Articles in z
Emma’s Revolution in concert, Pride Chorus opens
Pat Humphries & Sandy O of Emma’s Revolution bring their music of “truth, hope and a dash of healthy irreverence” to Juneau on March 18, 7:30 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and Juneau Pride Chorus will open the concert with a few songs. They will also perform in Sitka and on KTOO radio.
Emma’s Revolution has traveled around the world and throughout the US spreading their message of peace and justice. As a duo, they performed at hundreds of peace and justice events over the last eight years. Their current tour is for their new CD We Came To Sing!, a collaboration with the legendary Holly Near.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance through Emma’s Revolution and are $15, or $12 for members of co-sponsoring organizations. The concert is co-sponsored by Juneau Pride Chorus, Juneau Veterans for Peace, Juneau People for Peace & Justice and Juneau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
During their week in Alaska, Emma’s Revolution will also perform in Sitka and be live guests on KTOO radio. On Monday March 15, they will join “A Juneau Afternoon” at 3:30 p.m. Tune in to KTOO 104.3 FM or via live streaming (click “Listen Live” in the top left logo.)
On Saturday, March 20 they perform in Sitka at the Sheet’ka Kwaán Naa Kahídi Tribal Community House. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door, no one turned away for lack of ability to pay. Advance tickets may be purchased at Old Harbor Books. On March 21, they will be adding music to the Sunday service at the Sitka Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. All are welcome.
Emma’s Revolution has been called “Smart, funny and informative. Like Rachel Maddow and Jon Stewart with guitars.” Don’t miss them.
Fly-fishing, SRS, Gay-friendly Music & Free Healthcare Guide
Gay AK: Notes from and for LGBT Alaska
Free Fly-fishing Retreat for Breast Cancer Survivors
The Casting for Recovery Alaska program is accepting applications to attend our 2010 summer retreat on July 9-11. This 2-night weekend features flyfishing instruction, all meals & lodging on a quiet lake outside Wasilla, and the support of other women breast cancer survivors (including optional support program in the evening) – for free. No fishing experience required! Apply online at Casting For Recovery Alaska by April 30th. Fish on!
Sexual Reassignment Surgery is tax deductible
A few years ago, a transwoman tried to deduct the medical expenses of SRS from her taxes and was denied by the IRS because they said it was cosmetic surgery and not medically necessary. On Feb 2, a federal court affirmed that SRS is medically necessary and not cosmetic. Along with the American Medical Association resolution saying the same thing, insurance companies will hopefully drop one of their main arguments for the discriminatory “transgender” exclusion, that it is a cosmetic procedure. Also: FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery) will soon be available in Anchorage, Alaska!
Local Irish Band Seeks Gay-Friendly Gigs
Back Alley Banned plays traditional Irish music around Anchorage. “Since Mayor Dan Sullivan vetoed the anti-discrimination ordinance last summer, I’ve had my own small boycott of the McGinley’s Irish Pub of which Sullivan is part owner,” writes banjo player Heather Resz, “and my band declined the offer to play at the bar for St. Patrick’s Day. If you know of a nice gay-friendly venue that needs an Irish band any time, Back Alley Banned is available.”
MCCA Looking for Guitarist/Pianist
Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage is an Inclusive Church looking for an additional half-time musician with strong guitar and vocal skills to play in our weekly worship services. We are a thirty plus member Christian church that includes a diverse worship service for a church of GBLT, affirming, and straight congregants. Candidate will work directly with the Worship Leader to construct meaningful, Spirit-filled worship. Students/Interns welcome. Interested applicants may submit a letter of interest or resume with to MCC Anchorage 2222 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.
PFLAG Releases New Healthcare Publication for Allies
PFLAG’s Straight for Equality project announced the release of its newest publication, Straight for Equality in Healthcare. For many LGBT people, accessing healthcare can be difficult because they often do not know how their healthcare provider will react to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This new publication and website were developed to provide a solution that demonstrates to providers why it’s important to be inclusive, give concrete steps they can take to creating a comfortable environment for LGBT patients in their practice, and much more. Visit Straight for Equality to view the website and download the free Straight for Equality in Healthcare guide. A new chapter workbook that you can use to create welcoming healthcare environments in your community is coming soon. Contact PFLAG national for more information.
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.
