The result of the presidential election has caused concern to many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and our allies. While there is uncertainty within our community and our movement, we know together we can get through what might happen in the next four years. With your help, we have accomplished a lot and we intend to continue our mission to advance civil equality for all Alaskans.

In Alaska, locally we had a good election night when it comes to LGBT equality. Alaskans re-elected our pro-equality U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, several pro-equality/LGBT equality friendly candidates were either re-elected or elected to the state legislature, and the Alaska State House is now lead by a bi-partisan coalition which we are hopeful will ignore any anti-equality agenda and will govern from the center and embrace the notion of fairness and equality for all Alaskans.
 
Now is the time to deepen our commitment to building bridges and not put up walls as a community. We call on all our members, supporters, and allies to take three actions this week in support of a brighter more equal Alaska and America.

1. Reaffirm our collective purpose to create a state and country that reflects our values and priorities.

1. Stand together with communities that have been under attack, so we can send a strong signal that we believe America is great when all Americans are valued.

1. Adding To Your Membership or Becoming A Member Of Alaskans Together For Equality, so you can help support ATE’s equality work across the state.

In closing, we know the challenge at the federal level will be greater than we have seen in many years, but in Alaska, we have many opportunities for progress:  adding LGBT-inclusive protections to our statewide non-discrimination law, enacting additional local non-discrimination ordinances, educating our local elected officials and state legislators on LGBT issues, mobilizing the LGBT community and our allies, and keeping the community informed.
 
Know that our movement continues to have a strong foundation and will continue making advancements for the Alaskan LGBT community in the coming years.

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

We hope to share more information as it becomes clearer what we can expect from this new administration and how it might impact the LGBT community in the coming days or weeks. Again, we hope you consider adding to your membership or becoming a member today.