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.
Friday, 2 July 2010 – 8:24 AM
| Comments Off on Watch: Drag Queen Bingo & Alaska Pride Parade (videos)
Thanks to KTVA channel 11 for airing several stories throughout the week of Alaska PrideFest this year. Here are KTVA’s stories on the annual Drag Queen Bingo at Snow City Café, a benefit for AMP; and at Anchorage’s annual Pride parade and festival.
Thursday, 1 July 2010 – 2:38 PM
| Comments Off on Watch: Elena Kagan on DADT & marriage
At her Supreme Court confirmation hearings this week, nominee Elena Kagan stated her continuing opposition to DADT: “I have repeatedly said the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy is unwise and unjust. I believed it then, and I believe it now.”
Later Kagan said, “One thing I do know is that my politics would be, must be, have to be completely separate from my judging.”
Kagan will likely be hearing the Prop 8 case in the next couple of years, and could only discuss side issues when asked about states’ rights and same-sex marriage:
The Texas GOP platform made headlines for stating that gay sex should be illegal, and anyone issuing a marriage license to a same-sex couple should be jailed, among many anti-gay points. The Montana GOP platform calls for “legislation to keep homosexual acts illegal” even though sodomy laws were declared unconstitutional. What does the Alaska GOP platform of 2010 say about gays?
“We affirm the family, defined as people living together related by blood, marriage or adoption, as the foundational unit of society. We embrace the definition of marriage in our State constitution as the union of one man and one woman and support reserving certain benefits to this union alone.”
They oppose same sex marriage, and they also oppose domestic partnership benefits, which are legal for state and some city employees in Alaska. Adding insult to injury, their official platform does not want gay and lesbian couples to be called FAMILIES, even when we are living together and raising children.
“We support requiring active, written parental consent prior to teaching any sex education curricula. Any such curriculum must be age appropriate and abstinence based. We also support teaching prenatal development. We oppose teaching or promoting alternative lifestyles as legitimate or desirable.”
Only abstinence based sex ed, and the parents can opt out of that. Ignorance is bliss. And that last sentence: they don’t want kids to know that some people are gay, that being gay is “legitimate or desirable.” They don’t even want the gay kids to know they are ok. Perhaps they would rather have the kids commit suicide. And who still uses “alternative lifestyles” as code for gays? That’s so 90’s.
“We oppose any modification of the application of the current “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy as adopted in 1993 to implement Public Law 103-106.”
Oppose gays serving openly in the military? Check. Oppose same sex marriage? Check. Oppose school programs that lower the suicide rate of LGBT teens? Check. And they also oppose our legal domestic partnerships.
It’s fair to say that the Alaska Republican Party platform opposes gay rights and equality.
But what about ENDA? They oppose labor unions, but don’t mention non-discrimination policies. Maybe they recognize the inevitable passage of a jobs ordinance and are softening on that. Or maybe they just forgot.
If their statements against gays aren’t appalling enough, look at their section on education. They support the teaching of Creationism, and want science teachers to present evidence against evolution:
“We support teaching various models and theories for the origins of life and our universe, including Creation Science or Intelligent Design. If evolution outside a species (macro-evolution) is taught, evidence disputing the theory should also be presented.”
Here’s another interesting item:
“We support a change to the Alaska Constitution that would eliminate the practice of the Alaska Judicial Council to limit the list of potential appointees to only those it finds “qualified.” The council could still give its rating, but the Governor could choose a nominee from all applicants.”
They want to put unqualified judges on the bench! Why would they want to pack the courts with judges who don’t have strong legal skills, or don’t have the temperament for being a good judge?
The GOP could hand pick judges who pass their “morality” test, including their views on gay rights. Like Sarah Palin appointing Wayne Anthony Ross to be the Attorney General… calling gays “degenerates” and comparing us to lima beans (among his many prejudices) made him their perfect choice for the state’s top lawyer, despite the low rating by his peers. Expect judges like WAR if the GOP gets it’s way on this.
And the platform calls for a constitutional amendment against choice:
“We endorse the Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Man is made in the image of God; therefore, we embrace the sanctity of life from the moment of conception until natural death. We heartily encourage our elected officials to use every legal means to protect the unborn and recognize the worth of even the smallest members of the human race.”
