Opinion

How Trump’s Doublespeak Threatens Freedom and Democracy

Several years ago, during Trump’s first term I was talking to a friend about the Masterpiece Cake shop case (in which a baker was sued for refusing to provide services to same sex couples). This friend is not a Trump supporter, but also doesn’t follow politics that closely and wasn’t aware of the issues involved. […]

What a second Trump presidency means for our community

As the mail-in ballots come in and disturb our sense of peace regarding this presidential race and all it entails, what does it mean for our community if there is a second Trump presidency? How might our lives change, and what could our communities look like, if, after we close our eyes while votes are

Dave Chapelle’s The Dreamer: Hatred without Significance

The latest comedy special from Dave Chapelle, The Dreamer, has only brought more of what is already known about himself to the limelight. Concerning his jabs against the transgender community, he stated, “It wasn’t worth the trouble. I ain’t saying shit about them. Maybe three or four times tonight, but that’s it. I’m tired of

Togetherness: The Chosen Family Holiday Party

Amidst the twinkling lights and holiday cheer, there’s often a hidden truth for many in the LGBTQ+ community: the holidays can be bittersweet. Family dynamics, societal pressures, and isolation can cast a shadow on what’s supposed to be a season of joy. That’s why we created the Chosen Family Holiday Party, an event that not

On Privacy and “Parental Rights”: The Wave of Forced Outing in California School Districts

“The forced outing policy wrongfully endangers the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of non-conforming students who lack an accepting environment in the classroom and at home.” – Rob Bonta (CA Attorney General) On July 20, the Chino Valley Unified School District–representing nearly 26,000 students–passed a bill mandating schools to notify parents of any pronoun or

The Importance of Raising the Pride Flag

Pride month is a time of celebration–a month of inclusion, diversity, and hope for millions. Yet something as minor as hanging up a pride flag has recently become a point of contention. Some politicians can’t even let the community have that. This year, Orange County declared that no Pride flags can be flown outside of

Diane Pearce and the LGBTQ+ Community

Florida bans LGBTQ content in schools. Virginia follows suit. Tennessee bans gender-affirming care for children. But now this legacy has hit all too close to home–in our very state of California. Diane Pearce is a City Councilmember in the city of Clovis in Fresno County. In June 2023, she posted the following on her Facebook,

Miranda Sings/Colleen Ballinger: An LGBTQ Perspective

With a mix of terrible singing, questionable fashion sense, and a lot of humor, you get cultural icon Miranda Sings. Yet with the recent allegations surrounding the problematic practices throughout her career, it’s only fitting we analyze the element of homophobia as well. In March 2020, Miranda Sings (whose real name is Colleen Ballinger) announced

Ron DeSantis gives a speech in support of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. ABC7 Associated Press.

“Don’t Say Gay.” Should Kids Be Exposed to LGBTQ+ Matters?

June 26, 2023 9:20PM PDT “Protect Children. Support Parents.” It’s only four words, yet schools in Florida can now be sued for anything remotely related to the LGBTQ+ community. All it takes is one parent. One complaint. In May 2023, Jenna Barbee was under state investigation for showing “Strange World,” a Disney-animated, PG movie emphasizing

LGBTQ State of Emergency

This year, Pride is overshadowed by a somber atmosphere. As the LGBTQ+ community commemorates Pride Month, we face a concerted and malevolent legislative assault. Since 2018, there has been a noticeable surge in anti-LGBTQ+ bills, and the trend has recently escalated, making the 2023 state legislative year the worst on record. According to the Human