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This Week in LGBT Alaska 2/6/09

Friday, 6 February 2009 – 12:11 PM | Comments Off

Check out this week’s events from Alaska GLBT News.

For full listings, classifieds and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

Bent Alaska on Facebook

Check out Bent Alaska’s Facebook page. Want to be friends? Come post your events and opinions directly on the wall!

Juneau

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

SEAGLA Night at the Theatre: Shakespeare’s R&J, 2/6, 7:30 p.m. by Thunder Mountain Theatre Project, at the The Old Elk’s Hall. Tickets at Hearthside Books.

Fairbanks

PFLAG Fairbanks meeting to discuss the proposed School Board policy change 2/8, 4 p.m.

Mat-Su Valley

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social support group meetings to discuss LBGT issues in the valley. Mondays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Vagabond Blues in Palmer.

Anchorage

Sweet at Out North Theater begins 2/6, 7 p.m. for the Off the Rocks Theater Project.

Equality Works Steering Committee meeting at the GLCCA, 2/7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Alaska Rainbows monthly dinner 2/7, 5-7 p.m.

LGBT Town Hall to End Discrimination in Anchorage 2/11, 7 p.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Equality Works

Dan Savage: Savage Love Live! 2/12, 7:30 p.m. at UAA’s Wendy Williamson Auditorium. General Public $10, free for students with UAA ID. UAATix.

An Electro Affair with Kilogram and Grym 2/12, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 at the door. Mad Myrna’s.

Savage Love, live in Anchorage

Thursday, 5 February 2009 – 10:30 PM | 2 Comments

If you read Alaska GLBT News, you already know that Dan Savage, an openly-gay author of a popular sex-advice column, is coming to Anchorage on Feb. 12 to present Savage Love Live, a talk followed by audience questions on anything and everything sexual.

Feb. 12, the day of the Anchorage show, is also national Freedom to Marry Day. Savage and his partner were married in Canada in 2005, and Dan is a strong advocate of LGBT equality.

Today’s Anchorage Press, the alternative weekly that carries the Savage Love column, ran an interview with Dan:

“‘[H]homophobia, like racism, is a pastime of the ignorant and elderly. And the elderly are leaving us. They want to take a snapshot of this moment in time and lock in these prejudices, and make them hard to undo. But they’re losing ground. We’re moving the ball down the field and we’re winning. It’s just… Canada got the French; Australia got the convicts; we got the fuckin’ Puritans.'”

See Savage Love Live at UAA’s Wendy Williamson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. Students with a UAA ID get in free. General Public tickets are $10 and are available at UAATix.

A Gay Community Center in the Mat-Su? You Bet’cha!

Tuesday, 3 February 2009 – 7:49 PM | One Comment

“I’m still trying to find new members, so beware!” writes Brianne “Your Highness is optional” on the new Mat-Su LGBT Community Center blog. “If you see a Big Transwoman with a Lasso headed your way, run! and run fast lest you find yourself sipping steamy beverages and talking about the LBGTA community in the Valley.”

On Wednesdays at 5 p.m., Her Highness Brianne waits at a table in Palmer’s Vagabond Blues with a sign taped to a coffee can. Brianne and Jaime Rodriguez are resurrecting the Mat-Su LGBT Community Center, and the coffee group for socializing, support and discussion is the first activity.

Their vision for the Center goes far beyond coffee. “A functioning Valley Community Center can help create a real community where none exists, and provide a central clearinghouse for information, contacts and services, not to mention a fun and safe place for meetings and activities of all sorts,” Jaime wrote in the blog’s first post.

Safety is a big issue in the bible belt of Alaska. When journalists searched for LGBT Wasillans to interview during Gov. Sarah Palin’s vice presidential run, few were willing to talk on camera or give their real name in print. Jaime and Brianne were the only queer locals named in this HRC video with ally Rev. Bess and a supportive therapist, although an anonymous lesbian spoke with her back to the camera.

About six or seven times a year, word comes from the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage that people are asking about LGBT groups in the Valley, wanting to get involved or attend events. The Mat-Su population has swelled to 83,000, which means at least several thousand LGBT residents. There seems to be an unusually large transgender population in the Valley, and more bisexuals and closeted people than in urban areas of the same size.

“If we could organize, we could help break the conservative hold on the Valley,” said Jaime. “Six thousand queers is a powerful economic and political force, if we can harness it.”

The new Center rents office space in The Church of the Covenant in Palmer, where Rev. Howard Bess was pastor until he retired last year. They have a reception area, coffee nook, conference room, bathroom, and library space for the many boxes of books collected when the Center was active.

In 2001, a small group of LGBT men and women in the Valley met in a cafe in Wasilla to organize a community center. They moved to Palmer when Pastor Howard Bess offered the Church Meeting House. A weekly social support group drew about 20 people, and they added a potluck and movie night one Friday a month.

“By 2002, the LGBT Center had about 60 members on the email list,” said Jaime, the only remaining board member. “The support group grew, but was overwhelmed by people who needed a therapy group. A conflict arose between two members and attendance dropped. Only those who needed the group for therapy stayed, plus three or four of us committed to building the Center.”

