Revised Ordinance Exempts Small Businesses, Religious Groups, and Bathrooms. Prevo still opposes it.

A revised version of the ordinance that removes "veteran's status" and strengthens the religious and business exemptions was released on Friday. The revision, AO 2009-64(S), also states that the ordinance "does not apply to discrimination because of one's biological gender in matters such as access to restrooms…"

Equality Works explains the problem with legislating bathroom use in their assessment of the revised ordinance:

"We feel that excluding transgender people from the right to use the restroom in which they feel most safe and comfortable is not only unnecessary, but an irresponsible public policy choice that endangers lives... We sincerely hope [for] an ordinance that respects everyone's right to safe use of public restrooms and is based on facts rather than fiction and fear."

But opponents to the ordinance fill their collection plates by pedaling fiction and fear. The response from Jerry Prevo's site was immediate:

"NEW!!! A revised version of the sexual orientation ordinance has been released by the acting Mayor. Supposedly, it is to prevent some of the problems we have raised. However, the term "sexual orientation" is not acceptable in any discrimination ordinance. The first ordinance shows what the homosexual movement really wants. We must say NO to the inclusion of homosexuality in any discrimination ordinance. Please encourage the Assembly to vote NO on this ordinance and do not amend Anchorage's discrimination ordinance to include homosexuality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. This will eventually lead to homosexuals wanting to make homosexual marriages legal in Alaska."

To Ivan Moore and others who thought that an ordinance limited to sexual orientation would be acceptable to Prevo and his followers, the message is clear: they will not accept anything that gives us civil rights, in any form. The equal rights ordinance cannot be made acceptable to Rev. Prevo, because gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered human beings are not acceptable to him:

"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..."

We cannot compromise with him because he is not bargaining in good faith. He is simply using the media attention to gain money and fame.

Prevo's real goal is to increase his power over our city's laws and politics. He admitted to ADN reporter Julia O'Malley that he will force a recall vote if the Assembly passes any version of equal protections for gays. He also admitted that he will use his pulpit to ruin the careers of politicians who resist his control of the city. 

The choice clear for us, our allies, and anyone who thinks that Anchorage should not be run by a fundamentalist minister. We must support an inclusive ordinance, stand firm against Prevo and take back our city.

Anchorage Pride Week 2009 Schedule

Saturday June 13

7:00 pm - Celebration of Change - Wilda Marston Theatre. Tickets $15 available at GLCCA and Metro 11:00 am - Gay Memorial Service, Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery (6th & Fairbanks St, enter off Fairbanks St)

Sunday June 14

4:00 pm - Kickoff BBQ at The Raven (708 E 4th Ave), free, 21 & over

Monday June 15

5:30 pm & 7:45 pm - Film: "Outrage" at Beartooth Theatre

Wednesday June 17

7:00 pm - Film: Double feature of "James Baldwin's poetry" and "Gertrude Stein's Poetry" Out North (Debarr & Bragaw), There is no charge. www.outnorth.org

Thursday June 18

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Adam & Steve presents Drag Queen Bingo at Snow City Cafe'. Door at 7pm. Admission is $15 at the door or $10 in advance. Contact 263-2050 for more info. 9:00 pm - Male mudwrestling. $5 Cover. Anyone can compete. Kodiak Bar Around 10:00 pm - Film: "Poltergay" at Beartooth Theatre (info card)

Friday June 19

9:00 pm - Mr/Ms/Miss Gay Anchorage. Come see who will be Mr/Ms/Miss Gay Anchorage 2009-20010! Details to follow... 9:00 pm - Female mudwrestling, $5 Cover. Anyone can compete. Kodiak Bar 10:30 pm - Midnight Soapscum at Out North. The dates for Midnight Soapscum are Fridays and Saturdays from June 19th through July 18th with "The Big Gay Wedding" episode on July 18th at 7:00 pm followed by the Season Finale at 10:30 pm. For tickets and more info contact Out North. Tickets are $15 online at www.outnorth.org or at the door. Groups of 10 can be purchased at a discounted rate of $10 per ticket by calling 907.279.8099. Out North Theatre is located at 3800 Debarr Road.

