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What The Source!?

The Source, Visalia's new-ish LGBTQ community center, has a lot to offer the community. From a splashy website to mental health services, The Source is a go-to site for Central Valleyians in the Queer Community. But the important question is -- What is The Source and why should you care? For the answer, read on!

For starters, if you haven't already, you really need to check out their website. Whether you're a computer programmer or a casual Googler -- you will apprecaite TheSourceLGBT.com. It's got tabs for everything, from upcoming events, to mental health resources and HIV/STD testing. They also have a whole tab dedicated to transgender issues, and another one for social groups and events! Plus, the website is super cute and colorful. Score!

Another awesome feature of The Source is that it exists! Can you believe the Tulare/Visalia area has its own LGBT center? I can't. There are plenty of major cities that don't even have an LGBT center, and now Visalia has its very own -- right downtown!

Which brings me to my next point -- the actual building itself! It's located right downtown, at 208 Main Street in Visa. They are open 3-6pm on Tuesday to Friday! What a great place to meet fellow like-minded people -- and then go to Starbucks! Or whatever you enjoy doing downtown. :)

In conclusion, you should totally check out The Source. It's worth your time, and hey, you might just meet someone as awesome as you are.

LGBT Tulare

Pete Burns Passes Away At 57

Pete Burns,  vocalist and song-writer for the band Dead or Alive, has passed away due to cardiac arrest today, Ocotober 24th, 2016. He is remembered for many great things, among them the song "You Spin Me Round", which became a huge hit when it debuted in 1984.

He is known as a gender-bending performer whose aesthetic always pushed boundaries related to gender norms. His eccentric style and amazing musical talent made him a star in the LGBTQ community.

Pete is survived by his parter, Michael Simpson, whom he married. Regarding his sexual orientation, Pete stated that people "always want to know – am I gay, bi, trans or what? I say, forget all that. There's got to be a completely different terminology and I'm not aware if it's been invented yet. I'm just Pete."

He will be remembered as a pioneer for being unafraid to be unique and true to oneself: for incredible talent as well as brave pioneerness. 

LGBT Tulare

LGBT, Local Athletes Shine

The 2016 Olympics in Rio De Jineiro have been an amazing spectacle in sport and pizzazz. Not only have the athletes competed at a high level, but the LGBT community has seen many of their own community members thrive in the spotlight.

This year, many countries sent athletes who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, including the United States! The rainbow colors of the Olympic Rings took on a new meaning this year.

 The first Gold Medal won by Brazil was earned by openly lesbian judo star Rafaela Silva. She took home the top prize after coming out on August 10th to a popular magazine during an interview. What a great accomplishment for Silva, Brazil and the LGBTQ+ community!

Along with Judo, the queer community also represented at swimming, with Rachel Bruni of Italy earning a Silver Medal in the 10K marathon! She may have swam far, but she took queer visibility even further with this great showing.

Lastly, British diver and openly gay man Tom Daley took home another Bronze Medal this year. By winning third in synchronized diving, this gay role model added to his tally that began in London 2012, where he took home Bronze in an individual event. Go Tom!

Although the Olympics are over, we don't have to wait two years to see fantastic LGBT athletes competing. They are in action all over the country and the world, showing that queer people can compete with anyone in any sport. 

In addition to queer people, local Tulare County athletes also made showings at this year's Olympics. Deajah Stevens, an alumnus of the College of Sequoias in Visalia, made it to the finals in the 200m in Rio, finishing 7th overall! 

LGBT Tulare