Bent Alaska | Category Archive

Would Jesus Discriminate?

Monday, 1 June 2009 – 6:06 AM | Comments Off

Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church are hosting a “Would Jesus Discriminate?” Town Hall meeting and service at 6 p.m on June 5 at St. Mary’s, on the corner of Tudor and Lake Otis. MCC’s Rev. Norman Van Manen will give the keynote address and will be joined by panelist Sara Gavitt of St. Mary’s, and possibly others.

“This is an opportunity to explore Christian Scripture and tradition as we look at the social justice issue of discrimination,” writes Sara Gavit. “The community is being bombarded by a lot of ugly rhetoric right now and our hope is that this service and discussion will be a time of healing, education and understanding.”

Rev. Van Manen was a guest on a local conservative talk show and interviewed by television reporters in support of the proposed Anchorage non-discrimination ordinance.

The Town Hall will tackle one of the biggest challenges facing modern society — including, rather than excluding, people. Members of the local community are invited to participate in an experience based on the model of justice taught by Jesus Christ and other leaders of world religious movements.

The Town Hall grew out of an international campaign developed by MCC in partnership with Faith in America. The “Would Jesus Discriminate?” Campaign that MCC churches have facilitated in Indianapolis, Minneapolis and 57 more cities in the U.S., Australia, Africa and the United Kingdom is an important exercise for Christians and non-Christians.

All are welcome. The Town Hall meeting is free, will begin with a prayer service at 6 p.m. and will include a potluck meal. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is located at 2222 East Tudor Road in Anchorage.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 5/29/09

Friday, 29 May 2009 – 7:44 AM | Comments Off

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

Fairbanks

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.

Bac’untry Bruthers at the Clucking Blossom at Birch Hill, 5/30 at 8 p.m.

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

Fire Benefit for Garfield & Alvin 5/29, 9 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

Wendy Withrow performing at the Downtown Market on 5/30 at 11 a.m.

Side Street Saturdays for LGBT writers, Saturdays noon-3 p.m. at Side Street Cafe.

Sunday worship for Pentecost, with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage, Sundays 2 p.m.

Transgender Support Group, Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.

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

Anchorage Frontrunners, Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

Couple Loses All in Anchorage Fire

Thursday, 28 May 2009 – 7:07 PM | Comments Off

Garfield and Alvin lost everything in the Spenard apartment building fire on Memorial Day, and Mad Myrna’s is hosting a benefit show for them on Friday, May 29 at 9 p.m., and setting up a barrel to collect donations.

“They literally got out of this with the clothes on their back. Sadly, both of their cats died in the fire,”reports their friend Bear. “One of the guys was at work when it happened. The other was asleep and neighbors woke him up and got him out of the apartment.”

“They need everything. There is a barrel at the bar so people can drop things off there any time.”

A list of suggested donations includes money, canned food, clothing (large & XXXL), pots and pans, linens, furniture and other household items. If there are donated items that they can’t use, Bear will pass them on to other needy people in the community.

The Friday night benefit will donate money from the Divas show, the door charge, and a special halibut dinner by Lola’s.

People were in seven of the 10 apartments when the fire broke out, said Kelly Hurd, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross of Alaska. One unit wasn’t rented and residents of two other units weren’t home.

The fire started outside a stairwell on the first floor and raced up to the second floor in the 10-unit building. An investigator is looking into the cause.

Two of the apartments were destroyed and residents lost everything, Hurd said.

Please help Garfield and Alvin get back on their feet after this terrible loss. Donate items at Mad Myrna’s, or email Bear at this address to make donations.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 5/22/09

Friday, 22 May 2009 – 8:34 AM | One Comment

BREAKING: On Tuesday, May 26, the California Supreme Court will announce its decision to either uphold or overturn Proposition 8 and the thousands of same-sex marriages performed last summer! Check back Tuesday for the ruling.

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

Fairbanks

Dance Your Heart Out: Country Western 2 step lessons & dancing 5/22, 7:30 p.m. $12/drop in per class. Bovee Studio, 1845 Caribou Way, off College Rd. RSVP to Judith.

Bac’untry Bruthers at the Trapper Creek Festival 5/23, 8 p.m.

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

Side Street Saturdays for LGBT writers, Saturdays noon-3 p.m. at Side Street Cafe.

Jay Her’s Adult Comedy Hypnosis show at Mad Myrna’s 5/23, 9 p.m. $10

Sunday worship with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage, Sundays 2 p.m.

