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This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/26/09

Thursday, 26 November 2009 – 12:36 PM | Comments Off

Enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend! Then join Four A’s in Anchorage and Juneau, and Interior AIDS Association in Fairbanks, for World AIDS Day events on and around December 1. Paint the Town Red by wearing a red ribbon on World AIDS Day to support those affected by HIV/AIDS. Visit Four A’s for the list of locations in Anchorage and Juneau that have free red ribbons.

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

Juneau

Gay Cosmic Bowling 11/28, meet at 7:40 p.m. in the Juneau Bowling Center on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil with Four A’s on Tuesday 12/1, 6:30 p.m. at the Baranof Hotel.

“Life Support” 12/2, 8 p.m. A free showing at the Gold Town Nickolodean Theater, sponsored by Four A’s.

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

Fairbanks

World AIDS Day Candlelight Walk & Vigil 12/1, 5:30 p.m. Meet at Interior Aids Association for the Candlelight Walk to First United Methodist, a World AIDS Day service at 6 p.m. and a potluck.

UAF Gay-Straight Alliance meets Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Women’s Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.

Wednesday LGBTA Social around 9:30 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

Eve’s Family & Friends Thanksgiving Dinner 11/25 at 5 p.m & 11/26 at 3 p.m. at The Raven.

Post-Thanksgiving Gathering and Leftovers Potluck 11/27, 12 p.m.

Movie and a Bite Night with a holiday theme 11/27, 6 p.m. at the GLCCA.

Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage at 2 p.m.

Fundraising to Elect Alaska’s First LGBT Candidate 11/30, 6-8 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

“Sex Positive” at the Bear Tooth 11/30, 8 p.m. co-presented by Four A’s as a World AIDS Day event.

The annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil 12/1, 6 p.m. at UAA in The Wolf’s Den with Four A’s.

Free copies of "Silent Lives" for GLBT-welcoming ministries

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 – 8:21 AM | One Comment

PFLAG Juneau has received another grant to give away several hundred more copies of the book by local author Sara Boesser, Silent Lives: How High a Price?

Silent Lives combines autobiographical stories, personal interviews and questions for reflection to explore issues about everyone’s sexual orientation and gender status, whether heterosexual, or gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersexual.

Boesser examines the consequences a sexual minority person suffers when attempting to pass as heterosexual or as having a traditional gender expression. She also looks at how society as a whole is affected when an individual is pressured to hide his or her sexual identity.

This year, the gift copies are available for furthering the work of “Welcoming Ministries” around the country: for faith and religious people, groups and denominations that are working to become more accepting of GLBT people, for your own work to make your faith community more accepting of GLBT people, or to give to someone you know who is involved in that effort, maybe a copy for a church or synagogue library, a counselor’s office, a religious parent, or a faith leader, rabbi, minister, preacher, pastor, or priest.

The book isn’t religious per se, but Boesser is a minister’s daughter and she reflects on that in the book. Excerpts of Silent Lives are posted on the Silent Lives web site.

“This book is the result of my personal struggle for integrity,” Sara wrote in the introduction to Silent Lives. “I realized I could no longer be silent and let society condemn a core part of me while praising the outer manifestations I selectively permitted it to see. And with that realization came another: while society was blind, my very silence was what blocked its vision.”

“From that instant of realization, my only hope for personal peace was to seek clues that could free me from my silence and to speak out about what I discovered in the process. This book is the result of the first fourteen years of that search.”

Kathy Reim of the Skagit PFLAG chapter wrote a column based on Silent Lives:

“Where is the silence in my life or yours? What do we lose when, as Sara Boesser challenges us, we “pass”- we pretend for whatever reason to be something else to make it comfortable for others and easier for ourselves – and lose our authenticity in the process?”

“… Boesser suggests we all lose when silence separates us. We end up hiding from ourselves. When the safety net is widened for all of us, the lives of everyone will be enriched.”

If you’d like a free copy or two, write to Sara Boesser with your name and mailing address, and say how many copies you’d like. And feel free to forward this message to others who might be interested.

You can read more about the welcoming Christian movement at Welcoming Community Network, and the welcoming multi-faith movement at Welcoming Resources.

Gay & Lesbian Alaskans at the National Equality March

Monday, 26 October 2009 – 7:58 AM | 3 Comments

When Cleve Jones announced the National Equality March for LGBT Rights, he invited people to come “from Utah and California, from Maine to Hawaii, from Alaska to Florida.” Four months later, several Alaskans marched in the Washington DC rally – and people noticed.

“From as far away as Alaska, thousands of LGBT people demanding marriage, adoption and immigration rights rallied Sunday at the National Equality March,” began a Washington Blade article on the DC rally.

