and at local businesses to sign up new members for the ACLU. If we achieve our goal for the ACLU, they will in turn provide a grant for Gay Central Valley, an official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) fights for your rights every day, in a never ending variety of ways, including LGBT Rights, HIV / AIDS , Free Speech, Reproductive Freedom, Women's Rights, Racial Justice, Voting Rights, Immigrant's Rights, National Security, Prisoner's Rights and the Freedoms of Religion & Belief. An individual, annual membership to the ACLU is $20. For only $20 you can be proud to lend your support to this vital organization and as a result, financially support your local LGBT Community Center and the efforts of Gay Central Valley . If we are able to meet the requirement of 100 new ACLU members by September 1st, the ACLU will make a substantial financial grant to Gay Central Valley and the Fresno LGBT Community Center. There are several ways for you to participate… Gay Fresno will be hosting an event on August 23rd at Irene's Cafe at 747 E Olive Avenue in the Tower District, from 6pm-9pm. A representative of Gay Central Valley will be seated just outside the front door of Irene's where you can complete the ACLU form with each $20 individual payment and then go inside Irene's and enjoy your complimentary meal courtesy of Gay Fresno! (Gay Fresno will cover a maximum of $15 per person, alcohol & gratuity not included) If you cannot attend these events and would still like to participate you can pick up and complete the ACLU forms at the Fresno LGBT Community Center located at 1055 N Van Ness Avenue Suite C, Fresno, CA 93728 559-325-4429. The Center is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from Noon - 5PM. You can also pick up a form and sign up at the North Tower Circle, located at 2777 N Maroa Avenue, in Fresno. See the manager, James, behind the bar, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday, any time after 7PM and a form will be provided to you to sign up for membership with the ACLU. Or you may Sign Up ONLINE http://action.aclu.org/site/TR/Member s h i p D r i v e / A ff i l i a t e - M y A C L U California?px=4747133&pg=personal&fr_id=1010 with the ACLU. Simply process the form, choose a minimum of a $20 annual, individual membership, indicate on the form that your group is GAY CENTRAL VALLEY, and the ACLU will credit us with the membership. This is an exciting opportunity to support both the ACLU and Gay Central Valley, as well as the Fresno LGBT Community Center. Thank you for your help. Don’t Miss the Covergirls at a Pride Festival If you don't get enough of the Cover Girls on Sundays in Fresno, check them out in Eureka. The Cover Girls Show is excited to return to Humboldt Pride for the second year on 9/10/11 in Eureka. The Cover Girls are the freshest female impersonation show in the Central Valley, doing a weekly show only at Club Legends in Fresno California. The show will be celebrating its ONE YEAR GLAM-A-VERSARY on September 18th. www.humboldtpride.com Women’s Flag Football Hey ladies anyone interested in playing flag football? Our team practices Tuesday and Thursday at 7-830 at Clinton and Brawley park our games start Sept 4th and go for 10 weeks. It is all women’s flag football. All games will be on Sundays from 9am-2pm. Games last one hour. Cost is 40 bucks includes jersey and registration for the league Contact me if interested : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php ?id=1570299583&sk=wall Superstars' Season Starting Rated-R Superstars, one of the local GLBT+ softball teams (the other being Fresno Skittles), are announc- ing the start of the fall season. They will compete in a Tuesday Co-Ed Rec league. They will start playing on September 6th, every Tuesday evening for 10 weeks. Come out and cheer them at the Fresno Regional Sports Complex, 1707 W. Jensen Ave. Times and fields vary, so please check the schedule at http://www.sportsstandings.com/SelectSchedule.aspx?l eagueId=1168 Fresno Fresbians Hey Fresbians, we typically do a weekly coffee meet up at Revue Cafe, 620 E Olive Ave in the Tower on Sundays at 7:30pm. Find more out about the Fresbians at: facebook.com/fresbians A Bewitching Night A Special Party & Fundraiser for Central Valley Pagan Pride. Spooky, bewitched Nightclub. Tarot Card Readers. Exclusive Performances. Hosted by DivaLicious. NTC GoGo Dancers. Drink Specials (Eye of Newt, Witches’ Brew & more). Raffle & Prizes. 21 & Over Only. $3 Donation at the door. Friday, August 19th, 9pm at the North Tower Circle, 2777 N Maroa Ave. www.northtowercircle.com This party is to raise funds for Pagan Pride Day, September 17th in Woodward Park, which celebrates unity and diversity in the community. Kampout Fresno is an annual event in the Central Valley Gay and Lesbian community. It's always the weekend after Labor Day. In 2011, it will be September 9 - 11. The event takes place at Texas Flat Campground. It is a little rough to get to, but well worth the 90 minute journey northeast from Fresno. The road is manageable, and large RV's often make the trek. At an elevation of 5,400 feet, the air is clean and crisp. We reserve the entire area alongside McGilvery Creek, so you can enjoy camping underneath a canopy of tall trees with 100 or more of your closest friends! The area is very large, so you can find privacy and solitude if you like. The Kampout has a different theme each year. In 2011, it's "Kampout 2011: A Space Odyssey"! This means you can decorate your kampsite as anything relating to sci-fi (aliens, spaceships, etc.) We are now running Kampout by a committee, consisting of one appointee from each of the veteran groups involved with Kampout: Golden State Bears, Yosemite Knights K of M Fresno, Imperial Dove Court, 2 representatives of High Lesbian Kamp and 7 Independent parties. All twelve people on the Committee are dedicated to making Kampout a huge success, with no single individual or group in charge. Activities are scheduled through- Open Mic Night Saturday, August 20th, 7 - 9pm at Fresno LGBT Community Center, 1055 N. Van Ness Ave. Suite C. Join Gay Central Valley and United Students Pride at the Kick Off the Fall Open Mic Night. Come hear selections from the upcoming anthology Our Stories Ourselves: A Collection of Stories, Poems, and Essays about the LGBT Experience as well as other voices from our community. $3 suggested donation at the door. For more information about the Anthology please visit http://unitedstudentpride.yolasite.com/ www.gaycentralvalley.org 15th Sierra AIDS Walk Join us to raise needed funds for Local HIV and Hepatitis programs. Sierra HOPE, sponsor of the Sierra AIDS Walk, serves Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties. Choose your trail. The trails at Big Trees have something to offer walkers of all skill levels. The North Grove trail is a gentle, well-marked loop about 1.5 miles long that is barrier free. The 5-mile trail in the South Grove passes the park's two largest trees. The 600 ft. long Three Senses Trail is one of the earliest accessible design trails in the State Park system, and allows visitors to experience the feel, smell and sounds of this magnificent forest. Choose your time. Registration is open from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 am, to give all walkers time to enjoy the beauty of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. A picnic lunch will be provided. All walkers will receive a gift. Individuals who raise $100 or more in pledges will receive a free Sierra AIDS Walk T-Shirt. Thanks to our 2011 Sierra AIDS Walk Sponsors: Beetle Barbour, Liz Bass, Dan and Debby Brooks, Wayne and Sandy Fuller, Dr. Bob Hartmann and Mel Welsh, Kriletich Family Farms, Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital, Sonora Regional Medical Center, Umpqua Bank of Angels Camp, CA. Complete and submit the form on the website below to register and receive your official Sierra AIDS Walk pledge form and info packet. Saturday, September 24th, 9 11am at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. www.sierrahope.org www.CommunityLinkFresno.com Paula Poundstone Paula Poundstone will appear at Tower Theatre, 815 East Olive Ave., Fresno on January 27th, 2012 at 8pm. All Ages. $30.00 Advance. $33.00 Day Of Show. Tickets available from Tower Theatre Box Office starting September 9th! Call (559) 485-9050. Appearing on stage with a stool, a microphone, and a can of Diet Pepsi, PAULA POUNDSTONE is famous for her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity. The Boston Globe said, “Poundstone improvises with a crowd like a Jazz musician…swinging in unexpected directions without a plan, without a net.” Paula is so quick and unassuming that audience members at her live shows often leave complaining that their cheeks hurt from laughter and debating whether the random people she talked to were “plants”. In 2009 Paula released her first comedy CD: I HEART JOKES: Paula Tells Them In Maine, 60 minutes of the smartest comedy recorded live at the sensational Stone Mountain Arts Center - because as Paula says, “It's very hard to do it any other way.” The new CD is available at www.amazon.com , iTunes, and at www.paulapoundstone.com. KampOut Fresno 2011: A Space Odyssey out the weekend, and everyone is welcome to join in, although you are not obligated to participate. We do suggest observing, though, just for the sheer hilarity of it! All prizes are awarded at the Saturday Night Kampstravaganza. The entire weekend costs just $25 for EVERY person, regardless of age, title or position. This is a flat fee, whether you stay 1 day or the entire weekend! This simply reimburses those that organize the weekend for you. This entitles you to: a Kampsite, 2 Beer Busts, 1 Dinner, 2 Breakfasts, Palace Punch, Progressive Kocktail Party, ALL activities, the show & contests! Pre-sale tickets available at: The Red Lantern, 4618 E Belmont Ave, Fresno; The Phoenix, 4538 E Belmont Ave, Fresno; The North Tower Circle, 2777 N Maroa Ave, Fresno. For more details, what to bring, what's not allowed at KampOut, etc., visit www.kampoutfresno.com 35th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION LABOR DAY WEEK-END SEPT. 2,3,4 & 5 Friday, Sept 2 "FRESNO'S FINEST SHOW" Featuring Entertainers From All Of Fresno's Clubs 10:00 pm No Cover Charge Hosted by Joanna Saturday, Sept. 3 "AFTERNOON RED PARTY" 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Free Hors D'ouevres Raffle Prizes For Those Dressed In RED Sunday, Sept 4 "PARTY ALL DAY AND NIGHT" Beer Bash From Opening To Closing Free Bar-B-Q at 6:00 pm Imperial Dove Court Anniversary Show at 7:30 pm Karaoke at 9:15 pm Monday, Sept. 5 "MONDAY MADNESS" Shot of Cuervo Cold and a Corona only $6.00 Opening To Closing Free Mexican Dinner at 5:00 pm NewsLink It is organized by Central Valley Pagan Pride, an eclectic array of nontraditional religions. Our focus is on bringing together the community for the purposes of community building, education (within and outside the community), networking with local business, equal representation, and advocacy of social and environmental awareness. Details about Pagan Pride Day: www.valleypagan.com 5 www.CommunityLinkFresno.com NewsLink 6 Gay man to lead national disability group By Kathi Wolfe on July 7, 2011 Mark Perriello is president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities. For many, coming out as LGBT after growing up Catholic would be challenging enough. Yet for former Obama administration aide Mark Perriello, 36, who grew up in Chelmsford, Mass., outside Boston, that was only one of the challenges that he had to face. Visually impaired since he was a child, he had to come out not only as gay but as a person with a disability. Today, Perriello, known in the LGBT community as a political strategist, is the new president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, the country's largest cross-disability membership group. Perriello's well-regarded grassroots development and political strategizing in the LGBT community played a key role in his appointment to this position, said AAPD board members, who believe these skills will empower the bi-partisan, disability advocacy organization. He took the helm of AAPD on June 6. In an interview the with Blade in his K Street office in Washington, D.C., Perriello discussed the parallels between the LGBT and disability civil rights movements and his goals for AAPD. (This month, in commemoration of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, is Disability Pride Month.) In his boyhood, he was taught that being gay was a sin, Perriello said. In his youth, he became involved with the ex-gay movement. “I thought that if I just prayed hard enough, that I would be able to change,” Perriello said. Perriello didn't come out until he was a student at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in religious studies. “I had a lot of positive role models,” he said, “they helped me to be comfortable with the fact that I'm gay.” Yet, as difficult as coming to terms with his sexual orientation was for him, Perriello also had to become comfortable within himself about having and disclosing his disability. His vision impairment is a result of an infection called toxoplasmosis. He is blind in his right eye and, with corrective lenses, has 20/20 vision in his left eye. “In many ways it was more challenging to come out as a person with a disability than it was to come out as LGBT,” Perriello said, “There is a lot of stigma that unfortunately in our society goes along with disability.” From grade school through college, he was teased about his vision impairment, Perriello said. Other students would have him close his left (sighted) eye to find out what they could do in front of him that he couldn't see, he said. “Some of it would be more subtle,” Perriello said, “from preconceived notions of whether I could perform in an athletic environment … all the way to people thinking it was a great trick at fraternity parties, which was less subtle.” But the bullying, though painful, made him stronger, Perriello said, “because you know when the teasing needs to stop.” He's always identified as a person with a disability and viewed disability as a civil rights issue, Perriello said. But, “I didn't become engaged in the disability community until I began working at the White House,” he added. Before joining the Obama administration, Perriello's civil rights advocacy took place in the LGBT community. He served in leadership roles fundraising, organizing and developing communication strategies at the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute. Perriello also was vice president of BNA Communications and a senior associate at Scott + Yandura. In the Obama administration, Perriello served as the White House liaison at the U.S. Department of the Interior and the White House Priority Placement director. In this position, he became actively involved with the disability community, Perriello said. “Working to help qualified candidates from under-represented groups find employment in the Obama administration, I witnessed the challenges that people with disabilities often face in the hiring process,” he said. Disabled people, looking for work, sometimes encounter accessibility issues such as lack of wheelchair access, Perriello said. “Some employ- ers fear that there's too much cost in providing assistive technology or other types of accommodation,” he said. “Other employers feel that people with disabilities lack the intellectual capacity to work,” Perriello said. “This is not the case.” As Priority Placement Office head, Perriello worked with AAPD's board. “I came to believe that this civil rights fight is one that has a lot of work ahead,” he said. He looks forward to helping AAPD work to overcome the stigma and injustice encountered by many with disabilities, Perriello said. “It's going to take a long time, but you know it and I know it. Americans with disabilities are just like everyone else,” he said. “They show up and do good work.” LGBT culture is “very image conscious” and there is some stigma against people with disabilities that goes along with that, Perriello said. “But it's the same stigma whether you're gay or straight,” he said. “The challenges are the same. Whether it's lacking access to a bar or some other social environment.” We're hit daily with stereotypical images of people with disabilities through social media, TV and movies, Perriello said. “This is true in gay and straight culture. At AAPD we're hoping to change that.” As an example of this effort, Perriello cited AAPD's 2011 Gala, where the group bestowed its Image Award on the cast and creative team of “Glee,” for the show's diversity, including its disability storylines, and characters and actors with disabilities. There are parallels between the disability and the LGBT civil rights movements, Perriello said. Gay or straight, guys reluctant to say I do By DAVID K. LI Men have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the altar - whether they're straight or gay. Same-sex couples can begin applying for New York marriage licenses today, but don't expect to see many gay grooms at City Hall on July 25, when they can actually start tying the knot. That's because in the states that have sanctioned same-sex nuptials to date, lesbians have been marrying in much greater numbers than gay men. breaking civil right before New York approved it. The Bay State has sanctioned same-sex marriage since 2004 and women have dominated the rolls there too, by a margin of 8,404-to4,911, according to the latest data. - New Hampshire wrote gay marriage into granite in 2010 and ever since there have been 1,113 loving lesbian couples married there, compared with just 411 all-male unions. - In the most recent data from Iowa, 1,376 lesbian have recorded marriages there and 772 couples of men have done the same. - In Vermont, where gay marriage was been sweet as syrup since 2009, there have been 1,157 couples of lesbians to say “I do,” compared to just 597 male couples. Logo Contest Continued from the front page In your design, you must use the phrase "One Nation Under The Rainbow". You may also use "Fresno 2012" or "Fresno Rainbow Pride 2012". Submit your designs to: [email protected] or mail to: “Community Link, Logo Contest, PO Box 4959, Fresno CA 93744.” The file format requirements: JPG, BMP, TIFF, PDF or PSD (flattened layers) at 300dpi resolution. If you design freehand, the drawing'squality needs to be good enough to scan clearly! Max. 6 colors + shades of grey and black and white. If the logo has more than 6 colors, we will also need an alternate, simplified version limited to 6 colors. The logo's details should look good on anything between an 8-foot banner and a 150x150 pixel button on a website. For more info (559) 486-3464 or e-mail [email protected] www.CommunityLinkFresno.com In Connecticut, for example, 3,252 lesbian couples have wed since 2008, when same-sex marriage was legalized, compared with just 2,053 gay guys. "This is the way men and women have been socialized from the time we're born," said Stephanie Coontz, who teaches family studies at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. "'Go out, don't commit too early' . . . It's the message all men receive." Even famously out actor Neil Patrick Harris is saying not so fast to a walk down the aisle. Days after Gov. Cuomo signed same-sex marriage into law, Harris made it clear that while he and partner David Burtka are engaged, they're not racing to the altar. "Dear media: Just because David and I will soon be able to marry