Saturday June 20

11:00 am - Celebrating Diversity Parade through downtown Anchorage. 12 noon - 6:00 pm Pride on the Park Strip Festival on the Park Strip (far west end of the parkstrip, west of the rose garden), free admission, bring $ for food & vendors. 6:00 pm - Movie at the Museum. Coffee Date US Comedy 91 min. 9:00 pm - 10th Annual Allie's Slave for a Date Auction, Cover $5, Kodiak Bar 10:30 pm - Midnight Soapscum at Out North. The dates for Midnight Soapscum are Fridays and Saturdays from June 19th through July 18th with "The Big Gay Wedding" episode on July 18th at 7:00 pm followed by the Season Finale at 10:30 pm. For tickets and more info contact Out North. Tickets are $15 online at www.outnorth.org or at the door. Groups of 10 can be purchased at a discounted rate of $10 per ticket by calling 907.279.8099. Out North Theatre is located at 3800 Debarr Road.

Sunday June 21

2:00 pm - 2:00 am - "Pride Week Reception: Celebrating Marriage" Join the fun from early in the afternoon to early in the morning. Party Hosts: 2-3pm Identity, 3-4pm The Imperial Court of All Alaska 4-5pm GLSEN 2:00 pm - MCC Anchorage (2222 E Tudor Rd A-Frame Chapel at St Mary's Episcopal Church) Pride Weekend Worship: Music, Scripture, and Message entitiled:"Fear N Faith" Communion and social time after worship. Please come worship with us. 6:00 pm - Movie at the Museum. Coffee Date US Comedy 91 min. 8:00 pm - Free BBQ at Kodiak. Speed Dating, Kissing Booths

Anchorage ex-Marine faces Work Discrimination for being Transgender

Laura O'Lacy wrote the following letter to the Anchorage Assembly in support of a trans-inclusive ordinance, describing the harassment and discrimination she has faced as a transgender woman trying to get a job in her field of training.

[Editor's note: The original ordinance added both veterans status and sexual orientation, including gender identity, to the protected classes. On Friday, the Assembly released a new version of the ordinance that removes veterans, at the request of veterans' groups. Read an assessment of the current version by Equality Works.]

Update 2: Read the newest version, AO 64 (S-2).

-----------

I read a great "crypto quote" in the ADN this week: "There is enough pain and suffering in the world that there is no reason to be making more on purpose."

I am a United States Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam era. I have nearly 20 years of security experience, some of which is in Marine prisoner escort ("brig chaser") and private corrections. I hold an AAS and a BHS degree in Human Services from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. I am currently working on my masters degree in human services and have been trained as a psychiatric nursing assistant, proficient in crisis intervention and MANDT client de-escalation techniques. I also have an IQ of 129, donate time to the Anchorage community and have letters of appreciation from both Government Hill and Mountain View PTA's for my work as a "room mother" and for assisting with fundraising projects. I have no criminal history of any kind. In the early 1990's I interviewed at McLaughlin Youth Center and was told that with my Marine Corps and security experience I was the top candidate for the job, but that I need a bachelor's degree to be hired. I eventually went after the degree and at the same time corrected an issue in my life that had tormented me for decades - I corrected my gender.

Now, even though I am more skilled and better trained, I am deemed "unfit" to work in my field. Even though I served my Human Service practicum (internship) at McLaughlin. I have interviewed 25 times with no luck.

I did manage to get hired at API as a psych nursing assistant I with the head nurse being aware of my transgendered past. She told me, "You are a woman, leave it go at that." After the 3 week training course was over (in which I passed each test with a 93% or better) I was called to take a call from the state H.R. office. They said my SSN matched up with the name of someone who had worked for the state with another name. I explained about my court ordered name change and thought the issue was settled - until four days later I recieved a letter from director Ron Adler stating, "Ms. O'Lacy, your services as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant 1 at API are no longer required" --- and nothing else! Try as I might, API -- all the way up to Ron Adler, does not give a reason for terminating probationary hires. I know my supervisors said they were pleased with my dedication and work, but co-worker friends have since called me and stated that one of the women in my training class - who I had even tutored to get her through the training - had been going to all the units and stirring up gossip about the "he/she" on the ward.

