Where to Find GLBT Alaska - Annual Events, Revised for 2011

The main annual events held by the LGBT organizations and local communities in Alaska are listed here in calendar order, along with city-wide events that we participate in every year.

Fur Rondy Grand Parade (Feb 26) - The Imperial Court creates a float for the Rondy Parade in downtown Anchorage.

Femme Fatale (mid-April) - The Imperial Court's Juneau show closes the state legislative session and is a benefit for Four A's.

Day of Silence (April 15) and Pride Prom (April 23 in Anchorage) - Alaska's students, teachers and Gay/Straight Alliances (GSA's) join the National Day of Silence, and break their silence celebrating at Pride Prom.

Celebration of Change (April 23) - Radical Arts for Women's 'break-up' performance celebrates women, music and art in Anchorage.

Juneau Pride Chorus spring concert (April 30) - The concert is a spirited evening of women, song and dance at the Juneau Arts & Culture Center, and the chorus performs at various events during the spring and summer.

LGBT Pride Picnic (May 30, Memorial Day) - The Anchorage Picnic and BBQ celebrate unity in the community and the beginning of summer.

Alaska Pride Week and Festival (3rd week in June) - The summer solstice parade and festival celebrates LGBT Pride in downtown Anchorage, following a week of Pride events.

Northern Exposure (during Pride Week this year) - Alaska's new gay & straight BDSM/Leather conference returns for a second year.

Juneau Pride Picnic and Glacier Hike (summer) - Juneau celebrates Pride with a GLBT community picnic and glacier hike organized by SEAGLA.

Marching in July 4th Parades - LGBT contingents design floats and march in July 4th parades in Anchorage and Homer.

PFLAG in Golden Days Parade (late July) and Tanana Valley State Fair (August) - PFLAG and the Fairbanks LGBTQA community march in the annual Gold Rush parade, host a Pride Picnic after the parade, and create a booth for the Interior state fair.

Coronation (Labor Day Weekend, Sept.) - An extravaganza of performances in Anchorage invests the new Emperor and Empress of the Imperial Court of All Alaska, and announces community awards and scholarships.

Pride Conference (Saturday near October 11) - Identity's back-to-school youth conference is inspired by National Coming Out Day, celebrated nationally on October 11.

Alaskans Together annual meeting (Sunday after Pride Conference) - The state-wide LGBT advocacy group holds a strategy meeting each year in Anchorage.

Thanksgiving Community Meal (Thanksgiving Day) - Several gay-owned businesses in Anchorage host a Thanksgiving Day meal for the LGBT community.

World AIDS Day (Dec. 1) - Alaska commemorates World AIDS Day with red ribbons and candlelight vigils sponsored by Four A's and IAA in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.

Arctic Heat (Jan. 2012) - The Men's Club chooses the new Bear and Leather titleholders every other year.

Alaska's LGBT groups hold many other events and performances, as well as weekly and monthly meetings and events, that the community is invited to attend. Visit the links in the side column of the blog for more lists of Where to find LGBT Alaska.

Imperial Court crowns Emperor & Empress, gives awards & scholarships at Coronation

Congratulations to the new Emperor and Empress of the Imperial Court of All Alaska: Cory and Paige!

The top title holders were announced at Coronation, along with the Court's community awards and student scholarships.

The ICOAA gave out 26 scholarships totaling $25,000, and these awards:

Peter Dispirito Community service Award - Vicki Evans

Wayne Hussey Community Service Award - Gail Palmer

Raymond Jorgenson Organization award - Anchorage Ducal Court (Mikel Wiles and Colleen Crinklaw)

Rochelle DeLite Fairbanks Community Award - PFLAG of Fairbanks

President's Service to the Board Award - Mary Bess Bohall

The following are new awards decreed by Emperor and Empress Kevin and MeMe:

Lynn "Honey" Howard Court Member of the Year - Dan Thunder aka Bella and Aaron Finch

Michael Meeks Denali Award - Denali Emperor 25 Mikey LaChoy and Denali Emperor 31 Scott Turner

Misty Dawn Aurora Award - Aurora Empress 28 Eve, Aurora Empress 29 Joani LaChoy and Aurora Empress 31 Vicki Evans aka Sister Mary Sunshine

Congratulations to all of the award and scholarship recipients!

