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Where to Find GLBT Alaska – Business List

Monday, 20 April 2009 – 7:07 PM | 8 Comments

Visitors, new residents and long-time Alaskans want to know where to find GLBT-owned and GLBT-friendly businesses in Alaska, so we can support the community with our consumer dollars. Here is the current list.

Obviously, it is not a complete list, and now is a good time to update it. If you are a GLBT Alaskan, or an ally of our community, and want to include your business on Bent Alaska’s free list, please leave your information in a comment below the list. If you know a gay-owned or gay-supportive business that you think should be here, please ask the owner to visit Bent and leave a comment.

Disclaimer: This list is not an endorsement or recommendation for the businesses, only a recognition that they are owned by GLBT Alaskans and our Allies.

Bent Alaska’s resource list for Alaska’s GLBT organizations, groups and publications remains one of the most often visited pages on the blog. There is also a list of GLBT Alaska’s Annual Events, and Seasonal and Recurring Events.

UPDATE: There are so many listings for Travel-related businesses, that I’ve added a separate post and linked it in the right hand column of the blog! Where to Find GLBT Alaska – Travel & Tourism

Alaska’s GLBT Business List

Anchorage

Mad Myrna’s (bar)
530 East 5th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 276-9762

The Raven (bar)
708 East 4th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 276-9672

Kodiak Bar & Grill
225 East 5th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 258-5233

Ginger Restaurant (LGBT-friendly)
425 W 5th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 929-3680

Side Street Espresso (LGBT-friendly)
412 G Street
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 258-9055

Jay Her, Hypnotist
Anchorage, AK 99504
Phone: (907) 720-9909

Preview Sun & Day Spa
Stephen Nolan
1443 West Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99503
907.245.0036

The Skin Bar (day spa)
inside Sunrise Sun Spa
(Huffman and Old Seward)

Custom Cleaning
Home or business cleaning.
Weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly.
Gift Certificates available.
Carol: 351-5100

Dee Gould
ORGANIZE IN SYNC
Personal Organizer
Member NAPO
907-301-6811

Liza Sims, CPCP
Cosmetic Tattoo
907-561-3937
4100 Lake Otis Parkway #205,
Anchorage AK 99508

F Ken Freedman Counseling
therapist specializing in GLBTI people
(907) 566-1708

Out North Theater (LGBT-friendly)
3800 DeBarr Road
(907) 279-8099
Mission: Art + Community = Change

Lea McDermid (LGBT-friendly)
Attorney, immigration law
310 K Street, Suite 200
Anchorage AK 99501
(907) 264-6755

Erin Hall Meade (LGBT-friendly)
Financial Advisor
Beckwith Meade Group
3601 C Street, Penthouse West
Anchorage, AK 99503
907.561.4433 Main
907.564.6603 Direct
800.770.7000 Toll Free
866.365.9750 Facsimile

JeaShoots
Jeannette Ramos, photographer
photo note cards on 100% recycled paper

Earth Bed & Breakfast
Hosts: Lori & Angel
1001 W. 12th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 279-9907
Fax: (907) 279-9862

City Garden B&B
1352 W. 10th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 276-8686
Fax: (907) 276-2358

Arctic Fox Inn
327 E. 2nd Court
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 272-4818
1-877-693-1239

A Wildflower Inn
1239 I Street
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 274-1239
1-877-693-1239

Alaskan Leopard B & B
16136 Sandpiper Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99516
(907) 868-1594
1-877-454-3046

Copper Whale Inn
440 L Street
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 258-7999
(866) 258-7999

Eagle River

Mile 5.2 Greenhouse
17026 Santa Maria Drive
Eagle River, Alaska 99577
(907) 694-3978

Mat-Su Valley

Karen Harris
Alaska Garden Gate B & B
950 S. Trunk Road
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-2333

Fairbanks

Tim Stallard
Out in Alaska (travel)
P.O. Box 82096
Fairbanks, AK 99708

Michael Bartels
College Floral
(flowers & gifts)
3260 College Rd,
Fairbanks, AK 99709
907-479-6926

Deirdre Helfferich (LGBT-friendly)
Ester Republic Press (newspaper)
PO Box 24, Ester, AK 99725
907.479.3368

Interior

229 Parks Restaurant and Tavern (LGBT-friendly)
Mile 229.7 Parks Hwy, near Denali National Park.
Specializes in locally grown produce,
organic/free-range meats and game
and is a member of Chef’s Collaborative.

