Monday, September 27 marks National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day — a perfect day to go out and get tested.

On the heels of a disturbing report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that one in five men living in urban areas is HIV-positive and about half of them are unaware that they are, the HIV/AIDS Awareness Day comes as budgets have been slashed, new infections are on the rise, and renewed focus turns to HIV in the gay community.

SOURCE: ADVOCATE.COM 

Pastor Eddie Long, the Georgia Pastor who's been accused of sexual misconduct with several young men, has made his first statement in the matter, however vague it may have been.

"I have never portrayed myself as a perfect man," he told the massive congregation that turned out to support him over the weekend. He did not, however, deny any of the claims or say much more on the issue. Cryptic remarks did seem to indicate there is truth to the story. "We are all subject to face painful situations," he said.

His congregation has grown from a small group of followers to a massive group of thousands over the past few years. Ironically, given that virtually all those in the public eye who have been threatened by sexual accusations have eventually been revealed as guilty, Long's congregation is passionately standing by him.

Since Georgia has an age of consent of 16 years old, there will be no federal investigation into the matter. The boys were all over 16 at the time of the alleged misconduct.

READ MORE HERE

According to a new federal study, one in five sexually active gay and bisexual men are carrying the HIV virus, and almost half of those don't even know it. The study, released Thursday, is the largest to look at gay and bisexual men who are at high risk for contracting the virus.

More than 8,000 men were tested, and 44% of those infected didn't realize it.

The study is part of a government effort to concentrate on a particular group of Americans when applying HIV-AIDS education and prevention, men who have sex with men and other certain high risk groups. This is due to the fact that while less than half of 1 percent of Americans are infected with the HIV virus, certain groups are at a much higher risk factor.

According to the study, black men had the highest infection rates, at 28%, followed by Hispanic men at 18% and white men at 16%. For those who didn't realize they were infected, black men again had the highest percentage rate, at 60%, followed by 46% for Hispanic men and 26% for white men.

Read More Here

The US Department of Justice has filed a plea to stop the recent ruling by a federal judge finding Don't Ask Don't Tell to be unconstitutional, from taking effect. The ruling stated that since DADT was unconstitutional that the practice of discharging soldiers because they are gay or lesbian must stop immediately.

In their filing with the court, Federal attorneys stated..."A court should not compel the executive to implement an immediate cessation of the 17-year-old policy without regard for any effect such an abrupt change might have on the military's operations, particularly at a time when the military is engaged in combat operations and other demanding military activities around the globe."

Now, just on the heels of this, comes a shocking, landmark decision by a federal judge, ruling today that the Air Force violated the constitutional rights of a highly decorated flight nurse by discharging her for being a lesbian. The judge stated that the discharge of Maj. Margaret Witt was unwarranted and that her re-instatement "would do nothing to hurt unit morale". This follows a ruling in 2008, in which a federal appeals court ruled that the military cannot discharge anyone for being gay "unless it proves their firing furthered military goals".

At the rate federal courts and judges are moving forward, it's possible that we may not have to rely on the Congress to remedy this violation of constitutional rights. Just as in the current California same sex marriage case, due to be heard again in December, the courts may finally be stepping up to the plate to put the cuffs on politicians trampling of the constitution for their own career motivations.

Read More Here 

 

National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed each year on September 27 to focus on the disproportionate effects of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2007, the estimated HIV diagnosis rate among MSM was 692 per 100,000, which was 44 to 86 times the rate for other men and 40 to 77 times the rate for women (1).

Although MSM represent approximately 2% of the U.S. population (1), in 2006 they accounted for 57% of all new HIV infections (2). From 2005 to 2008, estimated diagnoses of HIV infection increased approximately 17% among MSM in 37 states (3). In 2008, black MSM had the highest estimated number of diagnoses of HIV infection, followed by white and Hispanic MSM (3). In recent years, new HIV diagnoses have increased significantly among young black MSM (4).

