The Central Valley has a long history of being the conservative heartland of California. With the unique makeup of urban and rural development, the Central Valley is a melting pot of diverse populations and cultures.
The Pieces of Us Podcast will document the courageous stories of those working to make the Central Valley a more accepting community for the LBGTQ population and all. With so many intersecting identities, Central Californians often have identities that are often overlooked and at times exploited.
Pieces of Us will feature individuals from all over the community, from local drag queens to activists to business owners to community leaders. All of the interviews will show the intersectionality woven together by a diverse, thriving community.
Anthony Ash, MSW, ACSW
Anthony is a lifelong Central Valley resident, organizer, and social worker. He got his start in social work through community organizing in the wake of California's Proposition 8, which would strip same-sex couples of the right to marry. Through his organizing efforts, he was able to help tell the remarkable story of Ed and Derrence. They had been together for more than 50 years by having their relationship mentioned in the California Supreme Court Case against Proposition 8 before their passing. His organizing work has been featured on MSNBC when he used empathy and respect to change a prominent anti-gay organizer's heart and mind. Other organizing work includes helping end the discriminatory policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and passing marriage equality at the United States Supreme Court.
Anthony completed his undergraduate degree in Social Welfare at Fresno Pacific University. This private Christian university had historically worked against LGBTQ equality. However, through engaging in meaningful conversation with the school administration, he continued to work on LGBTQ inclusion in the school's curriculum and continues to present LGBTQ cultural competency to undergraduate students. He completed his graduate program at the University of Denver with a concentration in mental health and trauma.
Currently, he is working on his doctorate of social work at Capella University.