Articles tagged with: video
Anchorage Rally for the National Equality March
Join us in Anchorage this Saturday at the National Equality March support rally for Alaska’s one congressional district, an LGBTA rally at Loussac Library for “Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.”
The Anchorage rally was reported in yesterday’s post, 6 Things Alaskans Can Do This Week for LGBT Rights, but I want to highlight it today with another inspiring NEM video:
Why rally at Loussac, the site of this summer’s attempt to gain equal protection under the law in the Anchorage Municipality? Why return to the scene of the crime, after the Assembly chair rudely dismissed us from the chambers just last week?
It’s time to show Ossiander that we will not go away quietly and let them continue to discriminate against us in silence. We will not slink back to our “unacceptable lifestyle” and let religious fanatics determine our legal rights in our town. Instead, the LGBT community and our many allies will work for and gain equality under federal law. The mayor and assembly chair and local bigots are only big fish in the small pond of Anchorage, they cannot make the whole country and all of Congress bow down to their fear of us.
It’s time to join LGBTA people all across this country and Rally for National Equality!
The Anchorage support rally for the National Equality March will be at Loussac Library, 36th and Denali Street, on Saturday, Oct 10 from 10 a.m. (the start time of the DC rally) until 6 p.m. Join us for an hour or stay for the whole day. Bring big (easy to read) signs, warm clothes, and all of your equality-loving friends. See you on Saturday!
6 Things Alaskans Can Do This Week for LGBT Rights
The National Equality March (NEM) is Oct 10-11 in DC, and a group from Juneau will carry the Alaska banner in the march. Those of us who are not going to DC can also support the march and LGBT rights this weekend. How?
Equality Across America called this march to address the lack of federal rights and protections for LGBT people AND to build support for LGBT equality in all 435 congressional districts in the United States.
The goal of the National Equality March:
“to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. We will gather. We will march. And we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs to be done in every community across the nation.“Our single demand: Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.”
Here is the National Equality March call to action video:
Alaska has only one congressional district, representing the whole state. Here are 6 things we can do this week in Alaska’s at-large congressional district to support the goals of the National Equality March:
1. Rally here when they rally in DC: Join the Anchorage support Rally for LGBT Equality! Anchorage is holding a support rally for the DC march, along the sidewalk in front of Loussac Library, 36th and Denali Street, on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. (the start time of the DC rally) until 6 p.m. (Everyone from the Alaska Pride Conference at APU can carpool a few blocks down 36th and join the rally when the conference ends at 3:30.) Rally for our rights!
2. Bring your ideas for national LGBT equality to the Alaskans Together for Equality annual strategy meeting! The 1st annual Alaskans Together for Equality meeting will develop plans for LGBT Alaskans and our allies in this congressional district to support our state and national rights, on Sunday, Oct 11, from 9a.m.-3p.m. in the Country Kitchen banquet room, 346 E. 5th Ave. (next door to the Gay & Lesbian Community Center.)
3. Meet Alaskans who support LGBT equality at the Alaskans Together social! Come to ATE’s social gathering with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar, on Saturday Oct 10, at the Kodiak Bar & Grill, 225 E. 5th Avenue, from 5-7:30 p.m. (after the Pride Conference and National March support rally.)
4. Contribute to the Alaska banner for the National Equality March! The group representing Alaska is carrying a blue banner with gold letters saying “Alaskans Together for Equality” with nine rainbow stars showing the Big Dipper and North Star, a gay version of the Alaska state flag. They would appreciate donations from the community to cover the cost of the banner. Send to: SEAGLA, PO Box 21542, Juneau, AK 99802.
5. Come Out on National Coming Out Day! The march was called for this weekend because Oct 11 is National Coming Out Day. Wherever you live, have Conversations from the Heart about LGBT equality with your friends and family. A simple conversation can change lives.
6. Call Alaska’s Members of Congress to support LGBT Equality! Let our elected leaders know that we support the National Equality March and full GLBT equality under the law. Encourage them to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which they will be voting on soon, the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and the repeal of the marriage ban known as DOMA. Contact Rep. Don Young, Senator Mark Begich and Senator Lisa Murkowski.
Spread the news about these events, and bring your friends and family members to support LGBT rights this weekend, right here in Alaska!
