Life

Trials and tribulations of our writers / contributors lives

joseph-rodriguez

Beauty in the 21st Century

Beauty is a hybrid of qualities, such as shape, color, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses, meaning sight. Beauty consists of an alteration of oneself. Based on the environment we live in, we attempt to fit into the mold that is held in front of us. My attempt at beauty came with the decision […]

Finances in Focus

It probably doesn’t happen as much as you’d like, but from time to time, you have some extra disposable income. When this happens, how should you use the funds? Assuming you have adequate emergency savings — typically, three to six months’ worth of living expenses — should you pay off debts or fund your IRA

Christian’ Family’s Terrifying Response to Son Coming Out

A video that alleges to show a self-proclaimed Christian family’s reaction to their son, “Daniel,” coming out offers a chilling first-hand look at the violence and rejection that can result when parents don’t accept their child’s sexual orientation. The video, which claims to be secretly recorded on what appears to be a cell phone, captures

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Before and After Gay

Coming out is a right of passage for gay men and women — an experience as nearly universal as it is unique for each person. The process invariably began with the moment where the journey from self-discovery to self-awareness finally coalesces in self-acceptance and the readiness to speak the words. It began the first time

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One Surrogate’s Journey

It all started back in 2006. My son was a year-and-a-half old and I knew that he’d be our only child. I was fine with this—I’d only ever wanted one child. What I wasn’t prepared for was the desire to be pregnant again. My pregnancy wasn’t perfect. It had its ups and downs, but overall

Memorial of Blue Elijah Riggs

Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of Blue Elijah Riggs, B.S.W. 53, of Emmett, Idaho, formerly of Fresno, died Friday. A long time Transgender LGBT activist in Fresno and part of the original founding of Trans-E-Motion and leader in United Student Pride at Fresno State. A service/memorial is being planned in his honor,

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Caterer Who Discriminated Against Gay Couple Could Escape Consequences

A California caterer who refuse to serve a gay couple for their wedding might be small enough to avoid any consequences. On Top Magazine reports: A California catering business that refused to serve a gay couple might be small enough to avoid the state’s anti-discrimination laws… Zimmerman’s catering company, Janet Zimmerman Catering, operates mainly on

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5 Reasons Being an Orthodox Rabbi Compelled Me to Support Gay Marriage

I am coming out of the closet. I am an Orthodox rabbi and an advocate for gay marriage. The history of the theological issue is complicated, but the moral issue is increasingly clear. Faith leaders must stand as public allies; private support is no longer enough. Fifteen states and counting have formally approved marriage equality.

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It Always Involves the Bathroom

“Jim Crow states passed statutes severely regulating social interactions between the races,” states a Web page for the Ferris State University’s Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia. “Jim Crow signs were placed above water fountains, door entrances and exits, and in front of public facilities. There were separate hospitals for blacks and whites, separate prisons,