in NY, doesn't mean we are actively planning a wedding. Cart before horse," Harris Tweeted. As gay marriage becomes more accessible, homosexual men will start experiencing the same pressure as heterosexual men to exchange vows, experts said. "Gay men and lesbians who don't marry or don't want kids are beginning to feel the same kind of social scrutiny that straight people do," said NYU sociologist Judith Stacey, author of "Unhitched: Love, Marriage and Family Values from West Hollywood to Western China." "The right to marry quickly turns into a subtle obligation to marry and greater stigma for the unmarried." Marital data obtained by The Post show a stark, 3-to-2 ratio of lesbian marriages, compared toall- male unions. - Massachusetts had been the biggest state to embrace this ground- NewsLink President and CEO of American Association of People with Disabilities, Mark Perriello, Just as there are people in the LGBT community who aren't active politically, he said, “there are a lot of Americans with disabilities out there that aren't engaged in the [disability] civil rights fight.” Perriello, working with the AAPD team, is determined to strive to make the disability community more engaged on the political level. There are strategies and tactics that he used as an LGBT political strategist, that can be used to engage the disability community, Perriello said. “Anything from making it easier for folks to understand the positions of their elected officials, to seeing how we can work to influence elections and show … that we're a powerful constituency.” Helping to connect folks with the best employers and the best companies to work for is something that the LGBT community does well, Perriello said. “It's something that we [in the disability community] could do as well if not better.” To be engaged, you have to have a “sense of self-worth,” Perriello said. You have to show the next generation, “that you can do whatever you want. That is a parallel to the LGBT community. It happens because folks are out there, they're leading businessesthey're elected officials.” The challenges Perriello faces are formidable. Seventy percent of Americans with disabilities are unemployed or under employed, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Twenty-five percent of people with disabilities surveyed by a 2010 Harris Poll were unfamiliar with the ADA, a civil rights law prohibiting disability-based discrimination in employment and public accommodations. Perriello is well-suited to meet these challenges, said Cheryl Sensenbrenner, a former AAPD board chair, in a telephone interview. “His grassroots and organizing skills honed in the LGBT community are transferable,” she said, “He's well-suited to take AAPD to the next level.” Winnie Stachelberg, senior vice president of external affairs of the Center for American Progress, describes herself as a “huge fan” of AAPD and of Perriello. “I met Mark over a decade ago when I hired him to work for HRC,” said Stachelberg. “Mark intuits how to help diverse people work well together to focus on a common goal. He won't be the loudest voice, but he'll be the one driving change.” 7 www.CommunityLinkFresno.com NewsLink 8 Speaking your mind! Label Evolution, Label Revolution Kaylia Metcalfe - GayFresno.com Labels: necessary, but sometimes annoying. What's the point of a label? Isn't it to provide some sort of description, some sort of understanding or explanation? As in, “How can I explain why all these things on the table should go together… I can classify them as all being products from the garden, all with seeds in the middle, thus: fruit!” Of course, labels get more complicated when it comes to people. We want to label ourselves in ways that we appreciate or support. We shy away from other people labeling us, especially if we doubt their motives or don't agree with their classifications. When I was young there was Gay. There was Lesbian. Then, there was Bi. Bi was relatively new, at least in my experience. It wasn't really mainstream, and there were a lot of notions of what it meant. Namely that it was a label for fence sitters who were afraid to go all the way to Gaydom “Bi now, Gay later” etc. It also had the reputation of being shifty, slutty, and untrustworthy. One of the things labels do is attach or confirm stigma or stenotypes, which is why we are so careful when allowing ourselves to be labeled. I resisted the label of “bi” for years because I didn't see myself as a fence sitter, a slut, or a shifty spy. I saw myself as able to fall in love (and sometimes lust) with a person despite their gender, not because of it. I was, and still am, attracted to people based on their personalities, their senses of humor, their ability to converse intelligently, etc. What does or doesn't dangle between their legs is beside the point. When pressed, I usually would say that I was into people, not gender. I became more comfortable being bi partly from exposure to more understanding and less judgmental people, and partly from a desire to change the stereotype. And then I was introduced to the concept of Pansexual. “What does that mean?” I asked innocently enough. “It means that I am attracted to people based on their personalities and not limited by genitals. I'm gender blind.” “In my day, we called that bisexual.” “No, bisexuality is limited. You only love two genders. I have the capacity to love them all.” Let me stop right here and add that due to the fact that I am typing this, you might not be getting the smugness and slight condescending tone of this particular pansexual person. This definition, and the way it was delivered, bothered me. A lot. While it is true that the strict dictionary definition of bisexuality does indeed refer to two, I would argue that most bi people would use almost the exact definition. Why, then didn't we chose the term pansexual? Because language is fluid. Because it wasn't an option back then. Because the choice had been Straight, Gay (subset Lesbian) and the Bi community needed a third option. Not because we are all drones who only think in binary terms. Upon more polite conversations with members of the pansexual community, I have been given a more specific definition: Pansexuality is sexual attraction to people of all genders and non genders. It grew up out of a lack of language revolving around the trans community. For example, Bob is in process of becoming Betty. Bob/Betty is not currently portraying him/herself as either gender. And you fall in love with him/her during that transition. Or, a young person named Pri has decided to be genderless and wants us to use the gender neutral pronoun Ze. And you fall in love with Zir. Are you bi, or is it more complicated than that? Enter the phrasing of pansexual. This, I can understand and to a small extent support. While I think it is nice to see a group of people determine that no current label works for them and thus introduce a new label into our community and society at large, I do think that in a community that prides itself on looking beyond the base level, we might have tried to expand the definition of bisexuality to move beyond the literal and into this realm. (But they didn't ask me, and it seems that pansexuality as a label, as the new version of bi, as Bi-Plus if you will, has already been voted on, ratified and put into place.) I don't think this is the last time that our community will need to relabel itself or create language that will better serve our needs. I do think that when we do that, we need to be cognoscente of the real and implied definitions of the words we are updating and replacing. We need to consider the motivations, the limitation, and the context of the original definitions. We also need to be cautious. In a community that is already disenfranchised, already set apart and looked down upon, already fringe… we need to chose our moments of dissention so as not to further fracture ourselves. By creating categories and sub categories of labels within our own group, we run the risk of not being able to provide a united front to the outside world which is ready and willing to use any perceived crack in our facade as a breaking point. And let's not forget, labels are political not just personal. They matter. They are what is going to be used by our enemies as well as our friends. Now, I am not saying that we need to let the outside world determine our inner processes, but I am saying that we must be careful where we draw the lines and how. Again, labels are useful. They help us categorize, define, and understand who we are. But because language and social norms are continually evolving, labels can also be fraught with misunderstanding, unfair judgments, and confusion. A coalition of LGBT groups is demanding changes to the proposed boundaries for San Francisco's two Assembly districts, warning the lines as currently drawn will dilute the community's voice in Sacramento. Gay Marriage: Who's Doing It and How it (Might) Lead to Fewer Homosexuals Kaylia Metcalfe - GayFresno.com Remember 7th grade science? Do you remember Newton's third law? “For every action, there is an equal or opposite reaction.” This is true, but more pertinent to our daily lives is that rather “regular life” sort of law that tells us that sometimes the effects of our actions have unintended consequences, unforeseen things that we could never have planned for. This occurred to me over the weekend as I read two articles that talked about some of the interesting and possible unforeseen consequences of gay marriage becoming more accepted both socially and legally: gender disparity in who is doing it and the eventual decline in the homosexual population because people are doing it. The first idea was discussed in an article that came to me via my good friend Chuck (Hi Chuck!) who sent me David K Li's New York Post article in which the disparity between the number of female same sex marriages and male same sex marriages is painted in stark relief. Connecticut (2008): 3,252 female couples and 2,053 male couples. Massachusetts (2004): 8,404 female couples and 4,911 male couples. New Hampshire (2010): 1,113 female couples and 411 male couples. Iowa (2009): 1,376 female couples and 772 male couples. Vermont (2009): 1,157 female couples and 597 male couples. Now, some will argue that wanting to get married is more of a “female thing” and that men, whether straight, gay, or other, are more hesitant to commit. I don't think we have quite enough data to call it one way or the other, but one thing is for sure. Once the right to marry is established, same sex couples have to deal with the question of “should” as well as “can.” Just because you can do something, doesn't always mean you want to. Of course, same sex marriage activists are quick to point out, and justly so, that the point of the right to marry is the choice, not a mandate to action. I hope that all couples, same sex or not, take the time to evaluate if they are getting married due more to social pressure or actual emotional drive. And, as same sex marriage becomes more and more common, so will same sex divorces. While it is way too early to compare divorce rates between the rainbow contingency and their hetero counterparts, I'm sure that data will e just as interesting. Again, to all those same sex couples out there, welcome to the turmoil should/shouldn't faced by many, many different sex couples. The other article came to me from the online Scientific American blog would leave the vast majority of the city's LGBT community unrepresented by a lawmaker it voted for in the Legislature's upper house for two years. "Please help make sure we keep San Francisco odd," said gay Treasure Island resident Owen Stephens at the Monday, June 27 hearing the redistricting commissioners held in San Francisco. City Attorney Dennis Herrera has also requested that the commission number the San Francisco Senate seat with an odd number. In a letter to the panel, Herrera also cites the importance of ensuring the LGBT community has representation in the statehouse. The LGBT groups and Herrera submitted their letters during the meeting Monday night. It was the commission's second-to-last hearing to gather public comment ahead of its issuing a second round of draft lines for political districts on July 14. A number of LGBT leaders addressed the panel to voice their concerns about how it has proposed splitting San Francisco into two Assembly districts. Under the commission's first draft maps, neighborhoods with large numbers of LGBT households have been moved out of the 13th Assembly District, which has elected three out lawmakers over the last two decades, into the 12th Assembly District, which has been represented by Asian lawmakers in recent years. The LGBT groups are asking the commission to move Diamond Heights, Glen Park, Twin Peaks, Cole Valley, Haight-Ashbury, and Laurel Heights into the 13th District, which is represented by openly gay Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco). Just elected to a second term in the fall, Ammiano is already raising money for his 2012 campaign. The city's eastern district "is one of the most critical districts in California for the LGBT community," wrote the LGBT groups. "The current tentative map greatly dilutes and divides the LGBT community of interest in San Francisco by removing several heavily LGBT neighborhoods ... by doing so, the tentative map undermines the ability of the LGBT community to be fully represented." To make up for the lost population, the groups suggest adding more of the Outer Mission and Excelsior into the 12th District. The letter was co-drafted by the statewide LGBT advocacy group Equality California; the National Center for Lesbian Rights; the San Francisco LGBT Community Center; the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club; and Log Cabin Republicans of San Francisco, the gay Republican group. "We did take the unusual step of partnering with Alice, which is something that doesn't happen often, because this is something that affects the community as a whole," Dan Brown, the Log Cabin chapter president, told the commissioners. Chris Bowman, a gay Republican who submitted proposed maps through the California Conservative Action Group, asked the panel members to "keep the LGBT community in San Francisco intact." Openly gay San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener, whose District 8 would be further split between the two proposed Assembly districts, also spoke in support of the letter sent in by the community groups. He also pressed for the Senate seat to be an odd numbered one. www.CommunityLinkFresno.com by Matthew S. Bajko The bipartisan group of LGBT agencies and political clubs is also asking the state's Citizens Redistricting Commission to give the city's sole Senate District it will have come 2012 an odd number so that openly gay state Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) can seek a second term. Not only would he be barred from doing so until 2014 if the Senate District is given an even number, it and my handy google alerts. In his most recent article Jesse Bering argues that the prevalence of gay marriage could ultimately lead to a decline in the homosexual population. He builds his case with a series of claims and assumptions, some of which I am wary of. First off, he cites numerous studies that pinpoint or attempt to pinpoint the “gay gene” as it were. Homosexuality is a genetic component, at least according to his work cited page. To actually quote him: “there are indeed clear, contributing genetic factors underlying homosexual orientation” He cites a few popular twin studies but I would caution you, my gentle readers, to remember that biological variants are not the same as genetic creations and that so far the studies looking for the “gay gene” have not been as widely reproduced as we might wish. In fact there are several studies that link homosexuality to hormonal levels in the womb and others that link birth order to the likelihood, and still others that point to other factors or some combination of any of these… My point is that there are no definitive answers. Yet. But okay, if we accept the claim that there is some sort of genetic reason for all the gay, the next step in his logic is pretty easy to follow. He basically says that due to social pressure and lack of options, gay people have been mating with straight people for eons and thus passing on these genes, somewhat recessive genes apparently but no matter, in to the general population. Ok, moving on… if gay marriage becomes the norm, the number of same sex couples that procreate biologically and thus pass on the genes, will dwindle due to the cost of insemination and surrogacy, the only real biological option for same sex reproduction. Also we must take into account the lack of unplanned pregnancies, a trend that leads to a lot of hetro couples procreating, which wouldn't be an issue for same sex couples. His argument is basically that unless there are significant advances in reproductive capabilities, the gay genes might become further and further recessive due to the lack of gene mixing leading eventually to a dwindling population of homosexuals. That is rather a big leap, but it does make a certain amount of logical sense. I am not a scientist, just a skeptic and an avid reader, and so even if I am wary of his final hypothesis, I do see merit in continued research into the biological and genetic components of homosexuality. It is a frightening thought though, is it not, that the very act of global acceptance might lead to the global diminishment of our community? Only time will tell, of course, and there are advances in terms of reproduction just waiting in the wings. In the meantime, let's brush up on our 7th grade science and continue to watch for unexpected consequences. ∏ ∏ Continued on page 10 NewsLink LGBT groups demand changes to SF Assembly district maps 9 ∏ www.CommunityLinkFresno.com ∏ In a 'quiet moment,' gay judge makes history By Dana Milbank, The remarkable thing about what happened on the Senate floor Monday night was that it was utterly unremarkable. The matter under consideration the nomination of the first openly gay man to serve on the federal bench would at one time have been a flashpoint in the culture wars. But Paul Oetken was confirmed without a word of objection on the Senate floor and with hardly a mention in the commentariat. Even some of the chamber's most ardent social conservatives - Tom Coburn, John Cornyn, Jeff Sessions, Jon Kyl - cast votes for Oetken. When the lopsided vote tally of 80-13 was read out, there was no cheer or reaction of any kind. Senators continued their conversations as if nothing unusual had happened. It would be premature to believe that Oetken's easy confirmation heralds some new post-sexual era in American politics; the fight over gay marriage continues undiminished. But it was a signal moment nonetheless. The nominee's sexual orientation was deemed unimportant -- or at least less important than his moderate politics and his pro-business record (he's a corporate lawyer, with Cablevision). “As the first openly gay man to be confirmed as a federal judge,” Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told a nearly empty chamber before the vote, “he will be a symbol of how much we have achieved as a country in just the last few decades. And importantly, he will give hope to many talented young lawyers who until now thought their paths might be limited because of their sexual orientation. When Paul becomes Judge Oetken, he will be living proof to all those