Bent Alaska and the UA student, staff and faculty group asking the Board of Regents to add sexual orientation to the UA non-discrimination policy both got an unusual Facebook friend request the day after Thanksgiving: from Dave Bronson, of the anti-gay Alaska Family Council.
Why did Bronson ask to friend us three days before the regents meeting at UAA, when it was already public knowledge that the students would make their request again? Did he hope we wouldn’t notice that he’s an employee of the Family Council? Was he that desperate to know what else we might have planned?
Earlier in the week, the Alaska Family Council – a political lobby group unrelated to the university – sent an email blast titled “Don’t Let UA Regents Be Bullied By Homosexual Activists,” denouncing the students who are asking for the policy change (and who mostly happen to be heterosexual):
We have learned that activists in the homosexual movement are attempting to convince the University of Alaska Board of Regents to change the university non-discrimination policy so as to give special recognition to homosexuals. If successful, individuals engaging in homosexual behavior will be afforded the same recognition as members of racial and ethnic minorities.
Of course we want the same recognition as other minority groups. And if we’re asking for the same rights, then they aren’t special rights, they’re equal rights.
The Family Council told their members to email each of the 11 regents and pressure them to reject the students’ request.
Jessi Angelette, a UAF student leading the effort, did testify at the meeting, saying in part:
I am here today before you once again to urge you to amend the current non-discrimination policy and to add it to the next meeting’s agenda…
The Alaska Family Council has sent out an email stating that you the Regents are being bullied by homosexual extremists. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. We are a representation of the students you have sworn an oath to educate and protect. There are thousands of students who call the campuses home while trying to attain their education. Isn’t it their right to feel protected from being harassed and discriminated against based on their orientation or their perceived orientation where they call home?
After doing research of other college and university non-discrimination policies, we have found that many have sexual orientation included in their polices and some of the schools are in states that do not have laws protecting LBGT citizens, such as Alabama. We have also looked at Tier 4 in the school rankings where UAF is ranked and have found only 1/6 of the schools do not have sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policy. These schools have shown that even though their cities and states may not have laws to protect the LBGT citizens, they have taken it upon themselves to insure the safety of their students.
UAA students John and Heather Aronno also support the policy change. In The Bully on Campus at UAA, they quote the Family Council argument that this policy would limit their freedom to insult us, then respond to Jim Minnery, who signed the email:
…Have you been to UAA Jim? The right-to-life club hands out fliers with a revolver aimed at a fetus. We’re not in any danger zone that threatens the suppression of free speech, nor is anyone impeding the free exercise of religion… Unless it’s hate speech. You’re the one asking people who are otherwise in no way affiliated with UAA to flood board member inboxes and voicemail, and if that doesn’t work, barge into a board meeting and scream bloody murder. Again.
The students also note that the Council email links to a faux-college video called “Indoctrinate U: Our Education, Their Politics” and the page only lists past screenings, not the upcoming ones (to avoid protests?) Don’t be surprised if it shows in Anchorage next year.
So, which group do you think the UA Regents should give priority: UA students and staff, or an unrelated political lobby trying to force their religious bigotry on our public university?
Please take a moment and contact the UA Regents in favor of the student request. If you are a current or former UA student, staff or faculty member, please mention your connection to the university.
And if you moderate a GLBT Alaska Facebook page, please check profiles before you accept friend requests. You never know who will want to be your “friend.”
Tuesday, 1 December 2009 – 1:30 PM
| Comments Off on Alaska observes World AIDS Day
Today, Dec 1, is World AIDS Day and Alaskans will remember those lost to HIV/AIDS, and honor those living with HIV/AIDS, by holding candlelight vigils in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, and by wearing red ribbons.
“Universal Access and Human Rights” is the 2009 theme for World AIDS Day, “doing everything we can to support countries to reach their universal access goals for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support – all the while protecting and promoting human rights,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.
Unaids.org reports that there are currently 33.4 million people worldwide infected with HIV and 2 million of those are children. Last year saw nearly 2.7 million new cases of HIV.
To help HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in Alaska
, make donations to Four A’s (southcental and southeast) and IAA (interior), and visit
Four A’s for the list of locations in Anchorage and Juneau that have a paint can full of free Red Ribbons.
Alaska’s World AIDS Day events
Anchorage:
Join
Four A’s for the annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil, at 6 p.m. in the UAA Wolf’s Den (Student Union/Bookstore Building). Four A’s also co-presented the documentary “Sex Positive” with the Bear Tooth on Monday night as a World AIDS Day event.
Juneau:
Join
Four A’s for the Juneau World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil at 6:30 p.m. in the Baranof Hotel. Four A’s is also sponsoring a free showing of “Life Support” on Wednesday, December 2 at the Gold Town Nickolodean Theater at 8 p.m.
