Articles in News
Sara’s News round-up 10/18/09
This week’s national GLBT news chosen by Sara Boesser of Juneau, plus a photo of Alaskans Together for Equality representing our state with a rainbow big dipper banner at the National Equality March in Washington, DC on October 11, 2009. (Thanks to the folks at SEAGLA for sending the photo.)
Washington, Washington Blade, October 16, 2009
Sacramento, Calif., Newsday, October 12, 2009
San Francisco, Reuters, October 14, 2009
Uruguay, Advocate, October 13, 2009
Washington, Advocate, October 14, 2009
Washington, 365Gay.com, October 14, 2009
Portland, Maine, WCSH6, October 15, 2009
Paris, France, Associated Press, October 14, 2009
Pittsburgh, Post-Gazette, October 15, 2009
Reconciling Ministries, Flashnet, August 27, 2009
Missouri, The Maneater, September 29, 2009
Philadelphia, The Triangle, October 16, 2009
Los Angeles, EURweb, October 13, 2009
San Francisco, Community Marketing Inc., October 17, 2009
Please Help Captain Kaos get a New Leg
Captain Kaos needs our help! Kaos, a.k.a. Kevin Bohall, is a karaoke performer and ex-security guard at Mad Myrna’s. He lost his right leg below the knee this summer and can’t drive or work until he gets a prosthetic leg. Social Security and public assistance turned him down, so Laurie Branstiter is collecting donations and throwing a benefit Pirate Karaoke party at Myrna’s on October 22 to help Kevin get his leg.
This is Kevin’s story, as told to Bent Alaska by Laurie:
“Kevin lost his right foot and partial leg to diabetes in June 2009. He was working for a local landscaping company when he developed a blister on his right foot. His employer wouldn’t allow anyone time off during the ‘busy season’ without 3 weeks notice. Kevin didn’t realize his diabetes had flared up again and his body couldn’t fight the diabetes and the infection in his foot. It soon turned gangrene. He was lucky and it is a “BKA” (below knee amputation).”
“Kevin had just started his dream job as a truck driver for Klondike Cement. But without a right foot, he cannot drive. He doesn’t consider himself ‘disabled’ and is anxious to get back to work.”
“We applied for Social Security Disability – denied and on appeal; State of Alaska Public Assistance and Unemployment – denied; Love, Inc. has given us food and we are on waiting list for rent assistance; Limbs for Life has been contacted and he’s on a waiting list.”
“I have been supporting Kevin, my 15-year old son and myself since June. We are $4000 behind in rent and utilities. Kevin has a couple of credit cards that we haven’t been able to pay on.”
“Kevin loves to perform karaoke at Myrna’s. He uses the name Capt. Kaos as his stage name. It is actually a character (played by Dom Deluise) in Cannonball Run, one of Kevin’s favorite movies.”
Kevin and Laurie are active allies in the Mad Myrna’s community and held a fundraiser there last year for diabetes and the Cancer Association.
Their friends are stepping forward to help. Marsha Brannan is giving $8 from every $12.50 fleece neck warmer she sells to the Kevin Bohall Prosthetic Fund. The neck warmers are available in solid black, cream, red, or blue and can be shipped anywhere in the United States. Email Marsha to order.
Despite the roadblocks, Laurie is hopeful. “Thank you and God Bless each of you for taking the time to read about Kevin.”
Donations can be made to the Kevin Bohall Prosthetic Fundraiser account at First National Bank Alaska. Donations will also be accepted at the door during the Pirate Karaoke party at Myrna’s, 8 p.m. on October 22. Please email Laurie to help with the party.
The Personal is Political at Pride Conference & Rally
Anchorage hosted both the Alaska Pride Conference and the support rally for the National Equality March on Saturday, and queer youth were front and center at both events.
