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.

Free Coming Out Day films for Juneau

October is both LGBT History Month and National Bullying Prevention Month, which is sadly appropriate this year with all the recent gay teen suicides due to bullying.

In addition, National Coming Out Day is on October 11, and the Juneau community is recognizing the day, and the month, by screening two LGBT documentaries, one about families and one about bullying:

Free Films Sunday and Monday, October 10 & 11, at 6 pm, kick-off the new Conscientious Projector Film Series at the Nickelodeon Theater, sponsored by the Juneau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

In honor of National Coming Out Day, the October Films are co-sponsored by SEAGLA (SouthEast Alaska Gay and Lesbian Alliance) and PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays).

** Bullied is the new Southern Poverty Law Center release by an academy award nominee filmmaker documenting a true story of one student's ordeal at the hands of anti-gay bullies. His story offers inspiration to those fighting harassment. 40 min

** Straight from the Heart interviews a wide cross-section of American parents including a police chief, a Mormon couple, an African American mother, and Bobby Griffith's mother (the mother of Bobby from Prayers for Bobby) all speaking from the heart about their grown gay and lesbian children. 27 min

Optional discussion following both films. Snacks and admission are free. Donations are appreciated.

The Juneau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship meets Sundays at 10 at the corner of Cordova & Foster in West Juneau and is a Welcoming Congregation, welcoming people from every class, nationality, race, gender and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit JUUF online.

The film Bullied is available free to schools from Teaching Tolerance, along with a viewer's guide. Watch the trailer:

PFLAG wins best themed booth at Alaska fair

This year's Tanana Valley State Fair is themed "Barn in the USA" and Fairbanks PFLAG won Best Theme Decorated Booth for their barn display with a red-white-and-blue picket fence and same sex pairs of barnyard animals partner dancing at a barn dance, including two cartoon steers, two male pigs, two female geese, two stuffed animal hens nesting in the hay loft over the dance floor, and an emcee rooster in drag.

Fairbanks Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) posted a Facebook message on Friday announcing the result:

"PFLAG Fairbanks won "Best Theme Decorated Booth" at the Tanana Valley State Fair! The booth has received many positive comments, gentrifying the Borealis Pavilion in the fair's main showcase for non-profits, vendors and (this year) politicians. Congratulations to Jenn and Beverly for all their preparation and to the volunteers (especially to Kerry, who recruited volunteers) who have made the booth a success with young and old alike."

Pete of PFLAG added:

"Besides thanking Beverly for the hard work on constructing the booth and Jenn for painting the animals, including the Rave Rooster, PFLAG also wanted to thank the Imperial Court of All Alaska for their support in helping underwrite the costs, and Alaskans Together for their support as well. It is a community project, with over 50 volunteers, several new members, and everyone providing their own touch in making an impact in community. Good job."

"I hope the booth helped gain recognition for PFLAG," wrote Beverly. "I hope the Fair gives us a good theme next year so we can rise to it."

She's also thinking of names for the two stuffed animal hens that watch over the booth 24 hours a day from the hay loft shelf, and wants your suggestions.

The Tanana Valley State Fair ends Saturday night, August 14th. If you're going to the Fair, be sure to stop by the PFLAG booth.

Congratulations to PFLAG Fairbanks!

- Above: Shayle and Nancy staff the 2010 PFLAG booth at the Tanana Valley State Fair in Fairbanks, Alaska. Photos by Chris.

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.

Homer AK Chamber apologizes for gay float snub (photos & video)

After a series of letters, denials and meetings, the Homer Chamber of Commerce apologized to PFLAG in a public letter yesterday, because the emcee for the city's 4th of July parade refused to introduce the LGBT float. Paul Dauphinais, Executive director of the Homer Chamber of Commerce, apologized for the "omission." (Emcee Tim White has not apologized.)

"It has been brought to the attention of the Homer Chamber of Commerce that part of the narrative provided by Homer PFLAG for its participation in the Fourth of July Parade was not read during the parade. The Chamber regrets this oversight and apologizes for the omission."

The fallout from the gay float snub in Homer just kept getting worse: First, emcee Tim White wouldn't say the names PFLAG and GSA or the words gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender in the introduction of the float. Then the Homer News censored White's name out of PFLAG's first letter to the editor about the parade incident. The Homer Tribune, which printed the full letter and posted it online, pulled down the online version. (PFLAG contacted the Trib and the letter is back up.)