Fairbanks:
Join
Interior Aids Association for a World AIDS Day Walk and Vigil on Tuesday, Dec 1. Meet at IAA at 5:30 p.m. for a Candle Light Walk to First United Methodist, 915 2nd Ave. and a service and potluck at 6 p.m.
Homer:
– photo: Alex Barros reminds drivers to wear a red ribbon for World AIDS Day. Supporters of Four A’s stood on the corners of Northern Lights and New Seward, and Northern Lights and Minnesota, in Anchorage this morning.
Gay AK – reports from LGBTQ Alaska
Anchorage Vigil Against Hate Crimes
Anchorage, along with many other American cities, held a candlelight vigil last Sunday afternoon on the Park Strip to honor two young men who lost their lives recently because of anti-gay and anti-trans hate: Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, age 19, was beheaded and dismembered, and James Mattison, age 15, was raped and stabbed to death. Thanks to Christopher Narvaez for organizing the vigil, and to Heather Aronno for the
story and photos posted on Alaska Commons.
“The Morality of Same-Sex Marriage”
Listen online to the lecture that Dr. Joseph Thompson of UAF’s Philosophy department gave Nov 20 on “
The Morality of Same-Sex Marriage.” The event was sponsored by the UAF Socratic Society and hosted by the UAF Gay-Straight Alliance.
Gospel Show benefits MCC
Miss MeMe’s Gospel Show raised $500 for the
MCC Church. Thank you to those of you who supported the show and
ICOAA: the Friday Divas who performed, the titleholders who participated, and all of our court and supporters.
A Seat at the Table
Christopher Constant is throwing a fundraising event on Monday at Mad Myrna’s to get ready to
run openly-LGBT political candidates in Alaska. It is well past time we had a seat at the table. Chris will bring his limited edition art prints for sale, as well as two first edition “Dyke Life” board games designed by local Radical Arts for Women member Kenna Bates. Please join him and help this important effort.
Thursday, 26 November 2009 – 12:36 PM
| Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/26/09
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.
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.
Monday, 23 November 2009 – 4:41 PM
| Comments Off on Paint Anchorage Red on Dec. 1 for World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day – Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Join Four A’s for the following World AIDS Day Events in Anchorage, AK:
Sex Positive
Monday, November 30 at 8 p.m.
Bear Tooth Theater
“A fascinating and crucial slice of traumatic sexual history that’s all but invisible to younger generations.”
$3.00 per person/Rated R
View the trailer here.
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil
Tuesday, December 1, 2009-6 p.m.
UAA Wolf’s Den
The annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil to remember those we have lost to HIV/AIDS and to honor those still living with the disease.
Don’t forget to wear your red ribbon on December 1st to honor all affected by HIV/AIDS. Many locations around Anchorage will have free red ribbons available to Paint the Town Red. Check out www.alaskanaids.orgfor a complete list after Tuesday, November 24th.
For more information about World AIDS Day, contact Chrissy Bell, Director of Development, Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association (Four A’s) at (907) 263-2046 or cbell@alaskanaids.org
– a guest post from the organizers of this Sunday’s Candlelight Vigil in memory of Jason Mattison Jr. and Jorge Steven Mercado, 3-4 p.m. on the Anchorage Park Strip.
* * *
Many in our community struggle to survive. We struggle to be ourselves, out of the closet, and love life for all its goodness. In many places, even after the Hate Crimes Act recently passed, people are hurt, threatened, harassed and even killed for who they are.
We believe it is not our human nature to spread hate but instead to create a world of love. This is what the LGBT community of Alaska teaches: love, respect and the willingness to be free. Others may not have this choice and yet are still part of our community at large.
Please let us take a moment to remember two so very young gentlemen whose lives were taken from them by recent hate crimes:
JASON MATTIS JR, only fifteen years old, was forced into inappropriate sexual relations with a convicted murderer. He was very popular amongst his peers in high school.
JORGE STEVEN LÓPEZ MERCADO, only nineteen, and was beaten, dismembered and decapitated. The police investigator (who has been reprimanded) said he deserved it because he was gay.
The cruelty exists and we should remember these two who died. Let us ALL in every community show our love and respect for one another in a vigil to honor all hate crime victims. This will be an hour of peace to remember the people who have died just being themselves and for our rights.
Join us for a Candlelight Vigil for Hate Crime Victims. November 22, 2009 3-4pm @ the Park Strip, 9th and L Street in front of the American Flag. Please bring a candle and some love.
Friday, 20 November 2009 – 5:37 PM
| Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/20/09
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
“The Morality of Same-Sex Marriage” with Dr. Joseph Thompson 11/20, 6 p.m. in Schaible Auditorium at UAF.
UAF Gay-Straight Alliance meets Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Women’s Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.