young lawyers that it really does get better.” But Schumer observed, correctly, that this bit of history was an “otherwise quiet moment” for the Senate. The ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chuck Grassley (Iowa) gave a brief speech in support of Oetkin, mentioning the nominee's Iowa roots but nothing about his homosexuality. The proceedings were so routine that Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy made only a spare mention of this “important milestone” before using his floor time to deliver an unrelated speech about the FBI director. Because there were no more speakers, most of the 30 minutes allotted for debate were passed in a quorum call. Closeted gay men have probably served as judges since the beginning of the Republic. And a lesbian, Deborah Batts, has been a federal judge since 1994. But when Batts went before the Judiciary Committee, her homosexuality was left unmentioned in the confirmation hearings. Oetkin, by contrast, downplayed nothing about his sexual orientation: his work with Lambda Legal and the ACLU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Project, or his co-authorship of a Supreme Court amicus brief opposing an anti-gay law. At his confirmation hearing, he introduced Grassley to his partner. Opposition was relegated to where it belongs: in the dark recesses of the Internet. “A vote to confirm this nominee is in effect a vote to subject New York by force of judicial fiat to the homosexual agenda, lock, stock, and The Fresno Youth Alliance A Group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,Transgender & Questioning Teens & Young adults A Safe and Sane Substance Free Place to BELONG! ∏ NewsLink Young Adults/Teens Meet every Friday Night from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at The Big Red Church, 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd 10 For more information call Jeff: 486-3464 Or if you just need someone to talk to right now, are having a hard time, or are in crisis call LYRIC Youth Talkline 1-800-246-PRIDE barrel,” wrote one commentator on World Net Daily. The posting warned of “Oetken's homosexuality on the sleeve approach” and said “he is likely as well to harbor animosity toward the proponents of traditional sexual morality.” Tellingly, it was signed by “Frank J. Bleckwenn” - a pseudonym. Grassley and his colleagues had no use for such poison. “Mr. Oetkin grew up in my state of Iowa,” Grassley said, calling the candidate a “consensus nominee.” He recited Oetkin's credentials, including his Yale Law degree and Supreme Court clerkship. “I support this nomination and congratulate him on his professional accomplishments,” Grassley said. To his credit, that is all Grassley thought relevant. Gays concerned about Re-districting Continued from page 9 "Otherwise two-thirds of my district will not be represented for two years," said Wiener. "For the last 20 years we have been able to win because the LGBT community of interest has been united." Supervisor Malia Cohen, whose District 10 seat covers the city's southeastern neighborhoods and is also split between different legislative districts, echoed Wiener's comments to the panel. "I am concerned this community will be marginalized and disenfranchised," said Cohen. "I can't imagine having no representation for two years." In his letter, Herrera claimed having the city's Senate district not be given an odd number would be "a potentially devastating setback" for the entire state's LGBT community which has "historically looked to San Francisco's elected legislators for leadership on issues of concern to their community." "Should a quirk in the numbering of state Senate districts eliminate San Francisco's representation during this critical time, the detrimental effects would reach far beyond my own city's borders. It would be gravely unfair to Californians who have been too long marginalized, and too often denied rights to which they are entitled," wrote Herrera. Commissioner Angelo Ancheta, who is from San Francisco, requested that the LGBT groups submit the recently released U.S. Census data on same-sex households for San Francisco so it had more information to guide its discussions. He said having the data could prove helpful, as "there might be some tough cuts we have to make." He also asked EQCA to resubmit its maps of the LGBT neighborhoods in various cities around the state with different color schemes so they are easier to read. Andrea Shorter, with EQCA, promised to do so. The panels lone out member, Commissioner Cynthia Dai, who is also a San Francisco resident, thanked the more than 100 people who showed up for the hearing prior to the start of the testimony. She indicated that the commissioners are open to redrawing the maps they initially released. "We hope to hear from you today on how we can improve our maps. There are some tricky population shifts" the commission has to contend with, said Dai, who will assume the panel's rotating chair position on July 1. The commission is expected to reveal its numbering of districts in next month's second release of draft maps. It is planning to vote on its final maps in August. For more information visit http://wedrawthelines.ca.gov “Men of the Mean Streets: Gay Noir” edited by Greg Herren & J. M. Redmann; published by Bold Strokes Books, August 2011, 288 pages. Noir has always been one of the most popular-and darkest-sub-genres of the mystery field. Following in the footsteps of such masters of the form as James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler, and Dashiell Hammett, some of the top writers of gay mystery explore this territory of amoral tough guys with a cynical view of the world by giving classic noir a gay twist. Edited by award winning author/editors Greg Herren and J.M. Redmann, Men of the Mean Streets changes the face of gay mystery-and the reader may never look at gay life and culture in the same way again. “Women of the Mean Streets: Lesbian Noir” edited by J. M. Redmann & Greg Herren; published by Bold Strokes Books, August 2011, 288 pages. Women. Crime. Justice. At least the search for it. On the mean streets, the back allies, the dark corners. These are stories of tough women in hard places. The nights are long, the women are fast, and danger is always a short block or quick minute away. Edited by award winning author/editors J.M. Redmann and Greg Herren, Women of the Mean Streets is an anthology of some of the top, tough women crime writers today, noir stories with a lesbian twist. “Tango: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels” by Justin Vivian Bond; published by The Feminist Press at CUNY; NONE edition, August 2011, 144 pages. Recently hailed as "the greatest cabaret artist of [V's] generation" in The New Yorker, Mx. Justin Vivian Bond makes a brilliant literary debut with this staggeringly candid and hilarious novella-length memoir. With a recent diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, and news that his first lover from childhood has been imprisoned for impersonating an undercover police officer, Bond recalls in vivid detail coming of age as a trans kid. “The Queer Art of Failure” by Judith Halberstam; published by Duke University Press Books, August 12, 2011, 224 pages. The Queer Art of Failure is about finding alternatives-to conventional understandings of success in a heteronormative, capitalist society; to academic disciplines that confirm what is “From Macho to Mariposa: New Gay Latino Fiction” edited by Charles Rice-Gonzalez & Charles Vazquez; published by Tincture, August 2011, 296 pages. Prepare yourself to dance in a disco in Silver Lake, check out papis in Orchard Beach, cross the border from Guatemala to Mexico on your way to the U.S., see a puro macho bathe in a river in Puerto Rico, make love under a full moon in the Dominican Republic, sigh at a tender moment in an orange grove in Lindsay, visit a panaderia in Kansas, see a full blown birthday party in Juarez, and be seduced by a young artist in the South Bronx. These are some of the stories in this collection of thirty gay Latino writers from around the United States. There are ''don't mess with me''' divas, alluring bad boys, and sexy teenagers, but also empowered youth for whom being queer is not a question and a family that grows wings on their heads. The infectious rhythms of House music in New York City are adjacent to cumbia in Mexico, next to reggaeton in Puerto Rico, alongside Latin pop in L.A. and merengue in an east coast city. But the spectrum of experiences and emotions that inhabit our days gives these stories dimension and gay/queer Latinos a common ground. The stories are vibrantly varied and clearly connected in this ''era of lost signals'' in which we live. “Folsom Street Blues: A Memoir of 1970s SoMa and Leatherfolk in Gay San Francisco” by Jim Stewart; published by Palm Drive Publishing, July 2011, 230 pages. Jim Stewart, a survivor of the Titanic 1970s, has written a wonderful memoir revealing how South of Market became hip SoMa in San Francisco. Leading a lusty life surfing the first wave of gay liberation up to HIV, he is an uninhibited writer spilling personal tales of sex, art, and friendship during that first decade of Gay Liberation after Stonewall. As carpenter, he designed and constructed the sexy interiors of Folsom Street leather bars as well as of Fey-Way Studio, the first gay art gallery in San Francisco, where as photographer he exhibited his work on the walls he built. A pioneer settler in SoMa, he was fast friends with poet-singer Camille O'Grady, the leading lady of Folsom Street leather; with Oscar-Streaker Robert Opel who was murdered in his own Fey-Way gallery; with author Jack Fritscher and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe; with painter Chuck Arnett and porn mogul David Hurles; and with many other talents creating gay culture in San Francisco's influential Drummer Salon. As early as 1977, Drummer magazine published Stewart's leather photography. Folsom Street Blues continues his gift for words and images with manic, funny, and heartfelt profiles of real people who lived as if 1970s San Francisco were 1930s Berlin. Like Christopher Isherwood, Stewart is a camera. Folsom Street Blues is a picture-perfect portrait of the author as a young man among men experimenting with new identities in the sexual underground during the Titanic 1970s before the speeding first-class party, cruising on, crashed into the iceberg of HIV. Veterans of the 1970s party will applaud Stewart's humorous nostalgia. Younger readers may enjoy a safe peek into how 20th-century leatherfolk, dancing on tables and swinging from the chandeliers, helped found and form 21st-century diversity. Keep this book bedside with Edmund White's My Lives, Felice Picano's Like People in History, Jack Fritscher's Some Dance to Remember: A Memoir-Novel of San Francisco 1970-1982, Justin Spring's Secret Historian, Patti Smith's Just Kids, and Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City. www.CommunityLinkFresno.com already known according to approved methods of knowing; and to cultural criticism that claims to break new ground but cleaves to conventional archives. Judith Halberstam proposes “low theory” as a mode of thinking and writing that operates at many different levels at once. Low theory is derived from eccentric archives. It runs the risk of not being taken seriously. It entails a willingness to fail and to lose one's way, to pursue difficult questions about complicity, and to find counterintuitive forms of resistance. Tacking back and forth between high theory and low theory, high culture and low culture, Halberstam looks for the unexpected and subversive in popular culture, avant-garde performance, and queer art. She pays particular attention to animated children's films, revealing narratives filled with unexpected encounters between the childish, the transformative, and the queer. Failure sometimes offers more creative, cooperative, and surprising ways of being in the world, even as it forces us to face the dark side of life, love, and libido. NewsLink Following are some of the many new, interesting GLBT-themed books. They are not reviews they’re book descriptions provided by the publishers. Always haunted by the knowledge of being "different," Bond was further confused when the bully next door wanted to meet secretly. Their trysts went on for years, and made Bond acutely aware of sexual power and vulnerability. With inimitable style, Bond raises issues about LGBTQ adolescence, homophobia, parenting, and sexuality, while being utterly entertaining. Singer, songwriter, and Tony-nominated performance artist Mx. Justin Vivian Bond is an Obie, Bessie, and Ethyl Eichelberger Award winner. As one half of the performance duo Kiki and Herb, Bond has toured the world, headlining at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, and starring in a Tony nominated run on Broadway, Kiki and Herb Alive on Broadway. His film credits include a role in John Cameron Mitchell's feature Shortbus. Bond is currently releasing a record, Dendrophile, and is writing a play with Sandra Bernhard. 11 www.CommunityLinkFresno.com Governor Signs Landmark LGBT Education Bill Legislation sponsored by Equality California and Gay-Straight Alliance Network aims to end LGBT history exclusion in education and to promote school safety Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill that will fairly and accurately portray the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights movement and the historic contributions of the diverse LGBT community in social science instruction. The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act (SB 48), by including fair and accurate information about the rich and diverse history of LGBT people in instructional materials, will enrich the learning experiences of all students and promote an atmosphere of safety and respect in California schools. SB 48 was authored by Senator Mark Leno (DSan Francisco) and co-sponsored by Equality California and Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Studies have shown that inclusion of LGBT people in instructional materials is linked to greater student safety and lower rates of bullying. In schools where the contributions of the LGBT community are included in educational instruction, bullying declined by over half and LGBT students were more likely to feel they have an opportunity to make positive contributions at school. "Today marks a monumental victory for the LGBT civil rights movement as the contributions of diverse LGBT community will no longer be erased from history," said Equality California Executive Director Roland Palencia. "Thanks to the FAIR Education Act, California students, particularly LGBT youth, will find new hope and inspiration and experience a more welcoming learning environment that will embrace them." Palencia added, "For decades, LGBT leaders have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all Californians. LGBT leaders were involved in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the farm workers' movement, the women's movement, have built health and human services institutions that now serve millions of Californians, and have contributed to the economic development of our state. We are truly grateful for the courageous leadership of Senator Leno, the LGBT Caucus, allied lawmakers, our members, and the entire LGBT community for making history and for promoting safety in our schools as students learn about our rich legacy." The FAIR Education Act will bring classroom instruction into alignment with existing non-discrimination laws in California and would add the LGBT community to the existing list of underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups, which are covered by current law related to inclusion in textbooks and other instructional materials in schools. "I am awed and humbled to be part of this historic moment. Today, we've written the latest chapter in the LGBT civil rights movement -- one that will now be presented fairly and accurately in California schools," said Carolyn Laub, Executive Director of GayStraight Alliance Network. "By signing the FAIR Education Act and ending the exclusion of the LGBT community from instructional materials, Governor Brown has realized the hopes of youth who have been fighting for safe and inclusive schools, where all students learn about our history and gain respect for each other's differences as a result. This is a part of the American story that we can be proud to know all students will learn." "Today we are making history in California by ensuring that our textbooks and instructional materials no longer exclude the contributions of LGBT Americans," said Senator Leno "Denying LGBT people their rightful place in history gives our young people an inaccurate and incomplete view of the world around them. I am pleased Governor Brown signed the FAIR Education Act and I thank him for recognizing that the LGBT community, its accomplishments and its ongoing efforts for first-class citizenship are important components of California's history." "There is no room for discrimination of any kind in our classrooms, our communities or our state," said Dean E. Vogel, president of the California Teachers Association. "We believe that curricula should address the com- mon values of the society, promote respect for diversity and cooperation, and prepare students to compete in, and cope with a complex and rapidly evolving society. SB 48 does that by helping to ensure that curricular materials include the contributions of persons with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans to the development of California and United States." Among the diverse supporters of the FAIR Education Act include: Adolescent Health Working Group, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AntiDefamation League, Arc and United Cerebral Palsy in California, Asian Americans for Civil Rights & Equality, Asian/Pacific Islander Youth Promoting Advocacy & Leadership, California Language Teachers Association, California Psychological Association, California Teachers Association, California Faith for Equality, Californians for Disability Rights, Inc., City of Oakland, City of West Hollywood, Disability Rights California, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Unified School District, Public Advocates, San Francisco Unified School District, Transgender Law Center, California Church IMPACT, Our Family Coalition, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Fresno County Democratic Central Committee, San Joaquin Valley Democratic Club, The Trevor Project, School for Integrated Academics & Technologies, and the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund. NewsLink open Mon - Thurs 10:30am - 8pm Friday - Sat 10:30am - 8pm closed Sundays 12 Your favorite subject in school was probably not math unless you had the sizzling hot teacher who taught you how to properly use your protractor. Most of us weren't living in that Van Halen video world so we hated the subject. I've got breaking news that will have you loving math and using it to get you healthy too. It's all simple numbers about the food and drinks you put into your body every day. Turn on your Texas Instruments and let's begin! The average can of soda, pop, or coke; depending on where you hail from, is 150 calories. That's not a lot of calories until you start building a pyramid with all your empty cans and realize those ancient Egyptian architects had nothing on you. A can a day over a year will earn you just under 55,000 calories. That equates to