Leaving API, I went to Hope Community Resources. My supervisor was very supporive but several managers insisted they only wanted "genetic females" working in their group homes. Some co-workers would ask such questions as "Did you get 'it' cut off yet?" or "Are those your own boobs?!" They (or others) would then go to Human Resources and state I had "Made comments about [my] body that made them uncomfortable." I had not, but there is no way to prove a negative. I finally left, not because of the clients.

My skills from having experienced the world in two genders gives me the ability to nurture when it's needed -- and it's always needed -- and to stay steady in a crisis, even a violent situation when necessary. I have dealt with house fires, frightened teens and adults, and angry felons. I just use the gifts I have been given -- when I am allowed to work.

Currently, I cannot work in my field(s) of training: security, corrections, youth corrections, or mental health unit counselor/aid. As a result, the $100,000+ in student loans I took to get my degrees so I would be "employable" are beyond my ability to pay. I barely make enough for minimal expenses, let alone for basic health care like fixing my teeth. We won't even discuss anything "exotic" like the procedures it would take to make me look acceptable, not even beautiful. That number has too many zeros! As a cab driver [get 2 college degrees and belong to the wrong group and you too can drive a cab!] I take home between $1 to $100 dollars for a 12 hour day. No benefits, no retirement, no insurance.

Those who oppose this equal rights ordinance are stirring up fear and resentment and are using many of the same arguments their great grandparents used to keep black men out of the military -- and out of society in general -- and their parents used to prevent legalizing mixed-race marriages. Together we overcame that. Together we need to overcome this. Yes we can!

As for the "restroom scare" tactic that ABT is using, this is the first line of offense that all the anti-rights groups have fallen back on every time such an ordinance is produced. However: 1. There is currently no law regarding access to restrooms to keep men out (I personally know women who admit to using the Mens room at the Sullivan Arena during concerts... no lines for stalls), 2. "Sexual predators" are not about sex, but about hating women, and dressing as one would kill their ability to function, and 3. There has NEVER been a documented case of a transgendered person molesting anyone in a Ladies restroom.

Voltaire said, "I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it!" I feel that it is time we grew up enough as a city to say, "I may disagree with how you live your life, but I will defend to the death your right to be who you are!"

I can provide you with citations for studies that show that being gay or transgendered is not a choice, but a function of prenatal brain development. But, since when did "choice" become an un-American activity??

Finally, the opposition says that connecting veterans with this ordinance is outrageous and wrong. I guess we need to remind them that many of us are veterans, who served to protect their rights! Now, protect ours please.

Thank you so much for your time!

Laura E. O'Lacy

USMC 74-78

AAS, BHS (current Masters student at Capella Univ.)

Revised Ordinance Weakens the law and Endangers Transgender people

Mayor Matt Claman and members of the Municipal Assembly presented a revised version on Friday of the ordinance to amend Anchorage's nondiscrimination law to include Anchorage's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens from discrimination. Despite all of the second-guessing and speculation in the media, the language regarding gender identity and expression was not taken out of the ordinance. As written, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people will still be protected from discrimination in most cases of employment, housing, public accommodations, education, financial services, and municipal business.

 

HOWEVER, Equality Works is concerned that some of the amendments 

1) weaken the scope of the law as it currently stands by exempting small businesses with four or fewer employees, 

2) endanger the physical safety of members of our transgender community by making it legal to force them to use a bathroom that does not correspond to their gender identity/expression, and 

3) single out LGBT people as second class citizens without equal protection under the law by allowing churches to discriminate against LGBT in any situation, while other groups still remain protected in some situations.

 

We want to present our concerns and misgivings to you—as community members and supporters—and hope that you will provide us with feedback as to what you believe the final ordinance should look like.

