Bent Alaska | Alaska's LGBTQA blog

Senator-Elect Mark Begich’s Record on Gay Issues

Tuesday, 18 November 2008 – 11:32 PM | Comments Off

Democrat Mark Begich defeated Republican Ted Stevens to become Alaska’s new senator!

“We are jubilant at the Begich headquarters!” said Stef Gingrich, a campaign volunteer.

When Mark Begich was on the Anchorage Assembly, he was the principal sponsor for the temporarily successful effort in 1993 to add sexual orientation to the city’s non-discrimination ordinance, according to Gingrich. He also helped to obtain funding for Out North.

As Mayor of Anchorage, Begich spoke at the Pride Conference, visited the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage (GLCCA), and came to the Celebrating Diversity Parade and Pride on the Parkstrip. This year, he read the Anchorage Pride Day proclamation from the stage, his son standing next to him.

In 2005, when the Alaska Supreme Court ordered the state and the Municipality of Anchorage to offer benefits for employees with same-sex partners, Begich supported the ruling and implemented the benefits for city personnel.

Begich promotes Diverse-City events that “combat bias and promote a respect for diversity,” including sexual orientation. He appointed members of the LGBT community to the Equal Rights Commission, and has several members in his mayoral administration.

Many LGBT Alaskans worked on or contributed to Mark’s senate campaign, and 90% of us voted for him, according to a Bent Alaska poll. He also has the support of the Human Rights Campaign, a national equal rights group.

In contrast, Senator Ted Stevens usually voted against us. Stevens, who was recently convicted on all seven felony counts in his corruption trial, had a mostly anti-gay record, voting twice for banning same-sex marriage, and voting against adding sexual orientation to job discrimination and hate crimes legislation. Stevens received a 0% rating from the Human Rights Campaign in 2006 and 2004.

Congratulations to Senator Begich and to all who worked on his campaign!

"2, 4, 6, 8 …" Prop 8 Protestors March and Chant in Downtown Anchorage

Monday, 17 November 2008 – 12:17 AM | 5 Comments

About 110 supporters of same-sex marriage protested Prop 8 in front of Sarah Palin’s Anchorage office on Saturday, Nov. 15, driving from as far as Seward and Wasilla to participate in southcentral Alaska’s Join the Impact rally.

Two men carried signs with photos of their California wedding, and two women brought copies of their marriage certificate.

The first group of protestors arrived at 9:30 a.m., to coincide with the 10:30 west coast/ 1:30 east coast protests in the nationwide event. The main Anchorage protest began at noon.

“The turnout and energy at the demonstration today was great,” said organizer Stef Gingrich. “I thought it really took off when people started marching and chanting. It was very inspiring… we got a lot of good reactions.”

The march was spontaneous, perhaps an effort to stay warm in the light snow and hail. The protestors marched from the Atwood Building to Fourth Avenue, carrying a big rainbow flags. They marched through Town Square to the park in front of the old city hall, then took a long detour to the current Anchorage City Hall. They chanted as they walked, and two marchers beat on Eskimo drums. When they returned to the starting point, the protestors set off again on a longer circle.

Several who could not attend sent messages of support, saying they were ‘there in spirit.’ They hung posters in the windows of their home or car.

We also received a message from Scotland. “A small group in Edinburgh, Scotland march

ed and protested outside the US Consulate General in solidarity with our friends in the US,” wrote Rev. Johnathan, former pastor of MCC Anchorage. “Afterwards a few of us had coffee and I shared with them the political climate in Alaska. We are with you!”

Photos and News

Alaska contributed to the nationwide protest, and we have the photos to prove it!

Here is a photo album from Elias: Anchorage Equal Rights Rally/No on Prop 8 Protest, a gallery from Blue-in-AK: Anchorage Proposition 8 protest, a set from Yksin: Protesting Prop 8, Anchorage, AK, 15 Nov 2008 and set from Perpetual Emptiness (aka lilyfluffbottom): Anchorage, AK 11/15/08.

The Anchorage Daily News wrote a story about it, although they underestimated the number of protestors:

“In Anchorage, between 50 and 100 people gathered in front of the downtown Atwood Building holding signs in support of same-sex marriage. Some chanted “Gay, straight, black, white – marriage is an equal right.” The group marched to nearby City Hall, then back again to the Atwood Building, which houses many state offices, including the governor’s when Sarah Palin is in Anchorage.

“No citizens have the right to vote away other citizen’s rights,” said organizer Stef Gingrich, in a later phone interview.

“In Fairbanks, about 30 people showed up in below-freezing temperatures and stood in front of City Hall for about 45 minutes, said organizer Kristen Magann.”

Both Channel 11 and Channel 2 reported the protest on the local news. (Does anyone have links for these clips?)

Photos of the Fairbanks City Hall protest are posted on the Facebook page Protest Prop 8 in Fairbanks, and the Daily News-Miner has a story.

Our protests were also news outside of Alaska. The Denver Post mentioned both the Anchorage and Fairbanks protests, and the Los Angeles Examiner linked to the ADN story.

