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.
Monday, 7 September 2009 – 9:10 AM
| Comments Off on Lay of the Land puts Local Struggle in a National Context
Tim Miller returns to Out North on September 18 & 19 to place “the emotional and political wreckage” of gay rights battles like Ordinance 64 in perspective with his tales of life as a traveling gay activist.
Lay of the Land is Tim Miller’s saucy, sharp-knifed look at the State of the Queer Union during a time of trial. Careening from his sexy misadventures performing in 45 States, to marriage equality street protests, to the electoral assaults on gay folks all over the country, to his life as a grade-school flag monitor, to choking on cheap meat caught in his 10 year old gay boy’s throat, Lay of the Land friskily gets at that feeling of gay folks being perpetually on trial, on the ballot, and on the menu!
And will Tim have something to say about Dan Sullivan’s recent veto of the gay rights ordinance? You betcha!
Bent Alaska asked Tim about bringing Lay of the Land to Anchorage:
Q. How does our local struggle for an anti-discrimination ordinance fit into Lay of the Land?
A. Sullivan’s veto of Ordinance 64 really sucks, especially with “Diversity” month in Anchorage! For us California folks, it really brings up all that toxic Prop 8 stuff. (Hmmm, 8 is the square root of 64!)
I think from 64 to Florida Ammendment 2 to Calif Prop 8 to today’s Referendum 71 in Washington State that would stop WA domestic partnerships before they even start, it is the same basic principle of disrepecting the humanity for gay folks. It has nothing to do with Marriage Equality, as AO 64 and WA R-71 show. They don’t want us to feel welcome in our own homes, our own country!
LAY OF THE LAND is all about the emotional and political wreckage of these post Prop 8/64 moments. When I performed the piece in Florida two months ago, the Prop 8 situation was immediately relatable to what they went through on election day with Amendment 2.
Q. Will you add Alaska to the outline map of America that you use in your show?
A. Sadly, the national lighting company ROSCO doesn’t make a gobo effect with all 50 states. But I have added a great Alaska video section! I do refer to the lighting gobo in the performance and how it is messed up because it is missing Alaska and Hawaii.
Q. Have you visited or performed in Alaska before?
A. I have perfomed in Anchorage once before, at Out North in 2004.
Q. What’s next for you? Are you going to the National Equality March?
A. YES! I will be at the National Equality March. I will get up at 4 a.m. to get there from Carbondale Illinois, where I am performing at Southern Illinois University. I am very excited about all my touring, performances and residencies for the coming year with LAY OF THE LAND. It just premiered in LA in May and I’ve started a national tour. First stops this summer: L.A., Tallahassee, Cleveland Ingenuity Festival and Alaska! “Lay of the Land” indeed!
Miller is a solo performer, performance teacher, co-founder of two performance spaces, and author of the books Shirts & Skin, Body Blows, and 1001 Beds, an anthology of his performances and essays which won a 2007 Lambda Literary Award.
Tim Miller performs Lay of the Land at Out North on Sept 18 & 19, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, and are available online.
Sunday, 6 September 2009 – 8:39 AM
| Comments Off on Whale Watching Tour & Pride Chorus fundraiser
Bring your family and friends on a whale watching cruise on Sept. 12 and raise funds to send the Juneau Pride Chorus to the Sister Singers Network Festival.
Sister Singers Network is “a cooperative web of feminist choruses and ensembles, composers, arrangers, and individual singers working together to support and enrich the women’s choral movement.” The next festival is the 2010 Choral Festival in Chicago.
The Whale Watching Trip is Saturday, Sept 12, 1-4 p.m. The Allen Marine Catamaran will depart from Auke Bay Public Boat Harbor. Please be on board by 12:45, bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the observation deck, and don’t forget your camera. Finger Foods will be served. Tickets are available from chorus members, or call 780-5230. $40.00 Adults, $20.00 Students (K-8), $100.00 for a family of 4. Contact SEAGLA for more information.
Thursday, 3 September 2009 – 5:13 PM
| Comments Off on Override Deadline & Support for ENDA
from Equality Works:
Thanks to all of you who called and e-mailed Debbie Ossiander encouraging her to help override the Mayor’s veto of AO 64. Many of you have forwarded your letters to us and we have been impressed by your passion and commitment to this cause. We believe that Assemblywoman Ossiander’s concerns with AO 64 are matters that could easily be addressed by overriding the veto and offering up amendments to Title V. Unfortunately, she has not responded to attempts to work with her productively to craft the best and most inclusive nondiscrimination law possible.
