LGBTQIA+ Resource Guide

A Community Manual for Local & National Queer Resources

RC Faculty Allies & Members

Coming out isn't an easy thing to do - even today, you can never be sure who it's safe to come out to without the fear of judgment or rejection by people who aren't accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. While we can't guarantee a safe and healthy coming-out experience for everyone, we are here to help with a list of allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community at Reedley College. All the people on this list are safe people to come out to and won't have any judgment or rejection to offer you if you do, and we've also included their contact information if you want a friendly chat with some of them. For people who would prefer to speak to an ally or member of the community specifically, we have also listed them as such according to their self-identified status.

However, please keep in mind that you don't have an obligation to come out to anyone if you don't feel comfortable doing so. Coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is an individual journey in which everyone goes at their own pace, and just because some people have come out doesn't mean you have to. But if you are prepared to come out and want to talk to somebody, here is a list of allies and members of the community at Reedley College for you to do just that!

 

Beth MurdockBeth Murdock (She/Her/Hers)

 

Ruby Marin-duranRuby Marin-Duran (She/Her/Hers)

 

Dale Van Dam

Dale Van Dam (he/him/his)


 


Stephanie Doyle

Stephanie Doyle (she/her/hers)



 

Heather Paul

Heather Paul (She/Her/Hers)

 

Kate Watts

Kate Watts (She/Her/Hers)

 

Shannon Solis

Shannon Solis (she/her/hers)

 

Karen Marks

Karen Marks (She/Her)

 

Kimberly Mullins

Kimberly Mullins (She/Her/Hers)

 

todd-davis.jpgDr. G. Todd Davis (He/Him/His)

 

Anya Connelly

Anya Connelly (She/They)

  • Anya identifies as a member of the community and, as an educator, also identifies as an ally.
  • Position / Department: English Faculty
  • Email Address:anya.connelly@reedleycollege.edu

 

Julie KehoeJulie Kehoe (She/Her/Hers)

  • Julie identifies as an ally of the community.
  • Position / Department: Mathematics Faculty / Computer Science, Engineering, & Math department
  • Email Address: julie.kehoe@reedleycollege.edu

 

Deb Borofka

Deb Everson Borofka (She/Her/Hers)

  • Deb identifies as a member of the community and, as an educator, also identifies as an ally.
  • Position / Department: RWC Coordinator, English Faculty
  • Email Address: deb.borofka@reedleycollege.edu

 

Darlene Murray

Darlene Murray (She/Her/Hers)

  • Darlene identifies as an ally of the community.
  • Position / Department: Student Equity Coordinator, Student Services Department
  • Email Address: darlene.murray@reedleycollege.edu

Lori Levine

Lori Levine (She/Her/Hers)

Itzel Carbajal-Cuevas

Itzel Carbajal-Cuevas (She/They)

  • Itzel identifies as a member of the community.
  • Position / Department: Safe Space Officer

 

 

Leslie Rivera

Leslie Rivera (He/They)

  • Itzel identifies as a member of the community.
  • Position / Department: Safe Space Officer



     

Allie KenyonAllie Kenyon (She/Her/Hers)

 

Reedley College Services

Reedley College also offers a myriad of services to help its' students from the tutorial centers or health services on campus. Here is a list of these services and the contact information so students may get connected with whatever kind of help they need!

Tiger Pantry

The Tiger Pantry offers non-perishable food items, personal toiletries, fresh produce and vegetables, and school supplies. This is made possible by donations and a collaboration with the Community Food Bank. It is available to all currently enrolled Reedley College students. It is located in the Student Center Room 103 (the former Game Room).

Visit the Tiger Pantry

Homelessness Liaison

The Homelessness Liaison can help you get connected to a support program on campus and provide information about the Reedley College dorms. The liaison will also help you get connected to Fresno County Resources to find local homeless shelters.

Financial Aid Office

The Financial Aid Office at Reedley College is comprised of dedicated financial aid professionals committed to serving students by providing them information to secure the financial resources to pay for their education.