CDC supports a range of efforts to reduce HIV infection among MSM. These include HIV prevention services that aim to reduce the risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV and to increase the linkage of infected MSM to treatment. Additional information about these efforts and National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day activities is available at http://www.aids.gov/awareness-days, http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/msm, and http://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth.

Source

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Are We Run by A**holes?
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

 

Miss the first episode of the new season of GLEE? Watch It Here

 

President Obama was loudly heckled Wednesday night during a New York speech. The protestors shouted him down for cutting AIDS funding and for his failures on Don't Ask Don't Tell. Obama's response to AIDS funding was that he's actually increased it, and on the subject of Don't Ask Don't Tell, he recommended to the group the same thing he's recommended in the past, that they should be shouting down the Republicans for their blockage of the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. He also reminded them that if the upcoming election is not focused on, more conservatives could come into office and we will suffer even more, saying "The people who will take over if we don't focus on the election, I promise you, will cut AIDS funding."

It is confusing why more protests are not going on at Republican rallies instead of Democratic ones. While the Democratic party is failing at virtually everything they attempt, it is still the Republican party that is working to destroy all aspects of LGBT rights. I would kind of like the answer to that myself...

Read More Here

A state appeals court in Florida has overruled Florida's ban on gay adoptions, and starting immediately, gay couples will be allowed to adopt children. In fact, the couple that brought the case was instantly granted the right to adopt.

Charlie Crist, the closeted, gay Governor of Florida, came out in support of the overturn, as he has come out in favor of many gay restrictions being overturned, most of which he supported in the past. It is hoped the case will move to the Florida Supreme court in order to make the law more solid.

Read More Here

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Meet the Depressed
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

T-Mobile has been told by a judge to respond by Sept 22 and to appear at a Sept 30th hearing to explain their actions in blocking a text "short code". Short codes are abbreviated cell phone numbers used for special campaigns. Weedmaps.com was one of the customers using the particular short code to notify their clients of pricing specials.

While T-Mobile claims the shutdown was due to a procedural issue, while EZ-Texting, which has filed the suit, claims they have information which states that T-Mobile shut it down because of Weedmaps, calling it  "an unsanctioned and inappropriate service." Medical marijuana is legal in California, which would counter the statement by T-Mobile. Justin Hartfield, co-founder of Weedmaps explains it's not the first time he's encountered companies reluctant to co-operate with the legal operation of marijuana dispensaries in California because of the conflicting federal laws against it.

EZ-Texting CEO Shane Newman warns of the ramifications of companies deciding which organizations they are willing to work with. "If T-Mobile takes a stance on blocking lawful content on Medical Marijuana, does this mean they are going to take a stance on all issues? What about gay marriage? Does T-Mobile plan on blocking information on that? Where does it end?"

Read More Here

Thanks to Republicans (can they really do anything right...anything??) the attempt to get Don't Ask Don't Tell repealed failed today in the Senate. The vote was 56-43, falling just short of the 60 votes needed. Harry Reid actually voted against the bill, although it was a strategic move which allows him the possibility of bringing the issue back up at a later date.

The bill was attached to the defense bill, which funded the troops, including a pay raise, but that wasn't enough to get it to pass. Two Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the bill, Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor.

This leaves the repeal of DADT on shaky ground, at best.

Read More Here

Click Here to watch a video of General James Conway explaining that if DADT were to be repealed, it's likely they would have to house the soldiers in a different manner than they do now, since so many soldiers would object to being housed with open homosexuals. So soldiers that have never had their personal preferences considered in terms of military policy, would in this one case be granted the opportunity to make the rules instead of merely following them. All because of the terror of being in the same room with a homosexual, which is a situation that already exists, and has existed since the dawn of the military.

Real Time With Bill Maher is back, starting tonight, Friday, September 17th. His show tonight features Michael Moore, actor Jon Hamm, journalist Martha Raddatz, Republican strategist Mark McKinnon and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich. Real Time is still one of the most honest and open shows on television.