Juneau

Perseverance Theatre (LGBT-friendly)
914 Third Street, Douglas, AK 99824
Tickets: 463-TIXS
Telephone: 907-364-2421

The Silverbow Inn
Inn, Bakery, Catering, Cinema, Gallery
120 Second Street
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-4146

Haines

Alaska Guardhouse B & B
PO Box 853
Haines, Alaska 99827
(907) 766-2566
1-866-290-7445

Homer

Bunnell Street Arts Center
non-profit arts center (LGBT-friendly)
106 W. Bunnell Street, Suite “A”
Homer, Alaska 99603

Sitka

Neurobehavioral Consultants
Dr. Cindy Westergaard
201 Lincoln Street, Suite 1
Sitka, Alaska 99835
(907) 747-3743

Anchorage Pride Prom 09

Sunday, 19 April 2009 – 12:56 PM | Comments Off

Over 150 Anchorage youth attended Pride Prom, the “break the silence” activity at the end of the national Day of Silence, held this year on Friday, April 17.

The Pride Prom is a judgement-free dance for youth ages 14-19, sponsored by the Anchorage GSAs. The theme was a Black & White Ball, and dancers were encouraged to wear clothing that would glow in the black lighting. Entertainment was provided by Blackbody Radiation and the Ultraviolet Catastrophe.

– photo of Conner, the guitarist, performing under the black lights

This Week in LGBT Alaska 4/17/09

Friday, 17 April 2009 – 3:58 PM | Comments Off

This week’s events from Alaska GLBT News:

Juneau

SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.

Bac’untry Brothers dRagtime Revue 4/17 the Red Dawg Saloon, 8 p.m. 4/18 Hanger on the Warf, 8 p.m. 4/19 the Folk Fest, 8 p.m.

Fairbanks

Day of Silence at UAF 4/17, “The Times of Harvey Milk” showing at 6:30 p.m. in Schaible Auditorium.

Mat-Su Valley

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.

The Harmony Community Choir is forming at the Center, rehearsals on Thursdays 6-7 p.m.

Anchorage

Pride Prom for ages 14-19, at the Chalet 4/17, 7-10:30 p.m.

Semi-Annual Womyn’s Dance at the Snow Goose 4/17, 7:30 p.m.

SINsation drag Cabaret with Joey Arias & Sherry Vine from NYC, at ‘Koots, thru 4/18, 8 p.m.

No Foolin’: A Mardi Gras Fiesta fundraiser for Four A’s 4/18, 7 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

Scott Turner’s Annual Bake Sale and Bake-Off for charity 4/19, 4 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

Sunday worship at MCC Anchorage, 4/19, 2 p.m.

Tansgender Support Group, Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.

WAR’s anti-gay letter: pedophile jokes, criminals, "immoral in the eyes of anyone with intelligence"

Wednesday, 15 April 2009 – 9:59 PM | 5 Comments

UPDATE from Mel: “23 yeas, 35 nays: WAR goes down! Wayne Anthony Ross will NOT be Alaska Attorney General. We fought the good fight, people, and we WON!”

* * *

Wayne Anthony Ross’ letter to Lawyers Against Discrimination began with a reference to gays as pedophiles: “Dear LAD: (LAD??? Intentional, on your part? Or merely a Freudian slip?)”

Three weeks ago, Bent Alaska reported that Attorney General-nominee Wayne Anthony Ross called gays “degenerates”, “immoral” and a “perversion” in a letter to the Alaska State Bar Association’s newsletter, according to the ADN. Since then, Ross has refused to answer the legislators when asked if he feels this way about gays and lesbians now, and, when pressed, compared his homophobia to hating lima beans.

We’ve learned much about Ross, on many topics, but the question remained: what did the rest of his letter say? The Legislature is scheduled to vote on Ross’ appointment Thursday at 11 a.m., and Bent obtained the letter just in time.

Ross wrote the letter to the Alaska Bar Rag in March 1993 in response to an appeal from “Lawyers Against Discrimination,” a group that fought the repeal of a non-discrimination ordinance, approved by the Anchorage Assembly, which prohibited the Municipality from employment discrimination on the basis of “sexual preference.”