  • Contact
    • In Person Services: One Stop Student Services Center – Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm in the Student Center
    • Phone: 559-494-3012
    • Email: reedley.financialaid@reedleycollege.edu
    • Mail Forms To: Reedley College
      • Attn: Financial Aid Department
      • 995 N. Reed Avenue
      • Reedley, CA 93654
      • FAFSA School Code: 001308
    • Hours
      • Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Scholarship Applications

Scholarships are a financial resource provided by local businesses, community groups, alumni, and a variety of private sources. The funds help to assist students in paying for their higher education expenses. Unlike loans, they do not have to be paid back. Reedley College provides an application for students to apply for a variety of scholarships through one complete application that is applied to several scholarships, increasing a student’s chances of earning one.

Career and Employment Center

The Career & Employment Center (CEC) offers career and employment services in which students and alumni receive one-on-one counseling and coaching. Whether you are an undeclared major, interested in a change of major, looking for a job, or in need of a resume, our dedicated staff are eager to help.

  • Contact
    • In Person Services: Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm in FEM – Room 1
    • Online Services: Available through Zoom
    • Phone: 559-494-3543
    • Email: cec@reedleycollege.edu
  • Services Offered:
    • Job Search, Internships, & Resume Development
    • Career Exploration
    • Employers

TRIO – Student Support Programs & Centers

Student Support Services provides academic support and guidance to help Reedley College students meet the challenges in obtaining a certificate, a degree, and transferring to a four-year college.

Health and Psychological Services

Health Services is a nurse-run clinic available to currently enrolled students. The College Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing assessment and treatment for acute illnesses and injuries, preventative screening services, health education, and medical referrals to local health care providers.

Psychological services is a program designed to meet mental health needs of the college community in Reedley. These services are available at no charge to students and assist in the promotion of healthy emotion and psychological responses. Psychological services include 4-6 confidential counseling sessions for college students. Care is provided by a clinical psychologist and supervised graduate interns.

Community & National LGBTQ+ Resources

In addition to the support services offered at Reedley College, there are a number of resources specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals locally in the community and at the national level. We have included the information for many of these resources for students to contact if necessary as well as a brief explanation of what it is for (for example, The Trevor Project is specifically aimed at aiding the mental health of LGBTQ+ adolescents). For more information, please view the website link attached to each resource!

LGBTQ+ Resource Center by Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission

The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) is a Community Action Organization that seeks to fight poverty, increase self-sufficiency, and build stronger communities within Fresno County. The LGBTQ+ Resource Center is a branch of the Fresno EOC that serves the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people within Fresno County; services include access to resources, virtual peer support groups, referrals to outside help, advocacy, case management, housing needs assessment, and trauma-informed care.

  • Visit Fresno EOC Website 
  • LGBTQ+ Resource Center
    • Address: 1252 Fulton St, Fresno CA 93721
    • Phone number (call or text): (559) 325-4527
  • Fresno EOC Executive Office
    • Address: 1920 Mariposa Street, Suite 300, Fresno CA 93721
    • Phone number: (559) 263-1000

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is a large nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing suicide in LGBTQ+ youth. Some of their resources include 24/7 crisis services, peer support, research, public education, and advocacy for/about LGBTQ+ individuals. Their crisis services involve 24/7 crisis counseling via phone, text, and chat, and their research has included national surveys, briefs & reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles.

Fresno Spectrum Center by the PRIDE Panthers Coalition

The Fresno Spectrum Center is a resource and community center that is a project of the PRIDE Panthers Coalition in Fresno that advocates against bullying, discrimination, victimization, and harassment of LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and children of same-sex parent households.

  • Address: LGBT Resource and Community Center, 2101 N. Fruit Ave Fresno, CA 93705
  • Phone Number: 559-319-8471

Courage California

Courage California believes that California must be a beacon of progressive, equitable, and truly representative democracy … By providing the information, resources and infrastructure Californians need to hold their elected officials accountable, Courage California is fighting for a California that works for all of us … Driven by our members and partnerships throughout the state, Courage California actively calls out institutional corruption and oppression, improves coordination and collaboration between progressive organizations, and demands that state and local representatives be accountable to and reflective of the Californians they seek to serve.

