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Chapter Leader's Poetry
The Chapter Leader of LGBTQ Tulare, Blaine Leal, has recently released his first book of poetry, having earned a B.A. in English from Cal Poly. Many of the themes discussed are LGBTQ-related, and several narrative scenes take place in and around Tulare.
This 'chapbook' of poetry has been in-the-works for about five years, or since 2013. Along the way, Blaine has gained new ideas and a different perspective, providing an excellent background for a booklet of thoughtful and imaginative poems.
Several of the poems allude to contemporary social issues, such as climate change and the criminal justice system. Others are more personal, including those about the author's artistic process, inner dialogue and motivations.
Within these poems, which include 'Wells', 'Eclipse', and 'Fashion Show', the reader is taken on a rhythmic journey of learning, self-discovery and imagination. As the chapbook unfolds, the topics become increasingly potent and relevant; hence, the final two poems are 'Complex Sentences' and 'War, On The Rocks', two poems about important contemporary social and political issues. This poetry collection gradually unveils different pieces of the puzzle that make this author, Blaine Leal, an 'America(n)'.
Blaine's poetry chapbook is available on Amazon Direct Publishing for five dollars, and can be found by clicking here.
All content by Blaine Leal
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
Cambridge Manipula?
Cambridge Analytica: Research or Manipulation?
LGBTQ individuals need to be vigilant about how extremists vote; it matters because we are often targets of their bullying campaigns. And this begs the question, Did Cambridge Analytica simply appeal to Americans' baser instincts, or are they manipulators?
Cambridge Analytica has reported using various tactics to influence voters, including through advertising campaigns, social media research and mischaracterizing political opponents. Although this may chafe against voters’ self-perception as autonomous decision-makers, it does not necessarily deviate from traditional campaign practices. Right?
Wrong. When the full scope and extent of Cambridge Analytica’s endeavors in the 2016 Presidential Election are considered, it is apparent that this Company; manipulated the populace; violated our privacy; and deceptively characterized Hillary Clinton.
First, Cambridge Analytica focused attention on psychological factors of Americans, rather than any specific plan for the country besides opportunism for themselves. This is a clear indicator that they were interested only in the manipulation of the citizenry — that’s us! By pin-pointing vulnerabilities and specific insecurities, this Company demonstrated the same behavior as any abusers and manipulator, they encouraged weakness instead of strength. They tried tearing us down.
Rather than Analytica manipulating us based on our identities and maximizing our perceived vulnerabilities, perhaps that could avoided crossing the line from opposition research to manipulation, but they didn’t. Instead, by gathering important information from Facebook Users and FB Friends, they failed to gain proper permission. This represents a massive breach of the electoral process.
Lastly, Cambridge Analytica trespassed into the grounds of apparent manipulation by crossing ethical boundaries when characterizing Hillary Clinton dishonestly. Rather than revealing anything significant about her, they lowered themselves to artificial claims with cheap YouTube effects. They sent out chain emails and random guilt trips to elect Donald Trump. This Company is an organization whose leaders demonstrate a willingness to deceive and defame in order to turn the minds of the People.
They crossed the line to manipulation, thus attempting to degrade the democratic institution that will eventually rise again. Thus, those in positions of power and influence have harvested our data, used it against us, and lied about a legitimate candidate.
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
