Queer Visalia - A local gay blog

By Sontaya Rose- Fresno, CA, USA

Local church leaders came together, with a message for opponents of Proposition 8, the voter approved measure that bans same sex marriage. It comes after threats against churches in Fresno, Los Angeles, and Utah.
Local religious leaders say enough is enough. They called for opponents of Proposition 8 to step back and let the courts rule on the validity of same sex marriages.
A catholic priest, a reverend and a stake leader from the church of latter day saints all stood together, united in the belief churches and members should not be targeted in the fallout over Proposition 8.
Jim Franklin said, “They talk about basic civil rights. Our very foundational one is freedom of religion and freedom of speech. But yet they would try to intimidate that. It just seems pretty hypocritical that they would say they want our rights but we want to intimidate other people from operating in theres.”
Read the entire story here http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6505057

Here is a link to a searchable database for Prop 8 supporters (individuals and businesses). I would encourage all of our readers to sift through their cities and counties to be aware of who in their communities stood against equality and our community and supported monetarily Prop 8.

http://www.sfgate.com/webdb/prop8/

From Michael Crilly

Well it is official.

Tulare County will be hosting an official World AIDS Day on December 6 (Saturday) from 10 am - 3 pm.
I am personally in charge of this along side the County of Tulare’s Health and Human Services Department.

I however am in need of some assistance and would really like to get gay Visalia on board to help me out with some of the things left to attend to and also projects that I have for that weekend.

I know that much of this is short notice, but it would be greatly appreciated if we can all come together for our community.

Also, I am in need of some people to join me at my home on a Saturday after noon, either the 22nd of November or the 29th of November, to view a video for the County of Tulares Health department. This is in request from them to get some input on a video in regards to the LGBT community and methamphetamine addiction. I will warn you some of the video is graphic. But anyone who can help out with this, Iwould greatly appreciate it.

From the HRC Weekly Update from Joe Solmonese

● WHAT IS THE IMPACT?

Tuesday night was a bitter-sweet celebration. We came together to witness the first black man who will become our president, yet watched in sadness as Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, and California all voted down equal rights for all citizens.

This is not a four-state issue. This is an issue of equality across America. Stand up and make your voice heard! Visit the main www.jointheimpact.com to learn more, or read our mission statement.

● WHERE IS THE PROTEST?

This Saturday, November 15, 2008, Join the Impact in EVERY single state in America. Click your state to learn more http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/page/California

Fresno Fresno City Hall: 2600 Fresno St., Fresno CA (near Amtrak station)http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=33713243669

Porterville Veteran’s Park by Helicopter: Henderson Ave. & Newcomb
Nov. 15th @ 10:30am Jamie Garza Porterville LGBTQ & Tulare County MEUSA
porterville_lgbtq@clearwire.net, http://www.marriageequality.org/

Bakersfield Bakersfield City Hall: 1600 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield CA More on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=48621856135

Check out this video..gotta love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdJ4oVnujbA

From our dear friend and local activist Robin McGehee

Last Tuesday night was a bitter-sweet celebration, as we came together to witness the first African-American man become our President, we also watched in disbelief and sadness as Arizona, Arkansas, California and Florida all voted down equal rights for all citizens.

This is not a 4 state issue. This is an issue of equality across America. Stand up and make your voice heard.
Visit - http://www.jointheimpact.com/?p=3

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=33713243669

Please join us this Saturday at City Hall as we join our voices with members of our LGBT+ family and allies all over the country to protest the passing of proposition 8. There will be protest happening from East to West coast and all will be held at City Hall’s, County Clerks, Capitol Buildings, etc

National Protest Against Prop 8
November 15, 2008
10:30 AM Pacific Time
Fresno City Hall Plaza
2600 Fresno Street

Here is some video from our Saturday rally -
http://www.news10.net/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=663d6b46a132f944e87c62ff90ce0d14a93a3bc5&maven_referralObject=923813938&maven_referrer=staf

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=33713243669

Did someone you know or work with give money to Proposition 8? If so, help us work to create a more positive social climate in the Central Valley – or, at least figure out where you don’t need to be offering your financial support.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-moneymap,0,2198220.htmlstory

Robin McGehee, past president of CCA, was forcibly removed from her role as President of St. Helen’s PTO, her child’s school. This matter deeply concerns me that she, along with her child, and legal spouse Kathy Adams, and their family, have to endure personal and emotional anguish because of their political belliefs.
More here http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6500667

watch the video here http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6493387&cmp=emc-kfsn-ABC30.com_Top_Stories-110708-top2-6493387

PARKS & RECREATION–WEEKEND EVENTS

November 8th will boast three big events… First, wake up early to participate in the “3rd Annual Veterans Day Run & Walk”. This healthy & affordable event will take place at Plaza Park with registration beginning at 7:00am This event features a 5K & 10K Run, and a 5K Walk and a Kids Fun Run walk. For more details call Ramsey at 713-4365.

The Second Big event of the day is the Treasure Hunters Stop & Shop event, which will mix the unique treasures of a garage sale with a series of arts & craft booths. The event will take place at Recreation Park/ Anthony Community Center from the hours of 8:00-11:00am. Each person is sure to find a treasure worth searching for. So whether you join us as a vendor or a shopper, this is sure to be a memorable experience. For more information call Juan Mendoza at 713-4461.

Lastly, Adults 21 years and older are invited to travel with us through the Madera Wine Country. Cost is $40 each and includes a fun day of wine and food sampling. For more information on how to “book” your spot, contact Terry Romero at 713-4483.

This is awesome! A big THANKS to PFLAG for sending me this.

Singer Melissa Etheridge rails against the passage of the gay-marriage ban in California—and she won’t be paying the state a dime.

Read it here http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-11-06/you-can-forget-my-taxes/