In the meantime, here's a clip from Maher, catching up on the news he's missed covering while on hiatus...

 

A national study by the Q Research Institute for Higher Education has released its  Campus Pride 2010 National College Climate Survey, which looks at the atmosphere of National Colleges as it pertains to LGBT students. The study found that approximately 25% of lesbian, gay and bisexual students experienced some form of harassment, while for transgender students the level is at about a third. The study covered about 5,150 students at 100 colleges.

Click the link above to access the study, or visit the Campus Pride Website

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) -- A gay rights organization that won a federal court ruling declaring the military's ban on openly gay troops unconstitutional wants the judge to immediately stop the policy from being used to discharge military personnel.

Lawyers for the Log Cabin Republicans say their proposal filed Thursday in the Riverside, Calif., court asks Judge Virginia A. Phillips to impose a worldwide injunction on the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

She ruled last week that the policy violates the due-process and free-speech rights of gays and lesbians.

Phillips asked the group for input on drafting an injunction.

The government has a week to respond. Department of Justice attorneys said they would object to an injunction and the issue should be decided by Congress.

Source

Contact: Joe Sosa
joe.sosa@lgbtqwf.org                                                                                                                                                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

BROADWAY SMASH HIT “RENT” MAKES VALLEY DEBUT
Proceeds to Benefit local AIDS Foundation

 

 

Fourth Wall Theater Company is proud to announce that they will be producing the musical RENT in Hanford next July.  The show, which will be under the direction of Corey Ralston and Cabrilla Ravalin-McGinn, is a first for the Valley.

 

“No community theater group has performed this show locally and we are very excited to be the first,” Ralston said.

 

RENT made headlines when it went to Broadway after the sudden death of its creator Jonathon Larson. The show is a remake of Puccini’s “La Boheme”, it follows a group of friends dealing with poverty, drugs and AIDS in New York City in the early 1990’s. In the face of so much adversity each character learns that LOVE is what gets them through the rough times.

 

Auditions will be held in February and all local actors and vocalists are encouraged to come. In addition to the cast of 20 there will be a need for band members and technical stage support.

 

All proceeds from the show will be given to the LGBTQ Wellness Foundation, a startup non-profit that is giving assistance to those infected and affected by the HIV virus.

 

“Since this show deals so heavily with HIV/AIDS we thought it was only fitting that we give all of our profit to people that are wanting to reach out a loving hand to survivors of the virus,” Ralston said.

 

In the coming months before the production gets underway there will be a series of fundraisers held in hopes to raise money to pay for the cost of the production. Local businesses are encouraged to advertise in the playbill and show their support.

 

RENT will be playing at the Stratton L. Tarvin Presentation Center in Hanford on July 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 , 31.  Tickets will be $15 and sold at the door.

 

###

If you would like more information on the production or the LGBTQ Wellness Foundation please contact Joe Sosa  joe.sosa@lgbtqwf.org

 

 

On the eve of the 21st Annual Reel Pride Film Festival, we offer this glimpse into the past, with the original program from the very first film festival... (click on the images to enlarge to full size)...Courtesy Peter Robertson...

The inaugural Reel Pride film festival was produced by the GLBSA, a student club at Fresno State, now known as United Student Pride. The 1990 film festival featured 12 international films (and videos) from six countries shown throughout five days. It was the brainchild of Ken Fries, who was a student here at the time. He picked the movies and arranged the rentals, I booked the rooms and raised some much-needed funds. Together, with a great team of club leadership and advisors, the first film festival was a success.

Peace and pride, Peter Robertson

This is Christine O'Donnell, one of those tea-party nut jobs, who just won the Republican senate primary in Delaware. During a television interview with George Stephanopoulis, she used the non-word "un-factual", but she's also made this wacky statement...

 

This story was originally published in May, 2006. I thought it was pertinent to re-post it given the recent idiotic behavior of local authorities and the Fresno County Board of Supervisors...The article has not been revised. As you can see from the length of the piece, I did extensive research on it the first time..Since it's been 4 years, I apologize if any of the links are no longer valid...