Gays and allies from Fairbanks, Juneau, Homer and the Mat-Su joined the Anchorage LGBTA community at APU for Identity’s annual Pride Conference. The morning workshops focused on providing support for young adults in the Gay-Straight Alliances, the new generation of queer and straight youth who are passionate about equal rights and excited about being on the cutting edge of political progress.
Instead of one keynote speaker for the afternoon, the Pride Conference asked a panel of leaders to speak on issues relevant to queer Alaska.
Jackie Buckley spoke on the importance of health care issues like the lack of insurance coverage for LGBT families, limited health information targeted to us, and not being included in either the medical studies or the educational campaigns. She noted outreach to the LGBT community by the local stop smoking campaign as an example of progress. Buckley is a healthcare administrator who volunteers with the Identity Advocacy Team and PFLAG Anchorage.
Rev. Susan Halvor, an ordained Lutheran pastor, said she is often asked, “Where can LGBT Alaskans go to church and be welcomed?” Rev. Halvor encouraged the LGBT community to support general human rights issues in Alaska, along with specific issues of gay equality.
Marsha Buck is an ally from Juneau, a proud PFLAG mom, and the President of Alaskans Together for Equality. She noted that many of our state House legislators are far-right republicans and that it’s time to bring the Alaska legislature back into balance by electing more progressives. She encouraged LGBT people to live honestly and open, in a respectful way, and we will get honesty and respect in return. She said that our allies are glad to speak for us, but that we also need to speak for ourselves. And she recommended that we join Alaskans Together for Equality to work for our rights here in Alaska.
Mike Mason is a young man who attended the hearings for the equal rights ordinance this summer and helped organize the rallies on the lawn. He supports activism for minority rights, to achieve legal equality in the city, state and country. He said that religion is not our enemy, ignorance is, and he suggested that we come out because change is made through personal contacts.
Verner Wilson is not the only gay Eskimo. He grew up in a small rural town where he was teased for being gay. There are no resources for LGBT kids in rural Alaska, and no support for LGBT Native Alaskans anywhere. He is concerned about Pebble Mine ruining his home waters of Bristol Bay, about the mayor’s veto of the equal rights ordinance, and about the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. He also noted that his family accepts him now.
Frank Jenkins (aka Miss MeMe) is the newly-elected Empress of the Imperial Court of All Alaska, the state’s first gay organization. He grew up in supportive communities and remembers marching in a candlelight vigil following the murder of Harvey Milk. He said that opposition is often the instigation for progress because it creates a backlash against the prejudice. When people speak out for what is right and are knocked down, they become heroes. Our local allies woke up to the prejudice we faced this summer, and the homophobes will never support us. But how do we motivate those in the middle and get more LGBT youth to stay involved? Leadership development and mentoring for gay and especially trans young adults after they come out, to help them live full lives around work, relationships, spirituality, and politics.
Trevor Storrs is the director of Four A’s. He was raised in a small isolated town and even they have evolved on LGBT issues. The actual bigots are a minority, the rest fear us because they don’t know us. When they get to know us as individuals, not categories, they can accept us for who we are. Personal contact is important to help them get past their fear.
After the panel members spoke, conference chair Johnathan Jones opened the discussion to the audience. The main issues were how to develop better connections between the LGBT groups and more effective outreach to the mainstream public.
The conference participants also enjoyed a comedy hypnosis show by Jay Her, visited vender and information booths representing LGBT groups, ate lunch and breakfast provided by The Last Frontier Men’s Club, and met in person their far-flung email contacts and Facebook friends.
When the conference ended, several of us drove down 36th to the Library and joined the support rally for the National Equality March. Rally organizers Tara and Jon and the other young protestors, gay and straight, had been standing there since 10 a.m., despite the drizzle, and were happy to see us. With that kind of commitment, LGBT equality is inevitable.
Pres. Obama promises to end DADT, support ENDA, on eve of National Equality March
President Obama addressed gay rights on the night before the National Equality March, describing the fight for gay equality in light of the history of rights movements, and pledging his support on a list of issues where he sees the opportunity for progress.
