Queer Goggles

In this episode of 'Queer Goggles,' we talk with Dr. Stacy L. Smith, a 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award recipient and founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at USC. 

Dr. Smith discusses her organization's work on inclusion in media, focusing on gender, race, LGBTQ+, disabilities, and mental health. She explains how the Initiative measures representation in film, television, and music, and the challenges of combating explicit bias in Hollywood. 

Highlighting her work since the 1990s, Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of honest portrayals and the need for systemic changes in hiring practices within the entertainment industry. She also talks about the Initiative's grant programs aimed at fostering diverse storytelling. The conversation touches on the necessity of democratizing hiring practices in Hollywood and the ongoing efforts to generate more inclusive and genuine media content.

To find out more visit https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/aii

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.

On this episode of Queer Goggles, Nick Vargas talks with Joey Bachrach of Rainbow Hill Recovery. They share their own experiences with recovery from substance use disorders and how their journeys impact their current work. Joey talks about recovery resources for the LGBTQ+ community and offers words of hope for those looking to recover. 

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.

Tanya Tassi (she/her) speaks with Brian Poth about her important work in the LGBTQ+ movement. Currently the Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy for CenterLink, Tanya's advocacy and leadership helps community centers stay informed and gives them the tools to mobilize and make lasting change in their communities and the nation. Her former work with seniors at the LA LGBT Center inspires a new generation to step into caring for our aging queer community.

To find out more about Tanya, go to tanyatassi.com and be sure to sign up for advocacy alerts from ActionLink, a program of CenterLink.

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.

On this episode of Queer Goggles, we sit down with acclaimed photographer Aaron Jay Young to discuss his book Queen, a stunning collection of portraits featuring some of the world’s most famous drag queens. Aaron shares insights from his time as a set photographer on RuPaul’s Drag Race, his personal journey of healing, and his approach to creating spaces where his subjects feel safe, seen, and free to express their authentic selves.

Explore Aaron’s work at aaronjayyoung.com and aaronjayyoungstudio.com, follow him on instagram @aaronjayyoung, and purchase Queen at queenthebook.com.

To see the incredible work Aaron created for The Source LGBT+ Center, visit our Gallery.

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.

Author, artist, and actor Sean Hemeon shares about his upcoming memoir, "The Good Little Drug Lord". From gay, Mormon, college student to becoming a drug dealing informant for federal agents, Sean's story is a cautionary tale full of gratitude and redemption. Sean talks about the importance recovery from addiction has his hope and recovery with 

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.

In this episode of Queer Goggles, hosted by Brian Poth, various perspectives converge on the vital importance of passing Proposition 3. The discussion includes insights from Ernesto Cuellar, the Northern California Coalition Manager for Yes on Prop 3, local military veteran Cheri Provancha, and community advocates Terry Stasio and Jim Reeves. Together, they explore efforts to remove discriminatory language from the California Constitution, the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and the urgent need to protect and advance marriage equality for all Californians.

To find our more about Prop 3 visit yesonprop3ca.com

To view voter guides and other resources go to thesourcelgbt.org/vote


PFLAGFreson.org
Visalia Pride Lions Club

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.

Join Executive Director, Brian Poth (he/they), and Director of Development and Strategy, Nick Vargas (he/him) for an exclusive interview with Caroline Kingsbury (she/her) before her performance at Pride Visalia on October 12th! 

This is an amazing opportunity to hear from Caroline as she discusses her music, the landscape of queer art in the industry, the importance of supportive communities, and more.

You don't want to miss Caroline's performance, so make sure to get your Pride Visalia tickets! October 12, 11:00AM - 4:00PM, Valley Strong Ballpark, Visalia CA. We'll see you there!

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.

On this episode of Queer Goggles, host Phae Lockwood (they/them) welcomes Executive Director Brian Poth (he/they) and Director of Development and Strategy Nick Vargas (he/him), co-founders of The Source LGBT+ Center.

Earlier in 2024, Brian and Nick were announced as recipients of the esteemed James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. In this conversation, they share the joy they felt accepting the Award in Sacramento, as well as the immense positive impact the Award has had on The Source LGBT+ Center.

Brian and Nick also reveal some exciting details about The Source's biggest annual event, the highly anticipated PRIDE Visalia, including this year's theme, the incredible entertainment offerings, and an art installation the likes of which the Central Valley has never seen.

Get tickets to PRIDE Visalia

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.

On this episode of Queer Goggles, host Phae Lockwood (they/them) welcomes guest Sarah Marquez (she/her), a Disability Justice Facilitator and Consultant, to discuss Disability Pride Month, disability justice, and its significance to the LGBTQ+ community.

Sarah delves into the history the Disability Rights Movement and shares her journey as a queer, disabled person. This conversation explores the intersectionality of disability and LGBTQ+ identities, highlighting the importance of community-building and the ongoing fight for adequate care and access.

Learn more about The Source

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.

On this episode of Queer Goggles, join host Phae Lockwood (they/them) and guest Savino Perico (he/him) as they discuss the work of Kings Community Action Organization, which offers over 25 programs and services including childcare, food and nutrition assistance, housing and crisis support, and so much more.

KCAO is one of many like organizations in the Community Action Agency Network, which was initiated by Lyndon B. Johnson 1960s to address poverty in the U.S. To this day, these agencies are a beacon of hope for the communities they serve, offering resources that many people don't know exist until they are in a position to need them.

Join Phae and Savino as they delve into these vital services that impact the lives of so many individuals living in the Central Valley.

Follow KCAO on Instagram: @kingscommunityactionorg
Learn more about KCAO
Become a volunteer

Support the show

Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are interested in supporting this work, go to thesourcelgbt.org/giving to make a donation. Thank you.