October is Gay History Month, National Coming Out Day
Halloween is not the only gay holiday in October! October is GLBT History Month, October 11 is National Coming Out Day and, for the first time in years, we’re having a national gay rights march in DC, the National Equality March on October 10-11. In Alaska, we’re celebrating October with the annual Anchorage Pride Conference.
GLBT History Month
Modeled after Black and Women’s History Months, GLBT History Month highlights the achievements of 31 gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender icons—one each day—in a 30-second video. The video is updated automatically and posted below.
The 2009 Icons include GLBT artists, scientists, politicians and other leaders like Rachel Maddow, Gus Van Sant, k.d. lang, Alfred Kinsey, Zora Neal Hurston, B. D. Wong and Suze Orman.
National Coming Out Day
October 11 holds a special place in GLBT History Month as National Coming Out Day. Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or straight, be proud of who you are and your support for LGBT equality this National Coming Out Day.
The NCOD theme for 2009 is Conversations From the Heart. Watch the conversations on the personal meanings of gay equality, and have your own Conversations From the Heart with your friends and family. A simple conversation can change the lives of people you care about.
The National Equality March
Because of National Coming Out Day, the weekend of October 10-11 was the obvious choice for the National Equality March in DC:
“We are guaranteed equal protection by the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. Free and equal people do not bargain for or prioritize our rights, so we are coming to DC this October 10-11th to demand equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. Now.”
Watch the National Equality March video HERE.
Anchorage Pride Conference & Alaskans Together
What are Alaskans doing to celebrate National Coming Out Day on October 11th?
(1) The March: A group from Juneau is attending the National March for Equality in DC. They invite other Alaskans to join them. Email SEAGLA for more information.
(2) The Pride Conference: Alaskans are coming to Anchorage from all over the state for an expanded 3-day Pride Conference, on October 9-11 in Alaska Pacific University’s Atwood Center. The main events:
Friday Oct. 9
Saturday Oct. 10
8.30 am to 3:30 pm: Anchorage Pride Conference at Alaska Pacific University. The day includes breakfast, lunch, a vendor’s court, workshops, plenary and a comedy hypnosis show with Jay Her. Pre-registration: $20 adult, $10 student. At the door: $25 adult, $15 student. The link to the registration form is HERE.
Sunday Oct 11
10:30 am to 12 noon: Brunch and a panel discussion on “Crossing the Generations” at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center. $10 Adult/$7.50 Students and Seniors. Pre-registration required.
The Anchorage Pride Conference is sponsored by Identity, Inc. and APU’s Spectrum.
(3) The Alaskans Together Gathering
Alaskans Together for Equality (ATE) is holding their first annual meeting at the GLCCA on Sunday October 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Their goal is to plan the future direction of Alaska’s only statewide civil rights group focused on promoting the rights of Alaska’s LGBTQ population. This is an open meeting and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
ATE is providing a limited number of travel scholarships to help people from outside of the Anchorage area be able to participate in the meeting. If you want to apply for a scholarship, please send an email containing your name, contact information, and a brief statement on why you would like to attend the meeting.
On Saturday, the day before the meeting, Alaskans Together will host a social gathering after the Pride Conference at the Kodiak Bar & Grill (225 E. 5th Avenue) from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
(4) Special Offer for the Pride Conference & ATE
The Copper Whale Inn, on L Street in downtown Anchorage, is offering a special lodging rate for anyone attending the Pride Conference and the Alaskans Together annual meeting. The rate is $77 a night (+ tax) and includes breakfast, free wireless access, and beautiful Cook Inlet views. Copper Whale Inn is near the Gay & Lesbian Community Center where the ATE meeting will be held, and about 10 minutes by car to the Pride Conference at Alaska Pacific University. Visit The Copper Whale Inn for more information.
(5) Conversations From the Heart
Like people all over the country, Alaskans will have our own Conversations From the Heart with our friends and family members on National Coming Out Day, October 11.
More National Coming Out Day events are in the works for Anchorage and other parts of Alaska, but they aren’t ready to be announced. Check back to Bent Alaska for NCOD updates and other events planned throughout the month. And don’t forget those gay-fabulous Halloween parties!
Protest Sullivan’s Veto Tonight at McGinley’s
Update: Bent was unable to attend this event, but Mel was there and wrote about it on Henkimaa.
