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.
Sunday, 30 May 2010 – 1:49 PM
| Comments Off on Sara’s News Roundup 5/30/10
I was on vacation over the holiday weekend, so I’m a few days late posting Sara’s NEWS and a special message about her vacation for the month of June. Have a great time, Sara, and I look forward to your return in July!
——
Hello Readers,
I’m writing to let you know I’ll be away from my trusty computer for a month starting tomorrow. I’ll still be able to receive emails, but won’t be in News-send mode.
As a result, my NEWS will pause until I return. My next NEWS will be either July 4th or July 11th.
In the meantime, let’s hope DADT passes the Senate, that California allows same-sex marriage (again!), and that ENDA passes for all of us: gay, lesbian, bi, and trans alike.
. . . Well — a gal can dream, can’t she? :-)
Until then, I wish you all a very good month of June,
Sara
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Recent LGBT news selected by Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.
In this 30 second PSA, actor Daniel Radcliffe raises awareness of The Trevor Project‘s around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. He reassures young people who may be feeling lost or alone that there’s always a safe place to turn.
If you or someone you know is in need of crisis intervention or suicide prevention services, please call The Trevor Helpline at 866.4.U.TREVOR or 866.488.7386, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Friday, 28 May 2010 – 3:18 PM
| Comments Off on U.S. House passes DADT repeal
The full U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate Armed Services Committee both voted in favor of a compromise amendment to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell on Thursday, May 27. The House passed the measure by a vote of 234 to 194, and the Senate Armed Services Committee passed the DADT amendment 16-12 earlier in the day. The full Senate will vote on it next.
The amendment does not stop the discharges of gay and lesbian service members, but it would repeal the Congressional law banning open service. If the amendment passes, the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have to sign off on a full repeal before the discharges would end.
While we wait for the Senate vote, here is the final letter in the “Stories from the Frontlines” series. It is actually two letters: a letter to President Obama from former service member and current SLDN leader Aubrey Sarvis, and a love letter written by a World War II soldier and published in ONE Magazine in 1961.
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May 28, 2010
President Barack H. Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
For the past month, we have sent you personal letters from those harmed by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” With the votes in the House and the Senate Armed Services Committee, we are bringing our series to a close. The final letter we are sharing with you was written by a World War II soldier to another service member. It is a love letter penned on the occasion of their anniversary.
The letter, which follows below, was published in September 1961 by ONE Magazine – an early gay magazine based out of Los Angeles. In 2000, Bob Connelly, an adjunct professor of LGBT studies at American University, found a copy of the letter in the Library of Congress. He brought the letter to the attention of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network last month.
We sincerely thank Mr. Connelly for his research and the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives for granting permission for the letter to be republished.
Please accept this letter on the behalf of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members on active-duty, in the reserve and in the National Guard; those who have been discharged; and those who didn’t enlist because of the discriminatory law now being dismantled.
With great respect,
Former Specialist 4th Class Aubrey Sarvis
United States Army
The letter as published by ONE Magazine:
Dear Dave,
This is in memory of an anniversary – the anniversary of October 27th, 1943, when I first heard you singing in North Africa. That song brings memories of the happiest times I’ve ever known. Memories of a GI show troop – curtains made from barrage balloons – spotlights made from cocoa cans – rehearsals that ran late into the evenings – and a handsome boy with a wonderful tenor voice. Opening night at a theatre in Canastel – perhaps a bit too much muscatel, and someone who understood. Exciting days playing in the beautiful and stately Municipal Opera House in Oran – a misunderstanding – an understanding in the wings just before opening chorus.
Drinks at “Coq d’or” – dinner at the “Auberge” – a ring and promise given. The show 1st Armoured – muscatel, scotch, wine – someone who had to be carried from the truck and put to bed in his tent. A night of pouring rain and two very soaked GIs beneath a solitary tree on an African plain. A borrowed French convertible – a warm sulphur spring, the cool Mediterranean, and a picnic of “rations” and hot cokes. Two lieutenants who were smart enough to know the score, but not smart enough to realize that we wanted to be alone. A screwball piano player – competition – miserable days and lonely nights. The cold, windy night we crawled through the window of a GI theatre and fell asleep on a cot backstage, locked in each other’s arms – the shock when we awoke and realized that miraculously we hadn’t been discovered. A fast drive to a cliff above the sea – pictures taken, and a stop amid the purple grapes and cool leaves of a vineyard.
The happiness when told we were going home – and the misery when we learned that we would not be going together. Fond goodbyes on a secluded beach beneath the star-studded velvet of an African night, and the tears that would not be stopped as I stood atop the sea-wall and watched your convoy disappear over the horizon.