  • Address: 7119 West Sunset Boulevard, No. 215
    • Los Angeles, California 90046
  • Contact Info
    • Phone: (323) 205-5154
    • Email: info@couragecalifornia.org

Equality California

Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.

  • Address
    • Los Angeles Office: 3701 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 725
      • Los Angeles, CA 90010
      • Phone: (323) 848-9801
      • Fax: (323) 848-9246
    • Other Offices: Sacramento, San Francisco, Orange County, Washington D.C.

Freedom To Marry Global

Freedom to Marry Global partners with campaigns to advance marriage for same-sex couples, human rights, and LGBT acceptance around the world. We offer support, coaching, and lessons learned in all facets of campaigning and organizing – including strategy, messaging, digital, coalition management, and more. These lessons on ‘how to win’ are also applicable to causes and organizations beyond LGBT and beyond marriage.

Geeks OUT

Geeks OUT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that seeks to rally, promote, and empower the queer geek community. We do so by organizing events, attending conventions, coordinating queer spaces at other events, launching advocacy campaigns, and producing Flame Con – the world’s largest LGBTQ comics and pop culture convention.

The Source LGBT+ Center (Visalia)

Our mission is to provide spaces within our communities for the LGBTQ+ population to learn, grow, belong, transform, question and support.

  • Visit The Source LGBT+ Center Website
  • Phone Number: (559) 429-4277
  • Hours: Client Services are offered Monday - Friday 10 am to 6 pm. The Center is open after hours for groups.
  • Email: info@thesourcelgbt.org

CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers

Serving over 270 LGBTQ community centers across the country in 45 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, as well as centers in Canada, China, and Australia, CenterLink assists newly forming community centers and helps strengthen existing LGBTQ centers, through networking opportunities for center leaders, peer-based technical assistance and training, and a variety of capacity building services.

LGBT National Help Center

Offers confidential peer support connections for LGBT youth, adults, and seniors, including phone, text, and online chat.

  • Visit Online
  • Services Offered: National Hotline (all ages), National Youth Talkline, LGBT National Senior Hotline, Online Peer Support Chat, Weekly Youth Chatrooms, LGBT Near Me
  • Mailing Address: LGBT National Help Center, 2261 Market Street, #296, San Francisco, CA 94114
  • Phone Numbers
    • Administrative Phone: (415) 355-0003
    • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
    • LGBT National Youth Talkline:1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743)
    • LGBT National Senior Talkline: 1-888-234-7243
LGBT Switchboard of New York: 212-989-0999

The National Center for Transgender Equality

Offers resources for transgender individuals, including information on the right to access health care.

  • Visit the Trans Equality Webpage
  • Services Offered: Health Coverage Guide, ID Documents Center, Transgender Legal Services Network, Action Center, Annual Report, U.S. Trans Survey
  • Address: 1032 15th St NW, Suite 199, Washington D.C. 20005
  • Phone Number: (202) 642-4542
  • Email: ncte@transequality.org

SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline

We make aging better for LGBTQ+ people nationwide. How? We show up and speak out for the issues that matter to us. We teach. We answer your calls. We connect—generations, each other, allies. We win. And together, we celebrate.”

  • Visit the Sage National LGBT Website
  • Services Offered:
    • Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders
    • HIV & Aging Policy Action Coalition (HAPAC)
    • Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI)
    • National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging
    • National LGBTQ+ Housing Initiative
    • NYC SAGE Centers
    • SAGECare Cultural Competency Training
    • SAGEConnect
    • SAGE Cents
    • SAGE Hotline

Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE)

Delivers educational and support resources for LGBTQ individuals, as well as promotes competency on LGBTQ issues for counseling professionals.

