A long-overdue Bent Alaska update — October 2013

A Circle of Support: Counseling for friends of James Crump at UAA Thursday evening

UAA’s Student Health & Counseling Center will offer grief counseling and information on resources for friends of James Crump and others affected by his sudden and tragic death at Pride last Saturday. Please be sure also to check other resources for psychological and spiritual support about which we posted yesterday.

Anchorage Assembly honors memory of James L. Crump

Three days after James L. Crump died in a tragic accident only minutes after the start of Anchorage’s annual Pride parade, Assembly members Elvi Gray-Jackson and Harriet Drummond — who had walked in the parade not far behind James — introduced a resolution in the Assembly to honor him. The resolution had unanimous support of the Assembly and Mayor. Members of James’ family were present for the passage of the resolution.

Service of Remembrance for James Crump to be held Wednesday evening

There will be a Service of Remembrance for James Crump at 7 PM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at Lake Otis and Tudor tomorrow night (Wednesday, June 29), while his family is still in town. People are encouraged to bring something for a light potluck after the service.

Members of James’ family were present earlier tonight at the Anchorage Assembly chambers as the Assembly passed a unanimous resolution remembering, recognizing, and honoring James’ life. Resolution AR No 2011-183 honors James’ work as nurse for Municipality of Anchorage Department of Health & Human Services and as loved member of Anchorage LGBT community. His family members were joined by numerous friends, present and former coworkers, and members of the LGBTQA community. Bent Alaska will post video and full text of the resolution in a later post.

Remembering James Crump; and counseling & spiritual support

This post has information about psychological counseling and spiritual support for those affected by the events of last Saturday, when our brother and friend James L. Crump tragically lost his life. There will also be a resolution introduced tonight in the Anchorage Assembly to remember and honor James, and anyone who can attend is asked to.

Sara’s News Roundup 6/27/11

Recent LGBT news selected by Sara Boesser of Juneau, Alaska.

1) Gay marriage backers: NY vote has national impact
New York, Associated Press, June 25, 2011

2) N.J. Senate President Sweeney calls abstaining from gay marriage vote worst decision of legislative career
Trenton, New Jersey, NewJersey.com, June 20, 2011

3) The Archbishop vs. the Governor: Gay Sera, Sera
New York, New York Times, June 18, 2011

4) When Parents Reject Their Transgender Child
Huffington Post, June 11, 2011

5) Cubs Deliver “It Gets Better” Message
Chicago, Advocate, June 20, 2011

6) Book Excerpt: From Here To Eternity, The Restored Edition
Advocate, June 21, 2011

7) Study finds half of college-educated gays in the closet at work
365Gay.com, June 21, 2011

8) The transgender surgeon as artist
San Mateo, Calif., Washington Blade, June 2, 2011

9) Giffords Intern Celebrates Gay Night at Nats Park
Washington, Advocate, June 22, 2011

10) Judge Exempts Same-Sex Spouse From Testifying
Maryland, Advocate, June 24, 2011

11) Tracy Morgan Meets With Gay Youths Shunned By Parents
Advocate, June 17, 2011

12) Oregon sued over transgender insurance coverage
Salem, Oregon, KATU.com, June 21, 2011

13) Marriage Equality Foes Speak Out
New York, Advocate, June 25, 2011

14) Soccer sisters accused of being more Arthur than Martha
Germany, Daily Telegraph, June 22, 2011

15) Culhane: Analysis (and Celebration!) of the NY Marriage Equality Law
365Gay.com, April 25, 2011

16) Coming Out Most Beneficial in a Supportive Environment
Psych Central, June 22, 2011

17) Some celebrity quotes on NY’s new gay marriage law
CBS, June 25, 2011

Pride Foundation… AND chocolate!!! What could be better?

A benefit for Pride Foundation is being hosted at Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge this evening in Anchorage. Come support Pride Foundation’s support of Alaska LGBTQ organizations, & have some really good chocolate too!

A message from Identity about Saturday’s accident at Pride

A Message From Identity, Inc. Board of Directors Regarding the Recent Tragic Accident

Again, the Board of Identity, Inc. expresses its deepest sympathies to James Crump’s family and friends and to each person impacted by the tragic accident at the Alaska Pride Parade on June 25, 2011 in Anchorage.

The Board extends its thanks to the Anchorage Police and Fire Departments for their response and to each member of the Anchorage community for the support shown. The facts of the accident are under investigation by the Anchorage Police Department.

Identity’s website will have information for those who feel the need for emotional support caused by this tragedy.

The Identity Board is exploring ways to honor James.

The Psychological Services Center at UAA has graciously extended its services to all effected by the tragic accident of June 25, 2011. They can provide free long-term counseling to anyone who feels the need for emotional support. Contact the PSC at 786-1795.

Pride Slide: Photos from Alaska Pride Fest 2011

A slideshow of photos from Alaska Pride Fest 2011, held in Anchorage, AK on June 25, 2011.

A mournful Pride

Just a few minutes after it began, Anchorage’s annual Pride parade ended in tragedy with the accidental death of James L. Crump, a registered nurse with the Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services and a loved member of the Anchorage LGBT community. May he rest in peace.

Marriage victory in New York!

The New York Senate passed a marriage equality bill 33-29 on Friday night and Gov. Cuomo signed it, making New York the 6th state in the U.S. to legalize same sex marriage. A similar bill passed the New York Assembly last week, and passed the Senate amendments tonight. The new law will take effect in 30 days.