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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
LGBTQ Rights in Trump Era
LGBTQ Rights in the Era of Trump
In the Era of Trump, it is extremely dizzying. One policy move after another, we strive to thrive in our environment, but are often resigned to survive.
There is a need to understand how these changes impact our Community, in order to stay informed. This need is amplified if you are a minority: a person of color, a woman or an LGBTQ individual.
On the lines below, I outline the impact of the Trump Administration on the LGBTQ Community, policy-wise. I am as accurate and concise as possible, as well as somewhat sarcastic. ;)
Factual?
- Mike Pence is given a global platform, which is problematic considering his stances against LGBTQ Rights.
- Trump deletes LGBTQ portion of White House website, which hurts a lot of young people who rely on websites for credibility and information.
- Trump claims that the Transgender Community is barred from serving in the Military. This does not appear to hold up legally, logically or literally.
- Many bathroom bills fall apart in State Congresses for some unknown reason. Across the nation, these crappy bills are in the shredder, where they belong.
- The President increasingly caters to the Evangelical Base, which makes LGBTQ Folks like this author very shifty-eyed and nervous — catlike
Funny?
- Gar bars see hike in overall patronage!
- “Mike Pence” becomes trending in nothing!
- Everyone sees him for the asshole he really is!
- Early 80’s mentality of fear and assumed-reproach reemerges!
- Along with great coping skills related to Scream-O and Aquanet!
These are some sobering facts; however, please remember, the LGBTQ Community is awesome and there are many, many examples of this. Besides, you are particularly awesome!
If you're feeling depressed and/or experiencing self-harm ideation, please reference the Health Resources Tab on this website regarding 24-hour hotlines.
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
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
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
