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Welcome to the first issue of Unsilenced Magazine: an LGBT students Best Friend. Here you will find articles by Delta Pride Members. Each month we will be accepting submissions via sjdeltapride@gmail.com. Feel free to submit any type of work be it stories, blogs, photo’s poetry and event video (for the website). As editor of the magazine and secretary of Delta Pride I am hoping this magazine can help you, the reader be proud of who you are whether you are straight, or LGBT. Enjoy this month’s Unsilenced Magazine.
Club Snapshot: Day of Silence 2011
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Death Portrait
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A Convenient Lie
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An Awesome Place to Live
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Having Pride
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Club News
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Community Involvement: AIDS Walk SJ 2011
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Ask Foxxie/ Contributors
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Death Portrait: a poem by Stephen Inzunza He cried paint... burnt sienna with a dab of heart they said he was a saint... blue banished by the brush Picasso never had to rush the congregation danced the coffin down the rug still bleeding there smiles drawn to the hems of his mother's tears
I placed truth where my heart once was... you departed with the bull shit and the doves... you left us to wander in this unwanted dust the chroma of our caring full to rust... you could not tint back a shade of no from god, the universe; the wind or the snow you said your misery chalked black the stars but nonsense said Monet to Van Gogh I know a dozen carcasses that had it worse than you
around your neck is destiny decided I wish I would have known I wish I could have shown you that life is worth standing on two feet for but no, you've suicided lost all respect that fatal cloth about your neck but might I mention that you look beautiful swinging to and fro anyway
around your neck is destiny decided I wish I would have known I wish I could have shown you that life is worth standing on two feet for but no, you've suicided lost all respect that fatal cloth about your neck but might I mention that you look beautiful swinging to and fro anyway
I’d ask the shapes to remember you I’d ask the lines to sing but once you left the earth I'm afraid I could not accomplish anything to think my portraits once held in frame profile; a man who with some pointless shame chose to fall; to forget his name no color scheme could quite assist for it was he who could not resist... for it was he who slit his future's canvas...
you may dream your darkest dream but it won't carve reality the turpentine has burnt the hallowed ground... where you do lie a dimming blend for the likeness has want of something more as red does blot the palette floor... the graveyard gloom has welcomed you to be a sculpture of name, birth, and doom you placed action where your life once was... you departed from potential and my love... now I place the pigments down... fare well fare well sleep now, in hell... you abandoned me... but here now I abandon you... I walk from your pastel tomb...
around your neck is destiny decided I wish I would have known I wish I could have shown you that life is worth standing on two feet for but no, you've suicided lost all respect that fatal cloth about your neck but might I mention that you look beautiful swinging to and fro anyway
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A Convenient Lie
had passed, another classmate argued that gay people flaunt their gayness, or however one wishes to word the equivalent. Thus was the manner in which the discourse was presented; a back and forth between two camps, of which one of such remained totally oblivious to the notion that some of their associates (surely I was not the only one) are gay. I would like to momentarily state that the instructor did his best to maintain general order and hear both sides out. I think he ought to be commended for that (hence, it is quite nearly a pity that names shall not be named, nor periods divulged). It had become clear to the students occupying the seats behind my own that I had been trembling as I offered my perspective. Not since the days of my outing had I felt so distressed by comments that had little regard for the feelings of others. Called upon to speak my peace for the last time, I conveyed my hopes and dreams for a future; my desire to love and support my life partner, to raise children and to contribute to the preservation of an inclusive society. I did this without the eloquence that is thusly placed on paper; for the moment in which I spoke had me near to tears. No doubt, a few of my ancillary detractors felt that this was an act of “flaunting one’s gayness”; however, my intention was anything but. I sought to put a human face on the group that herefore been demonized without the argumentative reason and consideration worthy of proper students. Whether or not I succeeded is something I still ponder. While I may not have conceived the majority, I hope to have accomplished a few objectives. I hope to have forced those that maintain a resistance to LGBT rights to acknowledge that real people are affected by both their actions in depriving others of their civil liberties and by their thoughtless commentary. Furthermore, I hope to have provided other students who are in the closet, or perhaps those who are out but wary of sparing with a common foe, the realization that they are not alone. May it never be said that an act of defending an immutable trait rests on the exposition of a falsehood or as a means of parading said attribute. Rather, I think it behooves us all to think before we speak and to consider the sensitive nature of a conflict prior to voicing an opinion. Only when such a state has been achieved will life be universally better and we along with it.
