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Sunday, 6 October 2013 – 5:19 PM | Comments Off on A long-overdue Bent Alaska update — October 2013

Bent Alaska’s blog will continue in hiatus indefinitely; but the Bent Alaska Facebook Group on Facebook is thriving — join us! A long-overdue update from Bent Alaska’s editor.

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Articles by Bent Alaska

Bent Alaska is Alaska's LGBTQA blog founded by E. Ross in March 2008 and now edited (as of October 2011) by Melissa S. (Mel) Green.

Sara’s News Roundup 6/27/11

Monday, 27 June 2011 – 2:30 PM | Comments Off on Sara’s News Roundup 6/27/11
Sara’s News Roundup 6/27/11

Recent LGBT news selected by Sara Boesser of Juneau, Alaska.

1) Gay marriage backers: NY vote has national impact
New York, Associated Press, June 25, 2011

2) N.J. Senate President Sweeney calls abstaining from gay marriage vote worst decision of legislative career
Trenton, New Jersey, NewJersey.com, June 20, 2011

3) The Archbishop vs. the Governor: Gay Sera, Sera
New York, New York Times, June 18, 2011

4) When Parents Reject Their Transgender Child
Huffington Post, June 11, 2011

5) Cubs Deliver “It Gets Better” Message
Chicago, Advocate, June 20, 2011

6) Book Excerpt: From Here To Eternity, The Restored Edition
Advocate, June 21, 2011

7) Study finds half of college-educated gays in the closet at work
365Gay.com, June 21, 2011

8) The transgender surgeon as artist
San Mateo, Calif., Washington Blade, June 2, 2011

9) Giffords Intern Celebrates Gay Night at Nats Park
Washington, Advocate, June 22, 2011

10) Judge Exempts Same-Sex Spouse From Testifying
Maryland, Advocate, June 24, 2011

11) Tracy Morgan Meets With Gay Youths Shunned By Parents
Advocate, June 17, 2011

12) Oregon sued over transgender insurance coverage
Salem, Oregon, KATU.com, June 21, 2011

13) Marriage Equality Foes Speak Out
New York, Advocate, June 25, 2011

14) Soccer sisters accused of being more Arthur than Martha
Germany, Daily Telegraph, June 22, 2011

15) Culhane: Analysis (and Celebration!) of the NY Marriage Equality Law
365Gay.com, April 25, 2011

16) Coming Out Most Beneficial in a Supportive Environment
Psych Central, June 22, 2011

17) Some celebrity quotes on NY’s new gay marriage law
CBS, June 25, 2011

A message from Identity about Saturday’s accident at Pride

Monday, 27 June 2011 – 9:00 AM | Comments Off on A message from Identity about Saturday’s accident at Pride
A message from Identity about Saturday’s accident at Pride

Identity, Inc.A Message From Identity, Inc. Board of Directors Regarding the Recent Tragic Accident

Again, the Board of Identity, Inc. expresses its deepest sympathies to James Crump’s family and friends and to each person impacted by the tragic accident at the Alaska Pride Parade on June 25, 2011 in Anchorage.

The Board extends its thanks to the Anchorage Police and Fire Departments for their response and to each member of the Anchorage community for the support shown. The facts of the accident are under investigation by the Anchorage Police Department.

Identity’s website will have information for those who feel the need for emotional support caused by this tragedy.

The Identity Board is exploring ways to honor James.

The Psychological Services Center at UAA has graciously extended its services to all effected by the tragic accident of June 25, 2011. They can provide free long-term counseling to anyone who feels the need for emotional support. Contact the PSC at 786-1795.

Bear Tooth Theatrepub presents two films for Pride tonight

Monday, 20 June 2011 – 12:32 PM | Comments Off on Bear Tooth Theatrepub presents two films for Pride tonight
Bear Tooth Theatrepub presents two films for Pride tonight

The Bear Tooth Theatrepub in Anchorage is presenting two movies tonight in celebration of Pride: The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls and Making the Boys. Thanks, Bear Tooth, for joining us in celebrating Alaska Pride!