Then PFLAG members met with the Chamber of Commerce director, because the Chamber organizes the annual parade and chooses the emcee. PFLAG asked for an apology for this year's insult and the assurance that next year's emcee will read the group's statement as written.

But director Dauphinais initially blew off PFLAG's concerns, saying that the emcee "has the option to reword material for time, readability, etc." and that this is a normal practice of "adlibbing" which occurs every year.

Adlibbing?!

This is how the incident was described by Band of Thebes, who marched with the gay group:

"Along the route, when the crowd realized who we were, they often loudly increased their cheering. However, the emcee in the judging booth who read every other group's information or prepared statement refused to announce our name, mission, wouldn't say PFLAG, GSA, lesbian, gay, or anything about us other than "Float #10... uh... building community... and diversity."

That's not an ad lib, that's an insult! Joseph Lapp, vice president of Homer PFLAG, responded with this excellent open letter to the Chamber, which he also sent to Bent Alaska:

"I appreciate both your taking the time to meet me in person and the emailed response you sent last week. PFLAG were and remain very concerned about the fact that the emcee chosen by the Homer Chamber of Commerce omitted the words "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered" during our participation in the Homer 4th of July Parade. I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background about who we are and what we stand for, respond to a couple of points in your email, and hopefully identify some positive ways to move forward. I have decided to reply publicly in hopes of answering some questions among our constituency that have been raised since the incident, and since the incident occurred in a public venue I think that the discussions that come out of it ought to be public as well, so I will be forwarding this message to our Homer PFLAG list and to other groups and individuals who picked up the story. I hope that you will share it with the board of the chamber as well.

First, I'd like to say that marching in the Fourth of July parade is enormously meaningful for our organization. Last year when we entered the parade it was the first time that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (lgbt) people and their friends and allies publicly marched down a Homer street in the town's history. For many of our participants it was the first time that they publicly identified themselves either as an lgbt person or a straight ally to our community. I think it's safe to say that we were all terrified, and with no small of amount of reason, many of us having been victims of harassment, violence, and discrimination at various points in our lives. So to say that we were thrilled by the overwhelming support we had in terms of numbers (our float fielded more participants than any other in the parade) and from the amazingly supportive on-lookers would be a great understatement. For me, and I'm sure for many of our marchers, it was one of the proudest moments of my life.

Hopefully that gives you some idea why our reaction to what happened at the parade this year is so strong. When your emcee failed to read the words "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered" it felt like a slap in our collective faces. The amount of personal courage it takes to stand up as an lgbt person in Alaska, where it is perfectly legal to fire us from our jobs or kick us out of our apartments solely because of our sexuality, is enormous and to be met with such a bold dismissal from the professional announcer chosen by the Chamber of Commerce was awful.

Second, I'd like to respond to a couple of points from your email. You write that the emcee "has the option to reword material for time, readability, etc." and that this is a normal practice of "adlibbing" which occurs every year. I'm curious because there were a number of much longer and wordier statements announcing other floats in the parade. Our written statement was a bit less than 25 words long. It takes less than 30 seconds to read. So I don't see how time could have been a factor in the emcee's "editing" process. As for readability, I can see that a word like transgendered might be a mouthful, although one would think that an emcee who works as a talk radio host could probably tackle it, [but] a word like gay, consisting of three letters and only one syllable, is extremely pronounceable. Next I would ask why it is the policy of the chamber to allow their emcees to personally and without any accountability edit the contributions of parade participants. I'm curious if you would find it acceptable for one of your emcees to edit out references to military service from the VFW folks, or references to boats from the Homer Wooden Boat Society. Either one would render the statement meaningless, just as what your emcee announced was completely devoid of meaning. You also state explicitly in your email that you did not speak with the emcee regarding what happened. Is it the policy of the Homer Chamber of Commerce to ask no accountability from its employees and volunteers when evidence exists of possible willful discrimination against a whole segment of the population? It's my understanding that people like this represent the organizations they work for; is discrimination a proper representation of the Homer Chamber? If so I think that there are many of your members who would like to be made aware of that fact.

Third, I would like to offer two suggestions for moving forward in a positive way. While I'm outraged by the emcee's actions during the parade I do not believe that the chamber as an organization is one that favors discriminating against people based on their sexuality or gender identity, but the events of the 4th cast some doubt on that. I think it's fair to ask that the chamber both make a public apology for what happened and to publicly clarify the organization's position on this form of discrimination. In addition, I think that it's fair to ask that the chamber make a commitment to more carefully screen emcees in the future to prevent against selecting one that has such an ideological bias as to prevent them from reading references to the race, gender, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity from the written statements provided by the parade participants.