By Manuel Martinez
Imagine hearing a most disturbing accusation that implicated you in some manner. An allegation that has shocked you to the point of silence; thus preventing the verbalization of a swiftly articulate reply. To what extent would be your response; knowing full-well that while it may fall on deaf ears to your indirect accuser, it may serve to enlighten others? Would you remain silent or would you force your hand up at every opportunity to counter something so incredibly vexing? Not more than a few months ago, I became distraught over the opinions of my classmates. It took place during a political science discussion that touched on the constitutional rights afforded to the LGBT community. I sat, grappling the arm of my chair with one hand and holding the spare up to signify a wish to contribute; aware of the controversy that might ensue. The comments that compelled such a desire had diverged into a discussion about the immutability (the status of being innate and unalterable) of homosexuality and its relation to the standards by which the courts confer a level of protection from statesponsored intrusion. I, seeking to persuade the crowd that rights afforded to them ought to be afforded to others, lay stupefied as one of my peers asserted that gay men lie when they argue that they are naturally inclined to same sex attraction, (take note that it was not that eloquent…) and provided the insinuation that homosexuality is not immutable. Glancing his direction, my nerves failed to solicit my arm’s compliance and I nearly allowed my jaw to hit the floor. Throughout my life, I had heard the conjecture that “gays are confused”, experimenting or scandalous. Never however, have I encountered the argument that “gays lie” about the cause of the sexual attraction; as if to assert a conscious act of deception with regard to why one formal prose; explaining that the characteristic is unchangeable. Wishing that something more concise had been uttered, I calmed down upon hearing another student iterate a reasonable proposition; that the rights afforded to social groups should not focus too much on the unalterable, rather that we should consider what constitutes compelling reason to justify intrusion. Foolishly thinking that the worst 5
Somewhere over the Rainbow: An awesome place to live By Adam Hendricks
Hello, my name is Adam Hendricks and I am fabulously straight. You may be asking, what does this mean and why should I care? "Fabulously Straight" is a frame of mind that I adopted after I joined an amazing club, which was filled with the best group of people I had ever met. This group being the members and affiliates at the Delta Pride club. I have only been with the club a short time, and my socialization with them has been limited to a few members, but even so I already know that it has changed my life for the better. So first things first, What does fabulously straight mean? It is a label I have made for myself because I am different -- just like everyone else. I can be odd and loud. I can be flirty and awkward. I have always thought of myself as fun and playful, but I was never truly able to be that guy. The way I act has sometimes been associated with gay men. Ever since my cousin came out to his family, in front of me, and after I was exposed to, and personally aware of the lifestyle, I have been supportive of it. I have questioned myself, and I have pondered if I was gay or not, and each time I came back with the same answer: no. No big deal, I love me -- just like I will always love my cousin, but also every other gay, bi-, or lesbian friend and family member I have had; but I'm just not. So I have always repressed that more colorful side of me, because I didn’t fit in to the stereotypical straight guy way of acting and I didn't want to give people the wrong idea. Whenever I did act like that the response was usually negative and/or I was made fun of. So fabulously straight means that I am super and fun, but not gay. Second things second, why should you care? I feel that the repression of who we are is a common thing for men and women, and therefore a core facet for some of the negativity in the community. This is because of the pejorative thoughts, feelings, and situations that come up from men and women acting “outside of their roles” when they don't want to be seen in that way. Even those who are in support of the community and the lifestyle may have some negative feelings associated with it because of their own hurdles in being who they are.
This term and way of thinking is also one of the core reasons why this community is so amazing. I, and others, CAN be who we are without fear. From day one I felt accepted. It is not from a lack of judgment, because I could feel the eyes. I hate to be stereotypical, but gay men can be critical and some of them are not afraid to tell you if what you wear or do is to them, posh or crude. I felt accepted because I WAS judged, then accepted. It wasn't passive nonchalance either; it was true acceptance of whoever I wanted to be, so long as that person was happy. What does all of this mean? Why was it important to read someone’s life story? I felt that these feelings may be shared by others as well. I wanted to let people know that it is OK to be you. Perhaps this was just to give them a way to look at things more openly. I also feel that the largest hurdle for this lifestyle would be versus the negativity of the straight community. I want to build a bridge to close that gap; to spread the word that you don't have to be a part of a group of people to love and support them. We are all just people trying to be happy, so be happy. Hello, my name is Adam Hendricks, and I am totally proud to be fabulously straight.
Adam shoots a strike at the Pride vs. RTV bowling challenge
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Having Pride and Being Involved in the LGBT Community By Brian Wick
This article came from Brian Wick’s blog on April 11, 2011. The blog is entitled Wick’s Picks.
