Articles by E. Ross
E. Ross is the founder of Bent Alaska.
When did you choose to be straight?
UA retired professor on coming out in the sciences
The writers at boingboing realized they’d never seen a Coming Out Day feature dedicated to the experiences of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered persons in the sciences and engineering, and hoped to add to the diversity of stories and help science-minded young queer folks everywhere know that it does, indeed, get better.
Early Oppression Led to a Happy Life in the Sciences
Becoming a minister was my first career goal but the clash between being gay and the church killed that intention. At the same time—age 16—being gay also got me kicked out of my parent’s house. In high school I had won science fair awards, prompting the military to persistently recruit me, so with the seminary door closed I decided to become an officer. Military college tuition and benefits were a tantalizing opportunity for a teenager on his own with no money … but while actually filling out the induction papers at the recruiting station I discovered I had the option to either lie about being gay and be in, or be honest and be out. I chose to be out—in more ways than one. The remaining career path on my list? Science. I worked my way through university in part by serving food to military-funded students and washing their dirty dishes, yet am still glad I did not lie. A life in the sciences has worked out so much better!Internships and field studies with the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies, Indonesian Institutes of Ecology and Parasitology, and in industry led to decades of work on a diverse range of fascinating and rewarding projects. Human ecology in Java, mariculture in Ecuador, agricultural research in New Jersey and California, health science education and disease prevention projects in Alaska and Nepal. At some junctures being gay in the sciences has meant hitting a glass ceiling, no doubt about it; for example, the same year I ultimately won a national award I was conspicuously passed over at the state level in Alaska. There has been definite progress over the years, though, thanks in large part to the efforts of NOGLSTP working with AAAS and other professional associations.As with being LGBTIQ, being a scientist is as much—if not more—a privileged perspective and invaluable approach to perceiving and understanding the world than how one is defined by professional employment or simply by the nominal fact of for whom one feels affection. Whenever I work with students I have them draw a scientist; they usually draw a man in a lab coat pouring chemicals or peering through a microscope. Especially with LGBTIQ youth, I know I have been successful when at the end of the course I ask them again to draw a scientist and they draw a smiling self-portrait. Out and proud career role models for LGBTIQ youth have too long been restricted to hairdressers, dog groomers, and positions in the arts.Our youngest recently graduated from high school and flew the nest for university; with her away my partner and I decided to retire. We moved from Alaska to Hawaii, where I am beginning work with some local efforts on rat lungworm, dengue fever, and other emergent and resurgent tropical diseases as well as with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders). Overall, life as a gay man in the sciences these past decades has been good; thanks to folks like you being out and proud I expect the outlook for our children and students to be even better.
Alaskans speak out on National Coming Out Day
The events of recent weeks beg the question: What is it in our culture that says that gay lives are worthless? Gay teens commit suicide because others tell them their lives are not worth living. And homophobes go so far as to verbally and physically attack gay people, believing their actions are perfectly justified.As chairs of Identity Inc., the organization that runs the Gay and Lesbian Community Center in Anchorage, we take the view that political inequality is a key piece of the problem. The lack of legal protections for the gay community both in Alaska and across the country legitimizes anti-gay bias and harassment.The kind of virulent homophobia that leads to hate crimes and teen suicides is not limited to the Outside — just recall the sea of red shirts at the Loussac Library when the Anchorage Assembly considered Ordinance 64. That Mayor Sullivan vetoed the ordinance means that right now in Anchorage, we can be fired from our jobs, kicked out of our apartments, or refused service in a restaurant based on our sexuality and have no legal protections.By letting discrimination slide, the city of Anchorage is saying that gay and transgender Alaskans are less valuable members of the community.This National Coming Out Day, we say that it is time for things to change — time for Anchorage to stand for fairness and equality.
I have heard that Alaskans get things done. I have heard that Alaskans pull together, crossing social boundaries to get through tough times. We must take action against this tragic possibility facing our young people, a possibility that no doubt many of us have faced down in our own families, whether gay, perceived to be gay, or were bullied for other reasons. At the very least, we must stop being silent about it. Coming out is for everyone: Come out as an ally, come out as conflicted but accepting of all people, come out as pro-life and therefore anti-bullying, come out and make a majority that does not tolerate hate, nor the tactics of shame, nor the senseless death of good people. You never know how what you say can affect a person: say your support for a hate-free community out loud.
I do not write this to capitalize on a disturbing national trend. I write this to break my own silence on an issue rooted deep in my own heart. When my own identity issues brought me to seriously consider suicide as a teen, a place very much like Out North kept me alive: They told me I was okay, and gave me an outlet for my otherwise destructive energy. I owe it to the child I was then to speak to children and adults now. I am grateful that I am alive to do so, and grateful that I have something to offer. I offer it sincerely.Out North’s motto is Art for Everyone, No Exceptions. Whatever your identity, but especially if you are an LGBTQ teen who doesn’t know why to stick around for tomorrow, you are welcome here. We encourage you to explore your own mind, to work and laugh with people who are different from you, to learn how there is strength in diversity. We are holding a place for you in our community, and we are excited for you to fill it, whoever you are. We invite you to drop in from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., every day after school. We have a drug-free space to do your homework, create your own art, volunteer your time, and share your experiences with new friends. We want to know you.But seriously, if you feel isolated, we beg you to let your first act—before your final act—be to come see us, tell us your story, and let us tell you that you are valued.
