Although I’m a gay man, I've struggled for years trying to understand the complexities involved with those who are transgender or transsexual. I fully support them, yet I've always felt a void in my understanding of the issues of those particular gender and sexual identities. Middle Sexes – Redefining He & She, provided clear, concise and educated enlightenment. Not only on those issues, but on a whole realm of varied levels and degrees of human sexuality. Helmed by the brilliant narration of Gore Vidal, this documentary travels to several countries and examines social structures regarding homosexuality and transgender issues. I came away from this documentary a lot wiser, and I highly recommend it, particularly to anyone who rejects any sexuality or identity outside of heterosexuality. Watch this and your eyes will be opened, as well as your hearts. Netflix Link: Netflix: Middle Sexes - Redefining He & She

Speaking at an LGBT fund raiser in New York City, Barack Obama stated, according to sources, that securing marriage rights for same sex couples was not "politically feasible” at this time. Read the story here: Obama Holds LGBT Fund Raiser In NYC

In Florida, Eric Breidenbaugh had a devastating experience recently – having to learn of his partner's death from the TV because he was "not an actual family member" – which epitomizes the cruelty of laws that discriminate against GLBT couples. But his story has also helped focus attention on a chilling reality: a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage on the 2008 ballot in Eric's home state of Florida – and, if you can believe it, more anti-GLBT measures moving toward the ballot in California, Arizona, Arkansas, and Oregon. Watch The Video

Lilliana Pastor @ Univision/Channel 21 (Spanish) is working on a special series about hate crimes. She is seeking anyone within the GLBT community who’s been the victim of a hate crime for a possible profile on a special series regarding hate crimes. As Univision is a Spanish station they prefer Spanish speakers. If you or someone you know qualifies to assist her in this project, please contact her @ 916-1897 (cell phone) or 559-241-6327 the office. 

Fresno Reel Pride hosted a special art and wine reception at Ashtree Studios on Saturday evening, March 22nd. Attendees enjoyed an intimate viewing of the colorful work by local artist and festival sponsor, Aileen Imperatrice, who co-owns the Tower District studio and gallery with her husband, Anthony. They donated 50 percent of the purchase price for all artwork sold that evening to Fresno Reel Pride, as well.

The rates of HIV among young African-American men who have sex with men have skyrocketed, reported the Centers for Disease Control on Thursday. The CDC's report showed that in the 33 states where data was collected, the number of HIV or AIDS cases increased among all adult and adolescent MSM in all age groups from 2001 through 2005. The largest increase came with African-American MSM ages 13-24, with a staggering 80% increase. Read the full story here: AIDS Rates Surge Among African American Men

The following is my first attempt at video blogging.  After listening to the remarks from Sally Kern (the nutcase in OK) I felt an overwhelming compulsion to mock her, and I couldn't think of any way that would be better than in video.  As you are watching, you will notice that Sally email addresses are linked if you want to send her your views on her rantings (don't send hate mail - it will just get deleted).

Fresno Reel Pride has been selected as a recipient for a Fresno Arts Council's 2008 Horizon Award. The 23rd Annual Horizon Awards winners have been officially announced and this year's recipients include Fresno Reel Pride. Since its inception in a lecture hall at Fresno State in 1990, Fresno Reel Pride has become the sixth oldest— and has grown to become one of the largest— gay and lesbian film festivals in the United States.

In episode 9, "What Happened to Gloria!?!", Marnie Alton and I talk about how we met auditioning for "Exe's & Oh's", what it was like for Marnie to have her first girl kiss and how she was introduced to homosexuality while growing up. We also take on Afterellen viewer letters dealing with issues of that straight best girl friend who is either homophobic or wants to cross that line....Among other things, join us for the fun and games of Marnie’s first paid gig, our childhood crushes and the battle of Canadians vs. Americans.... it's hard to tell who won though....ENJOY! Cathy

PS - Do tune in to my myspace page to see a "Cutting Room Floor" edition of this episode....  I won't tell you what, but there was some footage we couldn't legally post on Afterellen....  (It'll be up on my myspace page by tonight or tomorrow morning.)

Exodus International, which refers to itself as "a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ."  is holding a West Coast Regional Freedom Conference here in Fresno at the Bridge Evangelical Free Church April 3-5th. Exodus proclaims itself a service where people go to "recover from homosexuality". Use the links provided to issue complaints to both Exodus and the church itself for allowing this damaging, brainwashing and completely discredited and illegitimate practice to have a voice in Fresno...