Were you there? Share your story of the protest in the comments.

Photo credits: top – Kirt & Roger, middle two – Kristina Vaughan, bottom – Koala. Thanks!

Fairbanks for Equal Marriage: Prop 8 Protest at City Hall

Sunday, 16 November 2008 – 11:03 PM | 2 Comments

About 30 supporters of same-sex marriage demonstrated in front of Fairbanks City Hall and marched in the light snow on Saturday, probably the farthest north location to join the national protest against Prop 8. Irina Rivkin, a lesbian singer/songwriter from California, performed at the protest.

“[Irina] wrote a skit about ‘octogenarian marriage,’ equating it with the gay marriage debate (the joke being that eighty-somethings can’t have kids, and a lot of people are grossed out by eighty-something sex),” wrote ORBITALDIAMONDS. “Then she sang a song about bringing her girlfriend home to her conservative Russian mother, who eventually came to like the girlfriend, and it made me cry.”

Were you there? Tell us about it! There are photos on the Facebook page Protest Prop 8 in Fairbanks, but the only posted article is from the Daily News-Miner:

“The Fairbanks protesters eventually marched down Cushman Street to Airport Way to wave signs, [Kristen] Magann said. A couple of protesters performed a skit and one sang a lesbian love song.

“We didn’t meet with any adverse attitudes except from a cabbie who asked if we were supporting ‘real marriage,'” Magann wrote in an e-mail later in the day.

“When the protesters told the cab driver that they were advocating for same-sex marriage, the driver sped away, Magann said.

“At its height, 32 people participated in the Fairbanks demonstration.”

After the protest, Kristen wrote this message on the Facebook page:

“Thank you thank you thank you for coming out and showing your support for equality today! We had such a good turnout and I hope you are all as inspired and pumped up about the movement as I am. Just because the protest is over, the struggle is not.”

Please share your story about the Fairbanks protest. (Post it in the comments.)

National Prop 8 Protest Nov 15 – TODAY!

Saturday, 15 November 2008 – 10:59 AM | 4 Comments

Juneau’s "Mobile" Prop 8 Protest

Friday, 14 November 2008 – 5:11 PM | Comments Off

All three of Alaska’s main cities are participating in Saturday’s protest against Prop 8!

While Equal Rights supporters in Anchorage and Fairbanks hold Fight the H8 protests, Juneau NOW and their friends are holding a ‘mobile protest’ in solidarity:

I would like to be part of this national day of protest. So here’s the plan and I hope you’ll all join me. I’m going to put a sign in my car window and be a sort of mobile protester as I do my Saturday errands and schlep my kids to and from soccer games. I’ve attached my sign and would be honored if some of you want to use it and join me. Or you can modify it as you please, or make your own. You can find other suggestions at Join the Impact.

Please spread the word.

I’ll honk if I see you!

Anchorage and Fairbanks fight the H8, protest Prop 8!

Thursday, 13 November 2008 – 3:05 PM | 18 Comments

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and straight citizens will take to the streets of Anchorage and Fairbanks on Saturday Nov. 15, 2008 to protest the passage of Proposition 8, California’s anti-gay marriage amendment, and the lack of LGBT equal rights in Alaska.

Tens of thousands of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people and our allies have taken to the streets to show outrage with the outcome of California’s Proposition 8. Prop 8 is a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage, taking away a right that was granted before the vote. Same-sex marriage bans also passed in Arizona and Florida. The outcome of these propositions has angered the national gay community and our supporters. Many feel as if they are second-class citizens, but the fight is not over.

On Saturday, November 15, the LGBT community and their supporters will take to the streets in what could be the largest organized protest since the Civil Rights Movement. To date, more than 250,000 individuals have pledged to take part in the nationwide event and descend upon the City Halls, State Capitols and the Nation’s Capitol to make their voices heard. Signs, posters and numerous websites have already been created and the word is spreading quickly throughout the nation. JoinTheImpact.webpaint.com lists protest locations in all 50 States and the District of Columbia.

The message is simple, yet profound: Equal Rights for All.

The organizers of this nationwide event stress that these will be peaceful demonstrations. “Let’s move as one full unit, on the same day, at the same hour, and let’s show the United States of America that we too are United States citizens equal in mind, body and spirit and deserving of full equality under the law.”

The Protest / Movement is scheduled to take place across the nation at the same time: 1:30 PM Eastern, 12:30 PM Central, 11:30 AM Mountain and 10:30 AM Pacific on Saturday, November 15th, 2008. Those interested in attending this historic event may find their local protest location by visiting: http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com

ANCHORAGE

WHAT: Prop. 8 Protest – Equal Rights
WHO: LGBT and straight citizens who support Equal Rights
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008; at 12 Noon*
WHERE: 550 W 7th AVE, ATWOOD Building

*We are not the only city holding the protest at a different time. But if you feel that it is important to be there at 9:30, then go and make your voice be heard! (and stay for the noon rally if you can.) Thanks.

