Life

Trials and tribulations of our writers / contributors lives

DoD changes rule regarding HIV positive military personnel

The Department of Justice has recently made policy changes that better support military members who are also HIV positive, prompted by a handful of lawsuits. A few pieces on the topic come from Advocate and Time Magazine.In the April 2024 issue of Advocate, Ryan Adamczeski wrote about how two military service members fought back against […]

What did you just say?

Oh no you didn’t! Or rather, yes my kid did! There are many things I am ready for in this world. With the joys of how fast the world is moving, I have even had to prepare myself for things I thought I did not have to think about for quite some time. For those

Kevin Caldwell, May 27th, 1961 – February 2nd, 2024

Kevin Thomas Caldwell, a former long time board member of Community Link, unexpectedly passed away on February 2nd, 2024 at age 62. He left behind his partner of nearly 24 years, Kirk, and is survived by his sister Maureen of Redding. Kevin was well known in Fresno’s LGBTQ+ community, as well as in leather and

Kern County Board of Education tables discussions on parental notification

The Kern County Board of Education voted to postpone the discussion of a parental notification policy at their monthly meeting, during which public comment time was reduced to one minute per speaker. Approximately 130 people, both supporters and opponents of the policy, attended the meeting. The proposed policy would require schools to inform parents of

This is life or death

Fresno resident Ashens Limon discovered his queer identity at the age of 10 but kept it hidden due to his religious Latino upbringing. He turned to online LGBTQ communities for support but faced loneliness and struggled with his mental health. At 10, he attempted suicide, leading to his coming out to his mother and seeking

Grindr used to target and rob more than 20 gay men

Derrick Patterson, a 24-year-old man from Compton, California, was charged with more than 30 counts of robbery, burglary, grand theft and assault after he allegedly used the hookup app Grindr to lure more than 20 gay men into dates that turned into robberies. Patterson allegedly used Grindr to contact his victims, who he then met

Half of gay and bi men have reduced their sexual activity because of monkeypox

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 98% of monkeypox cases detected since outbreaks emerged in May had been among men who have sex with men. He advised them to take action to protect themselves. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. It will often be accompanied

Leaving big shoes to fill

I was asked by the fine folks at Fresno Rainbow Pride to say a few words at Jeffery Robinson’s Celebration of Life service. The following is the speech I gave, edited slightly to make sense on paper vs in person. *****  I know so many people who looked up to Jeffery Robinson as a father

ACTIVIST. BRIDGE BUILDER. FRIEND.

My heart is full upon learning of the passing of Jeffery Robinson. We met 35 years ago as undergraduate students attending Fresno State. We uplifted each other after the Fresno State United Student Pride booth was burned, and later when the KKK protested our student club. During these and other incidents, Jeff inspired my social

The Reality of Transitioning: Where Society Struggles and the Internet Saves

One of the most frightening things someone can face in life is, arguably, experiencing a major life change blindly and alone. Whether that change affects your mental or physical health, your relationships, or perhaps your status in society, dealing with such an event can put a significant strain on you. Dozens of questions may surface