Life

Trials and tribulations of our writers / contributors lives

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Coronavirus Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community

It has been nearly three weeks since the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) was confirmed in Fresno. Even with the shelter-in-place order in effect, the number of confirmed cases are rising. As of March 30, 2020, the Fresno County Department of Public Health has confirmed 53 positive cases (Galaviz, 2020). Health officials anticipate the number […]

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The Florida Holocaust Museum

When we were in St. Petersburg, Florida earlier this month we visited The Florida Holocaust Museum which is one of the largest such museums in the country. This year they are celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Their permanent exhibit, “History, Heritage and Hope” is on the first floor and features original artifacts, videos and photos. It

Four steps to buying your first home

Outgrown your rental? Tired of those dated appliances? And lets not even start on those neighbors partying upstairs at 2 a.m. on a Wednesday morning.You’re tired of renting and ready to buy your first home. Its scary and exciting. But where do you start?A home purchase is your biggest investment of your life. Lets talk

Some like it hot: Phoenix a bargain

Do you like paying just $89 for a luxury hotel? Then Phoenix is perfect for a summer trip. Try the Sheraton Grande at 340 N. 3rd in downtown Phoenix, complete with rooftop pool and bar. The Arizona Center outdoor shopping mall (complete with restaurants) is across the street. Other nearby downtown Phoenix hotels includes the

Four ideas for spring break getaways

It’s time to plan your spring and summer travel. Here are some ideas: Denver You can’t beat the mile-high city. I like the Warwick Hotel in trendy uptown. It offers free bikes and is just steps away from the bars and restaurants. Southwest, United, and Frontier airlines all fly from Indy to Denver. Starting April

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Should pets come along? Think it through

When making travel decisions, choose what is safest and most comfortable to your pet. For instance, unless you’ll be able to spend a lot of time with your dog, he’ll probably be happier at home than tagging along on your trip. As a rule, cats are almost always better off in their own home. But

Working through the stages: Friend’s death brings unexpected gift of personal renewal

With the publication of her book “On Death and Dying” in 1969, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross began a worldwide discussion about death and grief. The author presented her theory that people grieving the death of a loved one experience common emotional stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Dr. Kübler-Ross proposed these five stages of grief

The danger of hiding who you are

Morgana Bailey has been hiding her true self for 16 years. In a brave talk, she utters four words that might not seem like a big deal to some, but to her have been paralyzing. Why speak up? Because she’s realized that her silence has personal, professional and societal consequences.  

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A Gay Dad’s Requiem for Leelah Alcorn

I will never forget the stunning image of Matthew Shepard’s hate crime. A young beautiful human was beaten, tortured and left for dead in an unthinkable violation. It shocked me when I saw the images, and I was not alone. Matthew’s fate left and indelible impression that has become part of our collective culture to

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Be still, my “Rebel Heart”

Madonna is the Queen. No, seriously – she is the undisputed Queen. Let me explain… For starters, she’s sold over 300 million albums worldwide (more than any female artist) over her 32-year career. She’s the top-touring solo artist in history and those shows are sold out, critically acclaimed extravaganzas. She’s a billionaire…..I could go on