We vowed we’d be together again “back home,” but fate knew better – you never got there. And so, Dave, I hope that where ever you are these memories are as precious to you as they are to me.
Goodnight, sleep well my love.
Brian Keith
(Reprinted with permission of ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, www.onearchives.org, ONE Magazine, September 1961)
Tonei Glavinic is a Queer 20 year old from Anchorage, AK. Tonei is a student at American University in Washington, DC and is pursuing a degree in Political Science and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. Tonei wants to thank Anchorage Youth Court, GLSEN, the ACLU, and everyone who has supported Tonei’s work over the years. Tonei is a Public Policy and Advocacy Intern at the Task Force; volunteer at a pro-choice clinic; Executive Director of American University Queers and Allies; and will be a Resident Assistant next year.
Tonei won the following scholarships: Pride Foundation Community, Political Leadership, and Scott Rodriguez Leadership
Kady Titus is 21, bisexual, and an Alaskan Native. She is currently a freshmen at Haskell Indian Nations University studying Social Work. Kady owes a huge “thank you” to Kathy Halverson, who was Kady’s first social worker from Foster Care. Kady says, “She stayed with me throughout everything.”
“My plans and aspirations are the same now as they were almost 10 years ago: to open the interior of Alaska’s first Transitional Living Program with special services geared toward GLBT youth and foster children.”
Kady won the following scholarship: Pride Foundation/Alaska
Congratulations to Tonei, Kady and all 108 scholarship recipients! More information on the annual scholarship program can be found at PrideFoundation.org.
A Fairbanks soldier is under investigation for posting on Facebook a video titled “future gay terrorist!” with two Iraqi children being taunted about being homosexuals and terrorists, and writing, “I was bored in Iraq. So I kept myself entertained.”
The young boys don’t understand the soldier’s insults about being gay and liking gay sex, so they nod and smile. When he asks if they will grow up to be terrorists, at first they return his thumbs up, then the older boy realizes the soldier is not being friendly.
Robert Rodriguez, stationed at Fort Wainwright near Fairbanks, made his Facebook page private a week after posting the clip, and his wall and videos are no longer visible to the public. However, a second Alaska-based soldier shared the video, and concerned friends in North Carolina contacted a local television station, which posted this video and the article quoted below:
The 30-second clip shows the two boys standing side by side on a dusty road, and the photographer asks them if they’re gay and engage in homosexual acts. The boys smile and nod, but it’s unclear whether they understand English.
“Are you going to grow up to be a terrorist? Yeah! All right! Cool! Yeah, terrorists! Woo!” the photographer says.
The boys smile and give a thumbs-up signal.
“Are you going to plant IEDs?” the photographer asks. “Yeah, awesome!”
The older boy apparently realizes at this point that they are being mocked, and he holds down the younger boy’s arm.
The video was posted May 14 on the Facebook page of Robert Rodriguez and titled “future gay terrorists.”
Rodriguez describes himself on Facebook as a soldier living in Fairbanks, Alaska. An Army spokesman said a Spc. Robert Rodriguez is stationed at Fort Wainwright, outside of Fairbanks.
It’s unclear whose voice is heard on the video, but in posting the video to Facebook, Rodriguez wrote, “I was bored in Iraq. So I kept myself entertained.”
A North Carolina soldier who also is based in Alaska subsequently shared the video with friends on his Facebook page, and a concerned area resident alerted WRAL News.
“The conduct portrayed in video is disgraceful and clearly inconsistent with the high standards we expect of every Soldier. The incident is currently under investigation. The Army will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation,” Maj. Bill Coppernoll, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Army in Alaska, said in a statement Friday.
Saturday, 22 May 2010 – 3:35 PM
| Comments Off on Harvey Milk Day
May 22 is Harvey Milk Day, and cities across the lower 48 held events to honor his legacy and promote equality.
Many of the panels, protests, and other events link Milk’s words to our current fight to pass gay job protections (ENDA) and repeal the military’s gay ban (DADT.) Alaska’s members of Congress are divided on these: Sen. Begich supports the bills, Rep. Young opposes them, and Sen. Murkowski has not stated her opinion on either issue.
This HOPE video, set to words from a Harvey Milk speech, was made during the Prop 8 battle but is still powerful today:
Please join the Imperial Court as they host the annual Memorial Day Picnic in Anchorage, at the Kincaid Park chalet again this year, on Monday, May 31, noon-5 p.m. For more than 30 years, this showcase event has launched the summer meet and greet season. Strike a pose! See you there!
