Articles by E. Ross
E. Ross is the founder of Bent Alaska.
Signs of Gay Life at the End of the Road
Homer now has its very own PFLAG chapter, and the potential leaders of a Gay-Straight Alliance.
“We had a fundraiser with a showing of Milk at the Homer Theatre and got an amazing turnout,” wrote Jennifer, President of Homer PFLAG. The group brought handouts on LGBT issues and ‘Homer PFLAG’ buttons to the theater. “We plan to have another fundraiser soon to raise money for a scholarship.”
Alaska has active PFLAG chapters in Juneau, Fairbanks and Anchorage. Chapters in Kenai and Palmer are not currently active.
At the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer has a reputation for being artistic and progressive, but in many ways it is also a conservative fishing town.
“We are so excited about the two outspoken high school student allies who recently wrote letters to the editor in the Homer News,” Jennifer wrote. The letters were published in the March 11 issue of the paper, calling for more acceptance of gay people and less discrimination by students, teachers and society.
In “GBTLs are human too,” Lukas compares the lack of tolerance at Homer High to the acceptance seen at his previous school:
“I just moved to Homer from Portland, Maine, seven months ago. I was really surprised at the lack of acceptance of gay, bi, transgender and lesbians (GBTL) in the community. Where I went to school in Portland almost half the freshman class was GBTL, and more than a third of my friends were, too. They were accepted into the community like everyone else. We celebrated Gay Pride Day and had a Gay-Straight Alliance at school. On Gay Pride Day we had guest speakers who were GBTL speak to our school about their experiences. We listened to their stories in complete silence, some brought to tears. Even those of us who were homophobic listened with respect, acknowledging the speakers for who they were.“Here at Homer High School it is as if being GBTL is an infectious disease. People cringe at the mention of gay love. In my Alaska studies class the role of gay men in Inupiat communities was briefly mentioned. Our books said that they had an important role in the community; they were honored for their fine skills in medicine. Immediately my classmates started to gag and proclaim how disgusting this was. I confronted one of them and told him I saw no problem with being gay. He started to laugh. I see no education in the school promoting GBTL, or even promotion for acceptance from the teachers. Whenever something is boring or frustrating it is automatically referred to as gay.“GBTLs are human too; there is no difference between them and me. Some may not see eye to eye with them, but I see no reason to bash them. Just as I accept you for who you are, can we not live our lives and accept them for who they are?”
In “Nation needs more acceptance,” Emerson argues that accepting those who are different by nature is a moral act:
“It has been recorded that a gay percentage of the human race has existed ever since we first came onto this earth. This makes me wonder why it is that we can’t accept them as just another faction of our race. The population of this country doesn’t seem interested in making gays a welcome part of society as shown in the recent banning of gay marriage in all states [DOMA], and especially by proposition 8 in California, which intends to nullify all of the gay marriages in the state. I consider this a terrible tragedy, and am baffled by our inability to accept the fact that this is the way humans are and always will be.“I think it’s time that this country matured as a people, to accept those things that are different and stop being afraid of those things unfamiliar. We have all seen the good that can be done when we join together for a cause or a belief. Beautiful things can happen, but at this point in time we seem incapable of achieving unity. If we have the ability to accept, than there is no valid excuse not to; and I can tell you here and now that every human has the capability to accept those who are different, and I say that it is morally incorrect not to do so.”
Thank you to the students for writing these letters, and thank you Homer News for printing them. Congratulations to Homer PFLAG on a good start.
National Progress on LGBT Rights
America is experiencing a burst of progress on LGBT rights:
- The United States finally signed the U.N. declaration to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide,
- voters in Gainseville Florida beat back a repeal attempt of the city’s LGBT non-discrimination policy,
- the Vermont Senate and the New Hampshire House each passed a same-sex marriage bill,
- a banned Gay-Straight Alliance club was reinstated by court order,
- an out lesbian attorney was appointed general counsel for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (the director is a gay man)
- and another lesbian attorney (who is legally married to her wife and is an ordained Episcopal priest) was appointed Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
This is just the beginning. For a full round-up of current efforts to improve the lives of LGBT Americans, see Keori’s list on Pam’s House Blend.