“It was a big messy battle in Anchorage in late 1992/early 1993,” writes Mel Green. “The ordinance was ultimately rescinded.” Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or preference remains legal today in Anchorage and the rest of Alaska.

Ross’ full response to Lawyers Against Discrimination:

“Dear LAD: (LAD??? Intentional, on your part? Or merely a Freudian slip?)

I received your letter of 23 February 1993 regarding the Anchorage homosexual rights ordinance. While I am not surprised to see some of the names on your letterhead, I am most disappointed in other names thereon. I had more respect for some of you than I do now.

I am in favor of repeal of the measure. I see nothing involving civil rights in this matter. We all, heterosexual or homosexual, have certain rights. This bill seems to give extra rights to a group whose lifestyle was a crime only a few years ago, and whose beliefs are certainly immoral in the eyes of anyone with some semblance of intelligence and moral character.

It is a shame that you folks don’t have some causes you could become involved in that are of benefit to society in general. Instead, you support degenerates. No wonder the legal profession is treated with less respect than we wish.

If, as you apparently believe, morality is not based on long-standing God-given and God-instilled principles, but is something that changes from time to time based on public perception of right and wrong, then that is even more reason for you to allow this referendum to go to a vote of the people. After all, isn’t it your position that public morality is based upon whatever the public decides?

None of you has done anything publicly (to my knowledge) to attempt to protect the millions of lives of innocent children killed each year through abortion, yet you collectively contribute $5,000 to the cause of sexual perversion. It is quite disheartening to me to see my fellow members of our honorable profession display such a lack of proper priorities.

Wayne Anthony Ross

(from page 7 of the May-June 1993 Alaska Bar Rag)

— hat tip to Steve for obtaining Ross’ letter

"Double drag" with Mad Myrna’s Divas

Sunday, 12 April 2009 – 6:30 AM | 3 Comments

by April Rains

My friend Larry didn’t know what to expect at April’s Follies. He, like so many others, was under the impression that it was some type of adult sex-based show and was really hesitant to go. But after it was all said and done, he was totally surprised that it was just another form of comedy. That’s what drag shows are – a unique and bizzarre blend of comedy that challenges the norms of sex, gender, and how we perceive our world and others in it.

At the Mad Myrna’s Divas Show on Friday, I tried, for the very first time, what is referred to as a “double drag.” Basically it’s a guy, dressed as a girl, dressed as a guy… or vice versa. I painted my face, did my hair, jewelry, perky 38 B’s, and still had my manicure from last weekend, but wore my typical guy t-shirt, jeans, cowboy boots and a dirty baseballl hat. The song I used was Toby Keith’s “I luv this bar,” with his deep male voice similar to mine.

At first the mic was ‘hot’ so I could talk with the audience. As the song began, I shut it off, sync’d it, then turned it on afterwards. The mix of live voice and sync creates the illusion that I can actually “sing” like Toby, with a voice identical to his, when in fact it’s just my lips moving. The attire gives a strongly mixed visual signal of gender identity, by enhancing my muscular male build with my female accessories, and heightens the words behind the song by reinforcing the theme that “anyone is welcome in this bar.” That’s what makes Mad Myrna’s such an incredible place: anyone is welcome at anytime without any judgement or prejuidice about who they are.

It was a huge stretch for me to try this, and the idea came basically at the last minute as I trounced around WalMart in drag looking for the CD, and of course, twisting people’s views of the world once again. I wanted to do something completely different, on the edge of what I’ve done in the past, and push the boundaries out a little further, as with everything I do. Diva’s is a really great show, and variety is a must if you expect folks to keep coming back. Now we have all types of folks showing up, and if for some reason I only do one song vs two, that is a good thing. We have more for folks to see. Not that doing one song is all I want to do every night…

My friend Felisha does double female drag a lot by dressing as a queen but she is actually a real female. She gives an illusion that makes one think about who and what she is. Loren [not her real name], who I thought for weeks was a real girl like Felisha, is actually an incredibly gorgeous guy, although few people could tell based on her size, hair, and other very feminine features, including her typical day attire which is very “fishy” (close to or what one would expect for the typical gender role).