Alaska is 13th state to join anti-marriage appeal
A dozen states joined marriage opponents in their desperate appeal of the federal court decision that declared California’s Prop 8 unconstitutional, even though Gov. Schwarzenegger supports the ruling and the opponents may not have legal standing to appeal. Now Alaska has become the 13th state to join the appeal. From Alaska Dispatch:
According to the Catholic News Agency (via the Anchorage archdiocese’s Catholic Anchor), Alaska Attorney General Dan Sullivan has submitted a brief, joining Alaska with 12 other states, in support of California’s Proposition 8. The measure, which is currently the subject of litigation in front of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, would formally define marriage in the state [of California] as a union between one man and one woman. Read much more, here. At first, Alaska Beat was surprised we hadn’t seen a press release from the Department of Law about this filing, but then we realized the measure doesn’t seek to define marriage as a union between one beluga whale and one Steller sea lion.
When the states originally joined the appeal, only 9 states were listed and I was relieved that Alaska was not one of them. But that was before the primary election. Now Gov. Sean Parnell is facing Ethan Berkowitz in the general election and he wants the far right behind him. Cue the Attorney General to join the appeal.
Parnell visited the anti-gay Focus on the Family this summer, and billed the state of Alaska for his travel expenses to their Colorado headquarters. Did Focus support Parnell’s campaign in exchange for promises to push an anti-gay agenda, like joining the Prop 8 lawsuit? What other anti-gay actions will he pursue if elected?
Vote for Berkowitz & Benson for Governor & Lt. Governor!
Lisa snubs Pride Conference, honors Prevo instead
While U.S. Senate candidate Scott McAdams was impressing us and our allies at the Alaska Pride Conference last weekend, write-in incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski ignored the invitation to speak to LGBT Alaskans and instead was at Anchorage Baptist Temple kissing up to Rev. Jerry Prevo, a man who brags that his personal legacy has been to prevent gay Alaskans from getting equal rights.
Watch Lisa thank Jerry for the love and guidance he has shown “our community,” by which she means the homo-haters of Anchorage, apparently:
The video of Lisa and Jerry is courtesy of Alaska Commons, and the transcript was posted on Mudflats (the highlighting is mine):
Pastor Prevo, Mrs. Prevo, it is such an honor and a real delight to be with so many here today to celebrate this pastoral anniversary. Think about where you were in 1971. What was going on in your life. Well, here in Alaska… Everyone’s now starting to talk… think about what was going on in 1971… We just passed the Alaska Land Claims Settlement Act that led to the development of our Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Think about how our state has transformed with the advent of that line and what oil has brought to our country, our state.
That was the same time that Pastor Prevo and Mrs. Prevo came to Anchorage and began to build this community – 135,000 people in Anchorage at that time, and think about the changes that we have seen within our community, within our state. And so much of what we’ve seen that has been good and strong has been built right here at the Anchorage Baptist Temple by Reverend Prevo. Think about the ministries. We saw the children’s ministry here today and the delight in the children’s faces. The ministries for the men, the women’s connection, the recovery ministries – so many of the good things – the Anchorage Christian Schools, so much that has been developed under the leadership of this man, with the love and support of Carol Prevo. This leadership is demonstrated on a daily basis and we benefit from it.
And Pastor, I want to thank you from a very personal note for what you did to celebrate the life of a great Alaskan. It was here in this church that Alaskans and people around the country paid tribute to a great Alaskan, Ted Stevens. And what you did, and your guidance and how we showed our final respects was a tribute to all of Alaska. That leadership doesn’t come without the greatness of a man. We thank you for what you have given our community – the guidance you have shown, and the love for so many. Continue it for another 39. Thank you.
WTF? Here is one example of Prevo’s love for us. It’s part 2 of his sermon against last summer’s equal rights ordinance (in case you missed it) and includes a long list of insults for LGBT Alaskans:
Can’t you feel the love? Prevo’s only legacy is peddling fear and hate of LGBT people and preventing Anchorage from becoming a city of equality and fairness.
What is Lisa thinking?
Federal Judge: Stop Enforcing "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"
TO ALL PARTIES AND THEIR ATTORNEYS OF RECORD:This action was tried by Judge Virginia A. Phillips without a jury on July
13-16 and 20-23, 2010. The Court filed a Memorandum Opinion on
September 9, 2010 (Doc. 232), and an Amended & Final Memorandum
Opinion, and Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, on October 8, 2010.
