Big Prizes in IAA Raffle

by E. Ross

What would you do with $11,000?

That's the grand prize for the Interior AIDS Association's annual raffle, the biggest fundraiser of the year for IAA. They only sell 250 tickets, so the odds are good. A $100 ticket gives you the chance to win one of five $500 prizes and the one big prize of $11,000. 

"The raffle is open to anyone who wishes to buy a ticket," writes Barbara Hogue, Office Manager of IAA. "People as far away as Ohio have purchased tickets in the past."

In addition to those prizes, $250 will be awarded to the person who sells the most tickets, and another $250 awarded to the person who sold the winning ticket, if the seller signed the back of the ticket stub before turning it in to IAA.

All tickets will be drawn on Friday, June 27, 2008 at the International "Big I" Bar, beginning at 8 p.m.

The five $500 prizes will be given to the buyers of the 1st, 50th, 100th, 150th and 200th tickets drawn out of the barrel. The buyer of the last ticket left in the barrel will win the grand prize - unless both of the last two ticket buyers agreed to split the grand prize evenly. This unusual twist means that ticket buyers must mark on each ticket either "Yes" they will split the grand prize in half if they are one of the last two tickets, or "No" they won't split it, they want 'all or nothing'. Both of the last two tickets must have "Yes" marked on them to split the pot. If one or both have "No" on them, the drawing will continue until only one ticket wins the full prize.

To qualify for a prize, the name, address and contact phone number of the buyer must be recorded at the time of the ticket sale, and "Yes" or "No" to the split must be marked on the stub.

So, what would you do with $11,000?

Founded in 1988 by a group of concerned Fairbanksans, the Interior AIDS Association is a community-based, nonprofit education and social service organization. IAA's mission is to reduce the spread of HIV and to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.

To buy a ticket, contact Barbara.

Update to 'Juneau Responds'

by E. Ross

Yesterday, I posted an article on the Juneau screenings of Anyone & Everyone, and the KTOO-TV filming of a panel and discussion on an Alaskan response to this moving documentary of families with gay and lesbian kids. Sara Boesser previously commented on the turnout at the screenings. Here are Sara's comments on the filming of the panel:

Last night, at the KTOO studio with the panel and the Mayor, audience turnout was more than hoped for. We'd hoped for at least 20, but more than 30 turned out. It was a very moving experience. Our panel did a great job, and about a half dozen in the audience participated too. We were well represented by our city government: in addition to the Mayor, our Deputy City Manager was there, as was Jonathan Anderson – our elected Assembly member and current chair of PFLAG Juneau. Friends, family, parents, and allies all were there with us who are of the GLBT community. It was the first production KTOO has ever done with their new digital equipment – so we were part of history in that 21^st century shift. KTOO's staff, in particular Terry Tavel the producer - who also wrote the grant for this [presentation of] Anyone and Everyone - made us all feel very comfortable and welcomed. The studio was full of energy, rapt attention, and a lot of love.

 

I believe the final product from last night's taping will make us all proud.

 

I'm just so grateful to everyone who is being involved and making this all possible!

 

Sara

Good work, Juneau! I look forward to watching you on TV. 

The film Anyone & Everyone and the panel with audience participation will air statewide on Alaska One and KAKM on April 17, 2008.

Juneau Responds to "Anyone and Everyone"

by E. Ross

A woman describes an evening at home with her son, an evening that occurred many years ago but is just as clear to her today. "He reached over and turned the radio off and said the ten words that changed my life: 'Mom, have you ever wondered if I might be gay?'"

Anyone and Everyone tells the stories of families from Utah to North Carolina and Wyoming to New York, all connected by a common thread - a gay or lesbian child. This poignant and often heartbreaking documentary by first-time filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz (also the parent of a gay son) reveals moments of 'coming out' to parents and the family process of coming to terms with a child's sexual orientation.

The film features parents from a wide range of religions, ethnicities, and political leanings, discussing their initial reactions to their child's coming out. While a few showed unconditional support, others struggled with the new information, fearing alienation from their extended family, their church, or their community. Some parents simply did not understand the universal nature of homosexuality, and that it can affect anyone and everyone.  

Whether Japanese, Cherokee, Mormon, Catholic, or Hindu, these families all share a deep love for their children, along with the struggle for acceptance, both in their own home and within society as a whole. 

