Colabora en el combate del movimiento actual para prohibir por siempre a la comunidad de LGBT de lograr la igualdad del casamiento enmendando la constitución del Estado de California.

¡El voto para Votar NO a la Proposición 8!

Todos nosotros trabajamos duramente para tratar uno a otro justamente porque cada uno merecemos lo mismo. Ten cuidado si te acercas para votar en la proposición que hara "Proteger El Matrimonio", – es realmente un esfuerzo de dar al gobierno más que decir en nuestras vidas privadas. Esta petición es realmente acerca de enmendar la constitución del estado para excluir las parejas del mismo sexo de nunca casarse en California.

Ayuda a detener esta proposición injusta. ¡Vota No a la Proposición 8!

Cada californiano merece justicia justa. Nuestro gobierno no debe estar en la posicion de decir a las personas con quien se pueden o no se pueden casar. Apoya la equidad. Por favor

¡Vota NO a la Proposición 8!

Dos personas en un compromiso, amoroso, en su relación de confianza merecen el honor y el apoyo que viene con el casamiento. La igualdad para Todos es una coalición grande y diversa de derechos civiles, fe, la elección, las organizaciones del trabajo y la comunidad del color que trabajan para parar y derrotar cualquier medida de la votación que negaría a parejas gays y lesbianas el derecho de casarse en California.

Visita por favor http://www.equalityforall.com para más información.

Llama al 559-593-6766 o madanos un correo electrónico a sparklesinc@gmail.com para preguntas o para estar en esta accion en Fresno.

¡Si estas interesado a coloborar con esta campaña en Fresno, ven con nuestra comunidad que se reunira el domingo, 3 de agosto del 2008 a las 6:00 de la tarde! La reunión será en GSA Network Central Valley ubicada en 928 N. Van Ness Ave., Fresno, Ca 93728! ¡Esperamos verte allí y trae a un amigo!

 

 

 

 

 Cynthia Manuszak es una fotógrafa independiente con una pasión por los problemas sociales. Cuándo de primero la contacté por teléfono para los detalles de esta historia, yo asumí que hablaba con un estudiante de la universidad. Pero la inocencia de su voz juvenil oculta su madurez. Sus años más jóvenes fueron, a lo mejor, desordenados. Traumatizada por el divorcio de sus padres, ella dejo la preparatoria al ser una madre adolescente. Como Cynthia lo pone, ella "la rego". Como un adulto ha sido una víctima de la violencia doméstica, una violencia tan extrema que quebrantó sus dos tímpanos, ha vivido en un motel, y ha criado sus niños mientras enfrenta con un esposo adicto que esta en la prisión. Has clic en READ MORE para el resto de la historia... ….

 El North Tower Circle esta casi al fin de una extensa renovación debido a un incendio desastroso, que fue causado intencionalmente. El histórico club nocturno fresno gay estará reabriendo en Agosto. El Círculo esta situado en el 2777 North Maroa Avenue. Esta al pendiente por más detalles de esta Grande Reapertura...

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

Vow to Vote NO on Proposition 8!

We all work hard to treat other fairly because each of us deserves the same. Be careful if approached to vote on a proposition that will “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 same-sex couples from ever marrying in California.

Help STOP this unfair proposition. Vote NO on Proposition 8!
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 Vote NO on Proposition 8!

Two people in a committed, loving, trusted relationship deserved the honor and support that comes with marriage.  Equality for All 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.
Call 559-593-6766 or email to sparklesinc@gmail.com for questions or to get involved in Fresno.

If you are interested in getting involved with this campaign in Fresno, come to our community meeting on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 6:00 pm!  The meeting will be held at the GSA Network Central Valley location at 928 N. Van Ness Ave., Fresno, Ca 93728!  We look forward to seeing you there and bring a friend!

 The North Tower Circle is nearing the end of an extensive renovation due to a disastrous fire, caused by arson. The historic Fresno gay nightclub will be re-opening in August. The Circle is located at 2777 North Maroa Avenue.

The Gay Fresno advice column returns with another question and answer. We would like to answer your questions as well. Remain completely anonymous. We welcome questions from both men and women. So, go ask your question and get the honest advice you deserve. Our fifth question and answer has now been posted, read it by clicking Read More

(Los Angeles, CA) -- The United States leads the global response to HIV/AIDS, but fails to mobilize the same commitment to address the large and growing epidemic within its own borders, finds a new report released today by the Black AIDS Institute. "Left Behind! Black America: A Neglected Priority in the Global AIDS Epidemic" praises the United States for it vital efforts to address HIV worldwide, but criticizes the government's profoundly inadequate response to the epidemic within its own borders, where Black Americans are most severely affected by the disease. Read the rest of the story here BlackAIDS.org and you can read the actual report here:Left Behind! Black America: A Neglected Priority In The Global AIDS Epidemic (pdf)

( Fresno State , Fresno , Calif. ) ~ The Bulldog Pride Fund (BPF) at Fresno State announces the 2008-09 scholars— Amanda Junge, Alisia Lopez and Jared Lindo, and releases the 2007-08 Annual Report & Honor Roll of Donors.