For all the reasons set forth therein, the Court:(1) DECLARES that the act known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” infringes
the fundamental rights of United States servicemembers and prospective
servicemembers and violates (a) the substantive due process rights
guaranteed under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and
(b) the rights to freedom of speech and to petition the Government for redress
of grievances guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States
Constitution.(2) PERMANENTLY ENJOINS Defendants United States of America
and the Secretary of Defense, their agents, servants, officers, employees,
and attorneys, and all persons acting in participation or concert with them or
under their direction or command, from enforcing or applying the “Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell” Act and implementing regulations, against any person under their
jurisdiction or command;(3) ORDERS Defendants United States of America and the Secretary of
Defense immediately to suspend and discontinue any investigation, or
discharge, separation, or other proceeding, that may have been commenced
under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Act, or pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 654 or its
implementing regulations, on or prior to the date of this Judgment.(4) GRANTS Plaintiff Log Cabin Republicans’ request to apply for
attorneys’ fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. §
2412; and(5) GRANTS Plaintiff Log Cabin Republicans’ request to file a motion
for costs of suit, to the extent allowed by law.
Mel on Scott McAdams: The clear choice for LGBTA Alaskans
Two U.S. Senate candidates spoke at the Pride Conference this weekend, and Mel Green reviewed them on her blog Henkimaa:
Yesterday I attended the Alaska Pride Conference, an annual event sponsored by Identity, Inc. My main reason for attending this year came out of my involvement with the Alaska LGBT Community Survey; but I also got the opportunity to hear firsthand from two of the candidates for U.S. Senate, Frederick David Haase of the Alaska Libertarian Party and Scott McAdams of the Alaska Democratic Party. Conference organizers invited all U.S. Senate candidates, but neither Republican Party of Alaska candidates — official candidate Joe Miller and incumbent and write-in candidate Sen. Lisa Murkowski — accepted the invitation.
Which fit in pretty well with what has become obvious: Republican officials and candidates care little about the the issues of concern to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens. Whereas Democrats, despite sometimes spotty records, do. Thus, this year’s Pride march in Anchorage saw the enthusiastic participation of two Democratic gubernatorial candidates (Hollis French and eventual primary winner Ethan Berkowitz) and Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Diane Benson… but nary a Republican candidate was to be seen. (No Libertarians that I can recall, either.)
Mel gave credit to Frederick Haase, the Libertarian candidate, for accepting the invitation to Pride Conference. However, she was not impressed with his argument against hate crimes laws that protect our community and his reference to our “lifestyles.” Her opinion of Haase was shared by others who heard the speech and posted unfavorable comments on their Facebook pages.
When Scott McAdams stepped up to the podium, he began with the message “Vote your values, not your fears,” and gave a brief math and history lesson explaining why Lisa has very little chance of winning (similar to the Tom Begich presentation on Moore Up North.) Then McAdams turned to LGBT issues, Mel reports:
But if in fact he does win, what does Scott McAdams have to offer LGBTA voters? He told us that if he is elected, he will sign on as cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and as a cosponsor of a bill to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT). He also registered his unequivocal support for other federal legislation which advance equality under the law for LGBT citizens, such as repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA; extended to cover same-sex couples by Pres. Obama).
During the Q&A period, Mel was also impressed by his stands on other issues, like early childhood education and drug treatment for drug/alcohol-involved crimes. She concludes:
What sealed it for me was when McAdams said “Sovereignty begins with the individual. Freedom begins with the individual.” Most LGBT people spend a good part of their lives fending off the violative behavior of those who insist that we are supposed to be something other than who and what we are: attacking our sovereignty and freedom at our very cores. When McAdams said that, I knew that he & I see eye-to-eye: & that he respects, in a way I’ve seldom seen expressed by any non-LGBT political candidate, the integrity of who we are as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
Aside from that, he was also very personable, and has a great sense of humor. I really really really like this guy.
Learn more about him at his website, and also see the other three segments of the October 9 “Moore Up North” featuring an in-depth interview with him: Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4. (Part 1 was the portion with Tom Begich already [linked] above.)
I urge all LGBT people, and all our allies who care about LGBT equality, to vote Scott McAdams for the U.S. Senate. For us, and for Alaska.
Thanks to Mel for reviewing the U.S. Senate candidates at the Pride Conference. I encourage everyone to read her full post HERE.
Photo by Mel Green: Scott McAdams, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, at the Alaska Pride Conference 2010.
Today is National Coming Out Day
- It’s 2010 and you can still be fired from your job in 29 states (including Alaska) for being lesbian, gay or bisexual and in 38 states (including Alaska) for being transgender. Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) now!
- It’s 2010 and almost 90% of LGBT youth experience harassment in school, and too many lives have been lost. Include gender identity and sexual orientation in anti-bullying programs!
- It’s 2010 and only five states plus DC recognize that love, not gender, is what matters in a marriage. Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act now!
- It’s 2010 and more than 14,000 servicemembers have been discharged from the military under the failed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. Repeal DADT now!
- It’s 2010 and the government’s failure to recognize LGBT families for immigration purposes tears bi-national couples and families apart. Pass the Uniting American Families Act now!
Alaskans Together annual gathering on Oct. 10
McAdams is keynote speaker at Alaska Pride Conference, Oct 9
