Founded in 2016, The Source LGBT+ Center has been a cornerstone of support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in the Central Valley. Driven by the belief that safe, inclusive spaces foster growth and empowerment, The Source has expanded its reach to provide over 30 programs and services to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
The center’s mission is simple yet profound: to create supportive spaces where people can learn, grow, belong, and thrive. By listening to the community’s needs, The Source works to provide critical services, such as youth programs, trans support, HIV care, mental health resources, and inclusive events. The center is committed to making sure that the needs of LGBTQ+ people are met, especially in the face of challenges unique to rural areas like the South Valley.
A Personal Milestone for
The Source’s Leaders
In 2025, The Source’s founders, Brian and Nick, were named Grand Marshals for Fresno Pride. For them, this recognition is not only a personal honor but also a reflection of the organization’s ongoing legacy of LGBTQ+ activism. “It’s an incredible honor to be included in a group of people that we look up to and respect,” they shared. “We endeavor to continue the legacy of LGBTQ+ activism and leadership in our area.”
Their leadership continues to inspire others as they push forward with The Source’s important work, especially as they navigate local challenges and work to support marginalized communities.
Addressing Challenges
in the South Valley
The South Valley, including Porterville, has witnessed an increase in anti-trans rhetoric and proposed laws, particularly in the wake of the last election. One example was the Porterville City Council’s consideration of an anti-trans bathroom ordinance. While such a law would be illegal in California, The Source knew the importance of standing up against it. With the support of staff, board members, youth, and local allies, they demonstrated and spoke out against the ordinance during a public meeting. Although the ordinance has been tabled for now, The Source’s activism ensures that LGBTQ+ rights remain protected and visible in these communities.
Fostering Resilience Among
LGBTQ+ Youth
The Source has focused heavily on building resilience among LGBTQ+ youth, a crucial area of their work. By implementing targeted programs and tracking progress, they’ve seen significant improvements. A resilience survey showed that one third of their clients initially scored less than 50% in resilience, but upon completing the program, they exhibited an average increase of 8.5%. Despite the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face, these programs help them develop the strength and determination to navigate a complex world.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
With the addition of on-site PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) services, The Source has had a positive impact on public health. Offering this service directly within the community has made access to preventative care more available, especially in an area where LGBTQ+ health services may be harder to find. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, and the increased access to healthcare is a key milestone in The Source’s ongoing commitment to bettering lives.
Future Plans: Expanding
Reach and Impact
Looking to the future, The Source has ambitious plans to expand its services even further. They are in the midst of a capital campaign to purchase their own campus, with plans to build a medical clinic in Visalia. In addition, The Source will continue its mobile pop-up clinics in Tulare and King Counties to reach more rural LGBTQ+ individuals. These efforts are part of their long-term strategy to provide broader and more accessible services across the Central Valley.
However, there are still challenges to address, such as ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals in rural areas have consistent access to resources. Community engagement through donations, volunteering, and attending events is vital in supporting these efforts. “We need people to stay engaged, donate, and show up,” said Brian. “That’s how we can create lasting change together.”
The Growth of Pride Visalia
Pride Visalia, once a small local event, has grown into one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the Central Valley. The Source has played a central role in this growth, helping to secure notable headliners such as DeJa Skye, Caroline Kingsbury, and local drag queens like Priscilla McNamara and Trance Former.
With the event expanding year after year, the venue has also changed, moving to Valley Strong Ballpark and tripling its attendance. This year, organizers are expecting another record turnout. Attendees can look forward to even more entertainment, food, and community engagement opportunities.
A Foundation of Support
and Resilience
The Source’s success has been built on resilience, collaboration, and unwavering support from the community. For Brian and Nick, the most fulfilling moments come from the feedback they receive from those they help. “We’ve been stopped on the street by parents and clients who are grateful for the safe spaces we’ve provided,” they shared.
