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Juneau student says same-sex marriage should be legal

Thursday, 5 March 2009 – 3:04 PM | One Comment

An 8th grader in Juneau wrote a great essay in support of same-sex marriage and it was published in the Capital City Weekly:

There is no good reason to ban gay marriage
by Madeleina Ellingson-van Sickle, Floyd Dryden Student

Ten percent of America is gay. That’s 1 in 10. Chances are that’s someone you know or someone you come in contact with every day. Why should they be given different rights just because of their sexual orientation? They shouldn’t. Gay marriage should be legal in all 50 states.

The government shouldn’t tell people how to live their lives. Right now, only two states allow gay marriage: Connecticut and Massachusetts. For a short time California allowed gay marriage, but then the people overturned the decision and it is no longer allowed. The problem is, only a small percentage of our country’s population live in those states. What about the millions of others who are gay and love each other? Many people say they should just get a domestic partnership (which is similar in some ways to marriage, except for the 1,138 other rights that married couples have), but still 19 states don’t allow that either. As George Sand, a famous French novelist once said, “There is one happiness in life, to love and to be loved.” Should the laws choose who can and can’t have that happiness based on their sexual preference? People should choose whom to love; we don’t need the government to intervene.

Gay marriage is similar to interracial marriage. People used to say interracial marriage was wrong because it wasn’t “normal” and it was a tradition for couples to get married that were of the same race. But eventually they realized that it was unconstitutional for making individuality illegal. There isn’t much difference with gay marriage. Banning it is unconstitutional. As Charles Evans Hughes, the former Secretary of State, once wrote, “When we lose the right to be different, we lose the right to be free.”

All in all, there is no plausible reason to ban gay marriage. Just because you think it’s gross, or that your friends don’t like it, doesn’t give us the right to tell people who to love or how to live their lives. This country has freedom of religion, so we shouldn’t make law because our religion says it’s wrong.

As a nation, we should come together and make it legal for gay couples to get married. In the Pledge of Allegiance, it doesn’t say with liberty for the straight people, liberty for the white people, or liberty for men. It just says with liberty and justice for all.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 2/27/09

Friday, 27 February 2009 – 12:26 PM | Comments Off

Check out this week’s events from Alaska GLBT News.

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.

Gay Alaskan Seeks Northern Community

Monday, 23 February 2009 – 10:53 AM | 2 Comments

Alaskans know about isolation. So do gays. LGBT Alaskans can easily find ourselves in a beautiful but remote place, cut off from the visible queer communities in the Lower 48.

Jerod Opsal is a gay man from Idaho, now living on an island in Southeast Alaska. He is an author, photographer and health care worker who writes The Northern Vox, a blog on liberal politics and human rights.

Last week, Jerod posted “A Gay Community in Alaska?”

After living in Southeast Alaska now for six months, it is time to weigh-in about living gay in Alaska.

I definitely find myself still a little cautious about being “open” about my sexuality. It is interesting as I know everyone that lives on my little rock of 1400 people. They all know that I am Gay. I write a human rights political blog that is very searchable, I am the author of a book on religion and sexuality (coming out in July.) However, the snoozy silence in most of my professional conversations leaves me feeling quite isolated.

Basically, Alaska is a place that anyone could move to, live out their life, and retire. This picture is actually quite comforting… IF you have a family or are already living with a long time companion. Palin rules Alaska with christian fundamentalist values and has not embraced diversity. The tone [is] grim, needless to say.

My time here is short. I believe that if there was a measure of a gay community in Alaska, I could live out my life here. However, even Idaho, one of the most conservative states in the Union, has a thriving gay community that reminds you that “there are others.”

The post got a few comments from Fairbanks, Anchorage, and two women on Kodiak Island who saw his link on Bent’s Facebook page. Jerod is thrilled, but still hopes to meet LGBT people in Southeast Alaska.

Please go say “hello, we’re here, we’re queer, welcome to Alaska” to Jerod on The Northern Vox.

If you are GLBT from any part of Alaska and on Facebook, become a friend of Bent Alaska and post a message or personal link on the wall. Then reply to other messages and follow their links. I’ve met so many interesting LGBT people and allies from all over the state since creating Bent. The Facebook page is an easy way for you to meet each other, and for all of us to help isolated gay Alaskans feel the comfort of queer ‘family’ up here on the Last Frontier.

Pride Chorus concert and AWARE dinner

Sunday, 22 February 2009 – 12:49 PM | Comments Off

Join the Juneau Pride Chorus for their 2009 concert and dance on the theme of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Strength, February 28, 7:30 p.m. at the Juneau Arts & Culture Center.

Songs include Alix Dobkin’s “If It Wasn’t for the Women,” “This One’s for the Girls,” “Hair,” “Respect,” Enya’s “Ebudae” and “Hattie and Mattie” from Holly Near. Plus, a delightful group of Pride Chorus members’ children will be singing “My Body’s Nobody’s Body But Mine.”

After the singing, there will be dancing to music performed by female musicians. Refreshments will be served during the intermission. Tickets are available from Chorus members or at the door – $15 for adults, $30 for a family, $12 for seniors and students. Everyone is welcome!

Last year’s Pride Chorus concert was the 10th anniversary show, on the theme Songs for the Soul. Chorus members Jill, Linda and Paula wrote about the concert.

The Juneau Pride Chorus will also be the opening act at the annual Women of Distinction Dinner sponsored by AWARE of Juneau, on March 7 at Centennial Hall. One of the Women of Distinction this year is Marsha Buck, member of the Pride Chorus, PFLAG Juneau and Alaskans Together for Equality.

