Articles by E. Ross
E. Ross is the founder of Bent Alaska.
Rachel Maddow on all 3 candidates in the Alaska senate race
Most of the national coverage of the Alaska senate race is about Joe’s imploding campaign and Lisa’s low chances of winning as a write-in. Leave it to Rachel Maddow to get it right and cover all 3 candidates. This is great national exposure for Scott. Thanks, Rachel!
She does a good job on the main developments in the race, but incorrectly puts the number of Alaskans at 500,000 (it’s higher) and said the race has nothing to do with Sarah Palin. It does: Sarah endorsed Joe and will take a personal hit if her candidate in Alaska loses. A vote for Scott is a vote against Sarah.
Watch:
UA faculty & staff: It Gets Better!
Alaska is joining the It Gets Better project! University of Alaska Fairbanks faculty and staff are uploading It Gets Better videos to Kate Wattum’s new YouTube channel and inviting faculty and staff from across the UA system to participate in the LGBT suicide prevention project.
There are 5 videos so far, and three more on the way. Project organizer Kate talks about struggling to come out in her 20’s as a student at UAF, and introduces the UA: It Gets Better project:
Visit the UA: It Gets Better channel and watch the other videos:
- Jeanne Laurencelle talks about the (sometimes) long process of self-acceptance.
- Pete Pinney, UAF staff and long time member of PFLAG, talks about leaving his home town to discover a new life in Alaska.
- Joy Morrison describes a climate of acceptance at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Jerry Farnam talks about being bullied in high school and learning to come to terms with his sexuality.
Do you want to participate? Contact Kate.
Giessel wants to take away our partner benefits, and much more
The Alaska Family Council is still obsessed with taking away the job benefits of state employees and their same sex partners – 5 years after the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that it’s unconstitutional to deny these benefits – and they’re promoting a slate of extreme conservatives for the state house and senate who are eager to put our rights up for another public vote.
Cathy Giessel is one of their anti-gay candidates. She’s running for state senate District P on the Anchorage Hillside, and is also endorsed by the far-right Conservative Patriots Group. Janet Reiser, a democrat supported by many in the LGBT community, is running against her.
The Mudflats gives us the run down on Giessel based on surveys filled out for the Conservative Patriots Group in Wasilla and the AFC: [my emphasis]
She believes in “the sanctity of the individual from conception” and that “anti-family policies” should be ended. She believes that the government doesn’t give us our rights – God does. She believes that English should be the common language of the United States. She agrees that Alaska should sue the federal government to repeal Health Care. She supports predator control. And, she will NOT… I repeat, NOT join with Democrats to form a majority legislative coalition. She answered all the questions so well, that the Wasilla group actually made an independent expenditure for her campaign, and against her two opponents.Not only is she endorsed by the Conservative Patriots Group, but also the Alaska Family Council.Giessel, a nurse practitioner, would support Gov. Parnell’s veto of funds for Denali Kid Care (SCHIP), leaving more than a thousand children without health care because Denali KidCare pays for medically necessary abortions.She would oppose a civil rights statute that included the words “sexual orientation” and/or “gender identity” because it would “inevitably lead to discrimination against those persons who, for reasons of conscience, cannot pretend to be morally indifferent to the homosexual lifestyle in the operation so their schools and businesses.” Discrimination against bigots! Oh, the horror.It’s a great read, really. You can find out all about the Choose Life specialty license plates and the denial of same sex partner benefits for public employees, getting rid of the Alaska Judicial Council, and all sorts of interesting things. Check it out HERE.
Giessel is also endorsed by Joe Miller, of course, and by Wayne Anthony Ross. Remember WAR? He was Palin’s choice for Attorney General, called gays “degenerates” and compared his bigotry to hating lima beans. Ross endorsed Giessel, so you know she’s bad news!
Mudflats concludes by supporting Janet Reiser, the Democratic candidate for Senate District P.
So, what is my poor district to do? Fortunately that’s easy. Janet Reiser is the Democratic opponent. She’s an entrepreneur, an engineer, a business owner and an awesome candidate with expertise in the energy industry. Self-described fiscal conservative and social moderate, she’d be a breath of fresh air in a district that really needs it.