The Imperial Court is the oldest and largest not-for-profit GLBTA organization in the state of Alaska. They give scholarships to Alaskan students each year, and raise money for other charitable organizations in the state.

Channel 11 aired a short interview with the previous Emperor & Empress, Kevin & MeMe, at Coronation. (The story incorrectly states that the Emperor & Empress were elected at Coronation, but the voting took place on August 21, and that the Duke & Duchess were also announced at Coronation, but the ducal balls were held earlier in the summer. Still, we appreciate the coverage of our events.)

Watch the story:

Coronation 2010 - Kickin' it Old School!

It's almost Labor Day weekend and you know what that means - Coronation!

Please join The Imperial Court of All Alaska, Emperor 37 Kevin Holtz, and Empress 37 Miss MeMe Jenkins for

"Coronation XXXVIII: Kickin' it OLD SCHOOL: Back to Our Roots - A Trip Down Memory Lane"

on September 2-6, 2010 in Anchorage, Alaska.

EVENTS:

Thursday, September 2 at 5 PM:

SUNSHINE OVER SIBERIA

Annual meet-n-greet hosted by Empress 31, Sister Mary Sunshine

WHERE: Sub Zero Lounge, 6th Avenue & F Street in downtown Anchorage

(no cover)

Thursday, September 2 when we're done with Sunshine Over Siberia

THE ROAST OF THEIR MOSTS

An irreverant look back at Kevin & MeMe's year, brought to you by Duke & Duchess 9 of Anchorage, Mikel Wiles and Colleen Crinklaw. Please be prepared to skewer Their Most Imperial Majesties one last time!

WHERE: Either Sub Zero or Mad Myrna's - we haven't decided yet.

(no cover)

Friday, September 3 at 9 PM; Doors at 8 PM

THE IN-STATE SHOW

The best of the Alaskan Court Members will entertain you for hours! The worst of them will just get you drunk! Hosted by Their Most Imperial Majesties, Kevin & MeMe!

WHERE: Mad Myrna's

($10)

Saturday, September 4 at NOON

THE BROWN BEAR BUS RUN

Whatever you do - don't wear jeans with holes in them. Jus' sayin... Meet at The Raven Bar to board the busses no later than 11:30. Don't be late, or we'll leave you in the parking lot. Hosted by the Candidates for Emperor and Empress!

WHERE: The Raven Bar (didn't you just read that?)

($20)

Saturday, September 4 at 9 PM; Doors at 8 PM

THE OUT-OF-STATE SHOW

Visiting Monarchs dazzle us with their talents! Hosted by SoFonda Peters and Sister Mary Sunshine

WHERE: Mad Myrna's

($10)

Sunday, September 5 at 6 PM SHARP! Doors at 5 PM

CORONATION CEREMONIES XXXVIII

We highlight the 2010 College of Emperors and Empresses Scholarship Recipients, honor our stepping-down monarchs, and crown the newest leaders of the ICOAA.

WHERE: The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel

($40)

Monday, September 6 at NOON

VICTORY BRUNCH

Eat, cry, eat some more, applaud, drink, and cry! The BEST brunch on the circuit!

WHERE: Mad Myrna's

($30)

Visit ICOAA Coronation for updates and to purchase tickets for all Coronation events.

Gay AK: Get ready for late summer and fall events

Gay AK is a semi-regular column with short news items and up-coming events for LGBT Alaska. This week, we have a variety of late summer and fall events in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and the Mat-Su.

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PFLAG Fairbanks has a booth at the Tanana Valley State Fair, which continues through August 14. The theme of the fair is "Barn in the USA." Beverly designed an adorable PFLAG booth and Jenn did the art work (see photo). Stop by and say hello, or sign up for a shift and go to the fair free that day.

The LGBT Center in the Mat-Su Valley has closed due to a lack of volunteers and donations. However, the Wednesday Social continues at Vagabond Blues in Palmer at 5 p.m.

Juneau Pride Chorus begins rehearsing again on September 7, on Tuesday evenings 5:15 - 6:45 p.m. Potential new members are welcome to attend rehearsals. Email Juneau Pride Chorus for information.

Anchorage events

Come to a Meet & Greet at Bernie's Bungalow on August 18, 5-7:30 p.m. to celebrate Alaska's LGBT community and the 25th anniversary of Pride Foundation, a northwest organization that helps local LGBT projects and people through grants and scholarships. A 21+ event.