The GOP platform also opposes gaming, health reform, embryonic stem cell research, taxes, amnesty for illegal aliens, human cloning, marijuana and assisted suicide. They are the party of “no”.
“We are committed to the protection of full civil and equal rights for all people and the continued efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination.”
Nice. That covers all of our issues. Other sections discuss families…
“Alaskans must be guaranteed the freedom to make and act on personal decisions regarding religion, reproduction, medical care, and marriage and life partners.”
… and jobs…
“Every worker is entitled to a living wage and a safe, healthy, harassment-free workplace that promotes equal employment opportunity in all terms and conditions of employment. We expect the enforcement of nondiscrimination laws and the promotion of Alaska preference in hiring.”
… and international human rights.
“We believe that the U.S. government should support multinational efforts through the United Nations and elsewhere to stop genocide, reduce hunger and disease, protect human rights, and to promote justice, prosperity and peace in the world.”
Neither the ARP nor the ADP specifically mention LGBT Alaskans in their platforms. But the Republican platform openly opposes gay rights and the Democratic platform supports full equal rights for all. Although gay rights are becoming a cross-party issue in some states, a big divide remains in Alaska. On gay issues, the choice is clear.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010 – 8:33 PM
| Comments Off on Openly gay Ray Boltz performs in Anchorage, July 11
Ray Boltz is performing in Anchorage on July 11 — and the concert is FREE! Yes, that’s right, you can hear this acclaimed gay singer perform for free by registering HERE before they run out of tickets.
Ray Boltz sold over 4.5 million records and was the recipient of two Dove awards before coming out as a gay man and retiring from Christian music. After a five year break from the stage, Boltz recorded True, with songs about same-sex marriage (“Don’t Tell Me Who to Love”), bias crimes (“Swimming Hole”), and the conservative claim of a gay ‘agenda’ (“Following Her Dreams”).
In several of the songs on True, Boltz tries to reconcile being gay with his Christian faith.
“I don’t believe God hates me anymore,” said Boltz in an interview with the New York Times. “I always thought if people knew the true me, they’d be disgusted, and that included God. But for all the doubts, there’s this new belief that God accepts me and created me, and there’s peace.”
Both Bolz and his ex-wife Carol have been vilified by religious extremists for becoming LGBT advocates. She manages his website and blogs her support at My Heart Goes Out.
Mrs. Boltz also realizes better than anyone how many former fans vehemently object. She fields the e-mail messages that pour into the Web site, the ones that say, “We will be destroying all your cds cassettes etc immediately” and “Instead of converting to man-love, why not goat love?”
Ugh. Sounds like something Prevo would say. So if you enjoy gay-themed songs or contemporary Christian music, go to this free concert and support Ray Boltz in his return to the stage as an openly-gay man. And bring your straight Christian friends and relatives! They need to hear his message as much as LGBT people do.
The Anchorage concert is sponsored by the Metropolitan Community Church (MCCA) and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. For more on Boltz and his tour with another recently out singer Azariah Southworth, visit the Living True tour.
Monday, 28 June 2010 – 6:25 PM
| Comments Off on Make "Housing First" a reality, support Karluk Manor
Four A’s is a member of the Anchorage Coalition on Homelessness and sent the following message in support of the Housing First program. They explain why this program is important to the fight against Homelessness and AIDS in Anchorage, and how we can lend our voices:
HOUSING FIRST
Make It A Reality
A Housing First project is critical to our efforts in eliminating homelessness from our community. RurALCAP is working hard to establish Anchorage’s first large Housing First complex (48 efficiency-style units); Karluk Manor. Without a Housing First project, Anchorage will continue to struggle with the negative community impacts caused by the chronically homeless population.
Four A’s has approximately 15 clients who are chronically homeless who would greatly benefit from this project. These individuals have been unsuccessful in any of the housing programs we have provided over the years. Without housing, these individuals are unable to remain adherent to HIV medications or consistently access support services. Each year we are serving more and more hard-to-serve/house individuals. Without this project, these people will remain homeless.
WE NEED YOUR VOICE NOW!!
To make Karluk Manor a reality, RurALCAP requires a conditional use permit. We need you to voice your support for the project. For more information on Karluk Manor, click here. At the bottom of the page is information regarding Housing First (PDF) and Karluk Manor (PDF).