A former member of the LGBT Caucus confirmed on Facebook that Reiser is a friend of our community:
She came to the September LGBT Dem Caucus meeting, and committed to support our issues in the Legislature, and said that we are welcome to share that info.
Please spread the word about Giessel’s anti-gay and extremist views, and check out Janet Reiser’s campaign HERE.
APU to Anchorage: Stop the Bullying!
Students at Alaska Pacific University wore purple t-shirts and decorated the school with purple flags for national Spirit Day on Wednesday, to commemorate the recent teen suicides due to bullying and anti-gay prejudice.
The Spectrum club provided 50 purple shirts for students and staff to paint with supportive messages, and gained permission to raise awareness on campus.
APU is a private school with graduate and undergrad programs, and was originally a Methodist college. It’s the only major university in Alaska with an anti-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation.
There haven’t been any reported incidents at APU, but the climate off-campus is not as welcoming. The city of Anchorage has struggled with the need for equal rights for LGBT residents, passing and vetoing a non-discrimination ordinance again last year. The public University of Alaska system has been “studying” their non-inclusive policy for years without making progress.
In addition to raising awareness on campus, two Spectrum students were interviewed about Spirit Day on the local TV news. [I’ll post the videos when they’re available.] Here’s their press release:
APU to Anchorage: Stop the Bullying!On Wednesday, October 20, APU students, staff and faculty will be wearing purple in support of an anti-bullying movement which started on Facebook.After a series of what was five suicides by gay youth across the country, Facebook users rallied together to form a variety of groups to commemorate the lives of these youth and send a message to the nation – No more bullying, no more harassment and no more discrimination.This movement slowly picked up steam and drew the attention of hundreds of thousands of Facebook users.At Alaska Pacific University, we remember those who have taken their lives and, with one voice, remind Anchorage that the lives of all youth are valued.The student government of APU, the Associated Students of APU, and Spectrum, the diversity club on campus, are co-sponsoring this event at the university.Dr. Don Bantz, the new president of APU, gave permission last Friday to drape the log in purple and decorate the school grounds in purple flags and triangles.We hope to raise awareness and understanding by unifying the many different voices at APU.
Thanks to the students, staff and leaders at APU for organizing and supporting this event. At APU, It Gets Better!
Wear Purple today for Gay Youth
October 20 is Spirit Day, when people all over the country are wearing purple to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying and to commemorate the youth who lost their lives because of anti-LGBT prejudice.
The idea spread on Facebook, where millions of people have committed to wear purple today. Many are turning their profile picture purple and devoting their status message to stop anti-gay harassment and celebrate diversity:
It’s been decided. On October 20th, 2010, we will wear purple in honor of the gay boys who committed suicide in recent weeks/months due to homophobic abuse in their homes and at their schools.Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and that’s exactly what we’d like all of you to have with you: spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality.Please wear purple on October 20th. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and schools.RIP Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Seth Walsh, Justin Aaberg, Raymond Chase and Billy Lucas. You are loved.This is not only for these 6 young men, but for all teenagers who have lost their lives due to bullying and abuse.
In this It Gets Better video, Broadway stars rock out in a celebration of life, in the wake of LGBT suicides across the nation:
Transgender health care workshop in Anchorage, Wed. Oct 20
Health care providers can learn more effective ways to care for Anchorage’s growing transgender population and earn 3 CEU credits at a half day training on Wednesday led by Samuel Lurie, an expert on transgender issues and access to health care services.
Transgender People and Access to Care: Demystifying Gender Identity in the classroom, in the clinic and in the community
As the visibility and activism of transgender and gender-variant people has grown, providers are seeking ways to increase their understanding of the diversity of transgender experiences. This workshop will provide basic information and present strategies, standards of care, best practices, and resources for incorporating appropriate and effective support to your transgender clients. Our presenter is a member of the transgender community as well as a seasoned trainer who has presented on transgender awareness and health topics nationally for the past 12 years.Learning ObjectivesAt the end of our workshop, participants will:
- Understand basic terminology, language and concepts of gender variant experiences including gender transition process and the role of mental health and social service providers.