How much truth do we expect from the American government? What exactly are we supposed to believe in these days filled with scandal and revelation, and how much of an influence has our government had over the years in shaping our beliefs and opinions?
 
We all have ideas of right and wrong, good and bad, much of which has been influenced in no small part by the United States Government, through our leaders, public schools and public service announcements. Historically, government stamps of approval meant we didn’t have to think. Likewise, governments disapproval and warnings told us to stay away, there was danger. If you went to school in the 60’s and 70’s but have forgotten those scratchy black and white Super 8 films with the accent of a loud and overused projector, check out SOMETHING WEIRD . Their collection of classic school scare films (also available through Comcast On Demand Cable under the heading “The Cutting Edge”) will remind you of those important government sponsored teachings of the past, such as hiding under your desk in case of a nuclear attack or that masturbation can make you go blind. 

As we gained access to information and began questioning government policies we rarely dared to before, we saw Americans work to reverse oppressive civil rights policies such as illegal abortions and the lack of worker rights. Leaders and activists awakened us to the possibility that we may not be getting the whole truth from those we’d given power. People of integrity and strength forged alliances to demand truths be revealed, to create laws of fairness driven by the standards of the constitution, not personal opinion and prejudice. Once the veils of deception began to be  lifted, it seemed unthinkable that America could return to the days when information was siphoned off as the government saw fit. 

The Fresno County Supervisors passed an ordinance on Tuesday banning outdoor growing of medicinal marijuana. They did this because there have been recent shootings as a result of people attempting to steal outdoor plants. One man was killed when he was shot by a property owner after the plants were taken. The District Attorney has filed criminal charges for the man responsible for the shooting. Oh, and there's the fact that the ordinance started becoming enforceable immediately after the meeting.

What can I say about this "decision" by the County Board of Supervisors other than "Really?"

Does this mean that the next time there's a shooting during a liquor store robbery that we will shut down the liquor stores? Or how about designating Fresno a "No Christmas Zone" since during the holidays so many citizens of Fresno are robbed of their gifts as they leave the stores? You see that I could go on and on with other examples which follow the same "logic" as the Supervisors used on this "emergency decision".

What other situation can you imagine where criminals in the process of committing a crime were shot at and the result was punishing the victims of the crime? Go ahead, I'll wait...

Isn't it time we started demanding reason and honesty from our officials? Do they even know the facts or do they simply refuse to see them? This is not about protecting anyone. This is about the irrational and illogical fear of marijuana. Here are some COLD HARD FACTS for you to consider...marijuana has caused ZERO deaths in all of recorded history, while alcohol kills around 100,000 deaths annually, tobacco in the range of 400,000 and deaths related to prescription medications hovers around 100,000.

Marijuana is not a "gateway drug", in fact, it's not a drug at all, it's just a plant that grows in the ground.  Smoking marijuana does not lead to violent or criminal behavior. And get ready for this one... Marijuana is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man.

Yes, really.

And what about the fact that California already voted to approve medical marijuana use? And what about how Fresno authorities are constantly working to close down dispensaries or not let them operate at all, even though the Federal Government has stated they will no longer pursue such businesses based on the federal law they don't even care to enforce anymore?

Really? Is this the way we're going to continue to operate in this country? Are we so comforted by our mythologies and cliché's that we simply don't see a reason to start thinking rationally? Marijuana is dangerous? There's absolutely no evidence to support that, in fact, the opposite is true. Gay Marriage is a threat? There's absolutely no evidence of that, in fact the opposite is true. Prostitution ruins people's lives? Only if it's illegal. In Nevada, where it's legal, there's no problem. In fact, the entire Drug War is by all accounts a massive failure. Legalize everything and regulate it the way we do liquor and cigarettes. Come on, does it really take a lot of in depth thought to figure this stuff out?