“I’m here with a simple message: I’m here with you in that fight,” he said, emphasizing his support despite the slow pace of progress. “Do not doubt the direction we are headed and the destination we will reach.”
In addition to praising the hosts of the dinner, the Human Rights Campaign, Pres. Obama also:
- recognized the commitment of Judy Shepard and the imminent passage of the Hate Crimes Act in Congress, saying, “This bill is set to pass and I will sign it into law.”
- supports an inclusive ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
- will defend his appointees when they are attacked for their sexual orientation.
- wants to renew the Ryan White Act for AIDS funding, and repeal the HIV status ban on entering the US.
- will repeal DADT: “I will end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, that’s my commitment to you.”
- called on Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act.
- honored the founders of PFLAG and the advocacy of parents for their GLBT children.
“Hope is stronger than hate,” he said, promising to work for an America “where no one is a second class citizen.” He did not give timetables, but pledged to continue working for equality “day by day, law by law, changing mind by mind. That is the promise.”
The full speech is posted here on 3 videos, and is worth watching:
Sara’s News Round-Up 10/11/09
This week’s national GLBT news chosen by Sara Boesser of Juneau.
Washington, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 11, 2009
Washington, HRC, October 10, 2009
Washington, Associated Press, October 11, 2009
Washington, Metro Weekly, October 8, 2009
Washington, Newsweek, October 8, 2009
Washington, Advocate, October 09, 2009
Washington, Christian Post, October 9, 2009
Bona Venture, October 2, 2009
Portland, Maine, 365Gay.com, October 9, 2009
Portland, Maine, 365Gay.com, October 2009
Alaskans Together choosing Statewide Goals at Annual Meeting, Oct.11
Alaskans Together for Equality, Inc. (ATE) is holding their 1st Annual Meeting on Sunday October 11 to plan the goals and direction of Alaska’s new and only statewide civil rights group focused on promoting the rights of LGBTQ people. ATE is also holding a pre-meeting social on Saturday evening at Kodiak Bar & Grill.
“We are happy to report that we outgrew our original meeting space,” writes Marsha Buck, Board President, “and will be holding our annual meeting in the Country Kitchen banquet room at 346 East 5th Avenue in Anchorage.” Participants will evaluate the ATE mission, identify critical issues, choose 3-5 goals for the year, and develop a plan to reach those goals.
“Cathy LeCompte, our experienced facilitator from Ketchikan, calls most of the day a ‘Facilitated Strategic Conversation.’ In addition to that conversation, we will be electing new board members and new board officers.”
Alaskans Together for Equality is seeking people from all across Alaska to serve on the Board of Directors. People from rural and urban Alaska who are interested in the challenge of doing advocacy in our state, committed to serving on a working Board, and motivated to increase civil rights for LGBT Alaskans are encouraged to contact Marsha Buck and attend the strategy meeting.
Alaskans Together, the group that led the fight against the April 2007 anti-gay advisory vote against same-sex partner benefits, reorganized as two new groups: Alaskans Together for Equality to lobby the state Legislature for equal rights for LGBT Alaskans, and Alaskans Together Foundation to educate the Alaskan public on the need for equal treatment and civil rights for LGBT Alaskans.
On Monday, Marsha and Dr. Mo Longworth were interviewed on KTOO’s “Juneau Afternoon” radio program, discussing the ATE annual meeting, the Alaska Pride Conference, the National Equality March in DC and the Anchorage support rally. Marsha is coming to Anchorage for this weekend’s LGBT events and Mo is going to DC to march with her wife.
“There’s five of us going from Alaska,” said Mo about the National Equality March. “We’ll be marching behind a dark blue banner with yellow lettering saying “Alaskans Together for Equality, Inc.” and the Big Dipper will be represented in every color of the rainbow, each star being a different color. You can look for us behind that banner, and anyone is welcome to join in.”
