By Eddie Gutierrez

With more LGBT civil rights in the blue state of California than in any other, LGBT Californians enjoy many comforts and have high visibility. Incidents over recent weeks, however, give our community stark reminders that there is definitely some conservative Republican red in this golden state.

On Sept. 26, the North Tower Circle, a popular nightclub in Fresno, was burned down, leaving dozens of people out of work and thousands stunned and saddened. On Oct. 1, the Fresno Express, another LGBT club, also sustained massive damage in a fire. Since local media and officials seemed unable to connect the dots, LGBT community members called attention to the fact that two LGBT clubs turned to ashes and rubble only days apart.

At a press conference organized by the Central California Alliance, the Center for Non-Violence, Equality California, and others, Fresno Deputy Fire Marshal Don Macalpine and Dennis Bridges, police district commander in central Fresno, made it clear that violence against any community would not be tolerated. Sources in the Fresno region say investigators will rule that the first fire was arson, but need more time before determining if the fire was specifically intended to target gays.

And just as Fresno LGBT people suspect a relationship between the two recent fires on their home turf, we need to ask ourselves if those fires may be part of a larger trend toward homophobia. In July, a gay couple's mobile home in Lakeland, Fla., was set ablaze with the threat "die fag" written on the front door. In the same month, two LGBT clubs faced arson attacks in Brownsville, Texas, and Fayetteville, Ark., while a pro-LGBT church was damaged in Middlebrook, Va.

According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, violence against our community occurs more during times of greater visibility. In 2005, California became the first state in the United States to pass equal marriage rights legislation and Arnold Schwarzenegger became the first governor in history to veto such legislation. Throughout the year, anti-LGBT rallies were held in Fresno and California's Central Valley, with Fresno's own mayor hosting a "pro-family" rally. Many local leaders say these events foster anti-LGBT sentiment.

These events are generating attention behind the political scenes. For the upcoming legislative cycle, elected officials and organizations are preparing legislation to strengthen anti-violence laws. Meanwhile, in the wake of the recent Fresno fires, 100 local residents and officials gathered on Oct. 9 to begin a dialogue regarding anti-violence awareness and prevention.

However, it is incumbent upon all of us to watch out for ourselves and our friends as LGBT visibility increases leading up to and after the Nov. 8 special elections where we are working in coalition with other progressive groups to stop Gov. Schwarzenegger's power grab. And we need to be especially vigilant as we prepare to fight the expected anti-LGBT constitutional amendment next June.

The media say that California is the bluest state of all. It is imperative that we stay courageous and true to the principles that blue represents.

Eddie Gutierrez is the communications director of Equality California (EQCA).