Evolution is a funny thing. In the physical sense, it will happen regardless of what we do. But our mental evolution? The evolution of our thoughts and decisions, the fact of whether we choose to live by the truth or by mythology, that's something else. That  could be the difference between a safer, more equal world or a world where we'll continue to restrict other's rights, stall medical research, and battle and kill each other. That's something we have a great deal of control over. And we're failing over and over again.

Or maybe you're one of the ones who thinks Obama is a Muslim. Or you think that Mosques are okay as long as they don't go up at Ground Zero, despite the fact that it was never going to placed at Ground Zero and that there are rebellions against Mosques all across the nation, not just in New York.

Go smoke some pot, you might feel better.

Fresno ranks 14th on the Men's Health List of the 100 most sexually active cities in the nation, while Bakersfield comes in at #9. The list is based on condom sales, birthrates, sex toy sales and rates of sexually transmitted diseases as determined by state health departments.

Men's Health Study With Details

1.) Austin, TX

2.) Dallas, TX

3.) Columbus, OH

4.) Durham, NC

5.) Denver, CO

6.) Indianapolis, IN

7.) Arlington, TX

8.) Oklahoma City, OK

9.) Bakersfield, CA

10.) Houston, TX

11.) Lubbock, TX

12.) Fort Worth, TX

13.) Charlotte, NC

14.) Fresno, CA

15.) San Antonio, TX

Ever wonder what's going on in Times Square in New York City? Or anywhere else at any time of the day? You can check out a live video feed by visiting Earth Cam. Earth Cam has a wide variety of choices from around the globe, and it's all totally free.

 

 

I sat down in a local Starbuck's with Abby Dees, the author of Queer Questions, Straight Talk, a book which works to bring people together to talk frankly about what it means to be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. The book offers " 108 frank & progressive questions it's OK to ask your lesbian, gay or bisexual loved one".  Abby is a civil rights attorney who doesn't feel that writing this book is that far removed from the issues she dealt with in her legal practice. Communication is a critical element for her in the legal world, as it is when trying to come to terms with the confusion that can arise when a loved one comes out to those around them.

The book is filled with humor as well as guidance on how to deal with what can be a very delicate and, at times, intrusive entry into a person's personal life. But communication is the key to moving beyond the stereotypes that invade our daily lives. It's through communication that we will find our way through this current maze of misunderstandings and misinformation. Abby wants to help us open up to each other and share our experiences, which can allow us to conquer prejudice and injustice.

Abby and I had a great discussion about the book and the current state of LGBT rights in America...

CHRIS JARVIS:   So how do you go from being a civil rights attorney to writing this book?

ABBY DEES:         It's not that different. The last thing I was doing was working with HIV positive inmates, helping them get access to medical care and programs and services. Very often they'd call me up and I could see that there was a legal problem, but the solution wasn't always a legal solution. Really, the first solution was communication. And there was a moment when I was working and I realized, you know, 75% of what I do is talk to people about how to tell their story, and how to find the right person to talk to and how to articulate what you're experiencing and what you're feeling. So it's actually not that big a leap. And on this issue there's a great divide, and the only way to fix that divide, to transcend that divide, is to start talking to each other, and it's hard to know where to start sometimes.

CJ:          Yes, and I love the quote from the book, "Silence keeps people apart". That really struck me, because so many people don't talk about things, and I'm one of those people who likes to talk about everything.

AD:         Right. So the point of this book is to sort of give people permission to talk. It's a small guidebook on how to talk about this stuff. There's permission to ask stupid questions, and really, there are no stupid questions if you need to know the answer. And you don't have to answer if you're not ready to answer or if it is too personal a question. And from our community's standpoint I think it's very easy for us to feel exhausted when we do hear the same questions over and over.

CJ:          An example of that kind of question is in your book, and we all still get it from time to time, "Who's the man and who's the woman?"

AD:         That question is a good opportunity to talk about bigger issues. It's a good opportunity to talk about gender, and how sexual orientation and gender are different and how they're related.

