Alaskans Attend Creating Change

Creating Change 2009, The 21st National Conference on LGBT Equality, runs Wednesday through Sunday in Denver, and two Alaskan leaders are attending this year.

"I am excited about Creating Change," wrote Tiffany McClain. "I'm really hoping that I learn something I can put to use in the campaign for Equality Works."

Tiffany is managing the Equality Works campaign "to protect Anchorage residents from discrimination and harassment, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity." She is the LGBT Coordinator for the ACLU of Alaska, and the Secretary of Alaskans Together for Equality.

"Identity is sending me to Creating Change," wrote Scott Turner, co-chair of Identity, Inc. "I will do my best to bring back plenty of good info on things we are working on locally."

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) sponsors and organizes Creating Change, "the nation's pre-eminent political, leadership and skills-building conference for the LGBT social justice movement."

This isn't the first year that Alaskan activists have attended the national conference.

"Creating Change was very educational for me every time I went," wrote Elias Rojas, also of Alaskans Together. "I think for Alaskans it offers understanding of the bigger GLBT issues that are happening across the country and the trends and issues."

"Any Alaskan that makes it to the conference will come back with a fresh perspective."

Dying City & Shakespeare's R&J in Juneau

Two plays of interest to the LGBT community are being performed by the Thunder Mountain Theatre Project in Juneau, this weekend through mid-February: Dying City by Christopher Shinn, and Shakespeare's R&J, adapted by Joe Calarco.

Shakespeare's R&J explores issues of sexuality as four boys act out a secret production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to rebell against their oppressive school. Four male actors play all the roles, including the female characters, remaining in their boy's school uniforms throughout the show. (pictured at right)

Dying City is about the cost of the Iraq war on a dead soldier's wife and gay twin brother, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. The author Christopher Shinn is a recipient of the Robert S. Chesley Award, which recognizes the work of an emerging gay or lesbian playwright. 

Thunder Mountain Theatre Project was founded in 2007 by Flordelino Lagundino. "We choose plays that act as a mirror to society by exploring the social, political, and cultural issues of our time," says the Project's web site. "[W]e seek to provide theatrical experiences for all ages that speak to the rich diversity of our community."

Dying City & Shakespeare's R&J will be performed in repertory at the The Old Elk's Hall, 109 S. Franklin Street, January 29 - February 15, 2009. Tickets are available at Hearthside Books. See the Thunder Mountain schedule for dates and times.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 1/30/09

Check out this week's events from Alaska GLBT News. 

For full listings, news and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

NEWS

MILK returns to Anchorage

MILK, the movie based on the life of Harvey Milk, got 8 Academy Award Nominations and is showing at The Bear Tooth this week, Friday-Sunday at 7:50 p.m. and Tuesday-Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Only 6 showings - don't miss it!

Savage Love Live

Dan Savage will speak at UAA on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m., answering questions about virginity, orgasms, monogamy, and other "taboo" topics. Students with UAA ID get in free. General Public tickets are $10 and are available now at UAATix. 

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Juneau

SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown. 

Two Gay-Interest Plays at Thunder Mountain Theatre Project, 1/29-2/15, 7:30 p.m. Dying City by Christopher Shinn, and Shakespeare's R&J, adapted by Joe Calarco.

Mat-Su Valley

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social support group meetings to discuss LBGT issues in the valley. Mondays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Vagabond Blues in Palmer.

Anchorage

MILK showing at The Bear Tooth 1/30-2/1 at 7:50 p.m. and 2/3-2/5 at 5:30 p.m.

Gay Rights Dessert & Discussion 1/31, around 10:30 p.m. (after MILK) at the Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge.

Alaska Club/ICOAA Open House membership drive 1/31, 4:30 p.m. at Mad Myrna's.

MILK in Anchorage: A Tale of Two Theaters

The movie MILK is showing at The Bear Tooth, Friday-Sunday at 7:50 p.m. and Tuesday-Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Only six showings - don't miss it!

MILK is based on the life of Harvey Milk, an openly gay man who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. 

