Articles in Alaska communities
"Double drag" with Mad Myrna’s Divas
by April Rains
My friend Larry didn’t know what to expect at April’s Follies. He, like so many others, was under the impression that it was some type of adult sex-based show and was really hesitant to go. But after it was all said and done, he was totally surprised that it was just another form of comedy. That’s what drag shows are – a unique and bizzarre blend of comedy that challenges the norms of sex, gender, and how we perceive our world and others in it.
At the Mad Myrna’s Divas Show on Friday, I tried, for the very first time, what is referred to as a “double drag.” Basically it’s a guy, dressed as a girl, dressed as a guy… or vice versa. I painted my face, did my hair, jewelry, perky 38 B’s, and still had my manicure from last weekend, but wore my typical guy t-shirt, jeans, cowboy boots and a dirty baseballl hat. The song I used was Toby Keith’s “I luv this bar,” with his deep male voice similar to mine.
At first the mic was ‘hot’ so I could talk with the audience. As the song began, I shut it off, sync’d it, then turned it on afterwards. The mix of live voice and sync creates the illusion that I can actually “sing” like Toby, with a voice identical to his, when in fact it’s just my lips moving. The attire gives a strongly mixed visual signal of gender identity, by enhancing my muscular male build with my female accessories, and heightens the words behind the song by reinforcing the theme that “anyone is welcome in this bar.” That’s what makes Mad Myrna’s such an incredible place: anyone is welcome at anytime without any judgement or prejuidice about who they are.
It was a huge stretch for me to try this, and the idea came basically at the last minute as I trounced around WalMart in drag looking for the CD, and of course, twisting people’s views of the world once again. I wanted to do something completely different, on the edge of what I’ve done in the past, and push the boundaries out a little further, as with everything I do. Diva’s is a really great show, and variety is a must if you expect folks to keep coming back. Now we have all types of folks showing up, and if for some reason I only do one song vs two, that is a good thing. We have more for folks to see. Not that doing one song is all I want to do every night…
My friend Felisha does double female drag a lot by dressing as a queen but she is actually a real female. She gives an illusion that makes one think about who and what she is. Loren [not her real name], who I thought for weeks was a real girl like Felisha, is actually an incredibly gorgeous guy, although few people could tell based on her size, hair, and other very feminine features, including her typical day attire which is very “fishy” (close to or what one would expect for the typical gender role).
One of the shows emcee’s, Daphne Do All, is very obvious when she dresses. She is very “campy” (exaggerated) in that she presents as your great aunt going to church or your Sunday School teacher in her big blonde hair, tailored business suits and mega-dollar heels. She and her counterpart Paige (a real girl or GG “genetic girl”) could rival Amelda Marcos with shoes. Ashley, Jovy, Maraquita, Raina, Sasha and others are what one would expect for drag queens: male performers accenting their female strengths like energetic dancing, killer legs, and really skimpy costumes that leave one wondering where they put it. When Kristara performs, she is in a class by herself. A vixen-ous mix of sexual energy, beauty, and an extensive wardrobe that encompasses all the great designers and more. Whether you’re male or female, straight, gay or bi, she can weave a spell around you that would leave even the most conservative leader of the Christian right following her home, despite the surpise he might get later.
Each of us is unique in our own views on life, gender, sex, and how we blend and present in the Friday night show, but yet are united in that we don’t see the world as many in the “mainstream” do. That’s the incredible thing about a drag show – it twists reality and leaves one thinking that “life” is not what we have been taught it “should be” but way more. Luckily we have that venue here in Alaska and can share it with anyone who cares to watch and listen.
MCC celebrates Easter with an interpreted service and a potluck
Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage is happy to announce that, beginning Easter Sunday, services will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer this service to our community,” said Rev. Norman Van Manen. “Our congregation and church leadership are thrilled to be able to serve God this way.”
Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and know sign language, and their friends, are welcome to be part of the worship at MCC Anchorage. Services begin at 2 p.m. in the A-Frame Chapel at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 2222 East Tudor Road.
On Sunday, MCC Anchorage is hosting a special Easter Worship Service, a time of rejoicing, celebration and worship, followed by a potluck.
“Our new place of worship is proving to be very exciting,” said Rev. Norman Van Manen. “The colorful glass windows allow light to enter. The seating causes us to sit a little closer together making the music swell. The warm welcome of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is greatly appreciated. There are exciting things happening at MCC Anchorage.”