Northern Exposure 2010 is Alaska's first educational SM and Leather convention, Aug 20-22. Three days of workshops, classes, parties and meals. Register at NE2010. (This is not specifically LGBT, but is a GLBT-friendly event.)

The gay and lesbian bowling league of Anchorage is getting ready to start another season. Our first league meeting is Sunday August 29 at Jewel Lake Bowl at 4 p.m., and our first day of bowling is September 12. Contact the Northern Exposure Bowling League.

The Imperial Court's Coronation is traditionally held on Labor Day weekend, and Alaska Coronation 38 - "Kickin' it old School...Back to our Roots" will be Sept. 2-6 in Anchorage. Visit the ICOAA for the schedule and tickets.

The annual Alaska Pride Conference is coming up: October 8-10 at Alaska Pacific University.

Arson? Anchorage Gay Float was torched *UPDATES* AFD needs our help!

UPDATE 3: The Butners have verified that the insurance inspector has not made a final report. That information came from a usually reliable source, but is incorrect and has been removed from the main post. My apologies to the Butners and the community for this series of misunderstandings and updates.

###

UPDATE 2: The Anchorage Fire Department has now posted their report HERE. "At this time, the cause will be listed as undetermined. The AFD Fire Investigator is seeking the public's help in identifying an unknown white male who was observed in the area by a witness only moments before the fire was discovered. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Anchorage Fire Department's Arson Hotline 267-5060 or Anchorage Crime Stoppers (561-STOP)." So it was probably arson, but they call it undetermined until they catch the guy.

###

CORRECTION: [The report stating that the fire was arson came from the insurance fire inspector. -- this information is incorrect and has been removed from the post.] The Anchorage Fire Department is still seeking information that will lead to the arrest of the potential arsonist and has not released a report yet. [The report is released and linked above.] Apologies for the confusion.

###

The Anchorage Fire Department has concluded [correction: is seeking the public's help in identifying an unknown white male who was observed in the area by a witness only moments before the fire was discovered and may have] deliberately burned down a Gay Pride Float two days before it would appear in the city's 4th of July parade.

The fire also destroyed the garage and damaged the house of Ken and Paula Butner, allies who kept the Imperial Court's float in a car tent in front of the garage. Their daughter was awakened around 5:30 a.m. on July 2 by the sound of paint cans exploding outside her window, and she woke the rest of the family. Luckily, no one was injured.

"They have finally finished the investigation, and said that it is not our fault or an accident," wrote Paula. "They said that it was started by someone! They are still asking for information from anyone who may know who started it."

The LGBTA community rallied and built a new float in less than 48 hours that included burned pieces salvaged from the original. They named the new float Phoenix Rising, and it won the Grand Prize in the July 4th parade.

Meanwhile, the city Fire Inspector labeled the fire "suspicious" and asked the state to assist in the investigation.

"This has been a horrible situation for everyone involved, and worse to know that this may have been a targeted crime," wrote Miss MeMe, Empress of the Imperial Court of All Alaska.

"I have been incredibly proud that our community has shown great courage and Pride, and I know that we will continue to work together to conquer hate towards our community and its allies. We also continue to support the Butners during what has been a challenging time for them, and continue to be grateful for all of the support they have shown the LGBTA community over the years."

A fund was set up to help the Butners repair their home and rebuild their garage, with security cameras and a big enough garage to store the float inside. A fundraising dinner has been announced for August 14 to replace the destroyed float equipment.

"Insurance will not cover the sound equipment belonging to Daphne Do All LaChores, emcee of Drag Queen Bingo and PrideFest Parade announcer," wrote Phyllis of Identity, Inc.

Hence, a fundrai$er to replace the equipment—a spaghetti feed with salad on Saturday afternoon, August 14, 2010, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Guido's, 549 W. International Road. Tickets $10.00 per person, $5.00 under 10 years old. $5.50 of every adult ticket sold will go to Daph. There will also be a 50/50 split the pot and silent auction to raise funds for the equipment."

Daphne rode the Imperial Court float and dished to the crowds at both the July 4th parade and the Fur Rondy parade in February, and is co-host of the Friday Night Diva Show. Daphne and the Butners have organized the creation of the Imperial Court's annual float since 2002.

"We lost our trailer and all of the sound equipment, tools and supplies," Daphne commented on Linda's photo essay of the fire. "Ken and I started to upgrade the space into a workshop and storage facility to house all of the decorations and scraps of previous award winning floats. It's all gone now."

