Politics

Political articles/news from local authors

Gavin Newsom shocks LGBTQ allies

Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent pronouncements on transgender athletes, aired on his new podcast “This Is Gavin Newsom,” have thrust him into a contentious national debate, revealing a stark departure from his previously staunch advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. In a conversation with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Newsom conceded that the participation of transgender athletes in girls’ […]

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‘Snitch Line’ Introduced to Monitor LGBTQ+ Support in Schools

The Trump administration’s efforts to politicize the Department of Education escalated on Thursday with the unveiling of what critics are calling a “tip line” — an online portal encouraging students, parents, and school staff to report what it describes as “unlawful discriminatory practices” in educational institutions. According to the Department of Education (DOE), the submissions

Trump spars with governor over transgender athletes

President Donald Trump clashed with Maine Governor Janet Mills at a White House meeting Friday over his threat to cut federal funding to the state for allowing transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports. “We’ll see you in court,” Mills told Trump, who responded, “Good, I look forward to that. And enjoy your life after

Local Leaders Align with Trump’s Rhetoric, Distort the Facts on Immigration and DEI

Three Fresno Republican officials—Supervisors Nathan Magsig and Garry Bredefeld, and Sheriff John Zanoni—are aligning with Trump’s rhetoric while avoiding the full weight of his controversial policies. Trump’s hardline stances on immigration and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may not play well in the diverse Central Valley, but these officials are adopting his divisive language and

Stonewall Rewritten: The Erasure of Trans History

References to transgender and queer people were removed Thursday from the National Park Service website for the Stonewall National Monument, a site honoring the 1969 uprising that helped spark the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The changes follow President Donald Trump’s executive order redefining sex as strictly male or female. Words like “transgender” and “queer” were deleted,

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.

Bishop’s Inaugural Sermon Appeals to President Trump for Empathy and Inclusion

Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a powerful sermon during the inaugural prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, challenging President Donald Trump’s policies that target marginalized communities, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ Americans. Addressing Trump directly, Budde urged compassion for those living in fear: “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in families of all political

Leaving the Door Open: Nick Richardson’s More Attentive Approach to Politics

Nick Richardson, a Republican candidate for Fresno City Council’s District 6, advocates honesty and respectful campaigning, distancing himself from negative politics and lifetime politicians. He faced challenges, including losing endorsements after engaging with diverse groups and responding to LGBTQ surveys, yet remains committed to his principles, emphasizing government should not dictate personal lives.

Newsom signs first-in-nation bill banning schools’ transgender notification policies

In a landmark move to protect and support LGBTQ+ students, California has enacted Assembly Bill 1955 (AB 1955), known as the “Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth (SAFETY) Act.” Signed into law on July 15, 2024, by Governor Gavin Newsom, this groundbreaking legislation underscores California’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive educational

LGBT Community Network (and LGBTQ Fresno) join in support of AB 3031, SB 1491 and SB 957

On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we are writing in support of AB 3031 (Lee and Low), which will establish a statewide LGBTQ+ Commission that represents California’s diverse LGBTQ+ community and shines a light on the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ people face. The Commission will play an important role in formulating statewide policy impacting all