Next week, the Senate will take on the National Defense Authorization Act, a bill extending the funding for military operations. The bill will include a repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office confirmed the matter.

There are statements on either side of the issue, some saying that enough votes are there to overturn the controversial policy, while others feel it can't succeed. Servicemembers United, the nation's largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans, issued a statement applauding the decision.

Read More Here 

Message from Paul at the Den, via the Den's WEBSITE

View the Den's webpage on the fire HERE

   

The 21st Annual Fresno Reel Pride Film Festival kicks off this week, with a wide variety of films and entertainment. Visit Reel Pride for all the information on the Film Festival. Below, you can click on the individual links for the films and events for more details.

Wednesday, September 15th

Opening Night VIP Party @6PM at the Reel Lounge next door to the Tower Theater. VIP Pre-Party, for all Sponsors, Director's Club (and above) members, and VIP members!...A Marine Story @7:30PM...Reel Lounge Party Pavillion following the film.

 

Thursday, September 16th

The Last Summer of La Boyita @5:30PM...We Are The Mods  @6:30PM...Rivers Wash Over Me @8:30PM...After Party @The Red Lantern after the film

 

Friday, September 17th

Howl @5:30PM at the Tower Theater...Bandaged @5:30PM at the Starline Lounge...Elena Undone @7:30PM at the Tower Theater...Strapped @10PM at the Tower Theater...After Party @The North Tower Circle after the film

Saturday, September 18th

Out In The Silence @12PM at the Tower Theater...Is It Just Me? @12:30PM at the Starline Lounge...Sasha @2:30PM at the Tower Theater...Hens & Chicks: Girls Shorts @2:30PM at the Starline Lounge...International Male: Boys Shorts @4:30PM at the Starline Lounge...The Four Faced Liar @5PM at the Tower Theater...Directors Club/Filmmaker Reception 6:30pm-8:30PM at Vini Vidi Vici. Filmmakers, Director's Club Members and Sponsors ONLY!  Mix and mingle with our attending stars and filmmakers on the back patio of Veni Vidi Vici's from 6:30 to 8:30pm...Violet Tendencies @ 8:30PM at the Tower Theater...After Party @The Express after the film

 

Sunday, September 19th

Members Only Brunch Reception @11:30AM in the Reel Lounge at the Tower Theater...The Adults In The Room @1PM at the Starline Lounge...Eyes Wide Open @3PM at the Tower Theater...My Normal @3:30PM at the Starline Lounge...The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister @5:30 at the Tower Theater...From Beginning To End @5:30 at the Starline Lounge...Undertow @8PM at the Tower Theater...Closing Night Gala & Awards in the Reel Lounge Party Pavilion after the last film

 

 

 

The fire at the Den showed up on JoeMyGod today, a nationally popular LGBT news blog that I read regularly. Interesting to read some of the comments by those who came out in Fresno years ago... Check it out...

UPDATE: Much of the damage to the interior ceiling/roof structure is due to the Fire Dept. tearing down drywall in the process of making sure the fire was out. It also appears (since when the firefighters arrived they saw the outside fence was on fire) that the fire originated in the outside fence area, not inside the building. Estimates of financial damage is currently at $130,000.

Click here to read the...

FRESNO BEE STORY

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE

A fire broke out at The Den early Sunday morning, around 4-5AM. The fire started in the front corner of the club and damaged much of the interior, as well as collapsing the roof. At this time the fire is thought to be electrical, however no official cause has been determined as of yet. 

 

We will keep you posted as details become available. No estimate on damages is available at this time.

From the L.A. Times...

A federal judge in Riverside declared the U.S. military’s ban on openly gay service members unconstitutional Thursday, saying the “don't ask, don't tell” policy violates the 1st Amendment rights of lesbians and gay men.

U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips said the policy banning gays did not preserve military readiness, contrary to what many supporters have argued, saying evidence shows that the policy in fact had a “direct and deleterious effect’’ on the military.

