Articles in Events
Equal Rights Rally & Picnic at Loussac Today
Join supporters of the ordinance before the public hearing tonight in Anchorage at an Equal Rights Rally & Picnic at Northeast Cuddy Park next to Loussac Library, starting at 3:30 p.m. Make signs, share food, and show your support for equality!
Attend the Public Hearing: Tuesday, June 9 at Loussac Library
We need YOU to be at the public hearing on June 9th to show Assembly members that people in our town want lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Alaskans to be protected from discrimination!
Where? Loussac Library, Assembly Chambers 1st Floor (36th & Denali)
When? 5:00-11:00, but if you want to get a seat or you plan to testify, we recommend that you get there no later than 4:30.
What to do? Wear blue—the color of peace and unity—and your Equality Works button.
What if I can’t stay for the meeting? Get out your markers and paint to make a sign and show your solidarity outside the library for as long as you can stick around.
Note on Hearing Conduct: This is an official meeting that must be conducted as fairly and impartially as possible. It is important that we conduct ourselves with respect and restraint, no matter how offensive the remarks we might hear coming from the other side. Please refrain from booing, name-calling, or otherwise mocking those who disagree with you. Also, we want to see hundreds of supportive signs outside Loussac library, but they will not be allowed inside the hearing room.
Revised Ordinance Exempts Small Businesses, Religious Groups, and Bathrooms. Prevo still opposes it.
A revised version of the ordinance that removes “veteran’s status” and strengthens the religious and business exemptions was released on Friday. The revision, AO 2009-64(S), also states that the ordinance “does not apply to discrimination because of one’s biological gender in matters such as access to restrooms…”
Equality Works explains the problem with legislating bathroom use in their assessment of the revised ordinance:
“We feel that excluding transgender people from the right to use the restroom in which they feel most safe and comfortable is not only unnecessary, but an irresponsible public policy choice that endangers lives… We sincerely hope [for] an ordinance that respects everyone’s right to safe use of public restrooms and is based on facts rather than fiction and fear.”
But opponents to the ordinance fill their collection plates by pedaling fiction and fear. The response from Jerry Prevo’s site was immediate:
“NEW!!! A revised version of the sexual orientation ordinance has been released by the acting Mayor. Supposedly, it is to prevent some of the problems we have raised. However, the term “sexual orientation” is not acceptable in any discrimination ordinance. The first ordinance shows what the homosexual movement really wants. We must say NO to the inclusion of homosexuality in any discrimination ordinance. Please encourage the Assembly to vote NO on this ordinance and do not amend Anchorage’s discrimination ordinance to include homosexuality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. This will eventually lead to homosexuals wanting to make homosexual marriages legal in Alaska.”
To Ivan Moore and others who thought that an ordinance limited to sexual orientation would be acceptable to Prevo and his followers, the message is clear: they will not accept anything that gives us civil rights, in any form. The equal rights ordinance cannot be made acceptable to Rev. Prevo, because gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered human beings are not acceptable to him:
“I can’t minister to these people. I can’t tell them that Jesus Christ died for them and will forgive them just like He will an adulterer or a murderer…”
We cannot compromise with him because he is not bargaining in good faith. He is simply using the media attention to gain money and fame.
Prevo’s real goal is to increase his power over our city’s laws and politics. He admitted to ADN reporter Julia O’Malley that he will force a recall vote if the Assembly passes any version of equal protections for gays. He also admitted that he will use his pulpit to ruin the careers of politicians who resist his control of the city.
The choice clear for us, our allies, and anyone who thinks that Anchorage should not be run by a fundamentalist minister. We must support an inclusive ordinance, stand firm against Prevo and take back our city.
Anchorage Pride Week 2009 Schedule
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Saturday June 13
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Sunday June 14
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Monday June 15
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Wednesday June 17
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Thursday June 18
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Friday June 19
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Saturday June 20
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Sunday June 21
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Celebration of Change Art Show and Silver Anniversary Performance
The big 25th Anniversary Celebration of Change will be at the Wilda Marston Theater in Loussac Library, on June 13 at 7 p.m., and you can get a taste of Celebration this weekend at CoC’s first Art Show!
Everyone is invited to the free First Friday reception, 7-9 p.m. on June 5 at the Kodiak Bar and Grill, 225 E 5th Ave. The show features a variety of art work by female Alaskans and continues through June 29.
Don’t miss the Celebration of Change Silver Anniversary performance. Celebrate over 20 years of community and women loving women. This show features familiar and fresh faces and includes music, dance, comedy and spoken word. The Radical Woman Award winner will be announced during the show. It will be a great night.
Tickets are $15 and available at the GLCCA and Metro. Last year they had standing room only, so get your tickets early.
Celebration of Change is the annual fundraiser for Radical Arts for Women (RAW), a Lesbian and Feminist philanthropic organization that funds Alaskan women art projects. RAW also holds an annual Short Story contest.
