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Queer, Christian, and raised in a Yupik Village

Monday, 9 November 2009 – 9:35 PM | One Comment
Queer, Christian, and raised in a Yupik Village

Julia McCarthy grew up Catholic in a Yupik village. She graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, worked in Anchorage for a few years, and now lives in Maine with her partner. She wrote this essay about her journey as a queer person of faith on October 30, a few days before the religious conservatives of Maine voted to repeal the state’s new same-sex marriage law.

* * *

How does that slogan go? I’m queer and I go to church – get used to it

I am a person who tries to practice my faith daily. I am a queer person who believes that we can experience mysteries that defy explanation in our daily life. I am a person who regularly attends church and believes that there are many, many paths to understanding ourselves and our relationship with the unknown. I am a person who loves math and science and logic and believes that we gain wisdom from knowledge.

My relationship with religion may seem complex to some. It is not a relationship which I choose to be very vocal about, for a variety of reasons. I’ve been inspired to try to share something of my path by the aggression I have seen directed toward a number of young people in our community and by the powerful words of our housemate, who chose to share his perspective. Thank you for reminding me that it’s important to come out in lots and lots of ways.

Spirituality and religion have played transformative roles in my life since I was born. The village culture I grew up in practiced both Catholicism (in Yupik) and a variety of ways of celebrating the worldview of Yupik peoples – dance, singing, mask making, storytelling, honoring the cycles of life. Fellowship with your community and with God was a part of my daily life in the village and imbued almost every task in some way or another. It’s how I learned to respect life, the natural world, responsibility to others, and more. These traditions are not without their challenges – most GLBTQ Yupik people I know have had both cultural and religious barriers to coming out. It was through the lessons I learned in the village that I developed a relationship with god, though, and it’s important to note that the lens through which that relationship developed was guided by the elders I loved and respected.

Throughout the rest of my childhood and into my teens I was a devout Catholic. I attended St. Nicholas Church in my hometown and, as I got older, found as many reasons to be at church as I could. My devotion to my faith set me apart from many of my peers and it was sometimes difficult for me to find community that was accepting of who I aspired to be. For a long time, I thought about becoming a nun – I felt my path to being a helping person was to be found next to God. I was confirmed as an adult in the tradition of that faith, and shortly thereafter chose to leave the Church. When I left Catholicism, I lost many of my friends. More importantly for me at the time, I lost my faith. There were a number of reasons that my relationship with God was damaged and the one reason that created a huge barrier for me in finding another community of faith was my queerness.

I was taught through declamations of supposedly loving people that the god that I had developed a relationship with throughout my life HATED me because I was queer. I learned through the behavior of my community and my peers that to be queer was to be without faith, without support, without dignity. I learned through conversations with other queer people that to adhere to a path of faith was scary and wrong, especially after understanding the damage inflicted upon queer people by communities of faith. I learned to create an armor to deflect the painful phrase “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” I learned to avoid conversations with people that had to do with any kind of spiritual belief system. I learned to hide my questions and to reject my beliefs and to keep my mouth shut so as not to offend anyone. I have watched people be shunned by their communities or live closeted in fear that they will be rejected and ridiculed if they come out. I have lost so many friends to suicide that I cannot keep track any longer. I decided that if there was any kind of higher purpose to life, it completely escaped me.

Then I met Jamez and with him I remembered what a joy it is to explore my faith. To lift up my voice in praise. To listen to a sermon and feel inspired to disagree with my faith leader and thereby learn more about who I am in the process. In this community of faith, I don’t need to make up my mind about anything to know that I have value.

When I think about the people who have been with me to explore my faith, I feel lucky to count among them people from all walks of life and all belief systems. It is not my intention to change your mind about your particular system of belief or non-belief.

I’ll tell you what I do think needs to change though:

I think more queer people need to feel safe coming out as people of faith.

I think people who are queer allies and practice any kind of religion need to feel like they can express dissent without becoming isolated.

I think people of faith who are NOT allies to GLBTQ people need to stop choosing to abuse their fellow humans with words and looks and actions.

