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Lady GaGa video to Senate: repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"
Memorial today for Richard Welch
Community member Richard Welch of Fairbanks passed away last week. He is survived by his partner, their children and their extended family. His friends are invited to a memorial and celebration of his life on Monday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. at Chapel of Chimes followed by lunch at Pike’s.
“I had the pleasure of working with Richard for many years at The Palace Saloon and Club G,” wrote Anna Kegley. “We became very close friends & kindred spirits working together for the GLBT community on countless functions to raise funds for charities that serve the community.
“He is/was one of my dearest friends, I love and miss him with all my heart. His partner Misha and he have been together for 18 years. My heart is heavy for him and wish him peace going on without his Richard.”
Richard Daniel Welch (1959-2010)
The family of Richard Daniel Welch invites his friends to celebrate his life Monday, Sept. 13, at Chapel of Chimes on Illinois Street. We will gather at 2 p.m. for an informal memorial before engaging in one of Richard’s favorite pastimes, a nice, leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. Please bring your love, memories and appetites.
Richard passed away Sept. 7, 2010, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born Sept. 20, 1959, in Bradenton, Fla., to Jack Welch and Adriana (Mickie) Nyberg.
Richard spent his early life in and around Tampa Bay. His family came to Alaska during the construction of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. He attended Main School and graduated from North Pole High School.
He resided in Florida until 1991 when he returned to Fairbanks. He made many friends while working as a bartender for the Palace Saloon and Club G and volunteering for the Interior AIDS Association. Richard later returned to college and received a degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Jack Welch.
He is survived by his mother, Mickie Nyberg of Steinhatchee, Fla.; his sisters, Jackie Welch and Theresa Morin of Fairbanks; his brother, John of Tampa, Fla.; his partner, Michael Streiffert and their children, Nick Streiffert and Adriana Welch of Fairbanks.
Richard brought joy to us all and will be sorely missed.
The family would like to thank the kind people at Denali Center who took such good care of him this last year and to the staff and volunteers of the Hospice of the Tanana Valley who helped all of us through this difficult time.
Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
Sign Richard’s Guest Book
Suicide Prevention Week
- In the United States, more than 34,000 people die by suicide each year (2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC).
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds, accounting for over 12% of deaths in this age group; only accidents and homicide occur more frequently (2006 National Adolescent Health Information).
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death on college campuses (2008 CDC).
- For every completed suicide by a young person, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made (2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey).
- Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers (Massachusetts 2007 Youth Risk Survey).
- More than 1/3 of LGB youth report having made a suicide attempt (D’Augelli AR – Clinical Child Psychiatry and Psychology 2002)
- Nearly half of young transgender people have seriously thought about taking their lives and one quarter report having made a suicide attempt (Grossman AH, D’Augelli AR – Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior 2007)
- Questioning youth who are less certain of their sexual orientation report even higher levels of substance abuse and depressed thoughts than their heterosexual or openly LGBT-identified peers (Poteat VP, Aragon SR, et al – Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2009)
- LGB youth who come from highly rejecting families are more than 8 times as likely to have attempted suicide than LGB peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection (Ryan C, Huebner D, et al – Peds 2009;123(1):346-352)
- It is estimated that between 20 and 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (2006 National Gay & Lesbian Task Force: An Epidemic of Homelessness). 62% of homeless LGB youth will attempt suicide at least once—more than two times as many as their heterosexual peers (Van Leeuwen JMm et al – Child Welfare 2005)
Coronation 2010 – Kickin’ it Old School!
