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Grammys Recap!
The stars were out on Sunday night at the 2019 Grammy Awards, where many stars stunned in vintage and new fashion outfits to laud musicians. Moreover, Lady Gaga, an unyielding LGBTQ Advocate, won two more awards for her performance in A Star is Born!
What shouldn't surprise us is that she keeps creating amazing music and film, but what shocked everyone was the sheer Gaga-less-ness of her outfit at the Grammys! She wore a toned-down silver dress with just enough edginess for the occasion.
Such cannot be said of Katy Perry, who wore something that resemples a hot-air balloon, and who should have stayed home Sunday night because of it. Miss Cardi B sure was present at the awards, sporting a gown from twenty years ago, which portrayed her as a pearl in an oyster surrounded by a flowing pink 'shell'; the modernity of the look stikes the viewer -- so 2019!
The awards were hosted by the stunning and consistent Alicia Keys, who kept things rolling nicely and reminds everyone why she has won over 15 Grammys herself! The stars certainly were shining brightly, including Kasey Musgraves, Donald Glover, and Brandi Carlile, who all won muliple prizes.
Rickey Martin and Janelle Monae both performed at this year's awards, adding to the LGBTQ representation and presence. Monae also produced one of the greatest albums of all time, displaying her amazing connection and similarity to Prince, who was her mentor. In the album Dirty Computer, she explored many relevant and engaging subjects while building on her personal sound and style!
Bob Mackie: LGBT Role Model
Bob Mackie is a designer of clothing for the likes of Cher, Joan Rivers and Judy Garland, just to name a few. He is a highly sought-after fashion icon who deserves recognition in his own right -- not to mention his epic partnership in love, and frequently in business, with Ray Aghayan.
Not very many people see Cher, and think how wonderful her designer must be. However, part of the magic of Bob Mackie is that he dresses the stars in a way that makes it feel natural, if not completely bonkers at the same time.
His partner, Aghayan, was a bigger name in fashion when Mackie began designing clothes for real. In fact, Aghayan hired his soon-to-bee-beau as an assistant, back when nobody had even heard of Mackie or his designs.
Both would later go on to take home the 1967 Emmy Award for their shared work in Alice Through the Looking Glass, the first time the Emmy's awarded a prize for costume design. Mackie is famous, or better yet infamous, for reportedly rejecting Cher's offer to design her costumes for one of her more recent tours.
However, with someone like Mackie, the truth always seems to be more about scheduling conflicts than drama, because even today, stars are honored to be dressed by this gay icon and legendary fashionisto.
Aghayan passed away at the age of 83 in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that included designing awe-inspiring costumes for films like Gaily, Gaily; Lady Sings the Blues and Funny Lady. Mackie runs his own label and not only makes all manner of dress, but also luggage and fragrances.
Coming out in the 60's is hard enough, but these two icons also broke down barriers and succeeded in their time and generations into the future. Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayah definitely quality as 'LGBT Role Models' & talented fashion warriors...
The Midterms Were So LGBTQ!
Midterm Recap: How'd we do?
The Midterm Elections provided an opportunity to engage civically in our government, for those who voted. Many of the elections across the country featured LGBTQ candidates for various state-wide polls.
So, how did the LGBTQ Community stack up? Well, it turns out we did pretty well. Even though there were both wins and losses across the board, we definitely saw some firsts and history made!
On the East Coast, Christine Hallquist became the first transgender nominee for governor of any state in the US. She ultimately lost to the incumbent in Vermont, but her run in the guber-natioral race showed that the LGBTQ Community has unlimited potential!
Kate Brown of Oregon and Jared Polis of Colorado will both be governors of their states come January, and both are part of the LGBTQ Community. Brown was re-elected in Oregon as a bi-sexual woman, and Polis was the first LGBT person elected to Congress and now is governor of his state.
Wow, so much progress! These LGBTQ candidates represent one of the important stories of the midterm elections. Congratulations to all the candidates trying to improve their country and respective region of the United States!
June: LGBTQ Pride Month!
June: LGBTQ Pride Month!
Each year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ Community celebrates pridefully with events and parades around the world. At these gatherings, which include Fresno Pride and Los Angeles Parade & Festival, community members and allies celebrate gains in LGBTQ Rights. This is also a time to enjpy live performances, like music and comedy.
For instance, in West Hollywood earlier this month, comedian Kathy Griffin received an achievement award to honor her LGBTQ advocacy, including raising over $10 million dollars toward HIV/AIDS organizations. She took the opportunity during her speech to advocate for a gay president in her lifetime, at which point she hilariously suggested this would lead to the "Lincoln Room", being that she has "paid her dues".
Wherever you are locarted, you can honor Pride Month by spreading positivity and love, in the name of the Queer Community. Whether or not you are a member of the LGBTQ Community, anyone can add to the festivities by spreading love and positivity, wherever!
June is an important month for the LGBTQ Community because it commemorates the Stonewall Riots, where our community first began to demand rights, respect. Not only is this a time to appreciate what we now have, but also to look to the future.
From gender-neutral restrooms to banning coversion therapy, there are many ways we can continue fighting for our Rights. So, feel free to join in -- it'll be a riot!
All content by Blaine Leal
Tulare Loses Jontel Reedom, Who Won On The Football Field -- and In Our Hearts
Jontell Reedom was a brother, a son, a teammate and, to this author, a fellow graduate of Tulare high schools, Class of 2009. As such, this author shares the grief of this tragic loss with the loved ones of Mr. Reedom.
To move forward productively, we can learn necessary lessons from this tragic incident, while offering support where immediately needed. To remember Jontell properly, we ought to support loved ones, promote mental health awareness and properly investigate the circumstances surrounding his passing.
As our community has navigated this difficult time, it has become clear that Mr. Reedom was a beloved community member. He was a football star in high school, where he was recruited by top universities like USC, among others. He was also an attendee of Tulare schools from an early age, according to former classmates. Jontell is survived by siblings, who are currently gathering donations on GoFundMe.com (https://www.gofundme.com/burial-expense-for-jontell-reedom) for funeral and hospital expenses.
In the wake of this tragedy, family and friends of Jontell Reedom have asked that mental health awareness be increased and prioritized. Under the slogan, 'Treat the ill, not kill the ill', they have asked for 24-hour treatment facilities and increased counseling services in general. This is their chosen legacy, and government and non-profit organizations have the impetus and responsibility to follow Mr Reedom's example: to catch the pass from his loved ones, and run far with it.
Lastly, we must call upon the proper supervising authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding his death. In doing so, the proper designees would allow the people of Tulare, and Jontell Reedom's family in particular, to receive proper clarity and closure. As a professional in the field of criminal justice, this author recognizes the importance of open and accountable processes. Without a preconceived outcome determined, an unbiased investigation is a route to understanding in this heretofore confusing and saddening situation.
Jontell Reedom will be remembered forever as a son, brother, teammate, classmate. His smile reverberates across social media today, as an expression of a young man's love and joy. The grief and loss that we feel can spur us to action in order to remember him properly. LGBT Tulare offers its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Jontell Reedom.
LGBT Tulare
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
