Articles in Alaska communities
University of Alaska Regents vote 8–2 to add sexual orientation to UA nondiscrimination policy
By a vote of 8 to 2, the University of Alaska Regents this morning added sexual orientation to the UA Regents’ Policies on nondiscrimination. Students, faculty, and staff of the statewide public university system have been asking for years for such a policy change, led in particular by students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.
UA Regents to consider adding “sexual orientation” to non-discrimination policy
A proposed revision to University of Alaska’s non-discrimination policy to include “sexual orientation” is among a number of items to be considered during the Board of Regents two-day meeting at Lee Gorsuch Commons on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus this Thursday and Friday.
Is Homosexuality Immoral?
Editor’s note: We’re pleased to welcome Heather and John Aronno of the Alaska Commons as contributors to Bent Alaska. From the summer of 2009, when Heather and John regularly blogged about the Anchorage equal rights ordinance, to the present, they have been two of our best friends and allies in the Alaska LGBTA blogosphere. Please make them welcome!
Is Homosexuality Immoral?
by Heather Aronno | published originally at the Alaska Commons
There’s a lecture title worthy of a few head turns. When I first saw the poster, I felt a little, nauseous pit form in my stomach. I thought, “is UAA actually bringing in an anti-gay speaker?” Fortunately, I paused long enough to read the description before I flew off the handle.
With a combination of humor, sensitivity, & intellectual rigor, Corvino examines the most common arguments against homosexual conduct.
Whatever your sexual orientation, moral perspective, or religious conviction, this program will invite you to rethink some of the “easy assumptions” that often characterize the debate over homosexuality.
A visit to the UAA Student Life & Leadership website provided a little more information: “Dr. John Corvino, a.k.a. “The Gay Moralist,” is a writer, speaker, and philosophy professor. For over 15 years he has been traveling the country speaking on gay rights. Combining philosophy, sensitivity, and humor he has challenged all sides of the debate about homosexuality and morality.”
During my first year at UAA, I was pleased to learn that many departments and student organizations coordinate a series of events every February called “Healthy Sexuality Week.” And being that Alaska now rates ninth in the country for its rates of gonorrhea, it’s probably a good idea to focus on healthy sexuality. As part of the events for every year that I’ve attended there has been a notable speaker, come to help make up for our lack of comprehensive sex education. For the past two years, columnist and personal hero Dan Savage has been our guest of honor. (Some of you may remember when the Anchorage Press carried Dan’s Savage Love column. Do you miss it? Send the Anchorage Press an email and let ‘em know.)
This year, Dan gets a break and Dr. John Corvino will be taking the stage. I asked a few UAA students for their opinions on the lecture and its subject matter:
“Homosexuality isn’t really immoral or a threat to marriage. Divorce is probably a bigger threat to marriage than homosexuality.” Eric – Business Management Major
“I have no problem with it. I have friends that are gay. I might potentially take part in [the lecture], depending on what they end up talking about. I don’t mind that kind of discussion. That actually sounds pretty interesting.” Mike – Psychology and German Major
“To me, it doesn’t matter because I see them just as another human being, who has a different opinion than my opinion. It doesn’t affect me at all.” Simon – Undergraduate
“I’m not really biased. It’s a good topic to get people talking about it, because most people are shy in this day and age. It’s not that they don’t have an opinion, they’re just scared to voice it. At least he’s opening up the question for discussion. If I don’t have class at the same time, I might attend.” George – Management Information Systems Major
“I don’t have a problem with homosexuality. I have family members who are [gay]. I have friends who are. It doesn’t bother me at all.” Tim – Electrical Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, and Mathematics Major
“He looks pretty cute. Too bad he’s gay.” Heidi – International Studies Major
Now, that’s just a small sample of UAA students who happened to be in the Student Union when I was asking questions. I didn’t have anyone who spoke against homosexuality that I chose not to include; all of the students I spoke to indicated they had no issue with people being gay. (Except for Heidi. Ah well, she’s not the only girl stuck pining after an attractive gay man. I’ve had a crush on Neal Patrick Harris for years.) But for every student who is comfortable talking about their gay friends, family members, selves, there are other students who may very well benefit from hearing a different perspective on the morality/immorality of homosexuality. I encourage them to attend.