Anyone & Everyone is airing on PBS stations around the country, often followed by a presentation on local resources and personal reactions to the film. 

Anyone & Everyone in Alaska

In April, Anyone & Everyone will be shown across the state of Alaska, along with a panel discussion led by Mayor Bruce Botelho on resources for Alaskan families with gay kids. The panel will be filmed in KTOO's studio in Juneau tonight, and supporters are encouraged to attend and to share their reactions to the film.

The Juneau chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) made the video available for preview and held several screenings prior to the discussion. They also spoke to Juneau's Cooperative Council of Churches and sent a flier to the Juneau Human Rights Commission, the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council, and members of a recent Suicide Prevention Roundtable.

One of the screenings was held before a service at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. "The reaction was great," wrote Sara Boesser, representing PFLAG. "During the service, the leader of the day spoke in his sharing time about how he had two older brothers, both of whom were gay, and he wished that there had been a movie like this to help his parents and whole family."

Anyone & Everyone depicts PFLAG meetings where families get support and help. The national organization of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through support, education and advocacy. With over 500 local chapters, PFLAG provides opportunities for dialogue about sexual orientation, to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

This film is especially important since up to 26% of gay teens who come out to their parents or guardians are told they must leave home. Of the approximately 1.6 million homeless American youth, 20-40% identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Nearly 40% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students report being physically harassed.

KTOO is showing Anyone and Everyone on Thursday, March 27 at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. The panel discussion led by Mayor Bruce Botelho will follow the screening at 5:30 p.m. in the KTOO-TV studio. Anyone & Everyone airs statewide on April 17 on Alaska ONE and KAKM, followed by a half-hour production of Juneau's panel discussion. 

For information on the panel and broadcast, contact KTOO-TV or PFLAG Juneau. To learn more about Anyone and Everyone and to watch the trailer, visit www.anyoneandeveryone.com.

"Becoming a Man" in Anchorage

by E. Ross

"I was born female.

I came out a lesbian.

Then I came out transgender.

Now, with legal changes and hormones, I live my life as a man.

I identify (pretty much) as a straight man.

But, mostly, people read me as a gay man.

That's female, male, lesbian, gay, straight (but not narrow), and trans. 

I live all of those facets of my identity, and make art about them."

~ From the Desk of Scott Turner Schofield

Scott Turner Schofield, the first openly trans artist to be commissioned by the National Performance Network, is in Anchorage this week to perform "Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps" at Out North. 

"Becoming a Man" presents true stories of Schofield's personal transformation, including an army recruitment office where he tries to enlist and then 'tells', and a confrontation with his biological father.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Invited into the world of a childhood fort, the audience picks which of the 127 stories they want to hear. The stories focus on Schofield's transition from female to male, exploring his origins, childhood and young adult life as a transgender person. Sometimes funny, sometimes shockingly honesty, these scenes last from 30 seconds to five minutes, featuring multi-media storytelling, aerial acrobatics and a decoder ring.

"Becoming a Man" is rated for Mature Audiences due to nudity, language and sexuality.

"There is full nudity, and it is the most un-controversial aspect of the show, though of course nobody will admit that until after they've seen it," writes Schofield from his home in Atlanta, Georgia. "It's a matter-of-fact primer on transgender surgeries done with lipstick and a trans body that is (gasp!) comfortable with itself."

Contradictions and Comedy

Schofield has been the featured performer for events such as Unity Week, National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Rememberance, Pride and even Women's History Month. His recently published book, Two Truths and a Lie, combines all three of his autobiographical plays.

Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls called him, "A provocative and compelling storyteller. [Schofield] helps us to look at gender in a new way, face our prejudices, and have fun while doing it."

During a one week residency in Anchorage, Schofield will appear on radio shows, guest lecture a Women's Studies class, and co-present theater workshops with director Steve Bailey.

The radio schedule includes Thursday 8:30 am on 90.3 KNBA with host Danny Preston, Friday 1 p.m. on 91.1 KSKA's Stagetalk with host Mark Muro, and Friday 3 pm on 88.1 KRUA with host Caroline Willis.

Established in 1985 as Out North, VSA arts of Alaska provides a forum for underrepresented artists, especially artists with disabilities, artists of color, gay/lesbian/bi/trans artists, and social activist artists.

"Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps" plays Thursday March 27 through Saturday March 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday March 30 at 4 p.m. at Out North, 3800 DeBarr Road. Tickets are $19 online and $20 at the door. Student rush tickets are $10 at the door with student ID.

Watch the trailer and visit Underground Transit for more on Scott Turner Schofield.

This Weekend in Anchorage

From the newsletter Alaska GLBT News (subscribe)

Becoming A Man in 127 EASY Steps 3/27-29 at 7 p.m. & 3/30 at 4 p.m.

Transgender performer Scott Turner Schofield brings his 127 step program on becoming a man in America. "I was born female. I came out .." Read the article and Watch the trailer. $19 online, $20 at the door. Out North

Menopause the Musical 3/27 - 3/30 & Cast Party 3/27, 7:30 p.m.

Set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance. Join Planned Parenthood of Alaska on 3/27: the $65.00 package includes a show ticket and a reception with the cast at Café Savannah. Details: Planned Parenthood of Alaska. On the Menopause site, check out the trailer. For tickets: CenterTix (907) 263-ARTS.

TLFMC Last Saturday Brunch 3/29, 10:30 a.m.

This month's TLFMC Last Saturday Brunch is held at the Sunrise Grill & Pancake House, 8201 Old Seward Hwy. Contact: Road Captain.

ICOAA Beach Party 3/30, 6 p.m.

ICOAA Beach Party with live rock, country and blues music by EverReady. $10 Mad Myrna's. 

The Witnesses 3/31

The Bear Tooth Theaterpub and Four A's present The Witnesses, a movie directed by André Téchiné. "The time is 1984. The place is Paris. A young, handsome man . . ."  More, plus a trailer.

ICOAA & TLFMC in Grand Style at the Fur Rondy Parade

Alaskan Bear Wins Mr. International Bear 2008

by E. Ross

The Bears of Alaska began the year with a great big Woof! For the first time, a local Bear won the title of Mr. International Bear at the IBR competition in San Francisco. Scott Turner of Anchorage competed in IBR Patrol - Bears in Uniform and is now Mr. International Bear 2008. 

"We were all standing back there holding hands, trying to figure out which one of them was going to get it," Turner said at a post-competition party, "and then they called my name and I was in complete shock."

The other new title holders are Mr. International Daddy Ringo Nannings of Amsterdam, International Cub Bud Grundy of Southern California, And Mr. International Grizzly Dean Bruno of Boston.

"Great bunch of guys this year. I had a lot of fun drinking with all of them," said Turner, "and the most fun was watching the other guys get their awards."

Each year, The Last Frontier Men's Club (TLFMC) sponsors Mr. Bear Alaska at the International Bear Rendezvous in San Francisco and Mr. Alaska Leather at the International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago. They also award titles for Alaska Bear Cub, Mr. Alaska Levi, Alaska Leather Boy & Ms. Alaska Leather. Title holders are chosen during Arctic Heat Weekend.

The International Bear Rendezvous is an annual gathering of bears and bear-lovers held in San Francisco. IBR is hosted by the Bears of San Francisco, who conceived of Rendezvous as a weekend of fun and fundraising.

Established in 1993, The Last Frontier Men's Club is a non-profit social club. TLFMC provides bears, leathermen, cowboys, their respective admirers and other masculine Alaskan gay and bisexual men with the opportunity to meet and socialize. Although The Last Frontier Men's Club is a members-only club, people from all aspects of the community are encouraged and welcome to attend any function that the club presents.

TLFMC posts photos and videos of local Bears. Here is the video announcing the new Mr. International Bear:

5 Easy Ways to Enjoy This Blog

by E. Ross

Why did I chose a blog instead of a web site for Bent Alaska? What is a blog anyway?

The main advantages of a blog:

• designed to add new posts easily and often
• includes all kinds of media: text, photos, audio & video
• links to sources of information from all over the web
• allows readers to comment and read each others' comments

So how can you use the blog for maximum enjoyment?

1. Bookmark Bent Alaska or add it to Favorites and check often for new posts.
2. Navigate through the Categories to look for videos, photos, news, resources and regional events. Click on interesting headlines in the Archives menu.
3. Learn more about the topics, and email the contact people, by clicking on the highlighted words.
4. Subscribe to the feed. If you use a Reader to collect all of your news in one place, click the orange RSS button and send Bent Alaska directly to your inbox. (What is a Reader?)
5. Comment, on the blog or through email. Your feedback will help direct the development of the blog.

