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.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008 – 5:33 AM
| Comments Off on Come Out and Vote Video Contest
How will you Come Out to Change the Future?
October 11th is National Coming Out Day. In this crucial election year, National Coming Out Day is a chance for you to make a difference. When you Come Out, you can change the hearts and minds of those in your life; when you Come Out to Vote, you can change the whole country.
We have the right to live our lives openly and honestly and to walk down our streets without fear of hate. We have the right to equality and to live free of discrimination. We have the right to have a voice in our government. How do we gain and protect these rights? We have the right to vote. Your vote is your voice. America needs to hear you! Vote!
About the Contest
We invite you to create a short video telling the world how you will Come Out and Vote to make a difference in the hearts and minds of your friends, family, classmates, co-workers and country.
Key HRC staff will review the video entries. The winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. and will have the opportunity to be on XM radio’s show The Agenda with HRC President Joe Solmonese. The winning video will also be featured on HRC’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook and MySpace pages.
Entrants must be at least 18 years old at time of entry and may submit one video during the contest period, September 15, 2008 to October 20, 2008.
Criteria
All videos must be 2 minutes or less.
Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 25.
All videos should be free of copyright materials.
The video may not explicitly support or oppose a specific candidate.
Submissions can be either by an individual or a group, and can be sponsored by an organization or corporation.
Each individual or group is limited to one submission.
All entries must be received by 5:30 PM (EST) on October 20, 2008.
Alaskans Can Make a Difference in California – Help Defeat Prop. 8
I’m writing to ask you to join me in participating in a very important campaign. This time the campaign is not in Alaska, it’s in California. The campaign is to defeat Prop. 8, the constitutional amendment that would eliminate marriage rights to same-sex couples in California.
Why should Alaskan’s care what happens in California?
Simply put, it will not only eliminate the right to marry by same-sex couples in California, one of only two states in the country who have legalized same-sex marriage, but it will also be an extreme step backwards for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community’s efforts to achieve civil equality in Alaska and across the country.
A recent California field poll shows that 55 percent of likely voters are against Prop. 8. This is very encouraging and definitely a testament to the hard work that is being done in California to defeat this measure. Having been in the trenches doing this work trying to defeat similar constitutional amendments across the country, I know that these polls tend to overstate our support by at least 5 – 8 points so the race is really a statistical dead-heat.
The opposition is raising millions of dollars and has started to out raise the LGBT community and our allies by a 3-2 margin. The opposition just received another 5 million dollars from the Mormon Church. You may remember the Mormon Church and their involvement in Alaska during the 1998 campaign to ban same-sex marriage in Alaska.
The LGBT movement has a real fight ahead of it and the California campaign needs our help.
I support the No on Prop. 8 campaign because I believe that this is an unfair and divisive amendment that will have long-term implications for not only Alaska’s LGBT community but also the LGBT movement as a whole. This proposition must be defeated.
Because this is so important, I am making a $500 personal contribution to this campaign. Please join me by making a contribution today for $1000, $500, $250, $100, $50 or whatever you can afford. Whatever you can send will IMMEDIATELY be put to use to contact voters directly.
ALASKANS CAN HELP DEFEAT PROP. 8 and send a strong message to the rest of the country that every American should have the right to marry.
Sincerely,
Elias Rojas
P.S. – After donating please feel free to pass this e-mail along to your own list of family and friends so that others can support the No on Prop. 8 campaign. I have created an Alaska Fundraising webpage so we can track how much we can raise as a community to help support the campaign. Feel free to customize this e-mail and forward it to your friends. Share the following link (http://eqfed.org/equalityforall/fundraising/erojas2001-669616) so their donations can be credited to this Alaskan fundraising effort.
Related Articles:
Backers of California same-sex marriage ban are out-fundraising opponents
Sunday, 5 October 2008 – 7:20 AM
| Comments Off on PFLAG Juneau wins $1,000 in Pride Foundation Raffle
Over 2,500 people entered the Raffle With a Twist, telling Pride Foundation which non-profit organization is their favorite and hoping to win some money for them. Here are the winners of the 2008 Raffle:
Rainbow Center of Tacoma is the grand prize winner of $2,500!
In addition, the most nominated organization from each of our five states will receive $1,000 for their work. The following received the most nominations for their state:
Friday, 3 October 2008 – 9:59 AM
| Comments Off on This Week in GLBT Alaska – 10/3/08
Check out this week’s events from Alaska GLBT News.
For full listings, news briefs and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN.
Juneau
Jump the Broom: in Solidarity and Celebration of Love and Marriage 10/5, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Juneau Arts & Cultural Center. All proceeds go to Equality for All.
