Sunday, 6 October 2013 – 5:19 PM
| Comments Off on A long-overdue Bent Alaska update — October 2013
Bent Alaska’s blog will continue in hiatus indefinitely; but the Bent Alaska Facebook Group on Facebook is thriving — join us! A long-overdue update from Bent Alaska’s editor.
Join us in Anchorage this Saturday at the National Equality March support rally for Alaska’s one congressional district, an LGBTA rally at Loussac Library for “Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.”
Why rally at Loussac, the site of this summer’s attempt to gain equal protection under the law in the Anchorage Municipality? Why return to the scene of the crime, after the Assembly chair rudely dismissed us from the chambers just last week?
It’s time to show Ossiander that we will not go away quietly and let them continue to discriminate against us in silence. We will not slink back to our “unacceptable lifestyle” and let religious fanatics determine our legal rights in our town. Instead, the LGBT community and our many allies will work for and gain equality under federal law. The mayor and assembly chair and local bigots are only big fish in the small pond of Anchorage, they cannot make the whole country and all of Congress bow down to their fear of us.
It’s time to join LGBTA people all across this country and Rally for National Equality!
The Anchorage support rally for the National Equality March will be at Loussac Library, 36th and Denali Street, on Saturday, Oct 10 from 10 a.m. (the start time of the DC rally) until 6 p.m. Join us for an hour or stay for the whole day. Bring big (easy to read) signs, warm clothes, and all of your equality-loving friends. See you on Saturday!
Monday, 5 October 2009 – 7:31 PM
| Comments Off on 6 Things Alaskans Can Do This Week for LGBT Rights
The National Equality March (NEM) is Oct 10-11 in DC, and a group from Juneau will carry the Alaska banner in the march. Those of us who are not going to DC can also support the march and LGBT rights this weekend. How?
Equality Across America called this march to address the lack of federal rights and protections for LGBT people AND to build support for LGBT equality in all 435 congressional districts in the United States.
“to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. We will gather. We will march. And we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs to be done in every community across the nation.
“Our single demand: Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.”
Here is the National Equality March call to action video:
Alaska has only one congressional district, representing the whole state. Here are 6 things we can do this week in Alaska’s at-large congressional district to support the goals of the National Equality March:
1. Rally here when they rally in DC: Join the Anchorage support Rally for LGBT Equality! Anchorage is holding a support rally for the DC march, along the sidewalk in front of Loussac Library, 36th and Denali Street, on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. (the start time of the DC rally) until 6 p.m. (Everyone from the Alaska Pride Conference at APU can carpool a few blocks down 36th and join the rally when the conference ends at 3:30.) Rally for our rights!
2. Bring your ideas for national LGBT equality to the Alaskans Together for Equality annual strategy meeting! The 1st annual Alaskans Together for Equality meeting will develop plans for LGBT Alaskans and our allies in this congressional district to support our state and national rights, on Sunday, Oct 11, from 9a.m.-3p.m. in the Country Kitchen banquet room, 346 E. 5th Ave. (next door to the Gay & Lesbian Community Center.)
3. Meet Alaskans who support LGBT equality at the Alaskans Together social! Come to ATE’s social gathering with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar, on Saturday Oct 10, at the Kodiak Bar & Grill, 225 E. 5th Avenue, from 5-7:30 p.m. (after the Pride Conference and National March support rally.)
4. Contribute to the Alaska banner for the National Equality March! The group representing Alaska is carrying a blue banner with gold letters saying “Alaskans Together for Equality” with nine rainbow stars showing the Big Dipper and North Star, a gay version of the Alaska state flag. They would appreciate donations from the community to cover the cost of the banner. Send to: SEAGLA, PO Box 21542, Juneau, AK 99802.
5. Come Out on National Coming Out Day! The march was called for this weekend because Oct 11 is National Coming Out Day. Wherever you live, have Conversations from the Heart about LGBT equality with your friends and family. A simple conversation can change lives.
6. Call Alaska’s Members of Congress to support LGBT Equality! Let our elected leaders know that we support the National Equality March and full GLBT equality under the law. Encourage them to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which they will be voting on soon, the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and the repeal of the marriage ban known as DOMA. Contact Rep. Don Young, Senator Mark Begich and Senator Lisa Murkowski.
Spread the news about these events, and bring your friends and family members to support LGBT rights this weekend, right here in Alaska!
Thursday, 1 October 2009 – 2:45 AM
| Comments Off on October is Gay History Month, National Coming Out Day
Halloween is not the only gay holiday in October! October is GLBT History Month, October 11 is National Coming Out Day and, for the first time in years, we’re having a national gay rights march in DC, the National Equality March on October 10-11. In Alaska, we’re celebrating October with the annual Anchorage Pride Conference.
