Pride in Other Places

I just wanted to post this little item, since it's pride week. Maybe it will remind us of where our rights as LBGT people would be without the hard work and risks of the people before us. And maybe to remind us all that those "bad old days" can be ahead again if we don't stay united.

Another lovely Wednesday

The clouds were dark in Palmer today as we sat down to our weekly coffee. (I totally recommend the "Sludge", a hot mug of sludge with whipped cream is just the thing for a gray day!)
Our coffee circle was small, and most of the talk was actually about me, which happens when I go there with a partner who snitches my bad behavior to my best friend and mentor! Sheesh!
I brought the flags out, a small act, but one that I must admit I forget all to often. I know, it's my only responsibility besides actually showing up, I should plead the 5th now I think...
Of course the news of the day is mostly all the fun stuff going on in Anchorage for pride month. Identity, Bent, and Grrlzlist are all better than I at filling you in on that, use the links in the sidebar to know more.
Other than that there's not much to tell. Texas is gay hostile, New York is on the edge about gay marriage,
There's some news items I ran across on the net today; The gay debate in Texas, A Tranny who kisses and tells, One who's partner is in hot water, A lawsuit to get an SRS surgery on public moneys, And something nice; hope of having a baby for a lady who otherwise couldn't...

After some light gossip, heavy coffee, and a bit of sprinkly rain we adjurned.

still breathing.

"I Ain't Dead jyet!"
That's probably something that needs saying since I've made so few posts lately.

I have to say there's so much good coverage of the Anchorage and State of Alaska gay community out there. Grrlzlist and Bent Alaska are doing bang up jobs. I'm amazed and inspired by them! Good work you guys!
As for the Matanuska Susitna Valley? well...

To be truthful, when I moved here I'd hoped I'd find resources such as; a weekly dance, clean and sober places to meet other LBGTish folks, gatherings of friendly people to watch movies and eat popcorn or pizza, maybe a Matsu LBGT chior that could by singing at various churches, be a goodwill ambassador to the community. Fundraising to benefit the Palmer/Wasilla/Biglake foodbanks and shelters. An LBGT friendly buisness or two brave enough to hang out the rainbow flag. At least on Pride day if no other time. Possibly even a small Lbgt bookstore- I don't mean a XXX "Adult" one either. (Not that I'm against them, I'm not)

{ed. note. Actually...it's odd to me that there isn't one here in the valley. I'd think the Valley would be great buyers of cheap sleezy porn, and vibrating latex appliances...}

Fact is, the valley does have one ongoing institution. For few years now there has been one weekly event for the LBGT community.
Actually I rather think of it as "Our" event. Only because I've been lucky to be a part of it. Each Wednesday at 5 pm a small group of the most amazing people I've known make it a point to show up to spend an hour or two chatting at Palmer's premier coffee spot - Vagabond Blues.
Yes, LBGT people, enjoying the company and words of other LBGT folks. Sitting up together proud and fearless. For years we've met there, and the staff has been unfailingly kind, and has treated us all like Royalty. In this valley there is certainly much fear and misunderstanding of what it is to be an LBGT person. But there is also much of kindness, of brotherly love, of caring here. There is much to welcome one in Palmer.
Yet it's strange to me. There are so many people here that certainly wrestle with thier identity as an LBGT member of the community. Many who hide themselves out of fear. Fear is still trapping so many of us in the closet.
I invite anyone, anyone at all, to take a step out of the closet, over to the best coffee place in dear old Palmer, and sit at a table of friends you haven't met yet.
Have a happy day!
Brianne