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This Week in LGBT Alaska 12/4/09
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
LGBTA Christmas Concert Gathering with the social group, Sunday 12/6, 4 p.m. for the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert in the David Concert Hall, UAF. Tickets here, and email Joshua to RSVP.
UAF Gay-Straight Alliance meets Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Women’s Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.
Wednesday LGBTA Social around 9:30 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.
Anchorage
Kristara is co-hosting the Friday Night Diva Variety Show 12/4, 9 p.m at Mad Myrna’s.
Comic Mike Lebovitz 12/5, 8 p.m. performs at Mad Myrna’s and part of the proceeds benefit the YWCA.
Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage at 2 p.m.
Gay, Joyous and Free AA Meeting, Mondays 6:00 p.m. at the GLCCA.
“American Primitive” showing at the Bear Tooth 12/9, 8 p.m. as this year’s Gay-La gay movie with the Anchorage International Film Festival. Followed by an after-party at Myrna’s around 10 p.m.
Anti-Gay Lobby Bullies UA Regents and Students
Bent Alaska and the UA student, staff and faculty group asking the Board of Regents to add sexual orientation to the UA non-discrimination policy both got an unusual Facebook friend request the day after Thanksgiving: from Dave Bronson, of the anti-gay Alaska Family Council.
Why did Bronson ask to friend us three days before the regents meeting at UAA, when it was already public knowledge that the students would make their request again? Did he hope we wouldn’t notice that he’s an employee of the Family Council? Was he that desperate to know what else we might have planned?
Earlier in the week, the Alaska Family Council – a political lobby group unrelated to the university – sent an email blast titled “Don’t Let UA Regents Be Bullied By Homosexual Activists,” denouncing the students who are asking for the policy change (and who mostly happen to be heterosexual):
We have learned that activists in the homosexual movement are attempting to convince the University of Alaska Board of Regents to change the university non-discrimination policy so as to give special recognition to homosexuals. If successful, individuals engaging in homosexual behavior will be afforded the same recognition as members of racial and ethnic minorities.
Of course we want the same recognition as other minority groups. And if we’re asking for the same rights, then they aren’t special rights, they’re equal rights.
The Family Council told their members to email each of the 11 regents and pressure them to reject the students’ request.
Jessi Angelette, a UAF student leading the effort, did testify at the meeting, saying in part:
I am here today before you once again to urge you to amend the current non-discrimination policy and to add it to the next meeting’s agenda…
The Alaska Family Council has sent out an email stating that you the Regents are being bullied by homosexual extremists. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. We are a representation of the students you have sworn an oath to educate and protect. There are thousands of students who call the campuses home while trying to attain their education. Isn’t it their right to feel protected from being harassed and discriminated against based on their orientation or their perceived orientation where they call home?
After doing research of other college and university non-discrimination policies, we have found that many have sexual orientation included in their polices and some of the schools are in states that do not have laws protecting LBGT citizens, such as Alabama. We have also looked at Tier 4 in the school rankings where UAF is ranked and have found only 1/6 of the schools do not have sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policy. These schools have shown that even though their cities and states may not have laws to protect the LBGT citizens, they have taken it upon themselves to insure the safety of their students.
UAA students John and Heather Aronno also support the policy change. In The Bully on Campus at UAA, they quote the Family Council argument that this policy would limit their freedom to insult us, then respond to Jim Minnery, who signed the email:
…Have you been to UAA Jim? The right-to-life club hands out fliers with a revolver aimed at a fetus. We’re not in any danger zone that threatens the suppression of free speech, nor is anyone impeding the free exercise of religion… Unless it’s hate speech. You’re the one asking people who are otherwise in no way affiliated with UAA to flood board member inboxes and voicemail, and if that doesn’t work, barge into a board meeting and scream bloody murder. Again.
The students also note that the Council email links to a faux-college video called “Indoctrinate U: Our Education, Their Politics” and the page only lists past screenings, not the upcoming ones (to avoid protests?) Don’t be surprised if it shows in Anchorage next year.
So, which group do you think the UA Regents should give priority: UA students and staff, or an unrelated political lobby trying to force their religious bigotry on our public university?
Please take a moment and contact the UA Regents in favor of the student request. If you are a current or former UA student, staff or faculty member, please mention your connection to the university.
And if you moderate a GLBT Alaska Facebook page, please check profiles before you accept friend requests. You never know who will want to be your “friend.”
Alaska observes World AIDS Day
Sara’s News Roundup 11/29/09
Hate Vigil, Morality, Gospel Show, and a Seat at the Table
This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/26/09
Juneau
Gay Cosmic Bowling 11/28, meet at 7:40 p.m. in the Juneau Bowling Center on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil with Four A’s on Tuesday 12/1, 6:30 p.m. at the Baranof Hotel.
“Life Support” 12/2, 8 p.m. A free showing at the Gold Town Nickolodean Theater, sponsored by Four A’s.