 

Our thoughts on the changes:

 

1)      Redefining Who Can Discriminate

 

In Anchorage's current nondiscrimination codes, no business owner is exempt from having to abide by the law. However, in the most recent draft of the ordinance, "Employers" and "Public Accommodations" have been redefined to exclude home-based businesses employing no more than four persons. As drafted, exempted businesses would be able to discriminate against anyone they want, and on any basis—including age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, nationality, disability, marital status, and religion. Written this way, Anchorage's employment discrimination laws would still be more stringent than federal law as stated in Title VII and many of the laws that exist in other cities. But it would weaken the local code that is currently on the books, potentially jeopardizing the rights of employment and public accommodation not only for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, but for women, people of color, and immigrants too, among other protected classes.

 

2)      Legislating Bathroom Use

 

Arguably the most problematic change to this ordinance is this statement: "The prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation imposed by this chapter does not apply to discrimination because of one's biological gender in matters such as access to restrooms…" In a nutshell, this means that members of the transgender/transsexual community can still be forced to use bathrooms that do not correspond to their gender identity/expression. [Editor's Note: the words "such as" imply that restrooms are only one example where transgender-based discrimination will be allowed.]

 

Why do we take issue with this amendment?

 

Because the inclusion of such language is intended to prevent a problem that does not exist. Despite the "information" being spread by opponents of this ordinance, none of the 108 cities and counties that passed non-discrimination laws inclusive of gender identity have ever reported a case in which anyone has claimed to be transgender in order to enter a restroom to commit a crime. To the contrary, transgender people are far more likely to be the victims of violence than those who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. In a 2002 survey conducted by the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, nearly 50% of transgender respondents reported being harassed or assaulted in a public bathroom. (Yes, even in San Francisco.) Transgender individuals have an estimated 1 in 12 chance of being murdered vs. 1 in 18,000 for the average American. Forcing transgender individuals to use bathrooms that correspond to their biological sex rather than their gender identity/expression only increases those odds.

 

In short, we feel that excluding transgender people from the right to use the restroom in which they feel most safe and comfortable is not only unnecessary, but an irresponsible public policy choice that endangers lives. We sincerely hope that we can work with Mayor Claman and other Assembly members to create an ordinance that respects everyone's right to safe use of public restrooms and is based on facts rather than fiction and fear.

 

3)      Singling Out LGBT people

 

While we respect the rights of religious groups, institutions, organizations, etc. to make decisions regarding employment and accommodations based on their firmly held beliefs, the newly amended religious exemption treats lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as a special class. While churches are not allowed to discriminate on the basis of race, color, or sex when hiring a new janitor, they would be allowed to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. We believe that this new wording unnecessarily singles out LGBT people as second class citizens who are less worthy of consideration than other protected classes. Our state and U.S. Constitutions promise all citizens equal protection under the law. By treating LGBT people differently in any respect, the Municipality of Anchorage is in danger of violating that promise. 

 

****************

Equality Works is committed to working in good faith with Mayor Claman and other Assembly members to come up with a draft of the ordinance that sufficiently addresses the concerns outlined above. We want to hear your concerns and opinions, and hope that you will also share them with your Assembly members at the public hearing on June 9th.

Sex is between the legs, Gender is between the ears

[Editor's Note: April wrote this "modest proposal" essay in response to Ivan Moore's suggestion that we take protections for transgender people out of the ordinance. See In Support of a Transgender-inclusive Ordinance.]

----

by April Rains

You don't wake up one morning and out of the blue decide that this is the day that your life has ended as the gender you were born as, and you now want to be known from here forward as the opposite sex, whether it be a male to female or a female to male. To begin to comprehend the concepts and defintions of "cross dresser", "transvestite", "transexual" and "transgender" is to push the contemporary limits and understanding of a host of social sciences, theories, definitions, and medical studies. Even among the minute collection of specialists in gender based areas, there is very little cohesion as to the cause and effect of who these groups of people come to be, and are, let alone how to "label" them within the common societal classifications we have come to know. While heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual, androgynous, and transsexual are commonly refered too, where and how do we fit those who cross all over these aspects of sex and gender? 