Exodus Official Website

Exodus - Wikipedia Listing

Exodus Fresno Event

Attached is the flyer for Barn Dance 2008 (click to enlarge). Barn Dance this year is on Sunday, April 13th, 2008. For more information contact ICP Greg Lucas @360-0279 or Empress Patsy Del Rey @ 477-0976. More information can also be found at the Imperial Dove Court Official Website

Sue Rochman, a writer for the Advocate, discusses the details of last week's marriage equality case, heard by the California Supreme Court, and analyzes possible outcomes. Read the article here: Advocate: California Marriage Outcome Far From Clear 

“This stuff is deadly and it’s spreading.”
“I honestly think it’s the biggest threat that our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam.”
“They want to get our young children into the government schools so they can indoctrinate them.”
“Gays are infiltrating City Councils.”
“According to God’s word…it has deadly consequences…”

These statements were spoken, among others just as unintelligent and shocking, by Oklahoma Republican State Representative Sally Kern during a gathering in her district. Kern mixes an unbelievable level of ignorance and hatred with a belief that she has a right to encourage and initiate prejudiced and restrictive legislation based on her personal religious ideas. Victory Fund is an organization dedicated to electing fair and intelligent officials, and their link follows, as well as a link to the video. I’ve also included contact information for Sally Kern, who by any reasoned path, should be removed from public office immediately...
YouTube Video
www.victoryfund.org/listening
Sally Kern: (405) 557-7348
2713 Sterling Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73127
sallykern@okhouse.gov

UPDATE: Watch Ellen Degeneres call Sally Kern's office on the Ellen Degeneres Show. Watch the clip here:  

Ellen Degeneres Calls Sally Kern

Can we just cut the bullshit? Let’s stop saying stupendously idiotic things like Americans who are on the wrong side of an issue are “ignorant” or “uninformed”? There’s one reason and one reason only why so many Americans can’t hold a decent conversation involving topical issues, and that’s that they don’t make any effort to learn. Nothing outside of making a conscious choice to believe whatever headline is spewed from whatever media giant they’ve chosen to fortify their opinions with.

The Bulldog Pride Fund Scholars-- Jared Lindo, Adrian Quintero and Sara Martinez-- were publicly recognized at the Fresno Magazine release party held on March 5, 2005 at Thaiphoon Restaurant in the Tower District. The March 2008 issue of Fresno Magazine includes a full-page article and photo on the Bulldog Pride Fund-- a $151,000 endowment dedicated to supporting students scholarships at Fresno State. Click on READ MORE for the full story and photo gallery...

Get involved in order to battle the current movement to forever bar the LGBT community from achieving marriage equality by amending the California State constitution.

STOP THE INITIATIVE – SUPPORT FAIRNESS

We all work hard to treat others fairly because each of us deserves the same. Be careful if asked to sign an initiative petition to “protect marriage” – it’s really an effort to give government more say in our private lives. This petition is actually about amending the state constitution to exclude gay and lesbian couples from ever marrying in California.

Help stop this unfair initiative. Please do not sign the “marriage” petition.
Every Californian deserves fairness under the law. Our government should not be in the business of telling people who they can or cannot marry.

Support fairness. Please don’t sign the petition
Call 612-718-0770 or 202-841-0291 for questions or to get involved in Fresno.
Two people in a committed, loving, trusted relationship deserved the honor and support that comes with marriage. The Equality for All campaign is a large and diverse coalition of civil rights, faith, choice, labor and community of color organizations working to stop and defeat any ballot measure that would deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry in California.
Please visit http://www.equalityforall.com for more information. 

Village Voice columnist Michael Musto hilariously stars in his version of the Lindsay Lohan photos recalling Marilyn Monroe's famous photo shoot.

Read the story here: The Ultimate Revamping

 Plans for the Imperial Dove Court Barn Dance - "A Country Jamboree" are in full swing.  The event will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2008 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fresno County Sheriff Rifle and Pistol Range. There is still space available for three food booths and plenty of space for informational or game booths. Booth applications and more information are available on the court website: www.idcfresno.org

Cyndi Lauper & The Human Rights Campaign are bringing back the True Colors Tour, featuring Cyndi, The B-52s, Rosie O’Donnell, Carson Kressley, Tegan and Sara, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Joan Armatrading, Wanda Sykes, Regina Spektor, Indigo Girls, The Cliks, Deborah Cox, and many others, will visit more than 20 cities across the country, starting May 31 and ending July 5th. For more information click here:  True Colors Tour 2008

The weather is warming up and the sun is shining. Do you feel that tropical breeze?  Do you smell the sea air? No? Then stop by Milano Italian Restaurant and view some tropical paintings in various mediums. If we can’t get to the tropics then maybe a view of the tropics can be in Fresno.
www.sereneartistry.com
www.fresnoarthop.org

At 9AM Tuesday, March 4th, the California Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the most important case for marriage equality in California history. Click on READ MORE for the story...

Gay City News/02.27.08/03.03.08 Duncan Osborne
The health department is reporting that syphilis cases in New York City shot up by 60 percent from 2006 to 2007, largely due to an increase in cases among men who have sex with men (MSM).  

Check out comedienne Kate Clinton's latest Video Blog, where she discusses Politics in terms of Hillary, Obama & Bush, as well as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and discrimination against transgender people in Maryland...
Kate Clinton VLog

Ellen Degeneres discussed the recent hate crime murder of 15 year old Lawrence King on her daytime talk show this week.
“I would like you to start paying attention to how often being gay is a punch line of a monologue, or how often gay jokes are in a movie. That kind of message, laughing at someone because they’re gay is just the beginning. It starts with laughing at someone, then it’s verbal abuse, then it’s physical abuse, then it’s this kid Brandon killing a kid like Larry.”
Watch the video here: Ellen on Lawrence King Murder