“I am really looking forward to this year,” wrote Natasha. “I already have a ton of ideas.”
“Congrats to one of my best friends,” wrote
April Rains, the 16th ICP, about Natasha. “May her reign as Imperial Crown Princess 17 of All Alaska be spectacular! And thanks to everyone who attended the
2009 ICP Ball at Mad Myrna’s.”
I asked Natasha and Cory about their goals as Prince and Princess:
- We really want to stress the importance of family within our community, and involve the youth of our community. We call ourselves a family, therefore the families of the court and community should be involved. These children are our future voices and I want them to see the greatness we as adults see.
- We also are looking forward to working and raising money for the 4 A’s, Equality and Identity.
- Lastly we would like to emphasize the ICOAA scholarship program. Approximately $60,000 is given each year (Cory was a recipient of the scholarship previously) and we really want people to be aware of these scholarships.
Here’s to a fabulously fun and successful reign!
– photo of Natasha ICP 17, and April ICP 16
BREAKING: On Tuesday, May 26, the California Supreme Court will announce its decision to either uphold or overturn Proposition 8 and the thousands of same-sex marriages performed last summer! Check back Tuesday for the ruling.
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This week’s events from the statewide newsletter. Subscribe to Alaska GLBT News.
Fairbanks
Dance Your Heart Out: Country Western 2 step lessons & dancing 5/22, 7:30 p.m. $12/drop in per class. Bovee Studio, 1845 Caribou Way, off College Rd. RSVP to Judith.
Bac’untry Bruthers at the Trapper Creek Festival 5/23, 8 p.m.
Juneau
SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown.
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. Harmony Choir meets at the Center on Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Anchorage
Side Street Saturdays for LGBT writers, Saturdays noon-3 p.m. at Side Street Cafe.
Jay Her’s Adult Comedy Hypnosis show at Mad Myrna’s 5/23, 9 p.m. $10
Sunday worship with Rev. Norman Van Manen and MCC Anchorage, Sundays 2 p.m.
Transgender Support Group, Sundays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLCCA.
The Big Annual Memorial Day GLBT Community Picnic in front of the Kincaid Park chalet 5/25, noon-5 p.m. Sponsored by the Imperial Court (ICOAA) which sells burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks as a fundraiser.
Gay, Joyous and Free AA Meeting, Mondays 6 p.m. at the GLCCA.
Anchorage Frontrunners, Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, 19 May 2009 – 1:31 PM
| Comments Off on Big Gay Memorial Day Picnic
The 2009 Memorial Day Community Picnic will be at Kincaid Park in front of the chalet, from noon-5 p.m. on Monday May 25.
The Memorial Day Gay Picnic is an Anchorage tradition going back more than 40 years, held in Eklutna until 2007. The Picnic is sponsored by the
Imperial Court (ICOAA) and the College of Emperors and Empresses sells burgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks as a fundraiser. All LGBT people and our allies are welcome to attend.
“It has always been at Eklutna, the least visible place, because back in the day folks wanted to not be seen. Eklutna has been sold, so we cannot use that space in the future,”
explained Scott Turner about last year’s change of location to the more public space at Kincaid.
“We do fun things, the high heel race and egg toss, as well as volleyball if there is a net at Kincaid.”
– photo from Memorial Day Gay Picnic 2008.
Sunday, 3 May 2009 – 10:45 PM
| Comments Off on Gay AK: Scholarships, Frontrunners, and Memorial Day
ICOAA Scholarship Applications
July 3 is the submission deadline for the Imperial Court of All Alaska’s Scholarship Program applications, available online at the
ICOAA web site under “About Us.”
Femme Fatale
Just (about to be) Married
Congratulations to Chris Olson and Michelle Coen on their upcoming wedding in Iowa. They met in 1981 while living in Anchorage, Alaska but moved to Wisconsin in 1998 to be closer to their families. They plan to marry in Olsen’s Iowa hometown, so her 96-year-old mother can attend the wedding.
Story and photo.