Why would you comment on a blog?

• Comment on News - share your knowledge and opinions, congratulate someone or show your support.
• Comment on Resources - create accurate lists of the resources in our community for visitors, new-comers and residents.
• Comment on Events - ask questions about events, connect with others who are planning or attending events, update changing event information, and review the events after they happen. 
• Don't wait for me to see the email and update the post - add your comments directly.

How do you leave a comment? 

Click on the highlighted word 'comments' at the bottom of the post. You do not need to register, just type your comment, copy the anti-spam verification letters, and send. Comments appear on the permanent page of that post. To find the permanent page, click on the title of the post.

Any questions? Leave them in the comment section!

Tonei Glavinic Wins ACLU Youth Scholarship

by E. Ross

The American Civil Liberties Union announced the winners of its 2008 Youth Activist Scholarship contest. Fifteen high school seniors from across the country will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship in recognition of their outstanding work to protect civil liberties, especially for young people.

One of the Youth Scholars is Tonei Glavinic, a student at Steller Secondary School. The ACLU describes Tonei's current activities:

Tonei Glavinic is an accomplished civil liberties activist in Anchorage, AK. He is the youth representative on the board of Identity, Inc., a non-profit organization that operates the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage. Tonei is also the Board President of the United Youth Courts of Alaska (UYCA), a program that diverts misdemeanor youth offenders to a peer-based community service program instead of the traditional juvenile justice system. He is a producer with the Alaska Teen Media Institute, and leverages this position to promote LGBT rights on weekly and monthly radio shows he produces for local college and public radio stations. Tonei is also president of his high school GSA and co-chair of the National Transgender Education Project Youth Review Board. His most passionate interest is working with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) where he currently serves on their National Advisory Council.  

    "… I want to spend the rest of my life working for equal civil and human rights for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Read Tonei's inspiring winning essay and learn about the other 2008 Youth Scholars.

SEAGLA Social - NEW LOCATION

The SEAGLA Friday Social is moving: Friday 03/21 we will meet at the T.K. Maguire's lounge inside the Prospector Hotel, starting at 6 PM.

Where to Find GLBT Alaska: Annual Events

Update - Please see the most recent version of this list: Where to Find GLBT Alaska - Annual Events, Revised Again

by E. Ross

Visitors, new residents and sometimes even long-time 'sourdoughs' want to know where they can find GLBT Alaska. This three part series provides a resource list for locating us. Part 1 lists the main annual events where GLBT Alaskans gather to celebrate our lives, our families and our communities. GLBT organizations will be Part 2's resource list, and Part 3 will be GLBT-owned businesses.

Here are the main annual events for GLBT Alaska, in seasonal order:

• Arctic Heat (Jan.) - TLFMC comes out of hibernation to choose the next Bear and Leather titleholders.
• Celebration of Change (April) - RAW's 'break-up' performance celebrates women, art, music and springtime.
• Day of Silence & Prom (April) - GLSEN's Day of Silence and same-sex prom graduates teens in style.
• PrideFest (June) - Identity's summer solstice Pride Parade and Festival displays our Pride downtown.
• Coronation (August) - ICOAA's late summer extravaganza invests the new Imperial Court.
• Pride Picnic (Memorial Day) - The Picnic and BBQ at Eklutna celebrates unity and the end of summer.
• Pride Conference at UAA (October) - Identity's back-to-school conference is inspired by National Coming Out Day.

Have I missed something? Please leave a comment and help to make a complete resource list for GLBT Alaska.

This Weekend in Juneau

From Alaska GLBT News (subscribe)

 Free showings of Anyone and Everyone 3/22, 10-12 a.m. & 7-9 p.m.

Watch Anyone and Everyone before the KTOO discussion - so you'll know what to say about it. Two free showings by PFLAG Juneau: 10-12 a.m. at the Valley Library (juice and muffins will be provided) and 7-9 p.m. in the Back Room of the Silverbow (with a no-host bar.) Watch the movie trailer: Anyone and Everyone

This Weekend In Fairbanks

From Alaska GLBT News (subscribe)

   Fairbanks Spring Bonfire 3/22, 9 p.m.

