Bent Alaska | Alaska's LGBTQA blog

Anti-gay incident at SantaLand

Friday, 4 June 2010 – 3:13 PM | 8 Comments

Bent Alaska received the following warning for LGBTQ people and our allies concerning an unfriendly RV park in the Fairbanks area:

A well-respected member of the North Pole community and his partner were recently asked to leave Santa’s RV because they are gay. Santa’s RV is owned by the same people who own the Santa Claus House. Use of other campgrounds in Fairbanks or North Pole are suggested for anyone who despises this kind of discrimination. Thanks!

When I asked for more information, the writer replied that he heard about the incident from a mutual friend who is traveling out of state until July.

All I know is that they were told they had been reported as too loud and when they questioned that, they were told that the fact they were gay was the deciding factor.

The couple has been encouraged to write a letter to the News-Miner describing the incident, or to contact Bent directly. If they respond, the full story will be posted. I will also post a reply from SantaLand.

SantaLand RV Park was founded by Con and Nellie Miller, and their daughter Merry and son Mike (a former state senator) are still involved with Santa Claus House and the RV Park, according to the website. But SantaLand RV Park is currently managed by Phillip and Teffonie Wyman, who are active members of the North Pole Worship Center.

If you are LGBT and have camped at SantaLand RV Park recently, did you have any interactions – positive, negative or neutral – with the managers? If so, please leave a comment about it below this post. Thank you.

Alaska joins lawsuit against anti-gay funeral protests

Wednesday, 2 June 2010 – 11:58 PM | Comments Off

Alaska Attorney General Daniel Sullivan joined AGs from 48 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit against the infamous “God Hates Fags” church for protesting at the funeral of a marine killed in Iraq.

The Westboro Baptist Church pickets US military funerals because they believe war deaths are God’s punishment for tolerance of gays and lesbians. They have protested at more than 200 military funerals.

Albert Snyder, father of the late Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, is suing over protests the anti-gay church staged at his son’s funeral in 2006.

Members of Westboro waved signs saying “God hates the USA”, “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and signs with anti-gay slurs. The Snyder family sued, claiming invasion of privacy and emotional distress. A jury awarded the family more than $10 million, but they lost on appeal and were ordered to pay more than $16,000 in court costs to the church.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case in the fall and decide if the protest is protected by the First Amendment.

An amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court was filed on Tuesday by the Kansas Attorney General in support of Mr. Snyder and against Fred Phelps, the notorious leader of the Kansas-based church. The two states that did not join the suit are Maine and Virginia.

The states that signed the brief argued they have a compelling interest in protecting the sanctity of funerals.

On Friday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) also filed a brief in support of the Synder family and encouraged other senators to join him.

Mailbag: Alaska’s Foster Care Reform (update: signed!)

Wednesday, 2 June 2010 – 2:29 PM | 3 Comments

Update: When Denali Kid Care was vetoed, we worried about the Foster Care bill. But on June 16, HB 126 was signed into law! Thanks to everyone who wrote in support of Alaska’s youth.

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Alaska’s 2,000 youth in foster care got a helping hand when the state House passed HB 126: Success for Foster Youth, in April. Governor Parnell has until Friday June 4 to veto budget items like this, and supporters are asking us to email the governor in favor of the bill.

Thomas Azzarella of the Anchorage Youth Development Coalition wrote to Bent Alaska about HB 126 and the needs of queer youth in foster care:

I read your last posting about Kady Titus and I was extremely excited to hear about her great accomplishments. Unfortunately, not all youth in our state’s foster care system are succeeding as well. We also know that LGBTQ youth often have some of the most difficult experiences in our foster care system.

Please spread this message to as many people as possible to help support Alaska’s youth in foster care. Below is a message from Rose Foley, Legislative Aide for Representative Les Gara, about current legislation in front of the Governor that needs community support to ensure that it doesn’t get vetoed! These funds will directly impact lives of hundreds of youth in our state’s foster care system. Please take the moment read and act!

