Gay AK: Notes from LGBT Alaska

“The Emma’s Revolution concert was a success,” writes Juneau Pride Chorus member Juanita Reese. “It was a privilege to open for the group and sing a song with them. Big turn out. They are wonderful people … funny, inspiring and good music.”

Thank you for calling Senators Begich and Murkowski in support of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act. Sen. Begich received many supportive calls and became a co-sponsor of the Act. “He did get the message,” wrote Diane DiSanto from Senator Begich’s office. “More Alaskans called to support it, and most of the negatives were from out of state.”

The movie Outrage opened last week in the Lower 48, and the Alaska Premiere will be at The Bear Tooth on Monday June 15 during Anchorage Pride Week. Outrage is “an indictment of closeted politicians who lobby for anti-gay legislation.” Watch the trailer.

Governor Palin released a statement in support of Miss California Carrie Prejean, who does not support same-sex marriage and has become a spokesperson for the anti-gay lobby. Palin’s statement begins: “The liberal onslaught of malicious attacks against Carrie Prejean for expressing her opinion is despicable.” Read the full statement.

Each week, Jake Nodar, the one gay “volunteer” on Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment shares his first hand take with AfterElton about the latest episode, and what it’s like being openly gay in a group full of straight people on a survival nature expedition. Read Jake’s Take.

Are you an LGBT person who believes that you have been discriminated against by an employer, landlord, or business? Have you ever been told to stay closeted on the job? Are you a straight ally or family member who has felt the sting of public harassment or discrimination because of your friends or relatives, or because you were perceived as being “too masculine” or “too feminine”? There is no better time than at the public hearing on June 9 to share these stories with the people in a position to make a difference. If you can participate, please e-mail Tiffany McClain.