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This Week in LGBT Alaska 9/4/09
Ask Senator Murkowski to support ENDA! Call 202-224-6665 or use her online email form.
This week’s events from the statewide newsletter. Subscribe to Alaska GLBT News.
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Kenai Peninsula
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” starring Atz Lee Kilcher, 9/4-9/7, 8 p.m. at Pier One Theater. Tickets $15 at the Homer Bookstore and Pier One.
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
CORONATION SEPT 4-7
Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead 9/3-9/14, 7:30pm Fri/Sat; 4pm Sunday Out North
Side Street Saturdays, an informal meetup for LGBT writers, at noon in Side Street Cafe.
Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage, 2 p.m.
Transgender Support Group, Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.
Override Deadline & Support for ENDA
from Equality Works:
Thanks to all of you who called and e-mailed Debbie Ossiander encouraging her to help override the Mayor’s veto of AO 64. Many of you have forwarded your letters to us and we have been impressed by your passion and commitment to this cause. We believe that Assemblywoman Ossiander’s concerns with AO 64 are matters that could easily be addressed by overriding the veto and offering up amendments to Title V. Unfortunately, she has not responded to attempts to work with her productively to craft the best and most inclusive nondiscrimination law possible.
The deadline for overriding a veto runs out this coming Monday, September 7th, and while we are still willing to work with Assembly members to achieve an override, we have also begun to look ahead at other ways in which we can work with members of the LGBT community and our allies to ensure that Anchorage becomes a city that protects all of its citizens from discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
In the short run, one way that you can help us achieve our goal is to contact Senators Begich and Murkowski and encourage them to become co-sponsors of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). If passed, ENDA would make employment discrimination a violation of federal law. While it is not as expansive as our local laws—it would not protect people from discrimination in housing and public accommodations, for example—it would nonetheless be a huge step forward in our goal of achieving equality for all in Anchorage. While we would have preferred for such a law to be passed on a local level, we are willing to use every tool available to us. As we said months ago, our opponents may have prepared for a sprint, but we are prepared to go the distance and hope that you are too.
Contact Senator Mark Begich and Senator Lisa Murkowski through the online contact forms linked to their names.
Anchorage Mayor’s No-Gays-Need-Apply Diversity Month
September is Mayor Sullivan’s Hypocrisy… er, Diversity Month, celebrating the diverse cultures of Anchorage just two weeks after he vetoed the equal rights ordinance.
“Mayor’s Diversity Month is an opportunity for the city to partner with the community to showcase diversity efforts,” said the mayor.
On August 17, Sullivan showcased his diversity efforts by vetoing Ordinance 64, a measure passed by the Assembly to add sexual orientation to the city’s anti-discrimination policies. The mayor’s veto statement – listed on the same City of Anchorage web page as the Diversity Month announcement – cites “the absence of compelling data” and “the will of the community” as the reasons for his veto, despite the weeks of sometimes emotional testimony on the need for protections.
The Mayor’s Diversity Month is made up of events and programs that “encourage dialogue, partnerships and respect for Anchorage’s diverse population.” The community is invited to participate in the events, which this year recognize seniors, youth, Latinos, Blacks, military women, Hawaiians, and the disabled. There are no LGBT events.
Official Definition of Diversity: “Diversity in this Administration’s book means, in addition to differences based on ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin and sexual orientation, an infinite range of individuals’ unique characteristics and experiences, such as communication styles, career, work, life experience, educational backgrounds and other variables… The goal of diversity awareness is to create an inclusive, respectful and equitable work environment and community.”
Ordinance 64 (S-2) was a compromise measure that protected lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, financing, and Municipal practices, but included exemptions for religious organizations, public restrooms, business costs, dress codes and gender presentation in the workplace. The anti-gay lobby, lead by the Baptist churches, continued to call gays “perverted, diseased and depraved” and opposed the ordinance despite the compromises.
The Mayor’s Unity Dinner will be held on Friday, September 25, at the Hilton Anchorage Hotel. The event was called the Diversity Dinner in previous years, but Sullivan changed the name to Unity and invited Lynn Swann, ex-NFL player now an anti-gay Republican candidate for governor of Pennsylvania, as the keynote speaker. Community awards will be presented during the dinner.
