Articles in Pride
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
Pride Chorus keeps on singing
June 1 is Blogging for LGBT Families Day 2009. The Pride Chorus is “a chorus of mothers, daughters, sisters, lovers & grandmothers” and Juneau Woman of Distinction Marsha Buck does her LGBT activism on behalf of her children, so this is Bent’s LGBT Families Day post. Last year’s post was Two Moms and Two Boys DO Make a Family.
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The Juneau Pride Chorus annual (spring) concert was early this year, ‘way back in February. In March, the Chorus sang at the annual AWARE Dinner, where Chorus member Marsha Buck was honored as a Juneau Woman of Distinction. In April, the Chorus sang at the Juneau Folk Festival. Then in May, they opened for a special concert by Emma’s Revolution.
“It was a privilege to open for Emma’s Revolution and sing a song with them,” writes Pride Chorus member Juanita Reese. “There was a big turn out, and they are wonderful people – funny, inspiring – with good music.”
The Pride Chorus also performed the opening set for the Women of Distinction Dinner. Marsha Buck attended the dinner with her daughter Lys, who was visiting from Wisconsin.
“She and her wife, Liz, and their two children are the ones on whose behalf I do my LGBT activism,” writes Marsha.
In addition to being a member of the Juneau Pride Chorus and a Juneau Woman of Distinction 2009, Marsha is a member of PFLAG Juneau and the Board President of Alaskans Together for Equality.
“These women were chosen for their dedication and relentless service to peace, justice and the empowerment of women,” reads the Women of Distinction 2009 page. “Each honoree has enriched the lives of women and children and has made a legacy of compassion out of their own lives.”
The 35th Annual Folk Festival described the Juneau Pride Chorus as “a chorus of mothers, daughters, sisters, lovers & grandmothers bonded by a love of singing and & a desire to celebrate diversity.”
The theme of the Women’s Pride Chorus 2009 annual concert in February was Women’s Bodies, Women’s Strength. The concert was followed by a dance, with music performed by female musicians.
The Juneau Pride Chorus singing at AWARE’s Women of Distinction dinner in Juneau.
Marsha Buck with her daughter Lys at the AWARE Dinner.
Chorus member Juanita Reese at the AWARE Dinner with her daughter Janae.
Pat Humphries and Sandy O of Emma’s Revolution.
Celebration Art Show, Pride Week Events & "Oh the Things Mommies Do!"
Gay AK: Notes from LGBT ALaska
Homer PFLAG decided to make a float for the local July 4th parade this year, so Alaska will celebrate LGBT Pride in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau AND Homer this summer.
Write to your Assembly members, RSVP for the June 9th Hearing
Have you written to your Assembly members yet? If not, please write or call today. If you don’t live in Anchorage, please contact friends who do and ask them to call or write for you. Will you be at the hearing on June 9th? Please RSVP with Equality Works. Have Questions or Concerns? Email Tiffany McClain or visit Equality Works.
Alaska-raised illustrator co-authors “Oh the Things Mommies Do!”
Crystal Tompkins and her partner Lindsey Evans, who grew up in Anchorage, are self-publishing a new LGBT children’s book, “Oh The Things Mommies Do! What Could Be Better Than Having Two?” a celebration of Lesbian Mothers and their children. “Oh The Things Mommies Do!” is a “bouncy and playful look at the joys of a two Mom family. With its catchy rhymes and vibrant illustrations, it is a pleasure for children and parents alike.” Lindsey was raised in Anchorage, attended Bartlett High School and was a student at UAA. “Oh the Things Mommies Do!” will be available in June.
Radical Woman Award nominations due 5/30, CoC Art Show entries on 6/3
The Radical Woman Award honors women who have made significant contributions to the GLBT community in Alaska. Please nominate a wonderful woman and send a short paragraph highlighting her contributions to Radical Arts for Women by 5/30. The winner will be announced at Celebration of Change. Female visual artists are invited to submit their work for the Celebration of Change First Friday Art Show, 6/5-29 at the Kodiak Bar and Grill. Drop off entries on 6/3 after 3 p.m. The 25th Anniversary show of Celebration of Change is at the Wilda Marston Theatre at 7 p.m. on June 13. Tickets for CoC are available now at Metro, or the GLCCA on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Anchorage PrideFest seeks Volunteers
More volunteers are needed to be Parade Route Marshals for the parade, and for setup and tear down for the Festival on Saturday, June 20. If you can volunteer your time and energy please email the GLCCA. Congratulations to M.E. Rider and Jill Ramsey, editors of the Grrlzlist, who are the Anchorage PrideFest Parade Grand Marshals for 2009. Check out the many Pride Week events, download the vendor, performer and contingent applications, and read about M.E. and Jill at Anchorage PrideFest 2009.
