Reel Pride is undeniably more than just a film festival. This is a venue where films that wouldn't be shown anywhere else in Fresno are seen, but Reel Pride also offers people a chance to meet and enjoy the company of other members of the LGBT community in a healthy, proactive, inclusive environment. What is even more distinctive about this four day film event is that it is not overtly political, yet it succeeds at supporting LBGT people and changing their image in the eyes of those outside the community in a quieter, but no less impacting way.  For some, it can be a life changing experience.

Conservatives, the Media and Catholics, oh my! A poster for Folsom Street Fair has fallen under the infantile microscope of the media, with FOX News, while not alone, leading the pack. The poster is a parody of the Last Supper, leather bound for all to see. Even CNN pushed the issue today, calling the picture out for being offensive to all Christians. Of course this is only happening because gay people are involved. And of course the media, as dim as they are, should have seen the obvious hypocrisy in it, but failed to. To prove it I searched the internet for only a short time to come up with a sample of what’s out there, none of which the media or the Catholic church, who is also up in arms, are complaining about. Also, check out this Dan Savage Column (scroll down the page to see it) which is hilarious, as usual. (Read More to see pics)

Almost exactly two years to the day (September 26, 2005) that the local gay club the North Tower Circle was destroyed at the hands of an an arsonist, the landmark Fresno nightclub was struck again.

Around 4:30AM on Tuesday, September 25^th, 2007, an arsonist set a motor home, parked in the back lot of the club, on fire. The blaze completely destroyed the motor home and then spread into the adjacent club. Witnesses reported seeing someone in the parking lot just prior to the fire and notified the authorities. With quick response from the Fresno Fire Department, damage to the building was isolated to back rooms in the rear of the club. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Fresno authorities. We’ll provide updates as they are available.

ABC 30 Local Coverage

CBS 47 Local News Video

The San Diego City Council recently voted 5-3 to join other California cities in supporting an overturning of the state’s ban on same sex marriage, a matter currently pending in the state Supreme Court. The case resulted from court decisions to invalidate marriage licenses issued in 2004 in San Francisco with the approval of  Mayor Gavin Newsome.

The Mayor of San Diego, Jerry Sanders, a Republican, has reversed his earlier position, which was to veto the City Council decision. The following link accesses a video of the Mayor’s public statement regarding the reversal of his stand on the issue. The video is stunning as Sanders shows the integrity and honesty we rarely see from  politicians. He’s emotional and moved to tears as he explains his change of heart. This is something the gay community has been waiting for a very long time. I urge everyone, but especially those in the LGBT community, to watch this video. While we are continually degraded and denied day after day in this country, this brief moment is a gift that we all very much deserve and should be thankful for.

San Diego Mayor Endorses Gay Marriage