I’m looking forward to Dr. Corvino’s lecture. I hope some of you will be able to join me.
* * *
“Is Homosexuality Immoral?” with Dr. John Corvino
Presented by UAA Student Activities. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for this lecture.
- Date & time: Thursday, February 17, 7:30-9:30 PM; doors open at 6:30 PM
- Location: UAA Wendy Williamson Auditorium
- Cost of admission: This event is free to everyone.
- Info: Dr. John Corvino, a.k.a. “The Gay Moralist,” is a writer, speaker, and philosophy professor. For over 15 years he has been traveling the country speaking on gay rights. Combining philosophy, sensitivity, and humor he has challenged all sides of the debate about homosexuality and morality. Dr. Corvino holds a Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Wayne State. He has written over 100 articles and opinion pieces, wich have appeared in regional and nationally at the online Independent Gay Forum and in numerous academic journals and anthologies.
- Further information: UAA Student Activities, or this event’s Facebook page
Chuck O’Connell 1942–2011
The Anchorage LGBT community joins other friends and family members in mourning the loss of our friend and ally Chuck O’Connell, who died unexpectedly early last Thursday morning.
Valentine’s weekend in Anchorage: Sunday brunch benefits Out North & ICOAA
Out North recently lost a major funding grant, and needs your help to continue fulfilling its mission of Art for Everyone, No Exceptions.
One way to help is by enjoying a splendid Valentine’s weekend afternoon this Sunday at Mad Myrna’s! This event benefits both Out North & the Imperial Court of All Alaska.
Joani LaChoy’ Sweetheart’s Champagne and Cabaret Brunch
Please join Joani LaChoy as she presents her annual Sweetheart’s Champagne and Cabaret Brunch.
- Benefit for Out North Contemporary Art House and The Imperial Court of All Alaska.
- Date/time: Sunday, February 13 at 2 PM.
- Location: Mad Myrna’s, 530 E. 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK (see map)
- Cost of admission: $35.00
- Info: Live and Silent auction, fantastic entertainment, and of course – a gourmet champagne brunch!
- Further information: See Facebook event page.
Please help support Out North – attend shows, buy season tickets, or donate directly.
Keep track of upcoming events with Bent Alaska’s LGBT Events Calendar.
Valentine’s Day weekend in Fairbanks: Two fundraisers featuring KRISTARA
It’s a KRISTARA double-header in Fairbanks this weekend for Valentine’s Day, with both events benefiting Interior Alaska causes: the Interior AIDS Association (Friday’s event) and the Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living (Saturday’s event, sponsored by the Imperial Court of All Alaska).
Assembly ally challenged by doomsday letter writer
Dave Bronson, a prominent member of the anti-LGBTQ organization Alaska Family Council, is challenging incumbent Elvi Gray-Jackson for her seat on the Anchorage Assembly.
Benefit Friday for the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage (GLCCA)
A benefit for Identity, Inc. and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage will be held on Friday, 4 Feb 2011, at the A Street Event Hall.
Fairbanks fundraiser for gay cabbie injured in assault
Early on the morning of Thursday, January 13, Johnmichael, a driver for Eagle Cabs in Fairbanks, was beaten in the face with the claw side of a hammer. His assailant, Robert Charles Evans, is in jail charged with first degree assault and first degree robbery. Both charges are class A felonies in Alaska, and could garner Evans a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Anchorage’s LGBT Discrimination Survey
The Anchorage LGBT Discrimination Survey, now in progress, is the first effort since the late 1980s to compile rigorous data about the incidence of sexual orientation bias and discrimination in Anchorage — and the first effort ever to document Anchorage or Alaska-specific data about discrimination and bias on the basis of gender identity. Originally published as an op-ed in the Anchorage Press on Thursday, January 27, 2011.