Click here to voice your support. Without community support, this project will die and we will not have a Housing First project for many years to come. Help us achieve our goal of 100 people providing positive testimony for Karluk Manor. Comments can be as short as “I support Karluk Manor”, to more details outlining why you support the project.
Please join us and countless others in letting our community know the importance of Karluk Manor. The Municipality is putting forth many road blocks that have the potential of “killing” this project. Without your voice, they will win. Share this request with friends and family. We need the city to hear we want Housing First….we want Karluk Manor.
Housing First is permanent housing, as opposed to emergency/transitional housing, and has intensive case management services available. As a result of being permanently housed, the homeless can begin to access medical, mental health, substance abuse treatment, employment and vocational training and life skill resources. Economic studies have shown providing permanent housing for the chronically homeless population significantly reduces the costs of homelessness.
For more information about Housing First, click the links above for the Anchorage Coalition on Homelessness. For information on HIV/AIDS services and resources, visit Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, aka the Four A’s.
Sunday, 27 June 2010 – 1:04 PM
| Comments Off on Stonewall, the Rosa Parks moment (video)
June 28 is the anniversary of Stonewall, when the queens, gays and lesbians of New York City fought back against a police raid on the Stonewall Bar in 1969. The event taught us the power of honesty and pride, and launched the modern LGBT rights movement.
Stonewall Uprising tells the story of the Stonewall riots in the words of the participants:
“It was the Rosa Parks moment,” said one man. June 28, 1969: NYC police raid a Greenwich Village Mafia-run gay bar, The Stonewall Inn. For the first time, patrons refuse to be led into paddy wagons, setting off a 3-day riot that launches the Gay Rights Movement.
Told by Stonewall patrons, reporters and the cop who led the raid, Stonewall Uprising recalls the bad old days when psychoanalysts equated homosexuality with mental illness and advised aversion therapy, and even lobotomies; public service announcements warned youngsters against predatory homosexuals; and police entrapment was rampant. At the height of this oppression, the cops raid Stonewall, triggering nights of pandemonium with tear gas, billy clubs and a small army of tactical police. The rest is history. (Film Forum)
Saturday, 26 June 2010 – 2:16 PM
| Comments Off on What does PRIDE mean to you?
IN THE LIFE speaks with a diverse group of LGBT people and discovers what Pride means to them. Watch the episode and tell us what LGBT Pride means to you:
Friday, 25 June 2010 – 11:01 PM
| Comments Off on TODAY: Alaska PrideFest Parade & Festival – Join the Party!
Alaska’s Celebrating Diversity Parade and Pride Festival is TODAY, Saturday June 26 in downtown Anchorage. The Parade begins at 11 am, marching west on 6th Avenue from D Street, and the Festival follows at noon on the Delaney Park Strip around K Street.
Come march with us – join a group you like and show your Pride in being LGBTQ or an ally. If you don’t want to march, please cheer us on from the side. Every parade needs a cheering crowd! Then join us for the Festival on the Park Strip.
Friday, 25 June 2010 – 3:07 PM
| Comments Off on The ordinance one year later (video)
KTVA looks back at the 2009 battle for an equal rights ordinance, and asks where the LGBT community of Anchorage is today, as we celebrate PrideFest 2010.
Four voices speak for fairness and equal rights: Matthew, Rachel, Johnathan and MeMe. Only one person speaks for hate: Prevo. Which side are YOU on?
Friday, 25 June 2010 – 5:44 AM
| Comments Off on PrideFest parade route, performers and activities
Tomorrow, Saturday June 26, is the big day: the Alaska PrideFest 2010 Diversity Parade and Festival on the Park Strip! Here is the scoop on the parade route and the festival entertainment, food, and activities for kids and adults, from the NorthView’s June Pride issue by Identity.
——
“Paint your toenails, get out your boas, don your Levis and leathers, and get those dykes on their bikes because Pride is here again!”
Pride Parade – June 26th 11:00 AM
Come to the Pride parade! March, ride in a float, or loudly cheer on those fabulous folks who do! The parade begins at 11:00 at 6th and D Street. We will proceed west on 6th Avenue and turn left on K Street, right on 8th Street, left on L Street, left on 10th Avenue and end at Delaney Park near the flagpole in time for the start of our festival on the park strip. Let’s turn up and show some fabulous, finger snapping, glittery pride!