Fairbanks
Harvest Ball 10/3, door at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $15 at the Pioneer Park Civic Center. ICOAA
Disco/Funk Party with DJ Double D 10/4, 9 p.m.-? 21 and over. Jeff’s house.
Wednesday, 1 October 2008 – 7:15 PM
| Comments Off on Stonewall Democrats Respond to Palin Accusations on Sexual Orientation
Vice Presidential Candidate Wrongly Argues that Sexual Orienation is a “Choice”
Washington, DC – Today, the National Stonewall Democrats issued the following statement in response by accusations from Governor Sarah Palin that sexual orientation is a choice:
“John McCain chose a poor running mate, but he did not choose his sexual orientation. This is another example of why we need a pro-equality President like Barack Obama in the White House. For Governor Palin to suggest that individuals randomly choose their sexual orientation based on nothing but a whim is wrong and it repeats the talking points of the anti-gay special interests which continue to control the McCain/Palin campaign and the Republican Party. ” – Jon Hoadley, Executive Director
Governor Palin asserted that sexual orientation is a choice – a fact disputed by the majority of the scientific community – in a response to a question posed by Katie Couric of CBS News. Couric asked Palin to comment on her views regarding sexual orientation in light of revelations that Governor Palin’s church continues to promote harmful “converstion therapy” for gay Americans.
Palin responded: “But what you’re talking about, I think, value here, what my position is on homosexuality and you can pray it away, because I think that was the title that was listed on that bulletin. … And you know, I don’t know what prayers are worthy of being prayed and I don’t know what prayers are going to be answered or not answered. But as for homosexuality, I am not going to judge Americans and the decisions that they make in their adult personal relationships. I have one of my absolute best friends for the last 30 years who happens to be gay, and I love her dearly, and she is not my ‘gay friend,’ she is one of my best friends, who happens to have made a choice that isn’t a choice that I have made. But I’m not going to judge people.”
CBS News released the interview portion quoted above late Tuesday evening.
A PATTERN OF DISCRIMINATION
– As Governor, Palin currently supports the efforts of radical activists to strip Alaska residents – specifically state workers – of the most basic domestic partner benefits.
– It was only when the Alaska Attorney General warned Palin that the Republican position of stripping domestic partnership benefits was unconstitutional (in light of a recent Alaska Supreme Court ruling) that Palin reluctantly vetoed legislation that would have defied the court ruling. Palin quickly moved on to support an alternate strategy to strip domestic partner benefits by placing an anti-equality amendment onto the state ballot.
– When Alaska had the opportunity to extend the freedom to marry to all Alaskan couples, Palin joined with radical efforts to scapegoat same-sex couples in order to scare voters on this issue. In 1998, Palin championed a constitutional amendment that deeply discriminated against same-sex couples in the Alaska constitution. The passage of this amendment, with the full support of Palin, kicked-off a wave of discrimination by encouraging Republicans and radical activists in other states to place similar measures on state ballots for the next decade to come.
An Anti-Equality Advocate from Day One
– The FIRST piece of legislation signed by Governor Palin was done at the request of radical, anti-LGBT groups.
– Palin squandered over $1.2 million of taxpayer money to place an anti-LGBT “vanity” vote before voters at the request of radical anti-LGBT activists – including Focus on the Family, the Concerned Women of America and the Family Research Council. The ballot language asked voters if they supported Republican efforts to strip existing benefits for LGBT state employees. As a non-biding initiative, the measure had no influence on Alaska law. As the only question on the ballot, Palin willingly wasted over $1.2 million in state money to promote the talking points of anti-LGBT activists.
MCCAIN/PALIN: A TICKET SQUARELY AGAINST EQUALITY
– The McCain/Palin ticket SUPPORTS anti-marriage amendments pending before voters in Arizona, California and Florida. In fact, when asked by the Family Research Council to star in an anti-LGBT ad in 2006, Senator McCain said yes. When Arizona voters rejected his pleas by defeating the initiative, Senator McCain again offered his name to efforts to once again place an initiative on the Arizona ballot in 2008.
– The McCain/Palin ticket OPPOSES the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
– The McCain/Palin ticket OPPOSES federal hate crimes legislation.
– The McCain/Palin ticket OPPOSES the Uniting American Families Act, which would unite families headed by same-sex couples where one spouse is an American citizen.
– The McCain/Palin ticket OPPOSES the repeal of the failed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue” policy which has dismissed over 12,500 servicemembers. At a time when our military asks Americans for their service, the McCain/Palin ticket believes that millions of Americans should be barred from offering their patriotism simply because of who they are.