Please join The Imperial Court of All Alaska, Emperor 37 Kevin Holtz, and Empress 37 Miss MeMe Jenkins for“Coronation XXXVIII: Kickin’ it OLD SCHOOL: Back to Our Roots – A Trip Down Memory Lane”on September 2-6, 2010 in Anchorage, Alaska.EVENTS:Thursday, September 2 at 5 PM:SUNSHINE OVER SIBERIAAnnual meet-n-greet hosted by Empress 31, Sister Mary SunshineWHERE: Sub Zero Lounge, 6th Avenue & F Street in downtown Anchorage(no cover)Thursday, September 2 when we’re done with Sunshine Over SiberiaTHE ROAST OF THEIR MOSTSAn irreverant look back at Kevin & MeMe’s year, brought to you by Duke & Duchess 9 of Anchorage, Mikel Wiles and Colleen Crinklaw. Please be prepared to skewer Their Most Imperial Majesties one last time!WHERE: Either Sub Zero or Mad Myrna’s – we haven’t decided yet.(no cover)Friday, September 3 at 9 PM; Doors at 8 PMTHE IN-STATE SHOWThe best of the Alaskan Court Members will entertain you for hours! The worst of them will just get you drunk! Hosted by Their Most Imperial Majesties, Kevin & MeMe!WHERE: Mad Myrna’s($10)Saturday, September 4 at NOONTHE BROWN BEAR BUS RUNWhatever you do – don’t wear jeans with holes in them. Jus’ sayin… Meet at The Raven Bar to board the busses no later than 11:30. Don’t be late, or we’ll leave you in the parking lot. Hosted by the Candidates for Emperor and Empress!WHERE: The Raven Bar (didn’t you just read that?)($20)Saturday, September 4 at 9 PM; Doors at 8 PMTHE OUT-OF-STATE SHOWVisiting Monarchs dazzle us with their talents! Hosted by SoFonda Peters and Sister Mary SunshineWHERE: Mad Myrna’s($10)Sunday, September 5 at 6 PM SHARP! Doors at 5 PMCORONATION CEREMONIES XXXVIIIWe highlight the 2010 College of Emperors and Empresses Scholarship Recipients, honor our stepping-down monarchs, and crown the newest leaders of the ICOAA.WHERE: The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel($40)Monday, September 6 at NOONVICTORY BRUNCHEat, cry, eat some more, applaud, drink, and cry! The BEST brunch on the circuit!WHERE: Mad Myrna’s($30)
Protesting 101: How to make fun of anti-gay bigots
PFLAG wins best themed booth at Alaska fair
“PFLAG Fairbanks won “Best Theme Decorated Booth” at the Tanana Valley State Fair! The booth has received many positive comments, gentrifying the Borealis Pavilion in the fair’s main showcase for non-profits, vendors and (this year) politicians. Congratulations to Jenn and Beverly for all their preparation and to the volunteers (especially to Kerry, who recruited volunteers) who have made the booth a success with young and old alike.”
“Besides thanking Beverly for the hard work on constructing the booth and Jenn for painting the animals, including the Rave Rooster, PFLAG also wanted to thank the Imperial Court of All Alaska for their support in helping underwrite the costs, and Alaskans Together for their support as well. It is a community project, with over 50 volunteers, several new members, and everyone providing their own touch in making an impact in community. Good job.”
Gay AK: Get ready for late summer and fall events
Memorial & Open House for FKen – Aug 5th
Some people did not hear about the initial memorial service for FKen Freedman held soon after his passing, so we’re having a second memorial celebration of his life to coincide with the sale of his home and belongings. Friends and community members are invited to an Open House Remembrance Ceremony and Private Estate Sale on August 5, beginning at 5 p.m.
5-6 PM Hors d’ oevres: Hearty hors d’ oeuvres & open house. Catered by his favorite restaurant – Thai House!
6-7 PM Remembrance Ceremony: FKen’s Celebration of Life was at the U/U Fellowship Hall on May 6th and was hurriedly organized to accommodate FKen’s family from out of state. This is an opportunity for those who were not able to make the original service to collectively gather and share their memories. Those who were at the first service are again invited to this more informal event.
This will be a time to share stories and memories of a remarkable man who is a long-time friend and community organizer. His home, where this event is taking place, is the birthplace of the NorthView and the Identity Helpline. We hope you will join us for an evening with our community, as FKen liked to say, “our tribe” in this very special place.
7-8 PM Private Estate Sale for friends and community members: FKen’s house will be on the market for sale in the next two weeks. Most of FKen’s belongings are in place. This is an opportunity to purchase items from the estate sale before they are offered to the public on Friday and Saturday August 6 & 7th. The proceeds will go to continue FKen’s support of his mother.
Please RSVP for the location and directions.
Go GaGa for Monster Ball tickets with KFAT & Myrna’s
Grand prize winner receives:Round trip tickets for two to Tacoma, WashingtonHotel stay and tickets to Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball TourCome to all the dates! We’ll also be playing games for other prizes at each event. You don’t want to miss it!**Must be at least 21 years old to enter****Must be present to win**EVENT DATES:SATURDAY, JULY 17TH FROM 8 – 10 PMSATURDAY, JULY 24TH FROM 8 – 10 PMSATURDAY, JULY 31ST FROM 8 – 10 PMSATURDAY, AUGUST 7TH FROM 8 – 10 PMOfficial rules are HERE. (pdf)
Watch: The Kids Are All Right
