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Palin Snubs PrideFest, Wasilla Fundies Protest Gays

Sunday, 14 June 2009 – 11:59 PM | 8 Comments

Gov. Sarah Palin has ignored a Gay Pride Month proclamation submitted by Anchorage PrideFest, but a proposal to add “sexual orientation” to the city’s non-discrimination policies caught the attention of Wasilla fundamentalists, who arrived in busloads to testify at an Anchorage hearing on Tuesday while their children protested outside.

Children opposed to the equal rights ordinance lined the entrances to the parking lot and building during the meeting, wearing red shirts and carrying mass produced signs from the Alaska Family Council.

Palin’s hometown of Wasilla is not part of the Anchorage Municipality, but perhaps opponents could not find enough anti-gay Anchorage residents willing to testify against their neighbors and coworkers.

Before the hearing, Anchorage PrideFest sent a Pride Month proclamation to Gov. Palin, inviting her to attend the annual Parade & Festival on June 20. Palin has not responded, although she has proclaimed Flag Day, Fishing Week and Auburn Founders Day in honor of Auburn, New York, so far for June.

The proclamation asks Palin to declare June as Gay Pride Month and to “urge all citizens of Alaska to join me in celebrating diversity by attending, supporting, recognizing, and respecting Anchorage PrideFest 2009 activities and events.”

On June 1, President Obama declared June 2009 as LGBT Pride Month, stating support for measures like “outlawing discrimination in the workplace,” a subject covered by the proposed Anchorage equal rights ordinance.

The ordinance, AO 2009-64(S), adds “sexual orientation” to the list of groups protected against discrimination in employment, housing, financing, education, public accommodations and municipal business. The original proposal was revised by the mayor to address concerns by religious opponents, but opponents still object, saying “the term “sexual orientation” is not acceptable in any discrimination ordinance.”

Wasilla residents do not pay property taxes to Anchorage, nor do they vote for our Assembly members. However, a suggestion to limit testimony to Anchorage residents was turned down by the Assembly Chair.

Please join us at the next hearing on the equal rights ordinance on Tuesday, June 16, at Loussac Library. Doors open at 3, the meeting begins at 5 p.m. and ordinance testimony is likely to run from 7-11. Come early if you want a seat inside. Everyone is invited to share food and music at a Potluck for the People, on the Library lawn. Anchorage residents are encouraged to write to our Assembly members and ask them to vote YES on the Equal Rights Ordinance.

The Assembly has also scheduled a hearing for Wednesday, June 17, from 4-10 p.m.

The Antichrist is Coming – and He’s Gay!

Wednesday, 27 May 2009 – 11:21 AM | 9 Comments

While Prevo tries to stir up fears about clothing and collects tax-deductible donations for his anti-gay political agenda, Pastor Ron Hamman from Wasilla isn’t afraid to tell us what he really thinks about gays in his article “Will the Antichrist be a homosexual?”:

“But will the Antichrist be a homosexual? Having seen what the Bible says of sodomy, we have no further to look than the book of Daniel, chapter 11 to find our answer. It says, ‘Neither shall he [Antichrist] regard… the desire of women….'”

He gives a long definition of sodomy, charges that creating words based on scientific evidence is “historical revisionism,” and calls “mankind’s desire of women” the “glue” of Christianity. He decides that “the one called ‘that Wicked’ by Paul” will indeed be a gay man.

He doesn’t stop there. Adding sexual orientation to the non-discrimination policies of Anchorage, Alaska is proof that the Antichrist is coming!

“The time is ripe for such a leader. Indeed, it should not be surprising that the one who is against everything Biblical and Christian should be a partaker of so great a sin; there is no greater way to reject the Creator than to reject your gender and his design for it. And at what other time have we seen such perversion come out of the closets onto our streets, threatening violence if we do not accept their ways?

Is it any wonder that Revelation 13 says that this same Antichrist will make war with the saints of the tribulation, and overcome them? Are they not now readying themselves to make it illegal to “offend” them in any way, calling it hatred to preach against their sin? Is it because they love us? The time is ripe for such a man.”

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

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.

On the Way to the Follies

Saturday, 4 April 2009 – 10:33 PM | Comments Off

April Rains hosted “April’s Follies” this weekend, the first Imperial Court drag show in Wasilla. She describes her adventures on the way to the Follies in her first contribution to Bent Alaska.

——–

All Right

by April Rains

He stood there silently looking at me as his wife purchased material in Joanne’s, his large “NRA”, “IBEW” and “Marine” patches clearly visible. He was in his lates 60’s and was obviously only there because she was. His look said any place would be better now that I was standing there.

