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theSOURCE LGBT+ Center
An LGBT+ center in Visalia?! Yep, that's the plan!
TheSOURCE is a community center coming to Main Street in downtown Visalia that will serve members of the LGBTQIA community! The project is currently fundraising at thesourcelgbt.org, so check it out! They've already met their goal of $6,000, so they should be opening up this summer!
Check out their website for more information! They have topics like youth groups, mental health couseling and transgender resources. This community center will serve the needs of both adults and youth!
LGBT Tulare
First Openly Transgender LGBT White House Liaison Appointed
On March 14th, Raffi Freedman-Gurspan became the first transgender person to become the White House's LGBT Liason when she was appointed by President Obama.
This position in the White House was created by President Clinton in 1995 to provide more representation of the LGBT community on issues related to the White House.
So, who is Raffi Freedman-Gurspan?
Well, she is originally from Massachusetts, and went to college in the Midwest, Minnesota. Freedman-Gurs studied abroad in Norway during college and is a proficient Norwegian speaker!
Our new Liaison has been an LGBT advocate for a long time, which makes sense because her first internship after college had her working for the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition!
Raffi is not only the first transgender member of the White House staff, but she was also the first openly transgender legislative staffer to work in the Massachusetts House of Representatives!
Through her work, Freedman-Gurspan has helped many communuties of color, underrepresented minorities, as well as the transgender community and the LGBT community overall! What an amazing addition to the Obama administration!
LGBT Tulare
Naomi Smalls of LA makes RPDR
Naomi Smalls of Redlands announced as contestant on Rupaul's Drag Race Season 8
Last week, when the contestants of RuPaul's Drag Race were announced on the New Now Next Honors on Logo TV, us Californians crossed our fingers for a Cali Queen -- and we got one!
Naomi Smalls, from the so-cal city of Redlands, derives her name from her two favorite people: Biggie Smalls and Naomi Campbell. And trust, she serves face like Naomi's daughter!
Describing herself as a "high fashion hood rat", Smalls loves being herself and avoids cliches when she does drag. She's not about celebrity impersonations or ultra-feminine drag, but prefers to be herself: Conceptual. Model. Glamazon.
CHECK HER OUT on the premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race, March 7th at 9pm on Logo TV!
Transgender Oscar Nod
The Academy Award nomincations were just released, and the list of nominees included Antony Hegarty, a trangender musician who was nominated for Best Original Song. How awesome is that?!
Hegarty is the lead vocalist for the band Antony and The Johnsons. They created music for the film Racing Extinction. Hegarty wrote the lyrics for the song Mantra Ray, which was nominated for the award of Best Original Song!
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This is the second time a transgender person has been nominated for an Oscar, with the other known trans person being Angela Morley, a transgender composer who was nominated twice in the seventies.
In addition to Hagerty's nomination, this is also a big year for the transgender community because Eddie Redmayne was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his adaptation of Lily Elbe in the film The Danish Girl. Overall, this is a huge year for trans rights at the Oscars. Be sure to watch on February 28th!
Happy New Years!
New Years is a time for renewal, growth and commitment to your goals! In the LGBT community, this is important because we are given a chance to remember the things we are working on improving within ourselves. Here's a list of LGBT New Years resolutions for you to consider!
1. Try something new this year!
New Years is a perfect time to do something you've never done before! So whether you decide to visit the Castro District in San Francisco for the first time, or you want to see a live play this year -- make it happen! Accumulating positive experiences is a great way to prepare for any difficult time you encounter this year.
2. Give back!
Contributing to the community can be very helpful. No, not Tulare silly! I'm talking about the LGBT community! Volunteer at an HIV clinic or help out at your school's Gay Straight Alliance. Helping to build the queer community makes you feel great while improving your support network!
3. Go on dates!
Friend with benefits are great, but how about an old-fashioned date this year? It's okay if you meet them on Tindr or Grindr, but if they're really cute, then insist on food and conversation! After all, there are only so many gay people in this world (and in Tulare), to be sure to give everyone a fair chance.
4. Teach people about LGBT issues!
Next time someone says something homophobic or insensitive around you, try teaching them the right words. I know, it's hard not to get mad! But that's the only way we can make a difference. And plus, it will make you look super mature and sophisticated. I promise :)
Happy New Years!
Love, Gay Tulare
Transgender Remembrance Day
Today we remember all the beautiful lives lost in the Trans Community, a very special and important part of the LGBTQ community here in the Central Valley.
We at Gay Tulare especially want to remember KC Haggard, the beautiful Fresno lady whose life was cut short by a terrible act of violence. May she be remembered lovingly by our community, and may her death remind us of the work that needs to be done to end trans violence.
Click here to watch KC's heartwarming vigil: KC Haggard Vigil
