by Lorie Lewis Ham
Ever since its beginning fifteen years ago, it has been important to me that KRL support the LGBTQ+ community. It is as much a part of our DNA as supporting the arts, books, and animal rescue. This week we are chatting with LGBTQ Fresno to learn more about what they do and who they are, as well as some of their struggles and needs.
KRL: Your name and position with LGBTQ Fresno?
Jason Scott
KRL: When and how did LGBTQ Fresno come to be?
Jason: LGBTQ Fresno has roots going back to the year 2000, when it was first founded as a not-for-profit organization called Fresno Pride. The primary motivation for starting it was a clear gap in the community: of the few organizations that existed at the time, none were publicly accessible or politically active. We were founded on the principle of visibility. We wanted to be a stable, public-facing entity and make the community’s events, resources, and advocacy efforts available to all.
KRL: What is your main purpose/goal?
Jason: Our main purpose is to build and sustain a visible, connected LGBTQ+ community. I truly believe that without our organization’s existence, that vital sense of belonging and connectedness would be lacking in the Central Valley. Being a stable and accessible organization for over 20 years has allowed us to serve countless community members. Critically, it also allows us to provide positive representation and a sense of possibility that LGBTQ+ youth can look up to, especially as they may be struggling with their own sexuality and/or gender expression.
KRL: What all do you provide for the community?
Jason: We provide a wide range of services designed to inform, connect, and empower the local LGBTQ+ community. These currently include:
Activities that foster a sense of connectedness and help to fight pervasive isolation that affects the LGBTQ+ community.
Advocacy to hold institutions, leaders, and elected officials accountable for anti-LGBTQ+ policies/rhetoric.
Community Blog via a regularly updated website.
Community Calendar to inform on all LGBTQ+ and allied events.
Community Directory providing a central resource of LGBTQ+ owned and friendly businesses and organizations.
Monthly Newsletter keeping thousands informed on local/national LGBTQ+ happenings.
Action Alerts (our urgent community alerts sent via text message).
“All Are Welcome” Campaign, which partners with local businesses to create safe and welcoming spaces throughout the Central Valley.
KRL: What types of events do you do?
Jason: We host a regular calendar of events to bring people together. This includes:
Community Game Nights (Three times a month)
LGBTQ+ Youth Group (Once a month)
LGBTQ+ Family Night (Once a month)
Community Bingo Night (Once a month)
We are always looking to expand the events and activities we offer. The main limiting factor is finding dedicated volunteers to lead them, so we’d love to hear from anyone who has an idea and the passion to run a new group or event.
KRL: Are you all volunteer?
Jason: We are an almost entirely volunteer-run organization. Every program, event, and advocacy effort is powered by the dedication of volunteers. The one exception is our fantastic youth group leader, who is paid a stipend funded specifically via a City of Fresno grant. This structure makes our community support absolutely critical.
KRL: Have you faced any issues and pushback from others in the area?
Jason: Absolutely. In recent years, our organization has faced significant challenges, and we’ve made the decision to meet them head-on. (check out this article on the LGBTQ Fresno website to learn more about one recent situation they faced) This has included confronting:
The Fresno Unified school board president’s anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
The City of Clovis pushing for the removal of inclusive books.
The Clovis Unified forced outing policy.
Fresno County’s attempts at book banning.
And most recently, Fresno County’s new policies that prohibit outreach, recognition, and collaboration with the LGBTQ+ community. (see how to contact your Board of Supervisors representative in this KRL article)
During this time, a positive outcome has been that we built a powerful network of individuals who are interested in advocacy. They have come out to board meetings, written letters, and made their voices heard, demonstrating that these actions will not go without consequences.
KRL: What has been the hardest thing about what you do?
Jason: The hardest thing is definitely capacity. We are an ambitious organization with a huge number of needs in our community, but we’re constrained by two things: not having enough volunteers to offer all of the services we would like to, and a lack of stable, ongoing funding sources. We know we could do so much more with even one or two full- or part-time staff members, but securing that operational funding is an ongoing struggle for many nonprofits, including ours.
KRL: What has been your greatest joy?
Jason: Without a doubt, the greatest joy is hearing from individuals who have shared their stories with us—stories of connecting with others, finding a safe space, and feeling seen, often for the first time in their lives. When someone tells you that a game night or a support group made them feel less alone, that’s what makes all the hard work worth it.
KRL: Do you feel that what you do is even more important right now?
Jason: More than ever. As you can see from the pushback we’ve faced, there are active, organized efforts to roll back progress, erase our visibility, and make life harder for LGBTQ+ people, especially youth. In this kind of climate, our work isn’t just about “connecting” – it’s about “protecting.” It’s about providing safe havens, fighting for our rights in public forums, and loudly declaring that we are a proud and permanent part of this community. The work is absolutely crucial right now.
KRL: Future goals?
Jason: Our primary future goal is sustainability and growth. We want to secure stable, multi-year funding that would allow us to hire permanent staff – at minimum, a part-time director or coordinator. This would unlock our ability to dramatically expand our services, write more grants, manage more volunteers, and ultimately, work toward opening a dedicated physical community center. We have the volunteer passion; we just need to build the professional infrastructure to support it.
KRL: In what ways can others in the community help in what you do?
Jason: There are three main ways people can help:
Volunteer: We are almost 100% powered by volunteers. Whether you want to lead a new event, help at a game night, write for our blog, or join our advocacy network, we need your time and skills.
Donate: Consistent funding is our biggest hurdle. A small, recurring monthly donation is incredibly powerful as it provides the stable funding we need for our programs and future goals.
Amplify: Follow us online, share our events, and speak up. Show up to a board meeting. Run for elected office. Your voice adds to ours and makes us stronger.
KRL: Any events coming up over the holidays?
Jason: As the holidays approach, we’re excited to host our annual Chosen Family Holiday Party! Join us for a wonderful, free evening filled with games, a gift exchange, and a fully catered meal. For many of our guests, this event has become their main holiday celebration, a truly safe and inclusive space to feel the warmth of community. It’s a highlight of our year.
KRL: Anything you would like to add?
Jason: I just want to emphasize that LGBTQ Fresno is here for everyone in the community and our allies. If you’ve been feeling isolated, or if you’re new to the area, or if you just want to meet new people—come to an event. You are welcome here. We are building the community we all deserve, right here in the Central Valley, and we’d love for you to be a part of it.
KRL: Where all can people find you online?
Jason: The best way to find us is through our website, which has our blog, directory, and calendar. You can also follow us on social media for the latest news and event alerts.
Website: LGBTQFresno.org
Facebook: @LGBTQFresno
Instagram: @LGBTQFresno
Newsletter Sign-up: lgbtqfresno.com/subscribe
Sign-up for event reminder texts by sending EVENTS to (559) 862-1040
Volunteer by contacting us at volunteer@lgbtcn[dot]org or text VOLUNTEER to (559) 203-7900
Thanks so much for chatting with KRL Jason! You can keep an eye on their social media, and on KRL’s event pages, to keep up with their events.
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