All you have to do is send an email to Governor Parnell stating, “I believe in supporting youth in foster care and I urge you to support HB 126 and the budget items that have been included.” sean.parnell@alaska.gov It will take you no more then 2 minutes of your time and may have dramatic impact on lives of our state’s youth in transitional care.

Thank you for your continual support of ALL of Alaska’s youth!

Here is the message from Rose Foley, Aide to Represenative Gara:

This session House Bill 126 passed, as did important, cost-effective reforms we passed as part of the operating budget. HB 126 extends foster care to age 21 and allowing foster youth to reenter care if they realize they left too soon. The budget reforms and legislation now go to Governor Parnell, who has the power to veto the items that have been included in the budget.

Here’s where you come in!

Email or write to the Governor and tell him that you support HB 126 and the budget items that have been included. Urge him to make sure they stay in the budget. The messages can be short – just be clear about the items you are supporting. Please be sure your messages are polite, and avoid form letters – these are not given as much consideration as a quick note in your own voice. The budget items relating to foster care aim to increase the educational and adult success of these youth, who the state is the legal guardian for. They are:

• $160,500 for two new positions to work as Independent Living Specialists

• $200,000 for a mentoring program

• $80,000 to provide transportation to avoid mid-term school transfers

• $100,000 to extend the housing assistance currently provided

• $55,000 for University of Alaska scholarships

• $85,000 for the Education and Training Vouchers program for higher education

• $30,000 for foster parent recruitment

• $5,000 to send informational mailers about the FosterWear discount clothing program

Please send your emails to: sean.parnell@alaska.gov and karen.rehfeld@alaska.gov

Thanks again for your support. Please take a moment to let your governor know how important these issues are to our state, and Alaska’s children.

Obama declares June Pride Month 2010

Tuesday, 1 June 2010 – 12:50 PM | Comments Off

President Obama proclaimed June as LGBT Pride Month again this year, in the statement posted below. He lists the progress made by his administration and the struggles that remain in the movement for LGBT equality.

In Anchorage, the third Saturday in June was officially Gay Pride Day during Sen. Mark Begich’s years as mayor. Will Mayor Sullivan proclaim Pride Day this year, or will he be the Grinch who stole Pride?

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

May 28, 2010

As Americans, it is our birthright that all people are created equal and deserve the same rights, privileges, and opportunities. Since our earliest days of independence, our Nation has striven to fulfill that promise. An important chapter in our great, unfinished story is the movement for fairness and equality on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This month, as we recognize the immeasurable contributions of LGBT Americans, we renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists.

LGBT Americans have enriched and strengthened the fabric of our national life. From business leaders and professors to athletes and first responders, LGBT individuals have achieved success and prominence in every discipline. They are our mothers and fathers, our sons and daughters, and our friends and neighbors. Across my Administration, openly LGBT employees are serving at every level. Thanks to those who came before us the brave men and women who marched, stood up to injustice, and brought change through acts of compassion or defiance we have made enormous progress and continue to strive for a more perfect union.

My Administration has advanced our journey by signing into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which strengthens Federal protections against crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation. We renewed the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides life saving medical services and support to Americans living with HIV/AIDS, and finally eliminated the HIV entry ban. I also signed a Presidential Memorandum directing hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds to give LGBT patients the compassion and security they deserve in their time of need, including the ability to choose someone other than an immediate family member to visit them and make medical decisions.

In other areas, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a series of proposals to ensure core housing programs are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. HUD also announced the first ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has created a National Resource Center for LGBT Elders.

Much work remains to fulfill our Nation’s promise of equal justice under law for LGBT Americans. That is why we must give committed gay couples the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple, and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. We must protect the rights of LGBT families by securing their adoption rights, ending employment discrimination against LGBT Americans, and ensuring Federal employees receive equal benefits. We must create safer schools so all our children may learn in a supportive environment. I am also committed to ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” so patriotic LGBT Americans can serve openly in our military, and I am working with the Congress and our military leadership to accomplish that goal.