Surfacing, New Pride site, Arctic Heat winners, Youth Drop-Ins, & DC Marriage
Gay AK: Notes from and for LGBT Alaska
Holcombe Waller at Out North 3/12-3/14
Portland-based performer Holcombe Waller presents a 1-hour performance combining excerpts from two song-driven works: “Into the Dark Unknown (The Hope Chest),” a theatrical folk concert combining songs, storytelling and video imagery, and a new work titled “Surfacing,” an silent film with live musical accompaniment that explores the universal themes of love, identity and language arising in the debate for GLBT equality. Watch a video excerpt from “Into the Dark Unknown (The Hope Chest)” and check out Holcombe Waller’s website. Tickets at Out North Theatre 3800 Debarr Road, Anchorage.
Saturday Youth Drop-In meets twice a month
Identity Inc. and “QrSA” (queer and straight allies) are pleased to announce that the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage will be hosting a new bi-monthly Saturday drop-in for youth ages 13 to 19 only. The drop-ins will take place from 12-3pm on the first and third Saturdays of the month. The community center will be open to the general public afterwards, from 3-6pm.
Alaska PrideFest’s new website
This year’s PrideFest theme will be “Alaska Pride 2010: A Pride Odyssey” and we have a new website: www.alaskapride.org. The old website is still active and current, and we will complete the transition after this year’s PrideFest so you can still find all the PrideFest information at www.anchoragepride.com. We are also excited to have full state wide representation – we have planners from Fairbanks and sponsors from Juneau – and this year will certainly be an exciting PrideFest. Check out the new website to see this year’s logo!
Introducing the new Arctic Heat title holders
The Last Frontier Men’s Club is pleased to announce their new title holders: Alaska Cub – Shane, Mr. Bear Alaska – Kirt, Ms. Alaska Leather – Sarah, Mr. Alaska Leather – Tom. Congratulations to the new title holders! (pictured right.) Thanks to all the contestants, and to everyone who attended Arctic Heat Weekend and supports the Bear and Leather Community and TLFMC. We would like to invite men over the age of 21 to get involved in our gay men’s social club, The Last Frontier Men’s Club.
Same-Sex Marriage now legal in Washington D.C.
Washington is now the sixth place in the nation where same-sex marriages can take place. Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont also issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Gay-rights advocates hailed the day as a milestone for equal rights as same-sex marriage became legal in the nation’s capital. The law survived Congressional attempts to block it, and US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts rejected a request from marriage opponents to put the new law on hold. The first D.C. same sex marriages took place on Tuesday, March 9.
Sara’s News Round-up 3/8/10
This week’s LGBT news roundup from Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.
Paris, France, 365Gay.com, March 3, 2010
Mexico City, Mexico, BBC News, March 4, 2010
Advocate, March 4, 2010
Washington, Advocate, February 23, 2010
Washington, New York Times, February 21, 2010
Bi-College News, February 23, 2010
London, AFP, February 23, 2010
Washington, Advocate, February 23, 2010
Itawamba, Mississippi, 365Gay.com, March 5, 2010
U.K., New Kerala, March 4, 2010
Syracuse, New York, Daily Orange, March 4, 2010
Lithuania, Amnesty International, February 2, 2010
South Africa, 365gay.com, March 4, 2010
Canada, CTV, March 3, 2010
Hollywood, Advocate, March 5, 2010
Hollywood.com, March 6, 2010
Rev. Bess on DADT and the business of marriage
Rev. Howard Bess is a retired American Baptist minister who lives in Palmer, Alaska, and an ally of the LGBT community. This essay on gay equality – in church, in the military and in government recognition of relationships – appeared in the Religion section of the Mat-Su Frontiersman:
———
“Don’t ask, don’t tell” is everywhere
I have been involved in advocacy for justice for our gay citizens for over 35 years. I have long been an advocate of full acceptance of gay people in our churches. No position in our churches, including the office of ordained clergy, should be denied. No blessing of our churches should be withheld. Gay people are ordinary folk. They live in our communities in abundance. For churches to impose different standards on our gay neighbors is a grand absurdity.
The time is long past to welcome our gay friends in our churches.
Along side the struggle for gay acceptance in our churches, is the pursuit of equality under the laws of our country. Under what provision of our Constitution can we possibly deny gay people the honor of serving in the military? Under what provision of our Constitution can we deny the same legal privileges and protections to committed gay couples that we provide to heterosexual couples?