- Distinguish between biological sex, gender identity and sexual orientation and ways in which care for transgender populations specifically differs from care for gay, lesbian, and bisexual communities.
- Identify current standards of care and approaches to supporting transgender clients and members of the client’s support system.
- Be able to incorporate a basic knowledge of gender identity into their current professional work, including resources for supervision and educational materials.
The TrainerSamuel Lurie is the director of Transgender Training and Advocacy (www.tgtrain.org) and is recognized nationally as an expert on transgender issues and access to health care and prevention services. He has been active in community health for over 20 years, focusing on HIV/AIDS activism, harm reduction and empowerment in marginalized communities. Samuel has an interactive, engaging and thought-provoking training style, and has presented on transgender issues to over 26,000 providers in 28 states. He lives in Vermont, where he recently opened a private practice in mind-body health.
The workshop is on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, at the BP Energy Center, 1014 Energy Court (near E. Benson/Seward Hwy) in the Alder/ Cottonwood Room, 2nd Floor, from 1:30-4:30pm (registration and snacks at 1:15pm.) Registration fee: $50 per person or $80 for 2 people from the same agency. Student/community scholarships are available. Registration and questions, please contact Katherine Huffman, Education Manager at PPGNW-Alaska.
Transgender Health Care Survey
A national report released on Oct. 13 revealed rampant discrimination against transgender people by health providers.
Transgender and gender non-conforming people face discrimination in health care settings, are regularly denied needed care, and experience a range of health risks because they are transgender or gender non-conforming, according to a report of more than 6,450 transgender and gender non-conforming people.
Key findings of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey: Report on Health and Health Care include:
- Nearly 1 in 5 (19 percent) reported being refused care outright because they were transgender or gender non-conforming.
- Survey participants reported very high levels of postponing medical care when sick or injured due to discrimination and disrespect (28 percent).
- Harassment: 28 percent of respondents were subjected to harassment in medical settings.
- Significant lack of provider knowledge: 50 percent of the sample reported having to teach their medical providers about transgender care.
- Despite barriers, the majority has accessed some form of transition-related medical care, but only a minority has had any surgery, despite the fact that a strong majority stated wanting to have it someday.
- Respondents reported more than four times the national average of HIV infection, 2.64 percent in our sample compared to 0.6 percent in the general population, with rates for transgender women at 3.76 percent, and with those who are unemployed (4.67 percent) or who have engaged in sex work (15.32 percent) even higher.
- Over a quarter of the respondents reported misusing drugs or alcohol specifically to cope with the discrimination they faced due to their gender identity or expression.
- A staggering 41 percent of respondents reported attempting suicide compared to 1.6 percent of the general population.
The report also includes critical public policy recommendations, such as the urgent need to train medical professionals about how to effectively and respectfully treat transgender and gender non-conforming patients; an end to the discriminatory practice of transgender exclusion from health care coverage; the development of transgender-specific programs to address suicide; the spread of HIV, and other health risks; and increased research that focuses specifically on health needs of the transgender population. [Download the health report.]
Preliminary findings on employment and economic insecurity, which provide an overview of statistics from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey on the pervasive employment discrimination transgender and gender non-conforming people face, unemployment rates, poverty levels, and housing instability, are available HERE.
Statistics related to suicide, and the relationship to bullying and harassment in school, were released last week, and are available HERE.
Unions oppose anti-worker (& anti-gay) Rep. Mike Kelly *Vote for Bob*
Alaska union members are going door-to-door in support of Democratic challenger Bob Miller in hopes of unseating Fairbanks state representative Mike Kelly for his “abysmal record” on workplace issues.
LGBT Alaskans know Kelly as co-sponsor of the statewide vote to take away the same sex employment benefits that were granted by the Alaska Supreme Court. He also referred to gay and lesbian couples as “homosexual pairs” in editorials against the benefits.
