The citizens of Anchorage have spoken -- and they’ve said loud and clear “NO” to Proposition 1.

Over the past few weeks, we have been inspired by the many individuals and groups who have come forward in opposition to Proposition 1. It was amazing to be a part of a campaign that centered on transgender Alaskans who bravely shared their stories. This campaign gave us the opportunity to hear from countless allies who stood up for justice when we needed their voices. Churches and corporations, community leaders and private citizens, families, friends, and neighbors rallied around our message: Anchorage will not bring back discrimination. We will not cave to hatred and fear. We will not roll back civil rights for any of our citizens.

What we WILL do is continue to work for a fair and just environment for all transgender Alaskans, in Anchorage and beyond. We will overcome fear, we will work for understanding and acceptance, and we will strive to make the Last Frontier a safe and welcoming place for all people.

Alaskans Together is proud to have helped lead this coalition with Identity, Inc., ACLU of Alaska, Christians for Equality, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii, Pride Foundation, Equality Federation, Freedom for All Americans, and Human Rights Campaign. Together with more than 40 faith leaders, 50 businesses, and hundreds of community leaders, educators, safety advocates and volunteers and supporters like you, we made over 50,000 phone calls, engaged in more than 13,000 direct conversations with voters, and knocked on 2,000 doors to get out the vote. The campaign garnered nearly 1,200 individual grassroots donors. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and resources. A special thank you to our Fairbanks and Juneau Equality Advocates, this effort was truly a statewide community effort. 
 
Along with this victory for LGBTQ rights, we are pleased that Anchorage voters chose to elect leaders who share our vision of a safe and welcoming city. Congratulations to Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on his re-election and to Deena Mitchell on her election to the School Board. 
 
While we should all celebrate today with Anchorage, we know our work in Alaska is not done. We look forward to the day when every LGBTQ Alaskan -- and every LGBTQ visitor to Alaska -- enjoys the protections that citizens of Anchorage affirmed this week.