“Our community is made up of many unique groups, but we all share some common values: the importance of family, quality education for our children, and safe, vibrant neighborhoods. This year’s event is meant to celebrate these values while respecting the diversity that makes Anchorage such a great place to live,” said Mayor Dan Sullivan.
The gay community of Anchorage has been trying to pass an equal rights ordinance for over 35 years. This summer was the third attempt. The Assembly passed it 7-4, one vote short of a veto-proof majority, and the mayor vetoed it a week later. The Assembly has 21 days to override the veto, but would need 8 votes in favor.
The Mayor’s CommUNITY Award Program recognizes those businesses, organizations and individuals in Anchorage that have advanced the causes of diversity and unity.
There are three awards in the Mayor’s CommUNITY Award Program:
- The Business CommUNITY Award recognizes an Anchorage business which best represents a corporate spirit of diversity and community through hiring practices, programs, and outreach.
- The Community and Nonprofit Organization Award is presented to the Anchorage group which best demonstrates its sustained committment to inclusive programs that enhance diversity and the community at large.
- The Individual Award recognizes a person who actively promotes inter-group relations among diverse populations in the City.
Examples of criteria to be used while selecting award winners include:
- The nominee’s long-term commitment to the value of building unity and diversity, including specific examples with documentation.
- The creation, development, promotion, organization or significant participation in events and programs that focus on diversity and community enhancement.
- Educational efforts in matters of diversity and community development including innovative programs/opportunities.
- Efforts in Collaboration with other community groups to recruit people from diverse backgrounds to increase participation by members of groups from all backgrounds.
Mail Forms (no later than September 12th) to: Municipality of Anchorage, Mayor’s CommUNITY Award Program, 632 W. 6th Avenue, Suite 620, Anchorage, AK 99501.
A diverse collection of small, mid-sized and large Anchorage businesses, including CIRI, an Alaska Native Corporation, signed a public statement in support of Ordinance 64. Many Fortune 500 companies do business in Anchorage and have nondiscrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity.
We should nominate CIRI for the Business CommUNITY Award, and Identity for the non-profit award.
Municipality of Anchorage Diversity Council Mission and Purpose, as stated in the Diversity Council Brochure linked on the Mayor’s Diversity Month page:
“The mission of the Diversity Council is to attract and embrace diversity within the workforce and greater community. Purpose: To promote our strength, which is grounded in our diversity.”
“Scope of Activities:Identify and recommend changes to procedures/programs to promote diversity;Promote and publicize diversity;Monitor the Council’s effectiveness;Accept employee or non-member suggestions/complaints and respond as appropriate; and,Encourage recognition of employee involvement or support of diversity.”“The Municipality of Anchorage Celebrates Diversity!Diversity is Not an Option — It’s Our Obligation!Diversity: Embrace the Heart of It!“
“I hereby veto AO2009-64(S-2) as amended.”
September 1 is the first day of Mayor Sullivan’s so-called Diversity Month, just two weeks after he vetoed the Assembly’s anti-discrimination ordinance. For a national comparison, September 1 is also the first day that same-sex couples can get legally married in the state of Vermont. Six states, including Iowa, allow gay couples to get married.
To nominate an individual, business or company for a diversity award or host an event, visit the municipal website at www.muni.org/diversity. Individuals or organizations/companies interested in hosting a diversity event should complete the events form and fax it to 343-4875. Events can be scheduled for September and October.
Can we register the Pride Conference as an official city Diversity event?
To get information, ask questions or make suggestions about the Mayor’s Diversity Month, call (907) 343-4890.
Sara’s News Round-up, 8/31/09
For as long as I can remember, Sara Boesser has sent her NEWS round-up from Juneau every week, sharing an interesting mix of local, national and international items with a list of friends, allies and LGBT community members. Sara is also the author of Silent Lives: How High a Price? I’m pleased to welcome Sara and her NEWS to Bent Alaska!