Wednesday LGBTA Social at 9 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.
Mat-Su Valley
Transgender Day of Remembrance service 11/22, 11 a.m. at the Church of the Covenant in Palmer.
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
Integrity, the Episcopal GLBT group, meets 11/20, 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church the third Friday of the month. Potluck, fellowship and worship. All are welcome.
The Rocky Horror Show, 11/20-11/21, Fri & Sat 7 p.m., and Sat also at 10 p.m. $20 at Mad Myrna’s.
Transgender Day of Remembrance memorial service during the MCC Anchorage Sunday service 11/22, 2 p.m.
Candlelight Vigil Against Hate Crimes, in memory of Jason Mattison Jr and Jorge Steven Mercado 11/22, 3-4 p.m. along the Park Strip at 9th and L St, in front of the American Flag. Bring a candle.
Miss MeMe’s Gospel Show 11/22, 4 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s, a fundraiser for MCC and ICOAA.
Eve’s Family & Friends Thanksgiving Dinner, 11/25 at 5 p.m. and 11/26 at 3 p.m. at The Raven Bar, 4th and Gambell St.
Thursday, 19 November 2009 – 9:58 AM
| Comments Off on Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov 20
Friday is the 11th International
Transgender Day of Remembrance and memorial events are held all over the world to recognize those who were killed during the previous year because of anti-transgender hate and violence.
Since last year’s event, 18 people are known to have been murdered because of their gender identity or gender expression. Many other transgender murders go unreported, and journalists often use the gender listed on police reports, based on biology instead of dress, personal letters or testimony from friends and family, which might tell a more complete story.
Although Transgender Day of Remembrance focuses on people who were murdered for having a non-traditional gender identity, it also brings to light a related tragedy: the high rate of suicide among transgender people.
Alaska has a large number of transgender men and women, and unfortunately we have known several community members who took their own lives, including two in Anchorage this summer.
Everyone is invited to join the
Metropolitan Community Church Anchorage at the Sunday worship service on Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. to commemorate the lives of our transgender brothers and sisters who have been tragically lost at the hands of intolerance and hatred.
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.”
“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.
Saturday, 14 November 2009 – 7:59 AM
| Comments Off on TDOR, Thanksgiving, World AIDS Day, FBX Bear Club, ICOAA Cares, & the Trevor Project
Gay AK – news briefs for and about LGBT Alaska
Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov. 20
The 11th
International Transgender Day of Remembrance is on November 20, recognizing those who were killed during the previous year because of anti-transgender hate and violence. All are invited to join
MCC Anchorage at the Sunday Service on Nov. 22 to commemorate the lives of our trans brothers and sisters who were tragically taken.
Eve’s Family & Friends Thanksgiving Dinner
Eve is cooking up Thanksgiving Goodies, and all this baby needs is a kitchen and a slave for a day. We’re doing 2 dinners, and this year it’s at the Raven Bar, on Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. The Raven Bar is located at 4th and Gambell, in downtown Anchorage. RSVP on the
Thanksgiving Dinner Facebook event page.
World AIDS Day on December 1
Join
Four A’s for their annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil to remember those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS and honor those who are still living with the disease. Vigil begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 1, in The Wolf’s Den at UAA. On Monday, Nov. 30, Four A’s is co-presenting the documentary film
Sex Positive with
Bear Tooth Theater as a World AIDS Day event. The film begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $3.
Sex Positive is rated R for brief nudity, sexual scenes and graphic language.
Dan Savage and Scott Turner Schofield return
We already have great LGBT events on the calendar for 2010: sex-columnist and political activist
Dan Savage is returning to UAA on February 12, transgender performer Scott Turner Schofield is returning to
Out North on January 14-17, and the dates are already set for Celebration of Change (3/27) and the spring Womyn’s Dance (4/17).
Imperial Court collects food, clothes and toys for the holidays
I.C.O.A.A. Cares will be accepting donations in the way of non-perishable food items, new clothes and toys for the holidays. We will get these items to local organizations for disbursement. You may drop new unwrapped items at Mad Myrna’s until December 20. The Empress and Emperor will also try and get donation barrels for The Raven and The GLBT Center. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Bear Men’s Club in Fairbanks
Let’s revive the Bear Men’s Monthly Potluck in Fairbanks. If you are interested in a once a month or even bi-monthly gathering, please respond. It will be open to all men, bears and their admirers, and men interested in a gay men’s function in Fairbanks. Contact
Michael for more info.
The Trevor Project wants you to Be Proud and Speak Out
Do you have a story for the
Trevor Project? They want to hear all about it. Record a video, upload it by November 29 and you could win a prize. Create a short video telling the world about your experiences as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning youth within your family, school and/or communities. Please
read the rules and regulations. The deadline is 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 29, 2009.