Jaime and Brianne are ready to try again. They have the office, non-profit status, and start-up funds from the Imperial Court. What they need most is new members.

“I am not discouraged,” Brianne wrote last week when only two straight allies joined her for coffee. “There are lonely Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Allied people out there who could really use an avenue to meet and enjoy the company of other friendly people.”

“I invite you to participate in something that benefits you directly, your friends and loved ones, your acquaintances, and potentially even the straight segment of the Valley we all live in. Please help us, in whatever way you can: a donation, a chair, couch, bookshelf, your time, your service. What can you spare that will make our world that little bit better?”

Dying City & Shakespeare’s R&J in Juneau

Friday, 30 January 2009 – 11:37 PM | Comments Off

Two plays of interest to the LGBT community are being performed by the Thunder Mountain Theatre Project in Juneau, this weekend through mid-February: Dying City by Christopher Shinn, and Shakespeare’s R&J, adapted by Joe Calarco.

Shakespeare’s R&J explores issues of sexuality as four boys act out a secret production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to rebell against their oppressive school. Four male actors play all the roles, including the female characters, remaining in their boy’s school uniforms throughout the show. (pictured at right)

Dying City is about the cost of the Iraq war on a dead soldier’s wife and gay twin brother, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. The author Christopher Shinn is a recipient of the Robert S. Chesley Award, which recognizes the work of an emerging gay or lesbian playwright.

Thunder Mountain Theatre Project was founded in 2007 by Flordelino Lagundino. “We choose plays that act as a mirror to society by exploring the social, political, and cultural issues of our time,” says the Project’s web site. “[W]e seek to provide theatrical experiences for all ages that speak to the rich diversity of our community.”

Dying City & Shakespeare’s R&J will be performed in repertory at the The Old Elk’s Hall, 109 S. Franklin Street, January 29 – February 15, 2009. Tickets are available at Hearthside Books. See the Thunder Mountain schedule for dates and times.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 1/30/09

Friday, 30 January 2009 – 4:37 PM | Comments Off

Check out this week’s events from Alaska GLBT News.

For full listings, news and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

NEWS

MILK returns to Anchorage

MILK, the movie based on the life of Harvey Milk, got 8 Academy Award Nominations and is showing at The Bear Tooth this week, Friday-Sunday at 7:50 p.m. and Tuesday-Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Only 6 showings – don’t miss it!

Savage Love Live

Dan Savage will speak at UAA on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m., answering questions about virginity, orgasms, monogamy, and other “taboo” topics. Students with UAA ID get in free. General Public tickets are $10 and are available now at UAATix.

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Juneau

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

Two Gay-Interest Plays at Thunder Mountain Theatre Project, 1/29-2/15, 7:30 p.m. Dying City by Christopher Shinn, and Shakespeare’s R&J, adapted by Joe Calarco.

Mat-Su Valley

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social support group meetings to discuss LBGT issues in the valley. Mondays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Vagabond Blues in Palmer.

Anchorage

MILK showing at The Bear Tooth 1/30-2/1 at 7:50 p.m. and 2/3-2/5 at 5:30 p.m.

Gay Rights Dessert & Discussion 1/31, around 10:30 p.m. (after MILK) at the Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge.

Alaska Club/ICOAA Open House membership drive 1/31, 4:30 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.

“Milk” in Anchorage: A tale of two theaters

Thursday, 29 January 2009 – 11:06 PM | 2 Comments

"Milk" (2008) starring Sean Penn as Harvey Milk The movie Milk is showing at The Bear Tooth, Friday–Sunday at 7:50 p.m. and Tuesday–Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Only six showings — don’t miss it!

Milk is based on the life of Harvey Milk, an openly gay man who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.

Milk shows Harvey (played by Sean Penn) uniting the gay community under his charismatic leadership, adding ‘sexual orientation’ to the city’s non-discrimination policy, and defeating Prop 6, Anita Bryant’s crusade against gay and lesbian teachers.

He also faced the constant threat of assassination.

The issues are timely after the narrow passing of Prop 8, California’s ban on gay marriage, and relevant in Anchorage where we still do not have ‘sexual orientation’ in the non-discrimination policy of our city or state.

Milk received 8 Academy Award Nominations including best picture, best director (Gus Van Sant), best actor (Sean Penn) and best supporting actor (Josh Brolin).

The biggest crowds are expected for the Friday and Saturday shows at The Bear Tooth.

An unsuccessful opening

Milk opened in Anchorage at the Century Theater on Dec 12. A few readers saw it and sent comments, posted here along with my review. But Milk was removed from the schedule after only two weeks. It was the lowest-grossing film in the theater that month, according to a Century 16 employee.

“I was stunned and disappointed to say the least,” wrote Matt in an email to Bent Alaska. “I’m no political activist, but the news of the film’s Anchorage demise didn’t make me think too highly of the community.”

Why did Milk flop at the Century in December?