As we honor the LGBT Americans who have given so much to our Nation, let us remember that if one of us is unable to realize full equality, we all fall short of our founding principles. Our Nation draws its strength from our diversity, with each of us contributing to the greater whole. By affirming these rights and values, each American benefits from the further advancement of liberty and justice for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Sara’s News Roundup 5/30/10

Sunday, 30 May 2010 – 1:49 PM | Comments Off

I was on vacation over the holiday weekend, so I’m a few days late posting Sara’s NEWS and a special message about her vacation for the month of June. Have a great time, Sara, and I look forward to your return in July!

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Hello Readers,

I’m writing to let you know I’ll be away from my trusty computer for a month starting tomorrow. I’ll still be able to receive emails, but won’t be in News-send mode.

As a result, my NEWS will pause until I return. My next NEWS will be either July 4th or July 11th.

In the meantime, let’s hope DADT passes the Senate, that California allows same-sex marriage (again!), and that ENDA passes for all of us: gay, lesbian, bi, and trans alike.

. . . Well — a gal can dream, can’t she? :-)

Until then, I wish you all a very good month of June,

Sara

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

1) Get over gay fear, U.S. allies advise

Washington, Politico, May 26, 2010

2) CNN Poll: Nearly 8 in 10 favor gays in the military

Washington, CNN, May 25, 2010

3) Malawi president pardons gay couple after UN pressure

Malawi, Africa, Telegraph, May 29, 2010

4) Corvino: What about asexuality?

365Gay.com, May 28, 2010

5) Transgender rights advocates see a gradual series of victories

Reporting from Washington, LA Times, May 26, 2010

6) ‘Gaydar’ may actually exist: study shows gay people to be more detail-oriented, discerning

New York, NY Daily News, May 28, 2010

7) Cameras nixed at closing of gay marriage trial

San Francisco, California, 365Gay, May 25, 2010

8) Lesbian Pastor in Mpls Church Recognized

Minneapolis, Fox9.com, May 23, 2010

9) Anglican head reprimands US Church over lesbian bishop

U.K., Christian Today, May 29, 2010

10) Ann Woolner: High court needs a homosexual

Madison, Wisconsin, Cap Times, May 25, 2010

11) ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ affects women, minorities more

Washington, USA Today, May 28, 2010

12) Top backers of gay/transgender nondiscrimination bill push for a vote

Washington, Washington Post, May 15, 2010

13) Calif.: Clergy Can Perform, Deny Any Wedding

California, Advocate, May 28, 2010

14) Indonesian in transgender wedding ‘fraud’ trial

Indonesia, BBC News, May 17, 2010

15) QueerShidduch: A Matchmaking Service for Religious LGBT Jews

QueerShidduch, May 4, 2010

16) New Teaching Tolerance Film to Address Anti-Gay Bullying in Schools

Southern Poverty Law Center, May 21, 2010

17) This Land Is Your Land

Advocate, June 2010

Daniel Radcliffe: "Be proud of who you are" (video)

Saturday, 29 May 2010 – 12:56 PM | One Comment

In this 30 second PSA, actor Daniel Radcliffe raises awareness of The Trevor Project‘s around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. He reassures young people who may be feeling lost or alone that there’s always a safe place to turn.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis intervention or suicide prevention services, please call The Trevor Helpline at 866.4.U.TREVOR or 866.488.7386, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Watch the video:

U.S. House passes DADT repeal

Friday, 28 May 2010 – 3:18 PM | Comments Off

The full U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate Armed Services Committee both voted in favor of a compromise amendment to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell on Thursday, May 27. The House passed the measure by a vote of 234 to 194, and the Senate Armed Services Committee passed the DADT amendment 16-12 earlier in the day. The full Senate will vote on it next.

The amendment does not stop the discharges of gay and lesbian service members, but it would repeal the Congressional law banning open service. If the amendment passes, the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have to sign off on a full repeal before the discharges would end.

While we wait for the Senate vote, here is the final letter in the “Stories from the Frontlines” series. It is actually two letters: a letter to President Obama from former service member and current SLDN leader Aubrey Sarvis, and a love letter written by a World War II soldier and published in ONE Magazine in 1961.

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May 28, 2010

President Barack H. Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

For the past month, we have sent you personal letters from those harmed by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” With the votes in the House and the Senate Armed Services Committee, we are bringing our series to a close. The final letter we are sharing with you was written by a World War II soldier to another service member. It is a love letter penned on the occasion of their anniversary.

