The Old Fresno Water Tower is an iconic landmark of downtown Fresno. Constructed in 1894 and designed by George Washington Maher, the water tower was a vital resource for many within the city. While no longer a working water tower, the Old Fresno Water Tower remains an iconic landmark. For the first time in 2022, the Old Fresno Water Tower was lit with the colors of the LGBTQ+ pride flag for June. Marking a new prideful celebration in the city.

The Old Fresno Water Tower remains a constant fixture within our collective memories of Fresno. It is a loved and cherished landmark. This is why we chose the Old Fresno Water Tower as a marker to celebrate our transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive communities. Transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive communities in Fresno continue to shape the history of Fresno and have been at the center of LGBTQ+ community building. However, unlike the Old Fresno Water Tower, these communities remain far less visible, celebrated, and protected.

Our mission in Qistory is to celebrate all the diversity in our LGBTQ+ community. This page is dedicated to the diverse voices of our transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive communities in Fresno and the Central Valley. Please explore the videos, oral histories, and artifacts. This page will continue to grow as our archive grows.

Loving Our Communities: Trans, Non-Binary, and Two Spirit Community Building in Fresno

November 3, 2022

EOC LGBTQ+ Resource Center

Panelists

Xico Xavier Garza, Andrew Bligh, Jess Fitzpatrick, Zayn Anthony & Rosio Léon Velasco-Stoll