Tuesday, 7 April 2009 – 11:29 AM
| Comments Off on Bowling, Ballroom and Easter Madness
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.
SEAGLAGay 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 KurtHarmony 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 CenterMillinery 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.
“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.”
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
Tuesday, 24 March 2009 – 9:52 PM
| Comments Off on 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.
Friday, 20 March 2009 – 12:58 PM
| Comments Off on 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.
Friday, 13 March 2009 – 1:07 PM
| Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 3/13/09
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
MILK at the Blue Loon, the last showing is 3/14, 8 p.m.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social support group meets Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Vagabond Blues in Palmer.
Anchorage
“Sordid Lives: A Black Comedy About White Trash” opens tonight! Performed live at Mad Myrna’s, Fridays & Saturdays 3/13-3/28, 7 p.m. (the date on the poster is incorrect.)
Third Sunday of Lent with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage 3/15, 2 p.m.
Transgendered Alaskans’ Social Group (TASG) meets Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.
PFLAG meeting 3/17, 7 p.m. at the GLCCA.
Monday, 9 March 2009 – 10:08 PM
| Comments Off on Gay AK News & Notes
DJ Trina spins for 2,000 Lesbians
Babes Around Denver celebrated 6 years of “First Friday” – the biggest monthly event for lesbians in the US – with a massive event on March 6 that was expected to draw thousands of lesbians from around the country. The resident DJ for First Friday, Trina Johnson “DJ Trina J” flew down from Anchorage to spin Top 40 Dance and Hip/Hop for the record-setting crowd, and will continue her tradition of donating all of her fees and tips to various humane societies in Colorado.
Babes Around Denver.
Concert and Movie Night entertain Juneau
“Our
Pride Chorus concert and dance went very well,” writes Marsha. “We had 166 people in attendance for the concert and many stayed for the dance. The women thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to socialize after the concert. The big spread of food and the dance time allowed that to happen. People loved the choice of music and the quality of the singing during the concert. We did indeed sing many FUN songs in this concert.”
“The men’s movie night was a success,” writes the Webmaster of
SEAGLA. “We had about 20 guys, about half couples and half singles. It was a wonderful potluck dinner and the film was a romantic comedy.”
Alaska AFL-CIO Asks for Our Support
“Congress will soon debate the Employee Free Choice Act,” writes John Lepley, of the Alaska AFL-CIO. “Also known as EFCA, this act will help restore the rights of working people and punish employers who violate current labor law. Alaska is a union-dense state and, on a national level, the LGBT community is gaining a larger presence in the labor movement.
Pride at Work is a national LGBT organization and member of the AFL-CIO.” Check out the Pride at Work
Fact Sheet on The Employee Free Choice Act.
International Two Spirit Gathering
The 2009 International Two Spirit Gathering will be held on October 7-11, 2009 in Estes Park, Colorado. The annual Gathering is for all two-spirit people and their family members. For application, financial assistance and updates, please visit the
Two Spirit Gathering.
LGBT Power Summit, April 24-26
The annual LGBT Power Summit is “a three-day intensive training designed to provide activists with the skills, tactics and strategies for moving lawmakers and voters to support the LGBT community.” The Summit is co-sponsored by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and EqualityMaine, and they hope to bring a team from each of the 50 states. “If you’re thinking about getting involved in a campaign for an LGBT cause or pro-LGBT candidate,” writes Elias, the contact person for Alaska, “please consider attending this training.” For more info on the 2009 LGBT Power Summit, visit
NGLTF.
Alaska’s Suicide Prevention Grant Includes GLT Youth
Alaska
received a $1.5 million, three-year grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that will enable the state, Indian tribes, colleges and universities to develop suicide prevention and intervention programs. Alaska will target youth ages 14-24 with the grant, including young Native men in rural Alaska; gay, lesbian and transgender youth; young veterans; and youth in foster care.
Friday, 6 March 2009 – 3:25 PM
| Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 3/6/09
Juneau
Women of Distinction Dinner, with the Pride Chorus and Marsha Buck, 3/7
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
The movie MILK, about Harvey Milk, is showing at the Blue Loon 3/5 – 3/6 at 5:30 p.m. & 8 p.m., and 3/10 – 3/14 at 8 p.m., except March 13. See the Blue Loon for details.