One of the shows emcee’s, Daphne Do All, is very obvious when she dresses. She is very “campy” (exaggerated) in that she presents as your great aunt going to church or your Sunday School teacher in her big blonde hair, tailored business suits and mega-dollar heels. She and her counterpart Paige (a real girl or GG “genetic girl”) could rival Amelda Marcos with shoes. Ashley, Jovy, Maraquita, Raina, Sasha and others are what one would expect for drag queens: male performers accenting their female strengths like energetic dancing, killer legs, and really skimpy costumes that leave one wondering where they put it. When Kristara performs, she is in a class by herself. A vixen-ous mix of sexual energy, beauty, and an extensive wardrobe that encompasses all the great designers and more. Whether you’re male or female, straight, gay or bi, she can weave a spell around you that would leave even the most conservative leader of the Christian right following her home, despite the surpise he might get later.

Each of us is unique in our own views on life, gender, sex, and how we blend and present in the Friday night show, but yet are united in that we don’t see the world as many in the “mainstream” do. That’s the incredible thing about a drag show – it twists reality and leaves one thinking that “life” is not what we have been taught it “should be” but way more. Luckily we have that venue here in Alaska and can share it with anyone who cares to watch and listen.

MCC celebrates Easter with an interpreted service and a potluck

Saturday, 11 April 2009 – 5:56 PM | One Comment

Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage is happy to announce that, beginning Easter Sunday, services will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer this service to our community,” said Rev. Norman Van Manen. “Our congregation and church leadership are thrilled to be able to serve God this way.”

Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and know sign language, and their friends, are welcome to be part of the worship at MCC Anchorage. Services begin at 2 p.m. in the A-Frame Chapel at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 2222 East Tudor Road.

On Sunday, MCC Anchorage is hosting a special Easter Worship Service, a time of rejoicing, celebration and worship, followed by a potluck.

“Our new place of worship is proving to be very exciting,” said Rev. Norman Van Manen. “The colorful glass windows allow light to enter. The seating causes us to sit a little closer together making the music swell. The warm welcome of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is greatly appreciated. There are exciting things happening at MCC Anchorage.”

– by Matthew Moak, MCC Anchorage vice-moderator

Bowling, Ballroom and Easter Madness

Tuesday, 7 April 2009 – 11:29 AM | Comments Off

Alaska’s LGBT communities are holding events all over the state this week: Cosmic Bowling in Juneau, Gay Ballroom Dance classes in Fairbanks, a choir forming at the Mat-Su Center, and two Easter events in Anchorage – “Millinery Madness” at Myrna’s, and Easter Sunday at MCC.

SEAGLA Cosmic Bowling Night at the Juneau Bowling Center, April 11, 8-10 p.m.

Cosmic Bowling for community members and their friends. Both men and women are invited to join us at the Juneau Bowling Center, 608 W. Willoughby Ave. Come early for a meet-n-greet in the bar area. Bowling starts at 8 pm and is timed for two hours, so don’t be late. Four lanes have been reserved. SEAGLA

Gay Ballroom Dance Classes in Fairbanks, Tuesdays April 14-May 5, 7:15-9 p.m

Ballroom dance classes for lesbians and gays. The Fox Trot, Swing and Waltz classes will be taught by Kurt Byers and Terri Babers. Each class is two 45 minute sessions of instruction. The cost is $60 per person for the set, or $50 for UAF students, paid at the first session.

“We suspect there is a big unmet desire among the Fairbanks gay community for solid training in ballroom and swing dancing,” wrote Kurt. “That’s a desire we intend to fulfill in a fun and congenial atmosphere.”

The dance classes will be held April 14, 21, 28 and May 5 from 7:15-9 p.m. at the Artisan’s Courtyard, 1755 Westwood Way, off College Road next to Toy Quest. RSVP to Kurt

Harmony Choir at the Mat-Su LGBT Community Center, Mondays 6 – 7 p.m.

Harmony Community Choir is a new a capella group rehearsing at the Center on Monday evenings. “We need singers,” said Talyne. “Must be able to take direction and at least be able to carry a tune.”

The Center is open M-F 5-8 p.m., except Wed. 6-8, at 415 South Bailey, in the Church of the Covenant, in Palmer. The Wednesday social meets at 5 p.m. in the Vagabond Blues coffee shop. Mat-Su Center

Millinery Madness in Anchorage, April 11, dinner at 6 p.m, show at 8 p.m.