Here are a few national LGBT events and resources that crossed my screen recently:
- 40 Years of Pride – June 28, 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, internationaly recognized as the beginning of the modern gay rights movement.
- Faces of Us – Send a picture to this LGBT photo project so they can add Alaska to the list of participating states.
- Day of Silence – The National Day of Silence, celebrated this year on April 17, brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools.
- Think before you speak – Don’t say “that’s so gay.”
- Welcoming Our Trans Family and Friends – PFLAG’s most recent trans resource.
- Day of Decision on Prop 8 – Day of Decision actions, held the evening of the California Supreme Court Prop 8 decision.
This Week in LGBT Alaska 3/27/09
March 31 is the deadline to apply for the PFD and use Pick.Click.Give to donate to Alaska’s LGBT organizations.
Early voting has begun for the Anchorage municipal election.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory has updates on Mt. Redoubt’s activity, currently at Red Alert.
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center is open M-F 5-8 p.m. The social group meets Wednesdays, 5 p.m. at Vagabond Blues in Palmer. Election of the Board of Directors 4/1, 5 p.m. at the Center.
Anchorage
“Sordid Lives” 3/27-3/28 at 7 p.m., 3/29 dinner at 5 p.m. & show at 8. Mad Myrna’s.
Boot Camp: Fetish Ball, 3/28, 9:30 p.m. Fashion show by The Look, piercing demo by The Hole Look. $15, proceeds to benefit the Four A’s food bank. Mad Myrna’s.
Fifth Sunday of Lent with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage in their new location. 3/29, 2 p.m.
Sheila Selkregg house party 3/29, 4:30 p.m.
LGBTQ Personal Experiences at UAA, in Anchorage & Beyond, a panel discussion for Women’s History Month, 3/31, 7 p.m.
Gay AK Round-up
The Last Queer Frontier
Anchorage PrideFest 2009 will be June 13-21 with the theme The Last Queer Frontier. The highlight of PrideFest is the Celebrating Diversity Parade and the Festival on the Delaney Park Strip on June 20. The Festival features live entertainment, vendors, food, friends and fun, all under the glorious Midnight Sun. Parade and Vendor applications are available on the Links page.
Growing Mat-Su Center seeks funding
The Mat-Su LGBT Community Center opened its doors on Monday. “I’m very encouraged by the size of our coffee meetings,” writes Brianne. “At this time we could really use a contribution towards setting up Internet and phone access in our office. Also we very much need bookshelves.” The Center is open Monday-Friday 5-8 p.m. and the coffee social is on Wednesdays, 5 p.m. at Vagabond Blues in Palmer.
Conservatives notice Alaskans Together
Alaskans Together was mentioned by The Catholic Anchor and the Alaska Standard in an article opposed to the Fairbanks school board’s decision to add gender identity to the non-discrimination policies: “The policy change was a welcome move by an increasingly well-organized group of gay rights advocates in Alaska. The Web site for the activist group Alaskans Together expressed hope that the new policy would set an example for future action by other schools and governments across Alaska.”
Men of Anchorage on Meetup
Men of Alaska is a group for gay men in Anchorage, Alaska and surrounding areas who meet for social events and community service projects. Gay men visiting from outside of Alaska are also welcome to join to find events that are happening during their visit.
Out in Alaska summer trips
Out in Alaska has awesome adventures planned for this summer, including backpacking in Gates of the Arctic National Park (June 5-13), backpacking in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (June 15-21 – women’s trip, and August 18-24), rafting the incredible Copper River (July 18-25), and kayaking in Kenai Fjords (Aug. 3-7). No experience necessary, just be in good shape and ready for adventure. Ask Tim about the local discount.
Straight audiences enjoy drag show at Anchorage gay bar
The Divas Drag Show at Mad Myrna’s is featured in the Sunday Anchorage Daily News, with a headline and photo displayed on the front page.