As the discussions and arguments have developed, specific concerns have crystallized. Within the churches’ discussions, ordination and marriage have become central. In the realm of governmental bodies, service in the military and legal recognition of gay couples are core issues.
Fifty years from now, I have no doubt about the standards that will be commonly acceptable. Gay people will serve freely in the military. Discrimination based on sexual orientation will be long gone. Most denominations will have congregations that are served by gay priests and ministers, who have partners. Gay couples will associate freely with heterosexual couples. Americans will look back with amazement that discrimination against gay people was ever accepted, advocated and defended.
Just as we look back and wonder how we could have ever denied women the right to vote, so we will also look back and wonder how we could have denied gay people basic rights and privileges.
Just as we look back and wonder how we could have tolerated slavery based on race, so also we will look back and wonder how we could have treated gay people so shabbily.
What will it take to put this nightmare of injustice behind us?
The easiest part is to get rid of “don’t ask; don’t tell.” To rid our military branches of this burden, an act of Congress is needed. I suspect the votes are present to pass the legislation. Opposition by military leaders is rapidly melting away. Implementation will be smooth and simple. In the past few months, [hate crimes] legislation that covers sexual orientation has been passed by Congress and signed into law.
The thorniest issue to be resolved is marriage. As the argument has developed, the word marriage has become the issue. Gay activists want the word. Religious bodies want to protect the word from legal use by gay couples. Government has become unnecessarily entangled in the conflict. A growing number of people are saying that the real issues are justice and equality, not marriage. I could not agree more.
Much of the responsibility for the confusion lies at the feet of churches and ministers. A wall of separation between churches and government has served our nation very well. As a Baptist and an advocate of the wall of separation, I ask myself, “Why are religious bodies and their ministers involved in legalizing marriage? Have we become unnecessarily entangled in an issue that is not ours?”
The system now works like this: A couple who wants legal benefits for their relationship goes to the courthouse or the city hall and gets a license to marry. The couple sometimes goes to a judge, a mayor, or (in Alaska) a willing friend. More often a couple finds a willing minister. There are no particular words that must be uttered. The important step is that someone signs the license and returns it to the appropriate governmental office. There is nothing intrinsically religious about the process.
I once knew a retired minister who hung around the city clerk’s office. His services were on the spot. He made a nice living. He had no personal or religious relationship with his clients. It was a business proposition. This is an unusual illustration, but it serves a point. Is this the system churches want to legally protect by enshrining the word marriage?
Churches and ministers should get completely out of the business of legalizing human relationships by whatever name. We should not be servants of government in any circumstance.
To my many gay friends, I ask, “Why are you hung up on the word marriage?” Turn loose of the word. Your real issue is equal rights under the law.
There are many couples, gay and non-gay, who want the blessing of God on their relationship. It is the job of clergy to formalize that blessing. I have come to the conclusion that such a service should have nothing to do with legalizing their relationship. It is a profoundly religious service. Furthermore, in such a setting the relationship can be called anything the minister and the couple want.
Representatives of all parties involved need to get together and formulate a workable system. We are involved in a disagreement that has lasted much too long.
Advice from a (former) Hater: Gay in small town Alaska
Memoirs of a Badman is a blog about a gay family in rural Alaska. The blogger, identified only as Z, writes about life with his bipolar husband K, and K’s young daughter A. In this post, a homophobic neighbor sees that Z and K are going through a difficult time and offers support and advice, with unexpected consequences:
——
Have you ever got the best advice from your hater?
That might not be the exact thing that happened to me, yet it was pretty much the same.
On a pretty frigid sunny (or sunny frigid) winter noon… well, it was past 3 so it must have been afternoon. Anyway, me and A were out enjoying ourselves. Actually she was trying her brand new bike with Pinkie sitting in the front seat aka the yellow plastic basket.
As usual I was half mad, half worried and slightly happy sharing the joy of riding something as cool as a pink new bike with little A.
My reasons were clear: after long hours of negotiating (read begging on my knees), K’s former boss accorded giving a job to K. Since no one is crazy enough to come to an icy hell at this time of year when the temperature tends to go below 0, K’s job was still vacant, so in reality he got his old job back. So the following day K was going to work after several jobless months and to me he looked anything but ready.