In closing, the emails I've received from you end with a quote that I rather like, it says "it is curious that physical courage should be so abundant in the world and moral courage so rare." I agree with Mark Twain here, and I can only assume that you do as well, so while it takes a degree of moral courage to take a stand against hate, fear, and discrimination, I hope that you and the Homer Chamber of Commerce have that courage. I would hate for the young people who courageously marched in the parade with us to have their first experience with public support for lgbt people to be insulted.

The letter was shared on Homer PFLAG's Facebook page, and they asked us to call and write to the Homer Chamber of Commerce, which many people did. The Tribune posted Joseph's letter yesterday, the same day as the Chamber's apology.

The Homer News also published the Chamber's apology, along with a response from PFLAG thanking the Chamber for "it's commitment to not engage in any sort of discrimination against people based on their sexuality or gender identity." PFLAG also thanked the people of Homer:

"We would like to thank the Homer community for the support you've shown us, and look forward to continue working with all of our partners and allies to make Homer a community free of hate and discrimination."

Congratulations to Homer PFLAG and the people of Homer for resolving the Chamber's role in this incident with letters and meetings!

The only question now is whether emcee Tim White will take responsibility for his actions and apologize to PFLAG. Mr. White, will you step up to the plate, or will you hide behind the Chamber?

Miriam Elizondo made this very cool video of Homer PFLAG marching in the July 4th Parade. Please watch it:

Cheers for PFLAG at Golden Days Parade & almost 100 attend Fairbanks Pride Picnic

Reports and thank you's are coming in from the Fairbanks Pride Picnic and the LGBT marching group in the Golden Days Parade.

PFLAG marched in the Golden Days Parade with the huge rainbow flag that made a big splash at Anchorage PrideFest this year, and it drew a good response from the crowd in Fairbanks as well.

The Pride Picnic after the parade was also successful, with almost 100 people stopping by to enjoy the food, music, performers, information tables and a vendor booth selling rainbow items.

Jenn, organizer of the Pride Picnic, and Pete from PFLAG have the story. First Jenn thanks everyone and shares a behind the scenes view of the Pride Picnic:

I would like to give my gratitude to the many members of the community who stepped up to make an amazing Fairbanks Pride Picnic!! I tend to be long winded so if you get bored just skip down to your name and smile. Don't see your name?? That means you should expect to be recruited to help in next years picnic!!!

First I would like to thank PFLAG and the ICOAA, for without their sponsorship you would have been listening to a little boombox and wishing there was food. No seriously, without their financial support and community connections this event could not have been the success it was. Thank you!

I would also like to thank College Floral for donating gift certificates to our performance winners. Donations are the bread and butter of non-profits, grassroots, and small community organizations. Every little bit counts and yours was greatly appreciated.

The Center for Non-Violent Living, IAA, and IWILL all provided positive community education information. Thank you for taking the time to provide these for us. I hope that we can continue to work together in the effort to educate the masses.

A big round of applause to Cheri and Jene, who provided the vendor booth this year. It added a festive aura to the event and gave everyone an opportunity to show their pride on a regular basis. Why get all your pride paraphernalia on the internet when you can support your local businesses and community members by buying local. Look out for these two… they will be spreading rainbows again in the near future.

Were you dancing at the picnic… shaking it on a picnic table perhaps? Maybe you were tapping your foot or simply listening to announcements? We have Bernie to thank for that. Bernie responded to my pleas and rushed in to save the day with sound and music. Thank you so much Bernie… you rock!!

Many thanks to Pete and Miss Maxine for shuttling people from the end of the parade to the picnic. Thank you to our Emcee Donald who saved me from having to talk in front of all of those people. And put your hands together for our performers Micheal and our current Grand Duchess Kara!!! They took the spotlight from all of you who didn't manage to get out of bed!!!

As many of you know I am still recovering from shoulder surgery and this makes me unable to lift, tote, or move anything. After listening to me make plans for 2 weeks and "puking rainbows" (as she called it) everyday, when the time came my Poppie was there to DO everything. All the hauling, moving, shopping, cleaning, packing… that was all her. Thank you my love, I could not have gotten through it without you.

