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.
Read the full story »Sara’s News Round-Up 10/4/09
Gay AK: Singing, Marching, Donating, Writing and Leading the Way Forward
This Week in LGBT Alaska 10/2/09
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
Pump House Wednesdays, LGBTA social at the Chena Pump House, starts around 9 p.m.
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
Mad Myrna’s Diva Variety Show, with MCs Daphne DoAll & Duchess Paige, 9 p.m
Side Street Saturdays, an informal meetup for LGBT writers, at noon in Side Street Cafe.
Womyn’s Dance at the Snow Goose 10/3 doors open at 7:30 p.m., $5 donation requested.
Sunday worship, 2 p.m. at MCC Anchorage.
Gay, Joyous and Free AA Meeting, Mondays 6 p.m. at the GLCCA.
October is Gay History Month, National Coming Out Day
Ossiander bristles at Imperial Court award
The scene was too familiar: people entered the Assembly Chambers a few at a time on Tuesday evening, looked around and chose seats. One man wore a bright red shirt. But the ordinance hearings were over, the equal rights ordinance passed 7-4 then was vetoed by the new mayor who sat at the end of the curved Assembly table. There was one more loose end to tie, one more thank you to the Assembly members who stood for equality and fairness. One more award to present. The Imperial Court honored them with the Raymond Jorgenson Memorial Award at Coronation and were here to present it in person.
But first, the mayor wanted to speak. He thanked everyone at the Assembly meeting for attending his “Unity” Dinner. He mentioned the keynote speaker (GOP-fundraiser Lynn Swann), the number of people attending (400), and that the money raised from the dinner will support “diversity events” all year. He did not mention the amount of money raised or what diversity events would be sponsored by the city.
The moment was awkward only partly because a quarter of the people in the room represented a gay organization and recently endured a summer of hearings on an equal rights ordinance that the mayor vetoed right before the start of his Diversity Month. He may not have known they were there, but he certainly knew that several of the Assembly members attended the sold-out True Diversity Dinner instead of his union-picket-line-crossing “unity” night.
There was more business, then Assembly member Elvi Gray-Jackson donated her personal comment time so The Imperial Court could present the award to the seven Assembly members who voted “yes” on the ordinance. The Court announced the award winners at Coronation during Labor Day weekend, along with their other annual awards and scholarships. Gray-Jackson said that the last Assembly meeting of Diversity Month was an appropriate time for them to present this award…
…but Assembly Chair Debbie Ossiander interrupted, saying that it should have been presented at the Diversity Dinner (although the Court did not organize the dinner) and she had already rejected their request for time. Gray-Jackson persisted that it was her time, and Grady Frank Jenkins presented the award on behalf of the Imperial Court of All Alaska.
Now, aside from Ossiander’s negative tone toward a community group that was trying to give Assembly members an award, she didn’t even bother to know which group was presenting the award before she objected. It’s as if she thinks there could only be one gay group in Anchorage and they must be responsible for all gay-related awards and events – including the Diversity Dinner, which was organized by a heterosexual couple who have never been involved with the Imperial Court. It’s not like the names “True Diversity Dinner” and “Imperial Court of All Alaska” could be easily confused. It was a “they all look the same to me” moment.
Or maybe she’s upset because Anchorage Baptist Temple hasn’t given her an award for being the deciding vote against the override.
Grady kept cool under pressure and made his statement to the Assembly:
This award is from The Imperial Court of All Alaska, the largest and oldest gay and lesbian organization in Alaska and one of the oldest in the nation. We wanted to thank you all for your courage in dealing with Ordinance 64 this past summer. It was very difficult and we appreciate the time that you all took. By unanimous vote, our organization, at our Coronation Ball which occurred three weeks ago, voted to present a plaque to the seven members of the Assembly that chose to vote “yes” on Ordinance 64. This is named our Raymond Jorgenson Memorial Award and we present it to Patrick Flynn, Elvi Gray-Jackson, Matt Claman, Jennifer Johnston, Sheila Selkregg, Mike Gutierrez, and Harriet Drummond. We appreciate the time that all of you took on this ordinance this year. Thank you.