Firstly, most of the weekend he was sick with stomachache.
Secondly, he was still sleeping 12+ hours a day.
Thirdly, he looked extremely depressed.
Lastly, he made me worried and helpless not knowing what to do.
To sum it up, I knew there was something I could do, however I had no idea what it was.
Deeply consumed in my thoughts, we reached A’s favorite place, the Pinkie’s park.
Excitedly she ran to the play-ground, ignoring the possibility of her bike hitting the ground, so I had to loosen my thoughts and cover the distance to grab the bike before experiencing any close contact with the ice beneath. Thanks God I’m not that old yet and I can still react quick enough.
The night in AK approaches fast, besides the darkness and cold is not something you want to face often, thus we had to return home soon.
Walking down the street, oblivious to my surroundings, the only thing that could catch my attention was the tires screeching on the icy road.
“Hey Z, it’s gettin dark, let us give you a ride.” The driver said stopping a few inches away from A’s bike. It was our neighbors.
Though the lady is extremely friendly, her husband is so different and amuses me to no end. Before going to Boston, he looked like one of the gay-bashing crowd, however, since our return, he’s become unbelieving friendly. The reason is still unknown but I will share as soon as I find out.
With no intention of turning into ice blocks, I accepted their offer. 10 minutes later, A and pinkie were back to their carrot party and the couple was sitting on the warm and cozy couch, ready to taste the new recipe I made for lunch, salmon sushi rolls.
K didn’t like it but A absolutely loved it so I needed more volunteers to decide on making it again or not.
******
“Why don’t you seduce him?” E, the neighbor, blurted out while helping me with cleaning up.
“Excuse me?” I was pretty sure we were not on the same page.
“K’s your husband, isn’t he?”
“Not here. Anyway, what’s your point?”
“As far as I know there’s no husband-wife role/boundary in gay relationships, right?”
I nodded.
“So what are you waiting for? You don’t think it’s his responsibility to always initiate everything, do you?”
“Initiate what? You don’t have any idea what you are talking about. I’m giving him some time and a little space. That’s it.”
I shrugged my shoulders and started covering the plates with washing liquid (maybe too much of that).
“You are letting him go, losing him. If you’re not willing to do anything on your own, me and H (his wife) are more than willing to help.”
“Correct me please. Wasn’t it you a while ago who asked your wife not to ever talk to the queer couple living next door? Weren’t you the one who left your garbage at our front door? Weren’t you calling us names not long ago? Should I continue or is it enough?”
He went quiet and I bit my lower lip not to say something I might regret later, rolled up my sleeves and dug deep in the sink to find the invisible spoons.
But the silence was cutting deep into my conscience. I knew I didn’t have to be mean to the guy who tried hard to be nice, but I was pissed off with all the people pretending to be nice to us when they were all S.O.B.s.
“Sorry for harassing you guys, I didn’t know you well at the time and misjudged you.” He broke the silence standing close to me. Too close actually that he was right in the middle of my private space, shredding it to pieces. I could feel his warmth and smell and it felt so good I wanted to lean my head on his shoulder, I wanted to feel his skin under mine, I wanted to smell him, taste him, devour him…………….
WHAT THE FUCK AM I THINKING? I nearly crashed my head against the cabinet when he rested his hand on my shoulder.
“My wife adores you guys and missed you a lot. It’s good to have you back, we thought you weren’t coming again. She will feel devastated to lose you or see you break-up.”
I almost didn’t hear his explanation, still shocked of my own thoughts… God what was wrong with me? I’ve never fancied another guy, let alone a homophobic one.
******
Follow the adventures of Z and K, their daughter, relatives, and neighbors in rural Alaska on the blog Memoirs of a Badman.
Arctic Heat 2010
Arctic Heat Weekend is here! Come out and support the men and women candidates for Alaska Bear Cub, Mr. Alaska Bear, Mr. Alaska Leather, and Ms. Alaska Leather during this weekend of Fur and Leather fun.
Here’s the schedule, from The Last Frontier Men’s Club:
Meet & Greet
Friday, February 26th 8 PM @ the Raven, FREE
This will be your first chance to meet all the contestants and judges for the contest. We’ll have food, raffle items, a slave auction, and other Men’s Club goodness. This is a great time to meet new members of the club and get information about club events.