Tickets to the spaghetti feed fundraiser are on sale at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage, 336 East 6th Avenue. Cash or check donations will also be accepted.

If you have any information that might lead to the arrest of the arsonist, please contact the Anchorage Fire Department.

When Mayor Sullivan vetoed the equal rights ordinance last year, he said there was no evidence of anti-gay prejudice in Anchorage. Does he still think that? No one was injured - this time. What will it take for the mayor and city assembly to pass and sign, or override the veto and approve, a law that protects the LGBT residents of Anchorage?

- hat tip to Linda of Celtic Diva for her report on the fire, and the photo of the burned float. The Phoenix Rising photo is from Daphne's Facebook page.

The new Duke & Duchess of Fairbanks

Congratulations to the Imperial Court's new Grand Duke Lynnette and Grand Duchess Kara of Fairbanks!

Lynnette Da'Goldfingers Baugher, Grand Duke XVIII of Fairbanks wrote:

I am honored and thrilled to hold the title of Fairbanks Grand Duke XVIII. Thanks goes out to everyone who attended [Saturday] night's show and for those of you who encouraged me to run this year.

I have lived in Fairbanks since May 1998 and have been a non-active participant of the community for years. My first drag show I ever attended was back in the "Palace" days.... where I had the great opportunity to meet some of the best Kings and Queens.

I am interested in helping this community not only grow in size but grow together for the good of outreach and community togetherness. During my year as Grand Duke XVIII I hope everyone will support me, advise me, and help me help OUR community be stronger than its ever been. I am open to any and all suggestions to make this year a FABULOUS year!! LET'S DO THIS TOGETHER!!!

Kara, Duchess of Fairbanks, doesn't have a new page set up, but she's smiling in the Ducal Ball photos! Congrats to both of them, and to the Fairbanks community.

Cory for Emperor 38 of All Alaska

Cory Crowder, a previous Imperial Crown Prince of Anchorage, is running for Emperor.

Hi Everyone... my name is Cory Crowder and I'm a candidate for Emperor 38 of All Alaska!!! That's right, I finally decided to run. I hope to see all of you Saturday, August 21st at the G&L Community Center for voting!!!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or I'm sure I'll run into you on the campaign trail!!!

Cory will also be at Wii Wednesdays - EnE Candidate Edition at Mad Myrna's with the other candidates.

Stephen for Emperor 38 of All Alaska

Stephen 'Little Duck' Moore, the previous Duke of Fairbanks, is running for Emperor. (Stephen and Miss Dixie stepped down at last Saturday's Ducal Ball, a fundraiser for the ICOAA.)

To the Community Members of the Great State of Alaska:

My name is Stephen Moore and I am also a Candidate for Emperor 38. Over the next few weeks, you will have a great time getting to know all of us candidates and learning what each of us want to do to support you! If you would like to know more about me, the Imperial Court of Alaska, or have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Vote Stephen for Emperor XXXVIII of Alaska is my official FB page that will be updated all along this awesome journey! I love to have fun and do outreach to the community as much as possible.

Please come vote on August 21 at the GLCC in Anchorage, or in my hometown at College Floral in Fairbanks. Polls open at 9 am and will close at 8 pm. EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

VOTE STEPHEN on April 21, 2010! Stephen for Emperor XXXVIII of Alaska!

Samantha for Empress 38 of All Alaska

Joseph Williams, the Alaska Make-up Queen, is running for Empress as "Samantha SoWrong."

Hi EVERYONE, I am Joseph Williams, AKA Samantha SoWrong, and I am aspiring to be Empress 38 of ALL of Alaska!! Love, Unity, and Universal White Light FOR ALL! If you would like to know more about the I.C.O.A.A check out their web page: ICOAA. SEE YOU ALL ON THE CAMPAIN TRAIL! "gosh I hope I get a book deal..."

Samantha hosted a back yard grill and fundraiser last week, and will be at the Wii Wednesday candidate meet 'n greets at Mad Myrna's.

Greetings!!

I am running for Empress 38 of All of Alaska under the stage name, Samantha So Wrong. Yes something so "wrong" really is SO RIGHT!

The Imperial Court of All of Alaska started in 1971 and is the oldest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Allied organization in Alaska. Their mission, to raise money and give it back to the community. As Empress, I will be representing the community and holding fundraisers and traveling out of state to represent our court on the circuit. I have to win first.