“Gay bars change acts to appeal to straight customers”, written by Julia O’Malley, focuses on the performers, the show, the bar and how the audience is now more straight than gay.
Myrna’s has been home to a drag show for a decade, and straight people have long been part of the audience. But on some Friday nights lately, gay patrons have thinned dramatically, replaced by military couples, bachelorette parties and curious young professionals. It’s part of a national trend.
Read about the drag queens, gay go-go boys and straight girl co-host who perform the weekly drag variety show.
Thanks to Julia and the ADN for this article about the gay citizens of Anchorage and the straight people who enjoy our company.
Boot Camp: Fetish Ball 2009
The Fetish Ball, where the people are the show!
“Please help me and The Alaskan Kinksters raise money for the Four A’s, and have one hell of a party,” wrote Scott, organizer of the Ball.
The Fetish Ball will be held at Mad Myrna’s on March 28 at 2130 hours (9:30 p.m. civilian time.) There is a $15 “enlistment fee” (cover charge) and all proceeds benefit the Four A’s food bank. Events include a fashion show by The Look and a piercing demo by The Hole Look. Come on down and check it out!
This Week in LGBT Alaska 3/20/09
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
Gender Bender Party, a fundraiser for Fairbanks PFLAG and Interior AIDS Association. 3/21, 8 p.m. 21-and-over.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social support group meets Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Vagabond Blues in Palmer.
Anchorage
LunaFest women’s film festival at Out North 3/20-3/21, 7 p.m.
Electronox 3/21, 9 p.m at Mad Myrna’s.
“Sordid Lives” performed live at Mad Myrna’s. Sunday Dinner Matinee on 3/22, 5 p.m.
Fourth Sunday of Lent with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage at their new location. 3/22, 2 p.m.
Transgendered Alaskans’ Social Group (TASG) meets Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.
Happy 40th Anniversary, Dan & Al
Dan & Al Carter-Incontro have been together for 40 years, and 32 of them were spent in Alaska.
They got together in 1969, three months before the Stonewall riots began the modern gay rights movement, and lived in Alabama four years before moving to Alaska. In 2005, they moved to Florida and are celebrating their 40th Anniversary on March 21.
During their decades in Anchorage, Dan & Al were involved in the gay community and were plaintiffs in the case that won partner benefits for state and city employees. The conference room at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center (GLCCA) is named in their honor.
“At the GLCCA, we have created a celebratory photo booth to help Dan & Al celebrate their 40th,” wrote Phyllis of Identity. “Come by any time the GLCCA is open and the volunteer on duty will take your photo with the ‘Happy Anniversary Dan & Al’ sign.” The complete set of digital photos will be sent to Florida as a present from their many friends in Alaska.
Visit the Gay & Lesbian Community Center, M-F 3 to 9 p.m. and S-S noon to 6, to take the ‘Happy Anniversary’ photo, browse the library collection, use the computers and socialize in a safe LGBT environment.
Dan & Al, congratulations on your 40th Anniversary! May you enjoy many more good years together.
MCC Anchorage is Moving
MCC Anchorage will hold the March 22 Sunday service in their new location at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, on the corner of Lake Otis and Tudor Road. The service marks the fourth Sunday of Lent, and Pastor Van Manen’s sermon is titled “Day of Action.” The worship will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the A-frame chapel.
“Come and enjoy an action packed day of celebration and worship,” wrote Pastor Van Manen in his Pastor’s Ponderings. “Come and worship with us as we move through this Lenten season.”
The MCC newsletter includes this message of appreciation: “Thanks to our Board of Directors for all of their hard work in making this move a reality, and thank you to the good people at St. Mary’s who saw fit in welcoming us into their home. This move, which has been three months in the making, affords the congregants of MCC Anchorage the opportunity to worship God in a welcoming, accepting & collaborative environment.”
“We are excited to say the least,” wrote Vice Moderator Matthew Moak about the move. “It is the second step in rebirthing MCC in the community [and] our attendance has grown dramatically over the months.”
MCC Sunday worship: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. Beginning on March 25, MCC’s mid-week program Step by Step will be held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
