Articles in Resources
Daniel Radcliffe: "Be proud of who you are" (video)
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.
Watch the video:
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.
###
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)
2 Alaskans win Pride college scholarships
Two LGBT college students from Alaska received Pride Foundation scholarships for the 2010/11 school year: Tonei Glavinic and Kady Titus.
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 LeadershipKady 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.
LGBT Art Show comes to Anchorage
– a guest post by Zirrus VanDevere, owner of Art Works Gallery on the Kenai Peninsula, and author of the “Art Seen” column in the Redoubt Reporter.
—-
I own Art Works Gallery in Soldotna, Alaska, and recently held an invitational exhibit called “Celebrate”. The show was inspired by a speech President Obama gave to the Human Rights Campaign, and in it, he backed the LGBT community with no compromise, and I was incredibly moved.
I wanted this exhibit to be a celebration of the steps forward, rather than a rant, and feel that the artists rose to the challenge.
The Peninsula Clarion ran an article about it, and the response was entirely positive. I expected some sort of adverse reaction, but got absolutely NONE. It may actually be safe to come out on the Kenai Peninsula!
The show will now travel to Anchorage where the Out North Theater will display it in the large gallery space with new entries added to it. The show opens May 21st and runs through June 26th. Contact art@outnorth.org if you’d like to add your “voice”.
Dining and Singing to fight AIDS in Alaska (Thursday)
Eat good food at Dining Out For Life in Fairbanks and enjoy great singing at the Wizard of Oz Cast and Crew Cabaret in Anchorage to raise funds for people with HIV/AIDS in Alaska. Both events are on Thursday, April 29th.
Dining Out For Life – Fairbanks
Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at select restaurants as a benefit for Interior AIDS Association in Fairbanks. The restaurants are Lu Lu’s Bread and Bagels for breakfast, Ivory Jack’s for lunch from 11am to 5pm, Bobby’s Downtown for dinner, and Lavelle’s Bistro for dinner. Addresses and phone numbers HERE.
“Dining Out For Life: Dine Out, Fight AIDS” is an annual fundraising event where local restaurants donate a portion of proceeds to area AIDS agencies. IAA also participated in Dining Out last year. Over 55 cities in the United States and Canada are involved in DOFL this year.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road – Anchorage
Supporters of Four A’s get a special treat Thursday night: stay up late and Follow the Yellow Brick Road to a cabaret performance by the Wizard of Oz cast and crew! The show begins at 11 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s and the suggested minimum donation is $15 a person. All the proceeds will directly benefit HIV positive individuals and HIV prevention efforts in Alaska. Tickets will be sold only at the door.
This is not the first time Four A’s has convinced cast members of a Broadway show to perform a cabaret benefit while on tour in Anchorage. Last year, cast members of The Lion King sang a wonderful show called The Lion Sings Tonight, which sold out.
Trans Alaskans get back into Action
Exciting developments from Alaska’s Transgender community: the TransAK website is back online and up-dated with two new projects, TransAKtion and a podcast, and four members will be guest speakers at a special YWCA luncheon Transwomen in Alaska on June 16.
TransAK website
TransAlaska Pipeline, the website for the TransGendered Alaskans’ Social Group, is back and better than ever! New features include TransAKtion, an effort to form a TG non-profit in Alaska, and the up-coming “Good Morning, TransAmerica” podcasts hosted by Anja.
“It has long been a dream of mine to see an organization formed by us, run by us, that exists to help us.Transgendered people suffer discrimination at every turn. Many of us face violence, simply for being ourselves. Transition can also be cost-prohibitive for many of us, especially the guys. Many of us are forced into the sex industry due to lack of opportunties and societal marginalization of TGs.There is so much work to do. This website is the first step towards fulfilling my dream of uniting us into a real community.”
The podcasts are expected to debut on April 30 with the segments “Transpeople and Christianity: Does God have a plan for us?” – Part 1, “Life in a small Alaskan town” featuring a trans commercial fisherman, and a review of the book “The Riddle of Gender: Science, Activism & Transgender Rights.”
If you are the owner of a trans-friendly business, please let them know, so your business can be listed in the directory. Visit TransAK at www.transakpipeline.com
“Transwomen in Alaska” 6/16 at noon
Guest speakers Anja Gensel, Kelly Johnson, Michelle Gallante and Meaghan Lockard present Transwomen in Alaska as part of the “Opening Minds and Hearts” luncheon series at the YWCA of Anchorage on June 16, from 12-1 p.m. Open to the public, $15 or $10 for students with ID. YWCA Anchorage is located at 324 E. 5th Ave. RSVP 644-9605.
Trans Social Group
The Transgendered Alaskans’ Social Group meetings are held in Anchorage on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLBT Center. The Mat-Su Valley meetings are held Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at the Vagabond Blues Coffee Shop in downtown Palmer. Check the calendar on TransAlaska for more events.
SB 202, Pride events, CoC vendors, MCC cents & Student Advocates
Gay AK: Notes from and for LGBT Alaska
Today, March 20, is National Native (American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian) HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
SB 202 Adds Gender Identity
Good news: The Alaska Hate Crimes Bill (SB 202) passed out of the Senate Judiciary committee, with the gender amendment added. Senators French, Egan & Wielechowski voted with us, Senators McGuire & Coghill voted against. A new version of the bill will be posted with the amendments, and it may be referred to the Finance committee. Thank you for sending messages, POM’s and testimony to Judiciary, and stay tuned for the contact addresses for Finance members.