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1) Join Alaskan contingent marching in DC on October 11
If you are or were an Alaskan resident (or friend of one) and want to march with other Alaskans at the National March on Washington on October 11, 2009, email Mo to join up.
Manzini, Swaziland, Times of Swaziland, August 30,2009
National Black Justice Coalition, August 9, 2009
4) Are You a Transgender Individual Who Was Born in Alaska?
Please contact Tiffany McClain at the ACLU of Alaska
Alaska, AkCLU, August 25, 2009
Madison, Wisconsin, Advocate, August 24, 2009
Iceland, Advocate, August 26, 2009
Washington, CNN, August 27, 2009
Des Moines, Iowa, Associated Press, August 26, 2009
Brisbane Times, August 27, 2009
Switzerland, SwissInfo, August 26, 2009 .
Washington, 365Gay.com, August 27, 2009
Advocate, August 28, 2009
Santa Ana, Calif., Washington Blade, August 28, 2009
Advocate, August 28, 2009
Utah, Salt Lake Tribune, August 21, 2009
U.K., The Independent, August 30, 2009
Charlie Brown comes out in "Dog Sees God"
What would happen to Charlie Brown and his friends if they grew up?
When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. But a chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of this group’s bullying, offers CB peace of mind and sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting and hopeful.
Christina Ashby directs a local cast in the play New York Magazine called “funny and endearing” when it premiered at The New York International Fringe Festival in 2004.
Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, a play by Bert V. Royal, will be performed at Out North Theatre on 3800 Debarr Road, September 4-14 at 7:30 p.m. on Fri/Sat; 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $14.50 online; $15 at the door. There is also a Pay-What-You-Can preview on Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
This Week in LGBT Alaska 8/28/09
The Assembly has until Sept. 8 to override Mayor Sullivan’s veto, and they need 8 votes in favor. Please urge Debbie Ossander (ossiander@gci.net) and all the Assembly members (WWMAS@ci.anchorage.ak.us) to Do the Right Thing and support an override.
This week’s events from the statewide newsletter. Subscribe to Alaska GLBT News.
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
UAF Gay-Straight Alliance tabling at New Student Orientation 8/31 from 12-2pm in the Wood Center.
Kenai Peninsula
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” starring Atz Lee Kilcher, 8/28-8/30, 8 p.m. at Pier One Theater. Tickets $15 at the Homer Bookstore and Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic.
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
Side Street Saturdays, an informal meetup for LGBT writers, at noon in Side Street Cafe.
Northern Exposure Bowling League, 1st league meeting of the 2009/2010 season, 8/29, 4 p.m. at Park Lanes.
Mad Mike @ Mad Myrna’s 8/29, 10 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage, 2 p.m.
Transgender Support Group, Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.
Ever Ready at the Alaska State Fair 8/31, 5-6 p.m.
Joy Harjo reading her poetry at Cyrano’s 8/31, 7 p.m. Tickets $10.00 at the door.
Anchorage Frontrunners, Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
QueerWorld: 16th Alaska Pride Conference, Oct 10
Identity, Inc. is sponsoring QueerWorld, the 16th annual Alaska Pride Conference, at the APU Atwood Center on October 10, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. People of all ages, cultures, sexualities and professions attend the conference each year to strengthen ties with one another and build community. There will be 8 workshop sessions.
We are seeking inspiring presenters to share their knowledge, experiences and successes on diverse topics using innovative presentations. We welcome presentations that include a focus on connection, connecting with ourselves, one another and our communities. We hope to promote unity and community growth through QueerWorld.
E-mail Johnathan Jones, co-chair of QueerWorld, for the workshop proposal. The deadline for submitting proposals is September 25.
Coronation 2009!
The Imperial Court of All Alaska requests the Honor of Your Presence at CORONATION XXXVII – “GOLD, FUR, AND FEATHERS” CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF STATEHOOD, Sept. 3-7, 2009 in Anchorage, Alaska.