And immediately, Ossiander jumped in, “Thank you. Moving on,” and had to pause for the clapping before saying, “the next order of business…”
Grady gave the awards to Claman and Gray-Jackson, who read them, smiled, and passed them down the table to their colleagues. The Assembly members moved on to other business and the Imperial Court members left the room.
But that wasn’t the end of Diversity Month for the Assembly. Anthony Wilkerson planned to address the Assembly on Workplace Discrimination issues during the public comment period. Tony is the Alaska State Coordinator for the national Workplace Bullying Institute, and he was also disappointed in the mayor’s veto of the ordinance:
It’s unfortunate that the Anchorage Mayor vetoed this measure to guarantee equal rights for all, but this should not stop those that have fought thus far…. I will be addressing the Anchorage Assembly in regards to discrimination and harassment that is currently not protected by Federal Laws. I would ask that you come in support, and help make Anchorage safe for all to work; free from discrimination and harassment, thus making Anchorage safe for all to pursue the American dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I left before Wilkerson’s address, but I wonder if Ossiander objected to him as well. Just another one of those darn diversity people.
No Unity Without Equality: A Diversity Dinner to Remember
At the True Diversity Dinner, the progressive community of Anchorage celebrated diversity and equality with a dynamic mix of Native Alaskan culture, democratic politics and gay civil rights.
When Mayor Sullivan vetoed the equal rights ordinance two weeks before the start of his Diversity Month and changed the name of the main event from the Diversity Dinner to the “Unity” Dinner, John and Heather Aronno (of Alaska Commons and the good version of SOS.Anchorage) and a few people they met during the ordinance hearings discussed an event to protest the mayor’s lack of appreciation for diversity. After a few hectic weeks of planning, the result was the True Diversity Dinner, a celebration instead of a protest.
Here’s a run-down of the evening’s planned, unplanned and many inspiring moments:
The Native dance troupe Masingka set the tone of the evening with their stories and songs of life in Alaska, while the guests ate delicious food from the Snow Goose buffet tables.
Assembly member Elvi Gray-Jackson, looking regal and towering above the crowd in her heels, was the first to say the line that echoed throughout the evening: equality is for e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e (she spelled it out.)
Diane Benson gave an impassioned speech about stopping the abuse of women, children and Native Alaskans.
Steven Alvarez performed his rousing song “See What Love Can Do” with backup by the doo-wop girls, his daughter Sarah and friend Shelly.
Reverend Marquita Pierre, of the Alaska Center for Spiritual Living, kicked butt. (Can I say that about a preacher?) She spoke about being treated differently based on the color of her skin, and how we treat people as “other” based on many kinds of differences, including sexual orientation. She said, “There can be no unity without fairness; there can be no unity without equality” which is the quote I used for the title of this post. Then she called for us to move to a better place regarding diversity – not tolerance (we can tolerate bad things) or acceptance (things that are only OK) which value people despite our diversity, but we can learn appreciation, for the gifts we each offer our family and community, because of our diversity.
Keynote speaker Shannyn Moore was next, but Daphne Do’all LaChores, a local icon in full drag, got on stage with Shannyn and ranted about the mayor’s veto. She dissed Shannyn’s shoes, plugged the Diva Show at Mad Myrna’s, and announced that she was heading down the street to crash the “unity” dinner. She ruffled a few feathers but added a good dose of humor and reality – many in the queer community are still angry about the veto and think it’s odd to throw a party when we don’t have any rights or protections to celebrate.
Then Shannyn spoke and disagreed with Daphne about the veto being a slap to the GLBT community, saying that it hurt everyone, including the straight allies who withstood the “summer of hate.” Shannyn was the keynote for this Diversity Dinner, where most of the organizers, speakers, performers, and politicians were straight allies. Gay rights and gay people were visible and acknowledged (a rare thing at an Alaska political event), but the focus of the event was to recognize and thank the allies who continue to work for an equality that includes us, and to strengthen those alliances.
After the speakers and performers, the diversity awards were presented.
Excellence in Business – Cook Inlet Region, Inc (CIRI)
Eric Cordero, a Mat-Su school board member, noted the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and read a statement from CIRI accepting the Excellence in Business Award. CIRI is a Native Alaskan corporation that ‘walked the talk’ about equality this summer: they were the only large company (of the many that have protections against anti-gay discrimination) that wrote a public letter to the mayor in support of the equal rights ordinance (posted HERE.)