“The National Equality March brought participants from states across the country — some from as far away as California and Alaska — and included a strong contingent from Atlanta,” wrote Southern Voice Atlanta.

A description of the Camp Courage workshop on Saturday said, “About 200 participants from across the country including Alaska showed up learning the basic skills of telling your story in order to change hearts and minds.” [Asian Pacific Americans for Progress]

And a 365.GAY blogger was impressed by “the huge number of young activists – or would-be emerging activists – present and eager to be accounted for. Students had come from Maine, Alaska, Texas, Tennessee and California…”

The Washington Blade reporter spoke with Maureen:

“Some marchers came from as far away as Alaska. Maureen Longworth, a lesbian physician from Juneau, and member of Alaskans Together for Equality, said she wanted to join the march because she’s always been a civil rights believer.”

“A plaintiff in an Alaska lawsuit that brought partner benefits to state employees, Longworth said she hoped the march would push Alaska’s delegation in Congress to act more favorably on LGBT issues.”

“Two of three of our legislators are very conservative, and not always voting in our favor, she said.”

Three Alaskans, Marty, Lin and Maureen, were interviewed by This Way Out, an international gay and lesbian radio program that airs in southcentral Alaska on Wednesday evenings. The complete Equality March segment is online HERE (in audio) and the Alaskans are interviewed near the end, between NAACP chairman Julian Bond and America the Beautiful.

Reporter: “You’re coming from Alaska?”

Marty: “Juneau, Alaska. That’s right.

“That’s a long way. I think you win the prize for longest distance travelled to be here.”

“Yes, sore wings.”

“What was the impetus for your coming here?

“We had the privilege of getting married in California about a year ago, and then when the vote turned it around, it just brought [to our] attention that this is something that was really great, it was a really important thing for the two of us after we’ve been together for 27 years to actually be able to celebrate this. And it’s just wrong that other people don’t get that privilege and that right.”

“Is this the first march you’ve been to?”

“Yep.”

Lin: “We’ve been several times…”

Reporter: “How would you compare this one to previous marches?”

Lin: “This isn’t as big as the ’93 but the spirit is huge, and it’s wonderful to see a lot of young people too. I had already given up hope that in our lifetime we would have equal rights. During the Bush administration, it got very discouraging and now I feel like I have optimism again. It’s really wonderful to feel like my heart is more open to our government and the government’s heart is opening and softening towards us.”

Maureen: “I’m here because I believe in equality for all people and I always have. I was raised that way in Los Angeles in the 60’s and we started demonstrating for civil rights for African-Americans when I was a kid. So whoever needs the rights, I will be there for that person. That’s why I’m here today, and they happen to be for me.”

Thanks to the Alaskans who travelled so far and represented us so well at the 2009 National Equality March for LGBT Rights!

This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/16/09

Friday, 16 October 2009 – 12:21 AM | Comments Off

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

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

Happy Gay History Month!

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

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.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 9/18/09

Friday, 18 September 2009 – 8:16 AM | Comments Off

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.

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

Tim Miller performs “Lay of the Land” at Out North, Sept 18-19, 7:30 p.m.

Jay Her’s Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show 9/19, 9 p.m. $10 at Mad Myrna’s

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

Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage, 2 p.m.

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

This Week in LGBT Alaska 9/11/09

Friday, 11 September 2009 – 8:39 AM | Comments Off

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.

Whale Watching Trip & Pride Chorus fundraiser 9/12, 1-4 p.m. SEAGLA

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

Northern Exposure Bowling League first day of bowling 9/13, 4 p.m. at Park Lanes

Men of Adonis 9/13, 9 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead thru 9/14, 7:30pm Fri/Sat; 4pm Sunday Out North

Tim Miller performs “Lay of the Land” at Out North, Sept 18-19, 7:30 p.m.

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

Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage, 2 p.m.

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

Whale Watching Tour & Pride Chorus fundraiser

Sunday, 6 September 2009 – 8:39 AM | Comments Off

Bring your family and friends on a whale watching cruise on Sept. 12 and raise funds to send the Juneau Pride Chorus to the Sister Singers Network Festival.

Sister Singers Network is “a cooperative web of feminist choruses and ensembles, composers, arrangers, and individual singers working together to support and enrich the women’s choral movement.” The next festival is the 2010 Choral Festival in Chicago.

The Whale Watching Trip is Saturday, Sept 12, 1-4 p.m. The Allen Marine Catamaran will depart from Auke Bay Public Boat Harbor. Please be on board by 12:45, bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the observation deck, and don’t forget your camera. Finger Foods will be served. Tickets are available from chorus members, or call 780-5230. $40.00 Adults, $20.00 Students (K-8), $100.00 for a family of 4. Contact SEAGLA for more information.