For eons and throughout cultures world wide, those who spanned the boundaries of gender were seen as ones who were granted special powers and status by the powers, gods, or beliefs held by those groups. They were seen as encompassing in some ways both genders, rather then one or the other, giving them the ability to comprehend life beyond the clearly defined boundaries of being either a male or female. The foundation of almost all creation myths, including the bible, refer back to an undefinable time when man and woman were one single entity and through some act, were seperated into two. Both Occidental and Oriental societies, symbolisms, and beliefs consistently refer back to this concept of one being, eventually divided into two. So why is it then so difficult and perverse for modern society to accept that what was held as something special then should be any different now? Do we not all come into this world as the result of a joining of a male and female, and is it so far reaching to believe that there are those who contain not one or the other, but both within the very core of who they may be genetically, physically, spiritually, socially and culturally? 

Is it fear bred from ignorance, hatred, bigotry, or just a lack of coming to accept that a unique group of people does exist in society. That by recognizing that they not only exist now, and have always existed, that it will throw the entire dualistic nature of our society and beliefs into chaos? Or is it the sex, advertising, and porno industries who have saturated us so much with imagery of "chicks with dicks", large hairy men in stretched out lacey women's underwear, or male prostitutes dressed up as woman, that we can only conclude that anyone who dresses or acts as the opposite sex is strictly doing it for money, sexual deviance and/or perversion? Or as in Anchorage with the Ordinance, is it the voices of a handfull of fanatics, and their need for fame, spotlight and acknowledgement by opposing the nature of reality as it really is in order to fill their coffers, congregations, and advance their hidden political agendas?

Or does it come down to the most simple yet complex issue of our understanding of "normal" and what it is? That those fanatics who see their own worlds and perspectives as "normal" are in fact the "abnormal" ones. Should we accept their own twisted views of what their "normal" is rather than truly celebrating and protecting the stunningly incredible beauty and endless diversity of the people we all share this planet with? How long shall we allow or acknowledge anyone who fights to limit, define, and destroy anyone or anything that alludes to the truth? That we are all born as equals and will all die as equals, and that what we should be striving for is to treat and protect each other as equals during our lifetime regardless of our own individual uniqueness.

To the same degree, the issue of whether anyone should remove the "T" from "LGBTA" in order to make the Ordinance pass easier is another disturbing aspect of being transgendered. To someone who is openly transgendered and a noted supporter and advocate of the entire acroynm of "LGBTA" and more, those who support such a move show as much ignorance and bigotry as those who oppose the ordinance. It comes across as "cleansing" to get rid of the "freaks" rather then an effort to understand those of us who are the "T", as much as the "GL" ask those who are opposed to homosexuality to understand them. 

If some are set on allowing the ordinance to protect just the "LGB", then they need to cleanse the Bisexuals from it as well, because they already have protection when they are with the opposite sex, or can pretend to be. Also get rid of the drag queens because most gay men prefer men, not men dressed or acting as women, and they can allude to money, sex, and perversion. Get rid of the Bears and Leather crowd because that can be seen as another act of perversion as well and will not make the ordinance "pure." As for the gays and lesbians, in order to truly help this ordinace pass as purely as possible, you need to start verifying that every single person who uses "G" or "L" is such and has never had a relationship with the opposite sex. Get notarized statements from everyone in their lives all the way back to the day of birth to fully confirm that those who are "G" and "L" have never had a thought of being sexual with, or in a relationship with, the opposite sex or gender. If it's purity you want from the ordinance, then start cleansing everyone who is not of pure homosexual blood from day one. In fact, require they have a "pride flag" tatoo on their body so you can identify them as pure "G & L" blood. Perhaps then, the Ordinance will pass with little fight, and you can finally live totally free of discrimination in Anchorage, while the rest of the unpure "LBGTA" family is led away, me and the transgendered people, where we are eventually denied our rights to housing, jobs and a happy life, and in turn, loaded onto buses, trains or driven off to other places so we don't disrupt the new-found "equality" under the Ordinance. Sound far-fetched? Maybe so ... 

