Sunday, 6 October 2013 – 5:19 PM
| Comments Off on A long-overdue Bent Alaska update — October 2013
Bent Alaska’s blog will continue in hiatus indefinitely; but the Bent Alaska Facebook Group on Facebook is thriving — join us! A long-overdue update from Bent Alaska’s editor.
Monday, 19 October 2009 – 1:19 PM
| Comments Off on Celebrating our Allies on Ally Week, Oct 19-23
On Ally Week, straight students pledge to support their gay friends by speaking out against anti-LGBT bullying and harassment. In Alaska, we are fortunate to have many allies, both teens and adults, who speak out for us throughout the year.
In honor of Ally Week, Bent Alaska is celebrating our allies and the alliances that enrich our lives.
Students created Ally Week to build upon the good work of Gay-Straight Alliances across the country. Whether you belong to a GSA or not, Ally Week is the perfect time for you and your friends to sign the Ally Pledge:
“I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression deserve to feel safe and supported.
That means I pledge to:
Not use anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) language or slurs.
Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where students are being harassed.
Support efforts to end bullying and harassment.”
School is not the only place where LGBT people face harassment, and the GSA’s are not our only organized group of allies. Four chapters of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) also speak out for LGBT Alaskans.
In addition to these organized ally groups at school, at home and in the community, LGBT Alaskans have many individual allies at work and play, in the church and the government. Our allies in Anchorage stood against bigotry this summer, testified for equality, reported the fight for our rights, and took action in support of diversity.
Today’s Ally Week post is a video slideshow about the True Diversity Dinner, an Anchorage event that celebrated our political allies. Thanks to the wonderful allies who created and participated in this event, and to ally Janson for the video:
Sunday, 18 October 2009 – 5:57 PM
| Comments Off on 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.)
Saturday, 17 October 2009 – 9:52 AM
| Comments Off on Fairbanks Retreat, Panel, GSA, and Harvest Ball
Gays and allies in Fairbanks can enjoy an interesting variety of events in the next few weeks: the Wednesday social group is holding a cabin retreat, the UAF Women’s Studies Program is hosting a discussion on anti-gay talk, the Gay-Straight Alliance is showing the Laramie Project movie, and the Imperial Court of All Alaska is celebrating Halloween a week early with “A Haunted Enchantment” Harvest Ball at the Carlson Center.
Wednesday Social & Retreat
LGBT people and allies have been meeting on Wednesday nights around 9 p.m. In addition to the weekly social, the group rented a cabin on Oct. 23-25 for an LGBTA Retreat. “If you just want to stop out and chill instead of spending the night, you are welcome to do that too,” writes Joshua, the coordinator. RSVP to Joshua for the locations of the retreat and the Wednesday social.
UAF: Anti-Gay Discourse & Gay-Straight Alliance
The UAF Women’s Studies Program is hosting a panel discussion called “Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Anti-Gay Discourse” from 1-2 p.m. in the Wood Center Multilevel Lounge on Tuesday, October 27. Chris Coffman (WMS Program Coordinator and English faculty), will moderate. Panelists include Sine Anahita of Sociology, Tim Lower of Psychology, Joseph Thompson of Philosophy, Jordan Titus of Sociology, and possibly others.
This semester, the UAF Gay-Straight Alliance is meeting on Mondays at 5 p.m. They will be sponsoring a free showing of The Laramie Project movie in Schaible Auditorium on Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. Email Jessi for the location of the GSA meetings.
“A Haunted Enchantment” Harvest Ball
The Grand Duchess and Grand Duke of Fairbanks invite you to their Harvest Ball “A Haunted Enchantment” on October 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carlson Center. The doors open at 7:30 p.m., the show starts at 8:30, and tickets are $12.
The Harvest Ball is a costume party and drag show fundraiser that introduces the community to the newly elected Duchess and Duke of Fairbanks. “A Haunted Enchantment” includes performances by members of the Imperial Court of All Alaska (ICOAA) and by members of the wider community. Everyone is welcome to participate by attending, donating the entrance fee, or getting on stage and performing.
The Fairbanks Court holds several events throughout the year to raise money for two charity organizations, chosen by the Duchess and Duke at the end of their reign. More information is available on the main ICOAA website.
Friday, 16 October 2009 – 12:07 PM
| Comments Off on 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.