“The goal is that all 435 Congressional Districts will be represented and we will all descend on DC and our Congress members asking them to support legislation that effects us.” One of the bills is ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which was introduced in June and will be coming up for a vote soon. “Please contact our legislators from Alaska and ask them to support ENDA.”
ANNUAL MEETING of ALASKANS TOGETHER FOR EQUALITY, INC.
& ALASKANS TOGETHER FOUNDATION, INC.
Saturday, October 10
Pre-Annual Meeting Social/Informational, 5-7:30 p.m.
Complimentary Hor D’oeuvres and No-host bar
KODIAK BAR AND GRILL 225 E. 5th Avenue
Sunday, October 11
1ST Annual Membership Meeting, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Country Kitchen Banquet Room
346 E. 5th Avenue (next door to the GLCCA)
SCHEDULE
8:50 a.m. Gather for coffee, tea, bagels and lunch selection
9:00 a.m. Welcome – Introduction of participants and facilitator
–Why we exist, brief history, and accomplishments of the past year
9:30 a.m. Facilitated Strategic Conversation led by Cathy LeCompte
–Mission Statement Discussion – Do we all agree on the Mission Statement?
–Identification of Issues Facing the Organizations – What are the critical issues facing ATE? ATF?
–Setting Goals – What are the three to five goals we will aim to accomplish in this upcoming year?
–Implementation Plan – Who will be responsible for carrying out the agreed upon goals?
–Debrief – Did we accomplish what we set out to do? If not, what next?
12:00 p.m. Lunch while continuing with strategic conversation
1:30 p.m. Annual Board of Directors meeting with membership participation
–Presentation of potential new board members
–Board vote to accept new board members
2:00 p.m. Discussion and decision regarding conference calls for coming year
2:15 p.m. Presentation of potential Board officers for coming year
–Board vote on officers
–Brainstorm of fundraising ideas
–Wrap up and adjournment by 3:00 p.m.
If you are traveling to Anchorage for either the Alaskans Together for Equality annual meeting or the Alaska Pride Conference and need a place to stay, take advantage of a special lodging rate at the Copper Whale Inn.
For more information on Alaskans Together, visit: www.alaskanstogether.org
Pride Conference asks "What is Important to Queer Alaskans?"
This weekend is QueerWorld Connect: the 16th annual Alaska Pride Conference! The three-day Anchorage event includes a kick-off dinner on Friday, the Saturday conference at Alaska Pacific University, and a Sunday brunch discussion on “Crossing the Generations.” (The full schedule is posted below.)
“This year for Pride Conference, instead of having one guest speaker, we will be having a panel of six community leaders,” said Johnathan Jones, Pride Conference chairperson. “Each leader has been asked to speak for five minutes on issues they consider relevant to queer Alaskans.”
The leaders on the panel include Her Imperial Majesty Ms. MeMe of the ICOAA; Trevor Stoors, Executive Director of Four A’s; Marsha Buck from Juneau, Co-President of Alaskans Together; Mike Mason, organizer for this year’s Youth Pride Prom; Rev. Susan Halvor from the ELCA (Lutherans); and Jackie Buckley from the Identity Advocacy Team.
After each leader has spoken, there will be a moderated panel discussion followed by a Q&A with the audience. “Our aim is to discuss important issues, with the opportunity for all attendees to have input in the discussion,” said Johnathan. “We invite all people to come prepared for stimulating conversations.”
The Pride Conference registration form is available online and can be dropped off at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center. QueerWorld is sponsored by Identity, Inc. and APU’s Spectrum.
The information below came from Johnathan and the October 2009 issue of NorthView, Identity’s quarterly bulletin, which is available online (linked HERE).
Pride Conference “QueerWorld Connect”
Pride Conference is a statewide gathering of queer folk and allies, with workshops, a plenary session, and a chance to socialize. The theme this year is QueerWorld Connect. When committee members brainstormed topics, we noticed that connection was the common thread, with unity as the ultimate goal. Connection within communities has to happen for unity to exist.
