TODAY: Veterans Lobby Day on DADT

All hands on deck! Today is Veterans Lobby Day for ending Don't Ask/Don't Tell, the military's gay ban. Hundreds of veterans are gathered in DC to ask Congress and the President to repeal DADT this year, and supporters around the country are doing a national call-in.

Nearly 14,000 Americans have been abruptly fired from the U.S. military because of Don't Ask/Don't Tell – including more than 800 mission critical specialists, and Jene Newsome, an Alaskan stationed in South Dakota.

Senator Begich supports the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, but Rep. Young made some absurd comments about it and Sen. Murkowski has not given her opinion. Does she think gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve honestly in the military? Let's find out.

Please give your voice to those who must be silent. Get the repeal of Don't Ask/Don't Tell over the finish line in 2010.

1. Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121, tell them where you live, and ask them to connect you to your Representative's office. Tell the staffer who picks up: your name, where you're calling from, and that you're "calling to support the Veteran's Lobby Day and urging Congress to repeal 'Don't Ask/Don't Tell' this year."

2. Call the Congressional switchboard 2 more times asking for your Senators, and leave the same message.

3. Then call the White House switchboard at (202) 456-1111 and urge the President to lead the way this year by adding the "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" repeal to his current defense budget, which is being written this month.

This lobby day is one of our last chances to speak out before Congress takes action on the National Defense Authorization Act, the bill that should contain the "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" repeal language.

That means it's crunch time. Whether you're a veteran, a friend or relative of a service member, or simply someone who believes in equality, make that call and add your voice to our fight to end "Don't Ask/Don't Tell."

If you are a veteran in Alaska who supports the repeal and are willing to speak out, please contact Alaskans Together, a co-sponsor of Veterans Lobby Day.

Repeal DADT this year!

Country music's Chely Wright: lesbian white female

So far this year, Latin pop star Ricky Martin came out, then Christian singer Jennifer Knapp came out, then country western singer Chely Wright (known for her hit song "Single White Female") came out - 2010 may be the year for singers with conservative audiences to come out of the closet and tell their fans that they already know and admire someone gay or lesbian and it's no big deal.

Here's Chely on the Today show:

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Wasn't k.d. lang was the first openly lesbian country music artist? Well, Chely's great and we should invite her to Anchorage for a book signing and concert. Alaskans love country music!

Check out Chely's website with her new cd Lifted Off the Ground and her book Like Me.

Sara's News Round-up 5/9/10

A selection of LGBT news from Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.

1) Young Gay Man Voted Mayor in Calif.

Campbell, Calif., Advocate, December 2, 2009

2) Wisc.: Trans Prisoners Can Receive Treatment

Wisconsin, Advocate, April 1, 2010

3) MLB Players Polled on Gay Teammate

Advocate, May 9, 2010

4) MA Governor Signs Anti-Bullying Law

Massachusetts, School Library Journal,05/05/2010

5) AG Paid $60,000 to Anti-Gay Activist Who Hired Male Prostitute

Miami, Florida, NBC Miami, May 7, 2010

6) Christians: When It Comes to Homosexuality, Man Up

JohnShore.com, March 13, 2010

7) Lesbian set to become Ohio's first out state lawmaker

Ohio, GayPolitics.org, May 4, 2010

8) Lesbian Catholic school teacher banned from classroom

Canada, 365Gay.com, May2, 2010

9) George Rekers' 'rent boy' escort scandal

The Week, May 5, 2010

10) Archbishop Calls Children "Spontaneously Homosexual"

Brazil, Advocate, May 6, 2010

11) Oakland lifts century-old ban on cross-dressing

Oakland, Calif., Mercury News, May 5, 2010

12) Duo didn't wed, but they did divorce

Salt Lake City, Utah, Deseret News, May 7, 2010

Rachel Maddow on George "Rentboy" Rekers

George Rekers is the co-founder of the Family Research Council and is paid to convince school districts and state courts that gays can be cured. He is also secretly gay, as we learned in this week's "Rentboy" scandal. Rachel Maddow explains:

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Hmm. "When people have built their careers, their professions, on professions of their own sexual moral rectitude - David Vitter, John Ensign - when people have built their careers on trying to make life miserable and dangerous for gay people while they themselves are secretly gay - Larry Craig, George Rekers - then congratulations, you've made the news!"

Makes me wonder which Alaskans who have built their careers on making life miserable for gay people might be secretly gay...

Alice and LuLu in Fairbanks, Frontrunners in Anchorage

Gay AK - News and notes for LGBT Alaska

Happy Mothers Day to all moms - lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and straight!

"Alice in the Underground" in Fairbanks

The Street Outreach and Advocacy Program (SOAP) of Fairbanks Counseling and Adoption (FCA) is proud to present Alice in the Underground, a fundraiser play about the realities of life for at-risk and homeless teens in Fairbanks. Teens at the downtown drop-in center worked with local theater professionals to create the play, resulting in a unique retelling of Lewis Carroll's classic tale.

The show runs May 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th at the Empress Theater downtown in the Co-op Building on Second Avenue. All performances are at 7:30 and tickets are $20 for general admission; $15 for students, seniors, and military; and Free for youth under 18.

Please come and help FCA continue its outreach and advocacy for the youth of Fairbanks, including LGBT youth. Email Alice in the Underground and check out their Facebook page.