  • Visit Saige Counseling Online
  • Services Offered: Language Matters Campaign, Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, SAIGE News newsletter, LGBTQGEQIAP+ Knowledgeable Therapists, Loud & Queerly Podcast
  • Contact:
    • Membership: membership@saigecounseling.org
    • Public Policy: publicpolicy@saigecounseling.org
    • Upcoming Trainings: education@saigecounseling.org
    • To run in the election for a SAIGE Board position: president-elect@saigecounseling.org
    • Questions about website: technology@saigecounseling.org

Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

  • Visit Trans Lifeline Online
  • Services Offered:
    • Resources for: Aging, Anti-Racism & Not Relying on Police, Coming Out, Community-Based Crisis Support, Disability, Domestic Violence, Immigration Detention and Undocumented Support, Legal Transition, Mental Health & Community Wellness, Mutual Aid Funds & Public Assistance, Self Care and Emotional Support, Sex Work, Shelter & Housing, Social Transition, etc.
  • Mailing Address: 548 Market St., PMB 15337, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401
  • Phone Numbers:
    • Trans Lifeline Administrative Office: (510) 771-1417
    • US Hotline: +18775658860
    • Canada: +18773306366

Intersectionality

Kimberle Williams-CrenshawKimberle Williams Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” in 1989. It refers to the experiences of people based on their identities, such as sex, gender, race / ethnicity, class, ability, etc. For example, a Black lesbian and a White lesbian share the identities of being lesbian women but will have different experiences related to discrimination when it comes to their race. Intersectionality is about understanding how people’s interacting identities produce privilege, and therefore, discrimination and oppression. If more people were to understand intersectionality and how it works, Crenshaw believes that we would have a more equitable society.

The “intersectionality wheel” pictured here is a representation of what intersectionality means - based on differing characteristics, someone may experience different forms of discrimination based on those characteristics. The bottom of the wheel shows the people in minority populations - for example, people who are heterosexual are more common than people who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, so heterosexual people may have more power (or, as shown by the wheel, domination) over those who are part of the community.

Intersectionality chartThere are some more obvious forms of discrimination that the wheel shows, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia, but there are less common ones that this wheel presents as well. One example of this is Eurocentrism, which is a form of discrimination against people with non-European heritage, and ableism, which is discrimination against people for having disabilities. Intersectionality is an important thing to remember when interacting with other people, because someone may be doubly discriminated against because of several of these factors; for example, a black woman who has a disability will be discriminated against because she is both black, a woman, and a person with a disability.

Flag References

As members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community, an important thing to do is know what all the flags are! While the rainbow flag usually is meant to be an "umbrella" flag for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, there are more specific flags for each of the different sexual orientations and gender identities.

Here’s What the Different LGBTQIA+ Flags Represent | Hey BU Blog - Boston University