The letter, which follows below, was published in September 1961 by ONE Magazine – an early gay magazine based out of Los Angeles. In 2000, Bob Connelly, an adjunct professor of LGBT studies at American University, found a copy of the letter in the Library of Congress. He brought the letter to the attention of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network last month.

We sincerely thank Mr. Connelly for his research and the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives for granting permission for the letter to be republished.

Please accept this letter on the behalf of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members on active-duty, in the reserve and in the National Guard; those who have been discharged; and those who didn’t enlist because of the discriminatory law now being dismantled.

With great respect,

Former Specialist 4th Class Aubrey Sarvis

United States Army

The letter as published by ONE Magazine:

Dear Dave,

This is in memory of an anniversary – the anniversary of October 27th, 1943, when I first heard you singing in North Africa. That song brings memories of the happiest times I’ve ever known. Memories of a GI show troop – curtains made from barrage balloons – spotlights made from cocoa cans – rehearsals that ran late into the evenings – and a handsome boy with a wonderful tenor voice. Opening night at a theatre in Canastel – perhaps a bit too much muscatel, and someone who understood. Exciting days playing in the beautiful and stately Municipal Opera House in Oran – a misunderstanding – an understanding in the wings just before opening chorus.

Drinks at “Coq d’or” – dinner at the “Auberge” – a ring and promise given. The show 1st Armoured – muscatel, scotch, wine – someone who had to be carried from the truck and put to bed in his tent. A night of pouring rain and two very soaked GIs beneath a solitary tree on an African plain. A borrowed French convertible – a warm sulphur spring, the cool Mediterranean, and a picnic of “rations” and hot cokes. Two lieutenants who were smart enough to know the score, but not smart enough to realize that we wanted to be alone. A screwball piano player – competition – miserable days and lonely nights. The cold, windy night we crawled through the window of a GI theatre and fell asleep on a cot backstage, locked in each other’s arms – the shock when we awoke and realized that miraculously we hadn’t been discovered. A fast drive to a cliff above the sea – pictures taken, and a stop amid the purple grapes and cool leaves of a vineyard.

The happiness when told we were going home – and the misery when we learned that we would not be going together. Fond goodbyes on a secluded beach beneath the star-studded velvet of an African night, and the tears that would not be stopped as I stood atop the sea-wall and watched your convoy disappear over the horizon.

We vowed we’d be together again “back home,” but fate knew better – you never got there. And so, Dave, I hope that where ever you are these memories are as precious to you as they are to me.

Goodnight, sleep well my love.

Brian Keith

(Reprinted with permission of ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, www.onearchives.org, ONE Magazine, September 1961)

2 Alaskans win Pride college scholarships

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 – 7:09 AM | Comments Off

Two LGBT college students from Alaska received Pride Foundation scholarships for the 2010/11 school year: Tonei Glavinic and Kady Titus.

Tonei Glavinic is a Queer 20 year old from Anchorage, AK. Tonei is a student at American University in Washington, DC and is pursuing a degree in Political Science and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. Tonei wants to thank Anchorage Youth Court, GLSEN, the ACLU, and everyone who has supported Tonei’s work over the years. Tonei is a Public Policy and Advocacy Intern at the Task Force; volunteer at a pro-choice clinic; Executive Director of American University Queers and Allies; and will be a Resident Assistant next year.

Tonei won the following scholarships: Pride Foundation Community, Political Leadership, and Scott Rodriguez Leadership

Kady Titus is 21, bisexual, and an Alaskan Native. She is currently a freshmen at Haskell Indian Nations University studying Social Work. Kady owes a huge “thank you” to Kathy Halverson, who was Kady’s first social worker from Foster Care. Kady says, “She stayed with me throughout everything.”

“My plans and aspirations are the same now as they were almost 10 years ago: to open the interior of Alaska’s first Transitional Living Program with special services geared toward GLBT youth and foster children.”