Sara’s News Roundup 6/19/11

Sunday, 19 June 2011 – 9:43 PM | Comments Off on Sara’s News Roundup 6/19/11
Sara’s News Roundup 6/19/11

Recent LGBT news selected by Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.

1) Being gay today: The debate over pride in the 21st century
Toronto, Canada, Globe and Mail, June 10, 2011

2) Bisexual Christian embarks on homophobic ‘hurt’ journey
BBC News, U.K., June 15, 2011

3) Maine Pols Save Transgender Rights Policy
Maine, Advocate, June 8, 2011

4) White House to host Pride celebration on June 29
Washington, Washington Blade, June 7, 2011

5) From I.R.S. to Gay Couples, Headaches and Expenses
Utah, New York Times, June 11, 2011

6) Trans people trying to be just ordinary
Ontario, Canada, The Spec, June 10, 2011

7) Portland Adopts Trans-Inclusive Health Care for City Workers
Portland, Oregon, Advocate, June 9, 2011

8) Gaga sings ‘Born This Way’ at Rome gay rally
Rome, Italy, MSNBC, June 12, 2011

9) Man in Turkey Admits To Writing ‘Gay Girl in Damascus’
Turkey, Yahoo News, June 12, 2011

10) Some gay-rights foes claim they now are bullied
Boston Globe, June 12, 2011

11) Kentucky: Disabled Gay Couple Ejected From Pool
Hazard, Kentucky, Advocate, June 13, 2011

12) Gay: Born this way?
The Independent, June 14, 2011

13) NETROOTS: Lesbian SEIU Head Backs Exec Order Against LGBT Job Bias
Washington, Washington Blade, June 18, 2011

14) Bankruptcy Court: DOMA Unconstitutionally Limits Same-Sex Married Couples From Joint Bankruptcy Filing
Los Angeles, Metro Weekly, June 13, 2011

15) GOP Candidates on Marriage, DADT Repeal
New Hampshire, Advocate, June 14, 2011

16) Church clears the way for celibate gay bishops
London, England, BBC, June 19, 2011

17) Chris Christie Makes the Gaga-Argument for Gay Rights
New Jersey, Advocate, June 15, 2011

18) UN backs gay rights for first time ever
Geneva, Switzerland, Associated Press, June 17, 2011

Sara’s News Roundup 6/12/11

Sunday, 12 June 2011 – 12:07 PM | Comments Off on Sara’s News Roundup 6/12/11
Sara’s News Roundup 6/12/11

Recent LGBT news selected by Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.

1) 35% – Disapprove of Gay and Lesbian Couples Raising Children
Pew Research Center, Yahoo News, June 9, 2011

2) Army Launches DADT Website
Washington, Advocate, June 6, 2011

3) Don Lemon on Being Gay, Black & Twitter Feed Crush Fodder
National Black Justice Coalition, May 31, 2011

4) Red Sox to Do “It Gets Better” Video
Boston, Advocate, June 6, 2011

5) For Gay Men, Serious Relationships Still Harbor Risks for HIV
HealthDay News, June 7, 2011

6) Steeped in a man’s sport, lesbian footballers fit the mold
Germany, D-W World, June 7, 2011

7) Female couple flout French same-sex marriage ban
Nancy, France, AFP, June 4, 2011

8) LEBANON: Lady Gaga’s newest album seized as potentially offensive to Christians
Lebanon, LA Times, June 6, 2011

9) Glbt (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) Teens More Prone To Risky Behaviors
Atlanta, Third Age, June 6, 2011

10) Bisexual, Lesbian Women Less Likely to Get Pap Tests
Health Behavior News Service, June 7, 2011

11) Transgender Vermonters Score Historic Legislative Victories – Under the Radar
Vermont, Seven Days, June 1, 2011