Arctic Heat Competition
Saturday, February 27th @ Mad Myrna’s
8 PM Doors Open, 9 PM Contest Starts
Tickets: $10.00
All candidates will be judged on the following three areas: Bar Wear, Fetish Wear, and Full Title Attire. We’ll have live entertainment, door prizes, auctions, and of course hot hairy men, and hot leather daddies (of all genders.)
Victory Brunch
Sunday, February 28th @ Mad Myrna’s
11 AM Cocktail Hour, 12 PM Brunch
Ticket: $15.00
Celebrate the victories of our new title holders. We’ll have a delicious buffet style brunch and fun entertainment.
* * *
A note from the Men’s Club: The Last Frontier Men’s Club has dropped it’s membership fee. The club recognizes that during difficult economic times it maybe challenging to some of our members to pay dues, so we have decided to go dues-free. But we are still a members club, and you must submit a membership to be an official part of the club. This membership helps us verify that members are over 21, are male, and are currently living in Alaska.
Half Naked Pictionary is another Men’s Club event, happening on the 1st Wednesday of every month, at Mad Myrna’s from 9-11 p.m. Come have fun with half naked men this Wednesday! Hosted by Men’s Club President Tom.
PrideFest 2010 theme and dates announced
Alaska’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities (and our fabulous straight allies) will demonstrate our PRIDE for 10 colorful days in June as we celebrate Anchorage PrideFest 2010. Our theme is 2010 A PRIDE ODYSSEY.
Anchorage PrideFest 2010 will take place June 18-27. During this ten-day period, various non-profit, social, and business organizations will host special events at venues around Anchorage. A highlight of PrideFest is always the Celebrating Diversity Parade which will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday June 26 through the heart of downtown Anchorage, where we hope to see a record crowd. After the Parade, please join us for the Festival on the Delaney Park Strip from noon until 6 p.m. The Festival will feature live entertainment, vendors, food, friends, a kiddie carnival, and fun, all under the glorious Anchorage summer sun.
To make this year’s PrideFest a success, we need the support of our entire community… sponsors, donors, parade entries, festival entertainers, vendors, groups who sponsor events, hundreds of volunteers… you name it, we need it. Thank you for making it great each year!!
If you are interested in helping in any way with this year’s PrideFest festivities, please join us at our next planning meeting. You don’t need any skills, just a passion for pride, willingness to work as a team and the expectation to have fun. We are aiming to have as many groups and regions as possible throughout Alaska represented in our planning.
The next meeting is Wednesday, February 24, at 6:30 pm at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center in Anchorage. If you are outside of Anchorage, we can arrange a speaker phone. For more info, send us an e-mail.
Thanks and Happy Pride,
Johnathan Jones and Gail Palmer
Co-Chairs of Anchorage PrideFest 2010
Kathy Griffin looks for gays in Anchorage
Award-winning and gay-friendly comedian Kathy Griffin is performing in Anchorage on Friday March 5 at the PAC.
In addition to stand-up comedy, Griffin played a lesbian activist on a recent episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and posed for the NoH8 photo project. She also escorted Levi Johnston to the Teen Choice Awards, and joked that they are engaged and she’s carrying his baby.
“Kathy invades Alaska for one night only in March. Make sure to get your tickets early for this rare stop. In addition, Kathy will be stopping at Borders (1100 East Dimond Boulevard, Anchorage) at noon sharp for a very special book signing. Please call in advance for any special instructions the store may have: 907-344-4099.”
“Multiple HBO and Bravo specials weren’t enough! Catch double Emmy award winning Kathy Griffin live in her true element. She has more stories, more dish, more of what she shouldn’t say but you know you want to hear. Chicago native Kathy Griffin is a multi-faceted performer with a rapid fire wit. Come with an open mind and laugh until you puke . . . Just a little.”
Griffin loves “her gays” and will definitely have gay and lesbian fans at the Anchorage show. She even looked for – and found – gay soldiers when entertaining troops in Afghanistan, in this video clip from her DVD Allegedly:
Her fourth stand-up comedy DVD She’ll Cut A Bitch was released in January. Learn more at Kathy Griffin’s home page.
Tickets are $65 for the main floor and $45 for the mezzanine and balcony, and are available through the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts event page for Kathy Griffin.