A smile crossed my lips, but he gave no response, and several other people joined the checkout line. Keith said it was the clothes I wore that were drawing attention, not “typical” for Alaskan women. “Alaskan lesbian chic” I call it, a look completed with a fringed leather motorcycle jacket and draping green plaid scarf. The two of us made our way as an odd couple through a myriad of stores and shops, picking up last minute items for tonight’s show.

I used to wear high riding mini-skirts and killer heels for very brief, and nervous, stops to get cigarettes or coffee. Home, to the club, and back again. Now it’s colorful layered t-shirts, sweaters, designer jeans, flowing skirts and dresses, and dress boots or heels, and what once was a rare occurance to enter a store or do errands in femme, has become the norm in many ways. The styles now reflect the ease, comfort, and fun with which it is done. Enough to say that whatever I am to onlookers, I am not just some guy faking it in women’s clothes. There is self confidence, style and taste, life experience, and even serious sex appeal at times, behind the red hair and french manicured nails.

***

At Mila’s Alterations I stood in front of the full length hallway mirror wrapped in a $1000 torqoiuse blue evening gown as she adjusted this strap and that. Mila insisted that I model gowns and dresses with her professionals at tonight’s show, and I agreed if she would find something for my daughter to wear as well, as a surprise. Dad and daughter hitting the catwalk together as female fashion models. A first, I am sure, for Alaska.

It’s prom season and three teenage girls stood there in amazement and shock as I turned side to side to check the fit. The gown is gorgeous and, like the cocktail dress I bought, cut as if I were the mannequin the designer built it around. “Even I didn’t look that good in that dress,” one girl replied, and a sound of discontent crossed her lips. They were there as Mila and I discussed shoes and makeup pallettes to match. All just part of life as it moves ahead in odd and bizzarre twists and turns.

***

“We need to drop Jesse off at her house,” Keith said as we headed out of town. She lives on Fort Richardson, the army base just north of Anchorage. This is not the place one plays games, as armed guards, attack dogs, metal/bomb detectors and heavy armor guard the gates. It’s a major deployment point for Striker Brigades, equipment and infantry into the Middle East. The names and units of those killed in combat sit freshly on the minds of everyone, as do those still there, or soon to be going. Anyone or anything in question is not taken lightly there.

Pulling up, a line of cars and trucks waited as teams of soilders stripped and searched each car one by one due to a high security alert. Too late to turn around, the three of us sat there: a goth military wife with a partial mohawk and green braided hair, a photographer covered in tattoos, wearing dark glasses and purple hair, and a drag queen. The minivan was crammed with boxes of potato chips, makeup, dresses, a spot light, camera equipment, and a bright pink guiter. If there was about to be a massive incident, everything pointed at us, even though we had done nothing.

As we watched, all the traffic was directed to the right and crews descended on the vehicles. We moved up, and we were the only ones told to go left. We approached the guards, and I sat there nervously as Keith handed them our ID’s. “Fundraiser,” Keith said. The guard stared at the pictures, then at me, and then grinned. “Go ahead,” was all he replied, and we were the only vehicle to enter the base without incident. The guards knew I was male by my ID. They didn’t care. Go figure. Guess I am all right.

Wasilla Library Rejects “Heather Has Two Mommies” and “Daddy’s Roommate”

Wednesday, 15 October 2008 – 11:49 AM | 4 Comments

KJ Martin-Albright, Director of the Wasilla Library, announced that the library will sell the donated copies of Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy’s Roommate through its Friends group. Gay and lesbian citizens donated the children’s books to the library after hearing that in 1996 then-mayor Sarah Palin repeatedly asked then-library director Mary Jane Emmons (now Baker) about banning books.

During that time, members of Palin’s church pressured stores to remove certain books, including Palmer author Howard Bess’ Pastor, I Am Gay, which disappeared from the Wasilla Library shelves and was not replaced.

Library Journal interviewed Wasilla Library Director KJ Martin-Albright recently. Her comments on the donated kids books and the Bess book are instructive for others who donate LGBT books to public libraries:

You had already stated that one reason that Heather Has Two Mommies isn’t in the library is that a book has to earn its real estate.

The library strives to achieve a balanced collection of materials in the major information categories, as well as a fiction collection calculated to satisfy the widest possible variety of tastes. All viewpoints and opinions on controversial subjects are represented whenever possible. Wasilla Public Library’s collection development states that materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation and that the library should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

In the past, Wasilla Public Library held both Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy’s Roommate, although the books are no longer on the library’s shelves. Wasilla outgrew the size of its library about 20 years ago. Library collections are dynamic, and anything on the book shelves has to earn its real estate. If it is not circulating, it does not stay. This is not the ideal, but it is the reality. The books were removed as part of on-going collection development and not due to the subject matter presented in the books. Wasilla Public Library holds many titles that deal with the same subject matter, including the popular And Tango Makes Three.