MILK shows Harvey (played by Sean Penn) uniting the gay community under his charismatic leadership, adding 'sexual orientation' to the city's non-discrimination policy, and defeating Prop 6, Anita Bryant's crusade against gay and lesbian teachers. 

He also faced the constant threat of assassination.

The issues are timely after the narrow passing of Prop 8, California's ban on gay marriage, and relevant in Anchorage where we still do not have 'sexual orientation' in the non-discrimination policy of our city or state.

MILK received 8 Academy Award Nominations including best picture, best director (Gus Van Sant), best actor (Sean Penn) and best supporting actor (Josh Brolin).

The biggest crowds are expected for the Friday and Saturday shows at The Bear Tooth.

An Unsuccessful Opening

MILK opened in Anchorage at the Century Theater on Dec 12. A few readers saw it and sent comments, posted here along with my review. But MILK was removed from the schedule after only two weeks. It was the lowest-grossing film in the theater that month, according to a Century 16 employee.

"I was stunned and disappointed to say the least," wrote Matt in an email to Bent Alaska. "I'm no political activist, but the news of the film's Anchorage demise didn't make me think too highly of the community."

Why did MILK flop at the Century in December?

• The national LGBT community is boycotting the Century/Cinemark Theaters because the company is Mormon-owned and the CEO donated almost $10,000 to pass Prop 8. The LDS Church urged members to donate to Prop 8, preached their support from the pulpit, and may have violated their tax-exempt status as a religious organization by engaging so directly in a ballot issue. Protests have occurred outside Mormon temples, and many LGBT people refuse to support business owners who gave money to take away our civil rights.
• Alaska's LGBT community already boycotts Mormon-owned businesses like the Century because the Utah-based Church was a main backer of Alaska's Measure 2, banning gay marriage here in 1998.
• MILK opened at the Century in the middle of the Anchorage International Film Festival, where other gay-themed films were shown the same week.
• We knew that MILK would have a second run at The Bear Tooth, a GLBT-supportive theater.

These factors combined to make the Century opening almost a non-event. It's no wonder that ticket sales were dismal. 

The real question is why the MILK producers chose to open the film at the Century, despite the boycott. If it had opened at a Regal Theater, like Brokeback Mountain did at the Dimond, the results would have been different.

A Strong Second Run

In contrast, The Bear Tooth is a favorite of the LGBT community, as much for the good food and progressive atmosphere as for the showing of LGBT films. 

Go see MILK this weekend at The Bear Tooth. Learn how Harvey lead successful campaigns for gay rights, and prove that a gay-themed movie can be successful in Anchorage.

Town Hall to End Discrimination

Do you believe that all Anchorage workers deserve to be judged solely on their qualifications and merits of their work? 

Do you believe that all Alaskans deserve protection from discrimination or harassment, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity? 

Do you believe that no Alaskan should have to deny who they are in order to keep a job or an apartment? 

Are you ready to bring change to Anchorage? 

Join us for a Town Hall Meeting for LGBT Community Members & Allies

When: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7 p.m. 

Where: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 2311 Pembroke Street (near the Intersection of E. 24th and Boniface). 

What: Learn about the current state of civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender people in Alaska, learn about Equality Works and our plans for protecting all Alaskans from discrimination, and learn what you can do to bring equality to Anchorage! (Need a ride? Contact Tiffany)

Who is Equality Works? 

Equality Works is a group of individuals and organizations working together to protect Anchorage residents from discrimination and harassment, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Our Coalition: Alaskans Together for Equality, Alliance for Reproductive Justice-Alaska, American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska, Anchorage Education Association, Identity, Inc., Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage, and National Association of Social Workers-Alaska Chapter 

Gay & Lesbian TV and Radio in Alaska

Do you want Alaska's public radio and television stations to air programs for Gay Pride Month in June and Gay History Month in Oct? 

Do you want to hear "This Way Out" on statewide radio, and watch "In The Life" on local television? 

Would you support a locally hosted LGBT radio show? 

Ask and you might receive. The public radio station KSKA is asking listeners to suggest new program ideas, so now is a good time to request LGBT radio shows and topics. 