I win by YOUR VOTES. Anyone who is an Alaskan Resident, is 18 and has an Alaskan ID can request an absentee ballot, but you have to do it now! You have to email your request. You will get a ballot that will have all the info on it. They will need proof you are of legal voting age. It will not count with out it!! (making sure I say it enough....) Email your request to Joani.

Make sure you VOTE FOR SAMANTHA SoWRONG! I will need EVERY VOTE I CAN GET!! There are three of us girls running for the Title!!

If you are going to be in Anchorage, vote at the GLCCA on Saturday Aug 21, 2010. If you're in Fairbanks, you can vote at College Floral.

I love you All, and thank you for your time reading this!

Joseph

Aka " Samantha SoWrong "

Paige for Empress 38 of All Alaska

Miss Paige Langit, co-host of the Friday Night Diva Show at Mad Myrna's, is running for Empress.

I am happy to announce that I am running for the title of Empress 38 of the Imperial Court of All Alaska! I would appreciate your support! I have a fan page up aptly titled Vote Paige for Empress 38 of All Alaska! LOL Follow me on the campaign trail!

Paige shared "just a lil' bit" about herself:

My name is Paige Langit, and I've been an active member of the ICOAA for the past eight years.

As a straight ally, I wish to enlighten the straight community as to what it is the Imperial Court does, and hopefully with that understanding, be able to form a more cohesive bond between the GLBT and straight communities, especially the new generation. (Not quite Star Trek...) I want to see more involvement in the fundraising efforts this organization puts together, because in the end, everyone benefits; from the students who are awarded the scholarships and charitable organizations that are given donations, to the people who donate their time and effort who will build and create better and new relationships and networks with others, regardless of their personal lifestyle.

I'm 29 years old. I think my age gives me an upper hand at this point in time. During my time as Duchess, I found that I was able to associate with the younger crowd, and help introduce them to the Court and involve a new generation of the GLBT community who, in turn, help give back to their own community. (It's a wonderfully vicious cycle...)

I have never felt more part of something, as I have with the GLBT community and the Imperial Court of All Alaska. With the experiences that I have had in (most specifically) the last two years within the Court and community, with involvement in almost every fundraiser in the State, including Fairbanks and Juneau, I feel that I am ready to give back to the a community which has welcomed me and let me find my own place within it. (... kicking and screaming of course...)

I know this isn't really much about my past or what my favorite foods are... do I like long walks on the beach, etc... but it's the important things that are going through my mind right now. :)

Starting this week, Mad Myrna's is hosting Wii Wednesdays and the first few weeks are called "EnE Candidate Edition". Miss Paige - Anchorage's Diva will be hosting Wii Wednesdays, and all of the local candidates running for Emperor and Empress will be there to meet people and talk about the community. See the candidates in action and get your game on at the same time - Wii Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m. at Myrna's.

Five candidates run for Emperor & Empress 38

The Imperial Court of All Alaska has five candidates running for their highest positions of Emperor and Empress this year, and the campaigns are in full swing. Four of the candidates sent introductions to Bent Alaska, and they'll be posted over the next few days. Get ready to meet the new top title holders of the ICOAA!

If you are 18+ years old and have a valid Alaska ID, you can vote. Voting day is August 21, in Anchorage at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center (336 East 5th Ave.), in Fairbanks at College Floral (3260 College Road) and throughout the state by absentee ballot. (To request an absentee ballot, contact Joani.)

The candidates for Emperor are Stephen Moore and Cory Crowder. The Empress candidates are Mariquita, Paige Langit and Samantha SoWrong. The new Emperor and Empress will be crowned at Coronation on Labor Day weekend.

Samantha held the first candidate meet 'n greet back yard barbeque on Thursday. Starting tonight, Mad Myrna's is hosting "Wii Wednesdays - EnE Candidate Edition" featuring Wii games and the candidates every Wednesday from 6-10 p.m.

The candidate intros will be posted one a day, starting tomorrow. Good luck to all of the candidates!

Pride Float destroyed & rebuilt for July 4th parade wins Grand Prize (video and links)

Two days into a camping trip, I received a text message that a Pride Parade float entered in the Anchorage 4th of July parade had been destroyed by a suspicious fire.

The Imperial Court had 48 hours to rebuild. They called for volunteers and for the LGBTA community to march along with the new float. In the nearest town, I shared that information on Bent's Facebook wall before the connection quit.

Coming home last night, I saw photos of the new LGBT float and the queer youth float that also participated in Sunday's parade.

The Pride float was built by the efforts of many. Thanks to the LGBT people and allies who created the float so quickly and with so much style. Thanks to the businesses and individuals who donated the materials, funds and labor to rebuild the float. Thanks to all who rode and walked with the float. And thanks to the Facebook users, local media, and bloggers for reporting the fire and the story of Phoenix Rising, the LGBT float that won the Grand Prize in the 4th of July parade. It was a community effort, in every way.

A fund is set up to help rebuild Paula & Ken Butner's garage (Wells Fargo account #9297382088). The fire investigation is still in progress. In a possibly related incident, the police are investigating eggs thrown on the home of Daphne, the emcee for the LGBT float.

KTUU has a good report on the float, but their video can't be embedded. KTVA also reported the suspicious fire, and that the rebuilt float won the Grand Prize. Watch the parade story:

Linda of Celtic Diva posted a photo essay about the float on Mudflats. Gryphen on Immoral Minority asked if Mayor Sullivan considers the fire "quantifiable evidence" of hate toward the gay community in Anchorage. The incident was also reported by the Associated Press, and by the national gay blog Towleroad.

Meanwhile in the town of Homer, Alaska, the LGBTA float for the July 4th parade was created without incident by PFLAG and the Gay/Straight Alliance, but the announcer refused to introduce the PFLAG/GSA float when they passed the judging booth. One of the marchers had to step forward and tell the crowd who they were.

More people rode in the PFLAG rainbow skiff this year, and several of the walkers wore Alaska rainbow socks. The LGBT contingent included the skiff, two bicycles, two gay olympic athletes with their medals, a skateboarder, a group of walkers, and a blond queen wearing a pink sweater-set with black leather boots and riding a motorcycle.

Thanks to the national LGBT book blogger Band of Thebes (who lives part time in Homer) for the story and photos.

Miss MeMe's Glee-themed promo for HIV Testing Week (video)

This week is National HIV Testing Week, June 21-27, and the Four A's made a great promo video, "MeMe's Corner" starring the Imperial Court of All Alaska's fabulous Miss MeMe in a Glee parody. MeMe knows best and she is lending her name to a very important cause - HIV Testing.

Watch "Miss MeMe's Corner" and subscribe to the Four A's YouTube Channel:

One of many free HIV testing opportunities that week will be at PrideFest on Saturday June 26. The Four A's and the Municipality of Anchorage will be offering free HIV testing and free gonorrhea and chlamydia testing from 1-5 p.m. Just come visit the Four A's booth.

There will be a week long series of events offering free HIV testing in both Anchorage and Juneau. It's important to know your status for the health of yourself and your loved ones. Getting tested is quick and easy. All events will use an oral swab that gives results in 20 minutes.

The Anchorage testing dates and locations are listed below. The Juneau events were posted with the Juneau Pride schedule. Check out Four A's at www.alaskanaids.org for more information about National HIV Testing Week.

Anchorage

Saturday, June 19

Mad Myrna's

10 p.m. -12 a.m.

(530 E. 5th Avenue)

Monday, June 21

Teen Clinic at Transit Center Downtown

12:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m.

Four A's Evening Hours

1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 102

4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 23

Four A's Evening Hours

4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Friday, June 25

Mad Myrna's

10 p.m.-12 a.m.

Saturday, June 26

PrideFest

1-5 p.m.

Get tested and know your status. MeMe says so.

Juneau adds Film Night to Pride Picnic and Hike

Juneau's Pride events for June and July include a new LGBT Film Night benefit for Alaskans Together featuring the award-wining film Out in the Silence, along with a Pride Picnic at Skater's Cabin, a hike at West Glacier, a drag show benefit for Four A's, and local events for HIV Testing Week.

The First Annual Alaskans Together for Equality LGBT Film Fun-Raiser is on Thursday, June 17 at the Gold Town Nickelodeon Theater, 171 Shattuck Way. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and the film schedule is below. Come for one segment or stay for the whole evening. Finger foods and refreshments will be available. Bring your checkbook and cash for the donation baskets. Membership in Alaskans Together for Equality, Inc. is available at all levels, from $10 up.

LGBT Film Fun-Raiser Schedule - June 17

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Dramatic Narrative Shorts

Coming to Terms – College student deals with coming out by phone

The Manual – Sent to psychiatric institution as a boy, Sonny tries to help niece avoid similar treatment

The Call – Lesbian women interact with their sperm donor

Two Encounters – Hidden cameras reveal difference in treatment of blacks and whites in gay bars

7:15 - 8:15 p.m. Main Feature

Out in the Silence – Challenges of coming out and living in small towns and rural America

The film will be followed by an optional discussion in a breakout room led by Juneau Assembly member Jonathan Anderson

8:30 – 9:30 p.m. Humor & Love Shorts

Hi Maya – Mature women strike up relationship in hair salon

Float – Male love in the Bahamas

Hummer – Dinner party brings surprises for women participants

For further information or to help with the event, email Kelli or Marsha.

Watch the trailer for Out in the Silence:

Juneau's other LGBT events for June and July include the Mendenhall hike, the Pride Picnic, the Friday social, a drag show fundraiser for Four A's, and free testing during National HIV Testing Week.

Mendenhall Journey: June 19, 2010. Meet at 9:30 AM at the trail head of West Glacier Trail. Round trip is 5-6 hours, distance is 3.4 miles one-way, bring a lunch and water to drink, trail mix would also be wise, good footwear is mandatory. The hike departs promptly at 10 AM. Do not be late! Access directions: take Montana Creek Road from the Mendenhall Loop road, and follow the signs to the campground. Go past the campground entrance, and Skater's cabin to the parking area at the end of the road. This trail is rated "more difficult" by the Juneau hiking trail guide. There is some rock scrambling/climbing involved to reach the ice caves.

Annual Pride Picnic with SEAGLA and PFLAG: July 17, 2010 at Skater's Cabin from 4-8PM. Please plan to be there. Bring a salad and whatever you would like to drink, glass is not allowed. Firewood might be good depending on weather. Volunteers are requested to help with set up, breakdown, music, and a BBQ grill. SEAGLA will provide paper plates, cups and plastic ware that we already have. Also we will provide some burgers both meat and non-meat as well as hot dogs, and soft drinks. But if you can bring a salad or bake some cookies or a cake that would be great.

Friday Social: June 18, June 25, 2010. Each Friday after work from 6-8 PM, community members and their friends, both men and women are invited to get together. Drop by the Jaded Lounge in the Goldbelt Hotel, downtown Juneau to unwind from the work week. If you are over 21, you are invited to join us. Please try it out this Friday, or another Friday in the future. Come on out, and make a new friend today! Visit SEAGLA for future locations.

Drag Queen and King show: July 9, 2010 at the Rendezvous Bar. Marguerite the recently appointed Duchess of Juneau is planning a local Drag Queen and King show and recycled flogger making party as a fundraiser for Four A's, at the Rendezvous Bar on Friday July 9th, and she's looking for help. Donations of time, supplies, ideas and funds are welcome. Please email Marguerite.

National HIV Testing Week is an annual campaign coordinated by the National Association of People with AIDS to encourage people of all ages to "Take the Test, Take Control." National HIV Testing Week is June 21-27, 2010. The Four A's will be providing free testing (Oral Swab, results in 20 minutes) at closed and public locations for the whole week in Juneau. The public locations:

Tuesday, June 22: 7-10 p.m. at Rendezvous

Wednesday, June: 23 11-4 p.m. at Blaze and 4-8 p.m. at Four A's

Thursday, June 24: 8:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. Free blood draws at Juneau Public Health (no appointment necessary) and 8-11 p.m. at Alaskan Bar

Friday, June 25: 4-8 p.m. at Four A's

Free HIV Testing also available at Four A's (174 S Franklin Street, #207/Above Heritage Coffee) during business hours, call 586-6089 for an appointment.

Memorial Day Picnic, Homer GSA, Juneau benefit, Palmer gallery, Marcia's Lodge

Gay AK: Notes from Homer, Juneau, Palmer, Kenai and Anchorage

May 22 is Harvey Milk Day. He would have been 80 today.

Community Memorial Day Picnic

Please join the Imperial Court as they host the annual Memorial Day Picnic in Anchorage, at the Kincaid Park chalet again this year, on Monday, May 31, noon-5 p.m. For more than 30 years, this showcase event has launched the summer meet and greet season. Strike a pose! See you there!

Homer's New Youth-Community GSA

A group of young adults in Homer started a Youth-Community GSA. Their first meeting is on Saturday, May 22, from 3:30-5:30pm in the Homer Public Library Conference Room.

Marcia's Redfish Lodge on the Kenai

Thinking about a summer tip to the Kenai? Check out Marcia's Alaska Redfish Lodge. Beautiful cabins, friendly environment, and a great place to get away.

Half Moon Creek opens new art gallery in Palmer

The new Palmer store is open! Come support some fabulous lesbians and some of Alaska's finest artists. Half Moon Creek.

Juneau Drag Queen and King benefit show, help needed

The recently appointed Duchess Marguerite of Juneau is planning a Drag Queen and King show as a fundraiser for Four A's, at the Rendezvous Bar on Friday June 18th, and she's looking for help.

"I need some awesome talent to get up there and shake it. You can lip synch, sing live or karaoke, juggle, I don't care really, just as long as you're willing to cross dress while doing so. Or not, I'm pretty open to any help! Not a performer? How about help with sound, lighting, costumes? Sign making, donations, general street team getting the word out action is definitely needed. Donations of time, supplies, ideas, money, I want it all." Please contact Marguerite, to offer assistance.

Coronation, 2nd Celebration for F. Ken, Leaders & Cleaners

Gay AK - Notes from LGBT Alaska

Coronation 38, Labor Day weekend

Alaska Coronation 38 - "Kickin' it old School...Back to our Roots" Labor Day weekend in Anchorage, Sept. 2 - 6, 2010! Call the Sheraton for reservations (907) 276-8700, mention 'ICOAA' for the special rate. Visit Imperial Court of All Alaska for updates throughout the summer.

2nd Celebration of Life in August for F Ken Freedman

F. Ken Freedman, a long-time member of the Anchorage LGBT community, a licensed professional counselor, Queer Activist and loving presence in the world, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Many calls and e-mails came in after the Celebration of Life was held on May 6th saying "But I did not know", "Can we have a second service?" We decided to do so. Please send your name to Victoria if you would like to be kept in the loop about this service. His brother, who was very close to F Ken, spoke to him daily on the phone would love to meet all of F Ken's Alaskan family. They are planning a second Celebration of Life in August 2010 to allow the greater community to mourn with them. More details to follow as they are planned. Please sign his guest book and share your memories with F Ken's family of origin and family of choice.

Judge Lack wins Harvard fellowship

Judge Jonathon Lack, appointed in 2007, serves as the Superior Court Master and District Court Magistrate in the Alaska court system, and he is one of ten LGBT leaders to win a Harvard fellowship this summer from The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute. Congratulations!

New leader for the UAF Gay-Straight Alliance

Jessi Angelette, president of the UAF Gay-Straight Alliance and the student spokesperson for the effort to add gays to the UA non-discrimination policy, is moving out of state this summer. Lauren Tibbitts-Travis, current pres. of the GSA at Juneau Douglas High School, is graduating and moving to UAF where she will be their new GSA president and will continue working for the UA policy change. The Regents agreed to deal with it this year, their next meeting is June 3-4 in Anchorage, and Lauren will speak at the meeting. Thanks, Lauren! Congratulations to Jessi on the pregnancy, and good luck in your next state!

PFLAG thanks Mary Parker

The Anchorage PFLAG Board of Directors has accepted, with gratitude and thanks, the resignation of Board member Mary Parker. Mary has been a board member for the past 14 years, among many other things she has been our primary contact person with all aspects of Anchorage youth and UAA during that entire time. She plans to continue her work as a point of contact for both youth and UAA, but she wants to eliminate Board meetings from her busy schedule. The Board thanks Mary for her many years of valuable service and we hope her future schedule has a little more flexibility. Thank you very much for your time and efforts Mary, your wisdom will be missed!

Thanks to the Fabulous Nine

A great big Thank You to the Fabulous 9 people who showed up at 10 a.m. on Saturday and worked so hard to clean the highway for PFLAG Juneau. There were 4 men and 5 women who worked really hard! We collected 12-15 bags of garbage and quite a bit of recyclables. The sunshine was glorious, the lake was beautiful, and we got several waves and gratitude honks from passers by. That was community service you can see and feel good about, SEAGLA and PFLAG working together on improving the community in which we all live... Thanks!