Kentucky Derby party brings new members to Alaskans Together

On Saturday May 1, ATE held a Kentucky Derby Fundraiser in Fairbanks. We had about 30 people, raised $607 and signed up several new members. Everyone had a lot of fun. More fundraisers for Alaskans Together are being planned for Anchorage and Juneau this year, and we'll let you know about them as soon as we have the details.

LuLu Small and the Small Band 5/14 & 5/15 in the Interior

Dance to Alaska's premiere all-woman all-rock-&-roll band in Fairbanks and North Pole. The Lulu Small Band (Lulu, Marilyn, Merley) with special guest Trish Ham perform in the Interior: Friday, May 14 at The Marlin (non-smoking) in Fairbanks, and Saturday May 15 at The Badger Den in North Pole.

Run/Walk with Anchorage Frontrunners every Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.

Anchorage Frontrunners are starting to meet again officially this week. Some of us started a few weeks ago, but we usually run May through October. Tuesdays 6:00p.m. meet at Westchester Lagoon. A nice group of happy runners. Email Peter or check the Anchorage Frontrunners site.

Prom for Queer Teens, Guideline of Rights for LGBT Youth

The ACLU receives calls every year from students all over the country who have been told they cannot attend prom with their partners of choice or cannot dress in non-traditional gender clothing. In response, they posted a letter to principals and superintendents that students can use if their school tries to stop them from bringing a same-sex date to the Prom, and a letter for girl students who are being prevented from wearing a tuxedo to school dances. The letters and other resources are available at the ACLU's Prom Resources for LGBT Students.

Truman's grandson on Don't Ask/Don't Tell & Desegregation

President Harry Truman desegregated the U.S. military in 1948. The anniversary of his birthday is tomorrow. In today's "Frontlines" letter, Truman's grandson Clifton Truman Daniel remembers his grandfather's decision and asks President Obama to follow that example to end Don't Ask/Don't Tell, the military's ban on open gay and lesbian service members.

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"Stories from the Frontlines: Letters to President Barack Obama" is a new media campaign launched to underscore the urgent need for congressional action and presidential leadership at this critical point in the fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). Every weekday morning as we approach the markup of the Defense Authorization bill in the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, SLDN and a coalition of voices supporting repeal, will share an open letter to the President from a person impacted by this discriminatory law. We are urging the President to include repeal in the Administration's defense budget recommendations, but also to voice his support as we work to muster the 15 critical votes needed on the Senate Armed Services Committee to include repeal. The Defense Authorization bill represents the best legislative vehicle to bring repeal to the president's desk. It also was the same vehicle used to pass DADT in 1993. By working together, we can help build momentum to get the votes! We ask that you forward and post these personal stories.

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May 7, 2010

President Barack H. Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Tomorrow, my family and I will mark the 126th anniversary of my grandfather President Harry Truman's birthday. There are many reasons we celebrate his life and contributions to our nation, but in particular we are proud of his decision to desegregate the U.S. Armed Forces in July 1948, which paved the way for future civil rights advancements.

It was not easy. He faced fierce opposition from inside and outside the military. Many, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Omar Bradley, argued that mixing black and white soldiers would destroy the Army.

My grandfather, however, was appalled that African-American service members had been beaten and lynched upon their return home from fighting in World War II. They had risked their lives to defend our nation, but were denied the full rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Implementation of his order to desegregate wasn't easy, but it made our military stronger and our nation a brighter beacon of democracy.

There are strong parallels between the desegregation of the military and the debate over "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the law that mandates the firing of a service member based solely on his or her sexual orientation. Opponents argue that allowing openly gay and lesbian service members to serve alongside their heterosexual comrades will endanger discipline and morale.

While I have no idea where my grandfather would stand on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," I do know that he admired service and sacrifice. An estimated 66,000 gay and lesbian Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Coastguardsmen are willingly risking their lives to defend our nation, despite being treated as second class citizens.

I would hope that my grandfather would want his openly gay great-granddaughter and others like her to have the opportunity to serve the country they love with dignity and integrity.

Mr. President, as you have said many times, including in your State of the Union Address earlier this year, ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is the right thing to do. This year is the right time to do it.

I commend you for your commitment and hope the example of my grandfather, Harry Truman, will help you lead with the same courage and conviction to ensure the "equality of treatment and opportunity for all who serve our nation's defense."

Respectfully,

Clifton Truman Daniel

Photo: President Truman holding Clifton Truman Daniel

This Week in LGBT Alaska 5/7/10

This week's LGBT events from Alaska GLBT News.

Juneau

Annual Highway Clean-Up with PFLAG and SEAGLA on 5/8. Meet at the Auke Lake parking lot promptly at 10 a.m. wearing bright colored clothing. Bags and gloves are provided.

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

Fairbanks

SOAP Presents "Alice in the Underground" at the Empress Theater 5/7 thru 5/15, at 7:30. Tickets $20 general/ $15 students, seniors, and military. Free for youth under 18. On May 7, they're hosting a First Friday event featuring youth artwork and a silent auction before the show.

Wednesday Social Group, contact Joshua for the 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

Identity Team in the Graze to Raise fundraiser 5/7, 5:30 p.m. Start at the Dena'ina Center and walk through downtown, raise funds for the Community Center.

TLFMC Dehibernation Brown Bear Bus Run 5/8, 12-5p.m. Ages 21+ only. Tickets $20. Bus leaves The Raven (708 East 4th Ave) at noon.

LGBT Democrat Caucus: Get Our LGTB Voices Heard, meeting on 5/11 at 7p.m. at the GLCCA.