GLBT History Month
Modeled after Black and Women’s History Months, GLBT History Month highlights the achievements of 31 gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender icons—one each day—in a 30-second video. The video is updated automatically and posted below.
The 2009 Icons include GLBT artists, scientists, politicians and other leaders like Rachel Maddow, Gus Van Sant, k.d. lang, Alfred Kinsey, Zora Neal Hurston, B. D. Wong and Suze Orman.
National Coming Out Day
October 11 holds a special place in GLBT History Month as National Coming Out Day. Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or straight, be proud of who you are and your support for LGBT equality this National Coming Out Day.
The NCOD theme for 2009 is Conversations From the Heart. Watch the conversations on the personal meanings of gay equality, and have your own Conversations From the Heart with your friends and family. A simple conversation can change the lives of people you care about.
The National Equality March
Because of National Coming Out Day, the weekend of October 10-11 was the obvious choice for the National Equality March in DC:
“We are guaranteed equal protection by the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. Free and equal people do not bargain for or prioritize our rights, so we are coming to DC this October 10-11th to demand equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. Now.”
What are Alaskans doing to celebrate National Coming Out Day on October 11th?
(1) The March: A group from Juneau is attending the National March for Equality in DC. They invite other Alaskans to join them. Email SEAGLA for more information.
(2) The Pride Conference: Alaskans are coming to Anchorage from all over the state for an expanded 3-day Pride Conference, on October 9-11 in Alaska Pacific University’s Atwood Center. The main events:
8.30 am to 3:30 pm: Anchorage Pride Conference at Alaska Pacific University. The day includes breakfast, lunch, a vendor’s court, workshops, plenary and a comedy hypnosis show with Jay Her. Pre-registration: $20 adult, $10 student. At the door: $25 adult, $15 student. The link to the registration form is HERE.
The Anchorage Pride Conference is sponsored by Identity, Inc. and APU’s Spectrum.
(3) The Alaskans Together Gathering
Alaskans Together for Equality (ATE) is holding their first annual meeting at the GLCCA on Sunday October 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Their goal is to plan the future direction of Alaska’s only statewide civil rights group focused on promoting the rights of Alaska’s LGBTQ population. This is an open meeting and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
ATE is providing a limited number of travel scholarships to help people from outside of the Anchorage area be able to participate in the meeting. If you want to apply for a scholarship, please send an email containing your name, contact information, and a brief statement on why you would like to attend the meeting.
On Saturday, the day before the meeting, Alaskans Together will host a social gathering after the Pride Conference at the Kodiak Bar & Grill (225 E. 5th Avenue) from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
(4) Special Offer for the Pride Conference & ATE
The Copper Whale Inn, on L Street in downtown Anchorage, is offering a special lodging rate for anyone attending the Pride Conference and the Alaskans Together annual meeting. The rate is $77 a night (+ tax) and includes breakfast, free wireless access, and beautiful Cook Inlet views. Copper Whale Inn is near the Gay & Lesbian Community Center where the ATE meeting will be held, and about 10 minutes by car to the Pride Conference at Alaska Pacific University. Visit The Copper Whale Inn for more information.
(5) Conversations From the Heart
Like people all over the country, Alaskans will have our own Conversations From the Heart with our friends and family members on National Coming Out Day, October 11.
More National Coming Out Day events are in the works for Anchorage and other parts of Alaska, but they aren’t ready to be announced. Check back to Bent Alaska for NCOD updates and other events planned throughout the month. And don’t forget those gay-fabulous Halloween parties!
(2) “Hedwig and The Angry Inch” on Saturday, 7 & 11 p.m at Mad Myrna’s
The cult fave “Hedwig” is coming to Anchorage in a live performance starring Atz Lee Kilcher (who opened for his sister’s concert in August) and a full band. The Homer shows were awesome, we can’t wait to see it at Myrna’s. Tickets are $20. Call for reservations (907) 276-9762.
(3) The Imperial Court’s Investitures on Sunday, 6 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s
The ICOAA cordially invites you to Investitures for the 37th Reign, hosted by Denali Emperor 37 Kevin and Aurora Empress 37 Miss MeMe. $10 includes a show with all the current title holders and a buffet. Join the ICOAA and have fun all year.
“The Lion King” is playing at the Performing Arts Center and the cast will perform a one-night-only cabaret at Mad Myrna’s to benefit the Four A’s and Broadway Cares. Tickets are $20, call (907) 263-2046.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009 – 10:44 PM
| Comments Off on The Lion Sings and Tan-N-Test for Four A’s
We have two unique opportunities to raise money for Four A’s this week: the cast of The Lion King is performing a benefit cabaret show at Mad Myrna’s on Monday September 28, and Preview Sun & Day Spa is holding a Tan-N-Test fundraiser on Saturday, September 26.