We are complex beings, with beautiful multi-faceted identities. I want to see more love in the world, and if I can’t see that, I want to see more respect for one another.

Election 09 LGBT wrap-up: K’zoo wins, Maine loses, WA looks good

Wednesday, 4 November 2009 – 1:52 AM | Comments Off on Election 09 LGBT wrap-up: K’zoo wins, Maine loses, WA looks good
Election 09 LGBT wrap-up: K’zoo wins, Maine loses, WA looks good
Tuesday’s election was a mixed bag for LGBT Americans. Voters repealed Maine’s same-sex marriage law, approved Kalamazoo’s nondiscrimination ordinance, and may have extended the Washington state domestic partnership law. They elected openly gay and lesbian mayors and city council members, along with anti-gay governors.
On the local scene, Luke Hopkins, a democrat, appears to be the new mayor of Fairbanks, beating the socially conservative Tammie Wilson, who is rumored to be anti-gay. (Both are heterosexual.)
As for LGBT issues around the country, here is the good and bad news.
Bad News:
It looks like Maine’s same-sex marriage law, passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, will be repealed by the will of the homophobes.
Anti-gay Republican Chris Christie unseated Democrat Jon Corzine in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race.
Good News:
Kalamazoo, Michigan voters approved an LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance, similar to the Anchorage ordinance vetoed by Mayor Sullivan. Congratulations to K’zoo!
The vote for the Washington state domestic partnership extension hasn’t been called yet, but is currently winning.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina elected Mark Kleinschmidt, a gay man, as mayor.
Charles Pugh, a gay African American, was elected president of the Detroit City Council.
Annise Parker, a lesbian, was the front-runner in today’s mayoral election in Houston, Texas and will face the second candidate in a December runoff.
In Georgia, lesbian City Council members Kathi de Nobriga and Melanie Hammet were re-elected in Pine Lake, and Brian Bates, an openly gay Republican, was re-elected to the Doraville City Council.
Stan Penfold became the first openly-gay member of the Salt Lake City Council. In recent years, SLC has elected three gay state legislators.
North Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, Utah. Conservative states electing openly-gay and lesbian political candidates. Conservative states with progressive populations concentrated in one or two big cities and the capitol. States like Alaska…
Overall, we’re not there yet on marriage equality, but things are getting better for gay candidates.
So, who is going to run as the first openly gay and lesbian candidates in Alaska?

Election 09: LGBT issues and candidates

Tuesday, 3 November 2009 – 6:31 AM | Comments Off on Election 09: LGBT issues and candidates
Election 09: LGBT issues and candidates
Putting the civil rights of minority groups up for a public vote is always risky, especially when it involves gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people.
Today’s elections involve a number of important LGBT issues and candidates around the country, including same-sex marriage in Maine and an anti-discrimination ordinance in Kalamazoo, Michigan that is similar to the Anchorage ordinance vetoed by Mayor Sullivan. In Alaska, voters in Fairbanks will choose between a democrat and an anti-gay Christian for mayor.
Voters in Maine are deciding whether to repeal or affirm a state law that would allow gay couples to get married. The law was passed by the legislature last May, but anti-gay groups pushed for a repeal.
Voters in Washington state are deciding whether to uphold or overturn a recently expanded domestic partnership law that entitles same-sex couples to most of the state-granted rights heterosexual married couples receive, except the ability to get married.
The Kalamazoo anti-discrimination ordinance was passed unanimously twice by the city council, but anti-gay groups pressured them into putting it on the ballot for a public vote. If Ordinance 1856 passes today, it will be illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations in Kalamazoo.
Watch this quick ad for Kalamazoo’s anti-discrimination ordinance:

In other parts of the country, openly gay or lesbian candidates, and straight allies, have a good chance of being elected. Houston, Texas could become the largest U.S. city to elect an openly lesbian mayor if they elect Annise Parker.
The Governor’s race in New Jersey is also important for gay rights. The Democratic candidate Jon Corzine said he will fight to pass marriage equality in the state, while the GOP candidate Chris Christie will fight against equality. Both New Jersey and New York have same-sex marriage bills working through the legislatures.
In Alaska, voters today will choose a new mayor for the Fairbanks North Star Borough. The front-runner is Assemblymember Luke Hopkins, who has lived in Alaska since 1966. Tammie Wilson, who moved to Alaska only six years ago and still manages rental properties in Illinois, ran as a socially conservative Christian backed by the baptist churches. She won enough votes in October to force a run-off election today.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/23/09