“After the ordinance hearings, we thought the community might want to come together for a night or two of laughter,” wrote Matthew Moak of MCCA.
Emler has over 15 years of experience as a stand-up comedian. While travelling to perform, he shot up to 310 pounds. After seeing a photo of himself with actress Sharon Gless of Queer As Folk, Bryan vowed to never perform again at that weight. He lost over 100 pounds, was out of the spotlight for over three years, and is back as hungry as ever.
“Bryan has generously agreed to donate 50% of the ticket proceeds to MCCA,” wrote Matthew, “so let’s do all we can do to make these two nights a success.” The Anchorage tour is part of Emler’s Share the Wealth project to help gay non-profits raise money.
Tickets are $15 and available online or at the church. Students can attend for $10 at the door with student ID. Both shows will be performed at St. Mary’s Church, on the corner of Tudor & Lake Otis, from 7-8 p.m.
Bent Alaska caught up with Emler to learn more about motivational comedy, Superhero & Dream Big, fundraisers for gay churches, and the importance of seeing a moose.
Q. Why did you choose these two shows for your Alaska performance?
A. I chose the shows DREAM BIG (SIZE MATTERS) and HOW YOU CAN BE A SUPERHERO (WITHOUT WEARING YOUR UNDERWEAR IN PUBLIC) due to the current political climate in Alaska. I felt that not only do you all need a good laugh, but you need a bit of encouragement and motivation to propel your state forward.
Q. The announcement said it’s a gay comedy show, but your ad talks about transforming your spirit. Is it a combination of comedy and religion?
A. This “comedy show” is part comedy, part motivational, part inspirational. DREAM BIG will offer concrete steps on how you can live the life you dream about, at the same time you will be laughing at my trials and tribulations while I am trying to live out mine.
In HOW YOU CAN BE A SUPERHERO, I show you how to become a superhero in Alaska and help change the world. It looks like this is a show that is needed in Anchorage to give you hope.
They aren’t religious shows, they are inspirational comedy shows with a call to action.
Q. Anchorage is part of your Share the Wealth tour. What is that and how does it help local communities?
A. I came up with the SHARE THE WEALTH TOUR, because I wanted to find a way of giving back to gay communities across the US.
One of the biggest issues with gay churches, non-profits, and organizations, is that they can’t always afford to pay thousands of dollars to bring in entertainers for their events. If by chance they can afford it, then they have trouble re-couping the costs of that entertainer, and they find themselves in the hole when it was supposed to be a fundraiser.
So, I devised a way the gay organizations can book me WITHOUT my normal fee, they get 50% off all ticket sales for hosting the event, and not only do they get a comedy show, they make some money in the process.
Q. Have you ever been to Alaska? Will you have a chance to see anything outside of the city?
A. This will be my very first trip to Alaska, so I am looking forward to it. I am going to fly in a day early, and stay a day after my shows, so that I will have some time to look around. The only thing I MUST do while I am there is to see a MOOSE. I will not leave the state until I see a moose!
So, if anyone wants to go Moose Watching, let me know!
—-
Join Bryan Emler on his hilarous journey, and discover how you can change the world and transform your spirit and your life!
Tuesday, 13 October 2009 – 9:48 AM
| Comments Off on 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.
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:
The very real consequences of DADT repeal; seeking survivor benefits for same-sex partner of Alaska shooting victim; waiting on SCOTUS decision about whether it will hear Prop 8 case; and other recent LGBTQ news selected by Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.
In this month’s “Ask Lambda Legal” column, Lambda Legal answers a question about the federal government’s longstanding ban against donations of blood from men who have sex with men (MSM).
Alaska Pride Conference 2012 kicks off on October 5 with a First Friday showing at Tref.Punkt Studio of Love is Love, a photographic exhibit of LGBT couples from across the state.
United for marriage: Light the way to justice. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this Tuesday and Wednesday, March 26–27, in two cases about freedom to marry. Please join us on Tuesday, March 26, at the federal courthouse in Anchorage (7th & C) in a circle united for equality.
Pariah, a critically acclaimed film about a 17-year-old African-American woman embracing her lesbian identity, will screen at UAA on Friday, November 2, and will be followed by a discussion on acceptance in honor of Mya Dale. The event is free and open to the public.