 

 

 

“The Bulldog Pride Fund is pleased to announce the selection of three scholars that will each receive $1,000 this fall,” said Peter Robertson, founder of the BPF and a three-time Fresno State graduate. “At the same time, the BPF is proud to release its 2007-08 Annual Report & Honor Roll of Donors.”

 

Get Real  Rated R / Directed by: Simon Shore / Starring: Ben Silverstone, Brad Gorton Charlotte Brittain / Review by: Leon Velasco / Thumbs Up

 I can never get tired of watching this story. I often think back at when I was a teenager trying to keep things in secrecy and trying to experience my ‘true’ feelings at the same time. I am pretty sure that the girls had the same problems and worries as us guys and even fearful of being teased and taunted by schoolmates. Had this movie been out when I was a teen and I had watched it, I may have not have had a hard time trying to fit in and be myself and keep my inner feelings bottled up. Had the guys been in my high school when I was there I would have fallen for both of them just for their foreign English accents. That and being good looking with almond shaped eyes with blonde hair and blues eyes….Damn, I think I wet myself.

 

Cynthia Manuszak is a freelance photographer with a passion for social issues. When I first contacted her on the phone for the details of a story, I assumed I was talking to a college student. But the innocence of her youthful voice hides her maturity. Her younger years were, at best, chaotic. Traumatized by the divorce of her parents, she became a high school dropout and a teenage mother. As Cynthia puts it, she “screwed up”.  As an adult she’s been the victim of domestic violence so extreme that it shattered both her ear drums, she’s lived on motel drive, and she’s raised children while dealing with an addicted spouse serving time in prison.

The Stonewall Democrats sent out a report today detailing some recent comments by John McCain concerning the rights of LGBT Americans.

Yesterday, on This Week with George Stephanopoulos, John McCain had this to say about adoption by same-sex couples: "I want to help with family values."
In an interview with The New York Times last week, John McCain this is what he said on the same subject:
Question: President Bush believes that gay couples should not be permitted to adopt children. Do you agree with that?
Mr. McCain: I think that we've proven that both parents are important in the success of a family so, no I don't believe in gay adoption.
Question: Even if the alternative is the kid staying in an orphanage, or not having parents.
Mr. McCain: I encourage adoption and I encourage the opportunities for people to adopt children I encourage the process being less complicated so they can adopt as quickly as possible. And Cindy and I are proud of being adoptive parents.
Question: But your concern would be that the couple should a traditional couple
Mr. McCain: Yes.

On July 11, 2008 I hosted the social event for the month to be themed “Christmas in July”. About thirty people had RSVP’d since I was going to provide the main course and some sides and desserts. Approximately about twelve showed up. I had cleaned, decorated the place and had a fully decorated Christmas tree (Thanks to Lance and Tom) and cooked which was not easy in one day. I would like to thank Daniel for helping me to co host as I was getting things prepared and having everyone feel at home.

Election officials in California have made a change to the language of Proposition 8. Some activists think the language change, which spells out the removal of the right for same-sex couples to marry, could help add support to defeat the amendment. Read the story here

Ashley Swearengin says: "Proposition 8 says marriage is simply between a man and a woman and of course I support that. It's my long held view, and today I officially endorse Prop 8."

What?! Be sure to email her and let her know what you think: http://www.ashley4mayor.com
email: ashley@ashley4mayor.com or ashleyswearengin@yahoo.com

On the other hand, Mayoral Candidate Henry T. Perea will not back or support it, saying: "I believe marriage is to be between a man and a woman but I will not vote to support the proposition. It is a civil rights issue."

Watch the local news story here: ABC 30 News Video - Fresno Mayoral Candidates On Gay Marriage and Prop 8

Read about Proposition 8 here: Wikipedia - Proposition 8 California 2008 

JAMIE BARNETT: Our duty to our gay defenders in military 07/24/08 THE FRESNO BEE

Did you know that your safety and security depend on gay men and lesbians? An estimated 65,000 gay men and lesbians serve in the U.S. armed forces, though, by law, they cannot be open about their sexuality. As we fight two wars, our military is stretched thin. Those gay and lesbian soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard are essential.