Phillips said she would issue an injunction barring the government from enforcing the policy. However, the U.S. Department of Justice, which defended “don’t ask, don’t tell” during a two-week trial in Riverside, will have an opportunity to appeal that decision.

Read More Here...

Community members,

You are invited! Join us, the members of Trans-e-motion, for a festive community picnic on Sunday, September 19^th from 6pm to 9pm. As a budding organization in the GLBT+ Community, we have always pursued our mission and outreach with hope and determination. When we attained our official 501(c)3 (non-profit) status the experience was nothing less than a monumental victory. This community picnic is a celebration of that major milestone. Please come celebrate with us and enjoy games, music, food, and fun.

Trans-e-motion is an organization that puts on the annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance every November 20^th, as well as offers resources, education, support, and understanding to the transgender community and their allies. Our recent success of being awarded official non-profit status will further ensure that our mission is carried out and increase the number of people we help in our community.

Get to know us at this relaxing picnic which will be held at 1754 N. Temperance. For more information, or directions, please contact Zoyer at (559) 285-0795 or email him at zoyer_zyndel@yahoo.com

Please forward this e-mail to anyone and everyone who you think would be interested in celebrating this monumental success with us.  Attached is the flyer for this event. Please R.S.V.P. if you plan to come. Hope to see you there!

Best, Zoyer Zachary Zyndel - Trans-e-motion Chair

Sweet Lips A Novel Author: Mel Smith Rating: Two Thumbs Way UP

Set in a country westernized theme, the author brings to life two characters that are full of personality. Surprisingly, the author is female but yet catches the essence of man to man sex. She is very detailed from scenery of the open plains to boner popping male action. This book was a page turner; I read it in 4 days. This book is so, for lack of better comparison; “ Brokeback Mountain ”. I was all engrossed in the story line that there were times that actual time passed by the hours. She sends you on a continual roller coaster ride of experiences of all the characters and the ending, such like the beginning, is captivating. This book is a, “MUST OWN”, for your personal library.

The Fresno LGBTQ Social Group is hooking up with those attending KampOut Fresno for this year's event, "The Wild, Wild West". This is an annual event which is scheduled the weekend after Labor Day, each year. Check out the schedule for this year's event here...KampOut 2010 Schedule

This video has more than enough proof that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is...let's face it, crazy.

The problem with Arizona's Governor, Jan Brewer, is not that she supported and endorsed the recent, radical new laws in the state which give more power to authorities to profile citizens in the hopes of corralling the rash of illegal immigrants. This, mind you, in a state where crime rates have actually gone down...NO, the reason behind Brewer's obvious meltdowns is her Christianity. When she came into office she said she not only saw no reason for the separation of church and state, but that she would do everything she could to bring the bible and God into the political arena. She didn't even try to hide it. She was empowered by the recent success of conservatives to align religion with reason, supported by the millions of Americans who at some point, long ago, decided that truth, logic and reality were too harsh to deal with, and therefore easily abandoned. In the midst of all the recent Arizona controversy about the new immigration laws, it was only a matter of time before Jan Brewer, simplistic, Christian opportunist that she is, would be revealed for who she really is...an idiot.

The tide is turning. With the advent of the video age, it's becoming easier and easier to participate in the public revelations of radical Christians as who they really are...misguided, uninformed and ultimately lazy pawns of a system they don't even have the most basic understanding of.

Rachel Maddow continues to hit the nail on the head...

 

 

Stephen Hawking has issued a newly declarative statement as to the origins of the universe, and to put it simply, creation doesn't need a creator.  While in previous books, Hawking has made statement suggesting there are ways to better understand God, he has now made it clear that God does not need to included to understand the origins of the universe. This is yet another step in the ever growing movement in the world to abandon the mythology that is religion and face our problems with rationality and reason, rather than fantasy.

"Because there is a law such as gravity, the Universe can and will create itself from nothing," the excerpt says. "Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the Universe exists, why we exist. It is not necessary to invoke God to ... set the Universe going."

Read more here...