Friday, 23 October 2009 – 9:48 AM | Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/23/09
This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/23/09
NEWS: Congress passed the Hate Crimes Protection Act on Thursday, and President Obama has promised to sign it!
This week’s events from the statewide newsletter Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

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

Fairbanks

For info on these events, please see the post Fairbanks Retreat, Panel, GSA, and Harvest Ball

LGBTA Retreat 10/23-10/25 RSVP to Joshua.

The Halloween Harvest Ball 10/24, doors at 7:30, show at 8:30 p.m. Carlson Center $12. ICOAA.

UAF Gay-Straight Alliance, Mondays at 5 p.m. Jessi.

UAF panel on Anti-Gay Discourse 10/27 (Tuesday), 1-2 p.m. in the Wood Center.

Wednesday LGBTA Social at 9 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.

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.

Anchorage

Friday Movie Night at the GLCCA 10/23, 6:30 p.m. Anchorage LGBT Meetup group.

TLFMC Dinner 10/24, 6 p.m. RSVP to the Men of Alaska Meetup group.

AMP Launch Party at Snow City 10/24, doors at 6 p.m., Rocky Horror Picture Show movie at 7 p.m. Free, including snacks. Four A’s.

GRRLZ-only Halloween Bash 10/24, 8 p.m. RSVP for location.

Char & Teddy at the Indian House 10/24, 8 p.m. Ever Ready

ICOAA Annual Meeting 10/25, 3 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s

Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage.

Gay-Straight Alliance sparks dialogue on "ex-gays" with Chancellor’s support

Thursday, 22 October 2009 – 1:28 PM | Comments Off on Gay-Straight Alliance sparks dialogue on "ex-gays" with Chancellor’s support
Gay-Straight Alliance sparks dialogue on "ex-gays" with Chancellor’s support
The third Ally Week post celebrates the determined and creative actions of the Gay-Straight Alliance at UAF, and their allies on the staff and in the community, in dealing with CBC’s pray-away-the-gay speaker on campus last month.
———-
Gay and lesbian students and staff at the University of Fairbanks got an unpleasant surprise when they entered the Wood Center in mid-September: “GAY? LONELY? CONFUSED?” read a banner hanging from the stairs. The solution was to stop being gay, according to the “ex-gay” speaker Edward Delgado, who was invited to UAF by Campus Bible Club to preach on how he stopped having sex with men and became heterosexual through Jesus. His speech was called “From Sin’s Bondage to Christ’s Freedom!”
The banner listed the anti-gay group Exodus International, but didn’t mention that the Exodus “reparative therapy” methods are dangerous and discredited, or that Exodus supports forced therapy and incites hatred and violence towards gays around the world. Nor did it mention that Delgado is a deacon at Dimond Boulevard Baptist Church in Anchorage.
This was not a good way to start the school year. Nothing like a big homophobic banner in the central gathering place of the campus and a 4 day anti-gay religious event at a public university to ruin the welcoming educational atmosphere for the gay and lesbian students and staff.
But the Gay-Straight Alliance was all over it. At first, the GSA wanted the banner taken down.
“We aren’t looking to stop the speaker, as he does have the right to speak,” wrote Jessi Angelette, “but the banner is uncalled for. Many people from staff to students are offended by it and are working to have the banner removed.”
Their plan to ask the Chancellor to remove the banner started a wide-ranging discussion in the comments of the News-Miner article and Bent Alaska post about freedom of speech and using more speech, especially humor, to counter hate and absurdity.

