PrideView
By Chris Murphy
It seems so simple, but how hard is it to treat everyone equally with respect, no matter who they are or who they love?
Even if it’s not your thing, let people live their lives and be who they are. It is true, respect is earned, but the basic premise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should be available to all. I am grateful that we have an inclusive community and it’s important to show support to those that have been marginalized or oppressed and we can’t go backwards. It is has been 55 years since the Stonewall Riots. Every time we go to New York, we pay Stonewall a visit and have always been welcomed. There is a new organization here in Modesto that will help unify our community and be a new support mechanism for so many and we welcome new executive director Roman Scanlon and a special update from Jessica Johnson.
CalPride Ushers in a New Era for LGBTQ+ Communities in Modesto
By Jessica Johnson
As Pride Month 2024 kicks off, we are thrilled to announce a transformative milestone: the LGBTQ+ Collaborative is now CalPride! This exciting rebrand reflects our unified vision and mission, bringing a fresh identity to our centers across the region: CalPride Stanislaus (formerly Rainbow Resource Center), CalPride Valle Central (formerly Somos Familia Valle Central), and CalPride Sierras (formerly LGBTQ+ Rural Resource Center).
This pivotal change is accompanied by the arrival of our new Executive Director at CalPride Stanislaus, Roman Scanlon. Roman brings fresh perspectives and renewed energy, stating, “As we embrace our new identity as CalPride, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and thriving community. Our new names not only reflect our geographical roots but also our expansive vision for a future where every individual can thrive authentically.”
Pride Month is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder of our ongoing journey toward equity, equality, and acceptance. This year, CalPride is excited to offer a wide array of events designed to empower, celebrate, and educate. From lively social gatherings to family-friendly fun, each event is an opportunity to connect and grow together.
Additionally, we are proud to highlight our Queer Health Initiative, which provides vital harm-reduction supplies such as Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and more to community members. These resources are available during our business hours, Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, at CalPride Stanislaus, located at 1202 H Street, Suite C in Modesto.
As we embark on this stellar month, remember, that this is just the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities for engagement, advocacy, and celebration. Stay updated on our events and initiatives by following us on social media @togethercalpride. Let’s make Pride Month 2024 a memorable launch into a promising future under our new banner, CalPride.