Earlier this week a gay friend of mine told me he was no longer participating in the Day of Silence event nor any other gay related event (such as the Pride celebrations). His reasoning was that these events segregated us from the rest of society. Now, I am not saying his reasoning was wrong or that it wasn't sound, but I have a different perspective. Those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bi-, Transgendered, etc., generally want to find others like themselves. When I go to these events or when I go to a group meeting, I am not thinking “I need to segregate myself off from the straights”. Of course not, I am thinking that I want to be around others like me. Those who are LGBT tend to grow up with only themselves to turn to. I was the only openly gay guy at my high school until my senior year, when a freshman student turned out to be gay. I resorted to talking to others like me online. Added to this is the fact that most people who are LGBT come of age in a world where they are bullied, harassed, and discriminated against by their peers. We look for others like us so we can finally be around people who know what we are dealing with. Someone to talk to; someone who won't hate you just because of your orientation. 7
Gay-Straight Alliances and other LGBT groups, Pride Centers, but also LGBT related events such as the Pride celebrations, National Coming Out Day and National Day of Silence all have a purpose and that is to bring us together as a community and to show each other that we are not alone. We group together to show we are stronger as a community and to show that together we can do anything. I am involved a lot in the LGBT community in Stockton. I am President of my campus’ Delta Pride (a gay-straight alliance). I try to advocate for the LGBT community in a city where many people are not gay friendly. I have friends who are harassed and who are bashed whether on campus or not. This is why we have these groups and these events. So we can find strength with each other and so we can make changes in the world we live in. We need to have Pride and Community, without it we wouldn't be where we are today. Finally, I don't think my friend understood the purpose of the National Day of Silence. The day is to recognize those who were silenced by hate. It’s not about segregating ourselves; it’s about showing others that the prejudice and the hate they hold is wrong. It’s for anyone who was ever hurt, bullied, murdered or suicided because the hate they received for being gay. My friend's point of view has its merits no matter how much I disagree with it, and he is allowed to believe what he wants. I just hope he will see this, and that he will at least consider more closely his way of thinking. If he does read this, I hope he knows I do respect him and his opinion. Also, I hope others read this and understand what I am saying. I can get a little preachy, I know, but I do so only because I know in this community we make ourselves heard better when we are together.
Votes cast board Announced By Brian Ratto
Delta Pride held elections at the April 26, 2011 meeting. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you for your hard work exiting board members. The club welcomes President Brian Wick back into office, “I plan to continue the clubs goal of equality through visibility and to help make this campus a safer place for the LGBT community. Oh and of course have fun” Wick said. Also returning are Chris Sandoval as Vice President, Michael Dupont as Webmaster; Thomas Rearden as Community Relations Officer, and Brian Ratto as Secretary. Let us all welcome in-coming board members Jimmy Ateles as Historian, Logan Davisson as Treasurer, and Adam Hendrix as Activities Coordinator. “Pride is no longer just a club. Were a community and a presence, both on-campus and off-campus. Our voices will be heard.” Hendricks said. The club is planning a lot for next year.
The club wraps up the semester with a potluck, the final farewell to leaving members and a semester send off for the club.
Delta Pride Board 2011-2012 PresidentVice PresidentHistorianTreasurerSecretaryWebmasterCommunity RelationsActivities CoordinatorInter Club Council Rep.-
Brian Wick Chris Sandoval Jimmy Ateles Logan Davisson Brian Ratto Mike Dupont Thomas Rearden Adam Hendricks To be Appointed
Pride Center Program to Receive Facility By Brian Ratto
The San Joaquin Delta College Facilities and Planning Committee has allotted a space for the Pride Center, The program is to be a place where LGBT and allied students can go to get info about the up-coming Safe Zone Project, and events the club and community groups are having for the LGBT community. Key organizers of the Pride Center are Mike Dupont, Jessica Rhoades, Katy Isbell, and the advisors Lisa Perez and Kirstyn Russell, as well as 2010 - 2011 Delta Pride Board. The center is pending training of the Delta Pride Board, organization of the facility; and is hoped to be open by the Fall 2011 semester. 8
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elcome readers this is the section where your questions can be answered. Foxxie is as sweet as can be and thrives off the happiness of others. Foxxie enjoys helping others. To ask Foxxie questions please email sjdeltapride@gmail.com with the subject line: Ask Foxxie, questions can be sent in anonymously.
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Adam Hendricks Brian Ratto Brian Wick Foxxie Jessica Rhoades Manuel Martinez, III Mike “Jedi Webmaster” Dupont Stephen Inzunza And Delta Pride members caught in action at events!
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