The students prepared factual flyers on the so-called “therapy,” wrote on the UAF free speech wall, organized a peaceful sit-down protest, and created a positive banner to hang next to the anti-gay one.
Delgado’s first speech was on Tuesday Sept. 15. “There were GSA members who went to hear what the speaker had to say, including me,” wrote Jessi. “We thought that if we were going to be opposing someone we might as well hear what we were opposing.”
Was he reasonable? “I would have to say no,” Jessi replied. “One person said to the speaker that he was happy for him that he found God and everything but that he is happy with who he is and was wondering if the speaker could show him the same kindness and be happy for him… the speaker said NO.”
“One GSA member said the speaker gave the most hateful loving speech she has ever heard.”
That night, UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers addressed the issue during the Convocation ceremony:
“I’m committed to an open and welcoming and inclusive university. It’s important to me that this is a community where people feel safe and able to pursue their academic goals. I know there are times where this campus does not feel welcoming, inclusive or safe to some of our members. I’d like to change that.”
“For those in this community who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, I’m sorry that there are people who are intolerant of who you are.”
The video of his speech includes photos of the anti-gay banner and the free speech wall:

With the support of the Chancellor, the GSA fought the “ex-gay” lies with truth and humor, and creative support came from all sides.
A few students put up a temporary banner near the anti-gay one, but it was quickly replaced with an approved banner advertising the weekly GSA meetings. The rainbow poster (above) starts, “Gay? Bi? Ally? Be Proud! STOP the HATE.”

“I was contacted by a friend who does graphics and he offered to do the graphic for us on the computer so that we could get it printed right away,” wrote Jessi. “We then took it to the Graphics Artist in the Wood Center and he printed it for us, then we talked to the scheduling office and got the banner authorized to go up that day.”
Creative responses also came from UAF staff. Kate Wattum’s photoshopped parody-banner advertised her “Life of Laughter (lol)” story “Move Forward, Never Straight: ‘Gay’ for 46 years and partnered to a fabulous woman and has three children!”
But Wattum thought the anti-gay banner should stay up for a different reason. “I think it is absolutely critical that everyone is reminded that gays face this harassment every day,” she wrote.
Fairbanks resident and “Nuggets” creator Jamie Smith, a former UAF student, drew a cartoon about it for his blog ink & snow:
“Delgado was quoted saying ‘the homosexual lifestyle leads to promiscuity, abuse, alcoholism and drug abuse’…”
“Fact is, the vast, overwhelming number of promiscuous, diseased, abusive drug-addicted alcoholics (some of the darned nicest folks you’d ever ask for as friends, I might add) are heterosexuals. You know, the very same people who keep constantly screwing up marriage; that righteous bastion of American moral purity, the sacred institution threatened with destruction by same-sex unions.”
“Never got around to hearing any of Delgado’s speeches, or a chance to confront the guy with his hypocrisy… But when all’s said and done, I’m left using the tools that I have been blessed with, lobbing poo from the sidelines. So I went home and drew about it…”

Meanwhile, Jim Minnery, president of the Alaska Family Council, told their parent organization Focus on the Family that Chancellor Rogers refused to bar Delgado from the campus, entirely missing the point that the GSA never asked for him to be barred. FOF recently got out of the ex-gay business because their donations are down this year.
“Kudos to him,” Minnery said. “There are folks on the campus that may have a more conservative bent in their mindset, and I hope they’re emboldened by this.”
But the students who were made bold by the Chancellor’s speech and the outpouring of support from the campus and community are the gay and straight students who faced this threat together and grew stronger.
“The GSA has an amazing amount of energy and has spearheaded quite a bit of that toward some good dialogue,” wrote Pete Pinney of PFLAG Fairbanks. “We support them.”
Jessi summed up the week for the GSA:
“The GSA not only had people stopping by the meetings after the whole thing, but it was so amazing to see how much support we were getting on campus. While we were doing our sit-down protest, a very nice man bought a few of us hot chocolate, and then later on even our Chancellor sat down with us for a few mintues… ON THE FLOOR!”
“We have had so many people tell us we were so awesome in the way we handled ourselves. For those who were once worried about how the campus feels about GSA being on campus… that week the speaker was here showed us our campus’ true colors. The support we recieved was a happy and welcomed surprise. I have never been more proud to be a part of this campus then that week.”
Kudos to the Gay-Straight Alliance for being true allies!