The deadline for overriding a veto runs out this coming Monday, September 7th, and while we are still willing to work with Assembly members to achieve an override, we have also begun to look ahead at other ways in which we can work with members of the LGBT community and our allies to ensure that Anchorage becomes a city that protects all of its citizens from discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
In the short run, one way that you can help us achieve our goal is to contact Senators Begich and Murkowski and encourage them to become co-sponsors of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). If passed, ENDA would make employment discrimination a violation of federal law. While it is not as expansive as our local laws—it would not protect people from discrimination in housing and public accommodations, for example—it would nonetheless be a huge step forward in our goal of achieving equality for all in Anchorage. While we would have preferred for such a law to be passed on a local level, we are willing to use every tool available to us. As we said months ago, our opponents may have prepared for a sprint, but we are prepared to go the distance and hope that you are too.
September is Mayor Sullivan’s Hypocrisy… er, Diversity Month, celebrating the diverse cultures of Anchorage just two weeks after he vetoed the equal rights ordinance.
“Mayor’s Diversity Month is an opportunity for the city to partner with the community to showcase diversity efforts,” said the mayor.
On August 17, Sullivan showcased his diversity efforts by vetoing Ordinance 64, a measure passed by the Assembly to add sexual orientation to the city’s anti-discrimination policies. The mayor’s veto statement – listed on the same City of Anchorage web page as the Diversity Month announcement – cites “the absence of compelling data” and “the will of the community” as the reasons for his veto, despite the weeks of sometimes emotional testimony on the need for protections.
The Mayor’s Diversity Month is made up of events and programs that “encourage dialogue, partnerships and respect for Anchorage’s diverse population.” The community is invited to participate in the events, which this year recognize seniors, youth, Latinos, Blacks, military women, Hawaiians, and the disabled. There are no LGBT events.
Official Definition of Diversity: “Diversity in this Administration’s book means, in addition to differences based on ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin and sexual orientation, an infinite range of individuals’ unique characteristics and experiences, such as communication styles, career, work, life experience, educational backgrounds and other variables… The goal of diversity awareness is to create an inclusive, respectful and equitable work environment and community.”
Ordinance 64 (S-2) was a compromise measure that protected lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, financing, and Municipal practices, but included exemptions for religious organizations, public restrooms, business costs, dress codes and gender presentation in the workplace. The anti-gay lobby, lead by the Baptist churches, continued to call gays “perverted, diseased and depraved” and opposed the ordinance despite the compromises.
The Mayor’s Unity Dinner will be held on Friday, September 25, at the Hilton Anchorage Hotel. The event was called the Diversity Dinner in previous years, but Sullivan changed the name to Unity and invited Lynn Swann, ex-NFL player now an anti-gay Republican candidate for governor of Pennsylvania, as the keynote speaker. Community awards will be presented during the dinner.
“Our community is made up of many unique groups, but we all share some common values: the importance of family, quality education for our children, and safe, vibrant neighborhoods. This year’s event is meant to celebrate these values while respecting the diversity that makes Anchorage such a great place to live,” said Mayor Dan Sullivan.
The gay community of Anchorage has been trying to pass an equal rights ordinance for over 35 years. This summer was the third attempt. The Assembly passed it 7-4, one vote short of a veto-proof majority, and the mayor vetoed it a week later. The Assembly has 21 days to override the veto, but would need 8 votes in favor.
The Mayor’s CommUNITY Award Program recognizes those businesses, organizations and individuals in Anchorage that have advanced the causes of diversity and unity.
There are three awards in the Mayor’s CommUNITY Award Program:
The Business CommUNITY Award recognizes an Anchorage business which best represents a corporate spirit of diversity and community through hiring practices, programs, and outreach.
The Community and Nonprofit Organization Award is presented to the Anchorage group which best demonstrates its sustained committment to inclusive programs that enhance diversity and the community at large.
The Individual Award recognizes a person who actively promotes inter-group relations among diverse populations in the City.
Examples of criteria to be used while selecting award winners include:
The nominee’s long-term commitment to the value of building unity and diversity, including specific examples with documentation.