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
World AIDS Day Candlelight Walk & Vigil 12/1, 5:30 p.m. Meet at Interior Aids Association for the Candlelight Walk to First United Methodist, a World AIDS Day service at 6 p.m. and a potluck.
UAF Gay-Straight Alliance meets Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Women’s Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.
Wednesday LGBTA Social around 9:30 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.
Mat-Su Valley
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.
Anchorage
Eve’s Family & Friends Thanksgiving Dinner 11/25 at 5 p.m & 11/26 at 3 p.m. at The Raven.
Post-Thanksgiving Gathering and Leftovers Potluck 11/27, 12 p.m.
Movie and a Bite Night with a holiday theme 11/27, 6 p.m. at the GLCCA.
Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage at 2 p.m.
Fundraising to Elect Alaska’s First LGBT Candidate 11/30, 6-8 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.
“Sex Positive” at the Bear Tooth 11/30, 8 p.m. co-presented by Four A’s as a World AIDS Day event.
The annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil 12/1, 6 p.m. at UAA in The Wolf’s Den with Four A’s.
Paint Anchorage Red on Dec. 1 for World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day – Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Join Four A’s for the following World AIDS Day Events in Anchorage, AK:
Sex Positive
Monday, November 30 at 8 p.m.
Bear Tooth Theater
“A fascinating and crucial slice of traumatic sexual history that’s all but invisible to younger generations.”
$3.00 per person/Rated R
View the trailer here.
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil
Tuesday, December 1, 2009-6 p.m.
UAA Wolf’s Den
The annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil to remember those we have lost to HIV/AIDS and to honor those still living with the disease.
Don’t forget to wear your red ribbon on December 1st to honor all affected by HIV/AIDS. Many locations around Anchorage will have free red ribbons available to Paint the Town Red. Check out www.alaskanaids.orgfor a complete list after Tuesday, November 24th.
For more information about World AIDS Day, contact Chrissy Bell, Director of Development, Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association (Four A’s) at (907) 263-2046 or cbell@alaskanaids.org
Sara’s News Round-up 11/22/09
Candlelight vigil for hate crime victims
– a guest post from the organizers of this Sunday’s Candlelight Vigil in memory of Jason Mattison Jr. and Jorge Steven Mercado, 3-4 p.m. on the Anchorage Park Strip.
* * *
Many in our community struggle to survive. We struggle to be ourselves, out of the closet, and love life for all its goodness. In many places, even after the Hate Crimes Act recently passed, people are hurt, threatened, harassed and even killed for who they are.
We believe it is not our human nature to spread hate but instead to create a world of love. This is what the LGBT community of Alaska teaches: love, respect and the willingness to be free. Others may not have this choice and yet are still part of our community at large.
Please let us take a moment to remember two so very young gentlemen whose lives were taken from them by recent hate crimes:
JASON MATTIS JR, only fifteen years old, was forced into inappropriate sexual relations with a convicted murderer. He was very popular amongst his peers in high school.
JORGE STEVEN LÓPEZ MERCADO, only nineteen, and was beaten, dismembered and decapitated. The police investigator (who has been reprimanded) said he deserved it because he was gay.
The cruelty exists and we should remember these two who died. Let us ALL in every community show our love and respect for one another in a vigil to honor all hate crime victims. This will be an hour of peace to remember the people who have died just being themselves and for our rights.
Join us for a Candlelight Vigil for Hate Crime Victims. November 22, 2009 3-4pm @ the Park Strip, 9th and L Street in front of the American Flag. Please bring a candle and some love.
This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/20/09
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
“The Morality of Same-Sex Marriage” with Dr. Joseph Thompson 11/20, 6 p.m. in Schaible Auditorium at UAF.
UAF Gay-Straight Alliance meets Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Women’s Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.
Wednesday LGBTA Social at 9 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.
Mat-Su Valley
Transgender Day of Remembrance service 11/22, 11 a.m. at the Church of the Covenant in Palmer.
Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.
Anchorage
Integrity, the Episcopal GLBT group, meets 11/20, 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church the third Friday of the month. Potluck, fellowship and worship. All are welcome.
The Rocky Horror Show, 11/20-11/21, Fri & Sat 7 p.m., and Sat also at 10 p.m. $20 at Mad Myrna’s.
Transgender Day of Remembrance memorial service during the MCC Anchorage Sunday service 11/22, 2 p.m.
Candlelight Vigil Against Hate Crimes, in memory of Jason Mattison Jr and Jorge Steven Mercado 11/22, 3-4 p.m. along the Park Strip at 9th and L St, in front of the American Flag. Bring a candle.
Miss MeMe’s Gospel Show 11/22, 4 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s, a fundraiser for MCC and ICOAA.
Eve’s Family & Friends Thanksgiving Dinner, 11/25 at 5 p.m. and 11/26 at 3 p.m. at The Raven Bar, 4th and Gambell St.