– by Matthew Moak, MCC Anchorage vice-moderator
Bowling, Ballroom and Easter Madness
Alaska’s LGBT communities are holding events all over the state this week: Cosmic Bowling in Juneau, Gay Ballroom Dance classes in Fairbanks, a choir forming at the Mat-Su Center, and two Easter events in Anchorage – “Millinery Madness” at Myrna’s, and Easter Sunday at MCC.
SEAGLA Cosmic Bowling Night at the Juneau Bowling Center, April 11, 8-10 p.m.
Cosmic Bowling for community members and their friends. Both men and women are invited to join us at the Juneau Bowling Center, 608 W. Willoughby Ave. Come early for a meet-n-greet in the bar area. Bowling starts at 8 pm and is timed for two hours, so don’t be late. Four lanes have been reserved. SEAGLA
Gay Ballroom Dance Classes in Fairbanks, Tuesdays April 14-May 5, 7:15-9 p.m
Ballroom dance classes for lesbians and gays. The Fox Trot, Swing and Waltz classes will be taught by Kurt Byers and Terri Babers. Each class is two 45 minute sessions of instruction. The cost is $60 per person for the set, or $50 for UAF students, paid at the first session.
“We suspect there is a big unmet desire among the Fairbanks gay community for solid training in ballroom and swing dancing,” wrote Kurt. “That’s a desire we intend to fulfill in a fun and congenial atmosphere.”
The dance classes will be held April 14, 21, 28 and May 5 from 7:15-9 p.m. at the Artisan’s Courtyard, 1755 Westwood Way, off College Road next to Toy Quest. RSVP to Kurt
Harmony Choir at the Mat-Su LGBT Community Center, Mondays 6 – 7 p.m.
Harmony Community Choir is a new a capella group rehearsing at the Center on Monday evenings. “We need singers,” said Talyne. “Must be able to take direction and at least be able to carry a tune.”
The Center is open M-F 5-8 p.m., except Wed. 6-8, at 415 South Bailey, in the Church of the Covenant, in Palmer. The Wednesday social meets at 5 p.m. in the Vagabond Blues coffee shop. Mat-Su Center
Millinery Madness in Anchorage, April 11, dinner at 6 p.m, show at 8 p.m.
Emperor 36 Michael and Empress 36 Paula extend a warm invitation to The Imperial Court’s Easter show “Millinery Madness.” Join us for dinner, a 50/50 raffle, an egg hunt, an Easter bonnet contest and a wonderful drag show. Come out and help raise money for charity. Mad Myrna’s and ICOAA
Easter Sunday with MCC Anchorage, April 12, 2 p.m.
Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage is hosting a special Easter Worship Service, a time of rejoicing, celebration and worship, followed by a potluck. The service will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing.
“Our new place of worship is proving to be very exciting,” said Rev. Norman Van Manen. “The colorful glass windows allow light to enter. The seating causes us to sit a little closer together making the music swell. The warm welcome of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is greatly appreciated. There are exciting things happening at MCC Anchorage.”
Sunday services begin at 2 p.m. and are held in the A-Frame Chapel located at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 2222 East Tudor Road. MCC Anchorage
On the Way to the Follies
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.
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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.
This Week in LGBT Alaska 4/3/09
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Mat-Su Valley
April’s Follies 4/4, 8-10:30 p.m. Wasilla’s first drag show! At the Best Western on Lake Lucille. $15 person/$25 couple, must be 19 to attend. ICOAA
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
Celebrate Doug and Calvin’ 25th anniversary at Kodiak Bar 4/3, 9 p.m. until closing.
Alaska Rainbows Dinner 4/4, 5 p.m.
Sixth Sunday of Lent with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage in their new location. 4/5, 2 p.m.
The Men’s Club Pool Party 4/5
Gay AK round-up
Fetish Ball
Scott Turner “would like to thank everyone involved with making Fetish Ball 2009 a huge success. Even with the volcano going off, we made over $3,000 for The Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association. You kinky people ROCK!”