The creation, development, promotion, organization or significant participation in events and programs that focus on diversity and community enhancement.
Educational efforts in matters of diversity and community development including innovative programs/opportunities.
Efforts in Collaboration with other community groups to recruit people from diverse backgrounds to increase participation by members of groups from all backgrounds.
Mail Forms (no later than September 12th) to: Municipality of Anchorage, Mayor’s CommUNITY Award Program, 632 W. 6th Avenue, Suite 620, Anchorage, AK 99501.
A diverse collection of small, mid-sized and large Anchorage businesses, including CIRI, an Alaska Native Corporation, signed a public statement in support of Ordinance 64. Many Fortune 500 companies do business in Anchorage and have nondiscrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity.
We should nominate CIRI for the Business CommUNITY Award, and Identity for the non-profit award.
Municipality of Anchorage Diversity Council Mission and Purpose, as stated in the Diversity Council Brochure linked on the Mayor’s Diversity Month page:
“The mission of the Diversity Council is to attract and embrace diversity within the workforce and greater community. Purpose: To promote our strength, which is grounded in our diversity.”
“Scope of Activities:
Identify and recommend changes to procedures/programs to promote diversity;
Promote and publicize diversity;
Monitor the Council’s effectiveness;
Accept employee or non-member suggestions/complaints and respond as appropriate; and,
Encourage recognition of employee involvement or support of diversity.”
“The Municipality of Anchorage Celebrates Diversity!
Diversity is Not an Option — It’s Our Obligation!
Diversity: Embrace the Heart of It!“
“I hereby veto AO2009-64(S-2) as amended.”
September 1 is the first day of Mayor Sullivan’s so-called Diversity Month, just two weeks after he vetoed the Assembly’s anti-discrimination ordinance. For a national comparison, September 1 is also the first day that same-sex couples can get legally married in the state of Vermont. Six states, including Iowa, allow gay couples to get married.
To nominate an individual, business or company for a diversity award or host an event, visit the municipal website at www.muni.org/diversity. Individuals or organizations/companies interested in hosting a diversity event should complete the events form and fax it to 343-4875. Events can be scheduled for September and October.
Can we register the Pride Conference as an official city Diversity event?
To get information, ask questions or make suggestions about the Mayor’s Diversity Month, call (907) 343-4890.
Friday, 28 August 2009 – 9:36 AM
| Comments Off on This Week in LGBT Alaska 8/28/09
The Assembly has until Sept. 8 to override Mayor Sullivan’s veto, and they need 8 votes in favor. Please urge Debbie Ossander (ossiander@gci.net) and all the Assembly members (WWMAS@ci.anchorage.ak.us) to Do the Right Thing and support an override.
This week’s events from the statewide newsletter. Subscribe to 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 tabling at New Student Orientation 8/31 from 12-2pm in the Wood Center.
Kenai Peninsula
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” starring Atz Lee Kilcher, 8/28-8/30, 8 p.m. at Pier One Theater. Tickets $15 at the Homer Bookstore and Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic.
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
Side Street Saturdays, an informal meetup for LGBT writers, at noon in Side Street Cafe.
Northern Exposure Bowling League, 1st league meeting of the 2009/2010 season, 8/29, 4 p.m. at Park Lanes.
Friday, 21 August 2009 – 2:43 PM
| Comments Off on Protest Sullivan’s Veto Tonight at McGinley’s
Update: Bent was unable to attend this event, but Mel was there and wrote about it on Henkimaa.
——–
Stand up for Equality and be Counted: Protest Mayor Sullivan’s veto of the equal rights ordinance, tonight in front of McGinley’s Pub. Sullivan is part-owner of McGinley’s, and the customers should know that he supports discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
McGinley’s Pub is in downtown Anchorage at the corner of G Street and 7th Avenue, and the protest begins at 6:30 p.m. After the protest, go get a drink at one of the supportive businesses in Anchorage!
Sullivan vetoed Ordinance 64 on Monday, saying that he saw no evidence of anti-gay discrimination and was following the will of the people. The Anchorage Assembly passed the ordinance 7-4 on Aug 11, after weeks of public hearings showed the need for equal protections.