Drag Queen Bingo and Pride Week with Four A’s
Four A’s is hosting several events for Pride Week 2009. Adam and Steve’s Annual Drag Queen Bingo Fundraiser is on Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m. at Snow City Café. All proceeds go to the Adam and Steve HIV Prevention program for young gay and bisexual men. The Bingo includes a silent auction and a drawing for everyone who dresses in drag. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Join Four A’s annual marching unit at the PrideFest Parade on Saturday, June 20th. This year’s theme will be Mission Possible: Know Your Status and we will be dressing in camo and promoting HIV testing. National HIV Testing Week is June 20-27th. Free HIV testing will be offered all week, including during PrideFest. For more info, visit Four A’s.
Celebration Tickets, Team Alaska for Gay Games, and June Pride 09
Gay AK: Notes from LGBT Alaska
Get Your Tickets for Celebration
Celebration of Change tickets are on sale now at Metro Music, and at the GLCCA on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-9 p.m. Want to be part of the show but don’t have an individual act? No worries! Join a crazy crew of fabulous females for the Celebration of Change Opening Number. This is your year to be involved in Celebration. Don’t miss it! Advertise in the Celebration 25th Anniversary program, $25 for a business size ad. Sponsored by Radical Arts for Women (RAW).
Femme Fatale raises $2,800 for Four A’s
Four A’s says thank you to everyone who came out to support Femme Fatale! The event raised over $2,800 for HIV positive individuals and prevention efforts in Southeast Alaska. Thank you for helping make the event a rocking success! Photos from Femme Fatale 2009 are posted on the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association (Four A’s) Facebook page.
Designer and Athletes for Gay Games 2010
Looking for athletes, volunteers & t-shirt designers. Gay Games VIII will be held in 2010 in Cologne, Germany, and Alaskans are getting ready! Gay Games is the largest LGBT sports and culture event in the world. In 2006, Team Alaska took 20 athletes to the competition. Limited scholarships are available for 2010. We want a design for Team Alaska, and another for the International Association of Gay and Lesbian Martial Artists, which has an Alaskan coordinator. The designs will be used on t-shirts and possibly other items at Gay Games. Limited funds available for design and production. Prefer to use LGBT designer or interested persons. Anyone interested in Gay Games or in creating a design, please email Team Alaska.
New Fairbanks Gay Personals list
Fairbanks gays are invited to join a new Yahoo list focused on hooking up and finding someone special. To join, send a message to Fairbanks Gay Personals.
June Pride in Anchorage, Fairbanks AND Juneau
June Pride events are being planned in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau this year. The Fairbanks PrideFest is Saturday June 13. Anchorage Pride week begins on June 13, the night of Celebration of Change. The Parade and Festival on the Park Strip are on Saturday June 20. Juneau’s Pride Picnic Celebration is also on Saturday June 20, at Skater’s Cabin. Awesome!
National Progress on LGBT Rights
America is experiencing a burst of progress on LGBT rights:
- The United States finally signed the U.N. declaration to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide,
- voters in Gainseville Florida beat back a repeal attempt of the city’s LGBT non-discrimination policy,
- the Vermont Senate and the New Hampshire House each passed a same-sex marriage bill,
- a banned Gay-Straight Alliance club was reinstated by court order,
- an out lesbian attorney was appointed general counsel for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (the director is a gay man)
- and another lesbian attorney (who is legally married to her wife and is an ordained Episcopal priest) was appointed Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
This is just the beginning. For a full round-up of current efforts to improve the lives of LGBT Americans, see Keori’s list on Pam’s House Blend.
Here are a few national LGBT events and resources that crossed my screen recently:
- 40 Years of Pride – June 28, 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, internationaly recognized as the beginning of the modern gay rights movement.
- Faces of Us – Send a picture to this LGBT photo project so they can add Alaska to the list of participating states.
- Day of Silence – The National Day of Silence, celebrated this year on April 17, brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools.
- Think before you speak – Don’t say “that’s so gay.”
- Welcoming Our Trans Family and Friends – PFLAG’s most recent trans resource.
- Day of Decision on Prop 8 – Day of Decision actions, held the evening of the California Supreme Court Prop 8 decision.
Gay AK Round-up
The Last Queer Frontier
Anchorage PrideFest 2009 will be June 13-21 with the theme The Last Queer Frontier. The highlight of PrideFest is the Celebrating Diversity Parade and the Festival on the Delaney Park Strip on June 20. The Festival features live entertainment, vendors, food, friends and fun, all under the glorious Midnight Sun. Parade and Vendor applications are available on the Links page.
Growing Mat-Su Center seeks funding
The Mat-Su LGBT Community Center opened its doors on Monday. “I’m very encouraged by the size of our coffee meetings,” writes Brianne. “At this time we could really use a contribution towards setting up Internet and phone access in our office. Also we very much need bookshelves.” The Center is open Monday-Friday 5-8 p.m. and the coffee social is on Wednesdays, 5 p.m. at Vagabond Blues in Palmer.