Fairbanks Retreat, Panel, GSA, and Harvest Ball

Saturday, 17 October 2009 – 9:52 AM | Comments Off on Fairbanks Retreat, Panel, GSA, and Harvest Ball
Fairbanks Retreat, Panel, GSA, and Harvest Ball
Gays and allies in Fairbanks can enjoy an interesting variety of events in the next few weeks: the Wednesday social group is holding a cabin retreat, the UAF Women’s Studies Program is hosting a discussion on anti-gay talk, the Gay-Straight Alliance is showing the Laramie Project movie, and the Imperial Court of All Alaska is celebrating Halloween a week early with “A Haunted Enchantment” Harvest Ball at the Carlson Center.
Wednesday Social & Retreat
LGBT people and allies have been meeting on Wednesday nights around 9 p.m. In addition to the weekly social, the group rented a cabin on Oct. 23-25 for an LGBTA Retreat. “If you just want to stop out and chill instead of spending the night, you are welcome to do that too,” writes Joshua, the coordinator. RSVP to Joshua for the locations of the retreat and the Wednesday social.
UAF: Anti-Gay Discourse & Gay-Straight Alliance
The UAF Women’s Studies Program is hosting a panel discussion called “Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Anti-Gay Discourse” from 1-2 p.m. in the Wood Center Multilevel Lounge on Tuesday, October 27. Chris Coffman (WMS Program Coordinator and English faculty), will moderate. Panelists include Sine Anahita of Sociology, Tim Lower of Psychology, Joseph Thompson of Philosophy, Jordan Titus of Sociology, and possibly others.
This semester, the UAF Gay-Straight Alliance is meeting on Mondays at 5 p.m. They will be sponsoring a free showing of The Laramie Project movie in Schaible Auditorium on Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. Email Jessi for the location of the GSA meetings.
“A Haunted Enchantment” Harvest Ball
The Grand Duchess and Grand Duke of Fairbanks invite you to their Harvest Ball “A Haunted Enchantment” on October 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carlson Center. The doors open at 7:30 p.m., the show starts at 8:30, and tickets are $12.
The Harvest Ball is a costume party and drag show fundraiser that introduces the community to the newly elected Duchess and Duke of Fairbanks. “A Haunted Enchantment” includes performances by members of the Imperial Court of All Alaska (ICOAA) and by members of the wider community. Everyone is welcome to participate by attending, donating the entrance fee, or getting on stage and performing.
The Fairbanks Court holds several events throughout the year to raise money for two charity organizations, chosen by the Duchess and Duke at the end of their reign. More information is available on the main ICOAA website.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/16/09

Friday, 16 October 2009 – 12:21 AM | Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/16/09
This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/16/09
This week’s events from the statewide newsletter. Subscribe to Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

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

Men’s Movie Night 10/17, 7 p.m. Email SEAGLA for details.

Fairbanks

Wednesday LGBTA Social at 9 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.

UAF Gay-Straight Alliance, Mondays at 5 p.m. Jessi.

Mat-Su Valley

LGBTA Potluck 10/17, 3 p.m. at the Community Center.

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.

Anchorage

Bryan Emler at MCC: “How To Be A Superhero” 10/16, 7-8 p.m.

Ever Ready in Eagle River at the VFW 10/16, 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Mad Myrna’s Diva Variety Show, with MCs Daphne DoAll & Duchess Paige, 9 p.m

LipGLoss Review Drag Divas and Kings 10/16, 10:30 p.m. at Kodiak Bar.

Bryan Emler at MCC: “Dream Big” 10/17, 7-8 p.m.

Side Street Saturdays, an informal meetup for LGBT writers, at noon in Side Street Cafe.

Jay Her’s PINK Comedy Hypnosis Show 10/17, 9 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

Salon DaVinci’s 2nd Annual Fall Harvest Fundraiser for Four A’s 10/18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday worship, 2 p.m. at MCC Anchorage.