KSKA does not currently broadcast any monthly or weekly gay programs, but they have in the past. They mention LGBT Alaskans about once a year. (This interview is about the one gay AK story for 2008.)

The radio station is also connected to KAKM, the public television station. KAKM used to air the national LGBT news magazine "In The Life." 

Last April, they aired the documentary "Anyone & Everyone" with a half hour response filmed by KTOO in Juneau. That may have been the only LGBT program to air on Alaska's public television station in 2008.

Public radio and tv stations in other states plan LGBT programming every year for Pride Month in June and Gay History Month in Oct. Talk show hosts often interview local LGBT organizers before the local PrideFests and National Coming Out Day events.

Email KSKA or use their online contact form and suggest more LGBT programs for 2009.

Celebration of Change calls for Performers and Art

The 25th Anniversary of Celebration of Change will be June 13 at 7 p.m. at the Wilda Marston Theatre, ZJ Loussac Library, Anchorage, Alaska. Tickets will be available May 1, 2009. We'll also have an Art Show this year.

 

Call for Performers: Radical Arts for Women invites all women to showcase their talents at Celebration of Change on June 13 at the Wilda Marston Theatre. Celebration welcomes singers, dancers, poets, actors, comedians and more. First-time performers are encouraged to apply. Backstage volunteers and participants in the opening piece are also needed. Apply by May 30. For more information, visit www.radicalartsforwomen.org.

 

Call for Art: Female visual artists are invited to submit their work for the inaugural Celebration of Change Art Show, which will be June 5-29 at the Kodiak Bar and Grill. Drop off entries June 3 after 3 p.m. For entry form and more information, visit www.radicalartsforwomen.org.

PrideFest 2009 in Anchorage & Fairbanks

UPDATE: Juneau is also planning a Pride event this year! Juneau's Pride Picnic Celebration is on Saturday, June 20 at Skater's Cabin.

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Both Anchorage and Fairbanks have announced dates for the 2009 Pride Festivals! 

Anchorage 6/20

"Identity Inc. & The Imperial Court of ALL Alaska are very happy to announce the dates for Anchorage PrideFest 2009: June 14-21, 2009 with the Parade and Festival on Saturday June 20, 2009. We are looking for new events, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers to make this the best PrideFest yet! We are also looking for ideas for this year's theme, to be decided in early February, so please send us any feedback you have." 

Fairbanks 6/13

"Please pencil in Saturday, June 13, 2009 for Fairbanks Pridefest. More info as it is developed."

This Week in LGBT Alaska 1/23/09

This Week in LGBT Alaska 1/23/09

Check out this week's events from Alaska GLBT News. 

For full listings, news and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

Saturday: Prayers for Bobby

Prayers for Bobby tells the true story of Mary Griffith, the religious mother of a gay son, and her journey toward embracing the LGBT community following his suicide. Prayers stars Sigourney Weaver and debuts January 24 at 9 p.m. Pacific Time on Lifetime TV.

EVENTS

Juneau

SEAGLA Social Fridays (6-8 p.m.) for GLBT people and our friends over 21, at The Imperial Bar, downtown. 

We're looking for a location to hold regular Pride Potlucks in Juneau. Contact SEAGLA with suggestions.

Mat-Su Valley

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center social support group meetings, Mondays, 2 p.m. at Vagabond Blues in Palmer.

Anchorage

Ever Ready rocks the AMVETS Post 49 on 1/23 & 1/24, 7-11 p.m.

House Party for "Equality Works" 1/24, 4-6 p.m. RSVP.

Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show 1/24, 9 p.m. Certified hypnotist Jay Her's new show, $10 at Mad Myrna's. 

Men's Club Potluck Dinner 1/25, 6 p.m. at The Raven. 

Roe v. Wade Anniversary Brings New Direction and Local Celebrations

Today marks the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States.

And today President Barack Obama is expected to reverse at least a few of the anti-choice policies of the last eight years.

The "global gag rule" is the most likely option for reversal. It prohibits U.S. foreign aid assistance to international family planning groups that offer information on abortions.