I have one last thank you. To all of you that stopped by, dropped in, hung out, or otherwise attended the picnic, thank YOU. None of this would have been worth it without the guests. It is YOU that made the fun. YOU provided the conversation, YOU provided the dancing, YOU provided the games! And just so everyone knows, there were almost 100 of YOU throughout the day. Thank YOU!!

Oh, and don't forget! There will be voting at College Floral on August 21st for Emperor and Empress of All Alaska. Get out there and cast your vote! Don't know who to vote for? Find out! Ask your candidates questions, engage them in conversation; find out what they plan to do if they become the new Emperor or Empress. Informed decisions are our own responsibility.

Also… PFLAG is still looking for volunteers to sit at their booth at the Tanana Valley State Fair. Please contact Kerry at 45-PFLAG to sign up. Help spread the positive through our community with information!

Pete describes the LGBT parade group and the reaction of the crowd, and has the scoop on PFLAG's booth at the Tanana Valley Fair:

On behalf of the members and supporters of PFLAG, I would like to give a big, heartfelt thanks to Shayle for pulling together the colorful contingent of participants that carried the borrowed flag from Anchorage (thanks, Anchorage), the signs, and the new PFLAG Fairbanks banner in yesterday's Golden Days Parade. Most of Fairbanks was there. What a difference a few years of visibility in community make. The crowd was receptive, with pockets of cheers and salutes along the route.

Also a big thanks to Jenn for organizing the picnic. Thanks to the Imperial Court of All Alaska in helping underwrite the expenses. It was a good turnout of all ages and talent in the community. It was great to reconnect with friends who hadn't seen each other in a while.

The next big event will be the Tanana Valley State Fair. Kerry is still signing up volunteers and will have free passes for those willing to spend two hours at the PFLAG booth in the Borealus Pavilion anytime between noon and 10pm. (Leave a message at 45-PFLAG.)

Dates for the fair: August 6th through the 14th. If you are coming to Fairbanks during that time, stop by and say hi and see how Beverly has adapted the booth to fit the theme of "Barn in the USA." We aim to be contenders for the decoration prize. Thank you to Alaskans Together for supporting the costs of the fair booth.

If you know allies who support our community and would like to become members of PFLAG or provide funds for community events in conjunction with the Court and individuals creating gay-friendly space in Fairbanks, point them to Fairbanks PFLAG at www.fairbankspflag.org or join our Facebook page.

Thanks to Jenn and Pete for providing this news from the Fairbanks LGBT community, and kudos for organizing a great picnic and parade group!

Homer July 4th emcee "would not say the words lesbian or gay" *Updated with contact info

Tim White, DJ at K-WAVE, was the emcee who dissed the LGBT float in Homer's July 4th parade, and Jennifer Baker of Homer PFLAG wrote this letter to the local newspapers about the incident:

I am writing on behalf of the Homer Chapter of PFLAG, to express my heartfelt appreciation to the community of Homer for the cheers and support we received for our float during this year's 4th of July Parade. This year, PFLAG (Parents, Friends of Lesbians and Gays) marched with the newly-formed Homer Youth Gay-Straight Alliance, in order to strengthen efforts at providing support and solidarity for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) youth in Homer.

I am also writing to express my concern about the significant omissions by the emcee of this year's parade, Tim White, while he was reading the description of our organizations and float. Rather than reading the prepared statement as written, he omitted the names of our organizations and would not say the words lesbian or gay, which were part of our statement. This omission was quite obvious and did not appear to be accidental.

It is tragic to think that this incident might be related to anything other than a logistical mishap, especially on a day when we are celebrating a day that is all about freedom. It is my sincere hope, and that of Homer PFLAG, that the Homer Chamber of Commerce is committed to having the voice of the 4th of July Parade be one that would never in any way be associated with discrimination, censorship, or homophobia.

Some people have said, "Why do those gay people need to have a special float in the parade at all?" I would answer, that the reality of discrimination and ignorance towards LGBT people is very real in Homer, Alaska---particularly for young people. The intention of PFLAG and the GSA in our community is to promote equal treatment of all people---regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In the words of the ACLU, "freedom does not protect itself." Silence is deadly---and the silence of this year's parade emcee has given us an opportunity to speak a bit louder.

White owes an apology to PFLAG, the GSA and the people of Homer! And the Homer Chamber of Commerce needs to choose emcees who will read the LGBT group's prepared statement as it's written, the same way they introduce all the other floats and marchers.

Make sure the LGBT youth of Homer are not dissed again - Call the Homer Chamber of Commerce at 907-235-7740, or write a letter to the Homer Tribune and the Homer News.