Main Stage Entertainment
Co-hosting the main stage activities are two Empresses: Alaska’s current reigning Empress 37, Miss Meme Jenkins, and former Empress 11 of Southern Nevada, Ginger Grant, along with Mad Myrna’s Friday Nite Diva Show host, Miss Paige. We’ll kickoff PrideFest with the National Anthem and State song followed by proclamations and Invocation by an Alaska Native elder. After that, it’ll be one great performance after another! You won’t want to miss a minute! There’ll be something for everyone. The fun starts at noon on the Park Strip at the big main stage!
This year’s performers include a wide array of talent, including some of past year’s favorites and some new faces too! Divas Ashley, Jovy and Delicious will strut their stuff for your pleasure. Underground Dance Company will wow you with dance performances. The Lu Lu Small Band will get you dancing on the grass and more live music from local solo artists and bands will keep you dancing.
It’s in the large middle section of the Park Strip and we will have lots of entertainment and booths open till 6pm this year. That’s one hour longer than in the past.
Food
We’ve got lots of food!!!! We’ve got fried food, barbequed dogs and burgers, we’ve got reindeer sausages and we’ve got trendy quesadillas, gyros and still more…yep…we scored on the food this year!
Activities
Bungee Run – $5 for three runs. Hours and hours of fun, you and your friends can try and make it to the end of the bungee run — but you won’t! Padded harnesses hold you back and will knock you off your feet!
Bucking Salmon – $5 for three tries. Alaskans can sometimes have a difficult time satisfying their appetite for excitement. You can now “Ride the Red” where you can ride our fully functional mechanical bull transformed into a custom made Chinook salmon. Now there’s a fish story that you have to see to believe.
Sumo Wrestling – $5 for 2 people to play 3 bouts. Belly up to this one! The Sumo Wrestling Suits let everyone experience authentic Sumo Wrestling first hand. Adults try to pin their opponent.
Obstacle Course – $1 per run. This is an inflatable course of obstacles for you to navigate. Test your level of butch or show off for your honey.
What’s Happenin’ for Youth at PrideFest
We have new booths and activities this year that are geared to the children in all of us. No need to look for them–they will be right in the middle of things. Get silly and have fun!
For the little ones we have a very inexpensive Kiddie Carnival. We’ve got a hang-out booth for teens. No older adults and no babysitting of the small fry allowed. Strictly a space for teens to kick back on the bean bags and chill!
Wear Your Pride
This year’s way cool PrideFest t-shirts are short sleeved and black with the 2010 A Pride Odyssey logo on the front. They cost $20 (unless you are a volunteer and get a $5 discount) and come in sizes XS to 4XL. You can purchase your shirt at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center (336 East 5th Avenue), Pride on the ParkStrip, and other Pride events.
Of course, the best logo on the blackest t-shirts will be at the Identity Booth. There will be stickers and t-shirts, and hopefully, some rainbow boas, too, for you to purchase!
Visit the Alaska PrideFest website at www.AlaskaPride.org for more information about the Diversity Parade, the Pride Festival on the Park Strip, and other Pride Week events.
The very real consequences of DADT repeal; seeking survivor benefits for same-sex partner of Alaska shooting victim; waiting on SCOTUS decision about whether it will hear Prop 8 case; and other recent LGBTQ news selected by Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.
In this month’s “Ask Lambda Legal” column, Lambda Legal answers a question about the federal government’s longstanding ban against donations of blood from men who have sex with men (MSM).
Alaska Pride Conference 2012 kicks off on October 5 with a First Friday showing at Tref.Punkt Studio of Love is Love, a photographic exhibit of LGBT couples from across the state.
United for marriage: Light the way to justice. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this Tuesday and Wednesday, March 26–27, in two cases about freedom to marry. Please join us on Tuesday, March 26, at the federal courthouse in Anchorage (7th & C) in a circle united for equality.
Pariah, a critically acclaimed film about a 17-year-old African-American woman embracing her lesbian identity, will screen at UAA on Friday, November 2, and will be followed by a discussion on acceptance in honor of Mya Dale. The event is free and open to the public.