Anchorage Frontrunners, Tuesdays starting 5/5
Join
Anchorage Frontrunners, a GLBT group that walks/runs/rollerblades (dogs welcome) along the Coastal Trail on Tuesdays from May-September. Meet at Westchester Lagoon at 6 p.m. in the far west parking lot near the coffee shack.
Memorial Day GLBT Community Picnic 5/25
The annual Memorial Day Community Picnic will be held at Kincaid Park again this year. The Community Picnic is a tradition going back more than 40 years, held in Eklutna until that property was sold last spring. The College of Emperors and Empresses sells burgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks as a fundraiser for
ICOAA.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009 – 10:52 AM
| Comments Off on Femme Fatale returns to Juneau
The Drag Queens are Back! The Anchorage divas will perform in Juneau on Friday and Saturday, May 1 & 2, for two unique performances of Femme Fatale, the annual Juneau show to raise money for Four A’s. The
Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association (Four A’s) provides AIDS prevention, education, and client services.
The Femme Fatale 2009 performers include Rosie Rotton, Kristara, Jovi, Mariquita, and Ashley.
Femme Fatale has been a tradition in Juneau for almost twenty years. Mikey LaChoy, Emperor 25 of the Imperial Court of All Alaska (
ICOAA) is the coordinator of Femme Fatale.
Tickets for Femme Fatale are available at Four A’s-Southeast (174 South Franklin Street, #207), Marlintini’s, The Rendezvous, or UAS. The cost is $15 per show.
Femme Fatale: Friday, May 1, 8 p.m. at the Rendezvous, and Saturday, May 2, 9 p.m. at Marlintini’s.
Princess April Rains and Regent-Prince Joseph Williams will step down on Saturday night at the annual Imperial Crown Prince and Princess Ball, at
Mad Myrna’s in Anchorage. They were elected to the ICP positions at
last year’s Ball.
“The ball is ‘Crowns and Gowns’ and was planned by Mimi of Seattle as a traditional formal ball,” writes April. “We’re also doing a Valley Trash masquarade theme, so I’ll bring my Iditarod gear, construction tools, hay and saddle to represent the Valley and myself.”
The 2009 ICP Ball will include performances by Mary Bess Bohall, Yeager Bill, Cookie Cannon, Ms. Alaska Teen, and the drag queens from Fairbanks as a group, plus the Emperors and Empresses. Jake and Kristara will emcee. Four candidates are running, two for prince and two for princess.
Imperial Court members will vote for the new titleholders, and crown them at the end of the ball.
April Rains reflected on how this one year journey as Imperial Crown Princess was the culmination of a several year process of self-discovery:
In a week, I will step down as the Imperial Crown Princess of All Alaska, and someone else will step up and begin anew. For a while now I have been regretting this event. It will signify an end to what has been evolving for me in this role, and has exploded into an incredible experience I don’t want to end. A lot of what has unfolded had something, but not everything, to do with being Princess.
For the past several weeks, I’ve been working like a dog Monday morning through about noon on Friday, then slipping into a skirt and lipstick until the new work week begins. In some ways, it’s an escape from my reality as a male, while in other ways it’s just a pure expression of myself as a multifaceted and talented person. As the years have evolved, what was once a rare Friday night outing in a skirt by myself, has become a fully intergrated part of who I am. The days of changing last minute in some out of the way bathroom are over. Now I’ll leave the house mid-day for the whole world to see and I won’t care. Where I was once paranoid that someone would find out where I lived or who I was ‘out of face’, now it seems the whole world knows. Where I was just another confused cross-dresser, now The Diva April Rains is becoming as prominent as her male counterpart.
I’ve walked through stores and people have complimented me, stood in front of several hundred neighbors, associates and friends as they cheered at the end of “April’s Follies”, spoke with folks who say awesome things about performing in the Friday Night Diva’s show, and stood there humbly as Sherry Vine and Joey Arias acknowledged me during their show. These are all circumstances I never knew I’d get to experience.