Transgender Support Group, Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.

The Big Annual Memorial Day GLBT Community Picnic in front of the Kincaid Park chalet 5/25, noon-5 p.m. Sponsored by the Imperial Court (ICOAA) which sells burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks as a fundraiser.

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

Anchorage Frontrunners, Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

Big Gay Memorial Day Picnic

Tuesday, 19 May 2009 – 1:31 PM | Comments Off

The 2009 Memorial Day Community Picnic will be at Kincaid Park in front of the chalet, from noon-5 p.m. on Monday May 25.

The Memorial Day Gay Picnic is an Anchorage tradition going back more than 40 years, held in Eklutna until 2007. The Picnic is sponsored by the Imperial Court (ICOAA) and the College of Emperors and Empresses sells burgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks as a fundraiser. All LGBT people and our allies are welcome to attend.

“It has always been at Eklutna, the least visible place, because back in the day folks wanted to not be seen. Eklutna has been sold, so we cannot use that space in the future,” explained Scott Turner about last year’s change of location to the more public space at Kincaid.

“We do fun things, the high heel race and egg toss, as well as volleyball if there is a net at Kincaid.”

RSVP on the Anchorage LGBT Meetup group, or just show up on May 25.

– photo from Memorial Day Gay Picnic 2008.

IDAHO 2009: Proud to be Gay All Around the World

Monday, 18 May 2009 – 10:56 AM | 2 Comments

Sunday was the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). The theme was One Voice, One Message, Heard Around the World.

This amazing IDAHO video was a community project to show that “gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people are just like everyone else. We come from all over the world and we come in all shapes and sizes and colours. We want to send this message to the people of the world in every language.”

Visit IDAHO 2009 for photos and news from Sunday’s events, including Russian marchers being arrested. Then sign the International Appeal to Reject Transphobia and to Respect Gender Identity.

8 Ways You Can Help Pass the Ordinance

Friday, 15 May 2009 – 1:54 PM | Comments Off

We need your help to pass an ordinance that will protect Anchorage’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents from discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, financial services, and Municipal business.

Here’s what you can do:

Learn about it. Read the text of Ordinance AO No. 2009-64(S), an ordinance news roundup (and a more recent roundup) and the goals of Equality Works.
Call and Write to the Mayor and Assembly members, and send letters to the editor of the Anchorage Daily News, with messages of support for the ordinance. Talking Points, suggestions for writing an effective message, and links to Assembly email addresses are posted here.
Show your support for the ordinance by wearing an “Equality Works” button and donating to Equality Works.
Attend the public hearings on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers, on the ground floor of Loussac Library. Come early to get a seat in the room (doors open at 4 p.m.), or bring equality signs if you’re supporting from outside the building. Wear blue!
Share your personal experiences of GLBT-based discrimination at the hearing. Email Tiffany McClain or use the online form. Stories from LGBT people and straight allies are needed. If you have an experience but don’t want to testify at the hearing, someone else can read it for you.
Explain to others that discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people is currently legal in Alaska, that many GLBT people, and our allies, have been harmed by discrimination, and that this amendment will improve the lives of Anchorage residents.
Blog in support of the ordinance and spread the word on social networks, link to Equality Works and become a Facebook fan, send your link to Bent Alaska or share it on Bent’s Facebook wall.
Send this post to your friends and relatives, and ask them to do these 8 things to end legal discrimination against GLBT people in Anchorage.

Thank you!

This Week in LGBT Alaska 5/15/09

Friday, 15 May 2009 – 11:13 AM | Comments Off

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

Bethel

Social reception for Alaskans Together for Equality 5/15, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Bethel Community Services Building.

Fairbanks

Country Western 2 step lessons & dancing, three Fridays 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, at 7:30-8:30 p.m. $30 for the series, $12/drop in per class. Bovee Studio, 1845 Caribou Way, off College Rd. RSVP to Judith.

Pajama Party drag & variety show 5/16, doors open at 7 p.m. show at 8, at the Pioneer Party (Alaskaland) Civic Center.

Fairbanks PFLAG meeting 5/17, 4 p.m.

Juneau

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

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. Harmony Choir meets at the Center on Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Anchorage

Equality Works BBQ Party & Fun-Raiser 5/15, 6:30 p.m. private home, please RSVP for directions.

