The Source—an LGBTQ+ community center located in Visalia, the only one of its kind in the San Joaquin Valley— celebrated National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 with a powerful display of laser lights aimed at the sky showcasing the Pride flag.
The Visalia area is predominantly conservative and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment runs strong, making this celebration especially significant.
The following day, the local Pride Parade took place at Valley Strong Ball Park in Visalia. People celebrated decades of pride. Participants cut loose in dance and laughter, eating their choice of tacos, pizza, lau or other delicacies. But more than that, people feasted on who they are. You could see it on their faces, in their eyes, shining through their smiles. That day, in the park, “Freedom rings!”
Walking through those gates, all negativity dissipated. You could no longer hear that single protester just outside the entrance gate screaming at those who entered. Everyone in the park was familiar with discrimination; that is nothing new. But in their hearts, they came to celebrate—about family and love, and being who you are. There, it didn’t matter if you were gay or straight. There was peace. There was a feeling of being part of a united village.
The founders of The Source (Brian Poth and Nick Vargas) and the James Irvine Foundation made this event possible. They continue to inspire hope for the future. Well done.