The national LGBT community is boycotting the Century/Cinemark Theaters because the company is Mormon-owned and the CEO donated almost $10,000 to pass Prop 8. The LDS Church urged members to donate to Prop 8, preached their support from the pulpit, and may have violated their tax-exempt status as a religious organization by engaging so directly in a ballot issue. Protests have occurred outside Mormon temples, and many LGBT people refuse to support business owners who gave money to take away our civil rights.
Alaska’s LGBT community already boycotts Mormon-owned businesses like the Century because the Utah-based Church was a main backer of Alaska’s Measure 2, banning gay marriage here in 1998.
Milk opened at the Century in the middle of the Anchorage International Film Festival, where other gay-themed films were shown the same week.
We knew that Milk would have a second run at The Bear Tooth, a GLBT-supportive theater.

These factors combined to make the Century opening almost a non-event. It’s no wonder that ticket sales were dismal.

The real question is why the Milk producers chose to open the film at the Century, despite the boycott. If it had opened at a Regal Theater, like Brokeback Mountain did at the Dimond, the results would have been different.

A strong second run

In contrast, The Bear Tooth is a favorite of the LGBT community, as much for the good food and progressive atmosphere as for the showing of LGBT films.

Go see Milk this weekend at The Bear Tooth. Learn how Harvey lead successful campaigns for gay rights, and prove that a gay-themed movie can be successful in Anchorage.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 1/23/09

Friday, 23 January 2009 – 6:54 PM | Comments Off

This Week in LGBT Alaska 1/23/09

Check out this week’s events from Alaska GLBT News.

For full listings, news and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

Saturday: Prayers for Bobby

Prayers for Bobby tells the true story of Mary Griffith, the religious mother of a gay son, and her journey toward embracing the LGBT community following his suicide. Prayers stars Sigourney Weaver and debuts January 24 at 9 p.m. Pacific Time on Lifetime TV.

EVENTS

Juneau

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

We’re looking for a location to hold regular Pride Potlucks in Juneau. Contact SEAGLA with suggestions.

Mat-Su Valley

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social support group meetings, Mondays, 2 p.m. at Vagabond Blues in Palmer.

Anchorage

Ever Ready rocks the AMVETS Post 49 on 1/23 & 1/24, 7-11 p.m.

House Party for “Equality Works” 1/24, 4-6 p.m. RSVP.

Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show 1/24, 9 p.m. Certified hypnotist Jay Her‘s new show, $10 at Mad Myrna’s.

Men’s Club Potluck Dinner 1/25, 6 p.m. at The Raven.

Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show at Mad Myrna’s

Thursday, 22 January 2009 – 9:44 AM | Comments Off

Anchorage comedian and certified hypnotist Jay Her will perform a new Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show at Mad Myrna’s this Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9 p.m.

Members of the audience become celebrities on stage when they chase invisible objects, milk non-existant cows, sing in a foreign rap contest, and act in other hilarious skits while hypnotized.

The participants are volunteers and the show is completely real.

Jay Her learned the art of stage hypnosis from a Stage Hypnotist Trainer, and is trained in hypnotherapeutic techniques to provide a safe experience for the participants.

He attends annual trainings to provide new material and the most enjoyable experience for both participants and audience members.

The Comedy Hypnosis Show can be designed for an adult audience, like the shows at Myrna’s, or for family-friendly events with age-appropriate material.

Jay has performed for corporate parties, festivals, conferences, private parties, and service organizations.

Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show at Mad Myrna’s, Jan. 24 at 9 p.m. Admission is $10.

Prayers for Bobby, on Lifetime

Wednesday, 21 January 2009 – 10:56 PM | Comments Off

Mary Griffith blamed herself for the death of her gay son.

Prayers for Bobby tells Mary’s true story as the religious mother of a gay son, and her journey toward embracing the LGBT community following his suicide. Sigourney Weaver stars as Mary.

Prayers also highlights the important role PFLAG played in Mary’s experience, and empowers families to embrace their LGBT loved ones.

Learn more about Prayers for Bobby, watch a preview of the movie and clips about the real Griffith family.

Prayers for Bobby debuts at 9 p.m. Pacific time on January 24 on Lifetime TV.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 1/16/09

Friday, 16 January 2009 – 3:06 PM | Comments Off

Check out this week’s events from Alaska GLBT News.

For full listings, news and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

Womyn’s Dance Survey

Carolyn, who organizes the womyn’s dances, wants to know more about our taste in dance music. She set up a quick dance survey for Anchorage womyn. Please answer a few questions to make our dances even better.

EVENTS

Juneau

Join SEAGLA for Men’s Movie Night 1/17 at 7 p.m.

SAGA invites Juneau’s GLBT community to a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at UAS on 1/20 at 6 p.m.

Fairbanks

Bac’untry Bruthers will play at the Marlin on 1/16 & 1/17 at 10 p.m., and at the Boatel on 1/18 at 4 p.m.

Anchorage

Group Acupuncture at the GLCCA on 1/16 from 7-9 p.m. (on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.)

Hook up with The Men’s Club for a New Year Saturday Brunch at Humpy’s on 1/17 at 12 noon.

MCC Worship & Meeting on 1/18, Matthew Moak will bring the message. 2 p.m. service, 3 p.m. meeting.