Conservatives notice Alaskans Together
Alaskans Together was mentioned by The Catholic Anchor and the Alaska Standard in an article opposed to the Fairbanks school board’s decision to add gender identity to the non-discrimination policies: “The policy change was a welcome move by an increasingly well-organized group of gay rights advocates in Alaska. The Web site for the activist group Alaskans Together expressed hope that the new policy would set an example for future action by other schools and governments across Alaska.”
Men of Anchorage on Meetup
Men of Alaska is a group for gay men in Anchorage, Alaska and surrounding areas who meet for social events and community service projects. Gay men visiting from outside of Alaska are also welcome to join to find events that are happening during their visit.
Out in Alaska summer trips
Out in Alaska has awesome adventures planned for this summer, including backpacking in Gates of the Arctic National Park (June 5-13), backpacking in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (June 15-21 – women’s trip, and August 18-24), rafting the incredible Copper River (July 18-25), and kayaking in Kenai Fjords (Aug. 3-7). No experience necessary, just be in good shape and ready for adventure. Ask Tim about the local discount.
Pride Chorus concert and AWARE dinner
Join the Juneau Pride Chorus for their 2009 concert and dance on the theme of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Strength, February 28, 7:30 p.m. at the Juneau Arts & Culture Center.
Songs include Alix Dobkin’s “If It Wasn’t for the Women,” “This One’s for the Girls,” “Hair,” “Respect,” Enya’s “Ebudae” and “Hattie and Mattie” from Holly Near. Plus, a delightful group of Pride Chorus members’ children will be singing “My Body’s Nobody’s Body But Mine.”
After the singing, there will be dancing to music performed by female musicians. Refreshments will be served during the intermission. Tickets are available from Chorus members or at the door – $15 for adults, $30 for a family, $12 for seniors and students. Everyone is welcome!
Last year’s Pride Chorus concert was the 10th anniversary show, on the theme Songs for the Soul. Chorus members Jill, Linda and Paula wrote about the concert.
The Juneau Pride Chorus will also be the opening act at the annual Women of Distinction Dinner sponsored by AWARE of Juneau, on March 7 at Centennial Hall. One of the Women of Distinction this year is Marsha Buck, member of the Pride Chorus, PFLAG Juneau and Alaskans Together for Equality.
“These women were chosen for their dedication and relentless service to peace, justice and the empowerment of women,” reads the Women of Distinction 2009 page. “Each honoree has enriched the lives of women and children and have made a legacy of compassion out of their own lives.”
The Pride Chorus songs will be followed by a catered dinner, silent auction and speeches by each of the women about what inspires them. Proceeds benefit AWARE’s domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and intervention services.
Congratulations, Marsha!
Freedom to Marry Week
The annual Freedom to Marry Week is February 8-14, 2009. We are asked to tell three people what it’s like for us or our loved ones to be LGBT, and what it means to be treated as less than equal for being gay. Why? Because people who know about our lives are more likely to support our civil rights.
Who will you tell?
Meanwhile, check out this touching Fidelity video with the “Don’t Divorce Us” photos. I saw a picture of Alaska in there – is this someone we know?
Gay & Lesbian TV and Radio in Alaska
Do you want Alaska’s public radio and television stations to air programs for Gay Pride Month in June and Gay History Month in Oct?
Do you want to hear “This Way Out” on statewide radio, and watch “In The Life” on local television?
Would you support a locally hosted LGBT radio show?
Ask and you might receive. The public radio station KSKA is asking listeners to suggest new program ideas, so now is a good time to request LGBT radio shows and topics.
KSKA does not currently broadcast any monthly or weekly gay programs, but they have in the past. They mention LGBT Alaskans about once a year. (This interview is about the one gay AK story for 2008.)
The radio station is also connected to KAKM, the public television station. KAKM used to air the national LGBT news magazine “In The Life.”
Last April, they aired the documentary “Anyone & Everyone” with a half hour response filmed by KTOO in Juneau. That may have been the only LGBT program to air on Alaska’s public television station in 2008.
Public radio and tv stations in other states plan LGBT programming every year for Pride Month in June and Gay History Month in Oct. Talk show hosts often interview local LGBT organizers before the local PrideFests and National Coming Out Day events.
Email KSKA or use their online contact form and suggest more LGBT programs for 2009.
PrideFest 2009 in Anchorage & Fairbanks
UPDATE: Juneau is also planning a Pride event this year! Juneau’s Pride Picnic Celebration is on Saturday, June 20 at Skater’s Cabin.
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Both Anchorage and Fairbanks have announced dates for the 2009 Pride Festivals!
Anchorage 6/20
“Identity Inc. & The Imperial Court of ALL Alaska are very happy to announce the dates for Anchorage PrideFest 2009: June 14-21, 2009 with the Parade and Festival on Saturday June 20, 2009. We are looking for new events, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers to make this the best PrideFest yet! We are also looking for ideas for this year’s theme, to be decided in early February, so please send us any feedback you have.”
Fairbanks 6/13
“Please pencil in Saturday, June 13, 2009 for Fairbanks Pridefest. More info as it is developed.”
