Posts Tagged as "lgbt"

Profile in Community: Creating a Legacy of Change in Merced

June 28, 2017 /

Above: Alex Carrillo may be a recent transplant to Merced but he’s already leaving his mark on the city–making the most vulnerable communities feel seen and heard. Read More

Coming Out as Trans and Finding a Role Model in Myself

June 15, 2017 /

Above: Just like the beautiful sunset amidst a storm, Alice’s story is about finding beauty in the life you’re living no matter what. Read More

Bullying does not End in High School

March 15, 2017 /

I remember standing in front of half the entire school and saying, “my name is Nathan Lopez and I am gay and I’m against bullying.” The guest speaker stopped me midway and said I was very brave for sharing this and after she said that I remember everyone started applauding and cheering. That day I wanted to make a change, so I stood up for myself. Unfortunately, I’m now 22 and I still deal with bullying. I still see bullying.

Dear Mom, I Need You

June 30, 2016 /

I believe no child should grow up feeling unwanted, unsupported,or rejected by a parent. I do not want any person to go through what I have endured in my lifetime. I’ve known my entire life that I am different, and I've accepted it, but knowing my mom does not has really hurt me.

What It’s Like to Grow Up Queer and Purepecha

June 29, 2016 /

The Purepecha are an indigenous group from the Mexican state of Michoacan. Ardent Roman Catholics, they are known for their artwork, including ceramics and woodwork. There are about 2000 Purepecha living in the Coachella Valley, mostly in Duros and Chicanitas, two trailer camps on the Torres Martinez reservation. Many work in the surrounding fields and speak little to no Spanish or English.

President of Gay-Straight Alliance Speaks Out on Mental Illness

November 9, 2015 /

In Brenner’s experience, there are a lot of people who see depression as simply being in a bad mood. They don’t realize that depression is a diagnosable and treatable condition. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, mood disorders like depression are the third most common reason for hospitalization among youth and adults between the ages of 18 and 44.

Aging Trans People Locked Out of U.S. Health Care System

November 9, 2015 /

In fact, studies have confirmed that transgender older adults suffer far higher levels of depression, disability and loneliness than nontransgender older adults. Seventy-one percent of transgender older adults have contemplated taking their own lives, compared with just 3.7 percent of the general U.S. population.

Where Are the Openly Gay Rappers in Hip-Hop?

October 30, 2015 /

There’s plenty of queer MCs in the underground. I listen to artists like Cakes Da Killa and Kevin Jz Prodigy, both amazing rappers who happen to be queer. There are countless others like Mykki Blanco, Stose, Chapman, Big Freedia and many more. Maybe if more people reach out and support the LGBT artists who exist below the mainstream, the powers that be will take notice and finally give gay rappers the shine they have earned. Hip-hop is ready for a gay rapper.

Central Valley Youth Say Pope’s Message ‘Already Having an Impact’

September 25, 2015 /

California is also where many of the most pressing issues raised by the pontiff – from climate change to LGBTQ rights and immigration – remain at the fore of political debate. YouthWire asked its youth reporters to weigh in on some of the Pope’s positions on climate change, gay rights and immigration, and what his message might mean for their communities.

Merced Youth React to Caitlyn Jenner’s Courage Award

July 31, 2015 /

When sports network ESPN announced its decision to award the coveted Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Caitlyn Jenner, social media was quick to respond. Many argued that Jenner, who won gold in the 1976 decathlon as Bruce Jenner, did not deserve the honor. Below, We’Ced youth reporters share their thoughts on the award and on Jenner’s decision to embrace her gender in public.