Excellence in Non-Profit – Identity, Inc.
Scott Turner and Steph Gingrich, two Identity board members, accepted the non-profit award from Heather. Identity runs the Gay & Lesbian Community Center, organizes PrideFest in June and the Pride Conference in Oct. (see HERE for the upcoming conference), supports the gay-straight alliances, sends the Advocacy Team to educate groups throughout the city, shares funds with other gay groups and publishes the NorthView.
Excellence in Print Media – Julia O’Malley
Bob Poe, candidate for governor, spoke about his essay (posted HERE) on how gay rights is not just the right thing to do but is also good for the economy, then announced the print media award. Julia was not able to attend, so her mother, Assembly member Sheila Selkregg, accepted it for her. She was proud of Julia and spoke about the women in her family and their commitment to civil rights. She reminded us that standing up for civil rights can have consequences, that some politicians (like her mother) lost their jobs standing up for civil rights, and that members of the Anchorage Assembly who voted for the ordinance may face tough re-election battles because of their support.
Excellence in Online Media – Mel Green of Henkimaa
Mel’s blog Henkimaa mixes the personal and the political with in depth analysis and keen observation. She accepted the award in an orange sweatshirt, worried that she wouldn’t be recognized without her blue-colored ordinance hearing clothes. She also spoke of the union picket line at the mayor’s “unity” dinner down the street as an issue of diversity, equality and quality of life.
Excellent in Outreach – Tiffany McClain
Tiffany is the coordinator of Equality Works, the group that organized in support of the equal rights ordinance. She thanked everyone for our support this summer and pledged to continue working for equality in Anchorage. She encouraged each of us to write to our senators in support of ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which has been introduced in both branches of Congress. ENDA only protects us from workplace discrimination (not in housing, education, finance or public accommodations, like the ordinance would have) but it is a step in the right direction and an important federal protection.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Vic Fischer and Jane Angvik
M.E. Rider, editor of the Grrlzlist and all-around community leader (grand marshal at PrideFest this year, and she has won just about every award the LGBT community gives to women) announced the winners of the lifetime achievement award. Neither Vic nor Jane could be present, but M.E. described their decades of work for Alaska and the diverse communities of Anchorage, starting before most of us were born.
The last official speaker was organizer John Aronno. The final award, the Epic Fail Joke Award, was won by Mayor Dan Sullivan for vetoing the ordinance. But in deference to the recent death of Dan’s father, former mayor George Sullivan, the award was not given. Instead, John told a story comparing political involvement in Anchorage to politics in Lower 48 cities. Here you can meet your elected leaders at local events like the Diversity Dinner, and that makes all the difference.
There was an impressive showing of politicians at the Diversity Dinner. In addition to those already mentioned – Elvi, Diane, Eric (Cordero), Bob, and Shelia – I saw Les Gara, Patrick Flynn, Harriet Drummond, Eric Croft, Ethan Berkowitz… and then Senator Mark Begich came from his Health Care Town Hall and said a few words of support.
One of the goals of this event was to build the momentum from the ordinance battle to address future gay concerns. So what is next? For the GLBT community, October is Gay History Month, National Coming Out Day (Oct 11), the Anchorage Pride Conference (Oct 9-11), and supporting the National Equality March in DC on Oct 10-11.
I invite our friends and allies to join us in celebrating diversity and equality at GLBT events in October and throughout the year, and to continue learning about our community and working together to achieve, as Elvi said, “equality for e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e.”
Thanks to John and Heather for organizing a True Diversity Dinner, and thanks to the speakers, performers, award presenters, helpers and guests for making the evening such a grand success!
– photo from Floridana Alaskiana, where Janson Jones has four posts of photos from the dinner.
Prevo Celebrates 38 Years of Hate
Sara’s News Round-up 9/27/09
This Week in LGBT Alaska 9/25/09
This week’s events from the statewide newsletter. Subscribe to Alaska GLBT News.
Juneau
SEAGLA Reception for Aquafest cruisers 9/27, 6 p.m.
Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
Fairbanks
Jeff’s White Trash Party 9/26, 9 p.m. with DJ White Chocolate, for GLBT and friends 21 and over.