For months now, emails have come in from men in circumstances similar to mine years before, where fear, disgust, self-hatred and confusion rule their lives. They want to get out of their bedrooms and experience the real world. How do they do that? How do they talk with their wives, kids, and friends about their “secret”. They are relieved to know they are not alone, but realize that it’s a journey of self discovery to find who they are at the core of their being. This has little to do with being gay, straight, bi or any need to have sexual re-assignment surgery or take hormones. They have simpler questions, like what bathroom to use at a club, how to cover a beard, where to find shoes and hair, and so much more.
If anything, being the ICP presented a unique route for me to be more open and visible about who I am as a person. It took a role I thought was a “fantasy” and interjected it into dead center of reality. A role where I attended meetings for the corporation of the Court recognized as a female, but blended it with my male experiences to help make real world business decisions. A role where my male community recognition as a builder, fire fighter, dog musher, dad, and partner allowed me to meet with other local business owners and associates as a female, to garner support for a first-ever Valley fundraiser.
As the big weekend draws closer, what I felt was an end is in fact a new beginning. The end of the 16th ICP Reign will occur, as the 17th reign steps up and another very unqiuely talented and creative person hopes to make some positive changes during her reign. While my title as Her Most “Not So Sweet, 16th, Valley Trash, Imperial Crown Princess of All Alaska” will be entered into the lineage of the Court, my title as “The Valley Trash Baroness of Big Lake” will remain … and that’s a title I have yet to develop.
Tuesday, 7 April 2009 – 11:29 AM
| Comments Off on Bowling, Ballroom and Easter Madness
Alaska’s LGBT communities are holding events all over the state this week: Cosmic Bowling in Juneau, Gay Ballroom Dance classes in Fairbanks, a choir forming at the Mat-Su Center, and two Easter events in Anchorage – “Millinery Madness” at Myrna’s, and Easter Sunday at MCC.
SEAGLA Cosmic Bowling Night at the Juneau Bowling Center, April 11, 8-10 p.m.
Cosmic Bowling for community members and their friends. Both men and women are invited to join us at the Juneau Bowling Center, 608 W. Willoughby Ave. Come early for a meet-n-greet in the bar area. Bowling starts at 8 pm and is timed for two hours, so don’t be late. Four lanes have been reserved.
SEAGLAGay Ballroom Dance Classes in Fairbanks, Tuesdays April 14-May 5, 7:15-9 p.m
Ballroom dance classes for lesbians and gays. The Fox Trot, Swing and Waltz classes will be taught by Kurt Byers and Terri Babers. Each class is two 45 minute sessions of instruction. The cost is $60 per person for the set, or $50 for UAF students, paid at the first session.
“We suspect there is a big unmet desire among the Fairbanks gay community for solid training in ballroom and swing dancing,” wrote Kurt. “That’s a desire we intend to fulfill in a fun and congenial atmosphere.”
The dance classes will be held April 14, 21, 28 and May 5 from 7:15-9 p.m. at the Artisan’s Courtyard, 1755 Westwood Way, off College Road next to Toy Quest.
RSVP to KurtHarmony Choir at the Mat-Su LGBT Community Center, Mondays 6 – 7 p.m.
Harmony Community Choir is a new a capella group rehearsing at the Center on Monday evenings. “We need singers,” said Talyne. “Must be able to take direction and at least be able to carry a tune.”
The Center is open M-F 5-8 p.m., except Wed. 6-8, at 415 South Bailey, in the Church of the Covenant, in Palmer. The Wednesday social meets at 5 p.m. in the Vagabond Blues coffee shop.
Mat-Su CenterMillinery Madness in Anchorage, April 11, dinner at 6 p.m, show at 8 p.m.
Emperor 36 Michael and Empress 36 Paula extend a warm invitation to The Imperial Court’s Easter show “Millinery Madness.” Join us for dinner, a 50/50 raffle, an egg hunt, an Easter bonnet contest and a wonderful drag show. Come out and help raise money for charity.
Mad Myrna’s and
ICOAA Easter Sunday with MCC Anchorage, April 12, 2 p.m.
Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage is hosting a special Easter Worship Service, a time of rejoicing, celebration and worship, followed by a potluck. The service will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing.
“Our new place of worship is proving to be very exciting,” said Rev. Norman Van Manen. “The colorful glass windows allow light to enter. The seating causes us to sit a little closer together making the music swell. The warm welcome of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is greatly appreciated. There are exciting things happening at MCC Anchorage.”
