by Lorie Lewis Ham
As we wrap up Pride month, this week we have an interview with Nick Vargas, who is the Director of Development and Strategy at The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia. Nick is also one of the Co-Founders of The Source which opened in 2016.
Nick Vargas
KRL: For those not familiar with The Source can you tell us briefly what they do and where they are located?
Nick: We are a community-based organization (501c3) serving LGBTQ+ people and their families in Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties. We have services for youth, trans people, people living with HIV, and the general community. We have over 30 programs and services including mental health resources, a food pantry, and the Trans Closet. We also host major community events such as Pride Visalia, Drag Queen Bingo, and Pride Walk Visalia.
KRL: What specifically do you do at The Source?
Nick: I’m in charge of Development which includes our fundraising, events, donor programs, marketing, and communications.
KRL: Why do you feel like a charity like The Source is important?
Nick: We are the only LGBTQ+ led organization doing this work in our area. We are the largest LGBTQ+ Center between LA and Sacramento. We are important because we are creating community, safe spaces for our people, and saving lives. 
KRL: What about being a part of it do you enjoy the most?
Nick: I’ve enjoyed seeing it grow and working with an amazing group of people.
KRL: What is the hardest?
Nick: Raising funds year over year in an area that can be hostile to LGBTQ+ people is probably the hardest part.
KRL: I understand that you won the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year award for 2022, what did that feel like? If I recall correctly, you are the first openly gay person to win?
Nick: It was amazing to be nominated. To win was an incredible feeling, because the award is determined by a vote of the membership and the staff/board. Yes, I am the first openly out gay person to win. During my term as Business Person of The Year, I am highlighting how the nonprofit community benefits the local economy and increases the quality of life for all.
KRL: Did you have a background in business before The Source?
Nick: Yes, most of my career was in for-profit businesses. I worked for a Fortune 500 company for 12 years, I’ve been a bartender/club promoter, and an entrepreneur.
KRL: Are you originally from this area? If not, where are you from and how did you end up here?
Nick: I was born in Visalia and most of my family is here. I grew up in Altadena and attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School from Kindergarten to 8th grade. We returned to Visalia and I attended Golden West High School.
KRL: Hobbies?
Nick: There are many things I enjoy doing. We recently bought a ranch in Woodlake and are learning how to grow five acres of lemons and raise chickens. I enjoy reading, sound healing with crystal bowls, traveling, star watching, camping, and photography. This year we have traveled to Maui, Kauai, and Lake Tahoe. Next, we are headed to Italy, Greece, and Croatia. We will probably visit NYC during the Christmas season and try to sneak in a Mexican Riviera cruise. We work very hard, and our work can be challenging so we prioritize travel for fun and relaxation.
KRL: Who are your heroes?
Nick: People who are doing their best to make the world a better place and being innovative about it.
KRL: What are your future goals, for the Source and for yourself?
Nick: We are about to start a three-year capital campaign to raise funds to secure The Source forever by buying the campus, establishing an endowment, and expanding our clinic to be a full service STI and LGBTQ+ health hub. 
KRL: That is amazing! Any special events coming up soon?
Nick: On June 28th we will be celebrating Give Out Day giveoutday.org/thesourcelgbt. On July 23rd we will be hosting another Drag Queen Bingo; Visalia’s most popular event, and on October 14th will be Pride Visalia.
KRL: If someone is looking to volunteer or wants to help in some way, or is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and would like to know more about what you do where should they g.o? Best contact info?
Nick: Visit our website, and follow us on FB and IG @thesourcelgbt.
KRL: In these difficult times in the US for the LGBTQ+ community, what are some of the best ways that allies can help?
Nick: Speak up for LGBTQ+ people, speak against homophobia, transphobia, and hateful policies. Attend a drag show. Support LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and donate to LGBTQ+ causes.
KRL: Anything you would like to add?
Nick: We are looking for high-capacity committee members and board members – people with connections, resources, expertise and a desire to help LGBTQ+ people are needed.
We hope you will check out KRL’s many other LGBTQIA articles and book reviews that went up during Pride month. You can find our article about the podcast Queer We Are here, our interview with local drag queen Priscilla McNamara here, and most of our LGBTQIA mystery book reviews and guest posts in our mystery section! We also featured an LGBTQIA mystery on our latest Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast episode!
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