Seeking PrideFest events
Alaska PrideFest 2010 is encouraging all groups, in all Alaskan cities, to submit activities scheduled during Pride Week (June 19-27) for publication and promotion on the new Alaska PrideFest web site. Please send time, date, location and a brief description to Gail, PrideFest Planning Co-Chair. We are also seeking parade participants, park-strip vendors, stage entertainers and happy volunteers to help make “2010: A Pride Odyssey” an event to remember.
‘Masqueerade’ vendors, ads, tickets
RAW is calling for Celebration of Change vendors and program ads. Sell your wares: $25 for a table and $25 for a business card ad in the program. They are also looking for more fabulous volunteer crew members to help make this show a success. Celebration of Change is on March 27 at the Wilda Marston Theatre. Tickets are $15, available at Metro and the GLCCA. Volunteer application and vender/ad information at Celebration.
Search for MCC Anchorage
Your Internet searches can raise funds for MCC Anchorage. Go to Good Search and paste “Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage” for the charity name (the 2nd box.) Then MCCA will get revenue for every search. The second option is to install a non-intrusive toolbar which appears on your web browser so you don’t need to change your homepage. It’s a great way for non-profits to make a bit of change.
Student Advocate of the Year
Do you know a high school student who should be recognized for advancing LGBT equality in his or her school or community? If so, nominate them to win GLSEN’s 2010 Student Advocate of the Year Award, presented by AT&T. The winner travels all-expenses-paid to New York City to attend GLSEN’s 2010 New York Respect Awards on 5/24, where his or her unique accomplishments as an exemplary student leader will be honored. Login and complete the nomination form by April 2 at the Student Advocate of the Year contest.
Alaska Women Speak summer issue
Alaska Women Speak Quarterly is a periodical by and for Alaska Women. We are looking for contributions of prose, poetry and art on the Summer 2010 theme of “My-topia.” You know what Utopia is, what’s your -topia? As always, we are in need of donations to keep the presses rolling. Send writings by 5/15 to Alaska Women Speak, and donations to AWS, PO Box 210045, Anchorage 99521. Thanks for your continued support.
Femme Fatale fundraiser returns to Juneau
Juneau’s hottest event of the year is the Four A’s Femme Fatale shows, on Friday, March 26th AND Saturday, March 27th. (Each show is unique, so mark your calendar for both.)
Tickets are $15 a piece or $25 for tickets to both shows. All the proceeds will benefit the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association‘s Juneau programs.
Friday night’s event takes place at The Rendezvous, doors open at 9 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m.
Saturday night’s event is at The Baranof Hotel, doors open at 9 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m..
Tickets can be purchased in Juneau at Hearthside Books, the Baranof, Rendezvous, Triangle and the Four A’s Juneau office. Or, call 1-800-478-AIDS to purchase tickets over the phone with a credit card.
The 305 Most LGBT-Friendly Employers
Alaska Air Group, based in Seattle, made the list. So did UPS, BP, Costco and AT&T, along with several national retail businesses that have stores in Alaska. No Alaska-based companies participate in the annual HRC rating.
The list of 305 Best Places to Work was released on Monday and contains only businesses that scored 100% in HRC’s 2010 Corporate Equality Index.
“These companies’ actions constitute tangible, significant civil rights progress,” HRC president Joe Solmonese said in a statement. “By mandating equal opportunity in hiring, ensuring equal compensation through medical and family benefits, and promoting informed work forces and equal work places, these companies light the way for advances in state and federal law.”
The 305 Best Places, and the full 2010 Index ratings, are posted HERE.
Alaska is 1 of 5 states with no gay elected leaders. Really?
Alaska, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota and West Virginia – these are the only 5 states in the nation that have no LGBT elected officials, according to the Victory Fund.
The Fund recently announced the 36 LGBT candidates they endorsed for elected office this year. Based on the categories below their map, 30 states currently have LGBT representation at the state or federal level, another 15 have at least one elected LGBT official below the state level, and only 5 states have no LGBT representation at any level. Alaska is in the last category.
We don’t have a single gay or lesbian elected official in the entire state of Alaska? Hogwash.
We must have a few gay officials among the hundreds of people who hold public office in this state. There are thousands of LGBT people living here, and we are just as capable as heterosexuals. Statistically, it’s inconceivable that there wouldn’t be at least a few elected gay people. Maybe not in high profile positions, but somewhere.
Historically in Alaska, the leaders were people who might not have won elections in the more settled regions of the country. Some would not have been allowed to run for office in parts of the Lower 48. But in frontier Alaska, a capable and friendly person who would commit to staying for a few years might be recognized as a leader despite other characteristics. Some Alaska towns are still like that, and one or two might have a good leader who happens to be gay.
But they wouldn’t be likely to talk about something they were willing to overlook, and a gay leader elected despite their identity wouldn’t make a big deal out of it. It’s besides the point.
For the national LGBT movement, knowing about them is an important point. Someone who is elected in spite of being gay cannot advocate for changes on our behalf without calling attention to their own identity.
When the Victory Fund said “openly LGBT” they didn’t mean being out to friends and relatives, or even co-workers, they meant being publicly out. For a candidate in a city with a large LGBT population, the national exposure can help them get elected. They might as well come out publicly during the campaign so they won’t be outed in office. But there isn’t much advantage in a small town, or for someone who is already in office despite being gay.
So the Fund’s map is basically accurate, although it isn’t true. They just need to change the description of the Horizon category that includes Alaska from “no openly LGBT elected officials” to “no LGBT elected officials who want to come out to the whole world.” That’s probably true for the other 4 Horizon states as well.
But if you’re a capable and friendly Alaskan who wants to run for office as a publicly out gay man or lesbian, the Victory Fund would be happy to add Alaska to their list of active states… and we’d be happy to move out of that column.