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
The True Diversity Dinner & Awards Celebration 9/25, 7 p.m. at the Snow Goose.
Tan-N-Test: Free Tan for a Donation to Four A’s 9/26, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. at Preview Sun & Day Spa.
Free “Hopes & Dreams” spiritual retreat and potluck 9/26, noon-6 p.m. at MCC Anchorage.
Diversity Month GLBT Open House 9/26, 5-7 p.m. at The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage.
“Hedwig and The Angry Inch” 9/26, 7 p.m. & 11 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.
Sunday worship, 2 p.m. at MCC Anchorage.
ICOAA’s Investitures for the 37th Reign 9/27, 6 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.
Transgender Support Group, Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.
The Lion Sings Tonight: A Four A’s benefit with “The Lion King” cast, Monday 9/28, 7 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.
Grrlzlist Town Hall, Monday 9/28, 5 p.m. at Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge.
International Student Association: LGBT Issues Across Cultures, Thursday 10/1, 4-5 p.m. in the UAA Learning Resource Center, Rm 126.
Dinner is the first of four great shows
We have four excellent LGBT-related shows this week in Anchorage, one a night from Friday through Monday:
(1) The True Diversity Dinner at the Snow Goose, 7 p.m. on Friday
Not impressed by the Mayor’s no-gays-need-apply “Unity” Dinner with a highly paid GOP-fundraising keynote speaker at the one hotel being boycotted by the unions? Then join us Friday evening with True Diversity speakers and awards, plus music, food and dancing, two blocks down 3rd Avenue at the Snow Goose. Speakers and performers include Assemblywoman Elvi Gray-Jackson, Diane Benson, Shannyn Moore, Steven Alvarez, Reverend Marquita Pierre, and the Yup’ik Dance troupe Masingka. Please support diversity by donating to this event at the True Diversity Dinner web site.
(2) “Hedwig and The Angry Inch” on Saturday, 7 & 11 p.m at Mad Myrna’s
The cult fave “Hedwig” is coming to Anchorage in a live performance starring Atz Lee Kilcher (who opened for his sister’s concert in August) and a full band. The Homer shows were awesome, we can’t wait to see it at Myrna’s. Tickets are $20. Call for reservations (907) 276-9762.
(3) The Imperial Court’s Investitures on Sunday, 6 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s
The ICOAA cordially invites you to Investitures for the 37th Reign, hosted by Denali Emperor 37 Kevin and Aurora Empress 37 Miss MeMe. $10 includes a show with all the current title holders and a buffet. Join the ICOAA and have fun all year.
(4) The Lion Sings Tonight on Monday, 7 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s
“The Lion King” is playing at the Performing Arts Center and the cast will perform a one-night-only cabaret at Mad Myrna’s to benefit the Four A’s and Broadway Cares. Tickets are $20, call (907) 263-2046.
Front page »
Sara’s News, 10/18/12: The very real consequences of DADT repeal
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.
Ask Lambda Legal: Blood donations
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).
First Friday: Love is Love at Tref.Punkt Studio
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.
Events coming up »
Light the Way to Justice: Tuesday, March 26 in Anchorage
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” screening & discussion at UAA Friday, Nov. 2
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.
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Prevo divorce documents raise “loosey-goosey” questions about Anchorage Baptist Temple house
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Another few laps: Reports of Prop 5’s demise are premature (& proof Minnery knew he was spreading false information)
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A mournful Pride
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Wasilla Gays to Levi: We’re here
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Anchorage and Fairbanks fight the H8, protest Prop 8!
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A long-overdue Bent Alaska update — October 2013
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Dance in the Streets and Increase the Beat: New Steps Forward for Pridefest 2013
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Light the Way to Justice: Tuesday, March 26 in Anchorage
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Sara’s News, 11/5/12: Marriage equality on the ballot tomorrow in four states
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A word from our editor…
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- Prevo divorce documents raise "loosey-goosey" questions about Anchorage Baptist Temple house
- Wasilla Gays to Levi: We're here
- A mournful Pride
- Another few laps: Reports of Prop 5's demise are premature (& proof Minnery knew he was spreading false information)
- Anchorage and Fairbanks fight the H8, protest Prop 8!