Sunday services begin at 2 p.m. and are held in the A-Frame Chapel located at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 2222 East Tudor Road.
MCC Anchorage
Saturday, 4 April 2009 – 10:33 PM
| Comments Off on On the Way to the Follies
April Rains hosted “
April’s Follies” this weekend, the first
Imperial Court drag show in Wasilla. She describes her adventures on the way to the Follies in her first contribution to Bent Alaska.
——–
All Right
by April Rains
He stood there silently looking at me as his wife purchased material in Joanne’s, his large “NRA”, “IBEW” and “Marine” patches clearly visible. He was in his lates 60’s and was obviously only there because she was. His look said any place would be better now that I was standing there.
A smile crossed my lips, but he gave no response, and several other people joined the checkout line. Keith said it was the clothes I wore that were drawing attention, not “typical” for Alaskan women. “Alaskan lesbian chic” I call it, a look completed with a fringed leather motorcycle jacket and draping green plaid scarf. The two of us made our way as an odd couple through a myriad of stores and shops, picking up last minute items for tonight’s show.
I used to wear high riding mini-skirts and killer heels for very brief, and nervous, stops to get cigarettes or coffee. Home, to the club, and back again. Now it’s colorful layered t-shirts, sweaters, designer jeans, flowing skirts and dresses, and dress boots or heels, and what once was a rare occurance to enter a store or do errands in femme, has become the norm in many ways. The styles now reflect the ease, comfort, and fun with which it is done. Enough to say that whatever I am to onlookers, I am not just some guy faking it in women’s clothes. There is self confidence, style and taste, life experience, and even serious sex appeal at times, behind the red hair and french manicured nails.
***
At Mila’s Alterations I stood in front of the full length hallway mirror wrapped in a $1000 torqoiuse blue evening gown as she adjusted this strap and that. Mila insisted that I model gowns and dresses with her professionals at tonight’s show, and I agreed if she would find something for my daughter to wear as well, as a surprise. Dad and daughter hitting the catwalk together as female fashion models. A first, I am sure, for Alaska.
It’s prom season and three teenage girls stood there in amazement and shock as I turned side to side to check the fit. The gown is gorgeous and, like the cocktail dress I bought, cut as if I were the mannequin the designer built it around. “Even I didn’t look that good in that dress,” one girl replied, and a sound of discontent crossed her lips. They were there as Mila and I discussed shoes and makeup pallettes to match. All just part of life as it moves ahead in odd and bizzarre twists and turns.
***
“We need to drop Jesse off at her house,” Keith said as we headed out of town. She lives on Fort Richardson, the army base just north of Anchorage. This is not the place one plays games, as armed guards, attack dogs, metal/bomb detectors and heavy armor guard the gates. It’s a major deployment point for Striker Brigades, equipment and infantry into the Middle East. The names and units of those killed in combat sit freshly on the minds of everyone, as do those still there, or soon to be going. Anyone or anything in question is not taken lightly there.
Pulling up, a line of cars and trucks waited as teams of soilders stripped and searched each car one by one due to a high security alert. Too late to turn around, the three of us sat there: a goth military wife with a partial mohawk and green braided hair, a photographer covered in tattoos, wearing dark glasses and purple hair, and a drag queen. The minivan was crammed with boxes of potato chips, makeup, dresses, a spot light, camera equipment, and a bright pink guiter. If there was about to be a massive incident, everything pointed at us, even though we had done nothing.
As we watched, all the traffic was directed to the right and crews descended on the vehicles. We moved up, and we were the only ones told to go left. We approached the guards, and I sat there nervously as Keith handed them our ID’s. “Fundraiser,” Keith said. The guard stared at the pictures, then at me, and then grinned. “Go ahead,” was all he replied, and we were the only vehicle to enter the base without incident. The guards knew I was male by my ID. They didn’t care. Go figure. Guess I am all right.
It’s Drag Weekend in Wasilla with “April’s Follies,” the first Imperial Court show in the Valley, on Saturday April 4 at the Best Western on Lake Lucille. “April’s Follies” is an adults-only theme night with singers, dancers, and of course lots of drag queens.