This year, the conference is a little different. We are broadening the scope and having a three day event focused on education, entertainment, and connection – connection with ourselves, with each other, and with community. Instead of a keynote speaker, we are having a panel on “Issues of Relevance to Queer Alaskans” which will feature community leaders from around our state.
The main day of the Pride Conference, Saturday at APU, begins with a breakfast buffet by the Last Frontier Men’s Club. There will be two sets of workshops, a vendor’s court, lunch, the panel discussion, and a hypnosis show by Jay Her.
Special effort went into making this an all ages friendly event, so feel free to bring kids to the conference or any conference function. A van will be available to transport those who need it from event to event. We do not want anyone to miss the conference because of lack of funds. If needed, Contact Johnathan for scholarship information.
To make the most of the conference, be prepared to meet new people, learn about new topics, and expect to have fun!
QueerWorld Connect Pride Conference
Friday Night – Oct. 9th – Dinner, Socializing & Entertainment
7:00 Dinner social at Organic Oasis with musical entertainment by EverReady. Please RSVP to Johnathan.
Cost: Purchase of your own food and drink.
Saturday – Oct. 10th – Conference at APU, Atwood Center
8:30 Breakfast (Included)
9:30 Welcome/Opening Remarks
10:00 Choice of workshops
11:15 Choice of workshops
12:30 Lunch (included)
1:15 Hypnosis Presentation
2:00 Plenary Session: Panel on “Issues of Relevance to Queer Alaskans”
3:00 Closing remarks/evaluation
Cost: At the door: Adults $25, Students $15. Pre-registration: Adults $20, Students $10. Scholarships available: Contact Johnathan
Saturday Night – Oct. 10th – Bowling & Social
7:00 Bowling hosted by Adam and Steve, Center Bowl on Spenard and Minnesota, RSVP required.
Cost: free for 2 hours of bowling and shoe hire, but we only have 20 spots available so RSVP to Johnathan asap.
10:00-Midnight Late night drop in at the GLCCA.
Sunday – Oct. 11th – Breakfast Program
10:30-Noon Hot Brunch and panel on “Crossing the Generations” at the YWCA next to the Community Center.
Cost: Adults $10, Seniors and Students $7.50 Pre-registration required at the GLCCA.
Johnathan Jones, Pride Conference chairperson, is a wanna be life-long Alaskan. Having grown up in Australia, he now calls Alaska home. Johnathan is passionate about working with non-profit groups and forging working relationships with all members of our communities. He is really excited about the upcoming “QueerWorld” Pride Conference and hopes you all make it!
Anchorage Rally for the National Equality March
Join us in Anchorage this Saturday at the National Equality March support rally for Alaska’s one congressional district, an LGBTA rally at Loussac Library for “Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.”
The Anchorage rally was reported in yesterday’s post, 6 Things Alaskans Can Do This Week for LGBT Rights, but I want to highlight it today with another inspiring NEM video:
Why rally at Loussac, the site of this summer’s attempt to gain equal protection under the law in the Anchorage Municipality? Why return to the scene of the crime, after the Assembly chair rudely dismissed us from the chambers just last week?
It’s time to show Ossiander that we will not go away quietly and let them continue to discriminate against us in silence. We will not slink back to our “unacceptable lifestyle” and let religious fanatics determine our legal rights in our town. Instead, the LGBT community and our many allies will work for and gain equality under federal law. The mayor and assembly chair and local bigots are only big fish in the small pond of Anchorage, they cannot make the whole country and all of Congress bow down to their fear of us.
It’s time to join LGBTA people all across this country and Rally for National Equality!