Homer’s New Youth-Community GSA
A group of young adults in Homer started a Youth-Community GSA. Their first meeting is on Saturday, May 22, from 3:30-5:30pm in the Homer Public Library Conference Room.
Marcia’s Redfish Lodge on the Kenai
Thinking about a summer tip to the Kenai? Check out Marcia’s Alaska Redfish Lodge. Beautiful cabins, friendly environment, and a great place to get away.
Half Moon Creek opens new art gallery in Palmer
The new Palmer store is open! Come support some fabulous lesbians and some of Alaska’s finest artists. Half Moon Creek.
Juneau Drag Queen and King benefit show, help needed
The recently appointed Duchess Marguerite of Juneau is planning a Drag Queen and King show as a fundraiser for Four A’s, at the Rendezvous Bar on Friday June 18th, and she’s looking for help.
“I need some awesome talent to get up there and shake it. You can lip synch, sing live or karaoke, juggle, I don’t care really, just as long as you’re willing to cross dress while doing so. Or not, I’m pretty open to any help! Not a performer? How about help with sound, lighting, costumes? Sign making, donations, general street team getting the word out action is definitely needed. Donations of time, supplies, ideas, money, I want it all.” Please contact Marguerite, to offer assistance.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010 – 7:01 PM
| Comments Off on Service member under DADT investigation was redeployed to Iraq
The coming days are critical in the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as the House and Senate committees are marking up the Defense budget now and floor votes could happen this month.
Meanwhile, SLDN is continuing to post daily letters from people directly effected by DADT. The letters this week are from an Army veteran of the first Gulf War, the mother of an active duty service member, a former Army Sergeant who served two tours of duty in Iraq – the second while under DADT investigation – and a former ROTC scholar who has always wanted to be an Army doctor but can’t because she’s a lesbian.
Today’s letter is from the Sergeant who served in Iraq while under investigation:
Dear Mr. President,
It was spring 2004. I had just arrived in Baghdad. We’d been there all but four days. Then it happened. It was an ambush. It ended with my good friend shot dead. I was overwhelmed by emotions of anger and sadness, but also confusion.
At that moment, my perspective on life changed; I wondered, what if I had been killed in action and had never come to terms with who I truly was and, even worse, never had the chance to share it with my loved ones? There comes a point when acceptance is your only salvation—my return from Iraq was my moment.
I served two tours of duty in the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Soldier in the United States Army. I was promoted to sergeant, was a team leader of a medical squad, and conducted over 100 12-hour patrols in the streets of Baghdad, treating wounds and evacuating casualties of sniper fire and roadside bombs. I applied for Officer Candidate School under the recommendation of two generals in my chain of command. But, today, instead of protecting my fellow Americans, I sit working in a university development office because I was discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).
When I came out, the first people I told were comrades, with whom I had just spent 12 months in Baghdad. To be honest, I was scared of their rejection more than the mortar and rocket attacks, ambushes, or roadside explosives. But, they showed immense understanding of what I had been going through and offered unconditional support. The response from my brothers and sisters in arms proved that the military is a family—no matter if you are man, woman, black, white, transgender, gay, or straight. What truly matters is whether you can trust the person next to you. And how can trust be built around a lie?
One day, I received an email from a Soldier I had never met; it said I was being investigated under DADT and that I would be stripped of my rank and pay and eventually discharged. I tried to ignore it, but the emails continued and became more derogatory. Soon, I began receiving similar phone calls at work.
Unsure of who to trust, on edge every second, and losing more and more sleep each night, I approached my supervisor. I was a Soldier who lived by all seven of the Army values, including honesty. I refused to have someone else end my career. He offered a sympathetic ear before reporting me to the legal department.
After an investigation into my statements and the harassment, I was told I was an exceptional Soldier and to “drive on” with my work. It was a great a relief to break the silence. My colleagues suddenly understood why I had always been so detached and began asking me to join them in activities outside of work.
Later that year my division deployed again and I served the entirety of the deployment as an openly gay Soldier. I no longer had to lie if someone asked if I were married or had a girlfriend, I didn’t have to write my emails in “code.” I no longer feared being “outed.” I finally was able to be honest.
After arriving in Iraq for the second deployment I was promoted once again and served my division as the medical liaison officer in Kuwait. It was there that I participated in an interview with Leslie Stahl for 60 Minutes with the focus being on a out gay Soldier working in a combat zone.
I gave voice to the tens of thousands of men and women who serve everyday under the fear of DADT. The interview also ended my career. I was honorably discharged on June 10, 2008.