One such group is Planned Parenthood. Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, says she's hopeful that early action by President Obama will signal a new direction.

"It's been eight long years in the wilderness," said Richards. "I think for women in this country and women around the world, this is a president and administration that takes their health care needs seriously."

Planned Parenthood of Alaska Advocates (PPAA) will celebrate women's rights at two Roe v. Wade Birthday Bash and Pro-Choice Presidential Inauguration Parties, in Anchorage tonight and in Fairbanks tomorrow evening. 

The free events include wine, food and games, with fundraising to support PPAA. RSVP required. 

Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show at Mad Myrna's

Anchorage comedian and certified hypnotist Jay Her will perform a new Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show at Mad Myrna's this Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9 p.m. 

Members of the audience become celebrities on stage when they chase invisible objects, milk non-existant cows, sing in a foreign rap contest, and act in other hilarious skits while hypnotized.

The participants are volunteers and the show is completely real.

Jay Her learned the art of stage hypnosis from a Stage Hypnotist Trainer, and is trained in hypnotherapeutic techniques to provide a safe experience for the participants. 

He attends annual trainings to provide new material and the most enjoyable experience for both participants and audience members.

The Comedy Hypnosis Show can be designed for an adult audience, like the shows at Myrna's, or for family-friendly events with age-appropriate material.

Jay has performed for corporate parties, festivals, conferences, private parties, and service organizations.

Adult Comedy Hypnosis Show at Mad Myrna's, Jan. 24 at 9 p.m. Admission is $10.

Prayers for Bobby, on Lifetime

Mary Griffith blamed herself for the death of her gay son.

Prayers for Bobby tells Mary's true story as the religious mother of a gay son, and her journey toward embracing the LGBT community following his suicide. Sigourney Weaver stars as Mary.

Prayers also highlights the important role PFLAG played in Mary's experience, and empowers families to embrace their LGBT loved ones. 

Learn more about Prayers for Bobby, watch a preview of the movie and clips about the real Griffith family.

Prayers for Bobby debuts at 9 p.m. Pacific time on January 24 on Lifetime TV.

Congratulations to Obama, from a Fairbanks Vlogger

Today is Barack Obama's inauguration as President of the United States.

"We are truly in for an era of change," wrote Brian the day after Obama was elected, "an era that could not have come at a better time."

Brian, 25, vlogs on gay rights and other issues from Fairbanks, Alaska as thenewBMW. This Nov. 5 video congratulates Obama on his election victory, thanks the voters, and supports Obama's appeal for unity.

Let Us Stay Married

Allison Mendel is a lawyer in Anchorage. Her and her partner were married in California two days before the voters rescinded the right for same-sex couples to marry. The following editorial appeared in the Anchorage Daily News on Dec 29.

Barriers to same-sex marriage should come tumbling down

I have been a so-called "gay activist" for at least 20 years. Marriage used to be a little controversial as a gay cause. In the beginning, a minority of gay activists firmly adopted marriage as the ultimate 20th century gay cause. A louder majority called it a sellout, a throwback to paternalistic social forms, an unworthy goal.

The minority, through obstinate and painstaking work, became the majority. I joined the cause early -- I came to see that excluding same-sex couples from this supremely ordinary, ubiquitous state marked us as less than human more than anti-gay violence or workplace discrimination ever did. Because it affected everyone, every day.

Marital status? Spouse's name? Next of kin? You can't even go to the doctor without being asked these questions. We were left outside the nomenclature that defined everyone else -- with no way in.

Even as I believed all that, and fought for marriage, I never thought that I yearned to be married myself. I am a divorce lawyer who knows very well that the blessed state of marriage often is not. Blessed, that is.

Imagine my surprise when the California Supreme Court announced that excluding same-sex couples from marriage is unconstitutional. Suddenly, almost anyone who wanted to, could get married in California. And after all these years I realized that I wanted to. Apparently it was simply sour grapes when I thought I did not care, personally, if I could ever get married. I did care, and I do care. I wanted the same chance everyone else has to "tie the knot," "walk down the aisle," and "hear the wedding bells chime." I felt like the lame who can walk and the blind who can see. So we went and got married in California.