12) Wyoming Supreme Court reverses same-sex divorce ruling
Cheyenne, Wyoming, Tribune, June 7, 2011

13) [Transgender] Anti-discrimination bills among 49 signed into law by Sandoval
Carson City, Nevada, Las Vegas Review-Journal, June 2, 2011

14) US bishop ends ban on blessing of same-sex couples
West Hollywood, CA, Guardian, June 9, 2011

15) Canceled Mass outrages gays
Boston, Boston Globe, June 11, 2011

16) VA says transgender [and intersex] vets are eligible for hormones
Washington, Associated Press, June 10, 2011

17) Gwyneth Paltrow encourages children to learn about lesbian parents
London, Telegraph, June 10, 2011

Jay Her’s Comedy Hypnosis Show this Saturday at Mad Myrna’s

Thursday, 9 June 2011 – 12:00 PM | Comments Off on Jay Her’s Comedy Hypnosis Show this Saturday at Mad Myrna’s
Jay Her’s Comedy Hypnosis Show this Saturday at Mad Myrna’s

Jay Her's Comedy Hypnosis ShowCome start your summer fling at Jay Her’s Comedy Hypnosis Show at Mad Myrna’s!

Another crazy night of hypnotic havoc is before you! If you’ve been to a few before then you know what can happen at these shows. If you haven’t come find out why these shows have the reputation they do.

  • Find out how orgies can be Boring.
  • Why people pick their noses.
  • Why little things can cause so much excitement!
  • How some people get Great Cellphone Reception.
  • And many other silly little things we humans are capable of…

Each show is entirely dependent on You and Your Friend’s involvement in making it come alive. And the potentials of these shows are anywhere from “Oh, it’s funny…” to “I can’t believe he just made love to the leg of that chair!”

Come and bring your friends to make this show another hilariously jam-packed Show!

  • Date/time: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 PM to midnight
  • Location: Mad Myrna’s, 530 E. 5th Ave. in downtown Anchorage (see map)
  • Cost of admission: $10.00 cover (get your pre-sale tickets starting in May)
  • Further info: See the Facebook event page or Eventbrite event page

Southern Baptist Convention called upon to apologize for mistreatment of LGBTs

Thursday, 9 June 2011 – 11:19 AM | Comments Off on Southern Baptist Convention called upon to apologize for mistreatment of LGBTs
Click through to sign the petition telling the Southern Baptist Convention: Apologize for the harm caused to LGBT people

A new coalition of organizations has started a petition calling on the Southern Baptist Convention to apologize for the harm its teachings have caused the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The coalition includes the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, Believe OutLoud, Faith in America, GetEQUAL, Soulforce and Truth Wins Out. Sign the petition!

Irina Rivkin in Fairbanks for three performances this weekend

Wednesday, 8 June 2011 – 1:48 PM | Comments Off on Irina Rivkin in Fairbanks for three performances this weekend
Irina Rivkin

Irina RivkinWorld-folk live-looping harmony singer-songwriter Irina Rivkin is back in Alaska, with three shows scheduled this weekend in Fairbanks. Local folksinger Inna — Irina’s twin sister — opens and collaborates. Inna performs visually creative acoustic folk with echoes of the Alaskan wilderness.

About Irina Rivkin

Outmusic Awards Recipient, top-10 winner in the Indiegrrl Songwriting Contest, & founder of Rose Street House of Music, Irina Rivkin’s compelling, powerful, poetic songs blend elements of folk & world music, with an all-original sound influenced by her Russian heritage. Irina layers her poetic lyrics with rich textured harmonies, swirling with vocal percussive beats, all created live on-the-spot using her loop station instrument. Her CD “upwelling” has received airplay on over 100 radio programs.