UAA panel rocked
The LGBTQ panel discussion Tuesday night at UAA was “fantastic!” writes Kimberly Pace, Director of Women’s Studies at UAA. “There were about 30 people in attendance and it was a great combination of students and community members. UAA’s “The Family” and Identity both had speakers as well as PFLAG. It was a wonderful blending of the campus and the community. Powerful information was exchanged and partnerships were forged. We all agreed that we should have similar gatherings at a minimum of once a semester. All in all, I pronounce it a smashing success!”
LGBT anti-smoking campaign
“The Smokefree Anchorage Coalition (SFAC), the people responsible for Anchorage’s clean indoor air ordinance, are re-grouping to focus on smokefree housing and disparate populations. We’re looking for someone to be a voice for the LGBT community in developing our strategic plan, and providing info on cessation and secondhand smoke in LGBT venues and media. Big Tobacco targets the LGBT community (and all marginalized groups) and about 30,000 gays, lesbians and bisexuals in America die from tobacco-related causes each year. Let’s reduce that number and save lives.” Contact Joanie Fogel, Tobacco Control Coordinator of the American Lung Association of Alaska.
Equality Works seeks web content & social networking volunteer
“Are you a creative person with great ideas for making a website engaging, and easy to navigate? Do you know Facebook, use Facebook, love Facebook and have ideas for turning its users into engaged citizens? Do you want to make Anchorage a place where all residents and workers can live free of harassment and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity? Please be our Web Content & Social Networking Volunteer! 2-4 hours a week, very flexible. You can work anytime, from anywhere.” Contact Tiffany McClain at Equality Works.
Support Pepsi
Anti-gay groups are boycotting Pepsi because of this cool gay-themed ad that aired in the UK, and because Pepsi supports PFLAG.
April’s Follies bring Drag to the Valley
It’s Drag Weekend in Wasilla with “April’s Follies,” the first Imperial Court show in the Valley, on Saturday April 4 at the Best Western on Lake Lucille. “April’s Follies” is an adults-only theme night with singers, dancers, and of course lots of drag queens.
“Within 5 minutes of picking up the tickets and flyers from the printer, the tickets were selling,” wrote Imperial Crown Princess April Rains, hostess of the Follies. “Several business hopped on board as sponsors, contributting certificates and clothing. Performers lined up and word got out. It’s going to be an awesome show!”
The Mat-Su Valley is home to a growing gay community, and an LGBT Community Center recently opened in Palmer.
April’s Follies: Tickets available online from ICOAA, or at Mad Myrna’s in Anchorage, Dangerous Curves and Mila’s Botique in Wasilla, and College Floral in Fairbanks. $15 person/$25 couple, must be 19 to attend. Ask about discounted hotel rates and group rates for 10 or more.
LGBTQ panel at UAA tonight
A panel of lesbian, transgendered and Samoan “fa’afafine” students and community members will discuss LGBTQ personal experiences and issues on campus and in the community, on March 31, 7 p.m. in the UAA/APU Consortium Library, room 307.
“Ultimately the goal is to get people talking,” writes Kimberly Pace, Director of Women’s Studies at UAA. “We don’t necessarily have to agree, but let’s keep the conversation alive.”
The LGBTQ discussion is presented by the University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA) Women’s Studies Program as part of Women’s History Month.
The event is open to all members of the UAA community – students, faculty & staff – as well as to community members from Anchorage and surrounding areas, whether LGBTQ or straight. It is free of charge and refreshments will be served.
* * *
LGBTQ Personal Experiences at UAA, in Anchorage & Beyond: a panel discussion
Tuesday, March 31, 7-9 p.m.
UAA/APU Consortium Library, room 307.
Sponsored by the UAA Women’s Studies Program
Equality Works Everywhere
Tiffany McClain is in the perfect position to write a gay rights column: she is the LGBT Coordinator for the ACLU of Alaska, the organizer of Equality Works, and on the board of Alaskans Together. Tiffany recently wrote a guest post on her experience at the Creating Change conference, and I am pleased to welcome her as a regular contributor to Bent Alaska.
——
Equality Works in Florida Too: LGBT Rights Activists Victorious in Gainesville
by Tiffany McClain
Over the past year, conservative groups have been trying to strip Gainesville’s LGBT citizens of protection from discrimination. They’ve been whipping up opposition with fear-inducing lies, including demonizing attacks representing transgender people as sexual predators. For weeks leading up to the vote, all the news was dire, but we finally found reason to hope on March 24th when the citizens of Gainesville stood up against prejudice and handily defeated the initiative by a vote of 58% to 42%.