Gay, Joyous and Free AA Meeting, Mondays 6 p.m. at the GLCCA.

“Taking Woodstock” at Beartooth Theater 10/20-10/22, 5:30 p.m.

Step by Step Bible study group, Wednesdays 7-8 p.m. at MCC Anchorage.

Capt Kaos Fundraiser 10/22, 8 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/9/09

Friday, 9 October 2009 – 3:35 PM | Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/9/09
This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/9/09
October 11 is National Coming Out Day and we have a busy weekend in Anchorage!
This week’s events from the statewide newsletter. Subscribe to Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

The Laramie Project sequel, one night only, Monday 10/12, 7:30 p.m. Free, at the Alaska Territorial Hall.

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

Fairbanks

PFLAG’s October Meeting 10/11, 4 p.m.

Pump House Wednesdays, LGBTA social at the Chena Pump House, starts around 9:30 p.m.

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.

Anchorage

Mad Myrna’s Diva Variety Show, with MC’s Daphne DoAll & Duchess Paige, 9 p.m.

Pride Conference Kick-off Dinner 10/9, 7 p.m. at Organic Oasis. Please RSVP.

QueerWorld Connect: Alaska Pride Conference 10/10 at APU, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

National Equality March–Alaska Support Rally, 10/10, in front of Loussac Library 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Alaskans Together social 10/10 at Kodiak Bar & Grill 5-7:30 p.m.

Pride Conference Queer Bowling with Adam & Steve 10/10, 7 p.m. RSVP required.

Mr., Miss and Ms. Gay Alaska ICOAA Pageant 10/10, doors at 8, show at 9 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

Alaskans Together annual meeting 10/11 at the Country Kitchen (next to the GLCCA) 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

“Crossing the Generations” Pride Conference Brunch Panel 10/11, 10:30-noon. Registration required.

PFLAG meeting with the DVD “Anyone and Everyone” 10/15 at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/2/09

Friday, 2 October 2009 – 9:45 AM | Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/2/09
This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/2/09
This week’s events from the statewide newsletter. Subscribe to Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

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

Fairbanks

Pump House Wednesdays, LGBTA social at the Chena Pump House, starts around 9 p.m.

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.

Anchorage

Mad Myrna’s Diva Variety Show, with MCs Daphne DoAll & Duchess Paige, 9 p.m

Side Street Saturdays, an informal meetup for LGBT writers, at noon in Side Street Cafe.

Womyn’s Dance at the Snow Goose 10/3 doors open at 7:30 p.m., $5 donation requested.

Sunday worship, 2 p.m. at MCC Anchorage.

Gay, Joyous and Free AA Meeting, Mondays 6 p.m. at the GLCCA.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 9/25/09

Friday, 25 September 2009 – 5:08 PM | Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 9/25/09
This Week in LGBT Alaska 9/25/09

This week’s events from the statewide newsletter. Subscribe to Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

SEAGLA Reception for Aquafest cruisers 9/27, 6 p.m.

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

Fairbanks

Jeff’s White Trash Party 9/26, 9 p.m. with DJ White Chocolate, for GLBT and friends 21 and over.

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.

Anchorage

The True Diversity Dinner & Awards Celebration 9/25, 7 p.m. at the Snow Goose.

Tan-N-Test: Free Tan for a Donation to Four A’s 9/26, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. at Preview Sun & Day Spa.

Free “Hopes & Dreams” spiritual retreat and potluck 9/26, noon-6 p.m. at MCC Anchorage.

Diversity Month GLBT Open House 9/26, 5-7 p.m. at The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage.

“Hedwig and The Angry Inch” 9/26, 7 p.m. & 11 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

Sunday worship, 2 p.m. at MCC Anchorage.

ICOAA’s Investitures for the 37th Reign 9/27, 6 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

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

The Lion Sings Tonight: A Four A’s benefit with “The Lion King” cast, Monday 9/28, 7 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

Grrlzlist Town Hall, Monday 9/28, 5 p.m. at Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge.

International Student Association: LGBT Issues Across Cultures, Thursday 10/1, 4-5 p.m. in the UAA Learning Resource Center, Rm 126.