National Stonewall Democrats is the national voice of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. Stonewall Democrats works to elect more pro-equality Democrats regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity – and to improve the Democratic Party on issues important to LGBT Democrats.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008 – 12:11 PM
| 2 Comments
Modeled after Black and Women’s History Month, GLBT History Month highlights annually the achievements of 31 gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Icons—one each day—with a free video, bio, bibliography, images and other resources. Take the weekly Trivia Challenge each Friday, starting October 10, and the Rainbow Challenge at the end of the month.
Sunday, 28 September 2008 – 1:06 PM
| Comments Off on Gay Men and Salmon Sex: Bob Smith Reads from Selfish and Perverse
Comedian Bob Smith wrote the novel Selfish and Perverse, about three gay men and a lesbian in Alaska and Los Angeles.
In the clip below, Smith reads a few Alaskan scenes from the book, and talks about the GLBT people he met here. The last scene is a great piece about salmon sex.
This isn’t a new video, but the novel is about GLBT characters in Alaska and is funny. I’m posting it now in honor of the summer’s low salmon runs.
The reading was taped at the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists’ Association Annual Convention.
Saturday, 27 September 2008 – 1:45 PM
| Comments Off on Court crowns Emperor and Empress, gives awards and scholarships at Coronation
Mike Bartels of Fairbanks and Paula Butner of Anchorage were crowned at Coronation 2008 as the new Emperor and Empress of the Imperial Court of All Alaska (ICOAA). The Court also announced the winners of five annual awards, and the recipients of the scholarship program.
A total of $60,000 was granted to the 25 scholarship recipients for 2008.
The Scholarship Awards are based on economic need, scholastic achievement, leadership ability and contributions to the Lesbian/Gay community, with preference given to members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied (GLBTA) community.
The Imperial Court’s five annual community service awards are given to individuals and businesses in Alaska’s GLBTA community.
Chosen by the College of Emperors and Empresses:
The Raymond Jorgenson Community Service Award to a group/business went to Bent Alaska
Raymond Jorgenson worked tirelessly for many years on behalf of the GLBTA community of Alaska and the Imperial Court. He was a founding member of every GLBT organization that existed during his day and espoused that it was only through our combined efforts that Alaska’s community could grow stronger. In his honor, the College chooses an organization, group, or business award each year to recognize their outstanding works on behalf of our community.
The C Wayne Hussey Community Service Award to an Individual went to Mr. Gay Alaska Kevin Holtz
C Wayne Hussey was the first Elected Empress of All Alaska and a founder of the Imperial Court of All Alaska. This award is presented annually by the College in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contributions to the community.
Elected by the Fairbanks Community:
The Rochelle DeLite Fairbanks Community Service Award went to College Floral owned by Michael Bartels
Rochelle DeLite served the Fairbanks Community and Imperial Court throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s as a driving force to keep both the Duchy of Fairbanks and the community together. In her memory, the GLBTA community of Fairbanks elects a recipient each year for their outstanding contributions to the Fairbanks Community.
Elected by Alaska’s LGBT Community during voting for Emperor and Empress:
The Peter Dispirito Award for Community Service went to Allie Hernandez.
An outspoken member of the community, Peter was very active in all GLBTA Community affairs. He was instrumental in opening the first gay bar in Alaska, was one of the founding members of the Imperial Court of All Alaska, one of the foremost members of the gay social scene and was loved by all who knew him. He was murdered in 1973. His murderer was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to a mere 2 ½ years in prison. After serving only several months, he was released on parole. The murder and subsequent light treatment of the murderer only served to unite the Gay community and sparked the first real Gay Community activism in Alaska. To honor his memory past recipients, the board of directors of the ICOAA, and the College all place nominations on the ballot at the time of voting for Emperor and Empress… the community then elects the recipient of the award for their contributions to the advancement of the GLBTA Community in Alaska.
Chosen by the reigning Emperor and Empress and given to persons under the age of 21:
The Shante’ Youth Volunteer Service Award went to Paul O’Leary & Ashley Earll.
This award is given in memory of Shante’, for her outstanding contributions to the community. Our Hawaiian Princess worked closely and tirelessly with the GLBT youth of Anchorage to further acceptance among their peers and a more cohesive bond between them and the broader GLBT community. Also as a teacher of her Native dance to other young people, she brought them into our community as allies, helping foster new lasting friendships and understanding in the Anchorage community at large.
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.
Mike Bartels of Fairbanks and Paula Butner of Anchorage were crowned at Coronation 2008 as the new Emperor and Empress of the Imperial Court of All Alaska (ICOAA). The Court also announced the winners of five annual awards, and the recipients of the scholarship program.