“These women were chosen for their dedication and relentless service to peace, justice and the empowerment of women,” reads the Women of Distinction 2009 page. “Each honoree has enriched the lives of women and children and have made a legacy of compassion out of their own lives.”

The Pride Chorus songs will be followed by a catered dinner, silent auction and speeches by each of the women about what inspires them. Proceeds benefit AWARE’s domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and intervention services.

Congratulations, Marsha!

This Week in LGBT Alaska 2/20/09

Friday, 20 February 2009 – 11:16 PM | Comments Off

Check out this week’s events from Alaska GLBT News.

For full listings, news and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

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 social support group meetings to discuss LBGT issues in the Valley. Mondays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Vagabond Blues in Palmer.

Anchorage

Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin 2/21 & 2/22, 6 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum, with a discussion after the film on Saturday.

Transgendered Alaskans’ Social Group (TASG), meets Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.

“Our Journey Through Faith” with Pastor Van Manen, Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. at MCC Anchorage. There is also a Sunday service at 2 p.m.

Gay AK News & Notes

Thursday, 19 February 2009 – 6:12 PM | Comments Off

Dan Savage was great – smart, witty, and totally gay – and the diverse crowd at the sold-out show laughed and learned, and clapped when he said, “gay marriage is coming.” How refreshing!

Brother Outsider, the movie about gay black civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, is showing this weekend at the Anchorage Museum, sponsored by several local LGBTA groups and the Urban League, an African-American organization. A discussion will follow the film on Saturday night.

Pastor Van Manen wishes to thank the 40 individuals who attended his installation service last Sunday. He was deeply touched at the level of support and encouragement extended to him. Photos of the Consecration and Laying of Hands ceremony are posted on the new-and-improved MCC Anchorage web site. (Nice work, Matthew.)

Transgendered Alaskans Social Group (TASG) is a new group meeting at the GLCCA, Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The group is open to MTF and FTM, TG/TS, and their partners, spouses and adult children. The intent of the group is to provide support and education through social networking, in a safe and comfortable environment. Their web site has a great name: TransAlaska Pipeline

VA Mental Health started a Transgender Support group, only for Veterans, on Thursdays at 4 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the VA Clinic on DeBarr Road in Anchorage. Check in at the reception desk.

Have you tied the knot? Identity wants to print your same-sex wedding picture in The NorthView, their quarterly bulletin. Please send pictures and a short commitment announcement to the NorthView editor.

The theme for the 2009 Women’s Summit in Juneau on March 18-20 is Health Care Access: Do Women in Alaska Have Choices? A work session with Senator Hollis French on Universal Health Care will include “comprehensive reproductive health care coverage for all women, gay or straight,” writes Geran Tarr of the Alliance for Reproductive Justice. “I think this includes the issue of domestic partner benefits too. It will be important for Senator French to hear from the group about the comprehensive needs of all women.” What other lesbian health care issues do you think are important?

What do you know about LGBT Alaska?

Tuesday, 10 February 2009 – 5:36 PM | Comments Off

Art, politics, entertainment, sports, religion – share your knowledge of LGBT Alaska on the blog. Interview your friends, review our shows, give good advice or spread outrageous rumors! It’s time to expand the blog and bring in more writers who represent different voices within our community. Send your ideas to Bent Alaska and see your byline on line. Thanks!

Pick. Click. Give. for Gay Alaska

Sunday, 8 February 2009 – 6:53 PM | Comments Off

Alaskans can go online to apply for the PFD and support our favorite Alaska non-profits with just a click. It’s a chance for all of us to come together and give a little extra.

More than 330 organizations have qualified for the 2009 PFD check-off program, including several LGBT non-profits and our allies: Identity, Four A’s, the ACLU of Alaska, and Out North.

To donate all or part of your PFD, apply online then choose the groups you would like to support. The filing period continues through March 31, 2009.

Find more info online at Pick. Click. Give.

Today is Black AIDS Awareness Day

Saturday, 7 February 2009 – 10:09 PM | One Comment

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2009 on aims to get Black Americans educated about the basics of HIV/AIDS, get tested to know their HIV status, get involved in their community around the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and get treated if they are living with HIV/AIDS.

Because “Black Life Is Worth Saving!”

For AIDS testing and information in Alaska, contact Four A’s in Anchorage and Juneau, and Interior AIDS Assoc. in Fairbanks.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 2/6/09

Friday, 6 February 2009 – 12:11 PM | Comments Off

Check out this week’s events from Alaska GLBT News.

For full listings, classifieds and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

Bent Alaska on Facebook

Check out Bent Alaska’s Facebook page. Want to be friends? Come post your events and opinions directly on the wall!

Juneau

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

SEAGLA Night at the Theatre: Shakespeare’s R&J, 2/6, 7:30 p.m. by Thunder Mountain Theatre Project, at the The Old Elk’s Hall. Tickets at Hearthside Books.

Fairbanks

PFLAG Fairbanks meeting to discuss the proposed School Board policy change 2/8, 4 p.m.

Mat-Su Valley

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social support group meetings to discuss LBGT issues in the valley. Mondays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Vagabond Blues in Palmer.

Anchorage

Sweet at Out North Theater begins 2/6, 7 p.m. for the Off the Rocks Theater Project.

Equality Works Steering Committee meeting at the GLCCA, 2/7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Alaska Rainbows monthly dinner 2/7, 5-7 p.m.

LGBT Town Hall to End Discrimination in Anchorage 2/11, 7 p.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Equality Works

Dan Savage: Savage Love Live! 2/12, 7:30 p.m. at UAA’s Wendy Williamson Auditorium. General Public $10, free for students with UAA ID. UAATix.

An Electro Affair with Kilogram and Grym 2/12, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 at the door. Mad Myrna’s.