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Stand up for Equality and be Counted: Protest Mayor Sullivan’s veto of the equal rights ordinance, tonight in front of McGinley’s Pub. Sullivan is part-owner of McGinley’s, and the customers should know that he supports discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
McGinley’s Pub is in downtown Anchorage at the corner of G Street and 7th Avenue, and the protest begins at 6:30 p.m. After the protest, go get a drink at one of the supportive businesses in Anchorage!
Sullivan vetoed Ordinance 64 on Monday, saying that he saw no evidence of anti-gay discrimination and was following the will of the people. The Anchorage Assembly passed the ordinance 7-4 on Aug 11, after weeks of public hearings showed the need for equal protections.
A spontaneous rally against the Mayor’s veto attracted about 100 people to City Hall on Monday. Ordinance supporters held big letters spelling EQUALITY NOW and signs saying, “Anchorage Mayor Supports Discrimination” and “Celebrating 50 Years of Discrimination.” The protestors marched down the street to McGinley’s Pub, chanting “Equal Rights Now” and “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”
Two short videos of Monday’s protest, taken by Chris N., are posted below:
No “Dead Queers” means No Discrimination: Opponents of Ordinance 64
Update: Mayor Sullivan VETOED Ordinance 64. Read the mayor’s statement HERE, then contact the Assembly and ask them to over-ride the veto. They have 21 days.
* * *
What is the anti-gay lobby saying about the passage of Ordinance 64? An Anchorage blogger* wrote:
[Assembly members] Chris Birch and Bill Starr said they had not been convinced that discrimination against gays and lesbians is a problem in Anchorage. “I don’t see signs that say, ‘No Gays Allowed,’. We have a tolerant and diverse community that generally gets along,” he said. Birch also bemoaned the amount of time devoted to this issue, saying he would rather have devoted the time to determine how to better deal with the homeless problem. This is a valid point, since we are not finding dead queers on our streets, but dead homeless people. [emphasis added]
Is that what it takes: “dead queers” on our streets? We don’t even know that there are no “dead queers,” since no state or city agency collects data on anti-gay discrimination. And if the 3 reported anti-gay murders and dozens of attacks and harassment incidents are not enough evidence, how many “dead queers” will be necessary before the city admits there is discrimination against gays?
Homelessness is a serious problem in Anchorage, one that deserves more attention. But there is no point in blaming ordinance supporters for the 25 long hours of testimony to the Assembly. It was the opponents’ strategy to delay the vote, by getting hundreds of church members to testify from as far away as Wasilla.
The blogger, who lists a dozen white supremacist groups on his blogroll, also calls supporters of Ordinance 64 “abusive.” He assumes that a ballot measure to repeal the ordinance, if the Mayor does not veto it by Tuesday, will pass because:
The gay-lovers may be the most vocal and the most abusive, but they are not the most numerous.
I attended the public hearings and watched in disbelief while dozens of anti-gay opponents shouted and insulted and threatened and preached hellfire at the Assembly members each night. They won the “most abusive” label, hands down.
Meanwhile, opponent Jerry Prevo of the Anchorage Baptist Church is keeping up the pressure on Mayor Sullivan, using his pulpit to rally the troops and flood the city with calls and letters:
The Gay Rights Ordinance, 2009-64(s-2), is bad public policy. It will make homosexuality and transgender (which is any form of sexual perversion) an acceptable alternative lifestyle. It is ridiculous to provide special rights for people who chose to engage in immoral, unnatural, perverted sexual activity. Do they have the right to do it? Yes, but we should not be forced to condone it. Homosexuality is a diseased and depraved lifestyle. Young people do not need to be made to think it is an “ok” lifestyle.” [emphasis added]
Prevo’s June 28 sermon “Did Jesus Discriminate?” preached against the equal rights ordinance, calling gays a long list of names, saying “you can’t be both” gay and Christian, and claiming that Jesus did discriminate, sometimes violently. Part 1 of the sermon video is posted HERE, Part 2 is posted below.
“I watched it. I was amazed,” wrote Glenn, an ordinance supporter who created the poster above. “So, I started working on a series of posters ‘Jerry, In His Own Words.’ Not trying to be mean, just trying to make a point: it’s not the gospel, it’s hate speech.”