“The Lion Sings Tonight” is a one night only cabaret by the cast of The Lion King to benefit Four A’s and Broadway Cares. The show is on Monday September 28 at Mad Myrna’s on 530 E. 5th Avenue. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the cabaret begins at 7:30. Tickets are $20 and will be available for purchase at the door or in advance by calling 263-2046.
Preview Sun & Day Spa is hosting the first ever Tan-N-Test fundraiser for Four A’s. Come to Preview on Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and get a free tan when you make a donation to Four A’s. There will be door prizes, free HIV testing, food and the opportunity to support HIV positive individuals in Alaska.
Preview Sun and Day Spa is located in Northern Lights Village at 1443 W. Northern Lights, Suite X, near the corner of Northern Lights and Minnesota. For more information, call 263-2046 or visit Preview Salon online and the Four A’s.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009 – 10:05 AM
| 8 Comments
Update: The UAF Gay-Straight Alliance used this event to spark a dialogue about the “ex-gays” and earned the support of the Chancellor and the community. Read about it HERE.
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The huge event banner hanging from the stairs in the UAF Wood Center this week reads: “GAY? LONELY? CONFUSED? Hear Ex-Gay Edward Delgado’s Compelling True Story: “From Sin’s Bondage to Christ’s Freedom!” ‘Straight’ for over 20 years and married to a beautiful wife & has two sons!” The banner also advertises free de-gaying counseling and links to anti-gay websites.
The UAF Campus Bible Ministries is sponsoring the pray-away-the-gay speaker from Exodus International. Delgado is scheduled to speak 14 times in 4 days, on Sept 15-18. He is not one of their regular speakers and is not listed on any Exodus web sites.
Students in the Gay Straight Alliance will hand out information on the truth behind the “ex-gay” lies, and peacefully protest during the speeches. They also want the offensive banner to be removed.
“We aren’t looking to stop the speaker, as he does have the right to speak,” writes GSA member Jessi Angelette, “but the banner is uncalled for. Many people from staff to students are offended by it and are working to have the banner removed.”
The GSA will be tabling on the theme “Stop the Hate” on Tuesday from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Wood Center Mall. They asked to table all week, but were told the table space was all booked up. (Who reserved so many tables for this event?) Instead, they will peacefully protest outside on Wed., Thurs. and Friday.
LGBT-supportive students, staff and Fairbanks community members are invited to join the GSA. They will gather each day at the Wood Center before the first speech, around 10 a.m. on Wed. & Friday, and 11 a.m. on Thurs. Several students plan to attend one of the speeches “all rainbowed up.”
People everywhere can help by emailing the following people about taking down the offensive banner: UAF Chancellor Rogers; the Director of UAF’s Office of Equal Opportunity, Earlina Bowden; and the Board of Regents (Cynthia Henry, Chair or the full Board contact list.) In your message to the Board of Regents, please also mention the need to add sexual orientation to the UA system’s anti-discrimination policies.
The American Psychological Association released a report in August saying that pray-away-the-gay therapies do not work and can lead to depression or suicide. Instead, the APA encourages therapists to try other options for helping clients, like support networks, education on gay issues, or switching churches.
In the video below, three former leaders of Exodus International, including co-founder Michael Busse, explain the failure of “ex-gay” counseling methods and give a public apology for the harm they caused to gays and lesbians while working for Exodus:
The very real consequences of DADT repeal; seeking survivor benefits for same-sex partner of Alaska shooting victim; waiting on SCOTUS decision about whether it will hear Prop 8 case; and other recent LGBTQ news selected by Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.
In this month’s “Ask Lambda Legal” column, Lambda Legal answers a question about the federal government’s longstanding ban against donations of blood from men who have sex with men (MSM).
Alaska Pride Conference 2012 kicks off on October 5 with a First Friday showing at Tref.Punkt Studio of Love is Love, a photographic exhibit of LGBT couples from across the state.
United for marriage: Light the way to justice. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this Tuesday and Wednesday, March 26–27, in two cases about freedom to marry. Please join us on Tuesday, March 26, at the federal courthouse in Anchorage (7th & C) in a circle united for equality.
Pariah, a critically acclaimed film about a 17-year-old African-American woman embracing her lesbian identity, will screen at UAA on Friday, November 2, and will be followed by a discussion on acceptance in honor of Mya Dale. The event is free and open to the public.
Juneau