Enjoy Labor Day weekend with the Imperial Court: the meet and greet, a show with performers from Alaska and a second show with visiting performers from out of state followed by a Las Vegas party, a bus run, a glacier tour, a victory brunch, plus the big night of Coronation itself, Sept. 6 in the Sheraton Ballroom!
The full Coronation schedule is posted below, and tickets can be purchased online at the Imperial Court’s Coronation web site.
SEPTEMBER 3RD – 7TH
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
SEPTEMBER 3RD
“SUNSHINE OVER SIBERIA”
7PM MEET AND GREET
SUB ZERO LOUNGE
SEPTEMBER 4TH
11:30 AM GLACIER/WILDLIFE TOUR
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND
6 hour tour, meal included – Great Trip
IN STATE SHOW – MAD MYRNA’S SHOWROOM
SHOW @ 8PM $10
SEPTEMBER 5TH
BROWN BEAR BUS RUN
MEET IN PARKING LOT OF “THE RAVEN”
10AM $15
EMPEROR AND EMPRESS OF BEAR
CONTEST, BBQ AND FUN
OUT OF STATE SHOW- MAD MYRNA’S SHOWROOM
SHOW @8PM $10
LAS VEGAS PARTY FOLLOWING SHOW
SEPTEMBER 6TH
CORONATION XXXVII
“GOLD, FUR, & FEATHERS”
SHERATON HOTEL BALLROOM
6PM $35
FOOD FOR PURCHASE
SEPTEMBER 7TH
VICTORY BRUNCH
MAD MYRNA’S SHOWROOM
11AM $30
HOST HOTEL
ANCHORAGE SHERATON HOTEL
401 E 6TH AVENUE
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501
(907) 276-8700 (907) 276-8700
WWW.SHERATON. COM/ANCHORAGE
$142 PER ROOM NIGHT
MENTION “IMPERIAL COURT OF ALASKA”
ROOM BLOCK RATE ENDS AUG 31ST
You Are Not Alone: Teen Suicide Resources
Another school year has begun, and the Juneau School District created a new suicide prevention resource for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, which is available for adults who work with teens.
“Gay and lesbian youth belong to two groups at high risk of suicide: youth and homosexuals.” The brochure lists 3 actions to take if you or a friend has a problem.
“The root of the problem for GLBT youth suicide is a society that discriminates against and stigmatizes homosexuals while failing to recognize that a substantial number of its youth are GLBT.” – from the report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Youth Suicide, US Dept. of Health and Human Services
The brochure gives Juneau-area and national suicide hotline numbers and mental health web sites that are accessible to all Alaska youth, along with general GLBTQ resources like SEAGLA, PFLAG and the Juneau Gay-Straight Alliances.
The brochure was funded by a grant from the State of Alaska, and is available for people who work with teens and places where teens frequent.
If you would like to receive copies of the brochure, or have suggestions for where they can be placed, please contact Juneau-Douglas High School Counselor Brendan Kiernan at this email address.
Equal Benefits for LGBT Alaskans
Public employers such as municipal governments, state agencies, and school districts have an obligation to provide the same benefits to same-sex domestic partners that they provide to spouses. The ACLU of Alaska wants to ensure that all Alaskans are receiving equal benefits, and conducted a survey of all public agencies in the State of Alaska.
“Know Your Rights! Domestic Partnership Benefits in Alaska” (.pdf) is an initial summary of the findings. It lists public employers who currently provide domestic partnership benefits, those who do not offer benefits, and employers who did not complete the survey.
What can you do to receive your benefits or help expand coverage?
Your employer has an obligation to provide you with information regarding the benefits available to you and your same-sex partner. If you work for a public employer who did not respond to our survey, you can help enforce your rights by:
1) Requesting that your employer make explicit their status on domestic partnership benefits.
2) Providing the ACLU of Alaska with accurate information regarding your employer’s domestic partnership benefits policy or lack thereof.
If you have questions, suggestions or corrections, please contact Tiffany McClain, LGBT Public Policy Coordinator, ACLU of Alaska, 907-258-0044 ext. 101.
For more information, visit the ACLU of Alaska’s LGBT rights page.