This Week in LGBT Alaska 6/5/09
The public hearing on the Anchorage equal rights Ordinance is Tuesday, June 9 in the Assembly Chambers, 1st floor of Loussac Library. Please be there by 4:30 p.m. and stay until the end. Wear blue, or your Equality Works button.
This week’s LGBT events from the statewide newsletter (subscribe to Alaska GLBT News)
Fairbanks
Ask the UA Board of Regents to Amend the Non-Discrimination Policy, 6/4-6/5
Dance Your Heart Out: Country Western 2 step lessons & dancing 5/29, 7:30 p.m. $12/drop in. Bovee Studio, 1845 Caribou Way, off College Rd. RSVP to Judith
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown
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. Harmony Choir meets at the Center on Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Anchorage
Would Jesus Discriminate? Town Hall meeting, prayer, potluck and panel 6/5, 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s, on the corner of Tudor and Lake Otis
Celebration of Change Art Show 6/5, 7-9 p.m. First Friday reception at the Kodiak Bar and Grill.
Liz Collins’ First Friday opening 6/6, 5-7 p.m. at Out North
Alaska Rainbows monthly dinner 6/6, 5 p.m. RSVP to Colleen
Assembly Hearing on the Equal Rights Ordinance 6/9, Loussac Library, arrive at 4 p.m. RSVP to Equality Works
Good for Communities. Good for the Economy. Good for Business.
Many of Anchorage’s major employers have in place a non-discrimination policy that protects their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.
These employers, like a majority of the Fortune 500 companies, understand that LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination policies help recruit and retain a more diverse, talented and productive work force. Updating Anchorage’s non-discrimination laws would offer protections to thousands of workers, and these protections are good for our families and our economy. It’s time for Anchorage to protect the diversity that makes our city great.
Some of the biggest companies in Anchorage already include sexual orientation and gender identity in their nondiscrimination policies.
A Non Discrimination Ordinance: Good for Communities. Good for the Economy. Good for Business.
UA Students ask Regents to Amend Non-Discrimination Policy
For the second time this year, University of Alaska students and supporters will ask the UA Board of Regents to add “sexual orientation” to the non-discrimination policy of the UA system. They will make their request during the Regents meeting on June 4-5 at UAF.
“It’s time that we take a stand and be proactive in making sure all students are protected,” reads the message on their Facebook event page. “The Board should not wait until a terrible incident happens to see how important amending the policy is.”
On April 8-9, a group of students from Fairbanks, and one from Juneau, traveled to Valdez to testify to board members about tuition and the univeristy’s non-discrimination policy. Jessica Angelette spoke on behalf of the UAF Gay Straight Alliance. The issue wasn’t on the April agenda, but board chair Cynthia Henry urged the students to keep the dialogue open.
UA President Mark Hamilton spoke with the students outside the meeting room on the Prince William Sound Community College campus. (Pictured from left to right: Hamilton, Patrick Sanders, Todd Vorisek, Jessica Angelette and Kirsten Halpin. Photo by Kate Ripley.)
The University of Alaska does not include “sexual orientation” in their non discrimination policies, although UAA includes it in their Diversity Statement. The Board of Regents must approve amendments to the policies.
“It would be good to have anyone in Fairbanks who supports us to come out and speak,” writes Jessica. “If you would like to share your story with the Board, please feel free to do so.”
The public testimony will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday June 4, and 9 a.m. on Friday June 5, in room 109 of the Butrovich Building at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. A sign-up sheet will be available prior to the meeting.
Obama proclaims June as LGBT Pride Month, asks Americans to "promote equal rights"
On June 1, President Obama proclaimed June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month and declared his support for “the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans,” including “outlawing discrimination in the workplace,” the subject of the proposed Anchorage equal rights ordinance.
“During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The Anchorage Assembly can answer President Obama’s call to action by passing the Equal Rights Ordinance this month!
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The full statement from the White House:
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.
LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country’s response to the HIV pandemic.
Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration — in both the White House and the Federal agencies — openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.
The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.
My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.
These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
Words for Equality
[Editor’s note: Mel compiled this great list of links to written fact and opinion pieces in support of the Anchorage equal rights ordinance. I’d like to add that there is television and radio coverage as well, involving speakers from Equality Works and Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage, plus supportive letters to the editor by LGBT Anchorage-ites and our allies every day in the ADN. The public hearing for the ordinance is June 9 at Loussac Library.]
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by Mel Green
On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, an ordinance was introduced in the Anchorage Municipal Assembly which would prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, financial practices, public accommodations, and education on the basis of sexual orientation and veteran status — adding these two classes to those already included in Title 5, Anchorage’s equal rights code: race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, and physical or mental disability.
One week away from ordinance testimony & possibly an Assembly vote. Time to write those letters to the Anchorage Assembly, if you haven’t already done so.
Meanwhile, here’s a list — as comprehensive as I’ve been able to make it so far — of blog posts & opinon pieces favoring equality. I’ve compiled a list of pieces that are anti-equality too, but see them on my Equality page — I don’t want to give them another link here. And please do tell me if I’m missing anything.