about 16 pounds of persona non grata. Switch to diet sodas or just grab some water instead. The average serving of potato chips is usually about 150 calories too. That should seemingly be OK because you don't gobble up chips every day. You reserve this type of fun for those moments when you get home from work and sometimes just want a little snack to tide you over. You plop into your easy chair and get your daily DVR dose of the “A List New York” while inhaling “not one, but two” servings of those tasty treats. Twice a week over a year nets you about 31,000 calories and 9 pounds of extra you. Grab an apple instead for your viewing of those catty gay housewives. Meow! www.CommunityLinkFresno.com By Ron Blake Monday mornings are special and require additional ammunition to get past the gates of grumpiness and sentinels of sadism. A delicious grande caramel frappuccino from ye olde corner coffee shop gives you the credentials to enter the work force gallantly each new week. You're awake after this jolt so you'll now understand that this comes with a price tag. Fifty-two weeks of liquid jumper cables at 350 calories per dose amounts to 18,200 calories after I properly carry over my numbers in my dutiful calculations. Your weekly introductions can just start with a good night's sleep on Sundays to have you ready for reveille. Those Jared commercials have you excited and standing in line at Subway several times a week during lunch time. You follow the signs pointing you toward 6 grams of fat per six inch sub. Dawn is your sandwich artist par excellence and knows you love your cheese and want double slices on your ham subs. Get ready to interrupt Dawn when she makes your “usual” next noon hour. Those four slices of Wisconsin's finest equal 200 calories and are culpable of creating 31,000 calories over 12 months when consumed three times per week. That is 9 pounds of laughing cows on your belly. Skip the Swiss! Math can be fun when it can help you! And this really was an easy lesson to understand. A little addition and multiplication can help you see your frequent follies. Now get back to using arithmetic and start some subtraction from now on; it's time to see math help you create a whole new you! This health and fitness article is brought to you by that guy always ready to help with your long division. That guy is Ron Blake and he can tutor you at [email protected]. NewsLink Hate Math 13 ∏ 2011 Lavender GLBTQ Youth Prom - A Zombie Prom - Saturday, July 30th @ Dianna’s Studio of Dasnce in the Tower District All photos by Juan Bustamante FRESNO REEL PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 22 YEARS! September 14 - 18 at Fresno's historic Tower Theatre and Starline Lounge. This year, Fresno Reel Pride Film Festival celebrates twenty-two years of film and festivities with its long-standing tradition of excellence in cutting-edge selections of LGBT films and signature events with a dynamic five-day lineup of internationally award-winning feature films, documentaries and short films at the historic Tower Theater and its more intimate cabaret space the Starline Lounge. Festival organizers have searched the world for important and socially relevant films otherwise unavailable on the big screen to Fresno's filmloving community. "Fresno Reel Pride's goal is to provide a broad spectrum of LGBT stories that are relevant to our community today,” said new Festival Director James Figueroa. “These stories have the ability to entertain, educate, and engage our audience in a dynamic way from the start of opening night throughout the entire five days.” “While this is year twenty-two for the festival, this is year one for me as a festival director. Eight years ago I was an eager audience member attending Reel Pride for the first time. During that first year I was captivated by the films and warmly welcomed into the festival audience,” Figueroa continued. “It is my hope to continue and expand on that welcome I felt. This year we are renewing efforts to invite our youth audiences as well as our familiar friends whether LGBT, straight or anywhere in between - to experience what a festival like Reel Pride provides to our community. We encourage everyone gay or straight to come out and be a part of our 2011 Festival by attending the screenings and events.” An impressive list of films has been assembled for this year's festival and highlights include: OPENING NIGHT: Dirty Girl Wednesday, September 14th at 7:30pm Tower Theatre When the local bad girl gets paired with a lonely gay boy, sparks fly, wheels spin, and the good times roll! Not since Will & Grace have a gay man and a straight woman teamed up for such outrageous adventures and side splitting comedy. The film features an impressive cast including Juno Temple, Jeremy Dozier, William H. Macy, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, Milla Jovovich, and Mary Steenburgen - and even our fair city of Fresno! Pulsing to the beat of a late-80's rock soundtrack and bursting with fun-filled energy at every turn, DIRTY GIRL is a wild ride you won't ever want to end. Tomboy - Thursday, September 15th at 5:30pm - Tower Theatre When young Laure moves with her parents and little sister to a new home and is mistaken for a boy, she adopts with her new identity and assumes the name Mikael. Mikael plays ball and swims like any boy in the summertime. But his girlfriend Lisa wants to play her own games with Mikael. Winner of the Teddy Jury Award at the Berlinale and the Czech Republic's FICC Jury Special Prize, TOMBOY showcases expert cast chemistry and true artistry in capturing adolescence. Finding Identity: Youth Shorts Program - Thursday, September 15th at 7:30pm - Tower Theatre The kids are all right in this inspiring collection of short films showcasing the everyday issues and triumphs tackled by LGBT youth around the world. Romeos - Thursday, September 15th at 9:00pm - Tower Theatre Lukas is a young transgender man who moves to Cologne to study and work in the big city. Despite difficulties, he goes to a wild party and meets Fabio, a flirtatious gay lothario that embodies everything Lukas desires: selfconfidence, overt masculinity, and smoldering sensuality. As their attraction to one another grows, Lukas must decide how to proceed with this intimate relationship-turning the unconventional romance into a courageous tale of love, friendship, and sexual awakening. Longhorns - Friday, September 16th at 6:00pm - Tower Theatre They say everything is bigger in the state of Texas. This naughty sex romp gives us the full-frontal view of fraternity life at the University of Texas in the early 80s. LONGHORNS follows Kevin, Steve, Justin, and Daniel in their high-charged hormonal exploits. WOMEN'S CENTREPIECE: Hannah & the Hasbian - Friday, September 16th at 8:00pm - Tower Theatre Hannah gave up everything to be with Breigh: her family, her religion, and men. But now Breigh's decided she wants to go straight - as in hetero - and Hannah's left wondering: WTF? Breigh quickly learns for herself that dating men is no picnic. As their household descends into a hilarious rehab center for bruised egos and mixed emotions, this often-riotous romantic comedy becomes a quirky story of finding true love. Leave it on the Floor - Friday, September 16th at 10:00pm - Tower Theatre Get ready to get down with this modern mix of PARIS IS BURNING and RENT. When our hero Brad is kicked out of his house for being gay, he escapes to L.A. where he discovers the legendary drag ball scene and is taken in by the struggling House of Eminence and its family of outcasts. The LA ballroom environment provides a colorful backdrop for this gay love story, with alternating glimpses of fashion, flesh and mad moves and the energetic dance sequences by Beyonce choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. will have you out of your seats and ready to hit the runway. This is What Love in Action Looks Like - Saturday, September 17th at 11:00am - Starline Lounge Can you really "pray away the gay"? Closeted 16 yearold teen Zach Stark's worst fears came true in 2005, when his parents sent him to a camp run by the ex-gay Christian reform group 'Love In Action' against his will. Zach began blogging about his experiences to his friends and through the concurrent rise of viral media, the news of his plight spread. This powerful documentary recounts the events which eventually led to the closure of the controversial program. CENTREPIECE DOCUMENTARY: We Were Here: Voices from the AIDS Years - Saturday, September 17th at 4:30pm - Tower Theatre A powerful film that the Los Angeles Times called “Uplifting…clear-eyed, soulful.” In 2011 we mark 30 years since AIDS descended on the world; WE WERE HERE (an official selection of the 2011 Sundance and Berlinale Film Festivals) documents what was called the “Gay Plague” as it hit San Francisco in the early 1980s. Focusing on five survivors of the epidemic and their gripping personal recollections, the history of this tragic time becomes an inspiring tale of empowerment as the community came together to face this threat with compassion, support, and hope. Wish Me Away - Saturday, September 17th at 7:00pm - Tower Theatre Awardwinning country music star Chely Wright had a secret that seemed impossible to reveal to her family, friends, and fans. Raised in a religious home and rising to fame in the homophobic country music industry, Chely prayed for years that her homosexuality would just go away. In 2010, she began an arduous and journey of coming out to the world and every touching and riveting moment is captured and crafted into a powerful and moving documentary. Continued on page 27 ∏ ∏ www.CommunityLinkFresno.com ∏ Ladies' Pool BAKERSFIELD Men's Social Men OUTSpoken OUTings for Autumn. For the boys only! We've not seen much of each other this summer, so let's get back together to make a plan for more men's events throughout the Fall. We want to start seeing more of you, more often! Dustin will lead this fun evening of coffee and conversation. Flame & Skewers in right next door if you're hungry. Please plan to pick up your own tab for coffee & treats. No cost to just sit in on the chat, though. Friday, August 19, 7pm at Starbucks, 1201 24th St. It's ok to be late, too. If you leave work after 7, swing by and relax for a bit with us! [email protected] “A Chorus Line” A Chorus Line is a musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line. The book was authored by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics were written by Edward Kleban, and music was composed by Marvin Hamlisch. The play includes several gay characters: “Greg Gardner”, “Bobby Mills” and “Paul San Marco”. Directed by Kevin Trueblood & Marnie Forzetting; choreography by Marnie Forzetting and Cindy Trueblood. Remaining dates: August 19th & 20th, 7:30pm at Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave. www.bmtstars.com Women's Group OUT for Pool. $9 per table per hour; dutch treat. Sunday, August 21st, 1pm at Corner Pocket, 3216 Ming Ave #B. [email protected] Monday Nights Out… … at Vinny's Bar & Grill are ending! There's only one left, August 22nd. So if you haven't joined us yet, please do so! Great drinks, great company, great time, and karaoke 8 11:30pm. Vinny's is the one place in Bakersfield where all are welcome! But fear not, there'll still be gay nights at Vinny's. We're moving them to Tuesdays, starting on August 30th because of Monday Night Football! At Vinny's Bar & Grill, 2700 S. Union Ave. Pizza Hut FUNdraiser Come join everyone Bakersfield LGBTQ at the Auburn Pizza Hut for a great night, and helping a great community! You MUST present the flier from the website for your dine-in or carry out order and a percent of your purchase will be donated to Bakersfield LGBTQ! This flyer is only accepted at Pizza Hut on Auburn Rd. Coupons, and alcohol can not be used with this flier. We thank Pizza Hut for the wonderful support to Bakersfield LGBTQ. Thursday, August 25, 5 - 9 PM at Pizza Hut, 3701 Auburn St. www.meetup.com/BakersfieldLGBTQ/files/ Drag - Is It In You? “I Wanna Go” A Britney Spears Event! Doors open at 9pm, no cover till 10pm, loud sound! DJ Bronco playing the hottest hits till the world ends. August 20th at the Casablanca Nightclub, 1825 N St. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id =100001302980044 If you've got what it takes, join us for a one night only drag race inspired competition. The winner will receive the chance to perform with the city's leading divas at Bakersfield Pride 2011. Enjoy a first-round competitor's choice performance, each followed by Judges' critiques. Second round to be the Judges top 2 in a 'Lip Sync For Your Life'. Come and enjoy a night of fresh, new faces, and exciting entertainment. Judges panel will include some of Bakersfield's leading queens, and a respected community member. Free entry for competitors. Competition is open to anyone 18 and over. Deadline to join the competition is August 19th. Brought to you and hosted by Valerie Soleil & Vanessa Elektra. Open to ages 18 and over. Full no-host bar for those 21 and over. Admission $4. Friday, August 26th, 8pm at Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Questions? [email protected] Queer Bowling We have been having such a great time bowling that we're going to go again, and make this a regular thing! We don't have designated teams, so we'll just see who shows up and make sure everyone has a lane! Everyone is welcome to play! We show up at 6pm, which gives everyone thirty minutes to get shoes, food, drinks, etc, and we start bowling PROMPTLY at 6:30pm! You don't have to be an ace bowler; we usually have more fun with people who ... don't bowl well or often. This is for fun! Families welcome, but we won't have bumpers on the lanes. Adults may be consuming alcohol. We also invite non-bowlers to come and cheer on your team! Cost: (Dutch treat) - if we have ten or more actual bowlers: $13.00 for two hours of unlimited games, shoes included, per person; - if we do not have at least ten bowlers: $4.60 shoe rental per person, $4.45 per game for adults. Whitney will wear a black polo with LGBTQ logo on the front so first-timers can find us. Saturday, August 27, 6pm at AMF Bowling, 3610 Wible Rd. RSVP required at meetup.com/Bakersfield-LGBTQ PFLAG Meeting Meet the Salty and Sibilient Sitz Family of South Silver Lake! They will be our featured guest speakers at our next meeting, Thursday, September 1st, 7pm, at The First Congregational Church, 5 Real Rd. This will be a multimedia event with video, slides, poetry, and discussions featuring: West Hollywood Halloween; LA's first LGBT Heritage event; The Poetry of Elliott Sitz; Wranglings with the school district; Gifts that come with having an LGBT child. facebook.com/PFLAGBakersfield Rocky Horror 7:00 to 11:30 a.m. 1:30 to 6:00 p.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ∏ NewsLink Tuesday - Friday: 16 Rocky Horror Picture Show presented by the Velvet Darkness, a Rocky Horror Picture Show mimic cast, which performs quarterly. Door at 11pm, Games at 11:30pm, Lipsync at Midnight - Tickets $10, prop bags $3. Prizes provided by Déjà vu Love Boutique. September 2nd & 3rd at the Empty Space, 706 Oak St.www.esonline.org Lonely Planet Lonely Planet, a play by Steven Dietz, directed by Brian Brennan, is part of The Empty Space's 2011-2012 Late Night Season (for mature audiences). In an unnamed American city in the early 1980s during the AIDS epidemic, a gay man in his 40s named Jody owns a map store. A friend of his, Carl, a gay man in his 30s, is a frequent visitor to the store. Carl starts putting chairs in the store, and after Jody argues with Carl about it, he learns that each of them was owned by friends of theirs who succumbed to AIDS. Jody rarely leaves his store, and Carl places these chairs there in order to show him what is going on in the outside world and how important it is that he participates in it. After some convincing, Carl gets Jody to go get himself tested, but there's a twist. Tickets $5. September 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th at the Empty Space, 706 Oak St. www.esonline.org Morro Bay Camp Trip Ah, yes, nature! Clean air! What could be better than walks in the trees, next to the ocean, followed by a singalong around the fire? Let's go! Bakersfield LGBTQ invites everyone to go camping in Morro Bay! Dogs are welcome. No extra fee, but they have to remain on a leash at the campsite. Also, obviously, please clean up after your pooch. $70 per site for two nights. Each site may have 2 cars/2 tents /8 people max. We will reserve sites now, but your space can only be held with your paid reservation to Shelby, LGBTQ Vice Chair: [email protected]. or 661-319-4296. Shelby will send out info about the camping units when you reserve your space. Friday, September 16th - Sunday, September 18th at Morro Bay State Park. meetup.com/Bakersfield-LGBTQ Student's mother files lawsuit by Jorge Barrientos, The Bakersfield Californian Just days after federal officials found the Tehachapi Unified School District failed to investigate or respond appropriately to the bullying of a gay, 13-year-old middle school student who later hanged himself, his mother filed a wrongful-death lawsuit. In fact, the findings of the investigation released Friday [July 22nd] are the foundation for Wendy Walsh's suit. The suit states that ongoing harassment of her son Seth was common knowledge by school staff, they did little to stop it, and because of the negligence, Seth hanged himself. Walsh, in a suit filed Tuesday [July 26th], is seeking compensation for wrongful-death damages, medical expenses and punitive damages. "I want accountability," Walsh said Tuesday, sitting next to her attorney, Daniel Rodriguez. In September, Seth Walsh hanged himself in his backyard and died a week later. He left a suicide note expressing anger at his school "for bringing you this sorrow." HANFORD Movie Night with Hanford Rainbow Pride We thought it would be awesome to have our monthly event held at the Drive In this month. We will have out Hanford Rainbow Pride Banner in plain view so everyone will know where to park with us and mingle a bit before the movies start. We do not know at this time what movies will be playing. However, we will keep you all posted as soon as we find out as it gets closer to the date. We hope to see everyone out there with us. Fill free to bring your chairs, snacks, and soft drinks if you like. There is also a snack bar located in the Drive In. The cost to get into the Drive Inn is $8.00 for a carload of 6 people. Saturday, August 27th, 7:30pm at Kings Drive In, 14th Ave & Lacey Blvd. www.facebook.com/event.php?eid =134187293339041 Support Group Are you a member of the LGBTQ community and looking for a safe place to find support? Embrace your identity. Come and join our LGBTQ Support Group. Meetings are on second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Reception (and snacks) 5:30 - 6pm, Meeting 6 7:30pm. At Kings County Behavioral Health, 450 Kings County Dr., suite 104. (559) 582-3211 ext. 2333. MODESTO “Beginners” When it comes to relationships, we're all beginners. From writer/director Mike Mills comes this comedy/drama about how deeply funny and transformative life can be, even at its most serious moments. Beginners imaginatively explores the hilarity, confusion and surprises of love through the evolving consciousness of Oliver (Golden Globe Award nominee Ewan McGregor). Oliver meets the irreverent and unpredictable Anna (Melanie Laurent of Inglorious Basterds) only months after his father, Hal Fields (Academy Award nominee Christopher Plummer, has passed away. This new love floods Oliver with memories of his father who, following the death of his wife of 45 years, came out of the closet at age 75 to live a full, energized and wonderfully tumultuous gay life - which included a younger boyfriend, Andy (Goran Visnjic of ER). The upheavals of Hal's new honesty, by turns moving and funny, brought father and son closer than they had ever been. August 19th, 4pm; August 22nd, 4pm; August 23rd, 7pm at the State Theatre, 1307 J St. www.thestate.org Birthday Parties There's always a birthday party at the Brave Bull! Join us on Sundays: August 21st for Casey's Birthday Party (with a wet t-shirt contest, drink specials, food and snacks), and on August 28th for Tricia's (with a hot female stripper). Both nights there will be drag show featuring The Brave Bull-Ettes, hosted by Miss Anjali! At the Brave Bull, 701 S. 9th St. www.facebook.com/TheBraveBull OESCI's Suspension Lifted by Empress XI Crystal Rae Lee Love, International Court Council On behalf of Nicole the Great, Queen Mother of the Americas, I would like to announce that effective immediately, the Owl Empire of Stanislaus County, Inc., Modesto, CA, having satisfied the requirements and stipulations placed on them earlier in the year by the Queen Mother, is hereby released from the terms of their suspension. The Owl Empire of Stanislaus County, Inc. will remain on probation for a period of three years during which time the International Court Council will review their financial documents on a periodic basis. The Modesto Court and their members should be recognized at all ICS functions with full titles, rights and privileges. OESCI Events From the Owl Empire of Stanislaus County, Inc.'s calendar of events: 8/23 Bingo @ Brave Bull, 701 S 9th St. 6pm. $20. 