LesBiGay 21+ celebration to welcome the Vernal Equinox and the full-moon with music, food and a bonfire. Bring a snack or drink to share. In the woods just outside of Fairbanks. Contact Frank for directions.

  GLBT Social & Potluck 3/25, 6:30 p.m.

Come to the community social event and potluck. Bring your favorite potluck dish and we'll experience the variety of flavors prepared by our neighbors.  Please bring your own plate, bowl, cup and utensils to keep the cost down and maintain a green event. Alcohol is allowed (but will not be provided for purchase.) Ken Kunkel Community Center, out on Goldstream Road near Ivory Jack's. Directions and information, contact Brad.

This Weekend in Anchorage

From Alaska GLBT News (subscribe)

  Divas of the North Review 3/20, 8 p.m.

The Alaska Native Aurora Society will be holding a fundraiser drag performance and auction to benefit the Aurora society and honor National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Kodiak Bar & Grill, 225 E. 5th Ave. Anchorage.

  2nd National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Reception 3/20, 6-8 p.m.

This public reception features Native dancers and speakers, including Miss Alaska and Miss World Eskimo Olympics. The first ever Breaking the Silence Award will be awarded to activist and leader, Ella Outwater, for her commitment to improving the lives of Alaska Native people. Sponsored by Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium's HIV Prevention Program. Anchorage Marriott Downtown, 820 W 7th Ave.

  For Our Kids - Fundraiser for Make a Wish Foundation 3/22, Show 9 p.m.

Empress Mary Bess, Empress Chanel and ICOAA present For Our Kids - a Fundraiser for Make a Wish Foundation, Summer Camp for Kids. Auction, finger foods, show. $10. Mad Myrna's

  Adam and Steve 6th Annual Birthday Celebration 3/22, 6:30 p.m.

Join Adam and Steve's 6th Annual Birthday celebration. The theme is Playboi Club and Casino, featuring casino style games, food and a silent auction, at the Snow Goose Restaurant. Tickets are $20 each or table of 8 for $140. All proceeds benefit Adam and Steve, the Four A's HIV prevention program for young gay, bisexual and questioning men ages 18-29. Contact Chrissy

  MCC Easter Sunday, 3/23, 2pm

We will celebrate with special performances by our choir and other musical guests, followed by a Potluck dinner. All members and friends of MCC are encouraged to attend!

Discharged Alaskan Fights DADT

by E. Ross

David Hall, UAA student and decorated Elmendorf NCO, was accepted into the Air Force ROTC and discharged a year later because of his relationship with a man he met at UAA. Channel KTVA11 recently posted his story:

  

5 Ways to Improve GLBT Alaska

by E. Ross

Local organizations work hard to make our lives better on the Last Frontier. Here are five ways we can work with them.

Join the Four A's Challenge Grant

The more donations of money and food received by Four A's between March 1 and April 30, the more money they get from the Feinstein Foundation! Chrissy will gladly accept our donations.

Volunteer As Treasurer For Alaskans Together 

Strong organizational skills plus accounting/bookkeeping experience. A few hours a month, plus annual reporting. Contact Tim or Marsha.

Explain Our Needs For GLBT Home Care 

The lack of GLBT home health care in Alaska: not medical needs, but the need for someone to cook meals, clean house, wash laundry, shovel snow, run errands and assist with personal hygiene. Keith is writing a grant.

Apply For The Position Of LGBT Public Policy Coordinator

ACLU of Alaska Foundation invites applications for LGBT Public Policy Coordinator. Apply by 4/1. Read the position information on IdeaList, or contact AkCLU.

Share Our Ideas on GLBT Family Law  

What are the family law issues facing Alaska's GLBT communities? What would be most helpful to include on the Alaska Court System's new GLBT page? Send ideas to Debbie at the Family Law Self Help Center (FLSHC) of the Alaska Court System.

How else can we improve GLBT Alaska? Leave a comment about your favorite group and I'll include it in a future post.

Welcome

Bent Alaska is the new online home for Alaska GLBT News - and so much more!

On Bent Alaska, you can find events, view photos and videos, and keep up with statewide news. You can also read comments from others and add your own suggestions and opinions on everything in GLBT Alaska.

Pull up a chair and join in.

Esther Ross