Anchorage equal rights ordinance
Proposed ordinance
- AO 2009-64, “An ordinance of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly amending Anchorage Code Chapters 5.10 Equal Rights Commission and 5.20 Unlawful Discriminatory Practices.” Draft prepared for reading May 12, 2009. Anchorage Municipal Assembly, Anchorage, AK.
Facts about the ordinance (as opposed to lies)
- Equal Rights Ordinance: Focus on the Facts (Equality Works)
- 5/29/09. Equal Rights Q&A (Patrick Flynn’s Blog — Patrick Flynn, Anchorage Assemblyman)
- SOSAnchorage.net. Fact checks the Prevo/Anchorage Baptist Temple fundraising-through-a-pack-o’-lies website of a similar name.
Blogs & opinion pieces
- Follow the tag Anchorage equal rights ordinance for all my ordinance-related posts.
- See also the category Equality, which includes posts about equal rights (inluding marriage equality) in general.
Bent Alaska. Your best single blog source for news & events in the Alaska LGBT community.
- Follow the tag Ordinance for all ordinance-related posts.
Other blogs. Various other Alaska blogs have also posted news/commentary related to the ordinance, including Celtic Diva’s Blue Oasis, Progressive Alaska, Shannyn Moore: Just a Girl from Homer, Elise Sereni Patkotak, The Immoral Minority, What Do I Know?, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Grace Notes, The Alaska Commons, The Mudflats, and Mamadance.
- 5/10/09. …and justice for all (Patrick Flynn’s Blog — Patrick Flynn, Anchorage Assemblyman)
- 5/13/09. The noise begins — repost of my blog post posted at Henkimaa here. (Progressive Alaska)
- 5/14/09. Anchorage Assembly Gay Rights Ordinance — my 1990’s flashback (Celtic Diva’s Blue Oasis)
- 5/16/09. Equality Works has a Fun-Raising party…more on Mike Method’s show — KBYR at 7:00 PM! (Celtic Diva’s Blue Oasis)
- 5/17/09. Sermon (a poem) — repost of my poem posted at Henkimaa here. (Progressive Alaska)
- 5/21/09. Gays deserve all the protections of the law, Jerry Prevo notwithstanding (Elise Sereni Patkotak; published as column entitles “If anyone has a gay agenda, it’s Prevo” in Anchorage Daily News, 5/19/09)
- 5/23/09. HOW AFRAID ARE THE “Not So Jesus Christians?” (Shannyn Moore: Just a Girl from Homer)
- 5/24/09. Jerry Prevo shows the whole world his ignorance and intolerance. Thanks for saving us the trouble buddy! (The Immoral Minority)
- 5/24/09. “What they are not telling you about the homsexual ordinance!” by GottaLaff (Political Carnival)
- 5/25/09. Dr. Prevo’s Friday Anchorage Daily News Letter to the Editor (Progressive Alaska)
- 5/26/09. Perfect love casts out fear (Christ Our Savior Lutheran Grace Notes)
- 5/28/09. If it’s good enough for J.Edgar Hoover…. (Elise Sereni Patkotak; published as column entitled “Unlike gays, church has its ‘special’ rights” in Anchorage Daily News, 5/26/09)
- 5/28/09. Men Jerry Prevo Would Ban from Anchorage Schools (What Do I Know?)
- 5/28/09. Equal Rights; Our Problem Just Got Holier Than Thou (The Alaska Commons)
- 5/29/09. Fundamentalists raise bar of intolerance by Alan Boraas (Anchorage Daily News)
- 5/29/09. Civil rights activist now focuses on gays by Steve Haycox (Anchorage Daily News)
- 5/29/09. Equal Rights Q&A (Patrick Flynn’s Blog — Patrick Flynn, Anchorage Assemblyman)
- 5/29/09. Out, out, demon hatred (Christ Our Savior Lutheran Grace Notes)
- 5/29/09. Please Help Bring Equal Rights to Anchorage! (The Alaska Commons)
- 5/30/09. What renews my belief in humanity (Elise Sereni Patkotak)
- 5/30/09. HATE; The Real Antichrist (Shannyn Moore: Just a Girl from Homer; reposted at the Alaska Report)
- 5/30/09. Isn’t There an Ice Floe Somewhere That Needs a Homophobic Preacher? (The Mudflats)
- 5/30/09. Saturday Alaska Progressive Blog Roundup – May 31, 2009 – Part One — The Quality of Writing at Our Blogs (Progressive Alaska)
- 5/30/09. Fear and Loathing in Alaska (The Immoral Minority)
- 5/31/09. All You Need is Love (Mamadance)
- 6/1/09. Check this out (Elise Sereni Patkotak)
- 6/1/09. Homophobes and their motives (Celtic Diva’s Blue Oasis)
- 6/1/09. Beware of beards in women’s bathrooms by Andrew Halcro (Alaska Dispatch)
- 6/1/09. It’s time for city to stand for equality by Cynthia Toohey and Arliss Sturgulewski (Anchorage Daily News)
- 6/2/09. Paint This Town EQUAL! (Alaska Commons)