8/27 USO Show & BBQ @ Brave Bull. 5:30pm. $5. The USO Show & BBQ will be hosted by Ms. Gay Stanislaus 08-09, Joyce Vaigna. Doors open at 5:30pm, BBQ starts at 6pm, Show begins at 7pm. $5 donation includes all you can eat BBQ. Open entertainment. Special guest emcees: Empress 19 of Modesto, Sondra St. James and Emperor 21/31, Jason Parkos of Alameda. Come in your best military outfits. Raffles, auction, food and fun. 100% of all proceeds go to the U.S.O. for our troops! 9/8 Bingo @ Tiki Lounge, 932 McHenry Ave. 7pm. $20. 9/27 Bingo @ Brave Bull. 6pm. $20. groups.yahoo.com/group/Modesto _Imperial “L'Amour Fou” The public life of Yves Saint Laurent was as extravagant as it was decadent. First a design prodigy and then the grand couturier of a fashion empire, Saint Laurent influenced 50 years of style, however, few are familiar with the private life of the legend. In Pierre Thoretton's L'Amour Fou, Pierre Bergé, the man with whom YSL shared four decades of his life and love, reflects on the extravagant history of their personal relationship. Framed around the 2009 auction of the priceless, elaborate art collection amassed by Yves and Pierre over several decades, this extraordinary documentary provides an unprecedented look at the life of a mythic personality, whose personal life matched his public for elegance, extravagance and passion. An official selection of the Toronto and TriBeCa Film Festivals. September 9th, 10th, 12th, 14th at 7pm; September 11th at 1pm at the State Theatre, 1307 J St. www.thestate.org www.CommunityLinkFresno.com said. But from Seth's death, several antibullying initiatives have grown. And they've been boosted by presentations from Walsh in front of state and federal policy makers. A state bill called Seth's Law, which would create an anti-bullying system at all California schools that don't have them already, has been passed by the Assembly and lies with the state Senate. And the ACLU of Southern California launched the "Seth Walsh Students' Rights Project" aimed at combating bullying and discrimination in California schools. Walsh said she has been "pleased" with the ongoing anti-bullying efforts nationally in her son's memory. ∏ Modesto Pride 2011 In the beginning there was "Stonewall", where riots and protest began a slow but sure showmanship of what we now know as Pride. Forty one years later, even small town America is celebrating. Seven years ago, Modesto, CA opened the doors to a facility that reached out to the LGBT communities in the Central Valley of CA. The SPC (Stanislaus Pride Center) was that organization, and gave us our first Pride Celebration an indoor event held at the Fat Cat, that had over 500 guests in attendance, and has grown since. The event has moved to a larger venue, Graceada Park, that allowed about 1000 people to attend. Last year Modesto Pride Inc. continued the tradition with its greatest endeavor taking place with just over 3500 people in attendance. The Modesto Pride Festival will take place on Saturday, September 17th, from 11am to 7pm at Graceada Park, Needham St. between Park Ave & Sycamore Ave. www.modestopride.org NewsLink Tehachapi Unified's school board in April rejected a wrongful-death claim filed by Walsh, as is routine. The filing and rejection of a claim are often the precursors to a lawsuit. The suit names as defendants the school district, Superintendent Richard Swanson, Jacobsen Middle School Principal Susan Ortega, Vice Principal Paul Kaminski, teacher (first name not clear) Kirby, teacher Laura Haight, teacher Laura Kabonic and teacher Marty Feehan. The findings of the seven-month investigation by the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice is being considered by some civil-rights groups as "landmark." As a result of that investigation, Tehachapi Unified will soon be taking several steps to stop sexual- and gender-based harassment, prevent its recurrence and eliminate a hostile environment. That includes revising policies; training all students, administrators, teachers and other staff; and repeatedly surveying the campuses on sex-based harassment issues. Tehachapi Unified officials disagreed with and disputed the federal investigation's findings, but signed off on making changes -- changes that Walsh had been hoping for, she said. So why a lawsuit? Attorney Rodriguez -- who has 30 years of experience, including on several high-profile wrongful death cases -- said the district had a chance two years ago to follow through with changes and did not, as evidenced by the new federal findings. In 2009, in a case Rodriguez represented, the district instituted sexual-harassment policy changes in resolving a different federal complaint, documents show. A lawsuit will help make sure the district follows the rules, Rodriguez said. School officials could not be reached Tuesday, though they typically do not comment on pending litigation. Rodriguez said he anticipates the case could go to trial. Rodriguez called the new investigative findings by the federal agencies "powerful" to his case, and gives a "real perspective." He cites verbatim passages from federal findings in his lawsuit. "This is a separate independent look at the case," Rodriguez said Friday of the federal investigation, "an objective look at the school environment." Through this all, Walsh said the last several months have "been the most difficult time in my life." She has two other sons -- one is now homeschooled and the other has graduated from high school. "I lost my mother, and that pales in comparison (to losing Seth)," Walsh 17 ∏ www.CommunityLinkFresno.com ∏ continued from page 17 Modesto Pride Riders Wanted by Mary Borg, Bike Ride Co-Chair Modesto Pride 2011 is just around the corner (Saturday, September 17th). This year's theme is PASSPORT TO EQUALITY. So it has been decided that the WOMEN and MEN shall ride together in Unity with PRIDE. Women will lead the pack! Plans are in the works and our goal is to have the BIGGEST turn-out ever for our PRIDE Ride. It is very important that you spread the word and invite your family and friends who support our community. To have adequate parking for the bikes you must register by sending me an email to [email protected] that you want to participate. Those who respond will get further instructions for meeting time and place. Modesto Pride asks that all riders dress appropriately for Modesto, not San Francisco! Let's be PROUD out Loud. Rainbows of all shapes and sizes welcome. PORTERVILLE Women's Flag Football Are you interested in playing for Tulare County's only women's / lesbian flag football team? There is still time to join up, although the team has already started practice. Keep in mind this is an all women's team but if you are of the opposite gender and still interested in getting involved you can! You would be joining the ranks of their coach Karl Cannon. Tulare County's first game will be against Fresno's Fems N Studz TBA. If you are interested you contact [email protected] Welcome To Our Family by Brooke Burk, GayVisalia.com I'm sure you have all seen that Gay Central Valley has expanded. We are very excited and proud to now be operating Gay Porterville. Already there have been articles posted, an up and running Facebook page and more things that you just don't know about yet. You might be asking yourselves….who is this Gay Porterville? Well, I'd like to take this time to let you know about the woman behind the curtain, so to speak. It is my honor to introduce Melissa McMurrey, Division Leader of Gay Porterville. Melissa has only been with us for a short time but already has great ideas, great initiative and most importantly, a great passion for her community. Melissa was raised as an Army brat. She and her family lived in various places throughout her childhood; Georgia, Washington, Germany, and New York, to name a few. She spent a lot of her adult life in Santa Barbara. Being out in the world and coming from a pretty liberal area as SB, you can imagine the culture shock she received moving back to Porterville. Lucky for you however, because that is one of her driving forces. Oh yeah, and to answer the burning question….. Yes, Melissa is gay. She currently lives with her partner of a year. She also has a dachshund named Sadie. She's an Aquarius, likes long walks on the beach and her favorite color is teal. Did I just take that too far? :) To give you a better perspective of her, we had a little Q&A session and here's what she had to say: What was your biggest adjustment moving back to the valley? Biggest adjustment would have to be lack of cultured events and/or not having the option to do anything after 9pm locally that doesn't include alcohol or strippers…although those things can be fun too. (Note to self: Take Melissa out for alcohol and strippers) What was your motivation in starting up Gay Porterville? Having been raised in various parts of the world I've had the opportunity to see full acceptance and tolerance of people outside of the traditional norm. Having Porterville to come back to on and off throughout my army brat upbringing made it easy to see how repressed the central valley is and saw what kind of advancements it could make. Porterville being off the beaten path sometimes contributes to the lack of resources we have here. What do you think the hardest struggle for your area is? Gosh, where to begin? Lack of LGBT community resources. Lack of understanding by the general population of LGBT issues. I feel that many LGBTQ people in the area think they are alone but don't realize how many of us are actually here. Did you find it difficult coming out to your friends and family? I actually made a mountain out of a mole hill with this one. I had antici- pated some resistance from my retired military gone correctional officer father but he actually was really open to the fact. My dad's exact words were “I don't care who you date as long as they treat you right and make you happy”…another favorite quotable from my dad when I first came out to him was in my asking him if he feared I wouldn't be giving him grandchildren he said “What? Why? Women get inseminated all the time!! You better be giving me a grandkid!” With my mom…I was very fortunate to have the opportunity in coming out to her shortly before she passed away. My mom's response was “I always knew something was up…especially with the effeminate men you used to date”. Friends… Again, I have been really fortunate in my coming out experience. Most of my friends stated they weren't surprised and found it exciting. However, I do have one or two friends from high school that have struggled with it. They have voiced their more conservative opinions to me but I take it as a challenge to try and educate them rather than turn the other cheek. What can the community do to help you in your efforts? Voice their opinion. Pass any information or leads they may have to me. Voice any ideas they have or resources that I can try and harvest into a community resource or outlet. What's the one goal that you, Gay Porterville, have for this year? I have a couple of ideas still brewing that I still need to figure out a means and a plan of action for. I would like to get the LGBT community working on some volunteer projects and other types of community outreach where we are working side by side with other everyday people. I also am looking to get a general LGBT support group going to allow people of like mind to get together and chat. Have you ever been discriminated against for identifying as an LGBT community member? I've had a few comments and remarks made to me since I've been back in the area but nothing I really cared to hear. I imagine as I become more active in the community more people will recognize and associate me with the gay community possibly making me a target for discrimination. But I am ready and excited for that challenge. Now that you have people's attention, what would you like to say to them? That I would like for any member of the community to feel comfortable in approaching me at any time for any reason. I will never judge anyone for their feelings. I am a safe space. I will always do my best to help in any way I can...If I personally can't help I will find the appropriate resources. I'm excited to have her with us and I'm really glad that the Porterville area has someone who can help continue the growth that has been started. Many of you have already done such great things there, together, you guys will be amazing. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. Connect, share, engage and empower. Melissa is full of ambition and truly wants to bring everyone together for a stronger and better community. Melissa: On behalf of myself and Gay Central Valley, welcome and thank you for coming aboard. The journey you are embarking upon is not an easy one at times, but I can't think of a better person for the job. Get involved Porterville, let her know what you need and how she can help! [email protected], 559-791-8699. LGBT presence needed at Porterville College by Melissa, gayporterville.com I'd like to announce that we are creating a Pride Club for Porterville College. Everything is still in the works but (...) our presence is desperately needed at the college. If you are a current student or would like to volunteer your time please contact me, [email protected]. STOCKTON Valley Ministries Campout Valley Ministries MCC will be holding our special yearly campout, this year at Sugar Pine Campground in South Lake Tahoe. The camp site is limited to 40 people. The first 10 vehicles (trailers count as a second vehicle) do not have to pay to park. Visit our website for more info. Friday, August 26th - Sunday, August 28th. www.valleyministries.com Bowling Social & Fundraiser A Success Our Bear Bowling Fund Raiser, organized by Rob Caselli and Bears of Central California, went really well for our first attempt! 40 really cool people, ranging from 2 grandkids, Rob's 2 daughters, their significant others, bears from Modesto, CA, Reno, NV, Fresno CA, and El Sobrante CA, a sprinkling of lesbians, and several straight friends. Cool raffle prizes and a wonderful bowling center (West Lane Bowl) and its great food. Those that missed the bowling missed out on the private invitationonly Pool Party... Snooze, you lose! www.bearsofcentralcalifornia.org Psychotherapy Adult, Adolescent, Couples Now serving Fresno & Visalia Areas Melissa A. Cuneo, L.C.S.W. #LCS13570 ∏ NewsLink (559) 901-5461 18 1416 W Center St Visalia, CA 93291 21 Think Pink Believe Out Loud workshops will help you to speak to people in your church or diocese about why it's important to welcome and include LGBT people in the life of your church communities. After a long time of specific exclusion from Christian communities, gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are looking for a specific welcome to come back to the church. With the tools you will gain from this workshop, you can work with your fellow Christians to build your churches as inclusive communities that welcome EVERYONE into the body of Christ. Everyone is invited to attend. People who are not current dues-paid members of Integrity are asked to pay $25 to defray the expense of materials and trainers. $10 for students, seniors and low-income persons. Payment in advance is preferred, but may be done at the door. If you choose to do this, choose "pay by mail" as you check out, and bring it with you. If you're coming from out of town, we may have a group rate at a nearby hotel. Saturday, September 10th, 10am 3pm at St. Episcopal Church in Stockton. www.integrityusa.org/workshops San Joaquin Pride Center presents Think Pink: Awareness & Fun(d)raiser Reception with guests of honor: Hon. Susan Eggman and Riley Johndonnell. Susan Eggman is the Central Valley's first out LGBT elected official. Elected for a second term on the Stockton City Council in 2010, Susan decided to run for office after the 2004 election cycle, believing change was necessary. Susan strongly believes that social, economic and environmental justice is possible through the political process. As a founding member of the Central Valley Stonewall Democratic Club, Susan has been an active catalyst for LGBT activism within San Joaquin County. Riley Johndonnell is an acclaimed artist, entrepreneur and activist. Riley explores the power of style and inspiration through the fusion of art and commerce. Founder of Surface Magazine, design expert for HGTV & Ovation TV, creative director / think tank consultant for such brands as Levis, Lexus, Esprit, Bombay Sapphire, Disney and more. During the early '90s he was the founding president of the Gay Alliance of the Pacific (UOP), and has been a trailblazer for our local LGBT community (winning a state senatorial award for his activism in San Joaquin County). He recently attended the first LGBT Pride Month reception at the White House, hosted by President Obama. Tickets: $50. Join us for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails! RSVP: [email protected] Sunday, September 18th, 6pm at Ave on the Mile, 2333 Pacific Ave. sanjoaquinpridecenter.weebly.com The AIDS Walk San Joaquin and the San Joaquin AIDS Foundation are hosting the 3rd Annual San Jaoquin AIDS Poker Run on Saturday, September 17th. The last two years we had the Run in October but the weather was not the best. Hopefully, by moving it up a month, we will get nice and sunny weather. The entry fee is $25 per person or $40 per couple. This gets you a commemorative pin and t-shirt, lunch, one free raffle ticket and the buy-in for the poker hand. Registration is from 8 to 10 am at the Alano Club, 1812 Monte Diablo Avenue, Stockton, CA 95203. A preRun breakfast is offered for $5 a person. Applications are available at the AIDS Foundation office, 4330 N Pershing Ave, Ste B-3 or via email at [email protected]. For those that don't know what a Poker Run is, along the route of the Run there are 5 stops total. At each stop, you draw a card from a deck. At the end, whoever has the best high and best low poker hands split the pot of money which is based the number of participants. The route will be the same as last year: from the Alano Club to Valley Springs, through Mokelumne Hill, West Point, San Andreas and ending at Knights Ferry. www.awsj.org VISALIA Pants & Pumps Showdown To quote the Beastie Boys, Hey, Hey, Hey Ladies! This year at Family Fest, being held on Saturday September 24th, we will be holding the first annual Pants & Pumps Showdown. Teams will compete for cash and prizes but most importantly..... BRAGGING RIGHTS! Each team will need to consist of 2 Pants & 2 Pumps. There will be a series of challenges leading up to the final showdown of the top 2 teams. Do you think you've got what it takes to earn the title? Get your team together now and visit www.gayvisalia.com! YOSEMITE LGBTQ Family Camp Camp Tawonga is located on the middle fork of the Tuloumne River, just outside Yosemite National Park. Keshet LGBTQ at Camp Tawonga provides a strong community for Jewish LGBTQ parents and their chil- dren to learn, explore and play in the beauty of the Sierra Mountains. Adults spend the morning hiking, creating arts and crafts, and partaking in workshops. Meanwhile, our skilled counselors plan age-appropriate activities for kids, ranging from boating on the lake for young children to facilitated dialogue about growing up with gay parents for teens. Families spend the afternoon together, participating in camp activities and exploring Camp Tawonga, including the beautiful Tuolumne River. And of course, no Keshet Weekend is complete without a Shabbat service, talent show, and crazy dance party! Also, see the schedule on the website for a special program just for Keshet teens. Thursday, August 25th - Sunday, August 28th. Register: www.tawonga.org/weekend-programs/keshet.php COS Pride Club Meetings ∏ The Pride Club is an all-inclusive club focused on educating College of the Sequoia as well as the community about LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) history, rights, and lack of, and to openly express and talk about such in a safe environment. The Pride Club is interested in community outreach, helping to promote equality for all people, and a fun environment for all! Our first meeting for Fall semester is on Thursday, August 25th at 12pm at Kern Building 729, College of Sequoias, 915 S. Mooney Blvd. Our COS Pride Campus Library hours are: Monday/Wednesday 8am10:30am, Tuesday/Thursday 8am9am, Monday-Thursday noon-2pm. www.facebook.com/cosprideclub PFLAG hosts GSA Network Come join us on Sunday, August 21st at 3 PM! Our speakers will be Victoria Benavides, Central Valley Program Coordinator, Gay-Straight Alliance Network and Kira, one of our youth from Turlock who attended GAYLA, (Queer Advocacy Day), in Sacramento this past school year. PFLAG Tulare and Kings Counties meets every 3rd Sunday at Family HealthCare Network, 305 E Center St. www.pflag-tulare-kings.org Skittles Tryouts by Brooke, gayvisalia.com The Skittles are gearing up for their fourth season of softball! We will be holding open tryouts for anyone interested in joining the team. If you aren't familiar with us, we are the only local ALL BREED PET SITTING Quality Pet Care in Your Home Caring For Your Pets Since 1988 3204 N. Van Ness Blvd 559-222-ROSE Fax 559-222-7693 Pet Care • Feeding • Exercising • Medication Gail Gaston Bus. 275-5092 Res. 325-0540 Counseling Associates Cynthia Callaghan Home Care • Plant Care • Mail Pick-up • Light Changes LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER Bonded Insured 3134 Willow, Suite # 103 Clovis, CA 93612 Cell: 559/930-9327 E-mail: [email protected] NewsLink Poker Run by Daniel Corona LGBT co-ed softball team, graciously sponsored in part by Gay Visalia. We play on Friday nights at Plaza Park. The season lasts 10 weeks and our first game is on September 23. There is a small fee (under $25) which will be determined later. No equipment is needed other than your own glove. We took second place in our division last season. Do you have what it takes to help us achieve first? If so, come out and show us what you got! I forgot to mention that we have a huge following and the bleachers are always filled with our amazing fans. I can't wait to see you guys, too! Tryouts/Practice will be held on Saturday, August 20th and Sunday, August 28th at 11am at Whitendale Par, W Evans Ave & S West St. Skittles: Friendship, Fans & Fun! www.CommunityLinkFresno.com Believe Out Loud 19 ∏ ∏ www.CommunityLinkFresno.com NewsLink 20 FilmOut 8/20 - 28 in San Diego The 13th Annual LGBT Film Festival has several movies with lesbian themes. “Leading Ladies” (2010, USA): This spectacularly entertaining film is a zany comedy about two sisters, their gay best friend, and their overzealous stage mom. When one sister gets pregnant and the other plans to waltz out of the closet, the family must hustle to maintain their status quo in the harsh arena of competitive dance. Find out what happens to each as they re-examine their roles in modern life and on the dance floor and learn to "Let Love Lead." ™ Visually impressive - along with excellent choreographed dance sequences that need to be seen on the big screen! (Saturday 8/20, 4pm, copresented by La Jolla Playhouse). “The Sleeping Beauty of East Finchley” (2010, UK): Joan (Josie Walker) is a 40-ish woman in North London, a devout Catholic who looks after her mum with the help of a nurse, Pat (Ruth James). As Joan and Pat become friends, Pat discovers Joan's love of singing and invited her to join her choir, “The Friends of Dusty.” But it takes Joan awhile to realize that this is a lesbian choir, and as a performance at the Various Voices festival on the Southbank approaches, Joan gets cold feet in more ways than one. (Saturday 8/20, 1pm, co-presented by Cygnet & San Diego Women's Chorus). “Bloomington” (2010, USA): Exchild actor Jackie (Sarah Stouffer) leaves the entertainment world behind and heads to college at a Midwestern university, where she meets engaging professor Catherine (Allison McAtee), who has a reputation for breaking the hearts of other women. Jackie ignores her friends' advice and begins a fervid romantic relationship with Catherine, which is eventually threatened when Jackie has an opportunity to return to acting. (Sunday 8/21, 4:15pm, co-presented by FlawLes). “A Marine Story” (2010, USA): A decorated officer from a military family, Alex (Dreya Weber) is unexpectedly discharged from duty. When she returns to her conservative hometown, the Marine struggles to readjust to civilian life, but agrees to mentor Saffron (Paris P. Pickard), a troubled teen who's enlisting. Alex is the nononsense role model and authority figure Saffron needs, but as Saffron finally hits her stride, Alex must find the courage to face her own demons. (Friday 8/26, 6pm, co-presented by FlawLes). “Circumstance” (2011, France / Iran): A suspenseful tale of love and family upended by obsession and suspicion, this extremely provocative coming-of-age story cracks open the hidden, underground world of Iranian youth culture, where a young woman's most electrifying passions can become the most dangerous of secrets. The Audience Award winner at this year's Sundance Film Festival, writer-director Maryam Keshavarz's debut feature boldly takes filmgoers inside a modern Iran rarely witnessed by outsiders: an exhilarating, invisible realm of illicit nightclubs where young hipsters risk arrest, and their futures, as they experiment with sex, drugs and defiance, all while trying to evade the authorities. Starring Nikohl Boosheri & Sarah Kazemy. (Saturday 8/27, 4pm, co-presented by Pink Egg Media). “Eloise's Lover” (2011, Spain): Young, beautiful Àsia lies in a coma, as we see in flashback what led up to her accident, her life studying architecture at university, the somewhat overbearing relationship she has with her mother and her passionless relationship with her boyfriend, Nathaniel. When she meets the mysterious and exotic Eloïse, an art student who asks Àsia to model for her, her world changes. Eloïse is openly gay and unapologetically different from anyone else she knows, and despite her anxiety about falling in love with another woman, Àsia can't help but respond to Eloïse. A sensuous and beautifully made film that reminds us love can conquer all. (Sunday 8/28, 4:30pm, co-sponsored by Pink Egg Media). Also shown will be several short films (see schedule on the website for dates and times), including: “Fresh Air Therapy” (2010, Germany): German counselor Petra and Kerstin are spending another unpleasant session with their counselor when a power failure and natural body functions bring them closer together. “Charlotte” (2010, Australia): She just wants to be loved. “Olivia” (2010, USA): Two girls, four strings and a bathroom is all it takes for a seduction. “Rockin' the Rainbow” (2010, J. STANLEY TEIXEIRA ATTORNEY AT LAW 1233 W. SHAW AVENUE, SUITE 100 FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93711 TELEPHONE (559) 225-2510 FACSIMILE (559) 225-2389 Canada): Abby has just had her first sexual experience with a woman and confides in her older, outspokenly lesbian sister Emma, expecting some kind of sound advice. “5 Dysfunctional People in a Car” (2010, Canada): A 43-year old woman, her 21-year old boyfriend, her unhappy married sister, an aging mother and a burgeoning lesbian niece take a ride into discontent one winter's afternoon. “Nothing Happened” (2010, USA): Sex, drugs, diet tips. Girlfriends tell each other everything. But is there one topic that should stay off-limits? “Tracks” (2010, USA): Julie is an 18 year old runaway who reluctantly meets Tasha, a headstrong 15 year old and in the span of a week develop a friendship. This quickly turns into their first romantic relationship, which then threatens to tear the very fabric of both their worlds. At Birch Park North Theatre, 2891 University Ave. www.filmoutsandiego.com Women's Stage at Pride 8/20 in San Jose San Jose's 36th annual Pride Festival takes place during the weekend of August 20th and 21st. Saturday is family day and features the Women's Stage, with Free Admission. There will be children's activities in conjunction with the Children's Discovery Museum as well as a rock wall and bounce house. This year's tentative entertainment line-up for Saturday: 11am - Doors open/National Anthem; 11:15 Karaoke winners; 12:15pm - Xolie Morra (formerly Tiana Noyes); 1pm Holly Heaven; 1:45 - Tamra Engle; 2:30 - Letters Make Words; 3:15 Scranton; 4pm - Blair Hanson Band; 4:45 - The Hormones; 5:30 - Tehya; 6:15 - 7pm - Beaver Fever At Discovery Meadow, corner of Woz Way and San Carlos. www.sanjosepride.com Sunkiss Pool Party 8/20 in Los Angeles Ladies Touch Entertainment presents Sunkiss Pool Party - Miami Meets LA White Party! Early arrival suggested! $10 all day, hosted by Dawn Richard of Diddy's Dirty Money! DJs Asha of KYSS/JUICY and Irma Covarrubias of 107.1FM will be spinning your favorite Hip-Hop, R&B/Soul, Reggae, Classics, House, and Latin tunes to keep you on your dancing feet! Dresscode: fresh or white attire. Special birthday celebrations for Nicole Chocolate Barbie and her twins! AJ's birthday and going away party! Py Monsood's birthday party! A bachelorette party! Sera Phifer birthday party! Special birthday & bachelorette female revue! BBQ food menu available. Cabanas available for groups. Free entry for 10 people and no wait on line with table reservation $300 minimum. Limited number of room specials for the night at $99! Call 310-6450400 ask for "Sunkiss Saturday”. 1pm - 7pm at Deck 33 at The Custom Hotel, 8639 Lincoln Blvd. www.ladiestouchent.com GRRRL Benefit 8/21 in San Francisco Join us for a Beer Bust to benefit Girls Reclaiming Recreational Learning (GRRRL)! $10 unlimited beer 3pm-7pm! $2 jello shots or 3 for $5! $3 raffle tickets or 5 for $10! Throw like a girl. Think like a girl. Lead like a girl. Girls Reclaiming Revolutionary Recreational Learning (GRRRL) empowers girls ages 6-12, of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds through sports, as well as health, leadership, and social justice education. GRRRL's campers will learn to play a variety of sports, and will participate in educational and skill-building workshops. Workshop topics include physical and mental health, social justice education, leadership skills, exploring what it means to be a girl, and how all parts of girls' identities intersect. @ 3pm at Stray Bar, 309 Cortland Ave. www.facebook.com/grrrlcamp Book Group 8/21 in Glendale The Women On A Roll book group will meet to discuss Gail Caldwell's Let's Take the Long Way Home. It's a beautiful story of the best things about best friends: shared rituals and private jokes, long walk with their dearly loved dogs, and longer talks, confessions and discoveries. RSVP to [email protected] for address and directions. WOAR Members FREE, Nonmembers $5 www.womenonaroll.com Open Relationships 8/21 in Oakland NIA Collective presents a workshop on Open Relationships: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know, but Were Afraid to Ask, presented by Sonya Brewer. The Summer Empowerment Workshop Series is open to Lesbians of African descent, their friends, family and allies. We invite you to attend these events and to spread the word in the community. The workshops are offered free of charge, donations are welcome and graciously accepted. Join us for a casual Social get together! For those of you who know angmonster from b-f.com, hy'll be in town! Who: Butch/Femme folks singles and couples, kids welcome What: casual get together, parking is plentiful, food served, look for us on the patio if you don't find us inside (weather permitting), casual dress If you will be at Butch Voices 2011 conference, this is around the corner from the host hotel. 5 - 8pm at Pacific Coast Brewing, 906 Washington St. www.butchfemmesocials.com/ LAWN:court 8/23 in Los Angeles Los Angeles Women's Network (LAWN) is a diverse organization of women whose purpose is to create a community that supports the work of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, while enhancing the lives of its members personally and professionally by providing opportunities for inspiration, education and networking. LAWN:court, our monthly happening, is a culturally engaging social networking opportunity for LAWN members and guests. Join us for a revolving door of the city's best food, drink and music. Featuring music, mixing and a live performance by That's What She Said. Bling Bling Dumpling and Fry Smith food trucks parked on site. Rock Sake featured at the Tasting Bar. 7:30pm at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Pl. RSVP: www.lagaycenter.org A Genderstranged Duet 8/26 in San Francisco Harvey Rabbit & Ev Briere is "HE: a Genderstranged Duet", and our first original show, called "ShameNoShame!", is a clown play (directed by Dan Griffiths) like you've never seen before! What is right? What is wrong? What molds do we, as women, endeavor to fit ourselves into in order to be sexy, desired, loved? What if the natural states of our appetites are somehow “unacceptable?" - are there Suzanne Westenhoefer 8/26 in Sacramento Suzanne Westenhoefer's groundbreaking career as the first openly gay comedian ever to appear on television, includes appearances on Letterman, HBO, Bravo, Logo and GSN as well as performances across the US in popular theaters, clubs, and fundraisers. “I'm calling the new show SemiSweet because there's a lot of sweet stuff to talk about…. and a lot of stuff that, well, isn't.” says Westenhoefer. “The show is cry-laugh funny, and a little bit thought-provoking at the same time. It's all about the changes that have occurred in my life over the past year. Some have been good… and some not-so-much. I thought the name Semi-Sweet captured that perfectly.” Tickets $20 advance, $25 door. 8pm at Center for Spiritual Awareness Event Center, 1275 Starboard Dr. www.suzannew.com Ready For Our Close-Up 8/26 - 28 in Los Angeles The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Project presents a weekend of plays and benefits. Among the offerings are: “The Butterball Effect”, written by Carol Mullen, directed by Caitlin Hart. Nina Childress knows that her mother, Cecelia, is a drama queen. Literally. And while Cecelia may only tread the boards in local community productions, she is a Broadway-sized diva. So when Nina makes her annual obligatory Thanksgiving trip home with new lover Alex in tow, she's not completely surprised to discover that Cecelia has once again managed to upstage everyone and everything. What does shock Nina, however, is the particular way that her mother has stolen the spotlight-not only is Cecelia planning to divorce her husband of 34 years, but she is doing so because she has fallen in love with someone else: a much younger woman. Who just happens to be Alex's ex-girlfriend. Now, with her parents on the brink of splitting up, her younger sister on the cusp of hyperventilating, and her lover on the edge of reconsidering their relationship, Nina must find a way to put her family back together before this becomes the last Thanksgiving they ever share. Saturday 8/27, reception at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Kicking off Sunday with a musical performance, is bisexual actress / singer, Thea Gill, best known for her portrayal of Lindsay Peterson on the landmark Showtime series Queer As Folk (ACTRA Award nomination, Outstanding Performance by a Female) and the short film “Slip Away” (slipawaythemovie.com). Sunday 8/28, event begins at 1pm, VIP Reception at 5pm. Ticket prices vary. At Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd floor. www.lawomenstheatreproject.org Sistahs Steppin' In Pride 8/27 in Oakland We are here to celebrate & honor our 10 year history and showcase the pride, beauty, and talent of our SSIP queer women's community through a fun-loving, family-reunion festival of activities. We come together in connection to create a safe space where we inspire each other to dream, manifest and love. This is the final march! The March starts at the pillars of Lake Merritt (El Embarcadero & Grand Ave) and ends at a festival at Snow Park (19th St & Harrison St), transformed into our very own Sistah Village. With your friends and family, you'll enjoy an exciting stage of entertainers, great food, special spaces for elders & kids, community resource information, vendors galore, games, dancing…the list is endless! But the most important part of the celebration is YOU, so JOIN US! Pre-march Gathering is at 11am at Astro Park by Lake Merritt, the March starts at 12pm and lasts 75 minutes, the festival is 1pm - 6pm, and AfterParty is 9pm - 2am at House of Music, 420 14th St. www.sistahssteppin.org Summer Soiree 8/27 in Los Angeles Join Lambda Legal in the Hollywood Hills for our annual Women's Summer Soiree. Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with the women who support Lambda Legal and hear the latest on our critical work making the case for equality. More info / RSVP: Kimberlee Jones at 213-382-7600, ext. 226. 