Two days later the California voters pulled the plug. They don't want me to be married any more.

This should not have come as a surprise. Nearly every time voters anywhere in the country have been asked to vote on same-sex marriage, they have said no. But this time I was shocked.

I find I don't want to go quietly any more. I want someone to explain to me why anyone else cares whether I am married or not. It matters a whole lot to me, to my family and to my new spouse.

Religion can't be the reason, because my religion allows it, and we don't let other people's religions determine my legal rights.

I don't want to have to win a popularity contest for my marriage any more -- who else has to have their wedding plans approved by the electorate? I can no longer imagine any serious public policy reason why anyone is better off if I choose to spend my life with my partner but can't marry her.

Unfortunately, gay rights really is the 21st century civil rights struggle. We are the only ones left whose basic rights still have to win a majority vote. I don't think Obama would be president today if we had approached racial equality this way. We don't expect approbation or approval, just tolerance. Just let us be married.

It doesn't seem like much to ask.

Discovery Channel Discovers Gays on The Alaska Experiment

UPDATE: It's a 3 part series, airing Tuesdays April 14, 21 & 28 at 9 p.m. in Alaska.

UPDATE 2: Ttsusena Lake is 64 miles NE of the town of Talkeetna, according to an anonymous comment.

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The Discovery Channel is turning last year's "The Alaska Experiment" into a new eight-part series, and one of the participants is an out gay man, a first for Discovery.

"Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment" strands nine strangers together in the Alaskan wilderness with three days worth of water, a map, a compass and instructions to find their way back to civilization before the harsh winter sets in.

The new cast members are from "all different walks of life." The gay volunteer is Jake Nodar, a thirty-year-old horse trainer and avid hiker from Maryland.

"For me personally, I've always found Alaska to be appealing," said Jake in an interview with AfterElton. "I completely stumbled upon this, just complete fluke kind of thing, and being openly gay, I found it to be a very cool opportunity to go and represent."

The series was filmed in September 2008. After a three-day crash course in basic survival skills, including how to shoot a gun, skin an animal and start a fire without matches, the volunteers were flown to "Ttsusena Lake" in the rugged Alaskan interior, described by Discovery as "one of the most inhospitable terrains on earth."

Where is "Ttsusena" Lake? Could they mean Tustumena Lake on the Kenai Peninsula?

"Over the course of their monthlong journey, the volunteers put their newfound skills to the test, hunting, fishing, foraging for food and building makeshift shelters," said the press release. "They faced plummeting temperatures and diminishing daylight hours. Their only lifeline was a GPS beacon they could activate if their lives were in danger or if they wanted to be evacuated."

"Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment" will debut in April during Discovery's Alaska Week.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 1/16/09

Check out this week's events from Alaska GLBT News. 

For full listings, news and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

Womyn's Dance Survey

Carolyn, who organizes the womyn's dances, wants to know more about our taste in dance music. She set up a quick dance survey for Anchorage womyn. Please answer a few questions to make our dances even better.

EVENTS

Juneau

Join SEAGLA for Men's Movie Night 1/17 at 7 p.m.

SAGA invites Juneau's GLBT community to a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at UAS on 1/20 at 6 p.m.

Fairbanks

Bac'untry Bruthers will play at the Marlin on 1/16 & 1/17 at 10 p.m., and at the Boatel on 1/18 at 4 p.m.

Anchorage

Group Acupuncture at the GLCCA on 1/16 from 7-9 p.m. (on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.)

Hook up with The Men's Club for a New Year Saturday Brunch at Humpy's on 1/17 at 12 noon.

MCC Worship & Meeting on 1/18, Matthew Moak will bring the message. 2 p.m. service, 3 p.m. meeting.

Joseph the Gay Alaskan Hairdresser

Update: I posted about Joseph on Thursday night, and Monday's Anchorage Daily News online has a long story on him and his webisodes. You go, girl!

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Want to know the truth about hairdressing? Have questions about sex - or about Alaska - that you were afraid to ask? Looking for beauty tips from an expert? 