And if White doesn't apology, don't listen to K-WAVE.

Glitter Parade & Pride Picnic in Fairbanks

Show your glittery gay pride with PFLAG in the Golden Days Parade on July 24, and stay for the Pride Picnic afterwards at Growden Park. The parade theme this year is ALL THAT GLITTERS.

My oh my, can we have fun with that! Come out and join us all you Queens, Kings, and Princesses. Bring your tiaras and your glittery best. Tell your friends and anyone else who'll be interested, and let's show Fairbanks our Pride!

The entire LGBTQ community, friends, relatives and allies are welcome to march with Fairbanks PFLAG. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Carlson Center. Kids are welcome, and anyone under 18 needs to sign a permission slip. Sorry, no pets.

This year's Fairbanks Pride Picnic will be held July 24th at Growden Park directly after the Golden Days Parade. Join us for BBQ, performances, booths, and games galore! The fun starts around 1pm and they don't kick us out until 8pm. Bring your friends, your family, and your need to have a good time.

Want to get involved and help your local community? We are looking for organizations and groups who would like to share their information, performers who don't need a real stage, and anyone else who may want to lend a hand.

Contact Shayle about the parade, and Jenn to help with the picnic.

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.

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!

Three Fairbanks parties benefit LGBT groups

Get ready for summer by planning PFLAG's entries in the Golden Days Parade and Tanana Valley State Fair, then party, party, party to raise money for Fairbanks PFLAG, the Imperial Court, and Alaskans Together.

PFLAG plans for Fair and Parade 4/18, 4 p.m.

This year's Tanana Valley State Fair theme is "Barn in the USA." PFLAG will be planning our Golden Days Parade theme and entry for mid-July at our next meeting, on Sunday, April 18 at 4 p.m. Fairbanks PFLAG meets on the third Sunday of the month at 814 6th Ave.

Dance Party, PFLAG fundraiser 4/24, 9 p.m.

DJ White Chocolate/Nicole will once again be spinning your favorites along with new dance music so be ready to shake, shake, shake your booty! The dance party at Jeff's house is open to GLBT people and our allies 21 or older. It's also a fundraiser for Fairbanks PFLAG to help pay for the LGBT community's entry in the Golden Days parade in July and the booth at the Tanana Valley Fair in August. Suggested donation: $5 or more.

Pretty 'n Pink Prom, Imperial Court fundraiser 4/30, 7 p.m.

It is show time again in Fairbanks! You can be the next Prom King or Prom Queen. Join the ICOAA for a great show and lots of fun hosted by the reigning Grand Duke and Duchess of Fairbanks, Stephen and DixiE Normous. Doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $12, and all proceeds benefit the Imperial Court of All Alaska. Open to everyone age 18 and above, must provide proof of age. The Prom and Drag show will take place at the Pioneer Park Civic Center.

Kentucky Derby Party, Alaskans Together fundraiser 5/1, 12:30 p.m.

They're off! Mint Juleps, mimosas and snacks, contests with prizes, like the most Fabulous Hat contest, as well as Virgin Gambling. Saturday, May 1 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Cafe Alex building in Fairbanks (310 1st Avenue). 21 and over only. The actual Kentucky Derby race will be on at 2 p.m. Alaska time, and we'll have a TV set on so we can watch the action. There is a suggested donation at the door of $10-$25, and there will also be a 50-50 raffle, with the proceeds going to Alaskans Together for Equality. Hope to see you at the Kentucky Derby Party!

Emma's Revolution in concert, Pride Chorus opens

Pat Humphries & Sandy O of Emma's Revolution bring their music of "truth, hope and a dash of healthy irreverence" to Juneau on March 18, 7:30 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and Juneau Pride Chorus will open the concert with a few songs. They will also perform in Sitka and on KTOO radio.

Emma's Revolution has traveled around the world and throughout the US spreading their message of peace and justice. As a duo, they performed at hundreds of peace and justice events over the last eight years. Their current tour is for their new CD We Came To Sing!, a collaboration with the legendary Holly Near.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance through Emma's Revolution and are $15, or $12 for members of co-sponsoring organizations. The concert is co-sponsored by Juneau Pride Chorus, Juneau Veterans for Peace, Juneau People for Peace & Justice and Juneau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

During their week in Alaska, Emma's Revolution will also perform in Sitka and be live guests on KTOO radio. On Monday March 15, they will join "A Juneau Afternoon" at 3:30 p.m. Tune in to KTOO 104.3 FM or via live streaming (click "Listen Live" in the top left logo.)