De-HiBearnation Brown Bear Bus Run 5/16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. meet at The Raven Bar (4th & Gambell) the bus leaves promptly at NOON! The Last Frontier Men’s Club.

Side Street Saturdays, an informal meetup for LGBT writers, 5/16 at noon in Side Street Cafe.

“Homosexuality, Christianity & The Clobber Scriptures” used by traditional Christian Churches to promote anti-gay messages, this week’s sermon at the Sunday service with MCC Anchorage, 5/17, 2 p.m.

Patio Potluck Picnic at Mad Myrna’s 5/17, 3 p.m.

Transgender Support Group, Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.

Anchorage Frontrunners, Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

Check the Anchorage LGBT Meetup group and the Men of Anchorage, Alaska Meetup group for informal gatherings.

Help us end legal discrimination in Anchorage

Wednesday, 13 May 2009 – 2:46 PM | Comments Off

by Tiffany McClain of Equality Works

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly, Acting Mayor Matt Claman introduced an ordinance that will protect Anchorage’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens from discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, financial services, and Municipal business.

The Anchorage Municipal Assembly voted to hold a public hearing on June 9 and we need YOU to be there to show Assembly members that people in our town care about this issue.

There are plenty of things you can do TODAY to support this ordinance:

1) E-mail or Write to your Assembly Members

Our Assembly Members need to know where we stand. They will likely be bombarded with letters from those who believe that LGBT people should not be protected from discrimination, and it is important that we make our voices heard. By letting them know why you believe Equality Works, you are moving them one step closer to a vote to support equality. If you don’t know who your Assembly member is, this map should help you. Once you’ve found your Assembly person, find their contact information here. If you live in a district with two Assembly members, please send a copy to them both.

Suggestions for increasing your effectiveness:

Be respectful. We believe that it is possible to passionately express your opinion without disrespecting elected officials or other people in our community who may disagree with you.
Personalize it. When it comes to LGBT equality, it is true that the “personal is political.” There are countless examples of elected officials being moved to support our cause after having an opportunity to read the letters or even to speak one-on-one with people who are personally affected by discrimination.
Be Clear. Tell them exactly how you want them to vote on this ordinance — Vote “Yes!”
Use the Talking Points. If you’re at loss for what to say or just need a jumping off point, we encourage you to focus on our talking points. 1) Anchorage workers deserve to be judged solely on their qualifications and the merits of their work. 2) All Alaskans deserve protection from discrimination and harassment. 3) No Alaskan should have to deny who they are in order to keep a job or an apartment. Go here for more details.
Be Brief. The most effective letters are no longer than one page.

2) Share Your Story

“Discrimination? There is no discrimination in this town!” At least, that is what some objectors are saying to defeat this ordinance. It is very possible that the decision to support or oppose this ordinance will come down to whether or not Assembly members believe that they are improving peoples’ lives by supporting it.

Are you an LGBT person who believes that you have been discriminated against by an employer, landlord, or business? Have you ever been told to stay closeted on the job? Are you a straight ally or family member who has felt the sting of public harassment or discrimination because of your friends or relatives, or because you were perceived as being “too masculine” or “too feminine”?

These are all examples of discrimination that could be addressed by the Equal Rights Commission if this ordinance is passed. There is no better time than at the public hearing on June 9 to share these stories with the people in a position to make a difference. If you would like to participate, please e-mail me today or call 907-258-0044 ext. 101.

3) Tell People

You will be surprised by the number of people who believe that LGBT people are already protected from discrimination by state or federal law. In many cases, they are supporters of equality who simply aren’t aware that it is completely legal to discriminate in Alaska. Make sure your friends and family members know the facts, and bring them with you to the public hearing on June 9. Also, link this post on your social networking pages and forward this post to two friends — NOW is the time to expand our support.

Remember, Equality Works!

This Week in LGBT Alaska 5/8/09

Friday, 8 May 2009 – 3:23 PM | Comments Off

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.

Emma’s Revolution in concert, Pride Chorus opens, Wed. 5/13, 7:30 p.m. at the Juneau Arts & Culture Center.

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

Family Activity Gathering 5/8, 6 p.m.

Side Street Saturdays, an informal meetup for LGBT writers, beginning 5/9, at noon in Side Street Cafe.

Sunday worship and monthly potluck with MCC Anchorage, 5/10, 2 p.m.

Transgender Support Group, Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.

Anchorage Frontrunners, Tuesdays, 6 p.m.