Here's your chance to get advice from "the real Queen of Alaska!"

"Who the hell is Joseph? What the hell is this?" reads the description on the video's YouTube page. "Watch, dear viewers, and all mysteries will be answered." 

Watch his queenly two minute introduction below. Then go to JtheH.com and watch his ten minute video tour of outdoor day trips near Anchorage.

Ask Joseph more questions at http://www.JosephTheHairdresser.com or http://www.JtheH.com 

Gay-Welcoming JUUF Needs Our Support

The Juneau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (JUUF) is asking the LGBT community for help. 

The JUUF is working to purchase the historic church building on the corner of 5th and Main Street in downtown Juneau, the second oldest church in the city. The financing plan includes raising at least $125,000 from members and friends.

"JUUF openly welcomes lesbian, gay, and transgender people and honors our contributions to the community and to society," reads the message from SEAGLA, the Southeast Alaska Gay and Lesbian Alliance.

SEAGLA members support the Fellowship for several reasons: 

• JUUF has been an active voice for equal rights for the LGBT community of Juneau. 
• It has been financially supportive of both PFLAG and the Pride Chorus. 
• It is a "Red Ribbon Congregation" working toward a world without AIDS. 
• JUUF members have marched in the 4th of July parade with a banner that says "Unitarian Universalists are for Equal Rights for Gays."

How can you help? New donations received before February 1 will be matched more than double their value. 

Please send a check to JUUF - Capital Campaign, PO Box 20064, Juneau, AK 99802. Even the smallest contributions at this time will help. Thank you.

Learn more about JUUF.

PFLAG Showing "Further Off the Straight and Narrow"

Anchorage PFLAG will be showing "Further Off the Straight and Narrow: New Gay Visibility on T.V. from 1998 thru 2006" on January 15 at 7 p.m., during the monthly meeting at Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

"Further Off the Straight & Narrow" looks at sitcoms, reality shows, and premium cable programming and explores how GLBT characters on television are becoming more complex and varied. View the preview.

MLK Weekend Honors Bayard Rustin

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Organizing Weekend in Honor of Bayard Rustin, on January 16-19, is a national student-led action focusing on the coalition-building strategies that Bayard Rustin used to help activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., to create social change. 

A master strategist and tireless activist, Bayard Rustin is best remembered as the organizer of the famous 1963 March on Washington, one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the United States.  

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) hopes that students, Gay-Straight Alliances and other student clubs, and community groups involved in the safe schools movement will use this Day of Action to build bridges and work together with other social justice movements. 

They also encourage GSA's to host a screening of "Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin," to support another student club's MLK event, or to write a letter to President-elect Obama telling him what you would like to see in the next 4 years in regards to safer schools and social justice.

Learn more about Rustin's legacy as a gay man active in the civil rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's by viewing this video, excerpted from the film Out of the Past: 

Create a Logo for Alaskans Together

Do you know how to make a graphic logo?

Help Alaskans Together find a logo to represent the organization and our mission: to advance civil equality for all Alaskans, through grassroots organizing and advocacy, and through public education.

Email a digital logo idea to Alaskans Together by February 15 and your design may be chosen as the official logo!

The Life of One Gay Alaskan

Slade, a gay young man in Alaska, takes a lot of photos and creates music video slide shows of himself, his friends and their activities. 

This installment of Slade's Life opens with photos of the gay pride rally in front of the ex-gay conference in Anchorage. 

Part 4 also includes Slade at a rally supporting foster care. The remaining photos are of Slade and his friends, at home and around town. Enjoy.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 1/9/09

Check out this week's events from Alaska GLBT News. 

For full listings, news and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN, the weekly email newsletter.

The deadline for the RAW Short Story Contest is next Thursday, Jan. 15. Open to all women living in Alaska. The pieces must be fiction, between 250 and 5,000 words, and contain some lesbian content. For prizes and guidelines, see Radical Arts for Women.

EVENTS

Juneau

Miniature Golf New Year Social 1/10, 4 p.m. at the JACC. Contact SEAGLA.

Fairbanks

PFLAG's January Meeting 1/10, 4 p.m.