On Saturday, March 20 they perform in Sitka at the Sheet'ka Kwaán Naa Kahídi Tribal Community House. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door, no one turned away for lack of ability to pay. Advance tickets may be purchased at Old Harbor Books. On March 21, they will be adding music to the Sunday service at the Sitka Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. All are welcome.

Emma's Revolution has been called "Smart, funny and informative. Like Rachel Maddow and Jon Stewart with guitars." Don't miss them.

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.

Singing Valentines and Pride Chorus Concert

Mark your calendars for the Juneau Pride Chorus "Eye on Chicago" Concert on February 20, and order your Singing Valentine today.

Singing Valentines all over the state

Make Valentine's Day extra special with a Singing Valentine sung by members of the Juneau Pride Chorus!

Anyone can order a Valentine: an ensemble from the Chorus will sing by phone to a sweetheart, or in person if the loved one lives in Juneau. The cost is $10 on the phone or $35 in person (this includes one song, a rose, and a personalized card, $55 for two).

Orders must be made by February 11, and can be sung on the 12th or 14th of February. To order a Valentine, call 586-6984 and send a check made out to "PFLAG Juneau" to: Juneau Pride Chorus, PO Box 32245, Juneau, AK 99803.

"Eye on Chicago" Concert 2/20

Join the Juneau Pride Concert for "Eye on Chicago," a Chicago-themed concert sponsored by PFLAG Juneau, on Saturday, February 20 in the Juneau Arts & Culture Center. The silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

The concert is a fundraiser for the Chorus to participate in the Sister Singers Network Festival on July 4th weekend in Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or from chorus members: $15 adults, $30 families, $12 students & seniors.

No Name-Calling Week, Prof. Smoke on Matthew Shepard, & the Women's Summit

Gay AK - notes for and from LGBT Alaska

No Sticks, No Stones, No Dissing

GLSEN's No Name-Calling Week is January 25-29, 2010, a week of educational and art activities aimed at stopping name-calling and bullying in schools. The Creative Expression Contest is an opportunity for students to submit essays, poetry, music, original artwork, or other pieces that convey their experiences and feelings about name-calling, and their ideas for putting a stop to verbal bullying in their schools and communities. Lesson plans and other resources at No Name-Calling Week.

Gale Smoke on Matthew Shepard

Professor Gale Smoke will review Judy Shepard's book "The Meaning of Matthew, and a World Transformed" (Hudson Press, 2009) at this month's Anchorage PFLAG meeting. Refreshments will be available and all are invited to the meeting at Immanuel Presbyterian Church on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Anchorage PFLAG.

Alaskans Together announces new board and officers

Congratulations to the new board members: Heather Bayless, Kelli Burkinshaw, Shayle Hutchison, Miguel De Marzo, Verner Wilson, and Christopher Narvaez. For 2010, the new executive officers for the organization are as follows: Elias Rojas - Board President, Joseph Lapp II - Vice President, Kevin Kristof - Treasurer, and Miguel De Marzo - Secretary. We are happy to announce that ATE is now a member of the Equality Federation. Come and join in the fun and hard work by volunteering to serve on one of the committees, which meet monthly by conference call. There is room for you! Join Alaskans Together.

Women's Summit: Anchorage lunch 3/17 and Juneau conference 3/18 – 3/19

It's time to sign up for the 2010 Women's Summit on March 17-19. The theme for this year is "Interpersonal Violence in Alaska: Why Alaska Ranks at the Top, and Strategies for Success." The keynote speaker is Rebecca Levenson, Senior Policy Analyst with the Family Violence Prevention Fund. Come listen, learn and network with other women from around the state. Rebecca will also speak at a luncheon in Anchorage on Wednesday, March 17, 12 pm at the Sheraton Hotel downtown, $35/person. A limited number of scholarships are available for the Juneau conference (for travel, lodging and registration) and are due by March 1. For those arranging your own travel and lodging, applications are due by March 10. The Women's Summit is organized by the Alliance for Reproductive Justice.

Tantric Wisdom for the Activities of Daily Living

Bird Trungma, Rinpoche, has moved her short essays on Tantric Wisdom to HubPages. She hopes you will keep reading them, and continue to enjoy and benefit from them. Her first essay tells her story of moving to Anchorage, almost leaving, then deciding to stay. Check out Bird's Tantric Wisdom.