Without them, we would stretch to a dangerous point the length of time troops must spend in Iraq and Afghanistan. Without them, we would lose crucial military leadership, expertise and skills. Without them, we would have a hard time meeting our military commitments worldwide.

 

The House of Representatives voted 303 to 115 late Thursday to approve a sweeping global AIDS relief bill that includes language repealing a 1993 U.S. immigration law that prohibits HIV-positive visitors from entering the country and bars most foreigners with HIV from obtaining legal immigrant status. Read the full story here: House Approves Repeal Of HIV Travel Ban

Business of the month

Starting a business is more than just people wanting to turn their passion into profit. Starting a business can be a long complex process, but luckily we have an organization right here in the Valley that can help new entrepreneurs get a jump start.

The Gay Fresno advice column returns with another question and answer. We would like to answer your questions as well. Remain completely anonymous. We welcome questions from both men and women. So, go ask your question and get the honest advice you deserve. Our fourth question and answer has now been posted, read it by clicking Read More

 Today Newsweek Magazine came out with a cover story about young kids coming out and gay hate crimes. This is a MUST READ. Click Here to read this great article covering these important social issues...

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization which includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service.  Its work is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.

Position Available

Title:                                  No on 8 Organizer  
Location:                           Fresno, CA
Hours:                                40-60 Hours/Week
Contract Amount:             $3000 per month from August 15-November 15 (3 months).

BACKGROUND: The work of the American Friends Service Committee to promote peace, social justice, and humanitarian service is rooted in the experience and faith of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).  While AFSC contractors are not required to belong to any particular denomination or faith, they are expected to understand and support AFSC’s Quaker foundations. These guiding principals are based on the belief in that of God in every person, and the right of each person to reach his or her full potential.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The No on 8 organizer will work with Marriage Equality affiliates and partner with Equality for All in Fresno and Tulare counties in organizing and coordinating volunteers on the No on 8, no on the marriage ban campaign.

Proposition 8 is the gay marriage ballot measure which will be voted on in November by Californians. If passed, it may nullify the California State Supreme Court ruling which legalized same sex marriage in the state.  Maybe…the problem is no one really knows what will happen.  I’ve discussed this with several people and there’s a lot of confusion. The California State Supreme Court has stated that if the Proposition passes, the court may be forced to step in to overturn it, if they decide, as they should, that voters cannot choose to deny one group of citizens equal rights. Will marriages sanctioned before the November election still be valid? That issue is unclear as well, but I found this article today on the Advocate website, and it does a good job addressing many of these questions and explaining the ins and outs of the issue. Read the story and learn the facts involved HERE

Check out Advocate’s coverage of LOS ANGELES OUTFEST, the country’s largest LGBT Film Festival. Read film reviews and see the coverage HERE

Heath Ledger, who died tragically last year, delivers his final, and what may be the finest performance of his career in “The Dark Knight”, the new Batman movie which opens Friday, July 18, 2008. Click on the following link to read the review.  The Dark Knight Review

The upcoming November election is a critical one for the LGBT community. Besides making sure that a Republican does not get elected, LGBT Californians and their supporters need to turn out in force to defeat the Gay Marriage Ballot Measure, which would reverse the recent Supreme Court Ruling. If you aren’t registered to vote you can click on the link at the end of this article to fill out an email form which begins the process. You’ll be emailed the appropriate voter registration form and you’ll be able to register to vote. This is one of the most important elections of our lifetimes. There are deadlines for registering, so don’t put it off. Do your part… Register To Vote At Rock The Vote

Déjà vu Fresno’s premier gay night club has enjoyed success due to the support from the gay community of Fresno, the surrounding communities and our wonderful and devoted staff.

When Lee and Steve opened Déjà vu in December of 2002 part of their business plan was to always give back to the gay community as much as the business would allow and still keep Déjà vu viable.

We are happy to report that Déjà vu has been able to support the following GLBT organizations and Gay owned businesses in a total of well over $ 102,000.00 within the past five years that we have been open.

With close to half of the total going to our community based GLBT Organizations:
Reel Pride, Fresno Pride Parade, Community Link, West Care, Fresno Gay Men’s Choir, Queer Fresno and assorted Gay owned businesses located right here in Fresno.

The Staff , Lee and Steve would like to thank all of our customers for their loyalty if weren’t for them we would not have been able to pass along financial support to those in our community that do so much for Fresno and the  surrounding cities that make up the Central Valleys GLBT Family.

We are looking forward to another successful 5 years with your help.

Lee, Steve, and the Déjà vu Family.