The Masquerade Ball (show & dance) 1/10, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. dancing after. Join ICOAA at the Carlson Center.

Anchorage

Sarah Gavit will bring the message at MCC's Sunday service 1/11, 2 p.m.

PrideFest planning meeting 1/12, 6 p.m. Join Identity and ICOAA in planning Anchorage PrideFest 2009, set for June 14-21. 

Step by Step with Rev. Van Manen 1/15, 6: 30 p.m. Fellowship at 6:30 p.m. and class at 7 p.m. Metropolitan Community Church.

Tee Time: SEAGLA Miniature Golf Social

The GLBT community in Juneau and their friends are invited to play miniature golf for a New Year Social, on Saturday, January 10, at 4 p.m. at the Juneau Arts and Cultural Center. 

"The JACC miniature golf course is really incredible, simple to do, and very fun," said the announcement from SEAGLA, the Southeast Alaska Gay and Lesbian Alliance. "It will be fun for the whole family." 

SEAGLA has paid for the first hour of golfing, so don't be late! Pay-your-own-way golfing continues until 6 p.m. for $5 per round of golf.

Participants can make donations to SEAGLA or renew their memberships for 2009, and can make donations toward the cost of the golf course rental, which is a fundraiser for JACC. 

The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council web site has a slide show of the JACC sculpture garden miniature golf course. 

SEAGLA also holds Social Fridays from 6-8 p.m. at the Imperial Bar in downtown Juneau. GLBT people and friends over 21 are invited to have a drink and unwind from the work week, meet new people and catch up with friends.

Visit SEAGLA for more information about GLBT activities in Southeast Alaska.

Step by Step with MCC's Rev. Van Manen

Rev. Norman Van Manen, the new pastor of MCC Anchorage, is starting a spiritual development and leadership class called Step by Step that will replace the Soul Food program on Thursday evenings. 

Step by Step begins on January 8, with fellowship and snacks at 6:30 p.m. and the class at 7 p.m. 

Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage, a GLBT-inclusive church, appointed Rev. Van Manen to the position of Development Pastor immediately following his visit in mid-December.

"We were greatly encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response to Rev. Van Manen," wrote Matthew Moak, the Vice-Moderator.  

Rev. Van Manen will officially take the helm of MCC Anchorage on February 15th, 2009. The annual congregational meeting, usually held the third week of January, will be postponed until the new pastor is installed.

Fund to Support Lesbian Rape Victim

Two men and two male teenagers were arrested for the December gang rape of a California lesbian. The perpetrators taunted her for being a lesbian during the 45-minute attack and repeated raping, and police are investigating it as a hate crime.

The lesbian community has rallied to help the "Richmond Jane Doe" victim, and blogger Tata created the page We're Here For You. The community held a candlelight vigil, and volunteers distributed flyers about the "Most Wanted Criminals" that provided leads to the arrest of the four suspects.

"Our hearts were broken when we read what happened to you," Tata wrote to Jane Doe. "We offer our strength, we offer our tenderness, and we hope that there can be for you at least some small measure of comfort in knowing that we're here for you."

A benefit show is planned for January 9 and a fund was set up to raise money for Jane Doe's medical costs, a safe home for herself, her partner, and their child, and a car that isn't saturated with her blood and the memories of being repeatedly assaulted in it.

To donate to the "Richmond Jane Doe" fund, send a check made payable to Community Violence Solutions to: Community Violence Solutions, Attn: Jo Ann Douglas, 2101 Van Ness Street, San Pablo, CA 94806. Write "Richmond Jane Doe" in the memo line.

National Drag History Month

January 2009 marks the first-ever celebration of National Drag History Month!

"This month-long event salutes the richness of drag culture and pays tribute to the courageous queens & kings who have fought for equality while inspiring, educating & entertaining us all," according to Logo, the sponsors of Drag History Month.

Come celebrate Drag History Month in Fairbanks at ICOAA's Masquerade Ball, January 10 at the Carlson Center, 8 p.m. The evening includes a drag show, food, and a contest awarding $100 for the best mask.