FAIRBANKS

WHAT: Prop. 8 Protest – Equal Rights
WHO: LGBT and straight citizens who support Equal Rights
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008; at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: 800 Cushman Street, CITY HALL

Anchorage Fight the H8 Protest, Nov. 15

Thursday, 13 November 2008 – 1:58 PM | 11 Comments

UPDATE: The organizers called the protest for NOON, and sent the press release to the media. We are not the only city holding the protest at a different time. But if you feel passionate about being there at 9:30 or cannot join us at noon, then go and make your voice be heard, more power to you! (and send the photos to Bent Alaska.) Thank you.

On Saturday November 15th, people in cities all around the U.S. are coming together to take a stand for equality. To date, more than 250,000 have made the pledge to take part in this national protest. Join the movement! For more information visit http://jointheimpact.com/

The Anchorage Protest

We are protesting in front of the Atwood Building, 550 W 7th Ave. between E and F Streets. Please bring a sign and DRESS WARM. Spread the word!

We are protesting for EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL, and this is a peaceful protest. Sign ideas here: http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/page/Protest+Signs

TIME??

If we follow the national movement and hold our protest to coincide with all the others, we would hold it at 9:30 a.m. in Alaska. However, the last time we held a protest early on a Saturday morning, people said the same thing but did not show up early! Many showed up around noon, after the early group left. So this time, maybe we should do what works here and call it for noon, or compromise on 11 a.m., despite the national timing.

What time will you commit to showing up?

Fairbanks Fight the H8 Protest, Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, 12 November 2008 – 11:01 PM | Comments Off

On Saturday November 15th, at *9:30 a.m. our time,* people in cities all around the U.S. are coming together to take a stand for equality. To date, more than 250,000 have made the pledge to take part in this national protest. Join the movement! For more information visit http://jointheimpact.com/

The Fairbanks Protest

We are protesting in front of City Hall, located at 800 Cushman Street, at 9:30 a.m on Saturday Nov. 15. Please bring a sign and a candle and DRESS WARM. Remember to tell your friends and families – Let’s get as many people out there as we can!

We are NOT trying to be anti-church or anti-religion, and this is a peaceful protest. We are protesting for EQUAL RIGHTS for ALL, no matter the sexual orientation. Please make signs in accordance with that. Sign ideas here: http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/page/Protest+Signs

Facebook group: Protest Prop 8 in Fairbanks.

I hope that the people whose hearts are invested in this will show up despite the early time. I think the fact that we will be protesting at the same time as everyone else in the country really makes an impact.

Thanks to everyone for the emails and offers to help out!

– Kristen, Fight the H8 protest coordinator for Fairbanks

We Can Marry in Connecticut!

Wednesday, 12 November 2008 – 4:21 PM | 4 Comments

Same-sex couples began marrying in Connecticut today.

Connecticut does not have a residency requirement, and same-sex couples from around the country will be able to marry there. There is no effort to overturn the Connecticut law.

A lower-court judge entered a final order permitting same-sex marriage, after the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled last month that excluding same-sex couples from marriage was unconstitutional.

“Connecticut sends a message of hope and inspiration to lesbian and gay people throughout this country who simply want to be treated as equal citizens by their government,” said the plaintiff’s attorney.

Peg Oliveira and Jennifer Vickery were married outside New Haven City Hall less than two hours after the order. They look forward to calling each other “wife” and raising their 3-month-old baby, Willow, in a state that recognizes them as married.

Michael Miller and Ross Zachs handed out white frosted cupcakes with the letters M and R on them after marrying on the steps of West Hartford Town Hall. The crowd cheered when minister Carole MacKenzie concluded the ceremony, saying “By the authority invested in me by the state of Connecticut.”

Fight the H8: Join the Impact

Tuesday, 11 November 2008 – 10:17 PM | 7 Comments

UPDATE: Anchorage protest is Noon at the Atwood building. Fairbanks is at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall. Check the press release for details. Thanks.

Alaska is joining the national protest against Prop 8!

Rallies are planned in Anchorage and Fairbanks on Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m., to coincide with the 10:30 a.m. west coast/ 1:30 p.m. east coast protests.

The Alaska page is: http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/page/Alaska

Many gay and lesbian couples from Alaska were married in California this summer, and many more want the option to marry. Alaskans held several No on Prop 8 fundraisers, wrote to friends and relatives in California urging them to vote No, and a few traveled there to work on the No on 8 campaign.

The passage of California’s anti-gay marriage amendment is also personal to gay and lesbian Alaskans because we experienced similar votes. Gay marriages were banned in Alaska by a constitutional amendment passed in 1998 after a mean-spirited campaign by our opponents, and our fellow Alaskans voted to take away our Court-granted family employment benefits in the advisory vote of April 2007. (The benefit vote was non-binding, and the benefits remain, for now.)

Twice in the last decade, we lived through months of public debate on whether we are citizens or abominations. Twice, a majority of our neighbors and coworkers voted against our humanity. We struggled to remain positive, productive residents of a state that does not consider us ‘equal under the law.’

Alaskans will protest the passage of Prop 8 on Nov. 15, in support of marriage equality and in solidarity with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities protesting at the same time all across this country. Please join us!