The California Supreme Court declined on Wednesday to hear a challenge to a ballot measure asking voters to ban same-sex marriage. Read the story HERE

Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) yesterday introduced an amendment that would have added the name of Jesse Helms to the title of the HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria bill that is before the Senate. Helms, who died eleven days ago, was the nation's most vociferous foe of federal funding for HIV/AIDS programs from the epidemic's beginning until he left the Senate. Read the story HERE

The Catholics just never stop entertaining. They really have a gift for it…A Westchester County Catholic school principal is in serious trouble after he was arrested for allegedly going on a naked sexual romp with two other men in the backyard of a vacant home in the Orchard Hill section of town on Sunday. Read the story HERE

After much controversy and a long absence from the stage, Paula Poundstone stages a successful return to stand-up Saturday night at the Wadsworth Theater in Los Angeles. Read the story HERE

Same-sex couples from Wisconsin who marry in California can face nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine on returning home, CNN reported last Tuesday. Read the story HERE

After McCain told The New York Times in no uncertain terms last weekend that he opposes allowing gay couples to adopt children, his campaign lurched back to the center Tuesday with a clarifying statement saying that “he recognizes that there are many abandoned children who have yet to find homes” and he “believes that in those situations that caring parental figures are better for the child than the alternative." Read the full story HERE

 "What's Your Problem" Episode 17 "Photos, Friends & Pheromones: Part II" picks up where we left off as I hang out with my guests - my best boy buddy and co-creator of our current project in development, Slate&Kelly (www.myspace.com/slateandkelly), John W. McLaughlin and artist & photographer Kerry Krenzin. In part II, we get to a letter from W.Y.P viewer "hoops", who has questions about how to navigate dating when you bring mental illness and physical scars to the table. Kerry, John and I discuss this issue while Lucia takes a breather to deal with a tummy ache in the other room... (bad cheese I think...).  When we decide to share our scars with the viewers I drop trou, and despite my on camera decision to edit it out... it somehow makes the final cut anyway. While the issues addressed this time around are certainly nothing to laugh about, my guests and I still find the way to our senses of humor - come along for the ride with us....The episode posts tonight, July 10^th, at The Smoking Cocktail

Enjoy! Cathy
www.cathydebuono.com

www.myspace.com/cathydebuono

About 15 new Gay Pride Videos have been added to our ongoing 2008 collection , including videos from London, LA Black Pride Beach Party, Portland, Paris, Cologne, Madrid, Greece, Georgia, Budapest, New York City, and some fierce drag performances from Atlanta, which aren’t really from this year, but they were so great I had to put them on the list..

The right-wing American Family Association (AFA) announced a boycott of McDonald’s restaurants. According to AFA, McDonald’s is part of a giant gay agenda. Read the story here:  AFA Boycotts McDonalds For Gay Agenda

ABC News is reporting that Thomas Beatie, also known as “The Pregnant Man”, gave birth today to a healthy baby girl. Read the story here:  Pregnant "Man" Gives Birth

20 NEW Gay Pride Videos have been added to our compilation of International Pride Coverage. New videos from New York, Minneapolis, Italy, Antwerp, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, New Jersey, Columbus, San Antonio, Toronto and Jennifer Hudson performing live at NYC Pride... Click HERE to see our complete list of videos…

 It is with a heavy heart that I post this. I only had the chance to meet this wonderful woman once but I was able to learn so much about her. She was a great friend of the community. Many knew her from the lesbian social group she created called, “Wildflowers”. We met at one of many meetings at Deja Vu. I regret that she became ill while I began a relationship with her daughter, Amber and never got the chance to have the time to form a friendship. Through Amber, I became second witness to her considerable strength and humor in the face of such adversity. She will be missed by many and always remembered… for like the sunshine that shone on her garden, so she shall shine above us all. Let us all remember those in our lives that we love, so that it may transcend..for the spirit is always so much stronger than the body and will live on forever in our hearts.

  What's Your Problem With Cathy DeBuono

Episode #16 “Photos, Friends & Pheromones” / Guests Kerry Krenzin & John W McLaughlin

After a month long hiatus, "What's Your Problem?" is back with a brand new episode on a brand new venue... The Smoking Cocktail  is a virtual cornucopia of LGBT news, gossip and information and will be temporarily hosting "What's Your Problem?" until I'm ready to announce its new home.... which is coming very soon... so stay tuned!! In the mean time, episode 16, "Photos, Friends & Pheromones" picks up the fun right where we left off as I hang out and have cocktails with artist, Kerry Krenzin and my dear friend, John W. McLaughlin. In addition to taking on viewer letters that explore such things as dating with mental illness and physical scars, disappointing your parents, and the gay issue of nature vs. nurture.... we also take you with us to the recent "What's Your Problem?" party at The Standard Hotel where Kerry's first photography exhibit made its debut. Enjoy!, Cathy
www.cathydebuono.com
www.myspace.com/cathydebuono