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This Week in LGBT Alaska 12/4/09

Friday, 4 December 2009 – 2:45 PM | Comments Off

The Anchorage International Film Festival begins today, and it’s also Art Walk First Friday.

This week’s LGBT events from the statewide newsletter Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.

Fairbanks

LGBTA Christmas Concert Gathering with the social group, Sunday 12/6, 4 p.m. for the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert in the David Concert Hall, UAF. Tickets here, and email Joshua to RSVP.

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

Kristara is co-hosting the Friday Night Diva Variety Show 12/4, 9 p.m at Mad Myrna’s.

Comic Mike Lebovitz 12/5, 8 p.m. performs at Mad Myrna’s and part of the proceeds benefit the YWCA.

Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage at 2 p.m.

Gay, Joyous and Free AA Meeting, Mondays 6:00 p.m. at the GLCCA.

“American Primitive” showing at the Bear Tooth 12/9, 8 p.m. as this year’s Gay-La gay movie with the Anchorage International Film Festival. Followed by an after-party at Myrna’s around 10 p.m.

Alaska observes World AIDS Day

Tuesday, 1 December 2009 – 1:30 PM | Comments Off

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:

HIV testing is available today and every day without an appointment at Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic. Red ribbons are located at KBFPC, K-Bay Caffe & Two Sisters.

– 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.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/26/09

Thursday, 26 November 2009 – 12:36 PM | Comments Off

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.

This week’s events from the statewide newsletter Alaska GLBT News.

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.

Paint Anchorage Red on Dec. 1 for World AIDS Day

Monday, 23 November 2009 – 4:41 PM | Comments Off

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

Candlelight vigil for hate crime victims

Saturday, 21 November 2009 – 8:52 AM | 2 Comments

– 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.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/20/09

Friday, 20 November 2009 – 5:37 PM | Comments Off

This week’s events from the statewide newsletter Alaska GLBT News.

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.

Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov 20

Thursday, 19 November 2009 – 9:58 AM | Comments Off

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.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/13/09

Friday, 13 November 2009 – 5:09 PM | Comments Off

This week’s events from the statewide newsletter Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.

Fairbanks

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

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

Lesbian Film Group Night 11/13, 6 p.m. potluck and 7 p.m. movie, location info on the LGBT Meetup group.

The Rocky Horror Show, 11/13-11/21, Fri & Sat 7 p.m., and Sat at 10 p.m. $20 at Mad Myrna’s.

The Out Club’s Broadway Drag Show, with performers from Mad Myrna’s and UAA 11/14, 7 p.m. in the UAA Commons, Room 107, only $5.

How To use Facebook 11/19, 7 p.m. at the GLCCA.

Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage at 2 p.m.

Transgendered Veterans Support Group, Thursdays 4-5 p.m. at the VA Mental Health Clinic.

Sullivan’s Say ‘No’ To Bullies Month (or something like that)

Friday, 13 November 2009 – 6:17 AM | 2 Comments

“Hi, I’m Mayor Dan Sullivan. I’ve declared November as Say ‘No’ to Bullies Month. Bullying occurs far too often, and we need to stand up and say ‘no’ to this hurtful behavior.”

Th e Jazz Greats concert at the PAC on Friday is a benefit for a good cause: Bye Bye Bullies, an international anti-bullying organization based in Anchorage. Earlier this week, Bent heard that Mayor Sullivan supports the program and declared November Bullying Awareness Month to draw attention to the issue.

It was November 10, but there was no declaration of Bullying Awareness Month on the Mayor’s website and no mention of it in the ADN’s piece on the concert. Sure the Mayor has been busy vetoing Assembly bills, denying thousands of Anchorage voters protection against hate-based discrimination, and slashing the city’s arts and library budgets. But if he wants to draw attention to an important problem like bullying by declaring a month to raise awareness about it, you’d think that his office would send out a press release.

So I wrote to a contact person listed on the Mayor’s website, praising Bullying Awareness Month and asking for a copy of the declaration.

Then I heard the radio ad for the Jazz Greats concert with Mayor Sullivan’s part quoted above, declaring November as Say ‘No’ to Bullies Month.

Well, ok, the promoter must have written the name incorrectly, Bullying Awareness Month instead of Say ‘No’ to Bullies Month. But there wasn’t anything posted on a local Say ‘No’ to Bullies Month either, so I waited for the declaration from the Mayor’s office… and was surprised to get a declaration for Bullying Awareness Month. (Did they write it on Nov. 10 in response to my request? Or did they change the name in the radio ad after the declaration was written?)

Bullying Awareness Month

WHEREAS, we must safeguard schools for our children, and, through our recognition of the serious issues that face them each day, offer our children an environment that holds promise and security; and

WHEREAS, many organizations, school districts, educators and parents have publicly expressed concern about the bullying of children; and

WHEREAS, it is important that we acknowledge and heighten awareness about the serious issues and the negative effects of bullying, including the long-term damage it can cause in our youth, which may include the risks of teenage suicide; and

WHEREAS, providing a safe physical and emotional environment is a significant goal and a personal responsibility of each individual; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to speak out AGAINST bullying and FOR our children; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Dan Sullivan, on behalf of the citizens of Anchorage do hereby proclaim the month of November 2009 as

BULLYING AWARENESS MONTH

in the city of Anchorage and encourage the community to acknowledge and address the important issue of bullying and work to prevent it from affecting our children.

It’s a good statement and a great cause, although I hope the Mayor will do more than just speak about it. For example, he could recommend that the Bye Bye Bullies program be taught in the Anchorage School District.

“It’s a benefit for Bye-Bye Bullies, a program to address school violence that originated in Anchorage and is now being effectively used in school districts around the country (though not here; go figure),” wrote the ADN.

Maybe he could do more to provide a ‘safe physical and emotional environment’ free from bullying for both the children and the adults who live here. Just saying…

Bye-Bye Bullies, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to protecting the integrity of individuals and preventing violence in schools and beyond. Founded by attorney Dennis Maloney, Bye-Bye Bullies organized the Violence Prevention Under the Midnight Sun conference in Anchorage, Alaska, the first national conference on bullying.

The Jazz Greats concert features Jeff Golub & Rick Braun, two excellent musicians. Go and enjoy the music for a good cause. And if anyone tries to bully your children this month, stand up and say “no.” Mayor Sullivan says so.