As most of us well know, when activists, legislators, or court officials take positive steps to end discrimination against LGBT people, we often end up fighting efforts to impede our progress. The Prop 8 debacle in California is the most recent example of this, but we need only look back to the 2007 advisory vote to roll back the Alaska Supreme Court’s ruling on domestic partnership benefits as an example of the tug-of-war that has come to characterize the national movement for LGBT civil rights. With this in mind, we have been keeping an eye on Gainesville for lessons on how to overcome obstacles as we continue on the path of protecting LGBT Alaskans from discrimination and harassment.
So what can we learn from the Gainesville victory?
We can learn that as much as the fear-mongering might hurt and offend us, it doesn’t necessarily translate into votes against equality.
We can learn that while we might do what we can to avoid being dragged into an ugly—and inherently unfair—battle for votes, we shouldn’t assume we’ve lost until every ballot is counted.
We can learn that as much as we have come to depend on judges and lawmakers to recognize the rights that the Constitution promises us, and as much as we might hate to legitimize the idea that anyone’s civil rights should be determined by a popular vote, our losses are never inevitable.
Win or lose, a fight for civil rights is always worth it.
Support efforts to advance and protect the rights of LGBT Alaskans:
www.equalityworks.org Working to protecting Anchorage citizens from discrimination and harassment
www.akclu.org Dedicated to the cause of civil liberties for all Alaskans
www.alaskanstogether.org Advancing civil equality for LGBT Alaskans
Palin’s AG pick called gays "degenerates"
Update: I posted this on Pam’s House Blend and the intro was picked up by the Huffington Post! They want to know what Alaskans think of Ross, so please join the conversations at HuffPo and the Blend – and be sure to tell your legislators what you think of WAR as our AG.
* * *
Gov. Sarah Palin named Anchorage lawyer Wayne Anthony Ross as her new attorney general on Thursday. We did not expect her to pick a gay-friendly AG, however his blatant prejudice expressed in a public letter to the state Bar shows that he is a poor choice for our top attorney:
“During a fight several years ago over gay rights, [Allison] Mendel helped organize Anchorage lawyers in support of an anti-discrimination ordinance. Ross wrote a nasty letter to the Bar Association newsletter, using words like “immoral”, “perversion” and “degenerates.” The language went way beyond reasonable disagreement, Mendel and others said.” [Wayne Anthony Ross never a quiet force, Anchorage Daily News]
Other interesting facts about Wayne Anthony Ross:
- He was a founder of Alaska Right to Life and represented, without fee, anti-abortion protesters charged with trespassing. “I feel I have a good relationship with the good Lord (but) if I could overturn Roe vs. Wade, I figure I got my ticket,” he told a reporter.
- He was the defense lawyer for former Rep. Vic Kohring, who is now serving time in prison.
- He opposes Native subsistence rights and was the lead lawyer in the case that got Alaska’s subsistence law declared unconstitutional. When running for governor in 2002, he said he would hire a band of “junkyard dog” assistant AG’s to challenge the federal law that requires a subsistence preference, or seek changes through Congress.
- He wrote for the old Anchorage Times, then for the Voice of the Times in the ADN, with titles like “KKK ‘ Art’ Project Gets’ A’ For Courage” listed on the publications page of the Ross & Miner law offices.
- He represented Palin in her ethics case against state GOP chair Randy Ruedrich when both were on the Oil and Gas Commission, and became the co-chair of Palin’s 2006 gubernatorial campaign. He was hoping for an appointment to the Department of Health and Social Services so he could “stop the department from interfering with families when they should not be interfering and get them interfering with families when they should be interfering” but he was passed over.
- He defended a Soldotna man who twice poured buckets of water from a passing pickup onto peaceful demonstrators in the rain and snow. His client was convicted of harassment and violating constitutional rights.
- He was the co-chair of Alaskans for Phil Gramm. (Gramm is one of the people responsible for the current economic crisis, and as co-chair of John McCain’s presidential campaign he called us “a nation of whiners.”)
- He is a former vice president of the National Rifle Association and was in line to become president, but was voted out of office.
- He ran for governor in 1998 and 2002. (Think he’ll use the AG position as a stepping stone to the governor’s mansion?)
The state House and Senate Judiciary committees will hold confirmation hearings on his appointment.