All one has to do is look at the books in question next to Tango, or any other well-made picture book, to see that Heather and Daddy’s Roommate are poorly constructed, lack engaging illustrations, and have too many words on the page to be useful to young readers. The books are poorly manufactured; they are insubstantial paperbacks that would not withstand repeated use. Moreover, the books are dated in illustrational style and content. Since they were published, several better-made books which are more appealing to children that deal with the same subject matter have been released. Wasilla Public Library houses quite a few of these titles on its shelves.

While the library agrees that Heather and Daddy’s Roommate are important books because they were ground-breaking and because of the controversy and discussions that have occurred in the 15-plus years since they were published, there are better choices for a dynamic, current, and appealing children’s collection. The donated materials, in accordance with our Donations Policy, will be given to the Friends of Wasilla Library for its annual book sale. You are the first reporter who has asked since the decision was made, so I guess this will be our first public announcement.

I understand that copies of Pastor, I Am Gay were in the library once but disappeared. Do you know when the library last had copies?

In regard to Pastor, I am Gay, by Howard Bess, the Wasilla Public Library does not have a copy; however, there are three libraries in the Mat-Su Library Network that do. Since the network provides intralibrary courier service, these copies are available to any library patron. I don’t know when the library last had copies—even if our library automation kept information on deleted materials, which it doesn’t, we migrated from Dynix to Sirsi in August 2004, so there’s no way to mine that data.

Palin’s Hometown Paper Grapples with Gay Books and Library Censorship

Tuesday, 23 September 2008 – 6:36 PM | Comments Off

UPDATE: Wasilla Library Rejects “Heather Has Two Mommies” and Daddy’s Roommate”

Gay and lesbian Americans concerned with censorship at public libraries recently donated copies of the children’s books “Heather Has Two Mommies” and “Daddy’s Roommate” to the Wasilla, Alaska, public library, where then-Mayor Sarah Palin asked a librarian about banning books.

The Frontiersman put the story on today’s front page: Gay-lesbian titles donated to Wasilla Library. The Frontiersman is the daily newspaper in the Mat-Su Valley, covering Gov. Palin’s hometown of Wasilla.

Mike Petrelis … said he was aghast to read reports of Palin’s 1996 inquiry about banning certain books at Wasilla’s library. “I said, ‘I’m going to send copies of both books just to make sure they’re on the shelves.'”

Ms. Palin, as a Wasilla city councilwoman in 1995, told colleagues that she noticed the book “Daddy’s Roommate” on the library shelves and that it did not belong there, according to Laura Chase, Palin’s campaign manager, and former Mayor John Stein, Palin’s predecessor.

Ms. Chase read the book, which helps children understand homosexuality, and said it was inoffensive. She suggested that Ms. Palin read it, according to the NYTimes.com article.

“Sarah said she didn’t need to read that stuff,” Ms. Chase said. “It was disturbing that someone would be willing to remove a book from the library and she didn’t even read it.”

Mr. Petrelis’ book donation was made in anticipation of Banned Books Week, which begins on September 27.

Tim Stallard, owner of Out in Alaska, a gay and lesbian guide service, said he thinks the effort is well-placed.

“I think it’s a good statement,” Stallard said. “I think in a free society like ours, openness and education and information are always important.”

Library Director KJ Martin-Albright said she has received the books but, like any donation, they have to go through a process that determines what to do with them.

There are two options for donations. Either the library puts the book on the shelves or gives it to Friends of the Library to be sold.

The Frontiersman article is neutral, with only one mention of “books that explain gay lifestyle” (sic) showing the reporter’s lack of knowledge about gay and lesbian topics.

However, many of the comments are negative:

” I just heard there is a third book being sent to the Wasilla Library ——— Daddy’s roommate has an STD. “

” I don’t think those books should be in the library. I agree with what Tammy wrote, there should be more Biblical based stories. Lets all pull together as parents and promote that these books be banned from our public library. “

” Go ahead and put this trash on the shelves of the library. When you do, I personnally will check them out and you will never see them again. I’m sure they will burn just fine!! “

Some comments were supportive:

” I LOVE IT! Wish I had thought of it first. I understand that she didn’t actually ban a book, but I think it was wildly inappropriate for her to test the waters. I think this is an excellent response to what was clearly a veiled attempt at censorship. “

” The public library is intended to serve the entire public, religious, non-religious, homosexual, heterosexual, and so on. If you don’t want your kids reading certain books…do your job as their parent and don’t let them read them! Of course, a better parenting technique would be to not shield your children from any knowledge but encourage them to think critically about it and come to their own conclusions. “

” For Heaven’s sake, and for the sake of gay kids –like the one I was– PLEASE don’t hide information on this from the ones who desperately need it. PLEASE. “

And this commenter sounds confused:

” I dont think any kids need to be reading about any sexuality at the library. The library is about learning. “

Check out the full story in the Frontiersman.