While I sit in a safe and comfortable civilian office, former comrades and friends continue to serve, leaving their families for a third, fourth, or even fifth deployment. Why am I not able to stand in the place of my battle buddy who has left his wife three times to deploy and missed the birth of his new born child? Why are exceptions being made to enlist individuals with subpar mental and physical standards? And why are serious convicted felons granted waivers to serve while I was pushed out the door?
Mr. President, last year you restored my hope that this discriminatory law will be repealed, but I must admit that my spirit has been shaken because DADT still exists. Every day, we lose dedicated and capable service members while other Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Coastguardsmen sacrifice more than their share. My experience demonstrates what matters most is competence, trust and ability. Why then should we wait another year or another decade to do what is right?
Tuesday, 18 May 2010 – 5:22 AM
| Comments Off on Rep. Young should not be tolerated, however…
Alaska’s Representative Don Young responded to a letter asking him to support ENDA, the gay jobs protection bill, in classic Young-speak. Since this is ENDA Action Week, it’s the perfect time to see what our Rep. thinks about firing gays. So grab a cold one and take apart his letter with Bent Alaska. (his letter is indented, my comments are in italics)
Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 3017, the Employment non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
He might not appreciate it by the time we’re done. Here is his description of the bill:
If enacted, H.R. 3017 would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by public and private employers in hiring and discharging of employees and in employment conditions and terms. The bill also prohibits retaliatory conduct and would be enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Additionally, preferential treatment or quotas on the basis of sexual orientation would be prohibited under this legislation. The legislation also provides exemptions for religious organizations, religious schools, and does not apply to the armed services.
An official description. Here is his opinion on ENDA:
Discrimination, on any basis, should not be tolerated. However, I have concerns regarding the underlying premise of this legislation and recognize the difficulties inherent in its application…
Prejudice is bad, HOWEVER?? Uh oh, red flag alert – or rather, “red shirt alert” because he sounds like the reactionaries at last summer’s ordinance hearings. Gays are not being discriminated against, HOWEVER I want the right to continue discriminating against them. Urgh.
So he has concerns about the premise and application of ENDA. Let’s see his concerns:
…Suits claiming violation of the Civil Rights Act based on sexual orientation would be difficult to establish. Plaintiffs would have to not only prove that there was prior knowledge of sexual preference by the defendant but also that the change in employment was motivated by sexual orientation discrimination.
That’s it – the only concern in his letter: it will be difficult for fired gays to prove that they were fired because they are gay. That’s his reason for voting against job protections.
Really? He’s worried that the law will be too hard on the fired gay employees? His concern is touching, but misplaced. We’re not even worried about that.
If he’s concerned that the discrimination will be too hard to prove, does that mean he would prefer that discrimination be easier to prove, that gays should be able to sue former employers without a difficult test of proof? How socialist of him.
Yes, the claims will be difficult to prove, and thus the lawsuits only filed when there is clear evidence. Sounds like a reasonable way to protect businesses from excess lawsuits, while giving workers protection from blatant discrimination.
H.R. 3017 has been referred to four different committees in the House of Representatives – Education and Labor; House Administration; Oversight and Government Reform; and Judiciary. I voted against this bill when it was voted on during the 110th Congress, and I will be sure to keep your comments in mind should this legislation come before the House of Representatives again for a vote.
He voted against this bill last time, and if it comes up again, he will think of the many reasons why we want him to vote Yes while he votes No. Classic.
Once again, thank you for expressing your views on this issue… If I can be of any assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Well yes, Rep Young, you can be of assistance – by voting YES on ENDA and protecting thousands of Alaskans from blatant job discrimination, thank you very much.
Call Rep. Young at 202-225-5765. Give your name and your city and then let him know:
“I am calling in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H. R. 3017), which will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from job discrimination. No one deserves to be fired from their job because of who they are. Vote Yes for ENDA.”
If you get voicemail instead of a person, you can leave a message. The messages are listened to and count as calls. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’ve called in the past, no problem – call again.
Then call Senator Murkowski and Senator Begich and ask them to support ENDA in the Senate, senate bill (S. 1584). Murkowski’s number is 202-224-6665, Begich’s number is 202-224-3004.
As part of a national ENDA action week May 17-21, GetEqual will rally outside Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco office on Tuesday, May 18, to call on her to move ENDA forward.
“Equal protection under the law is NOT happening when being fired because you are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender is legal in over half the states in the US. We MUST demand the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) be moved in Congress, immediately!”
Please call Speaker Pelosi in SF – 415.556.4862 and DC – (202) 225-0100, or email Rep. Pelosi HERE.
Discrimination is a real problem that affects real people. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people need basic job discrimination protections. Congress must prioritize ENDA for passage. ENDA can’t wait. PASS ENDA NOW!
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.
Community Memorial Day Picnic