5pm at a private residence. www.lambdalegal.org Mystic Mermaid Pool Party 8/28 in Las Vegas www.CommunityLinkFresno.com Butch/Femme Social 8/21 in Oakland emotional and social consequences to the expression of our pleasure? ShameNoShame! is an unapologetic and ridiculous glimpse at sexuality and how we try to define and use it in our society. HE opened the show on June 12, at The Garage, as part of the National Queer Arts Festival. It was a great success: very unique, shocking, and hilarious! Now HE is having too much fun to stop there, so we've decided to take the plunge and bring "ShameNoShame! to Berlin, Prague, and beyond!! Your generous donations will help us get to Europe, and travel between cities where we'll be performing. It'll also help us gather the props and costumes we need for setting up the show abroad, as well as pay for rehearsal space for the three months we'll be spending there. We are also organizing a big fundraiser-performance-lounge party. It'll be your last chance to see ShameNoShame! before we cross the Atlantic. Tickets are $10 - $20. 8pm at the Garage, 975 Howard St. gofundme.com/HE-goes-to-Europe ∏ Join us for a fun filled afternoon of playing in the pool, eating yummy fish tacos, and our first-ever Betty Pinball & Ms. Packman Tournament! Our fabulous hostesses will be providing grilled fish tacos, mermaid muffins, and Golden Goddess Sangria. We'll be having a Pinball and Ms. Pacman tournament so bring your quarters and show us who's the pinball wizard and queen Ms. Pacman! RSVP to Gena & Marla at [email protected] to get directions. The party is limited to the first 30 women! Don't forget to bring your quarters for the tournament, a dish to share, whatever you want to drink, your swimsuit, a towel, a chair and flip flops! 2 - 7pm at a private residence. www.bettysout.com Hard Candy 8/28 in Oakland Girls Day Party! Hard Candy is one for the Girls (21+ only)! The Femmes, the Bois, the Grrls, the lesbians, the curious, the queers, ALL women and anyone who can appreciate their feminine side (all are welcome, but please respect our ladies!) Join resident DJs: Starr (Club Drama), Candy (Code SF, Get Lucky!) and guest DJ Nico (DIRT SF). Club Visuals by Cherie Allen. Enjoy a wide variety of the hottest & funnest Indie, Electro & Remixes new and old all day on the dancefloor for only $5! Dancing all day Sunday, hot Go Go girls and FREE candy! If you enjoy Premium Draft Beers, it's only $15 for all you can drink from 17pm! continued on page 22 NewsLink NIA Collective was created by and for Lesbians of African descent and a large part of our purpose is to create safe, healthy, supportive, loving, informed and inspired communities. 2:30pm at Womens Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave. www.niacollective.org 21 ∏ www.CommunityLinkFresno.com ∏ 9/17 at 8pm at Russ and Julie's House Concerts (by invitation only), Oak Park. 9/18 at 3pm at American River Music Festival, Coloma. 9/24 at 8pm at Mission City Coffee Company, 2221 The Alameda, Santa Clara. www.blamesally.com Continued from page 21 What is a "T-Dance?" Well, simply put, the term "T-Dance" came from people who wanted more than just your "night life" dance parties... taken from "Afternoon Tea," the term "TDance" was born and parties across the world have begun a revolution of no boundaries parties. Why restrict getting your dance on to JUST your average Friday and Saturday night? Come end your weekend with us HARD and SWEET! 1 - 7pm at The White Horse, 6551 Telegraph Ave. facebook.com/hardcandyparty Blame Sally on tour various dates BLAME SALLY is a San Francisco folk-rock quartet with an attitude, combining acoustic textures with Americana harmonies and an independent spirit. They've shared stages with like-minded artists like Los Lobos, Ani DiFranco, Richard Thompson, Roseanne Cash, Joan Beaz and Greg Brown. It's a mixed straight / lesbian band, who just released their fourth album earlier this year. 8/28 at 9:30am at 2nd Annual Bay Area Title 9k - Women on the Run!, Sunnyvale Baylands Park, Sunnyvale. 9/16 at 7:30pm at AMSDconcerts, 4650 Mansfield St., San Diego. Cindy Buck Presents 9/4 in Hayward We are a private home and are not for profit it's by RSVP only. All donations are to cover the band's expenses only. Our second and last yard concert of 2011 will feature: Saucy Monky, Sistas in the Pit, Groovy Judy. BBQ at 12pm, music starts at 1pm. Suggested donation $20 (or pay what you can pay). Reservations required. www.cindybuckpresents.com FiveTen: After Pride Fest 9/4 in Oakland We love Oakland and Oakland Pride! We love it so much that we never want it to end. So we got together to throw a big shindig after Oakland Pride. 3 Levels, 3 Stages, 8 DJs, 4 Dancefloors, 12 Performers, 15 Vendors, 6 Food Vendors, Art Exhibit, Body Painting, Live Art, All Ages floor, 21+ floors. Featured Performer: MC Lyte Lyricist, pioneer, icon, veteran and entrepreneur; one of the most prolific and well-respected female Hip Hop artists to ever bless the mic. Performers: Aima the Dreamer, Cherry Galette, Heaven Mousalem, Jessica Holter of the Punany Poets, Maya Songbird, Milani Pelly, SambaFunk!, Terry Taplin, Tonilyn Sideco, Raw G, The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins, Valerie Troutt, Y.S.D. Community Link’s Gray Alliance We’re a group that knows it may get a little harder as we go, but We Get Better With Age! The Gray Alliance doesn’t just live life, WE CELEBRATE IT! Gray Alliance welcomes all women & men within the “graying” Lesbian and Gay Community. We are a friendly group of graying folks who enjoy each other’s company and their unique personalities. We are social, like doing activities and eating out. NewsLink ∏ We have a monthly night out, usually at Denny’s at Shields & Blackstone on SECOND WEDNESDAYS. We also have a monthly pot luck dinner at either a members’ home or at the Big Red Church, 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd on LAST SUNDAYS. For more information call Liz Brown at 559-287-2428 or email: [email protected] Jerry Hendrix 559-261-9080 between 5pm-8pm 22 Check out the Gray Alliance section at: www.communitylinkfresno.com DJs: DJ Ai-Lo, DJ Astro, DJ Backside, DJ Emancipation, DJ Lady Ryan, DJ Razberry, DJ Val G. Vendors: Backstage Boutique, Blac Gurlz Ink, Bliss Weekend, Esoteric Images, Feelmore 510, The Perfect Sidekick, QueerSay, RodeoH. Food Vendors: Hil's Cooking, The Lumpia Lady, San Francisco Pizza, Tina Tamale Sponsors: Movement Productions, BoiBlue Events, FullCircle Events, SocialLife Productions, The BrownBoi Project, The House of Music, The Perfect Sidekick, QueerSay, StarrPR. Tickets: $5 - $20. 6pm at House of Music, 420 14th St. www.510oaklandpride.com Cowgirl Palooza 9/5 in San Francisco Come one, come all, come out and play at the 8th Annual COWGIRL PALOOZA festival at San Francisco's El Rio on Labor Day. Incredible femme-powered American/country/rock/and allaround-good-time bands dominate the day, on the beautiful outdoor courtyard stage. Free BBQ is available for all (so long as it lasts!) so come early and enjoy the free food while listening to incredible music all day long! On the patio for your viewing pleasure: Patsy Chords, The Judea Eden Band, Kit and the Branded Men, The Legend of Kitty Rose, 77 El Deora. 77 El Deora: at the core are the sparring male and female vocals of Jenn Courtney and songwriter Maurice Tani, framed with Steve Kallai's sweet fiddle, Tani's guitar work, Mike Anderson's slappin', clankin', doghouse, bull-fiddle, acoustic bass, and the virtuous, ethical, thoroughly "drummy" drumming of drummer Christopher Fisher. The sound is sometimes breathy acoustic, sometimes searing electric, sometimes both. The Legend Of Kitty Rose: Kitty Rose was a well-known country western singer in the mid-1970's in the waning days of Nashville, when glittered suits and cheesy arrangements ruled the day. It was uncool to be in country music back then, a genre reserved for red-necks, hicks and sodbusters. At a young age, Kitty appeared on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium, the "church of country music" along with her mentor and dearest friend, Sandy Saunders, then an up-and-coming star herself. They recorded a live album on April 1, 1972 before the Ryman closed its doors, some said then, for good. The following summer, Sandy died in a horrific car accident in the southwest desert. Kitty Rose refused to return to the stage without Sandy and her legend survived only in small circles of diehard fans and classic country affectionados. Fast-forward to the present day and after the re-discovery of "Kitty Roses' Greatest Hits!" and "Live at The Ryman", Kitty Rose was found wandering the streets of a small Northern California town called Hopland, now a ghost of her former self, tending her horse ranch in the nearby hills. Legend has it that she actually is a ghost - dead and returned from hell - cursed forever for killing Sandy's road manager who was drunk at the wheel that fateful night Sandy lost her head. Coaxed out of retirement, "The Legend of Kitty Rose" is the first recording of this some-time Nashville star since the early 1970's. The voice is rough and the subject of her songs melancholy, some say after loosing her soul to the devil, but you'll agree there still remain hints of her glorious past amongst the legends of country music. - The Kitty Rose Fan Club. Kit and the Branded Men is a four piece band out of the San Francisco Bay Area. With influences such as Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline & Rose Maddox. You might stumble upon a waltz, 2-step, bopper or old timey tear jerker. The Judea Eden Band is fresh out of the studio and ready to roll out the red country for this special Cowgirl show at El Rio. The Judea Eden Band will play their versions of classic favorites as well as their own wellcrafted countryesque style of good old fashioned down home songwriting, pickin' and a playin. You'll be out of your seat and on your feet in no time, dancing and 2-steppin' it all the way to cowgirl heaven!! www.judeaedenband.com The Patsychords are not just a Patsy Cline tribute band. We run the gamut from her greatest hits and obscure gems to other classic country songs. Margaret Belton's love of Patsy began at a young age. She only receently decided to take her corn-fed hometown flavor to the stage. She handpicked her players from notable local San Francisco bands. The Patsychords emulate the lonesome, velvet tones of Ms. Patsy while adding their own personal touch of sass and grit.The Patsychords are vocalist Margaret Belton. She would make Patsy proud with her vocal stylings. Guitarist Sunny Haire, plays a distinctly rhythmic, yet melodic guitar. Chock full of reverby goodness. Sunny has been in many bands, most notably, The Bedlam Rovers, Waycross, Knife and Fork and Enorchestra. Roxane Chicoine is an upright bassist who brings a vintage rockabilly flavor. “Doing it for the Chicks,” Kate's highly anticipated third studio album will be released in September. Kate Reid is one of Canada's funniest, sharpest new talents-a whipsmart wordsmith with a dynamic stage presence who leaves her audiences by turns laughing, crying and pumping their fists in delighted, sing-along solidarity. "Anyone who'd write a song called "The Only Dyke at the Open Mic" deserves a medal. And when she follows it up with "I'd Go Straight for Ridley Bent" and "Co-op Girlz" (about trying to pick up chicks a health food store), she should be eligible for the Order of Canada. A woman who breaks the stereotypes and makes us all think as welll as laugh. I am, not so secretly, in love with this woman!" - Richard Flohil. With Lisa Pawlak and Dan Thompson. Tickets $10; under 21 years of age allowed with a parent. 7:30pm at Don Quixote's International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9. www.katereid.net “Dysnomia” through 9/10 in Hollywood Award-winning screenwriter Marja-Lewis Ryan gives us a fastpaced, real-life family comedy with her latest work. At the tender age of 40, a suburban housewife figures it's time to come out of the closet to her juvenile delinquent son, precocious daughter and buttoned-up husbandand don't forget the wino neighbor who we can be sure will have something to say about the matter! Tickets $20. Shows are on Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm. At The Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd. www.plays411.com/dysnomia A Torch and Swing Spectacular 9/10 in Santa Cruz A special concert of Tracy Parker and the “9-10-11 Twelve” Orchestra: Mary Gauthier & Tania Elizabeth on tour various dates Mary Gauthier's second album, Drag Queens in Limousines (1999, with her signature “I Drink”) drew a four-star rating in Rolling Stone and broke Mary's career wide open, as she became a presence at folk festivals across the U.S. and Europe. The title tune won Best Folk/SingerSongwriter Song at the first annual Independent Music Awards and Mary was named Best Country Music Artist at the GLAMA's (Gay and Lesbian American Music Awards). She has now recorded 6 albums. Tania Elizabeth isn't your typical country music star. She's a vegan, environmentalist, raw foods aficionado, yoga enthusiast, animal rights activist - and an out lesbian. The fiddle player and vocalist is part of Canadian quintet The Duhks, which was nominated a few years ago for a Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal for their song “Heaven's My Home”. 9/13 at 7pm at Don Quixote's, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. 9/15 at 7:30pm (with Lori McKenna) at Center for Spiritual Awareness Event Center, 1275 Starboard Dr., Sacramento. 9/16 at 8pm (with Lori McKenna) at Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell St., San Francisco. 9/17 at 8pm (with Lori McKenna) at McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. 9/18 at 7:30pm at AMSDconcerts, 4650 Mansfield St., San Diego. www.marygauthier.com www.taniaelizabeth.com Shedonism Vegas 9/15 - 19 in Las Vegas S(he) don-ism -Derived from the root word of he-don-ism. The feminine art of being sinful. Excess, indulgence and debauchery. Devotion to pleasure as a way of life. Pleasure and happiness serve as the ultimate goal. Un-lady like behavior encouraged. A weekend long celebration of SIN, with the cast of The Real L Word, the hottest girl DJs, live performances, dance parties, pool parties, go-gos, pride parade, festival, celebrity antics, charity poker tournament, Las Vegas Dyke March and the first ever ALL GIRL Las Vegas Resort TAKE OVER! And yes, we are the OFFICIAL Women's Events of Las Vegas Pride that's HOT! Thursday - Lust Kick-Off Dance Party Get ready for one serious night of sexy! We are kicking off the weekend on the Las Vegas strip at the hottest lounge in the country. Check out the eye candy as they hit Sin City. Once you arrive there's no turning back, you're in for a wild ride all weekend. VIP Bottle service will be available for this event. DJ C LA & DJ Lisa Pittman. $8 in advance / $12 at the door. At TBA. Friday - EDEN Pool Party Get 'wet' at the first pool party of the weekend. Indulge in the scenery. Relax, swim, eat, drink, and dance as special guest DJ's make waves on the turntables: DJ CLA & DJ Lezlee. $8 in advance / $10 at the door. 11am 5pm at Rumor Resort, 455 East Harmon Avenue. Friday - DYKE MARCH, presented by SO CRUSH Following Gay Pride Parade (79pm), strut that GIRL POWER at Las Vegas Pride's first ever DYKE MARCH. Shirts and cool prizes for every 'girl / chic / dykelesbian / fashionista / betty / boi & woman' who walk the walk. 9pm to 10pm starting at W. Charleston Blvd. and 4th Street Friday - SIN Party Just steps from the Las Vegas Pride parade head over to our Official Women's Pride After Party. Get your game on with thousands of games or Same location for your vitamin & food supplement needs since 1955 237-8479 get your groove on, with the cast of THE REAL L WORD, GO-GOs galore on the dance floor and devilish sounds from DJs C LA & Tatiana on the turntables. Shuttle service to and from host hotel. $10/advance $12/door. 9pm to 4am at Insert Coin, 512 Fremont Street. Saturday - Celesbian Texas Hold'em Tournament We are taking over a poker room for an exclusive poker tournament featuring your favorite celesbian stars from near and far. Win awesome prizes including vacations, spa packages, hotel packages and more. $100 buy in. 6pm to 9pm at a location disclosed with ticket purchase. Saturday - ENVY Party The weekend's hottest ticket celebrates the seven deadly sins in style. We take over this sophisticated venue for a night of SIN. Hosted by The Real L Word cast and their LA posse. Your favorite GO-GOs from Houston, L.A., Miami and Las Vegas will be on the boxes all night, while our hottest girl DJs move you on the dance floor. Special live performance at 1am. VIP Bottle service will be available for this event. Shuttle service to and from host hotel. $10/Advance - $15/Door. 10pm - 4am at Booty Bar, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd S. Sunday - GLUTTONY Brunch Relax and indulge in a delicious brunch, sip cocktails and enjoy live jazz at Addiction, The Rumor Resorts ultra-hip restaurant, just steps from the pool party fun. $30/advance $35 at the door. 10am - 1pm at Rumor Resort, 455 East Harmon Avenue. Sunday - VICE Pool Party Frolic and splash at our sundrenched pool party. Sip tropical cocktails and listen to the sexy sounds as our girl DJ, take a ride on our slides, shop with our vendors poolside. Games and giveaways all day. Hosted by The Cast Real L Word. VIP Bottle service will be available for this event. $10/advance $15/door. Noon 5pm at Rumor Resort, 455 East Harmon Avenue. Sunday - SALVATION Closing Party Featuring DJ Lezlee and DJ Tatiana. Save yourself at one of the most beautiful lounges on the Las Vegas Strip. We are taking over the Patio of Chateau Gardens and closing with a bang. Pumping beats, live shows, sexy girls every where. All overlooking the Strip.VIP Bottle service will be available for this event. $8/advance $12/door. 10pm - 4am at Chateau Gardens @ Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd So. www.shedonismvegas.com continued on page 27 www.CommunityLinkFresno.com Kate Reid Concert 9/7 in Felton “Dreams, Dates and Drama”. Tracy Parker is a talented singer and musician whose incredible vocal style will thrill you from the very first note to the very last. From rich and strong baritones to a beautiful falsetto high, Tracy delivers each song with absolutely no holds barred. “Join me as we experience the emotional thrills and spills that those special songs about dates, dreams and drama always seem to bring us. Come to the Digital Media Factory on 9/10/11 for a "torch and swing" spectacular. Yep - S P E C T A C U L A R! A 12-piece orchestra ("The 9-1011-Twelve" - do you love it?) and musical director Steve Wilson will create that big band sound to accompany me as I perform many of my very favorite songs from the torch and swing era of the 1930's and 1940's. Never heard much of this music before? Come to the show - and feel the thrill that the exciting sound of a full orchestra can bring as we perform some of the world's best-loved music those timeless classics you're sure to recognize.