Alaska AFL-CIO President Vince Beltrami told the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner that
[O]rganized labor takes issues with Kelly’s work to eliminate Alaska’s defined benefit pension plan for state workers, as well as his votes against outlawing mandatory overtime for nurses, raising the state minimum wage and providing presumptive disability benefits for firefighters.“In short, Mike Kelly has been no friend to working families,” Beltrami said.Following a few chants of “Vote him out,” the union members from the Local 1547, Local 942, teamsters, carpenters, Alaska Public Employees Association and other groups went door-to-door to campaign for Kelly’s opponent, Democrat and TV anchorman Bob Miller.
In 2008, FieryBlazingHandbasket compiled a list of reasons to oppose Kelly, and he was re-elected by only 4 votes. So spread the word and vote for Bob Miller – every vote counts!
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UPDATE: Bob Miller introduced Scott McAdams at Scott’s well-attended Fairbanks Town Hall meeting. Check out Bob’s TV ad (with a humorous dig at his opponent):
Alaska Native youth for Scott McAdams
Verner Wilson III, who spoke at Pride Conference last year, is at the Alaska Federation of Natives Elders & Youth Conference this week and is one of four Alaska Native youth in a new video for U.S Senate candidate Scott McAdams. McAdams grew up in rural Alaska, worked as a fisherman in western Alaska and supports the teaching of Native languages. He also supports LGBT equality.
Here is the video:
Verner shared more reasons for supporting McAdams:
5 things you might not know about Scott McAdams
1) He was born to a single mother in rural Alaska, and admitted they didn’t always have food in the cupboard of their small house growing up.
2) He fought at School Board conferences to allow schools to teach Alaska Native languages.
3) He’s just 40 years old, and wants to gain seniority in the US Senate and use this power to make Alaska energy-independent and help us in the long run while voting for Democratic values (unlike Lisa who is entrenched by big oil and Republicans).
4) As a fisherman in Sitka alongside his indigenous wife, they understand and will fight for subsistence…HE’S ONE OF US!
5) He’s within striking distance of beating both the Republicans in the latest polls and if you vote for him you can put him over the top, really pissing off Joe Miller!
Juneau sales tax discriminates against same sex partners
The Juneau Assembly may extend a sales tax exemption for seniors and their spouses to include same sex partners because the current policy is unconstitutional, the Juneau Empire reports:
A tax exemption policy on the City and Borough of Juneau’s books technically violates the Alaska Constitution, and Assemblyman Jonathan Anderson wants it corrected.He addressed the assembly on Friday and presented the problem and two ways of fixing it.The city code allows senior citizens to apply for an exemption to the sales tax. Their “spouses” who are under age 65 are allowed the same benefit.Anderson said that’s where the language is unconstitutional, and cited ACLU vs. State and Municipality of Anchorage, a 2005 Alaska Supreme Court case. Alaska state law prohibits same sex marriages, but on the same token the tax exemption benefit can’t exclude domestic partners or folks who can’t get married, the state’s top court ruled then.“The law says you can’t exclude people on basis of marriage when one group is excluded from getting married,” Anderson said in an interview. “To make our code constitutional, we need to add ‘and same-sex partners.'”The other option to fix the issue of violating the state constitution, is for the city to no longer offer a sales tax exemption for all senior citizens.Anderson noted the city already addressed this issue in other portions of its code, including establishing rules for providing benefits for domestic partners of its employees.City Attorney John Hartle said he had reviewed the information and found Anderson’s assessment to be correct.Hartle said if the assembly chooses to go the route of inserting the language “or same-sex partners” it will have to be sure similar documentation standards are implemented as with married couples.“I will suggest what is probably apparent,” said Assemblyman Bob Doll. “What we really want to do is insert the language, ‘or same-sex partners’ and proceed that way.”The finance committee will review the code amendment issue at its November meeting.“The assembly will have to decide do we remove it entirely or do we provide it for same sex partners,” Anderson said in an interview.
City Councilman Joel Burns: It Gets Better
Fort Worth City Councilman Joel Burns reaches out to GLBT teens with a personal story and a message of hope. Get out the tissue and listen to this heartfelt message from a brave and openly gay city councilman in Texas (who is a personal friend of several LGBT Alaskans):