Emperor 36 Michael and Empress 36 Paula extend a warm invitation to The Imperial Court’s Easter show “Millinery Madness.” Join us for dinner, a 50/50 raffle, an egg hunt, an Easter bonnet contest and a wonderful drag show. Come out and help raise money for charity. Mad Myrna’s and ICOAA

Easter Sunday with MCC Anchorage, April 12, 2 p.m.

Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage is hosting a special Easter Worship Service, a time of rejoicing, celebration and worship, followed by a potluck. The service will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Sunday services begin at 2 p.m. and are held in the A-Frame Chapel located at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 2222 East Tudor Road. MCC Anchorage

This Week in LGBT Alaska 4/3/09

Friday, 3 April 2009 – 7:44 PM | Comments Off

Juneau

SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.

Mat-Su Valley

April’s Follies 4/4, 8-10:30 p.m. Wasilla’s first drag show! At the Best Western on Lake Lucille. $15 person/$25 couple, must be 19 to attend. ICOAA

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.

The Harmony Community Choir is forming at the Center, rehearsals on Thursdays 6-7 p.m.

Anchorage

Celebrate Doug and Calvin’ 25th anniversary at Kodiak Bar 4/3, 9 p.m. until closing.

Alaska Rainbows Dinner 4/4, 5 p.m.

Sixth Sunday of Lent with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage in their new location. 4/5, 2 p.m.

The Men’s Club Pool Party 4/5

Gay AK round-up

Thursday, 2 April 2009 – 2:32 PM | Comments Off

Fetish Ball

Scott Turner “would like to thank everyone involved with making Fetish Ball 2009 a huge success. Even with the volcano going off, we made over $3,000 for The Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association. You kinky people ROCK!”

UAA panel rocked

The LGBTQ panel discussion Tuesday night at UAA was “fantastic!” writes Kimberly Pace, Director of Women’s Studies at UAA. “There were about 30 people in attendance and it was a great combination of students and community members. UAA’s “The Family” and Identity both had speakers as well as PFLAG. It was a wonderful blending of the campus and the community. Powerful information was exchanged and partnerships were forged. We all agreed that we should have similar gatherings at a minimum of once a semester. All in all, I pronounce it a smashing success!”

LGBT anti-smoking campaign

“The Smokefree Anchorage Coalition (SFAC), the people responsible for Anchorage’s clean indoor air ordinance, are re-grouping to focus on smokefree housing and disparate populations. We’re looking for someone to be a voice for the LGBT community in developing our strategic plan, and providing info on cessation and secondhand smoke in LGBT venues and media. Big Tobacco targets the LGBT community (and all marginalized groups) and about 30,000 gays, lesbians and bisexuals in America die from tobacco-related causes each year. Let’s reduce that number and save lives.” Contact Joanie Fogel, Tobacco Control Coordinator of the American Lung Association of Alaska.

Equality Works seeks web content & social networking volunteer

“Are you a creative person with great ideas for making a website engaging, and easy to navigate? Do you know Facebook, use Facebook, love Facebook and have ideas for turning its users into engaged citizens? Do you want to make Anchorage a place where all residents and workers can live free of harassment and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity? Please be our Web Content & Social Networking Volunteer! 2-4 hours a week, very flexible. You can work anytime, from anywhere.” Contact Tiffany McClain at Equality Works.

Support Pepsi

Anti-gay groups are boycotting Pepsi because of this cool gay-themed ad that aired in the UK, and because Pepsi supports PFLAG.

LGBTQ panel at UAA tonight

Tuesday, 31 March 2009 – 4:39 AM | One Comment

A panel of lesbian, transgendered and Samoan “fa’afafine” students and community members will discuss LGBTQ personal experiences and issues on campus and in the community, on March 31, 7 p.m. in the UAA/APU Consortium Library, room 307.

“Ultimately the goal is to get people talking,” writes Kimberly Pace, Director of Women’s Studies at UAA. “We don’t necessarily have to agree, but let’s keep the conversation alive.”

The LGBTQ discussion is presented by the University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA) Women’s Studies Program as part of Women’s History Month.

The event is open to all members of the UAA community – students, faculty & staff – as well as to community members from Anchorage and surrounding areas, whether LGBTQ or straight. It is free of charge and refreshments will be served.

* * *

LGBTQ Personal Experiences at UAA, in Anchorage & Beyond: a panel discussion
Tuesday, March 31, 7-9 p.m.
UAA/APU Consortium Library, room 307.
Sponsored by the UAA Women’s Studies Program