PFLAG meeting 3/8 at 4 p.m.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social support group meetings to discuss LBGT issues in the valley. Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Vagabond Blues in Palmer.
Anchorage
Alaska Rainbows dinner 3/7, 5-7 p.m.
Gothique Leather & Lace Divas Goth Fashion Show hosted by Kynt & Vyxsin. 3/7, 9 p.m. Mad Myrna’s. $10.
Men of Atlantis 3/8, 9 p.m. Mad Myrna’s. $10.
The second Sunday of Lent with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage 3/8, 2 p.m.
Transgendered Alaskans’ Social Group (TASG), meets Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009 – 9:03 PM
| Comments Off on Gender Bender Party in Fairbanks
Friday, 27 February 2009 – 12:26 PM
| Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 2/27/09
Juneau
Juneau Pride Chorus concert and dance 2/28, 7:30 p.m. at the Juneau Arts & Culture Center.
Men’s Movie Night 2/28, 7 p.m. Email SEAGLA for location.
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21 at The Imperial Bar.
Fairbanks
Mardi Gras Party at Jeff’s House 2/28, 9 p.m. with DJ White Chocolate. 21 and over.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social group, Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Vagabond Blues in Palmer.
Anchorage
First Sunday of Lent with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage 3/1, 2 p.m.
Transgendered Alaskans’ Social Group (TASG), meets Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.
Thursday, 26 February 2009 – 3:30 PM
| Comments Off on LGB and T Resources for Schools and Staff in Alaska
As
reported last week, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District passed a motion to include “gender identity” as a protected group in all six non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies at their Feb 17 meeting.
“Quite a few people testified,” writes Tim Stallard. “Those testifying against the change … mainly expressed concerns about bathroom usage and why we need to define new groups for protection from discrimination.” He asks us to
email the school board and thank them for their courageous vote.
Now that the policy is in place, Barbara McCarthy wants to encourage the school board to provide good resources and training for teachers, administrators and staff on gender identity.
She asked Bent’s readers, “Do you know of a good teacher/administrator in-service training program on gender identity discrimination and harassment in the schools?” Do we have people in Alaska trained to facilitate these programs?
Since then, we’ve received great program ideas, and offers of help from Alaskans who are trained to lead workshops on LGBT issues in schools or are willing to share their personal experiences with gender identity:
- Fairbanks school counselors Jeff Walters and Lynn Harrison offered to plan the trainings. Jeff co-sponsors the Gay-Straight Alliance at West Valley High School.
- The founders of Transgendered Alaskans Social Group (TASG) offered to share their personal stories at the workshops.
- Laura in Anchorage found a good Transgender workshop posted online by the National Center for Transgender Equality.
- Sara Boesser in Juneau sent the link for the revised GLSEN Lunchbox, a training program for ending anti-LGBT bias in schools, created by the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network.
- Jackie Buckley participated in the GLSEN training several years ago in Anchorage and mentioned that the original program does not include the gender identity materials added to the revised version, but we can update our materials.
- Jackie works with Anchorage PFLAG to support parents and the Identity Advocacy Team, which speaks to local schools and organizations. She suggested PFLAG’s Safe Schools program as another good resource.
Jeff also attended the GLSEN training and used the materials for teacher inservices. He will pull together ideas from these suggestions, other established programs, and feedback from students to develop an inservice plan. “The students are interested in issues of gender identity,” he wrote “and have given us GREAT ideas and input from their perspective for other trainings in the past.”
This is what I’ve learned:
- We have access to good resources on LGB *and* T issues in schools.
- We have teachers and counselors who are trained to lead the programs.
- We have Alaskans who will share their personal stories of being LGB *and* T with students and staff.
- We have students, parents and staff who are interested in the issues.
- And we have a school board in Fairbanks that is willing to protect LGB *and* T students from discrimination and harassment.
It’s a good start. So when Anchorage, Juneau and other school districts in Alaska add “gender identity” to their policies, we will know who to contact.
Thanks to everyone who responded. That was – and continues to be – a great team effort.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009 – 11:36 PM
| Comments Off on “Gender identity” added to Fairbanks school policies
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District passed a motion to include “gender identity” as a protected group in their non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies — the first school district in Alaska to do so.