“Within 5 minutes of picking up the tickets and flyers from the printer, the tickets were selling,” wrote Imperial Crown Princess
April Rains, hostess of the Follies. “Several business hopped on board as sponsors, contributting certificates and clothing. Performers lined up and word got out. It’s going to be an awesome show!”
The Mat-Su Valley is home to a growing gay community, and an
LGBT Community Center recently opened in Palmer.
April’s Follies:
Tickets available online from ICOAA, or at Mad Myrna’s in Anchorage, Dangerous Curves and Mila’s Botique in Wasilla, and College Floral in Fairbanks. $15 person/$25 couple, must be 19 to attend. Ask about discounted hotel rates and group rates for 10 or more.
Saturday, 27 September 2008 – 1:45 PM
| Comments Off on Court crowns Emperor and Empress, gives awards and scholarships at Coronation
Mike Bartels of Fairbanks and Paula Butner of Anchorage were crowned at Coronation 2008 as the new Emperor and Empress of the Imperial Court of All Alaska (ICOAA). The Court also announced the winners of five annual awards, and the recipients of the scholarship program.
A total of $60,000 was granted to the 25 scholarship recipients for 2008.
The Scholarship Awards are based on economic need, scholastic achievement, leadership ability and contributions to the Lesbian/Gay community, with preference given to members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied (GLBTA) community.
The Imperial Court’s five annual community service awards are given to individuals and businesses in Alaska’s GLBTA community.
Chosen by the College of Emperors and Empresses:
The Raymond Jorgenson Community Service Award to a group/business went to Bent Alaska
Raymond Jorgenson worked tirelessly for many years on behalf of the GLBTA community of Alaska and the Imperial Court. He was a founding member of every GLBT organization that existed during his day and espoused that it was only through our combined efforts that Alaska’s community could grow stronger. In his honor, the College chooses an organization, group, or business award each year to recognize their outstanding works on behalf of our community.
The C Wayne Hussey Community Service Award to an Individual went to Mr. Gay Alaska Kevin Holtz
C Wayne Hussey was the first Elected Empress of All Alaska and a founder of the Imperial Court of All Alaska. This award is presented annually by the College in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contributions to the community.
Elected by the Fairbanks Community:
The Rochelle DeLite Fairbanks Community Service Award went to College Floral owned by Michael Bartels
Rochelle DeLite served the Fairbanks Community and Imperial Court throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s as a driving force to keep both the Duchy of Fairbanks and the community together. In her memory, the GLBTA community of Fairbanks elects a recipient each year for their outstanding contributions to the Fairbanks Community.
Elected by Alaska’s LGBT Community during voting for Emperor and Empress:
The Peter Dispirito Award for Community Service went to Allie Hernandez.
An outspoken member of the community, Peter was very active in all GLBTA Community affairs. He was instrumental in opening the first gay bar in Alaska, was one of the founding members of the Imperial Court of All Alaska, one of the foremost members of the gay social scene and was loved by all who knew him. He was murdered in 1973. His murderer was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to a mere 2 ½ years in prison. After serving only several months, he was released on parole. The murder and subsequent light treatment of the murderer only served to unite the Gay community and sparked the first real Gay Community activism in Alaska. To honor his memory past recipients, the board of directors of the ICOAA, and the College all place nominations on the ballot at the time of voting for Emperor and Empress… the community then elects the recipient of the award for their contributions to the advancement of the GLBTA Community in Alaska.
Chosen by the reigning Emperor and Empress and given to persons under the age of 21:
The Shante’ Youth Volunteer Service Award went to Paul O’Leary & Ashley Earll.
This award is given in memory of Shante’, for her outstanding contributions to the community. Our Hawaiian Princess worked closely and tirelessly with the GLBT youth of Anchorage to further acceptance among their peers and a more cohesive bond between them and the broader GLBT community. Also as a teacher of her Native dance to other young people, she brought them into our community as allies, helping foster new lasting friendships and understanding in the Anchorage community at large.
