Merced, Calif.- Pride month is upon us, a month of celebration for one’s self-expression for the LGBTQ+ community. Among these communities, queer becomes misrepresented in smaller populated towns that lack education of LGBTQ+ and the resources for those who belong to this community. Read More
#health4all healthcare LGBTQ lgbtq youth merced merced county PRIDE PRIDE MONTH pride. lgbtq+ spotlightAs National Poetry Month comes to a close, read below submissions from We ‘Ced youth. If you could write a poem to COVID, what would you want to tell it? Dear COVID-19, You don’t know me But right now everyone knows you You’re infamously the talk of the globe As we isolate at home We’re told that we are not alone But the division you caused says otherwise I don’t even want to go outside You can see fear in everybody’s eyes since that’s the only feature you see This is the “new normal” for us This is how my brother and sister are growing up I want my life back I can’t go to my boyfriend’s house their ostracization is painful and raw Given to me by a fear you caused We can’t go to the mall like we used to This has been the longest I’ve been without my auntie I never was a hugger but I’d give anything for us to be together I’m Class of 2020 but there’s no cap and gown for me If we’re lucky maybe a belated ceremony My whole life is online now School, work, friends, everything You are detrimental for my socialization I have siblings I can’t see Family who misses me A life I can’t lead Drive I’m losing And you still won’t leave You make it hard to function And way too easy to think Kids my age can’t take it Suicide to escape this combat rink We’re too embarrassed to admit it but we’re scared I’m scared of what you’re doing to me and my family What do you do when your a child seeing your dad terrified When you see pain mother in your mother’s eyes You aren’t killing my body But you’re eroding away what’s inside With much hate, A Teen of 2020 – Stephanie Gurtel, 17 ___________________________________________________________ Hard It’s Hard.. Read More
california central valley community family health mental health school students youthStudents from multiple Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) schools gathered at Merced High School on May 8 to address the school board regarding decorating graduation caps, frustrated with a lack of policy that was inclusive of all students. MUHSD had sent out an AR that day regarding California State Assembly Bill No. Read More
BHC Merced central valley education merced students youthThe Queer & Trans Youth Leadership Summit (QT Summit) is a 3-day youth leadership development opportunity for LGBTQIA+ youth ages fifteen to nineteen. The three days in early March are very busy with many activities to help youth meet new people, learn more about the Social Justice Movement Stories of LGBTQIA+ people, and have young voices lead gender and LGBTQIA+ issues in local and statewide campaigns. Read More
Youth reporter Steven Rice's poem on race and overcoming adversities.