Donated “Heather” and “Daddy’s Roommate” Will Be Accepted or Sold by Wasilla Library

Monday, 22 September 2008 – 2:14 PM | Comments Off

UPDATE: Wasilla Library Rejects “Heather” and “Daddy’s Roommate”

Two popular gay-themed children’s books, “Heather Has Two Mommies” and “Daddy’s Roommate,” were donated to the Wasilla Public Library in Alaska, where Sarah Palin was mayor, by gay and lesbian Americans concerned with attempted censorship.

The full press release was posted earlier: Gay Americans Donate Children’s Books to Wasilla Library, On Eve of Banned Books Week.

I called the Wasilla Public Library when they opened today.

“We received the books,” said KJ Martin-Albright, Library Administrator at the Wasilla Public Library, “and we sent a copy of our library donation policy and a receipt to Mr. Petrelis.”

“Karen Davis, the youth services librarian, will decide if the books will be accepted and placed on the shelves, or be given to the Friends of the Library and sold at a book faire.”

“Rest assured that we are not dodging him,” said Ms. Martin-Albright. “He should be hearing from us soon.”

Bent Alaska thanks Mr. Petrelis for this generous donation, and encourages Ms. Davis to accept these wonderful children’s books. We look forward to seeing “Heather Has Two Mommies” and “Daddy’s Roommate” on the shelves of the Wasilla Public Library.

Wasilla Library Gets Gay Children’s Books

Monday, 22 September 2008 – 12:02 PM | One Comment

UPDATE: Wasilla Library Rejects “Heather Has Two Mommies” and “Daddy’s Roommate”

* * *

Gay Americans Donate Children’s Books to Wasilla Library, On Eve of Banned Books Week

Gay and lesbian Americans concerned with attempted censorship at public libraries recently donated copies of “Heather Has Two Mommies” and “Daddy’s Roommate” to the Wasilla, Alaska, public library. This show of support for diversity and First Amendment rights is a pro-active direct response to reports that former mayor and now GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin may have tried to remove the children’s books from the shelves in the 1990s.

The two gay-themed books were given to the library to guarantee they were available for the Wasilla community to read and enjoy. The donation was made in anticipation of Banned Books Week, which begins on September 27.Ultimately, the gay and lesbian citizens would like to place copies of “Daddy’s Roommate” and another gay-themed children’s book, “And Tango Makes Three,” on the shelves of Alaska’s one-hundred-and-one public libraries. (“Heather” is out of print, which is why “Tango” was chosen.)

San Francisco activist Michael Petrelis and his longtime partner Mike Merrigan gave the books not only to insure local kids would have access to them, but also to strengthen diversity in Alaska.

“When we first became aware of this story concerning Palin’s possible call for literary censorship, it dismayed us,” said Petrelis, who blogs at PetrelisFiles.com. “If Palin’s attitude towards literary freedom, not to mention her respect for diversity, have not changed since the 1990s, then her qualifications for vice president are certainly to be called into question.” Local gay support for the donation came from E. Ross of BentAlaska.com, a gay news and activities service web site based in Anchorage.

“Giving gay books to the Wasilla public library is a wonderful, pro-active way to foster communication and encourage reading. Many libraries and schools have been pressured to ban ‘Heather Has Two Mommies’ and ‘Daddy’s Roommate’ over the years, proving that citizens against diversity and tolerance pose a danger to education and unity everywhere. These two titles are prime examples of books that should have a secure place on many public and school library shelves,” said Ross.

Ross will be contacting the Wasilla librarian after the donation, to confirm that the library will place the books on the shelves, and will write a follow-up report on BentAlaska.com.The director of the Wasilla library, KJ Martin-Albright, last week posted a note to the Publisher’s Weekly blog regarding these issues:

At one point, ‘Heather Has Two Mommies’ was challenged at the Wasilla Public Library and it was decided to keep it on the shelf. So, why is it no longer there? Well, Wasilla out grew the size of its library about twenty years ago . . . Along with the fact that library collections are dynamic and not static, anything on the bookshelves has to earn its real estate. If it isn’t circulating, it doesn’t stay. I know this is not the ideal, but it is our reality. The library no longer has ‘Heather’, but we do our best to offer materials encompassing all different points of view and presenting every side to an argument.

For approximately $2,300, the gay activists, in collaboration with the Lambda Rising gay book store in Washington, DC, will purchase and ship two gay children’s books to every one of the state’s public libraries.

When Sarah Palin returns to being the full-time governor of Alaska on November 5, we’d like for her to find her public library system has welcomed these gay-themed children’s book as a gesture of respect for equality and diversity, which is a true American value.