A spontaneous rally against the Mayor’s veto attracted about 100 people to City Hall on Monday. Ordinance supporters held big letters spelling EQUALITY NOW and signs saying, “Anchorage Mayor Supports Discrimination” and “Celebrating 50 Years of Discrimination.” The protestors marched down the street to McGinley’s Pub, chanting “Equal Rights Now” and “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”
Two short videos of Monday’s protest, taken by Chris N., are posted below:
Tuesday, 11 August 2009 – 8:39 AM
| Comments Off on YOU in BLUE, Today at the Library
from Equality Works
The next Assembly meeting is today, Tuesday, August 11th. While there are no certainties, this very well may be the day that Assembly members get to a debate and vote on AO 64.
I know that many of you couldn’t bear to sit through the public hearings and the offensive testimony that demonized the LGBTQ community over the last couple of months. And I have been told that some of you have given up hope that your presence in the Assembly Chambers means anything.
But I assure you that it does mean something. It means something to the people who have spent time writing letters, getting petitions signed, meeting with Assembly members, and giving testimony, to feel surrounded and supported by friends and allies. And it means something to Assembly members who plan to vote for AO 64 and need to know that the citizens of Anchorage appreciate their courage.
This could be the last time to show the Assembly members that their constituents support legislation to protect people from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Over the last couple of weeks they have sat through verbal abuse and threats to vote them out of office if they dare to vote “Yes” on AO 64. They need to be reminded that they have constituents who are grateful for their vote to support equality. If we cannot be present to show them where we stand, it is more difficult for them to feel accountable to us.
One Equality Works supporter put it this way: “No matter what happens, I want them to see me when they are making their decision. I want them to look me in the eyes.” Assembly members need to know whose lives are being affected when they cast a vote for equality and whose rights are being denied if they vote “No.”
So Be There on Tuesday
You don’t have to testify, you don’t have to engage in debates with people in red shirts, all you have to do is be there to show your support for equality. If you have never come to an Assembly meeting, please consider showing up on this crucial day. The meeting starts at 5:00 pm, but as usual, you should try to be there much earlier if you want to get a seat. 4:00 would not be too early. Doors generally open at 3:00 pm. You know the drill: Blue shirts, Equality Works buttons.
Coffey’s Resolution
Assembly Member Dan Coffey plans to introduce a Resolution to establish a task force to study the extent of discrimination against LGBT people in Anchorage and whether or not such discrimination warrants protection. The proposed resolution implies that protecting people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation would somehow infringe upon the freedoms of religion and association.
We at Equality Works believe that discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation has already been studied and proven. The State of Alaska Human Rights Commission—an unbiased agency—declared nearly twenty years ago that the State Legislature should pursue a statute banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation [Resolution 90-01]. The case has already been made. It is time for our representatives to act.
Furthermore, we believe that it is erroneous to argue that protecting LGBT people from discrimination infringes upon religious rights. How could 108 other cities and 13 states (including D.C.) have made such a “mistake” without any of the consequences that opponents of AO 64 predict? Religious freedoms are clearly and strongly protected in the U.S. Constitution. No local law could ever trump the power of the Bill of Rights.
Now is not the time for a resolution. It is time for our Assembly members to vote on AO 64.
Support S-2 version of the ordinance
For those of you who don’t know already, an S-2 version of the ordinance has been submitted for consideration by Patrick Flynn.
We believe that this is a strong revision that acknowledges the concerns of some in the religious community by broadening the religious exemption, but does not weaken the original intention of the ordinance to protect LGBT people from discrimination. It includes employment protections for our entire community–including transgender individuals. Please call or e-mail your Assembly members and tell them to put their support behind the S-2 version. We want this version of the ordinance to be debated and eventually voted upon.
Call or E-Mail Mayor Sullivan and Write a Letter to the Editor
Mayor Sullivan hasn’t publicly stated what he will do if the ordinance reaches his desk, but he needs to know that people in Anchorage support equality, he needs to know why you support equality, and he needs to hear that vetoing an ordinance to protect LGBT people from discrimination sends the message that he, as the Mayor of Anchorage, believes that LGBT people should be discriminated against in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. If he doesn’t want to send that message, then he should not veto this ordinance. If you haven’t already, please call or e-mail Mayor Sullivan at mayor(at)muni(dot)org or call (907) 343-7170 or (907) 343-7100. If you’ve already written to Mayor Sullivan, please write a Letter to the Editor. Remember to be respectful. No one responds positively to insults, accusations, or anger.
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.