LGBTQ+ Pride Flags and Their Meanings - Oprah Daily

LGBTQ+ Definitions

  • Androgynous: A person who has both masculine and feminine characteristics, which sometimes means you can't easily distinguish that person's gender. It can also refer to someone who appears female, but who adopts a style that is generally considered masculine.
  • Binary: The concept of dividing sex or gender into two clear categories. Sex is male or female, gender is masculine or feminine. Additionally, the concept of intersectionality deals a lot with dis-establishing binaries and understanding that things like sexual orientation and gender identity is a spectrum rather than two clear-cut ideas.
  • Cisgender: A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned with at birth.
  • Deadname: The name that a transgender person was assigned at birth but no longer uses; “deadnaming” refers to the action of saying that name.
  • Drag Kings & Drag Queens: People, some who are straight and/or cisgender, who perform either masculinity or femininity as a form of art.
  • Gay: A type of sexual orientation used to describe someone who is emotionally, romantically, and/or sexually attracted to people of the same sex, most commonly used among men who are attracted to other men. However, this term can also be used to describe a woman who is attracted to other women, or as an umbrella term for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Gender: The label assigned to people based on their sex characteristics. The term "gender stereotypes" or “gender role” refers to the ways in which people act and behave based on their sex.
  • Gender Dysphoria: The psychological distress that can occur when a person’s gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned with at birth that is common among non-cisgender people.
  • Gender-Expansive: An umbrella term used to refer to people who don't identify with traditional gender roles.
  • Gender Expression: How someone expresses their gender identity, such as through clothing, hair, the manner in which someone speaks, etc.
  • Gender Identity: A person’s internal, deeply held knowledge of their own gender. One’s gender identity can be the same as or different than the sex they were assigned as at birth.
  • Lesbian: Someone who identifies as a woman who is emotionally, romantically, and/or sexually attracted to other women.
  • LGBTQ: LGBTQ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning. In recent years, the acronym has also expanded to different forms such as LGBTQIA, LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA+, or others. The I stands for intersex and the A most commonly stands for asexual, but can also refer to aromantic, agender, or ally. The plus sign stands for all other forms of sexualities and gender identities that have not been defined yet.
  • Misgendering: Referring to someone in a way that does not correctly reflect their gender identity, typically by using incorrect pronouns.
  • Neopronouns: Words created to be used as pronouns but which are gender neutral, such as ze/zir/zirs, ve/vir/vis, and/or e/em/eir, among others.
  • Pronouns: A word used instead of a noun often to refer to a person without using their name, which can be reflective of their gender identity. The most commonly-used pronouns are she/her/hers, he/him/his, and/or they/them/theirs.
  • Queer: This term used to be a derogatory slur against members of the LGBTQ+ community, but the community has reclaimed the word and is now an umbrella term to describe the ways in which people reject binary categories of gender and sexual orientation to express who they are.
  • Sex: The label people are assigned at birth with according to their anatomical features, chromosomes, and hormones.
  • Sexual Orientation: This refers to the description of a person’s physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to others, such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, etc. Not to be used interchangeably with the phrase “sexual preference,” which implies that sexual orientation is a choice and/or can be changed. According to Ryan Watson, a professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Connecticut, sexual orientation consists of three parts: identity, behavior, and attraction – however, these may not all be the same for all people.

Community Pride Events & Organizations

Fresno County and Reedley College are proud to have a wide variety of events & organizations for people in the LGBTQ+ community and its' allies. Here is a list of various events that the community has had in the past & groups available in the community for people to get involved with!

Reedley College Safe Space

The organization's purpose is to provide Reedley College students a safe place to relax and to be able to fully express themselves without fear of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identification, cultural background, religious affiliation, physical or mental ability. We also seek to Advocate, Educate, and Celebrate the diversity of the Reedley College student body at large.

Reedley College Annual Pride Brunch 

This year, Reedley College held its' first annual Pride Brunch celebrating members of the LGBTQ+ community! The event had a wide array of singers and creative writers to showcase their amazing talents, and students had an opportunity to make new friends, play frisbee, make chalk art, and relax with some yoga! The event was a HUGE success and we look forward to having the event again next year.

Deb Borofka at Pride BrunchRC Pride Brunch GroupRC Pride Brunch Flyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Fresno Reel Pride

In addition to these events, Fresno has hosted Fresno Reel Pride for 32 years, which is an annual LGBTQ+ film festival that last year also included an exhibit for viewing art made by people in the community and where people could learn about the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Fresno. Last year, the films included Ma Belle, My Beauty by director Marion Hill, No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics by director Vivian Kleiman, and Carlos López Estrada's Summertime.

Fresno Rainbow Pride

Every year, Fresno also hosts Fresno Rainbow Pride to celebrate Pride Month and members of the LGBTQ+ community.  

Additionally, here is an announcement from the website regarding this year's event:
We are excited to see you all on Saturday June 3rd 2023 in Fresno's Tower District for our 33rd annual Parade kicking off at 10am. Please take note our shuttle service that will transport you to this year's festival site, located at Fresno City College. We strongly suggest that you park at FCC as all parking will be deemed free for the day of.

Fresno Pride