Video of Prevo’s sermon, “Did Jesus Discriminate?” part 2:
* I’m not going to link directly to his blog, but the name would usually be a GLBT name. To find it, search for our state name followed by the short name of the LGBT community’s late June Festival. Warning: this is a political blog by a white supremacist, and many posts are disturbing.
Poster Prevo: In His Own Words © 2009 by Glenn Harvey, used with permission.
The Truth about Trans Employees
Alishia is a firefighter. Enoch is a university professor. Dana is a software engineer. Jesse is an HIV prevention educator. Each makes invaluable contributions in the work place and in the community. And each faces the threat of losing a job, being denied housing or health care, and suffering violence and harassment simply for being transgender.
In Everyone Matters: Dignity and Safety for Transgender People, Alishia, Enoch, Dana, and Jesse talk about their jobs, their family, their hopes, and their worries. Framed by hope and optimism, their stories nevertheless show how vulnerable transgender people still are, and highlight the need for comprehensive laws to ensure that people can obtain and retain employment, remain safe on the streets, and have access to health care and housing.
Everyone Matters allows the viewer to hear from transgender people first-hand about their lives, and makes a powerful case for the passage of transgender-inclusive anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws.
Please watch this important video:
Outrage hits Anchorage for Pride Week
The controversial movie Outrage will premiere in Alaska during Pride Week, showing at The Bear Tooth on Monday, June 15 at 5:30 & 7:45 p.m. The Bear Tooth’s other Pride Week film will be Poltergay, shown on June 18.
Outrage: Do Ask, Do Tell is “a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of closeted politicians with appalling gay rights voting records who actively campaign against the LGBT community they covertly belong to. Outrage boldly reveals the hidden lives of some of our nation’s most powerful policymakers.”
Poltergay is “Poltergeist meets Saturday Night Fever with a gay spin. This French horror spoof, of a young couple who unknowingly buy a mansion haunted by disco dancing homosexuals, is set to a monstrous ’70s musical score.”
Watch the Outrage trailer:
IDAHO 2009: Proud to be Gay All Around the World
Sunday was the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). The theme was One Voice, One Message, Heard Around the World.
This amazing IDAHO video was a community project to show that “gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people are just like everyone else. We come from all over the world and we come in all shapes and sizes and colours. We want to send this message to the people of the world in every language.”
Visit IDAHO 2009 for photos and news from Sunday’s events, including Russian marchers being arrested. Then sign the International Appeal to Reject Transphobia and to Respect Gender Identity.
KTVA and KTUU cover Anchorage Equal Protection Measure
An ordinance to add sexual orientation to the Anchorage non-discrimination code was introduced at Tuesday’s Assembly meeting, and the public hearing is set for June 9.
KTVA and KTUU covered the story for television. KTVA included a clip with Mel Green, occasional guest writer on Bent Alaska:
KTUU ran an online poll with their story, asking “Should the Anchorage Assembly pass an ordinance banning discrimination against homosexuals?” When the poll closed at 10 p.m., support for the ordinance was ahead, with 52% of participants voting Yes and 48% voting No.
Dine Out, Fight AIDS in Fairbanks
Dining Out For Life, a national event to raise money for HIV & AIDS organizations by eating at participating restaurants, takes place throughout the day on Thursday April 30 in Fairbanks and many other cities. The Fairbanks restaurants will donate a portion of their profits to Interior AIDS Association.
Participating restaurants include Lu Lu’s Bread & Bagels for breakfast, Ivory Jacks for lunch (11-5), Regency Cove for lunch, Trappers Tavern for lunch, and Lavelle’s Bistro for dinner (reservations recommended.)
Dining Out For Life – Fairbanks is sponsored by Denali State Bank and Interior Graphics & Printing. The national “Dining Out For Life: Dine Out, Fight AIDS” annual event is sponsored by Subaru.
Over 50 cities throughout the United States and Canada and more than 3,000 restaurants are participating in Dining Out For Life this year. Nearly $3 million dollars is raised annually to support AIDS service organizations throughout North America.
Read the News-Miner’s article and interview with IAA executive director Anna Nelson.
Watch the Dining Out For Life PSA with the Food Network’s Ted Allen:
