Christian Gay & Trans Resources

The Christmas season is a good time to highlight resources for LGBT Christians and people with Christian friends and family members. The Gay Christian Network, SoulForce and the Parents Reconciling Network are a few of the online resources that were recently recommended by Alaskans.

The Gay Christian Network

"I wish that you guys could post a link to The Gay Christian Network. [They have] amazing YouTube videos on helping people who are gay come to terms with their spirituality," wrote Mark Allred of Alaska Native Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

Mark encourages watching all 7 videos, but he thinks the one embedded below is the most useful. Watch Gay Christian Answers, episode 4: "Aren't we designed for heterosexuality?"

MCC Anchorage

Matthew Moak at Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Anchorage also recommends The Gay Christian Network, along with several other resources. Of course, MCC itself is a great resource.

• What the Bible Says - and Doesn't Say - about Homosexuality (pdf) is an important resource from SoulForce, a group that "works to end the religious and political oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning people."
• Homosexuality And The Bible is a list of articles and websites by Christian Gays, a group that provides "the resources for any who wish to understand the ACCURATE interpretation of the Original Scriptures with regard to homosexuality."
• SisterFriends Together "is an outreach ministry of Grace Unfolding Ministries, and we exist to provide a safe and welcoming online faith community for lesbian, bisexual, questioning and transgender women." They can also be found at ChristianLesbians, their previous name.
• The Gay Christian Network is "a nonprofit ministry serving Christians who happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and those who care about them."
• Coming Out as a Transgender Person is a workbook created by MCC Transgender Ministries, which "provides opportunities for spiritual development for transgender people and their families and friends."

Parents Reconciling Network

PRN is an organization of United Methodist parents of GLBT children. Rev. Johnathan of Church Life Alaska mentioned a new transgender resource from PRN in last week's Alaska GLBT News. The information came from Sara Boesser, who compiles the weekly LGBT News Roundup posted here on Bent Alaska.

New Resource: Our Transgender And Intersex Children

What causes a person's sexual orientation is unknown. Causes for people being transgender or intersex are not fully understood. A huge variety of factors are at work in making each individual the person that they are and there is no one reason that causes people to be transgender. It has nothing to do with anything you did or did not do, nor anything your child did or did not do.

Families love their children and want what is best for them. You cannot change your child. However, you can change your response to your child. Your specific response can improve your child's health and happiness. Your consistent parenting and unconditional love does have a central and enduring influence on your child's life. Here are some parenting guidelines, shown by research, to improve the physical and mental health of LGBT children.

LGBT-friendly church groups

Most denominations have an LGBT or LGBT-friendly wing, and many of these movements have web sites with resource pages. A good list of national LGBT-friendly church groups can be found HERE. This does not imply that the local Alaska congregations are LGBT-friendly, unfortunately, but the online resources can be useful.

The Resource page on the Open and Affirming (ONA) site of the United Church of Christ (UCC) was suggested by a reader named Matt. He belonged to an ONA church before moving to Alaska, although he is not involved with the UCC in Alaska. None of the Alaska UCC's are listed as Open and Affirming on the Coalition's site, and I don't know if the local congregations are LGBT-friendly or not. But the national ONA site includes resources for gay and trans Christians.

A list of Alaska's LGBT-friendly churches and religious groups is posted HERE.

Do you know a good online LGBT-positive Christian resource that we didn't mention? Please leave the name and link in a comment below this list.

Prevo calls Gay Christians "deadly" as Ray Boltz sings of love

The Ray Boltz concert in Anchorage was a hit with LGBT fans and mainstream Christians - but not with Jerry Prevo, who warned his flock to avoid the free concert and wrote a column attacking gay Christians, calling Boltz an "ex-Christian" with "deadly secrets". Boltz took the high road and answered the hate with a new song about love:

"I will choose to love, though they shake their fists at me. And I will be myself with you, living authenticity. Though they wrap their hatred in a message from above, I will choose to love."

Amen to that.

In June, Bent reported that Ray Boltz was coming to Anchorage and posted his hit song "Don't Tell Me Who to Love", featured in a video for marriage equality. Meanwhile, Prevo warned his followers about the concert in a special all-caps "BEWARE" message, and explained in the ABT bulletin why Christians should not attend the concert of one of their favorite Christian singers:

"Many of us are familiar with such Christian songs as "Thank You" and "Watch the Lamb" written by Ray Boltz. For years, Mr. Boltz performed before numerous crowds and churches, singing and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He sold over 4.5 million records before retiring from Christian music. Why did he retire?"

Prevo is very familiar with the song "Thank You" - in fact, his congregation chose the Boltz song as their special tribute to Prevo when they celebrated his 38 years of spreading fear and hate against gays. Oops! Boltz had already come out, but ABTers are notoriously behind the times.

"In December of 2004, Boltz revealed to Carol, his wife of 30 years, and his four children that he was a homosexual. Since that time, he has divorced his wife in lieu of his settling into his new-found lifestyle."

Carol writes a blog in support of gay Christians, and gives advice to their former spouses. She also manages Ray's website, and weeds out the hate mail from people like Prevo. Boltz lives with his male partner, as an honest gay man whose family loves and accepts him. He performs at gay-friendly churches around the country, and the tickets are often free.

"How does this happen? Paul gives us a look into this phenomenon. "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Tim 3:2-5). These are the religious people; these are the ones who exist in the community of believers; these are the ones who exhibit a "form of godliness."

Do you think he has a special grudge against gay Christians? Blasphemers, traitors, brutal - he aims that whole list of sins at gay people of faith, just because they tell the truth about how God created them and continue to believe that God loves them. Prevo hates that truth.

"How hopeless can it be to know the truth and deny the power of that truth? How can we go through the motions day after day, coming to church, and even involved in ministry, yet "denying the sovereign Lord who bought us?" (2 Peter 2:1) "They profess to know God, but in works deny Him" (Titus 1:16). Jude wrote "They have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah" (v.11)."

Actually, these quotes apply perfectly to preachers who sell hate-for-profit disguised as religion. Just sayin'.

"Only an individual and God can know what deadly secrets he/she keeps. Don't let them have power over you like Cain's hatred for Abel (Gen. 4:7). Having a clear understanding of doctrine, attending church, and working in the ministry are vital to the Christian life, but they can also be counterfeited to fit a religious form. Jesus did not say the good branch sits faithfully in pews; He said, "It abides." This is revealed in a continual desire to draw near to God, the expression of obedience, and a hatred for sin. Nothing would be more tragic than to say those hopeless words, "Did we not prophecy in your Name?" to the Lord who never knew you."

Being gay is a "deadly" secret? Yes, says Prevo, a secret that will lead to the murder of good Christian Abels who are taken in by the "counterfeit" gay Christians.

THAT is HATE.

Hate laced with the threat of violence. Don't let them have power over you like Cain... don't let them murder you with their deadly secrets... defend yourself and your family... kill them first.

Crazy dangerous hate.

Why does Prevo hate Ray Boltz so violently? He should be happy that Boltz continues to believe and has not abandoned the church.

Prevo hates Boltz because he knows that when Christians hear a believer they respect singing heartfelt songs about being gay and knowing God's love, they will forget to be afraid of him and will be touched by the truth and humanity of his music.

And when they stop fearing gays, they won't pay Prevo to protect them from a non-existent threat.

Try it for yourself. Watch the video below and the other videos from the local concert, and see if his songs move you. "Who Would Jesus Love" from the new album True is especially appropriate for Anchorage in the aftermath of the ordinance.

"Would He only love the ones who look the same as me? Would He only offer hope when He saw similarity? Would he leave the others waiting like a stranger at the gate? Would He discriminate? Tell me, who would Jesus love?"

The following video opens with photos of his Alaska visit set to "Don't Tell Me Who to Love", then switches to the concert. Boltz tells about coming out to his supportive family, and sings the new song "I Will Choose to Love." (The song starts around 4:20 and it's worth waiting for.)

The haters in Anchorage need to hear this message, even more than the gays and allies do. I hope a few disobeyed Prevo and went to this incredible concert. Perhaps they will also choose love.

Openly-Gay Ray Boltz performs in Anchorage, July 11

Ray Boltz is performing in Anchorage on July 11 - and the concert is FREE! Yes, that's right, you can hear this acclaimed gay singer perform for free by registering HERE before they run out of tickets.

Ray Boltz sold over 4.5 million records and was the recipient of two Dove awards before coming out as a gay man and retiring from Christian music. After a five year break from the stage, Boltz recorded True, with songs about same-sex marriage ("Don't Tell Me Who to Love"), bias crimes ("Swimming Hole"), and the conservative claim of a gay 'agenda' ("Following Her Dreams").

"Don't Tell Me Who To Love" was featured in this Soulforce video on Prop 8. Check it out:

In several of the songs on True, Boltz tries to reconcile being gay with his Christian faith.

"I don't believe God hates me anymore," said Boltz in an interview with the New York Times. "I always thought if people knew the true me, they'd be disgusted, and that included God. But for all the doubts, there's this new belief that God accepts me and created me, and there's peace."

Both Bolz and his ex-wife Carol have been vilified by religious extremists for becoming LGBT advocates. She manages his website and blogs her support at My Heart Goes Out.

Mrs. Boltz also realizes better than anyone how many former fans vehemently object. She fields the e-mail messages that pour into the Web site, the ones that say, "We will be destroying all your cds cassettes etc immediately" and "Instead of converting to man-love, why not goat love?"

Ugh. Sounds like something Prevo would say. So if you enjoy gay-themed songs or contemporary Christian music, go to this free concert and support Ray Boltz in his return to the stage as an openly-gay man. And bring your straight Christian friends and relatives! They need to hear his message as much as LGBT people do.

The Anchorage concert is sponsored by the Metropolitan Community Church (MCCA) and St. Mary's Episcopal Church. For more on Boltz and his tour with another recently out singer Azariah Southworth, visit the Living True tour.

The ordinance one year later (video)

KTVA looks back at the 2009 battle for an equal rights ordinance, and asks where the LGBT community of Anchorage is today, as we celebrate PrideFest 2010.

Four voices speak for fairness and equal rights: Matthew, Rachel, Johnathan and MeMe. Only one person speaks for hate: Prevo. Which side are YOU on?

KTVA on PrideFest 2010 (video)

KTVA Channel 11 in Anchorage reported on the week of events for Alaska PrideFest, with video and interviews from Saturday's Annual Gay Memorial Service and clips of last year's Pride Festival. The intro reads: "A bevy of businesses will host special events around town celebrating PrideFest - a ten-day lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community celebration."

Watch the KTVA story: Ten Days of PrideFest:

For more information on Alaska PrideFest, visit www.AlaskaPride.org.

Memorial service for Dan Carter-Incontro at MCCA

Dan Carter-Incontro, long time Alaska GLBT activist and supporter of equal rights for all, died last Sunday at the age of 62. The funeral is on Saturday at 3:30 pm at the Nazarene Church in Lake City, Florida, and a local memorial service will be held on Sunday at MCC Anchorage.

Al Carter-Incontro, Dan's husband, is planning a trip to Alaska in May, and a community Celebration of Life will be held during his visit.

Dan was a big supporter of the Anchorage Gay and Lesbian Community Center. If you wish to make a donation to the Center in memory of Dan, Identity will send an acknowledgement to Al and to Dan's sister Sarah. If you would like to send flowers to the Florida funeral, call 386-755-0833 for a local florist.

The MCC Anchorage memorial is during the Sunday service on April 25 at 2 p.m.

"It is not often in this life when you are blessed to have crossed paths with an individual such as Dan Carter-Incontro. Dan was a friend to many within the Church and our community.

Dan and Al Carter-Incontro were the second Alaskan couple to marry in British Columbia when it became legal there in 2003. They went to British Columbia just days after it became legal to get married there having spent more than 30 years as a couple.

Dan had many friends at Identity and almost all of its member organizations as well as the Municipality where he worked and retired from the People Mover department, the Alaska Democratic Party where he had the honor of serving as a National Delegate at least once, and of course his involvement with MCC Anchorage. His past involvement with MCC Anchorage ensured that the Life of the Church would continue serving the community of Anchorage.

Dan's moving to Florida left a large hole in the community and now with his passing an even larger hole resides in our minds and hearts. It is, as some have said, the end of an era.

We will be celebrating the life of Dan Carter-Incontro this Sunday at 2:00pm. All from the community and the Church are welcome to attend."

SB 202, Pride events, CoC vendors, MCC cents & Student Advocates

Gay AK: Notes from and for LGBT Alaska

Today, March 20, is National Native (American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian) HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

SB 202 Adds Gender Identity

Good news: The Alaska Hate Crimes Bill (SB 202) passed out of the Senate Judiciary committee, with the gender amendment added. Senators French, Egan & Wielechowski voted with us, Senators McGuire & Coghill voted against. A new version of the bill will be posted with the amendments, and it may be referred to the Finance committee. Thank you for sending messages, POM's and testimony to Judiciary, and stay tuned for the contact addresses for Finance members.

Seeking PrideFest events

Alaska PrideFest 2010 is encouraging all groups, in all Alaskan cities, to submit activities scheduled during Pride Week (June 19-27) for publication and promotion on the new Alaska PrideFest web site. Please send time, date, location and a brief description to Gail, PrideFest Planning Co-Chair. We are also seeking parade participants, park-strip vendors, stage entertainers and happy volunteers to help make "2010: A Pride Odyssey" an event to remember.

'Masqueerade' vendors, ads, tickets

RAW is calling for Celebration of Change vendors and program ads. Sell your wares: $25 for a table and $25 for a business card ad in the program. They are also looking for more fabulous volunteer crew members to help make this show a success. Celebration of Change is on March 27 at the Wilda Marston Theatre. Tickets are $15, available at Metro and the GLCCA. Volunteer application and vender/ad information at Celebration.

Search for MCC Anchorage

Your Internet searches can raise funds for MCC Anchorage. Go to Good Search and paste "Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage" for the charity name (the 2nd box.) Then MCCA will get revenue for every search. The second option is to install a non-intrusive toolbar which appears on your web browser so you don't need to change your homepage. It's a great way for non-profits to make a bit of change.

Student Advocate of the Year

Do you know a high school student who should be recognized for advancing LGBT equality in his or her school or community? If so, nominate them to win GLSEN's 2010 Student Advocate of the Year Award, presented by AT&T. The winner travels all-expenses-paid to New York City to attend GLSEN's 2010 New York Respect Awards on 5/24, where his or her unique accomplishments as an exemplary student leader will be honored. Login and complete the nomination form by April 2 at the Student Advocate of the Year contest.

Alaska Women Speak summer issue

Alaska Women Speak Quarterly is a periodical by and for Alaska Women. We are looking for contributions of prose, poetry and art on the Summer 2010 theme of "My-topia." You know what Utopia is, what's your -topia? As always, we are in need of donations to keep the presses rolling. Send writings by 5/15 to Alaska Women Speak, and donations to AWS, PO Box 210045, Anchorage 99521. Thanks for your continued support.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 3/12/10

The week's LGBT events from Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

Emma's Revolution/ Pat Humphries & Sandy O in Concert 3/18, 7:30 p.m. Juneau Pride Chorus opens the show at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. (Emma's Revolution will also perform in Sitka and be live guests on KTOO radio.)

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

Fairbanks

UAF Gay-Straight Alliance Meeting 4 p.m on Friday in the Alumni Lounge.

Wednesday Social at 9 p.m. Contact Joshua for the current location.

Mat-Su Valley

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.

Anchorage

Over Coffee: A Conversation For Gay Partnership & Conservative Faith 3/12, 8-9:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Community Church.

OUT's "Pop Superstar Night" Drag Show 3/13, 7 p.m. in the UAA Commons. Imperial Court judges, MC Paige, and stand up comedy by Colleen Crinklaw at intermission. Tickets $5, half of all proceeds donated to the GLCCA.

Holcombe Waller performing at Out North 3/12-3/14 at 7:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. on Sunday.

MCCA Chili Cook Off 3/14 at 3 p.m., following the 2 p.m. Sunday service.

Alaskans Together Anchorage organizing meeting 3/14, 4 p.m. at the GLCCA

Gay Games presentation and Team Alaska 3/17, 7 p.m. at the GLCCA

Fly-fishing, SRS, Gay-friendly Music & Free Healthcare Guide

Gay AK: Notes from and for LGBT Alaska

Free Fly-fishing Retreat for Breast Cancer Survivors

The Casting for Recovery Alaska program is accepting applications to attend our 2010 summer retreat on July 9-11. This 2-night weekend features flyfishing instruction, all meals & lodging on a quiet lake outside Wasilla, and the support of other women breast cancer survivors (including optional support program in the evening) – for free. No fishing experience required! Apply online at Casting For Recovery Alaska by April 30th. Fish on!

Sexual Reassignment Surgery is tax deductible

A few years ago, a transwoman tried to deduct the medical expenses of SRS from her taxes and was denied by the IRS because they said it was cosmetic surgery and not medically necessary. On Feb 2, a federal court affirmed that SRS is medically necessary and not cosmetic. Along with the American Medical Association resolution saying the same thing, insurance companies will hopefully drop one of their main arguments for the discriminatory "transgender" exclusion, that it is a cosmetic procedure. Also: FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery) will soon be available in Anchorage, Alaska!

Local Irish Band Seeks Gay-Friendly Gigs

Back Alley Banned plays traditional Irish music around Anchorage. "Since Mayor Dan Sullivan vetoed the anti-discrimination ordinance last summer, I've had my own small boycott of the McGinley's Irish Pub of which Sullivan is part owner," writes banjo player Heather Resz, "and my band declined the offer to play at the bar for St. Patrick's Day. If you know of a nice gay-friendly venue that needs an Irish band any time, Back Alley Banned is available."

MCCA Looking for Guitarist/Pianist

Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage is an Inclusive Church looking for an additional half-time musician with strong guitar and vocal skills to play in our weekly worship services. We are a thirty plus member Christian church that includes a diverse worship service for a church of GBLT, affirming, and straight congregants. Candidate will work directly with the Worship Leader to construct meaningful, Spirit-filled worship. Students/Interns welcome. Interested applicants may submit a letter of interest or resume with to MCC Anchorage 2222 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.

PFLAG Releases New Healthcare Publication for Allies

PFLAG's Straight for Equality project announced the release of its newest publication, Straight for Equality in Healthcare. For many LGBT people, accessing healthcare can be difficult because they often do not know how their healthcare provider will react to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This new publication and website were developed to provide a solution that demonstrates to providers why it's important to be inclusive, give concrete steps they can take to creating a comfortable environment for LGBT patients in their practice, and much more. Visit Straight for Equality to view the website and download the free Straight for Equality in Healthcare guide. A new chapter workbook that you can use to create welcoming healthcare environments in your community is coming soon. Contact PFLAG national for more information.

Gay Church gives offerings to Haiti, plans Open House & Valentine's party

MCC Anchorage is donating 20% of all offerings from the next two Sunday worship services to Doctors Without Borders to help Haiti recover from the devastating earthquake.

"Please uphold the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the people from many nations who are involved in the aid effort."

In February, the Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage (MCCA) is hosting an Open House, a Retreat and a Valentine's Day Party.

MCCA Open House 2/7

Join us for a meet and great with the newly elected Board of Directors and Community Representative of MCC Anchorage on Feb. 7 from 3-4:30 p.m. Find out how MCCA is working to support Identity, Four A's and others this year and beyond. MCCA is looking forward to meeting representatives from other like-minded organizations who promote diversity and equality for all of Alaska. Share with us your mission and objectives and find out how MCCA can work with you in your endeavors. Finger foods and refreshments will be provided.

Retreat: Newness 2/13

The retreat is open to all and has been two months in the planning. Join us for a time of food, music, and fellowship on Feb. 13 from 12-2 p.m. as we celebrate the New Year and discuss how to put off the old and bring in the new.

Love Your Gay Neighbor Valentine's Day Party 2/14

Join MCCA after the 2-3 p.m. service on Valentine's Day as we celebrate who God created us to be! Bring your straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and/or queer friends! We will provide red and white foods and share in the tradition of exchanging Valentines with one another. Come for a fantastic time of friendship and unity!

Visit MCCA for more information.

Have a Merry Gay Christmas in Anchorage

Parties, services, potlucks and brunches - come celebrate Christmas with your LGBT friends and community at these events:

The Alaska Center for Spiritual Living Christmas Eve service is on Wed. Dec 23 at 7 p.m. at Grant Hall (APU campus). As always, the music will be rockin', the message uplifting, the hearts open, and ALL are welcome. The Center is also hosting Christmas Dinner followed by a movie on Friday, Dec 25.

Mad Myrna's Christmas Eve Party is on Dec 24 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Visit with Santa and his helpers, eat, drink and be merry. Come on down and be nice at being naughty.

Church Life Alaska is holding a special holiday "Queer Christmas Brunch" on Christmas Day, Dec 25 from 11am - 1pm. The free brunch will be held at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Everyone is invited to attend. Please RSVP and check out the menu on their Facebook page linked above, or contact Church Life AK.

The Anchorage/MatSu LGBT Meetup group is combining the end of the year vegan potluck with a holiday party and Chinese auction. The party and potluck will be held in Palmer on Dec 26 at 6pm, at the Palmer Presbyterian Church, 713 S Denali St. Please bring a small gift for the game.

Join MCC Anchorage on Dec 27, the Sunday following Christmas, the last Sunday of 2009, for an inspiring New Year message called "Overflow." Sunday worship with MCC Anchorage is at 2 p.m.

Christmas Music, Youth Drop-In, HIV Survey & Gifts for Change

Gay AK - news for and about LGBT Alaska

Youth Initiative "Drop In/Hang Out" kicks off in Anchorage

The Youth Initiative program is ready to offer a safe place for youth to hang out with their peers and adult facilitators. The two facilitators are Johnathan Jones and Ginger Blackmon, community leaders with youth work and education training. To kick off this exciting new program, we're hosting a special holiday drop-in/hang-out for teenage youth (13 to 19) at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center on Saturday Dec. 19 from 12-3 p.m. The entire center will be set aside so that the youth can use the space as they like. The youth will have the opportunity to meet with the facilitators and let us know exactly what it is they would like to do and how they would like to see the Youth Initiative develop. Because this is a special event, holiday gifts and pizza will be provided. And not just lousy gifts, but cool gifts. If you are a LGBTA youth, you don't won't to miss this! For more info or make a donation to support the program, please contact the GLCCA.

HIV Prevention Online Survey seeks rural Alaskan men who have sex with men

The University of Alaska, Department of Health Sciences, has asked for our cooperation in spreading the word about a new online survey. The online survey is primarily targeted for "men who have sex with men" who live in or are visiting rural Alaska. The survey is HERE. If you have questions, please direct them to Dr. Nancy A. Nix, Assistant Professor of Public Health at UAA.

Christmas Music Service and MCC news

The MCC Christmas Music Service is Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Please join us for refreshments, scripture readings by Dianne O'Connell, music by James Gray, Kevin Holtz and the MCCA choir, and a message by Sara Gavit and Matthew Moak. The monthly MCC potluck will be on Sunday Dec. 20th. Feel free to bring a dish to pass or just join us for a great time of food and fellowship after the service. Step by Step, the Wed. Bible study, is taking a break for the holidays and will meet again starting on Jan 6, 2010. The Annual Congregational Meeting is January 17, 2010. Thank you to all those who have donated food and clothing items for Covenant House. We will be packing up the boxes in the next week or so. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those who so desperately need it. Metropolitan Community Church

The Affirmation Declaration

The Affirmation Declaration expresses the convictions of Christians all over the world and was written in response to the infamous anti-gay Manhattan Declaration. The Affirmation Declaration corrects errors that have been preached in the pulpits of many churches for far too long. Please read The Affirmation Declaration and sign it if you are willing.

Help needed for Kuani's Kidney Transplant

Kuini AhDar is in need of a kidney transplant. Her friends and co-workers are working with the National Transplant Fund to raise the amount that insurance and other sources won't cover for the surgery. The Friends of Kuini have organized a fundraiser at the Snow Goose Restaurant on Third Avenue in Anchorage from 6:30-9:00 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 17. Light appetizers and entertainment will be included in the ticket price of $35 per person, with a cash bar and silent auction. If you cannot attend, but would like to make a tax deductible contribution in Kuini's honor, please call 800-642-8399 or go to The Transplant Fund and enter "AhDar" in the patient box on the homepage. If you can volunteer for the fundraiser, please contact Lori. Thanks

Gifts for Change to benefit the Four A's

Do your holiday shopping with Four A's this year by giving those on your list Gifts For Change. The Four A's Gifts For Change program provides donors with another option for special occasion gift giving and it also supports individuals living with HIV/AIDS in your community as well as prevention efforts across the state. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving and is a meaningful way to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones while impacting your community at the same time. Four A's will send the recipient a card recognizing the gift and your name (amounts will only be acknowledged if you choose that on the form.) For more information, or to arrange a Gift For Change with a credit card over the phone, call (907) 263-2046 or use the online form HERE.

A Lesbian Bishop

The Episcopal Church has elected a second LGBT bishop! Rev. Mary Douglas Glasspool is a partnered lesbian and was chosen as the Assistant Bishop of Los Angeles. In 2004, openly gay Rev. Gene Robinson became the Bishop of New Hampshire. Congratulations to Rev. Glasspool and Los Angeles.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 12/11/09

Happy Hanukkah! The Anchorage International Film Festival continues through Dec. 17, and the annual MCC Christmas Music Service is on Wednesday 12/16 at 7 p.m.

This week's LGBT events from the statewide newsletter Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

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

Fairbanks

4th Annual Gruvn Christmas Toy Drive with Wet Thunder 12/11, 7 p.m. $5 at the door to benefit Interior AIDS Association. Please bring a new unwrapped toy.

UAF Gay-Straight Alliance movie night 12/14, 5 p.m. in the Women's Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.

Wednesday LGBTA Social around 9:30 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.

Mat-Su Valley

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.

Anchorage

Lesbian Film Night 12/11, 6 p.m. RSVP for location: LGBT Meetup group.

Friday Diva Variety Show 12/11, 9 p.m at Mad Myrna's.

Second Saturday in Spenard 12/12, 9 p.m. Music, raffle and auction at the Spenard Roadhouse to benefit Four A's.

Holiday Tapas Taster 12/13, around 5 p.m. at Mad Myrna's.

"Your mind is not your enemy" 12/13, 1-3 p.m. Talk on Tantric Buddhism at the A.T.O.M. Center by an LGBT-friendly rinpoche. Contact Bird for more info.

Annual Christmas Music Service at the Metropolitan Community Church, Wed 12/16, 7 p.m. Free and open to the community.

Hate Vigil, Morality, Gospel Show, and a Seat at the Table

Gay AK - reports from LGBTQ Alaska

Anchorage Vigil Against Hate Crimes

Anchorage, along with many other American cities, held a candlelight vigil last Sunday afternoon on the Park Strip to honor two young men who lost their lives recently because of anti-gay and anti-trans hate: Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, age 19, was beheaded and dismembered, and James Mattison, age 15, was raped and stabbed to death. Thanks to Christopher Narvaez for organizing the vigil, and to Heather Aronno for the story and photos posted on Alaska Commons.

"The Morality of Same-Sex Marriage"

Listen online to the lecture that Dr. Joseph Thompson of UAF's Philosophy department gave Nov 20 on "The Morality of Same-Sex Marriage." The event was sponsored by the UAF Socratic Society and hosted by the UAF Gay-Straight Alliance.

Gospel Show benefits MCC

Miss MeMe's Gospel Show raised $500 for the MCC Church. Thank you to those of you who supported the show and ICOAA: the Friday Divas who performed, the titleholders who participated, and all of our court and supporters.

A Seat at the Table

Christopher Constant is throwing a fundraising event on Monday at Mad Myrna's to get ready to run openly-LGBT political candidates in Alaska. It is well past time we had a seat at the table. Chris will bring his limited edition art prints for sale, as well as two first edition "Dyke Life" board games designed by local Radical Arts for Women member Kenna Bates. Please join him and help this important effort.

This Week in LGBT Alaska 11/20/09

This week's events from the statewide newsletter Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

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

Fairbanks

"The Morality of Same-Sex Marriage" with Dr. Joseph Thompson 11/20, 6 p.m. in Schaible Auditorium at UAF.

UAF Gay-Straight Alliance meets Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Women's Center (Eilson 112). Jessi.

Wednesday LGBTA Social at 9 p.m. Email Joshua for the current location.

Mat-Su Valley

Transgender Day of Remembrance service 11/22, 11 a.m. at the Church of the Covenant in Palmer.

Mat-Su LGBT Community Center in Palmer is open M-F 5-8 p.m. (except 6-8 on Wed.) The social group meets Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Vagabond Blues.

Anchorage

Integrity, the Episcopal GLBT group, meets 11/20, 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church the third Friday of the month. Potluck, fellowship and worship. All are welcome.

The Rocky Horror Show, 11/20-11/21, Fri & Sat 7 p.m., and Sat also at 10 p.m. $20 at Mad Myrna's.

Transgender Day of Remembrance memorial service during the MCC Anchorage Sunday service 11/22, 2 p.m.

Candlelight Vigil Against Hate Crimes, in memory of Jason Mattison Jr and Jorge Steven Mercado 11/22, 3-4 p.m. along the Park Strip at 9th and L St, in front of the American Flag. Bring a candle.

Miss MeMe's Gospel Show 11/22, 4 p.m. at Mad Myrna's, a fundraiser for MCC and ICOAA.

Eve's Family & Friends Thanksgiving Dinner, 11/25 at 5 p.m. and 11/26 at 3 p.m. at The Raven Bar, 4th and Gambell St.

Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov 20

Friday is the 11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance and memorial events are held all over the world to recognize those who were killed during the previous year because of anti-transgender hate and violence.

Since last year's event, 18 people are known to have been murdered because of their gender identity or gender expression. Many other transgender murders go unreported, and journalists often use the gender listed on police reports, based on biology instead of dress, personal letters or testimony from friends and family, which might tell a more complete story.

Although Transgender Day of Remembrance focuses on people who were murdered for having a non-traditional gender identity, it also brings to light a related tragedy: the high rate of suicide among transgender people.

Alaska has a large number of transgender men and women, and unfortunately we have known several community members who took their own lives, including two in Anchorage this summer.

Everyone is invited to join the Metropolitan Community Church Anchorage at the Sunday worship service on Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. to commemorate the lives of our transgender brothers and sisters who have been tragically lost at the hands of intolerance and hatred.

TDOR, Thanksgiving, World AIDS Day, FBX Bear Club, ICOAA Cares, & the Trevor Project

Gay AK - news briefs for and about LGBT Alaska

Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov. 20

The 11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance is on November 20, recognizing those who were killed during the previous year because of anti-transgender hate and violence. All are invited to join MCC Anchorage at the Sunday Service on Nov. 22 to commemorate the lives of our trans brothers and sisters who were tragically taken.

Eve's Family & Friends Thanksgiving Dinner

Eve is cooking up Thanksgiving Goodies, and all this baby needs is a kitchen and a slave for a day. We're doing 2 dinners, and this year it's at the Raven Bar, on Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. The Raven Bar is located at 4th and Gambell, in downtown Anchorage. RSVP on the Thanksgiving Dinner Facebook event page.

World AIDS Day on December 1

Join Four A's for their annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil to remember those we've lost to HIV/AIDS and honor those who are still living with the disease. Vigil begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 1, in The Wolf's Den at UAA. On Monday, Nov. 30, Four A's is co-presenting the documentary film Sex Positive with Bear Tooth Theater as a World AIDS Day event. The film begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $3. Sex Positive is rated R for brief nudity, sexual scenes and graphic language.

Dan Savage and Scott Turner Schofield return

We already have great LGBT events on the calendar for 2010: sex-columnist and political activist Dan Savage is returning to UAA on February 12, transgender performer Scott Turner Schofield is returning to Out North on January 14-17, and the dates are already set for Celebration of Change (3/27) and the spring Womyn's Dance (4/17).

Imperial Court collects food, clothes and toys for the holidays

I.C.O.A.A. Cares will be accepting donations in the way of non-perishable food items, new clothes and toys for the holidays. We will get these items to local organizations for disbursement. You may drop new unwrapped items at Mad Myrna's until December 20. The Empress and Emperor will also try and get donation barrels for The Raven and The GLBT Center. Thanks in advance for your generosity.

Bear Men's Club in Fairbanks

Let's revive the Bear Men's Monthly Potluck in Fairbanks. If you are interested in a once a month or even bi-monthly gathering, please respond. It will be open to all men, bears and their admirers, and men interested in a gay men's function in Fairbanks. Contact Michael for more info.

The Trevor Project wants you to Be Proud and Speak Out

Do you have a story for the Trevor Project? They want to hear all about it. Record a video, upload it by November 29 and you could win a prize. Create a short video telling the world about your experiences as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning youth within your family, school and/or communities. Please read the rules and regulations. The deadline is 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 29, 2009.

Top Forty, UAA & VA support, MCC helps Covenant House, and the Uniting Families petition

Gay AK - notes for and about LGBT Alaska

Lesbian Journalist and Identity recognized

Congratulations to Julia O'Malley for being named one of "Alaska's Top Forty Under 40" this year! And congratulations to Identity, Inc. for being #10 on the list of Alaska's Largest Nonprofit Organizations, ranked by number of volunteers, according to The Alaska Journal of Commerce.

UAA's GLBTQA Support Group

OUT: a support group for the GLBTQA in all of us (formerly known as The Family) is meeting every Sunday at noon in the Student Union. Come Out and be a part of equality on campus!

Transgendered Veterans Support Group

The VA Mental Health Clinic in Anchorage holds a support group for Transgendered Veterans on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. on the second floor, facilitated by Sue Ellen May LCSW and Dr. Camilla Madden PHD. If you are interested in attending, please call them at 257-4846 or 257-4857.

MCC holiday fundraiser for Covenant House

Each year, MCCA serves the community in Anchorage by raising money and needed items for those organizations which directly impact our community at large. Covenant House Alaska (CHA) provides shelter and other services to homeless, runaway and at-risk youth. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online at MCCA or sent to: Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage, 2222 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99507. Please note your gift as "Covenant House 2009" and send by December 16, 2009.

The Uniting American Families Act

The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) will provide gay and lesbian U.S. citizens and permanent residents the right to sponsor their partners for immigration. It includes the same process and penalties as applied in heterosexual sponsorship applications. Read the letter and sign the petition for passing UAFA.

Churches are at War over Homosexuality

This article on the harm caused by anti-gay churches was written by Matthew Moak and posted yesterday on MCC Anchorage.

If the past summer in Anchorage is any indication, Christian Churches are at war over homosexuality and this war is exacting a heavy toll among homosexuals themselves. Homosexuals are the number one persecuted group of people in the Christian community, persecuted by their own friends, families, and church families.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, according to the Massachusetts 2006 Youth Risk Survey. A 2007 San Francisco State University Chavez Center Institute study shows that LGBT and questioning youth who come from a rejecting family are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. And for every completed suicide by a young person, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made (2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey).

If that is not disturbing enough, GLBT youth left homes last year more often (12.38 times) than their heterosexual counterparts (6.69 times). GLBT youth were more likely to leave as a result of physical abuse, alcohol use in the family and conflicts with family over their sexual orientation.

Nothing says Jesus like making a child's living conditions at home so unbearable that they feel they must either take to the streets where drug addiction, sexual abuse, homelessness, alcohol addiction and more horrific realities await them on the streets, or commit suicide. Nothing says Jesus more than displaying such an utter lack of understanding or compassion that homosexuals are driven from their homes and take their lives.

This summer on the Eddie Burke show, one caller referred to the homosexual community as non-human. Other callers read Scriptures that they interpreted to mean that God did not love homosexuals. I suspect that callers believe this because it is what they have been told as opposed to seeking and searching the Scriptures.

Baptist Pastor Jerry Prevo claims that the idea of homosexuals being protected from discrimination under the law would give them special rights which are unnecessary because homosexuals already have the same rights as heterosexual individuals. Further, in a KTVA interview, Prevo also claims that he doesn't believe discrimination is actually happening in the city of Anchorage.

In an interview conducted by the Anchorage Daily News, Pastor Prevo asserts:

"I've tried to reason with these people. I don't want the issue to come up. I've just dealt with a couple. … Their daughter, 19 years old now, is taking shots to make herself a man. These parents, their daughter never had any signs of being unsatisfied with her assigned sex, which is another terminology in here that's a legal term, assigned sex at birth, and what they feel like has happened, she just got with this crowd and has been brought over. …

"My problem is when I take this stand and I can't minister to these people. I can't tell them that Jesus Christ died for them and will forgive them just like he will an adulterer or a murderer and they can be changed. It makes it hard for them to listen to me, because they frame me as being hateful. … But I see it as that I'm telling them the truth. …

"I've had those who've come out of homosexuality in my church, and I'm sure I have some there now that are homosexuals. Based on scripture, I just can't allow them to promote it as an acceptable alternative lifestyle."

Red flags should immediately be raised when the Pastor of any church is unable to minister to any individual or a group of people. What Pastor Prevo has asserted here is his inability to love all people.

Often, when we are so close to a subject we are passionate about, we fail to see that it is ourselves promoting hate, intolerance and that individuals who display such an utter lack of compassion, understanding and love (the greatest commandment) are the very people who are enabling children and young adults to take to the streets, and to take their lives.

It is time Anchorage to begin shouting from our churches that the spreading of hate, intolerance and discrimination must end. The lives of so many are being destroyed and countless lives are being lost, largely because churches and spiritual leaders such as Jerry Prevo are far too busy trying to be correct, rather than making an attempt to minister and to love.