Fire Victims say Thank You, Pride T-shirts on Sale, & SOSAnchorage.Net

Gay AK: Notes from LGBT Alaska

Congratulations to the people of New Hampshire, which became the 6th state in the U.S. to legalize same sex marriage.

Community pulls together for gay fire victims

The fundraiser for Garfield and Alvin, who lost their home in the Spenard fire on Memorial Day "was a HUGE success! We raised over $2,000 and received a number of gift cards," wrote Bear, the contact person for donations. "In addition, a 'ton' of items was brought in for them (small appliances, clothes, dishes, blankets, etc.) I still have people contacting me to help out. The latest is that a couple is giving them a large color tv. And there are others who are waiting until the guys get settled so that they can donate more household things. This whole project has been litteraly amazing!"

"Garfield and Alvin cannot believe how this turned out. They found a place to live on June 1st. They both are doing much better in the attitude department and are very appreciative of everything that everyone has done for them. They say that every day things are getting better." The men will sort through the donated items and decide what they can use and what they will pass on to other community members in need.

"Thank you all for your love and support of each other," added Mary Bess Bohall. "Together we made a huge impact with this fundraiser. Together we can make a huge impact for our community. Thank you to all."

PrideFest t-shirts on sale at the Center

The shirts for Anchorage PrideFest 2009 are on sale downtown at the Community Center. Check out the full calendar for the many wonderful Pride Week events! If you want to host an event, make sure you have contacted the Anchorage PrideFest committee. Vendor? Volunteer? Marching Unit? Find the information to participate in this year's activities on the LINKS tab of the website. We can't wait to join you on the Park Strip for a Celebration of Anchorage, The Last Queer Frontier!

Trans-inclusive nondiscrimination laws

As of July 2008, 13 states and the District of Columbia, and 108 cities & counties, have trans-inclusive nondiscrimination laws. A total of 39% of the U.S. population is covered by laws which ban discrimination on the basis of transgender/transsexual status, which the proposed Anchorage ordinance includes as "gender identity." Since May 2007, 51.8% of the U.S. population has been covered by state, county, and/or city laws banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

SOSAnchorage.Com vs. SOSAnchorage.Net

"The purpose of Anchorage Ordinance AO NO. 2009-64 is very simply stated and long overdue for our community; it extends protection from workplace discrimination to include sexual orientation. However, Rev. Jerry Prevo of the Anchorage Baptist Temple has vowed to strike down the ordinance, using all the powers of his congregation and bully pulpit. A website has emerged, www.sosanchorage.com, which highlights all the 'damage' that workplace equality will wreak upon our city. My fiance and I have erected a counter-website at www.sosanchorage.net to highlight the blatant falsehoods and misleading information. Please, check out sosanchorage.com to view the fearmongering, and then head over to sosanchorage.net and help us get the facts out! Tell your friends, and keep this going. June 9th is right around the corner."

Celebration of Change Art Show and Silver Anniversary Performance

The big 25th Anniversary Celebration of Change will be at the Wilda Marston Theater in Loussac Library, on June 13 at 7 p.m., and you can get a taste of Celebration this weekend at CoC's first Art Show! 

Everyone is invited to the free First Friday reception, 7-9 p.m. on June 5 at the Kodiak Bar and Grill, 225 E 5th Ave. The show features a variety of art work by female Alaskans and continues through June 29.

 

Don't miss the Celebration of Change Silver Anniversary performance. Celebrate over 20 years of community and women loving women. This show features familiar and fresh faces and includes music, dance, comedy and spoken word. The Radical Woman Award winner will be announced during the show. It will be a great night.  

Tickets are $15 and available at the GLCCA and Metro. Last year they had standing room only, so get your tickets early.

Celebration of Change is the annual fundraiser for Radical Arts for Women (RAW), a Lesbian and Feminist philanthropic organization that funds Alaskan women art projects. RAW also holds an annual Short Story contest.