Kady won the following scholarship: Pride Foundation/Alaska

Congratulations to Tonei, Kady and all 108 scholarship recipients! More information on the annual scholarship program can be found at PrideFoundation.org.

Transgender podcast debuts with Alaska show on "Transpeople and Christianity"

Tuesday, 25 May 2010 – 7:06 AM | Comments Off

The first show of “Good Morning, TransAmerica!” is now available, with news and discussion on transgender issues around the world, hosted by Anja Gensel of Anchorage, Alaska.

The first show is called “Transpeople and Christianity: Does God have a plan for us?” Anja and her guests address why many fundamentalist Christian churches reject transpeople, how they hijacked the Anchorage Assembly hearings last summer, and why they have it wrong.

We ask the question “Can you be transgendered, AND be a Christian?” We hear from Anchorage Televangelist Jerry Prevo, Pastoral Minister Sarah Gavit of St Mary’s Episcipal Church, and two Christian Transwomen, Kelly Johnson and Piper Moritz.

Another local segment on the show is “TransLife in a small Alaskan town” with commercial fisherman and transwoman, Carrie Thorne. Carrie also discusses her experiences with Dr. Toby Meltzer, who performed SRS, Voice modification and FFS on her.

Other guests include Lisa O. discussing her SRS results performed in Thailand by Dr. Suporn.

Finally, Mental Health Clinician Roni Lanier, M.S. reviews the book: “Transgender Emergence: Therapeutic Guidelines for Working With Gender-Variant People and Their Families” by Arlene Ister Lev.

Plus, the podcast opens with a review of recent transgender world news.

The second show is called “TransLife in Australia” and will be available in June. For the third show, Anja travels to Chicago to the 2010 “Be-All” International Gender Conference.

“Transpeople and Christianity: Does God have a plan for us?” is available HERE.

For more information on the next shows, visit “Good Morning, TransAmerica!” on TransAlaska Pipeline, the website for Transgender Alaska.

Fairbanks soldier investigated for “future gay terrorist” video

Sunday, 23 May 2010 – 11:27 PM | One Comment

A Fairbanks soldier is under investigation for posting on Facebook a video titled “future gay terrorist!” with two Iraqi children being taunted about being homosexuals and terrorists, and writing, “I was bored in Iraq. So I kept myself entertained.”

The young boys don’t understand the soldier’s insults about being gay and liking gay sex, so they nod and smile. When he asks if they will grow up to be terrorists, at first they return his thumbs up, then the older boy realizes the soldier is not being friendly.

Robert Rodriguez, stationed at Fort Wainwright near Fairbanks, made his Facebook page private a week after posting the clip, and his wall and videos are no longer visible to the public. However, a second Alaska-based soldier shared the video, and concerned friends in North Carolina contacted a local television station, which posted this video and the article quoted below:

The 30-second clip shows the two boys standing side by side on a dusty road, and the photographer asks them if they’re gay and engage in homosexual acts. The boys smile and nod, but it’s unclear whether they understand English.

“Are you going to grow up to be a terrorist? Yeah! All right! Cool! Yeah, terrorists! Woo!” the photographer says.

The boys smile and give a thumbs-up signal.

“Are you going to plant IEDs?” the photographer asks. “Yeah, awesome!”

The older boy apparently realizes at this point that they are being mocked, and he holds down the younger boy’s arm.

The video was posted May 14 on the Facebook page of Robert Rodriguez and titled “future gay terrorists.”

Rodriguez describes himself on Facebook as a soldier living in Fairbanks, Alaska. An Army spokesman said a Spc. Robert Rodriguez is stationed at Fort Wainwright, outside of Fairbanks.

It’s unclear whose voice is heard on the video, but in posting the video to Facebook, Rodriguez wrote, “I was bored in Iraq. So I kept myself entertained.”

A North Carolina soldier who also is based in Alaska subsequently shared the video with friends on his Facebook page, and a concerned area resident alerted WRAL News.

“The conduct portrayed in video is disgraceful and clearly inconsistent with the high standards we expect of every Soldier. The incident is currently under investigation. The Army will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation,” Maj. Bill Coppernoll, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Army in Alaska, said in a statement Friday.