The Anchorage support rally for the National Equality March will be at Loussac Library, 36th and Denali Street, on Saturday, Oct 10 from 10 a.m. (the start time of the DC rally) until 6 p.m. Join us for an hour or stay for the whole day. Bring big (easy to read) signs, warm clothes, and all of your equality-loving friends. See you on Saturday!
6 Things Alaskans Can Do This Week for LGBT Rights
The National Equality March (NEM) is Oct 10-11 in DC, and a group from Juneau will carry the Alaska banner in the march. Those of us who are not going to DC can also support the march and LGBT rights this weekend. How?
Equality Across America called this march to address the lack of federal rights and protections for LGBT people AND to build support for LGBT equality in all 435 congressional districts in the United States.
The goal of the National Equality March:
“to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. We will gather. We will march. And we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs to be done in every community across the nation.“Our single demand: Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.”
Here is the National Equality March call to action video:
Alaska has only one congressional district, representing the whole state. Here are 6 things we can do this week in Alaska’s at-large congressional district to support the goals of the National Equality March:
1. Rally here when they rally in DC: Join the Anchorage support Rally for LGBT Equality! Anchorage is holding a support rally for the DC march, along the sidewalk in front of Loussac Library, 36th and Denali Street, on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. (the start time of the DC rally) until 6 p.m. (Everyone from the Alaska Pride Conference at APU can carpool a few blocks down 36th and join the rally when the conference ends at 3:30.) Rally for our rights!
2. Bring your ideas for national LGBT equality to the Alaskans Together for Equality annual strategy meeting! The 1st annual Alaskans Together for Equality meeting will develop plans for LGBT Alaskans and our allies in this congressional district to support our state and national rights, on Sunday, Oct 11, from 9a.m.-3p.m. in the Country Kitchen banquet room, 346 E. 5th Ave. (next door to the Gay & Lesbian Community Center.)
3. Meet Alaskans who support LGBT equality at the Alaskans Together social! Come to ATE’s social gathering with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar, on Saturday Oct 10, at the Kodiak Bar & Grill, 225 E. 5th Avenue, from 5-7:30 p.m. (after the Pride Conference and National March support rally.)
4. Contribute to the Alaska banner for the National Equality March! The group representing Alaska is carrying a blue banner with gold letters saying “Alaskans Together for Equality” with nine rainbow stars showing the Big Dipper and North Star, a gay version of the Alaska state flag. They would appreciate donations from the community to cover the cost of the banner. Send to: SEAGLA, PO Box 21542, Juneau, AK 99802.
5. Come Out on National Coming Out Day! The march was called for this weekend because Oct 11 is National Coming Out Day. Wherever you live, have Conversations from the Heart about LGBT equality with your friends and family. A simple conversation can change lives.
6. Call Alaska’s Members of Congress to support LGBT Equality! Let our elected leaders know that we support the National Equality March and full GLBT equality under the law. Encourage them to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which they will be voting on soon, the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and the repeal of the marriage ban known as DOMA. Contact Rep. Don Young, Senator Mark Begich and Senator Lisa Murkowski.
Spread the news about these events, and bring your friends and family members to support LGBT rights this weekend, right here in Alaska!
Sara’s News Round-Up 10/4/09
A selection of recent GLBT news chosen by Sara Boesser of Juneau.
Washington, 365Gay.com, September 30, 2009
Washington, 365Gay.com, September 30, 2009
New York Times, September 2, 2009
New York Times, September 23, 2009
Portland, Oregon, CBS News, October 1, 2009
Indianapolis, Indiana, Washington Blade, September 18, 2009
BBC, October 1, 2009
Augusta, Maine, Star Tribune, October 1, 2009
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Canada News, October 3, 2009
St. Petersburg, Florida, St. Petersburg Times, October 4, 2009
Los Angeles, Associated Press, September 20, 2009
Missouri, KSMU News, October 1, 2009
Washington, Boston Globe, October 3, 2009
Cleveland, Ohio, Time, October 1, 2009
Washington, National Catholic Reporter, October 1, 2009