“Bobby McFerrin reminds me of you” — Bodhi Goforth, house concert co-producer

Rivkin “performs her own breathtaking act as a “live one-woman choir” (using digital looping technology to astonishing effect)” — Michael Dougan, SF Chronicle

“rhythm & sound would pass as a Russian Sweet Honey in the Rock.” — Angela Page, Sing Out! Summer 2004

About Irina’s music:

Irina Rivkin’s website
Live concert video on Youtube
Irina Rivkin on Sonic Bids

Irina’s performances in Fairbanks this weekend

Featured performer at the College Coffeehouse, Songwriter’s night

  • Date/time: Friday, June 10, 8 PM
  • Location: College Coffeehouse, 3677 College Road, Fairbanks (see map)

Performing at the 25th Annual Fairbanks Summer Folk Festival

  • Date/time: Saturday, June 11, 1:15-1:30 PM
  • Location: 25th Annual Fairbanks Summer Folk Festival, Pioneer Park Pavilion, Moose Creek Main Stage, 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks (see map)

House concert

All are welcome! Local folksinger-songwriter Inna opens the show. Concert is followed by a short participative live-looping activity for audience members who wish to hear their own voices/instruments live-looped!

  • Date/time: Sunday, June 12, 7 PM (potluck at 6 PM)
  • Location: Goldstream Valley area of Fairbanks. For address/directions/RSVP, please email idrivkin@alaska.edu, or call 455-6947 (between 10 AM and 10 PM).
  • Cost of admission: $8-15 sliding scale donation helps cover tour costs

Listen to Irina perform her song “Hold the Moment,” and see live-looping in action!

This Friday: Loud and PROUD all-ages dance at Out North

Tuesday, 7 June 2011 – 8:00 AM | Comments Off on This Friday: Loud and PROUD all-ages dance at Out North
This Friday: Loud and PROUD all-ages dance at Out North

Out North and ADK kick of Pride Month with an all-ages dance featuring performances by Powertrain Control Module, DJ DaMmBro, and special guests. A night of exceptional music, with a crowd of extraordinary people!

Sara’s News Roundup 6/5/11

Sunday, 5 June 2011 – 1:53 PM | Comments Off on Sara’s News Roundup 6/5/11
Sara’s News Roundup 6/5/11

Recent LGBT news selected by Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.

1) Mayor Bloomberg makes case for gay marriage law
New York, New York Post, May 26, 2011

2) Gay seniors offered help Program to assist gay senior citizens
Northampton, Mass., The Republican, May 29, 2011

3) ‘Coming Out’: Gay Teenagers, in Their Own Words
New York Times, May 20, 2011

4) Expert: Use gay slurs controversy to tackle homophobia in sports
CNN, May 27, 2011

5) Chaz Bono and transgenderism’s rich history
New Statesman, May 26, 2011

6) The trouble with ‘Don’t Say Gay’
Tennessee, 365Gay.com, May 27, 2011

7) Gay Group Smart to Endorse Obama Early
Washington, Huffington Post, May 27, 2011

8) Pooja Bhatt stands for the LGBT community
India, Yahoo News, May 26, 2011

9) Survey: Gays Gaining Global Acceptance
Advocate, May 30, 2011

10) Krieger: Why can’t LGBTs get along with each other?
San Francisco, 365Gay.com, May 31, 2011

11) Federal judge in Seattle OK’s gay softball organization’s limit on number of straight players
Seattle, Washington Post, June 2, 2011

12) Obama again declares June ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month’
Washington, Daily Caller, May 31, 2011

13) Comedian Hoffman will get into Le Mood Jewish culture conference
Montreal, Canada, Gazette, June 3, 2011

14) The San Francisco Giants release their ‘It Gets Better’ ad
San Francisco, Yahoo News, June 1, 2011

15) Transgender man to compete in Escape From Alcatraz
San Francisco, San Francisco Chronicle, June 4, 2011

16) Polls Show Huge Public Support for Gay and Transgender Workplace Protections
Center for American Progress, June 2, 2011

17) Administration Officials Mark AIDS Anniversary
Advocate, Washington, June 5, 2011