“ 7:30pm at Digital Media Factory, 2809 Mission St. www.tracyparker.4t.com ∏ Tower Health & Diet Foods 1130 N. Fulton at Olive In the Tower District NewsLink She slapped the doghouse bass in Mighty Slim Pickens and The Rev Tones. Jai Bird Carrell is an alt-country drummer hailing from Austin. She holds down the country and rock rhythms. Tickets $10. Doors 3pm, BBQ & show 4pm. At El Rio, 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5:30 Sat 9-5 Sun 11-4 Closed Major Hoildays 23 ∏ ∏ ∏ ∏ Disclaimer: Although the author of this syndicated column holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, the tongue-in-cheek advice given is for entertainment only and is not a substitute for therapy. Barbie responds to all emails…whether you deserve it or not. Send your questions to Uncle Barbie at: [email protected] There is nothing quite like a good brain flush. Hello B.H., I have been a therapist for many years, and one of the most common questions clients ask is how they can meet that special someone. It seems to me that they are asking the wrong question. Most people have no problem actually meeting someone. Rather, they have a problem keeping someone. Long-term relationships are not easy. You cannot just stumble upon your soul-mate and live happily ever after without a thought or any effort. You need to work at it. That means deciding what you want and making a plan on how to get it. Here is what I suggest: make a list of the characteristics you want in a mate. Include more than just the physical traits. What kind of personality do you want him to have? What values, morals, and standards are you looking for in a man? What common interests would you like to have with him? This is one of those times when it is OK, in fact necessary, to talk about politics and religion. You need to have some kind of common ground regarding political views and religious convictions. If not, you are going to have a bumpy ride. Next, write an action plan for getting and maintaining a long-term relationship. Yes, that is right. You actually need to write it down. Make it a per- MFC37347 Business Owners... Are you reading this? 1451 W Shaw Ave. Fresno, CA 93711 Ph: (559) 243-1809 Fax: (559) 243-1807 The older I get, the less I can remember those days. (Ah, blessed senility.) It was at that hazy time in my life that I realized that those inebriated guys I had been dating were not diamonds in the rough; they were more like turds in the sandbox. (And, nobody wants to play with someone who poops in the sandbox.) I needed to become a more honorable person in order to attract a respectable man. And, it worked. I found him when I was finishing my doctorate degree. I became a more upstanding person, and therefore, became a good match for another well-mannered man. Get the point? Work on that list. True Blue, Barbie www.CommunityLinkFresno.com Your Intellectual Whore “An effervescently gay advice columnist” Dear Uncle Barbie, I will keep this short and sweet because I cannot stand long letters. I just want to know how I can meet Mr. Right. Where is he hiding? Signed, Bill H. sonal contract with yourself. It is not just asking yourself how you are going to meet this person. It is really a matter of attracting your Mr. Right. (Ya see, here is the thing--you need to become the type of person you are looking for.) Put another way, if you are wanting a soul-mate that is honest and true, then for heaven sake, you need to be an honest and true person. If you have integrity, you will automatically attract other decent people of good character. When I have talked to couples who have been in committed, romantic relationships for 20 to 50 years or more, they typically tell me that they met that special someone in a social situation like a church, recreational club, college campus, dances, or by being introduced through a common friend. On the contrary, when I hear about relationship horror stories, it is usually about people who are dishonest, conniving, and just wanting to use each other. It is no surprise that these pathetic stories almost always involve the use (and abuse) of drugs and alcohol. I am not saying that you cannot have a glass of wine or a cocktail when you are out on a date. However, I am saying that people who are in destructive relationships tend to abuse chemicals. (I think you know the difference.) I no longer drink alcohol. However, when I was a student in college and would go out to the bars, I inevitably became buy-sexual. (Interpretation: if someone at the bar was buying, I became buy-sexual.) Those were the days I would rather forget. And, since alcohol kills brain cells, my wish is slowly coming true. ... so it does work! Gina Keller PsyD, LMFT Licensed Marriage Family Therapist Psychotherapy for all ages For advertising information call (559) 486-3464 or email us at [email protected] H E A D QU A R TE R S NOW FEATURING Alternative hair coloring, Cosmetics, Wigs Cynthia Stevens - proprietor/stylist 1236 N. Wishon Fresno, CA 93728 559-498-8430 NewsLink ∏ TURDS IN THE SANDBOX OF LIFE 25 ∏ www.CommunityLinkFresno.com HOROSCOPES by Eric Biglione Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19) Mars is challenging this month in your social circle. This is a little unnerving since you feel they don't have all the facts. You may want to get away from it all and maybe you should through new endeavors. Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20) Think before you speak as communication gets confused. Some confusion around the home also so put off projects if possible. Good time to get a physical and set up some healthy habits. Gemini (Sep 23 - Oct 22) Challenging aspects make you a little edgy here. Relationships aren't as smooth previously. Best to stick to a hobby for now for calm new in your life. You are likely to make some changes in your life in Sept. Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Coworkers are getting on your nerves. Bite your tongue for now. Friends are not making sense to you. Look at the funny side here. You tend to be more social so be social and enjoy. Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) (May 21 - June 20) Watch you spending especially big purchases. Mix-ups tend to be humorous to you now and don't get involved in others problems. It will bring you down. Sep tends to be more even keeled. Cancer (June 21 - July 22) You have a lot of energy but go slowly for now or accidents can happen. Wait until September for decisions to take any action in your life. You are in a growth period now. Leo Not a smooth period. Lots of demands made on you. Be careful when committing, as you really don't care. Good time to enjoy the comforts of home. Virgo Continued from page 15 Mars in working against you here. Frustrating time. Serious nature about you. Concentrate on improving your personal self health looks, etc. This will keep you focused. Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Spring fever for you the summer kick back and smell the roses. Others may try to lead you astray so keep a level head. Watch spending habits in Sept. Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Simple things are your pleasure now. Try not to get wrapped up in other problems. This is not your calling now. Many of you are changing recent plans in your life. Relax and enjoy yourself for now. NewsLink WEEKLY GLBT & FRIENDLY EVENTS IN FRESNO ∏ 26 Since we had so much fun last summer, our North Bay Tea Dance is back by popular demand. Join National Center for Lesbian Rights (with NCLR Board Co-Chair Dorothy Fernandez, Esq.) and Spectrum LGBT Center family and friends for an afternoon of fun, great music by DJ Dana Jae, dancing, and fabulous views. Admission - $20, includes hors d'oeuvres. No-host bar. 4 - 7pm at Jason's Restaurant, 300 Drakes Landing, Greenbrae (near San Rafael). www.nclrights.org (Dec 22 - Jan 19) (Aug 23 - Sep 22) Can't think straight friends come to the rescue with crazy advice. Don't take yourself too serious for now. In Sept do a small makeover whether its for the home or yourself. Tea Dance 9/18 in Greenbrae Capricorn (July 23 - Aug 22) Mix-ups for you in Aug tend to be funny and amusing. Venus is making you attractive but wait September will bring them flocking to you. So kick back until Sept and enjoy. Pink & White Delight 9/21 in San Francisco Libra * Mondays 10pm: Unzipped, 18+ GLBT night @ Aldo's, 617 W. Belmont Ave, facebook.com/purefresno, (559) 473-9362 * Tuesdays 6:30pm - Clogging Classes @ The Dance Studio of Fresno, 7491 N. Palm Bluff Ave., cagroundpounders.com, Barry (559) 259-9904 * Tuesdays starting Sept. 6th, various times - Rated R Superstars GLBT+ softball team @ the Fresno Regional Sports Complex, 1707 W. Jensen Ave. www.sportsstandings.com/SelectSchedule.aspx?leagueId=1168 * Wednesdays 11am: United Student Pride @ CSUFresno, meets at Women's Resource Center, see www.csufresno.edu/StudentOrgs/LGBSA/ * Wednesdays 10pm: Xcape Wednesdays @ Laughing Buddha, 737 E. Olive Ave. (21+) * Wednesdays & Thursdays 8:30am-11am, 1pm-3:30pm: Confidential HIV testing; Wednesdays 8:30am-11am: Anonymous HIV testing @ Fresno Co. Dept. of Community Health, 1221 Fulton Mall,1st floor specialty clinic,559-445-3434 * Thursdays 6pm Community Link's Queer Volley Ball @ Quigley Park (Dakota & Teilman), (559) 486-3464, communitylinkfresno.com * Thursdays until Sept. 1st, 7:15pm Community Link’s Rainbow Bowling League @Cedar Lanes, 3131 N Cedar., (559) 824-1417 communitylinkfresno.com * Fridays 2p: Diversity - Fresno City College GLBT group @ SO-208 * Fridays 7p - 8:30p: LGBTQI Youth Alliance @ Big Red Church, 2131 N. Van Ness Ave, www.communitylinkfresno.com * Sundays starting Sept. 4th, 9am-2pm - Women’s Flag Football @ Clinton & Brawley Park, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1570299583 * Sundays 7:30pm - Fresbians coffee meet up at Revue Cafe, 620 E Olive Ave, facebook.com/fresbians * GayCentralValley office / Fresno LGBT Community Center open Wed - Sat 12-5pm @1055 N. Van Ness Ave, suite C, (559) 325-4429, gaycentralvalley.org MEN'S CENTREPIECE: Going Down In La La Land - Saturday, September 17th at 9:00pm - Tower Theatre An attractive young gay man moves to L.A. seeking his big break in showbiz, while living with his best friend, a straight woman who spends her time shopping and chasing men. Throw in two superbly hot leading actors (Matthew Ludwinski, Michael Medico), a foray into the world of gay porn stardom, and a blossoming relationship yearning for survival amidst the hysterics of Hollywood, and now you've got a must see updated gay twist on the “rom-com” genre. With special appearances by Alec Mapa, Bruce Villanch, Judy Tenuta and Jesse Archer. The Wise Kids - Sunday, September 18th at 12:30pm - Tower Theatre The summer between high school and college proves to be a life changing experience for three friends in a Charleston, South Carolina Baptist community. Tim is recently open about being gay and looking forward to more freedom at film school in New York; Brea is the pastor's daughter going through a crisis of faith; Laura is a devout believer, at times unsure how to relate to the others. This vivid ensemble cast must decide if they should hang onto what they have, or find something new on their own. Judas Kiss - Sunday, September 18th at 2:00pm - Starline Lounge A quirk in time and space gives a failed filmmaker the chance to reshape his destiny in this dramatic sci-fi film. Zack (played by Dante's Cove hunk Charlie David), returns to his alma mater as a judge for an annual film competition. At his old school a strange, time-twisting opportunity arises to revisit the past and correct his mistakes. Can he convince his younger self to see the error of his future ways, or will he give in to his youthful desires for sex and fame all over again? This feature also marks the acting debut of adult film star Brent Corrigan. Circumstance Sunday, September 18th at 2:30:pm - Tower Theatre Atafeh and Shireen are best friends and rebellious teenage girls An Evening with Shine Louise Houston featuring a Special Clip Show Screening and Director Q&A, part of Good Vibrations' Indie Erotic Film Festival (IXFF). “There is power in creating images, and for… a woman of color and a queer to take that power… I don't find it exploitative; I think it's necessary.” Good Vibrations is thrilled to present an evening with Shine Louise Houston, founder of Pink & White Productions. Join the filmmaker as she journeys through some of her favorite selections and speaks about creating a sustainable adult entertainment company that exposes the complexities of queer sexual desire. Tickets $10. 8pm at the San Francisco LGBT Center, 1800 Market St. After-party and champagne toast following at the Lexington Club, 3464 19th St. www.gv-ixff.org exploring Tehran's underground art and music scene and their own burgeoning sexuality-including their feelings for one another. When Atafeh's brother, turns to religious fundamentalism he begins to spy on his own family, turning their once liberal home into the scene of suspicion, surveillance, and betrayal. August - Sunday, September 18th at 5:00pm - Tower Theatre Heartbreaker Troy returns to L.A. unexpectedly after living in Barcelona for several years, and calls up is his ex Jonathan, who has a new partner, Raul. Sparks fly when Troy and Jonathan reconnect, but lingering questions remain. Is Troy finally ready to commit? Torn between his two loves, Jonathan faces tough decisions about his men and himself. Gorgeously shot, with moving performances from a very sexy cast, AUGUST is a taut and touching journey between the lines of lust and love. Gun Hill Road - Sunday, September 18th at 8:00pm - Tower Theatre Enrique returns home from prison to find his son, Michael, has now become Vanessa. In a breakout debut, Harmony Santana portrays a transgender teen desperately saving money for back-alley hormone injections. Enrique struggles to connect with his family and his new life on parole. Despite its volatile edge, this favorite of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival is ultimately a family story of acceptance. The fact that Santana was in the throes of her own gender transition during the filming process lends a poignant honesty to Vanessa's struggle to establish her identity in the tough, unforgiving world of the Bronx. Pitch-perfect performances from Esai Morales (Caprica, NYPD Blue) and Judy Reyes (Scrubs, OZ) round out the stellar cast in this thought-provoking drama. The 22nd annual Fresno REEL Pride Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is made possible by the generous support of numerous national and local individual sponsors and businesses including presenting sponsors AAA Travel, Club Legends, Engelmann Cellars, Fresno Women's Medical Group, PG&E, and Starbucks. Complete schedule, ticketing and film information on this year's Fresno Reel Pride Film Festival is available at www.reelpride.com. For more information, call Reel Pride's hotline at (559) 999-7971 or go online to www.reelpride.com. Family Pride Coalition PO Box 65327 Washington, DC 20035-5327 202-331-5015 familypride.org ∏ Freedom To Marry Coalition 116 West 23rd St, Suite 500 New York, NY 10011 212-851-8418 freedomtomarry.org Gender Public Advocacy Coalition 1743 Connecticut Ave NW, 4th Fl. Washington, DC 20009-1108 202-462-6610 gpac.org Human Rights Campaign 1640 Rhode Island Avenue NW Washington DC 20036-3278 800-777-4723 TTY: 202-216-1572 hrc.org Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network 90 Broad St, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10004 212-727-0135 glsen.org Immigration Equality 350 West 31st Street, Suite 505 New York, NY 10001 212-714-2904 immigrationequality.org Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation 5455 Wilshire Blvd, #1500 Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-933-2240 glaad.org Int'l Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission 80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1505 New York, NY 10038 212-268-8040 iglhrc.org Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund & Leadership Institute PO Box 96308 Washington, DC 20077-7529 202-VICTORY victoryfund.org Lambda Legal 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500 New York, NY 10005-3904 212-809-8585 lambdalegal.org Log Cabin Republicans 1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, #902 Washington, DC 20006 202-347-5306 logcabin.org National Center For Transgender Equality 1325 Massachusetts Av NW # 700 Washington, DC 20005 202-903-0112 nctequality.org National Coalition For Lesbian Rights 870 Market St San Francisco, CA 94102 415-392-6257 nclrights.org Servicemembers Legal Defense Network PO Box 65301 Washington DC 20035-5301 202-328-3244 sldn.org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Community United Against Violence (San Francisco) 24 Hr. Hotline: (415) 333-HELP The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center STOP Domestic Violence: 1-800-373-2227 The Network / La Red (Boston) Ending abuse in lesbian, bisexual women's and TG communities 617-742-4911; TTY 617-227-4911 National Gay & Lesbian Task Force 8704 Santa Monica Blvd #200 Los Angeles, CA 90069 310-855-7380 thetaskforce.org National Domestic Violence Hotline (not GLBT-specific) 800-799-7233; TTY 800-787-3224 National Stonewall Democrats 1325 Massachusetts Av NW # 700 Washington, DC 20005 202-625-1382 stonewalldemocrats.org www.CommunityLinkFresno.com Gay, Lesbian Bisexual & Transgender Resource - National, Sate, & Local ∏ Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network 1-800-656-HOPE Trevor Helpline (GLBT youth sui cide prevention) 1-800-850-8078 Fresno Area Resources ARTEMIS Recovery Club CALIFORNIA RUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE Proyecto Poderoso 1-800-242-2752 artemisrecoveryclub.com 2115 Kern St., Suite 370, Fresno, CA 93721 GayCentralValley Fresno LGBT Community Center 1055 N Van Ness Ave. Suite C, Fresno, CA 93728 559-325-4GAY Wed. - Sat. 12pm - 5pm www.GayCentralValley.org Community Link Where we just don’t tolerate diversity... We celebrate it! P.O. Box 4959, Fresno, CA 93744 (559) 266-LINK [email protected] www.communitylinkfresno.com Imperial Dove Court Diversity Club at F.C.C. Meetings: Fridays 2-4pm SO-208 I Camping Women For women who love the outdoors… call 891-7725 http://www.campingwomen.org Fresno Reel Pride Central Valley Alliance of Atheists and Skeptics WE DON’T BURN HERETICS WE WELCOME THEM! www.cvaas.org The Central Valley Annual GLBT Film Festival 559-268-2780 www.ReelPride.com [email protected] “You’ll just never know what they’ll say next!” You’ll have to tune in to find out! KIDS LIKE US IT'S A QUEER THANG P.O. Box 5561 Fresno CA 93755 Fraternal order raising funds for groups who need help NOW Paris: 559-355-6163 P.O. Box 4642, Fresno, Ca. 93744 905-6674 www.idcfresno.org P.O. Box 27382, Fresno, CA 93729-7382 (559) 434-6540 You are Welcome! 2:00 P.M. 2nd Sun Wesley United Methodist Church, 1343 E. Barstow, Fresno STRAIGHT ADVOCATES FOR EQUALITY Outreach Education Support www.safefresno.com ∏ meetings: first Fridays 7pm first Saturdays 5pm Gay parenting group KFCF 88.1FM 3rd Friday of the month at 5-6pm Robin (559) 287-9670 Your Gay Hosts: Jeff & Kirk [email protected] Professional Men’s Mixer 1st & 3rd Fridays at 6pm [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/gro up.php?gid=107149747915 PROJECT: MALE FIGHTING AIDS IN FRESNO COUNTY 1584 N. Van Ness Ave. Fresno,CA 93728 (559) 287-7666 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/project-male Date TBA Join the Listserv at www.trans-e-motion.org @ Women’s Resource Center Community Link’s RAINBOW BOWLING Thursdays 7:15pm ‘til 9/1 @ Cedar Lanes 3131 N Cedar communitylinkfresno.com Every Friday @ 7:00 - 8:30pm @ 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd @ The Big red Church 486-3464 w w w.StrideWithPrideForKids.com (559) 285-2333 www.wecarefresno.org Frinedly Outdoor fun Games are open to all Meet new people! No formalities! Weekly Thurs. Games. Season: March-Oct. Info at 486-3464 19 years of Outrageous Fun United Student Pride @ C S U Fresno Meetings: Wednesdays 12-2pm Queer Volleyball The Fresno GLBTQ Youth Alliance csufresno.edu/StudentOrgs/LGBSA/ (559) 646-5806 QVB 611 E. Belmont Fresno, CA 93701 559-237-3420 NewsLink Social group for bears, cubs & fans GoldenStateBears.org 27 ∏